Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diameter-dependent dopant location in silicon and germanium nanowires

We report studies defining the diameter-dependent location of electrically active dopants in silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge) nanowires (NWs) prepared by nanocluster catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth without measurable competing homogeneous decomposition and surface overcoating. The location of active dopants was assessed from electrical transport measurements before and after removal of controlled thicknesses of material from NW surfaces by low-temperature chemical oxidation and etching. These measurements show a well-defined transition from bulk-like to surface doping as the diameter is decreased <22–25 nm for n- and p-type Si NWs, although the surface dopant concentration is also enriched in the larger diameter Si NWs. Similar diameter-dependent results were also observed for n-type Ge NWs, suggesting that surface dopant segregation may be general for small diameter NWs synthesized by the VLS approach. Natural surface doping of small diameter semiconductor NWs is distinct from many top-down fabricated NWs, explains enhanced transport properties of these NWs and could yield robust properties in ultrasmall devices often dominated by random dopant fluctuations.
Bayesian spatio-temporal analysis of joint patterns of male and female lung cancer risks in Yorkshire (UK)

Recent advances in disease mapping have focused first on including the time dimension, thus giving rise to spatio-temporal analysis of the variation of disease risk and, secondly, on carrying out joint analysis of two diseases that share common environmental risk factors and are, therefore, related. Here, we try to combine both issues and present a joint analysis of the spatio-temporal variation of the risks of two related diseases processes-male and female lung cancer incidence-in a region of England. To do so, we use a Bayesian hierarchical model that splits the risk of disease into two spatio-temporal components: a shared component and a specific component that calibrates the differential between the two diseases.
Fast address-space switching on the StrongARM SA-1100 processor

The StrongARM SA-1100 is a high-speed low-power processor aimed at embedded and portable applications. Its architecture features virtual caches and TLBs which are not tagged by an address-space identifier. Consequently, context switches on that processor are potentially very expensive, as they may require complete flushes of TLBs and caches. This paper presents the design of an address-space management technique for the StrongARM which minimises TLB and cache flushes and thus context switching costs. The basic idea is to implement the top-level of the (hardware-walked) page-table as a cache for page directory entries for different address spaces. This allows switching address spaces with minimal overhead as long as the working sets do not overlap. For small (/spl les/32 MB) address spaces further improvements are possible by making use of the StrongARM's re-mapping facility. Our technique is discussed in the context of the LA microkernel in which it will be implemented.
Child Abuse in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective The aim of the present study was to estimate the pooled prevalence of different types of child abuse in Iran. Method We systematically searched four English databases (PubMed, Sciencedirect, PsychINFO and Scopus), and three Farsi databases (Magiran, IranMedex and SID) to find out relevant articles that have reported the prevalence of child abuse in Iran. Studies conducted on special samples, special setting or on adult population for history of child abuse were excluded from our study. The total number of obtained articles from English databases was 83. After removing the duplicated articles, 77 manuscripts remained. Next, we screened the articles based on their title and abstract and only 13 articles remained. After screening based on the full text only 5 studies were left. Since Farsi databases did not give us the option to get all the search results together, we read the search results based on their titles and selected the relevant articles. Twenty-four studies were selected based on their title. After screening based on the full text, 8 studies remained. The total number of the studies from both English and Farsi databases that we entered in our review was 13. Result The prevalence of physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect in both genders differed from 9.7% to 67.5 %, 17.9% to 91.1% and 23.6% to 80.18%, respectively. The pooled estimate of the prevalence of child physical abuse in both genders was 43.591% (CI -216.146, 303.328%), and the pooled estimate of the prevalence of child emotional abuse was 64.533% (CI -195.205, 324.270). In regards to child neglect, the pooled estimate of the prevalence was 40.945% (CI -274.989, 356.879). The heterogeneity of the studies was not statically significant (I2 = 0.0%). Conclusion Child abuse has several negative effects on the health of children and adults. It seems that child abuse in Iran is in a critical condition, so the policy makers should act upon solving this problem and design special programs and develop effective policies to prevent child abuse in Iran.
Optimal power flow for hybrid ultracapacitor systems in light electric vehicles

This work demonstrates a predictive power optimization algorithm to control the power mix in a hybrid energy storage system, consisting of an ultracapacitor module and a lithium-ion battery pack for light electric vehicle applications. The algorithm uses a state-based approach, organized as a probability-weighted Markov process to predict future load demands. Decisions on power sharing are made in real-time, based on the predictions and probabilities of state trajectories along with associated system losses. A real-time global optimizer is then used to control the appropriate power mix using dc-dc converters. The full hybrid storage system, along with the mechanical drivetrain is implemented and validated experimentally on a 350 W, 50 V system with a programmable drive-cycle having a strong regenerative component. It is shown that the HESS system runs more efficiently and captures the excess regenerative energy that is otherwise dissipated in the mechanical brakes due to the battery's limited charge current capability.
The Impact of Psychological Factors on Seeking Health Information Online

