Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of raised S/D gate-all-around transistor and gate misalignment analysis

In this letter, we present the implementation of a new raised source/drain (S/D) gate-all-around transistor (GAT). The device is fabricated on a bulk silicon wafer using a technique known as metal-induced-lateral-crystallization (MILC). Compared to conventional single gate MOSFETs, the GAT shows a smaller subthreshold-slope (SS), reduced drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL), and almost doubled (187%) drive current. Gate misalignment is briefly studied using this novel device. It is found that the SS, DIBL, and drive current will degrade abruptly when gate misalignment is larger than 17% of gate length.
Ecology of phlebotomines (Diptera, Psychodidae) in rural foci of leishmaniasis in tropical Brazil.

INTRODUCTION This work aimed to study the community structure of sandflies, with regard to the richness, constancy, abundance, and monthly frequency of the species with a focus on the transmission of leishmaniasis. METHODS The study was conducted in the rural villages of Bom Jardim and Santa Maria, situated on the edge of a tropical rain forest in the municipality of São Jose de Ribamar, Maranhão, Brazil. The phlebotomines were captured in the intradomiciles and peridomiciles of each village, with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps set in 10 homes in each village, for 1 year, once a month, from 18h to 6h. RESULTS We collected 1,378 individuals of 16 sandfly species. The capture success rate was higher in Bom Jardim (0.61 specimens/hour/trap) than that of Santa Maria (0.35/specimens/hour/trap). The sandflies were more abundant in the peridomiciles (86.1%) and in the rainy season (77%). Five species were considered constants (occurring in more than 50% of samples), 5 accessory (25%-50%), and 6 accidental (<25%). The most abundant species were Lutzomyia longipalpis (59.7%) and L whitmani (28%). The permutation analysis showed differences between the species composition of the villages and no separation between the intradomicile and peridomicile of each village. The species that most contributed to the dissimilarity between the light traps of the 2 villages were L. longipalpis, L. whitmani, and L. evandroi, contributing to 80.8% of the variation among groups. CONCLUSIONS The high level of richness and abundance of species and the presence of competent vectors throughout the year and around houses justify the occurrence of leishmaniasis cases reported in the area.
Buprenorphine-Induced Antinociception Is Mediated by μ-Opioid Receptors and Compromised by Concomitant Activation of Opioid Receptor-Like Receptors

Buprenorphine is a mixed opioid receptor agonist-antagonist used clinically for maintenance therapy in opiate addicts and pain management. Dose-response curves for buprenorphine-induced antinociception display ceiling effects or are bell shaped, which have been attributed to the partial agonist activity of buprenorphine at opioid receptors. Recently, buprenorphine has been shown to activate opioid receptor-like (ORL-1) receptors, also known as OP4 receptors. Here we demonstrate that buprenorphine, but not morphine, activates mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt via ORL-1 receptors. Because the ORL-1 receptor agonist orphanin FQ/nociceptin blocks opioid-induced antinociception, we tested the hypothesis that buprenorphine-induced antinociception might be compromised by concomitant activation of ORL-1 receptors. In support of this hypothesis, the antinociceptive effect of buprenorphine, but not morphine, was markedly enhanced in mice lacking ORL-1 receptors using the tail-flick assay. Additional support for a modulatory role for ORL-1 receptors in buprenorphine-induced antinociception was that coadministration of J-113397, an ORL-1 receptor antagonist, enhanced the antinociceptive efficacy of buprenorphine in wild-type mice but not in mice lacking ORL-1 receptors. The ORL-1 antagonist also eliminated the bell-shaped dose-response curve for buprenorphine-induced antinociception in wild-type mice. Although buprenorphine has been shown to interact with multiple opioid receptors, mice lacking μ-opioid receptors failed to exhibit antinociception after buprenorphine administration. Our results indicate that the antinociceptive effect of buprenorphine in mice is μ-opioid receptor-mediated yet severely compromised by concomitant activation of ORL-1 receptors.
Supporting collaborative learning across social media applications

