Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of asphodel tuber and dolomite on the properties of bio-hybrid films processed by a twin screw extruder

Bio-hybrid granules made from asphodel tuber (AT), starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and dolomite were formed using a twin-screw extruder. The granules were prepared using starch or AT as a raw material, glycerol as a plasticizer, TiO2 as a heat stabilizer, and dolomite as a filler. The films were fabricated from granules by hot-press moulding. The mechanical (e.g., tensile strength, elongation-at-break, and modulus of elasticity), physical (e.g., weathered, density, hardness, color, water absorption and solubility in different temperatures, water vapor permeability, and oxygen permeability), and chemical properties (e.g., carbonyl index and vinyl index) of the films were analysed. The properties of the films were noticeably enhanced with AT and dolomite. Asphodel tuber improved the water solubility, water absorption, and weight loss after weathered. Asphodel tuber could resist water diffusion into the films because of its hydrophobic property, like dolomite. Dolomite also exhibited strong mechanical properties and barrier properties to water and oxygen. Additionally, cross-linking most likely occurred with inter- or intramolecular interactions. The interactions among the AT, starch, dolomite, and plasticiser with PVOH were interpreted as esterification, etherification, hydrogen bonding, carbonyl bonding, and vinyl bonding in the molecular structure of the bio-hybrid films.
Field effect transistor including multiple aspect ratio trapping structures

The present disclosure relates to a field-effect transistor and a method of fabricating the same. A field-effect transistor includes a semiconductor substrate including a first semiconductor material having a first lattice constant, and a fin structure on the semiconductor substrate. The fin structure includes a second semiconductor material having a second lattice constant that is different from the first lattice constant. The fin structure further includes a lower portion that is elongated in a first direction, a plurality of upper portions protruding from the lower portion and elongated in a second direction that is different from the first direction, and a gate structure crossing the plurality of upper portions.
Macroeconomic Adjustment to the Lehman Shock in Japan

In this paper we overview the macroeconomic adjustment to the Lehman shock in Japan. After retrospecting the Japanese economy since the Plaza Accord which led Japan to the bubble economy and the 'lost decade' we explain the business cycles in Japan and show related macroeconomic indicators since as early as the 1980s. Then we trace the macroeconomic responses of the Japanese economy to the Lehman shock by selectively looking at such aspects as the contribution of GDP growth by expenditure components, from peak to trough of the CI(composite index), production and inventory adjustment, and employment adjustment. We also supplement our analyses by observing additional factors including export, investment, consumption, exchange rate, and the stock market. The roles played by policy measures and expectations formation are also emphasized to explain why and how the Japanese economy did not develop as forecasted against the 'once in a hundred years' crisis.
Gallium nitride based high power-density automotive HID electronic ballast

Owing to the development of wide bandgap power semiconductors, the emergence of gallium nitride (GaN) power transistors offers the possibility to acquire higher efficiency and switching frequencies as compared to Si MOSFETs. Constraints in circuit characteristics, packaging and layout parasitic should be taken special care to achieve best performance of power devices. This paper explores the application of GaN devices in the design of automotive HID electronic ballast with planar magnetic components. The parasitic ringing and switch immunity caused by parasitic impacts, which have great effect on the property of GaN based HID ballast, are analyzed. In power converters with paralleled GaN switches, this effect is more significant. To minimize negative parasitic effects, design considerations of circuit and layout are proposed. In addition, the maximal length of gate driving loop is calculated theoretically. The validity of the design and analysis is confirmed experimentally with 35W full digital controlled prototype. Experimental results show that GaN based electronic ballast could ignite and operate HID lamps successfully. A performance comparison of platforms respectively based on commercially available GaN and Si power devices, verifies that utilizing GaN transistors with recommended design will increase the efficiency notably, as well as its power density.
Mammography before diagnosis among women age 80 years and older with breast cancer.