Objective : The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Internet self-efficacy, self-esteem and emotional intelligence on seeking health information online. Method : The study was conducted in a northern California university among young adults. The sample of 250 was selected through general education classes in order to represent the whole population of the university. Three independent instruments were adopted from existing reliable measures and the dependent measure was generated and pretested with strong reliability. Results : Descriptive analysis showed that 44% of the surveyed population paid attention to online health information; half of the surveyed individuals consulted the Internet before consulting the doctor with health related questions, and 39% of participants used WebMD to better understand health information. Results suggested that Internet self-efficacy was a strong predictor of individuals’ online health information seeking. However, results did not show strong evidence that self-esteem and emotional intelligence could be used as predictors for seeking health information online. Conclusion : Young adults with high Internet self-efficacy are more likely to seek health information online. This finding should encourage researchers, policy makers, and educators to develop new ways to help people take advantage of using new technology to seek critical information online. Limitations and suggestions for future research are also provided.
Presenilin-1 Regulates Intracellular Trafficking and Cell Surface Delivery of β-Amyloid Precursor Protein*

Presenilins (PS1/PS2) play a critical role in proteolysis of β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP) to generate β-amyloid, a peptide important in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, several regulatory functions of PS1 have also been reported. Here we demonstrate, in neuroblastoma cells, that PS1 regulates the biogenesis of βAPP-containing vesicles from thetrans-Golgi network and the endoplasmic reticulum. PS1 deficiency or the expression of loss-of-function variants leads to robust vesicle formation, concomitant with increased maturation and/or cell surface accumulation of βAPP. In contrast, release of vesicles containing βAPP is impaired in familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD)-linked PS1 mutant cells, resulting in reduced βAPP delivery to the cell surface. Moreover, diminution of surface βAPP is profound at axonal terminals in neurons expressing a PS1 FAD variant. These results suggest that PS1 regulation of βAPP trafficking may represent an alternative mechanism by which FAD-linked PS1 variants modulate βAPP processing.
Mouldy fruits and vegetables as a source of mycotoxins: part 1

Species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Alternaria are major contributors to fruit and vegetable decay and to mycotoxin production during various stages of pathogenesis. The mycotoxins most commonly associated with fruits and vegetables and their products are aflatoxins, patulin, ochratoxin A and Alternaria toxins. Naturally occurring aflatoxins are found in fruits of tropical and subtropical regions where environmental conditions support growth of aflatoxigenic aspergilli. Aflatoxins in figs and dates have been associated with Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, ochratoxin A in figs has been related mainly to A. alliaceus, and ochratoxin A in wines and other grape-based products has been associated with A. carbonarius and, to a lesser extent, with A. tubingensis and A. niger. Human exposure to patulin is primarily via apple-based products, following fruit infection by Penicillium expansum. Attention has been drawn to patulin contamination in infant apple products, and in organic fruits versus conventional ones. Alternaria species, which naturally attack a wide range of harvested fruits and vegetables, are capable of producing several mycotoxins during pathogenesis. The major mycotoxins include alternariol, alternariol methyl ether, altenuene, tenuazonic acid, and altertoxin-I. Although A. alternata is regarded as the major producer of Alternaria mycotoxins, other species, such as A. citri, A. longipes, A. tenuissima, A. arborescens, may also produce these mycotoxins. Mycotoxin accumulation in fruits and vegetables may occur in the field, and during harvest, postharvest and storage. Factors affecting mycotoxin production include the fruit or vegetable type and cultivar, geographical location, climate, pre-harvest treatments, method of harvest, postharvest treatments and storage conditions. Considering geostatistics, knowledge of the ecology of the fungi, data on crop distribution and meteorological conditions, risk predicting maps have recently been drawn. The methodologies of detection and determination of mycotoxigenic moulds and of ochratoxin A in grape products, of patulin in apple products and of Alternaria mycotoxins in fruit and vegetable products, are summarised and discussed. The present review is based on the multi-author book ‘Mycotoxins in Fruits and Vegetables’ published by Elsevier (2008).
A zero-voltage-transition auxiliary network for central capacitor partial power processing DC/DC converter