The lifelong learner of our times may use multiple social media applications to keep in touch with the emerging knowledge and with the relevant people in his domains of interest. However this kind of activity is not supported by the existing applications. This poster proposes a scenario and an application to help users manage their social learning activities in order to find the most relevant and most trusted information produced in the network.
Thin-Film InGaAs/GaAsP MQWs Solar Cell With Backside Nanoimprinted Pattern for Light Trapping

A light-trapping structure of the thin-film GaAs p-i-n single-junction solar cell with InGaAs/GaAsP multiple quantum wells (MQWs) was successfully demonstrated. Using a nanoimprinting method with ultraviolet curing resin, the submicron light-scattering dielectric array was fabricated on the back surface of the cell for enhanced optical absorption in the MQWs. The epitaxially grown photovoltaic active layer approximately 2.5 μm in thickness was successfully transferred to the stainless steel support substrate with backside light-scattering structure from the GaAs growth substrate. The light-trapping pattern-induced sample showed improved absorption in MQWs and resulted in 1.7 times larger quantum efficiency than the cell without the backside pattern.
Influence of the fertilisation method in controlled ectomycorrhizal inoculation of two Mediterranean pines

The influence of the fertilisation method: soluble (SF) vs. slow-release fertiliser (SRF) and of inoculation with Laccaria laccata (Scop.) Fr. , Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker & Couch and Melanogaster ambiguus (Vittad.) Tul & C. Tul. on ectomycorrhizal colonization and growth of Pinus pinea L. and Pinus pinaster Ait. was evaluated. For both pines, mycorrhization with L. laccata was not affected by the fertilisation method. Percentages of ectomycorrhizas (ECM) formed by P. tinctorius were dependent on the fertilisation method, the inoculum type (vegetative or spores) and the pine species involved. ECM formed by M. ambiguus were increased with fertilisation in both pines. Inoculation significantly improved P. pinea biomass when seedlings were fertilised with SRF whereas no effect was found in non-fertilised ones. For non-fertilised P. pinaster, inoculation with L. laccata and both inocula of P. tinctorius increased seedling biomass whereas fertilisation neutralised the fungal effect. Fertilisation increased P. pinea and P. pinaster biomass, independently of the inoculation treatment. RésuméL’impact sur le degré de mycorhization et la croissance de jeunes plants de Pinus pinea L. et de Pinus pinaster Ait. , de deux méthodes de fertilisation (fertilisant soluble (FS) et fertilisant à libération lente) et d’une inoculation contrôlée avec Laccaria laccata (Sco.) Fr. , Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker et Couch et Melanogaster ambiguus (Vittad.) Tul et C. Tul. Pour les deux pins, la mycorhization avec Laccaria laccata n’a pas été modifiée par la méthode de fertilisation. Le pourcentage d’ectomycorrhizes (ECM) formé by P. tinctorius dépendait de la méthode de fertilisation, su type d’inoculum (spores ou inoculum végétatif) et de l’espèce de pin. La fertilisation a augmenté les ECM produites par Melanogaster ambiguus chez les deux pins. L’inoculation a augmenté significativement la biomasse des semis de Pinus pinea lorsqu’ils ont été fertilisés avec SRF tandis qu’aucun effet n’a été trouvé pour les traitements non fertilisés. Pour les semis non fertilisés de Pinus pinaster, l’inoculation avec Laccaria laccata et avec les deux inoculums de Pisolithus tinctorius a augmenté la biomasse des semis tandis que la fertilisation a neutralisé l’effet de l’inoculation. La fertilisation a augmenté la biomasse de Pinus pinaster et de Pinus pinea indépendamment du traitement d’inoculation utilisé.
Significant nonsymbiotic nitrogen fixation in Patagonian ombrotrophic bogs