PURPOSE Screening mammography guidelines for patients age 80 years and older are variable. We determined the effect of mammography use on stage at breast cancer diagnosis and survival among women of this age range. PATIENTS AND METHODS We used the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database to evaluate 12,358 women >or= 80 years of age diagnosed with breast cancer between 1996 and 2002. Patients were grouped according to number of mammograms during the 60 months before diagnosis: nonusers (0 mammograms), irregular users (one to two mammograms), and regular users (three or more mammograms). Effects of mammography on disease stage (I to IIa v IIb to IV) and survival were determined by logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analyses. RESULTS Percentages of women with nonuse, irregular use, and regular use of mammography during the 5 years preceding diagnosis were 49%, 29%, and 22%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, patients were 0.37 times less likely to present with late-stage cancer for each mammogram obtained (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.67). Breast cancer-specific 5-year survival among nonusers was 82%, that among irregular users was 88%, and that among regular users was 94%. However, survival from causes other than breast cancer was also associated with mammography use, suggesting a bias for healthier patients to undergo mammography. CONCLUSION Regular mammography among women >or= 80 years of age was associated with earlier disease stage, although improved survival remains difficult to demonstrate. Health care providers should consider discussing the potential benefits of screening mammography with their older patients, particularly for those without significant comorbidity.
Modeling Non-Idealities of Capacitive RF-DACs with a Switched State-Space Model

This paper presents extensions to the switched state-space modeling approach for capacitive RF-DACs. In contrast to other state-of-the-art behavioral models for nonlinear devices, the state-space representation allows for inclusion of the dominant non-idealities of the capacitive RF-DAC, while maintaining the original benefits of low computational effort and low simulation run times. In this work, the inclusion of capacitor variations, supply voltage variations, and local oscillator phase noise into the switched state-space model is demonstrated and verified.
Is VIP1 important for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation?

Agrobacterium genetically transforms plants by transferring and integrating T-(transferred) DNA into the host genome. This process requires both Agrobacterium and host proteins. VirE2 interacting protein 1 (VIP1), an Arabidopsis bZIP protein, has been suggested to mediate transformation through interaction with and targeting of VirE2 to nuclei. We examined the susceptibility of Arabidopsis vip1 mutant and VIP1 overexpressing plants to transformation by numerous Agrobacterium strains. In no instance could we detect altered transformation susceptibility. We also used confocal microscopy to examine the subcellular localization of Venus-tagged VirE2 or Venus-tagged VIP1, in the presence or absence of the other untagged protein, in different plant cell systems. We found that VIP1-Venus localized in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of Arabidopsis roots, agroinfiltrated Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts and tobacco BY-2 protoplasts, regardless of whether VirE2 was co-expressed. VirE2 localized exclusively to the cytoplasm of tobacco and Arabidopsis protoplasts, whether in the absence or presence of VIP1 overexpression. In transgenic Arabidopsis plants and agroinfiltrated N. benthamina leaves we could occasionally detect small aggregates of the Venus signal in nuclei, but these were likely to be imagining artifacts. The vast majority of VirE2 remained in the cytoplasm. We conclude that VIP1 is not important for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or VirE2 subcellular localization.
Induction of Apoptosis and Inhibition of Cell Proliferation bysurvivin Gene Targeting*