This paper proposes a zero-voltage-transition (ZVT) auxiliary network for the central capacitor partial power processing (CCPPP) DC/DC converter, which can be used to boost two or more input sources. Compared to the commercial dual-boost converter, the CCPPP topology announces higher efficiency and lower cost by reducing both voltage and current stresses of semiconductors without extra devices. The proposed ZVT auxiliary network further enhances the operational efficiency by means of providing zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) to main transistors and main diodes, also all the auxiliary diodes operate at soft-switching. These unique features make this ZVT integrated CCPPP converter equipped for the front-end DC/DC stage of distributed photovoltaic (PV) inverter. This paper presents an introduction of partial power processing concept and the detailed operational principle of the proposed ZVT network. In addition, the design procedure is elaborated. Finally, the proposed circuit is verified through a 1700W/360V experimental prototype.
Decreased levels of CCR3 in CD4+ lymphocytes of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the expression of CCR3 receptors as well as CCR3 agonists, including eotaxin-2 and RANTES, among patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls, as a possible pathogenetic mechanism in inflammatory joint disease. METHODS Twenty-two patients and 13 healthy controls were recruited and clinically evaluated. CCR3 expression on CD4+ lymphocytes and mononuclear cells was evaluated by FACS analysis after staining with human CD4 APC (bioscience) and human CCR3 (CD193)PE. Levels of eotaxin-2 and RANTES were analysed by ELISA. RESULTS A significant decrease was observed in the level of CD4+ cells expressing the CCR3 receptor in serum of RA patients (0.96+/-0.5) as compared with healthy controls (1.48+/-0.6) (p<0.05). A significant decrease in serum eotaxin-2 levels was evident among RA patients suffering from active disease, defined by a DAS-28 score above 5.5, compared with RA patients with lower activity scores (2.1+/-1.6 vs. 7.0+/-5.1; p=0.01). A significant decrease was evident in the number of CCR3 expressing Monocytes among RA patients treated with steroids and anti TNF-a medications as compared with RA patients not receiving such treatment. CONCLUSIONS CCR3 is differentially expressed on inflammatory cells in RA, while eotaxin-2, a potent CCR3 agonist, is differentially expressed in active disease. Anti-inflammatory medications may down-regulate CCR3 expression in RA. The CCR3-CCR3 agonist pathway may thus have a pathogenic role in RA and may be a future target for novel treatment modalities.
Sleep quality and associated factors among patients with chronic heart failure in Iran

Background: Sleep disorders are common among patients with chronic heart failure (HF), and it can have a significant effect on patients’ daily activities as well as their health. The purpose of this study was to assess sleep quality and its predictors in Iranian patients with chronic HF. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 200 patients with HF in two hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences from June to November 2009. These patients completed a demographic questionnaire, and their sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis test, t-test and Linear regression were used for data analysis. Results: Seventy-nine percent of patients (n = 158) reported poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5). The range of global PSQI scores was 3–20. Also, a significant relationship was found between PSQI scores and patients’ age (p<0.004), gender (p< 0.042), educational level (p< 0.001), occupational status (p< 0.038), number of hospitalizations (p< 0.005), type of referral (p< 0.001), non-cardiac diseases (p< 0.001), diuretic use (p< 0.021) and left ventricular ejection fraction (p< 0.015). Three predictors were identified using regression analyses with stepwise methods, and included age, type of referral and educational level. Conclusion: The high prevalence of poor sleep quality highlighted the importance of sleep disorders in HF patients. There are many factors associated with sleep quality and sleep disorders that health providers should recognize for improved and effective management.
Mental health problems in rural contexts: A broader perspective: Response to Jackson et al. (2007) Mental health problems in rural contexts: What are the barriers to seeking help from professional providers?

Abstract The objectives of this article are to expand and comment upon a recent review in Australian Psychologist of the literature in relation to mental health problems in rural contexts by Jackson et al. (2007). In the present article we review recently published qualitative research on the help-seeking attitudes and experiences of rural Australian adolescents. While we agree on the utility of the Macintyre, Ellaway, and Cummins (2002) conceptual framework based on notions of health and place, we note that this framework specifically emphasises the importance of the collective dimension. We present a broader perspective on health and place than Jackson et al. (2007) by incorporating social geographic research. We argue that rural mental health research has been hampered by a simplistic view of social stigma of mental illness and that a more thorough conceptualisation of the phenomenon is needed. Finally, we make some further recommendations based on a broader perspective of mental health in rural contex.
Compilation for Critically onstrained Knowledge

We show that many “critically constrained” Random 3SAT knowledge bases (KBs) can be compiled into disjunctive normal form easily by using a variant of the “Davis-Putnam” proof procedure. From these compiled KBs we can answer all queries about entailment of conjunctive normal formulas, also easily - compared to a “bruteforce” approach to approximate knowledge compilation into unit clauses for the same KBs. We exploit this fact to develop an aggressive hybrid approach which attempts to compile a KB exactly until a given resource limit is reached, then falls back to approximate compilation into unit clauses. The resulting approach handles all of the critically constrained Random 3SAT KBs with average savings of an order of magnitude over the brute-force approach.
An interdisciplinary view of medical pluralism among Mexican-Americans

