Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Delay Measurement Technique Using Signature Registers

This paper proposes a delay measurement technique using signature registers, and a scan design for delay measurement utilizing the proposed delay measurement technique to detect small-delay defects. The delay of circuits can be measured with the scan design with lower area, smaller data volume, and shorter measurement time than with the conventional scan design for delay measurement. Accordingly, the small-delay defects outside the range of the normal-distributed delay are detected with lower cost. Evaluation with 0. 18μm process shows that the area overhead of the proposed scan design is 32.2% smaller than that of the conventional method. The measurement time and the data volume for the measurement are reduced 66.7% and 66.0% compared with the conventional method, respectively.
Resveratrol as a novel treatment for diseases with mTOR pathway hyperactivation

The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway is hyperactivated in a variety of cancers and tumor syndromes. Therefore, mTORC1 inhibitors are being actively investigated for treatment of neoplasms. The concern with the monotherapy use of mTORC1 inhibitors, such as rapamycin, is that they cause upregulation of autophagy, a cell survival mechanism, and suppress the negative feedback loop to the oncogene Akt. In turn, Akt promotes cell survival, causing the therapy to be partially effective, but relapse occurs upon cessation of treatment. In this review, we describe the current literature on resveratrol as well as our work, which uses rapamycin in combination with resveratrol. We found that this combination treatment efficiently blocked upregulation of autophagy and restored inhibition of Akt in different cancer and tumor models. Interestingly, the combination of rapamycin and resveratrol selectively promoted apoptosis of cells with mTOR pathway hyperactivation. Moreover, this combination prevented tumor growth and lung metastasis when tested in mouse models. Finally, mass spectrometry–based identification of cellular targets of resveratrol provided mechanistic insight into the mode of action of resveratrol. The addition of resveratrol to rapamycin treatment may be a promising option for selective and targeted therapy for diseases with mTORC1 hyperactivation.
Controllability of complex networks for sustainable system dynamics

Successful implementation of sustainability ideas in ecosystem management requires a basic understanding of the often non-linear and non-intuitive relationships among different dimensions of sustainability, particularly the system-wide implications of human actions. This basic understanding further includes a sense of the time scale of possible future events and the limits of what is and is not likely to be possible. With this understanding, systematic approaches based on control theory can then be used to develop policy guidelines for the system. Therefore, controllability of the system is very important to determining long term sustainability of the system. An article Liu et al. (2011, Nature, 473, 167) presents a new analytical approach to study the controllability of complex systems. We apply this approach to three dynamic systems developed to study the sustainability of our planet. These three systems consist of an ecosystem based on wild and domesticated compartments: a simple economic model, an ecosystem model with an industrial system, and an integrated model involving the ecosystem, industrial systems, and energy producers. The goal is not to develop detailed predictions, but to explore the feasibility of general strategies for sustainability, and to establish scientific criteria which would indicate their likelihood of being successful. We argue that controllability of this system is necessary for its long-term sustainability, and we present our arguments in the light of previous studies of these systems.
Design of passive vector sum phase shifters

In this paper, a novel circuit composed of the topology of loaded-line for phase shifter is proposed based on vector sum theory. Compared with the traditional loaded-line phase shifter with only one path from the input port to the output port, the novel design possesses multiple paths. Single-pole single-throw switches (SPSTs) are introduced in each path to alter loaded stubs, resulting in phase shift between different states. As examples, a 3-bit phase shifter is designed and fabricated. The experimental results demonstrate advantages of compact size, low insertion loss, convenient control and easy fabrication.
Relapse to smoking after basic military training in the U.S. Air Force.

This study examined predictors of smoking relapse in the year after the mandatory smoking ban during basic military training (BMT) in the U.S. Air Force. Participants were all smokers who completed BMT from August 1995 to August 1996 and relapsed to smoking in the subsequent year (N = 4,303). Results demonstrated that the vast majority of airmen (69.8%) returned to smoking within 1 month after BMT and that most (90%) were still in training status when they smoked their first cigarette after BMT. Relapsed smokers appeared more motivated to quit smoking at 1-year follow-up compared with when they were in BMT. Individuals making serious quit attempts after BMT were younger and had greater levels of physical activity, more confidence in quitting, and more favorable perceptions of the BMT ban than individuals not attempting to quit. Based on these findings, recommendations are discussed for improving abstinence rates after BMT.
Ultra-Low-K dielectric degradation before breakdown