Nitrogen (N) nutrition in pristine peatlands relies on the natural input of inorganic N through atmospheric deposition or biological dinitrogen (N2) fixation. However, N2 fixation and its significance for N cycling, plant productivity, and peat buildup are mostly associated with the presence of Sphagnum mosses. Here, we report high nonsymbiotic N2‐fixation rates in two pristine Patagonian bogs with diversified vegetation and natural N deposition. Nonsymbiotic N2 fixation was measured in samples from 0 to 10, 10 to 20, and 40 to 50 cm depth using the 15N2 assay as well as the acetylene reduction assay (ARA). The ARA considerably underestimated N2 fixation and can thus not be recommended for peatland studies. Based on the 15N2 assay, high nonsymbiotic N2‐fixation rates of 0.3–1.4 μmol N2 g−1 day−1 were found down to 50 cm under micro‐oxic conditions (2 vol.%) in samples from plots covered by Sphagnum magellanicum or by vascular cushion plants, latter characterized by dense and deep aerenchyma roots. Peat N concentrations point to greater potential of nonsymbiotic N2 fixation under cushion plants, likely because of the availability of easily decomposable organic compounds and oxic conditions in the rhizosphere. In the Sphagnum plots, high N2 fixation below 10 cm depth rather reflects the potential during dry periods or low water level when oxygen penetrates the top peat layer and triggers peat mineralization. Natural abundance of the 15N isotope of live Sphagnum (5.6 δ‰) from 0 to 10 cm points to solely N uptake from atmospheric deposition and nonsymbiotic N2 fixation. A mean 15N signature of −0.7 δ‰ of peat from the cushion plant plots indicates additional N supply from N mineralization. Our findings suggest that nonsymbiotic N2 fixation overcomes N deficiency in different vegetation communities and has great significance for N cycling and peat accumulation in pristine peatlands.
Role of subconcussion in repetitive mild traumatic brain injury A review

Research now suggests that head impacts commonly occur during contact sports in which visible signs or symp- toms of neurological dysfunction may not develop despite those impacts having the potential for neurological injury. Recent biophysics studies utilizing helmet accelerometers have indicated that athletes at the collegiate and high school levels sustain a surprisingly high number of head impacts ranging from several hundred to well over 1000 during the course of a season. The associated cumulative impact burdens over the course of a career are equally important. Clinical studies have also identified athletes with no readily observable symptoms but who exhibit functional impairment as measured by neuropsychological testing and functional MRI. Such findings have been corroborated by diffusion tensor imaging studies demonstrating axonal injury in asymptomatic athletes at the end of a season. Recent autopsy data have shown that there are subsets of athletes in contact sports who do not have a history of known or identified concussions but nonetheless have neurodegenerative pathology consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Finally, emerging laboratory data have demonstrated significant axonal injury, blood-brain barrier permeability, and evidence of neuroinflammation, all in the absence of behavioral changes. Such data suggest that subconcussive level impacts can lead to significant neurological alterations, especially if the blows are repetitive. The authors propose “subconcussion” as a significant emerging concept requiring thorough consideration of the potential role it plays in accruing sufficient anatomical and/or physiological damage in athletes and military personnel, such that the effects of these injuries are clinically expressed either contemporaneously or later in life. of head impacts is likely to best correlate with the potential for concussion occurrence and/or long-standing effects and the development of neurodegenerative disease.
Self-induced pulmonary granulomatosis. A consequence of intravenous injection of drugs intended for oral use.

#{176}Fromthe Pathology Branch, National Heart Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Healt i, Bethesda, Md, and the District of Columbia Medical Examiner’s Office, Washington, DC. Reprint requests: Dr. Roberts, National Institutes of Health, Bldg bA, Room 3E30, Bethesda 20205 jected into her systemic veins dissolved drugs originally intended for oral use. Dr. Brownlee will describe the patient.
Using Foresight Methods to Anticipate Future Threats: The Case of Disease Management

Abstract: We describe a unique foresight framework for health care managers to use in longer-term planning. This framework uses scenario-building to envision plausible alternate futures of the U.S. health care system and links those broad futures to business-model-specific "load-bearing" assumptions. Because the framework we describe simultaneously addresses very broad and very specific issues, it can be easily applied to a broad range of health care issues by using the broad framework and business-specific assumptions for the particular case at hand. We illustrate this method using the case of disease management, pointing out that although the industry continues to grow rapidly, its future also contains great uncertainties.
Use of coronary calcium score in the assessment of atherosclerotic lesions in coronary arteries.