This article highlights the relationship between traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) and biomedicine, and the challenges this relationship poses to patients. Medical professionals tend to represent these systems dualistically – as mutually exclusive and in competition with one another. Patients, on the other hand, tend to make truly pluralistic health care decisions – moving freely between TCAM and biomedicine based on what they can access, what they can relate to, and what they believe works. Using their experience with Mexican immigrant and Mexican-American populations in Southwestern United States, the authors discuss strengths and weaknesses in both healthcare systems, and how medical dualism can be a significant barrier to effective healthcare. Recent literature on medical pluralism is discussed from the public health (i.e., community) and medical (i.e., provider) perspectives. These two disciplines are brought together in an attempt to deconstruct the notion that TCAM and biomedicine are diametrically opposed healthcare systems. Biomedically trained health care providers must understand, appreciate, and integrate into their practice how their patients make use of other healing practices and beliefs. Such integration is particularly essential when serving immigrant or minority populations as these groups are more likely to use a pluralistic approach in meeting their health needs.
The Burden of Psoriasis in Canada: Insights from the pSoriasis Knowledge IN Canada (SKIN) Survey

Background: Although some data addressing the burden of illness associated with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have been reported for American and European patient populations, similar data have been lacking for Canadians with these diseases. Objective: We sought to characterize the natural history of disease in a sample of Canadians with a history of moderate to severe psoriasis, with or without diagnosed PsA or other recognized comorbid conditions, and to identify factors that influenced their perception of psoriasis as a problem in their daily lives. Methods: A nationwide telephone survey, pSoriasis Knowledge IN Canada (SKIN), was conducted between April 30 and June 2, 2007, on 500 people who indicated that they had been diagnosed with psoriasis and that their skin lesions had at some time affected an area at least as large as three palms of their hand (3% of body surface area [BSA]). Results: The mean age at diagnosis for psoriasis among SKIN survey respondents was 28 years, with 31% (155 of 500) indicating that they developed the disease prior to age 18 years. At the time of the survey, 54% (269 of 500) of respondents were experiencing lesions affecting a BSA equivalent to at least three palms (3%). In response to questions on the burden of illness, 35% (176 of 500) of respondents indicated that they considered psoriasis to be a substantial problem in their daily life. Both affected BSA at the time of the survey and self-reported extent of skin involvement at the height of the condition (BSAmax) correlated with the perception of psoriasis as a substantial problem. Other subpopulations in which psoriasis was commonly identified as a substantial problem included women and individuals with diagnosed PsA. Whereas 18% (88 of 500) of respondents were diagnosed with PsA, the number who reported joint pain or stiffness was substantially higher (51%; 256 of 500), suggesting that some respondents may have had incipient or undiagnosed PsA. Conclusions: This survey reveals that psoriasis, PsA, and their associated comorbidities impose a severe burden on the daily lives of Canadians with a history of moderate to severe psoriasis.
Individual Pathways to Literacy Engagement: Three Portraits

This article examines conceptualizations of engagement during literacy learning within an ethnographic case study of a grade two classroom. Specifically, three student portraits are shared, revealing three unique journeys towards engagement. For Spike, it was a path of success where he often determined the direction. For Jasper, the path was bumpy and filled with compliance rather than involvement. For Avery, the path was elusive and filled with struggle, though not for lack of desire. A framework for literacy engagement is presented that considers four filters through which we perceive and thereby recognize a space for individual paths.
CHILDHOOD SEXUAL HISTORY OF 20 MALE PEDOPHILES vs. 24 MALE HEALTHY CONTROL SUBJECTS

Despite the widespread incidence of childhood sexual abuse, there is insufficient investigation into the childhood sexual history of perpetrators. In addition, there is little published on the specific similarities between childhood and adult sexual histories. The present study investigates the incidence of childhood sexual abuse in a carefully characterized sample of male pedophiles compared with a demographically similar control group. Concordance between and cognitive distortions about characteristics of childhood abuse and pedophilic behavior are also studied. Twenty men with pedophilia, heterosexual type were compared with 24 demographically similar, healthy male control subjects on a questionnaire specifically designed to assess childhood sexual history in pedophiles. Sixty percent of pedophiles compared with 4% of control subjects reported adult sexual advances as a child. Seventy-five percent of pedophiles and 22% of control subjects reported a first sexual encounter before age 14 years. About 60% concordance was found between acts experienced as a child and perpetrated as an adult. Finally, numerous inconsistencies throughout the questionnaire add preliminary support for the role of cognitive distortions with regard to childhood and adult sexual history. The present findings replicate the elevated rate of childhood sexual abuse found among pedophiles and are consistent with the notion of a causative relationship between early childhood abuse and later pedophilic behavior.