Survivin is a new IAP apoptosis inhibitor expressed during development and in human cancer in vivo. The coding strand of the survivin gene was extensively complementary to that of effector cell protease receptor-1 (EPR-1), prompting the present investigation on the origin and functional relationship of these two transcripts. Southern blots of genomic DNA were consistent with the presence of multiple, evolutionarily conserved, EPR-1/Survivin-related genes. By pulsed field gel electrophoresis and single- and two-color fluorescence in situ hybridization, these were contained within a contiguous physical interval of 75–130 kilobases (kb) on chromosome 17q25. In Northern blots, a single strand-specific probe identified a 1.3-kb EPR-1 mRNA broadly distributed in normal adult and fetal tissues, structurally distinct from the 1.9-kb Survivin transcript expressed in transformed cell lines. Transient co-transfection of an EPR-1 cDNA potentially acting as a Survivin antisense with a lacZ reporter plasmid resulted in loss of viability of HeLa cells. In contrast, co-transfection of an antisense cDNA of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 or a sense-oriented Survivin cDNA was without effect. In stably transfected HeLa cells, ZnSO4 induction of an EPR-1 mRNA under the control of a metallothionein promoter suppressed the expression of endogenous survivin. This resulted in (i) increased apoptosis as detected by analysis of DNA content and in situ internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and (ii) inhibition of cell proliferation as compared with induced vector control transfectants. These findings suggest the existence of a potential EPR-1/survivin gene cluster and identify survivin as a new target for disrupting cell viability pathways in cancer.
Genetic footprints of demographic expansion in North America, but not Amazonia, during the Late Quaternary

The biotic consequences of climate change have attracted considerable attention. In particular, the “refugial debate” centers on the possible retraction of habitats to limited areas that may have served as refuges for many associated species, especially during glaciations of the Quaternary. One prediction of such scenarios is that populations must have experienced substantial growth accompanying climatic amelioration and the occupation of newly expanded habitats. We used coalescence theory to examine the genetic evidence, or lack thereof, for late Pleistocene refugia of boreal North American and tropical Amazonian mammals. We found substantial and concordant evidence of demographic expansion in North American mammals, particularly at higher latitudes. In contrast, small mammals from western Amazonia appear to have experienced limited or no demographic expansion after the Late Pleistocene. Thus, demographic responses to climate change can be tracked genetically and appear to vary substantially across the latitudinal gradient of biotic diversity.
Functional consequences of pleural disease evaluated with chest radiography and CT.

PURPOSE To identify a system for the quantification of pleural thickening with an acceptable level of interobserver variation and good functional correlation in individuals with pleural disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS The extent of pleural thickening and plaques was assessed in 50 patients by using the following: (a) a radiographic score based on the International Labour Office system, (b) a subjective simple computed tomographic (CT) score, (c) a subjective comprehensive CT score, (d) an objective nonautomated method, and (e) an objective computer-aided semiautomated method. RESULTS Similar correlations between the extent of diffuse pleural thickening and forced vital capacity were seen for each system (objective CT, r = -0.72, P <.001; simple CT, r = -0.69, P <.001; radiographic, r = -0.67, P <.001; comprehensive CT, r = -0.66, P <.001). Comparable correlations were observed for total lung capacity. After controlling for extent of diffuse pleural thickening, pleural plaque scores were functionally irrelevant. CONCLUSION Comparable functional-morphologic correlations were achieved by using different CT and radiographic scoring systems for pleural disease. A subjective simple CT system had the advantages of ease of application and potential to aid in the accurate assessment of the lung parenchyma, which may be important in individuals exposed to asbestos.
Differential expression of alpha 1(IV), alpha 2(IV), alpha 5(IV) and alpha 6(IV) collagen chains in the basement membrane of basal cell carcinoma.

Type IV collagen, the major component of basement membrane, consists primarily of alpha 1(IV) and alpha 2(IV) chains. Recently, other types of collagen IV chains, i.e. alpha 3(IV), alpha 4(IV), alpha 5(IV) and alpha 6(IV) chains, have been identified by protein chemistry and molecular cloning. We have examined the diversity of the assembly of alpha (IV) chains of the basement membrane surrounding tumour nests of basal cell carcinomas, in tissues from 11 patients, by immunohistochemical analysis using specific monoclonal antibodies to six alpha (IV) chain. The immunostaining profile of each chain differed with respect to the histological subtypes of basal cell carcinoma. In the morphea-like subtype, which was more invasive, alpha 1(IV) and alpha 2(IV) chains were discontinuously stained, and alpha 5(IV) and alpha 6(IV) chains were entirely absent. However, in the superficial subtype, which was non-aggressive, alpha 1(IV), alpha 2(IV), alpha 5(IV) and alpha 6(IV) chains were well stained compared with the other subtypes of basal cell carcinoma. In addition, in the solid subtype, which showed slow growth and ulceration, alpha 1(IV) and alpha 2(IV) chains were continuously stained, and alpha 5(IV) and alpha 6(IV) chains were discontinuous or absent. The assembly of alpha 5(IV) and alpha 6(IV) chains into the basement membrane was inhibited in the solid and morphea subtypes of BCC. This differential expression of type IV collagen chains seems to be associated with the invasive potential of basal cell carcinoma.
Mitochondria a key role in microcystin‐LR kidney intoxication