This paper presents a basic investigation of Ultra Low K (ULK) SiCOH dielectrics degradation before breakdown. For the first time very early stages of degradation before breakdown have been revealed and a theory of the basic process of ULK alteration under electrical stress has been proposed. Tip electrode test structures have been specifically designed for this investigation in order to determine the location of degradation and breakdown. A stepwise increased voltage stress test with a meticulously observed current in fA range was developed and successfully applied.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of coptisine in rats after oral administration by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Coptisine, one of the main components isolated from Coptidis rhizoma, has been reported to have many beneficial pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-hypercholesterolemia, neuroprotective and cardioprotective properties. However, to date the information related to the in vivo pharmacokinetics (PK) of coptisine is very limited. The purposes of our study are to establish a fast and sensitive quantification method of coptisine using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and evaluate the PK profile of coptisine in rats. The calibration curve for coptisine was linear from 0.78 to 50 ng/mL. After single-dose oral administration of coptisine, the mean peak plasma concentration values for groups treated with 30, 75 and 150 mg/kg doses ranged from 44.15 to 66.89 ng/mL, and the mean area under the concentration-time curve values ranged from 63.24 to 87.97 mg/L h. The absolute bioavailability was calculated to range from 1.87 to 0.52%. Coptisine remained in all analyzed samples at low concentrations after oral administration of 30 mg/kg.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of High‐Viscosity 2‐Octyl Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive versus Sutures in Repairing Facial Wounds Following Mohs Micrographic Surgery

BACKGROUND High-viscosity 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (HVOCA) is a rapidly polymerizing liquid topical adhesive indicated for epidermal approximation of superficial lacerations and surgical wounds. Use of HVOCA in repair of facial wounds after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) has not been reported. OBJECTIVE To compare aesthetic outcome of HVOCA versus sutured epidermal closure of linearly repaired facial wounds following MMS. METHODS Patients undergoing MMS for facial tumors with postoperative wounds >3 cm appropriate for linear closure were recruited. After placement of dermal sutures, half the wound was randomly selected for closure with HVOCA and the other half was closed with 5-0 polypropylene suture. RESULTS Fourteen patients (13 men and 1 woman; mean age, 72±8.8 years; range, 52–81 years) with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma of the face (n=12) or neck (n=2) were enrolled. The mean wound length was 4.9±1.9 cm (range, 3.1–10 cm). No postoperative complications, including bleeding, infection, or dehiscence, occurred. Using photographs obtained 3 months postoperatively, five dermatologists (including two Mohs surgeons) blinded to the intervention rated cosmesis using a visual analog scale from 1 (worst) to 10 (best). The mean ratings for HVOCA half (6.64±1.55) versus sutured half (6.77±1.88) were not significantly different (p=.35). Paired comparisons of rater preferences similarly showed no cosmetic differences. All 14 patients preferred OCA for ease of postoperative care. CONCLUSION HVOCA tissue adhesive is cosmetically equivalent to epidermal sutures in the linear repair of facial wounds following MMS. This technique represents an additional option for Mohs surgeons.
Chemical constituents of the Egyptian Plant Anabasis articulata (Forssk) Moq and its antidiabetic effects on rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetic hepatopathy.

This study investigated the possible antidiabetic role and therapeutic crucial action of the saponin fractions of the ethanolic extract of areal parts of the medicinal plant Anabasis articulata compared to currently available antidiabetic drug gliclazide (diamicron) against diabetic complications induced tissue injury in rats. Fractionation of hydro alcoholic extract from the aerial parts of Anabasis articulata (Chenopodiaceae) led to the isolation of Four known saponins: 3-O-glucopyranosyl of(stigmasterol, s-sitosterol, sitostanol), 3-O-[s-D- the glucopyranosyl] oleanolic acid , 3-O-[s-D-glucopyranosyl -28-O-s-D - xylopyranosyl] oleanolic acid, in addition to proceric acid. The isolated compounds were identified by means of chemical methods and spectrometric analysis as Rf values, UV Mass, 1H NMR and 13CNMR spectroscopy. Animals were divided into 4 groups. Group1, control rats (not received any medication). Group 2, rats injected intraperitoneally with single dose of streptozotocin (STZ)(40 mg/kg body weight). Group 3, rats orally administered with ethanolic extract of A. articulata (400 mg/ kg B.W.) after STZ injection. Group 4, rats orally administered with gliclazide (10 mg/kg B.W.) after STZ injection. Oral administration of the plant modulated the diabetic increase in blood glucose and cortisol levels revealing the antihyperglycemic effect of this medicinal plant. It effectively increases the blood hormone insulin concentration and α- fetoprotein. It is also significantly decrease blood tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). The current plant also effectively decreased blood fructosamine to their normal levels as well as the consequence diabetic decrease in the hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin levels. Furthermore, ingestion of the plant effectively modulated hepatic oxidative tissue damage. Supplementation of diabetic animals with gliclazide improved diabetic induced alteration in most of the above studied markers. These results suggest that Anabasis articulata has multi-beneficial actions in controlling diabetes and consequence complications induced in pancreas and liver and may candidate as natural antidiabetic drug.
Molecular Mapping of Twenty-Four Features of Down Syndrome on Chromosome 21