INTRODUCTION Increased cardiovascular morbidity leads to search for new, non-invasive diagnostic methods for early detection of atherosclerosis. Among others computed tomography has become a matter of interest. The usefulness of quantitative analysis of calcification using multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) in cardiology has been studied recently. AIM To evaluate the usefulness of calcium score (CS), estimated with MSCT, in identifying the risk of coronary artery stenosis. METHODS The analysis involved 340 consecutive patients, 222 men and 118 women, mean age 59.7+/-9.38 years. All patients were admitted to hospital with symptoms of coronary artery disease for coronary angiography. In all subjects risk factor assessment and CS estimation using MSCT were performed. RESULTS Mean CS was 271.1+/-605.9 and it increased with the progression of coronary artery disease. The differences between mean CS values in patients without coronary stenosis and patients with 1-, 2- or 3-vessel disease varied significantly (p <0.001). The cut-off point for total CS for the presence of coronary artery stenosis in the study group was set at > or =56 (sensitivity 85.7% and specificity 85.3%). The likelihood of the absence of significant stenosis (negative predictive value) in the whole study group was 93.5% and in women reached 100%. CONCLUSIONS Coronary calcium score is a valuable parameter in assessing the likelihood of presence of coronary stenosis. The absence of calcifications in coronary arteries (CS=0) excludes significant coronary stenosis with a high probability.
Usefulness of a Low Tube Voltage: Knowledge-Based Iterative Model Reconstruction Algorithm for Computed Tomography Venography

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of 80-kVp scans with knowledge-based iterative model reconstruction (IMR) for computed tomography venography (CTV). Methods This prospective study received institutional review board approval; a previous informed consent was obtained from all participants. We enrolled 30 patients with suspected deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism who were to undergo 80-kVp CTV studies. The images were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR), and IMR. The venous attenuation, image noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio at the iliac, femoral, and popliteal veins were compared on FBP, HIR, and IMR images. We performed qualitative image analysis (image noise, image contrast, image sharpness, streak artifacts, and overall image quality) of the 3 reconstruction methods and measured their reconstruction times. Results There was no significant difference in venous attenuation among the 3 reconstruction methods (P > 0.05). On IMR images, the image noise was lowest at all 3 venous locations, and the contrast-to-noise ratio was highest. Qualitative evaluation scores were also highest for IMR images. The reconstruction time for FBP, HIR, and IMR imaging was 25.4 ± 1.9 seconds, 43.3 ± 3.3 seconds, and 78.7 ± 6.0 seconds, respectively. Conclusions At clinically acceptable reconstruction times, 80-kVp CTV using the IMR technique yielded better qualitative and quantitative image quality than HIR and FBP.
Electrowetting enabled magnetic particle immunoassay with on-chip magnetic washing

This work demonstrates a unique DMF (Digital Microfluidics) immunoassay chip with 17 microelectrodes in an area of 6×6 mm2, which manipulates both electric and magnetic fields, to carry magnetic particle based immunoassay. Superparamagentic particles act as a label for the analyte in measurement and Hall sensor response indicates the presence of target analyte. This report describes magnetic washing (pulling of unbound magnetic beads) on DMF chip without any external magnet or additional component. The chip has a novel fabrication process where 600×600 micron electrodes are interspaced with a gap of 22 micron. The movement of the droplet on the chip is controlled automatically by using FPGA Altera DE0.
Performance of first and second-order sliding mode observers for nonlinear systems

This paper presents a brief study on the design and performance comparison of conventional first-order and super-twisting second-order sliding mode observers for some nonlinear control systems. Estimation accuracy, fast response, chattering effect, peaking phenomenon and robustness are considered for nonlinear ystems under observer-based output feedback control and state feedback control.
The pathology of dry eye: the interaction between the ocular surface and lacrimal glands.