Microcystins (MCs) are a group of closely related cyclic heptapeptides produced by a variety of common cyanobacteria. These toxins have been implicated in both human and livestock mortality. Microcystin‐LR could affect renal physiology by altering vascular, glomerular and urinary parameters, indicating that MC‐LR could act directly on the kidney. The aim of the current work was to examine the effect of MC‐LR on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation of rat kidney isolated mitochondria.
The Educational and Supportive Mobile Application for Caregivers of Dementia People

This paper presents a healthcare mobile app for caregivers of dementia patients. The app had been implemented to run on wearable and mobile devices, and it helps caregivers to take dementia test, review dementia test history, and search location of public health centers in the vicinity. The collective purpose of these features is to provide meaningful healthcare services to elderly at risk of dementia. The app uses the time and change (T&C) test for screening for dementia. The app was tried for its validity and usability for the intended purpose, and participating users were surveyed to evaluate its usefulness.
Analysis of caesarean delivery using Robson ten group classification system at a tertiary care teaching institute in Kerala, India

Background: Globally, the caesarean delivery rate is rising continuously, making caesarean one of the most common surgical procedures. The Robson classification, appreciated by WHO in 2014 and FIGO in 2016 is widely accepted, risk-based, ten-group classification system (TGCS) developed specifically to assess caesarean section rates. The aim of this study was to know the rate of Caesarean section in present hospital, to analyse the Caesarean sections based on Robson’s classification and to determine the contribution and significance of each group on the overall number of Caesarean sections.Methods: All women, who gave birth by Caesarean deliveries done over a period of 1 year (January 2018-December 2018) in Travancore Medical College Hospital in South Kerala India.Results: Group 5 (previous LSCS, single, cephalic >37 weeks) made the greatest contribution to the Caesarean section rate (27.24%). The second highest contributor was Group 2 (Nulliparous, singleton, cephalic, >37 weeks induced labour or caesarean section before labour followed by Group 10 (all single cephalic <36 weeks including previous CS) 18.78%. Conclusions: Limiting the CS rate in low-risk pregnancies is key to lowering the trend of increased CS. If TGCS is used uniformly, CS rates can be compared over time and between units, both nationally and internationally.
Top-down limitation of lemmings revealed by experimental reduction of predators.

It is generally recognized that delayed density-dependence is responsible for cyclic population dynamics. However, it is still uncertain whether a single factor can explain why some rodent populations fluctuate according to a 3-4 yr periodicity. There is increasing evidence that predation may play a role in lemming population cycles, although this effect may vary seasonally. To address this issue, we conducted an experiment where we built a large exclosure (9 ha) to protect brown lemmings (Lemmus trimucronatus) from avian and terrestrial predators. We tested the hypothesis that predation is a limiting factor for lemmings by measuring the demographic consequences of a predator reduction during the growth and peak phases of the cycle. We assessed summer (capture-mark-recapture methods) and winter (winter nest sampling) lemming demography on two grids located on Bylot Island, Nunavut, Canada from 2008 to 2015. The predator exclosure became fully effective in July 2013, allowing us to compare demography between the control and experimental grids before and during the treatment. Lemming abundance, survival and proportion of juveniles were similar between the two grids before the treatment. During the predator-reduction period, summer densities were on average 1.9× higher inside the experimental grid than the control and this effect was greatest for adult females and juveniles (densities 2.4× and 3.4× higher, respectively). Summer survival was 1.6× higher on the experimental grid than the control whereas body mass and proportion of juveniles were also slightly higher. Winter nest densities remained high inside the predator reduction grid following high summer abundance, but declined on the control grid. These results confirm that predation limits lemming population growth during the summer due to its negative impact on survival. However, it is possible that in winter, predation may interact with other factors affecting reproduction and ultimately population cycles.
Motor-impaired touchscreen interactions in the wild

Touchscreens are pervasive in mainstream technologies; they offer novel user interfaces and exciting gestural interactions. However, to interpret and distinguish between the vast ranges of gestural inputs, the devices require users to consistently perform interactions inline with the predefined location, movement and timing parameters of the gesture recognizers. For people with variable motor abilities, particularly hand tremors, performing these input gestures can be extremely challenging and impose limitations on the possible interactions the user can make with the device. In this paper, we examine touchscreen performance and interaction behaviors of motor-impaired users on mobile devices. The primary goal of this work is to measure and understand the variance of touchscreen interaction performances by people with motor-impairments. We conducted a four-week in-the-wild user study with nine participants using a mobile touchscreen device. A Sudoku stimulus application measured their interaction performance abilities during this time. Our results show that not only does interaction performance vary significantly between users, but also that an individual's interaction abilities are significantly different between device sessions. Finally, we propose and evaluate the effect of novel tap gesture recognizers to accommodate for individual variances in touchscreen interactions.
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and the Permeability Transition in Excitotoxicity

ABSTRACT: Acute neuronal injury caused by activation of glutamate receptors in neurons, or excitotoxicity, can be triggered by the activation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors and the entry of large amounts of Ca2+. Recent studies have suggested that mitochondria have a critical role in the excitotoxicity injury mechanism. Mitochondria accumulate large amounts of Ca2+ following glutamate stimulation, and also generate reactive oxygen species. Moreover, the prevention of mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation protects neurons from injury. The target for the actions of Ca2+ in the mitochondrial matrix has not yet been established. The permeability transition pore has the characteristics of a mechanism that is well suited to mediate neuronal injury. However, evidence for activation of the permeability transition pore in intact neurons is rather indirect, and these data suffer from some ambiguities that make it difficult to conclude that permeability transition is a critical contributor to mitochondrially mediated neuronal injury.
Genetic Characterization and Immunogenicity of Coli Surface Antigen 4 from Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli when It Is Expressed in a Shigella Live-Vector Strain

ABSTRACT The genes that encode the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) CS4 fimbriae, csaA, -B, -C, -E, and -D′, were isolated from strain E11881A. The csa operon encodes a 17-kDa major fimbrial subunit (CsaB), a 40-kDa tip-associated protein (CsaE), a 27-kDa chaperone-like protein (CsaA), a 97-kDa usher-like protein (CsaC), and a deleted regulatory protein (CsaD′). The predicted amino acid sequences of the CS4 proteins are highly homologous to structural and assembly proteins of other ETEC fimbriae, including CS1 and CS2, and to CFA/I in particular. The csaA, -B, -C, -E operon was cloned on a stabilized plasmid downstream from an osomotically regulated ompC promoter. pGA2-CS4 directs production of CS4 fimbriae in both E. coli DH5α and Shigella flexneri 2a vaccine strain CVD 1204, as detected by Western blot analysis and bacterial agglutination with anti-CS4 immune sera. Electron-microscopic examination of Shigella expressing CS4 confirmed the presence of fimbriae on the bacterial surface. Guinea pigs immunized with CVD 1204(pGA2-CS4) showed serum and mucosal antibody responses to both the Shigella vector and the ETEC fimbria CS4. Among the seven most prevalent fimbrial antigens of human ETEC, CS4 is the last to be cloned and sequenced. These findings pave the way for CS4 to be included in multivalent ETEC vaccines, including an attenuated Shigella live-vector-based ETEC vaccine.