BACKGROUND Most dry-eye symptoms result from an abnormal, nonlubricative ocular surface that increases shear forces under the eyelids and diminishes the ability of the ocular surface to respond to environmental challenges. This ocular-surface dysfunction may result from immunocompromise due to systemic autoimmune disease or may occur locally from a decrease in systemic androgen support to the lacrimal gland as seen in aging, most frequently in the menopausal female. HYPOTHESIS Components of the ocular surface (cornea, conjunctiva, accessory lacrimal glands, and meibomian glands), the main lacrimal gland, and interconnecting innervation act as a functional unit. When one portion is compromised, normal lacrimal support of the ocular surface is impaired. Resulting immune-based inflammation can lead to lacrimal gland and neural dysfunction. This progression yields the OS symptoms associated with dry eye. THERAPY Restoration of lacrimal function involves resolution of lymphocytic activation and inflammation. This has been demonstrated in the MRL/lpr mouse using systemic androgens or cyclosporine and in the dry-eye dog using topical cyclosporine. The efficacy of cyclosporine may be due to its immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory (phosphatase inhibitory capability) functions on the ocular surface, resulting in a normalization of nerve traffic. CONCLUSION Although the etiologies of dry eye are varied, common to all ocular-surface disease is an underlying cytokine/receptor-mediated inflammatory process. By treating this process, it may be possible to normalize the ocular surface/lacrimal neural reflex and facilitate ocular surface healing.
Does hydroxyapatite coating enhance ingrowth and improve longevity of a Zweymuller type stem? A double-blinded randomised RSA trial

Introduction: An ongoing discussion is whether using a hydroxyapatite coating enhances the ingrowth and longevity of a femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty. The best way to predict speed of ingrowth and long-term outcome is by evaluating micromotion by radiostereometric analysis. To study the effect of hydroxyapatite (HA) coating on the migration of the SL-PLUS hip stem, we performed a prospective double blind randomised controlled trial comparing the early migration of the hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated SL-PLUS stem compared to the Standard (non-coated) SL-PLUS stem. Patients and methods: 51 patients were randomly assigned to receive either an uncoated or a HA-coated femoral component during total hip replacement. RSA images were obtained direct postoperatively and at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months. HOOS scores were obtained preoperative and at final follow-up. Results: RSA evaluation demonstrated significant migration up to 3 months postoperatively in both groups. After initial setting no significant migration was observed. There was no significant difference in migration between the HA-coated group and the uncoated group. Both Harris Hip Score (HHS) and HOOS domain scores (pain and ADL) significantly improved compared to baseline at 24 months after surgery in both treatment groups (p<0.001 for all comparisons). Improvement did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Conclusions: At 2 years follow-up, the HA-coated and uncoated Zweymuller type, distal fitting stem do not show different migration patterns.
The Emergence of Multiple Myeloma in a Patient with Essential Thrombocythemia: A Case Report

Multiple myeloma is a neoplastic disease characterized by neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells and monoclonal protein expression and related tissue damage. In the presence of overt clinical signs, the disease can easily be diagnosed, however in order to diagnose atypical cases, further investigation is needed with high clinical suspicion. Essential thrombocythemia is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm which leads to an increase in platelet count with circulating megakaryocytes. When compared with other myeloproliferative neoplasms the prognosis is better and is more common in women. Herein we report a 68-year old patient suffering of essential thombocythemia, who later in follow-up developed multiple myelomas.
Repeated versus single transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells in carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver injury in mice

Despite its numerous limitations, liver transplants are the only definite cure for end‐stage liver disease. Various stem cell populations may contribute to liver regeneration, of which there is accumulating evidence of the contribution of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This study examines the hypothesis that repeated infusions of human bone marrow‐derived MSCs (hBM‐MSCs) can improve liver injury in an experimental model. MSCs were intravenously transplanted into immunosuppressed mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis. Transplanting 3 × 106 MSCs in three divided doses improved survival, liver fibrosis and necrosis compared with injection of the same number of MSCs in a single dose. This was accompanied by increased influence on the expression of the fibrogenic/fibrolytic related genes Col1a1, Timp1 and Mmp13 in the repeated transplant group. Repeat administration of MSCs was three times more effective in homing of PKH‐tagged transplanted cells 3 weeks post‐transplant compared with the single transplant group. The benefits of repeated transplants may be of considerable significance in clinical trials on liver failure.