To determine which regions of chromosome 21 are involved in the pathogenesis of specific features of Down syndrome, we analysed, phenotypically and molecularly, 10 patients with partial trisomy 21. Six minimal regions for 24 features were defined by genotype-phenotype correlations. Nineteen of these features could be assigned to just 2 regions: short stature, joint hyperlaxity, hypotonia, major contribution to mental retardation and 9 anomalies of the face, hand and foot to the region D21S55, or Down syndrome chromosome region (DCR), located on q22.2 or very proximal q22.3, and spanning 0.4–3 Mb; 6 facial and dermatoglyphic anomalies to the region D21S55-MX1, including the DCR and spanning a maximum of 6 Mb on q22.2 and part of q22.3. Thus, the complex phenotype that constitutes Down syndrome may in large part simply result from the overdosage of only one or a few genes within the DCR and/or region D21S55-MX1.
Safety of esophagogastroduodenoscopy within 30 days of myocardial infarction: a retrospective cohort study from a Canadian tertiary centre.

BACKGROUND Patients who experience myocardial infarction (MI) are at risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding complications. Endoscopic evaluation may lead to cardiopulmonary complications. Guidelines and studies regarding the safety of endoscopy in this population are limited. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety of endoscopy in a retrospective cohort of post-MI patients at a Canadian tertiary centre. METHODS Using hospital diagnostic⁄procedure codes, the charts of patients meeting the inclusion criteria of having ST elevation MI or non-ST elevation MI, and GI bleeding detected at endoscopy were reviewed. The information retrieved included demographics, medical history, medications, endoscopy details and cardiopulmonary⁄GI events. RESULTS A total of 121 patients experienced an MI and underwent endoscopy within 30 days. However, only 44 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 75 years, and 55% were female. The mean hemoglobin level was 86 g⁄L, and 38 of 44 patients required a transfusion. Comorbidities included hypertension (82%), diabetes (46%), heart failure (55%), stroke (21%), lung disease (27%), previous MI (46%), cardiac bypass surgery (30%), history of GI bleed (25%), history of ulcer (18%) and ejection fraction <50% (48%). The median number of days to endoscopy after MI was three. Complications included seven patients with acute coronary syndrome, one with arrhythmia, one with respiratory failure, one with aspiration pneumonia and two with perforation. Age, hemoglobin level or timing of endoscopy did not significantly predict a complication. CONCLUSIONS Patients with GI bleeding after MI often have comorbidities and are on antiplatelet agents. Endoscopy is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of bleeding complications, but must be weighed against the potential risk of other complications, which in the present study occurred in more than 25% of procedures.
Cytopathic Effects of the Major Surface Protein and the Chymotrypsinlike Protease of Treponema denticola

ABSTRACT Prominent antigens of Treponema denticola have been suggested to be mediators of the cytopathic effects typically seen in periodontal disease. In the present study of the T. denticola major surface protein (Msp) and the surface-expressed chymotrypsinlike protease complex (CTLP), we characterized the ability of these proteins to adhere to and lyse epithelial cells. Msp and CTLP were closely associated in spirochete outer membranes. Purified Msp, both native and recombinant, and CTLP bound to glutaraldehyde-fixed periodontal ligament epithelial cells. Adherence of Msp was partially blocked by specific antibodies. Adherence of CTLP was partially blocked by serine protease inhibitors and was further inhibited by specific antibodies. Both native Msp and CTLP were cytotoxic toward periodontal ligament epithelial cells, and their cytotoxicity was inhibited by the same treatments that inhibited adherence. Msp, but not CTLP, lysed erythrocytes. Msp complex (partially purified outer membranes free of protease activity) was cytotoxic toward a variety of different cell types. Pore-forming activities of recombinant Msp in black lipid model membrane assays and in HeLa cell membranes were similar to those reported for the native protein, supporting the hypothesis that Msp cytotoxicity was due to its pore-forming activity.
Regulation of fructose metabolism and polymer synthesis by Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 10953

Energy for the anaerobic growth of Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 10953 can be derived from the fermentation of sugar (fructose) or amino acid (glutamate). During growth on fructose, the cells formed large intracellular granules which after extraction yielded glucose by either acid or enzymatic hydrolysis. The endogenous polymer was subsequently metabolized, and after overnight incubation of the cells in buffer, the glucan granules were no longer detectable by electron microscopy. Anaerobically, washed cells grown previously on fructose fermented this sugar to a mixture of lactic, acetic, and butyric acids, and little intracellular glucan was formed. Aerobically, the cells slowly metabolized fructose to acetate. Provision of glutamic acid as an additional energy (ATP) source elicited rapid synthesis of polymer by glycolyzing cells. Intracellular granules were not present in glutamate-grown cells, and under anaerobic conditions, the resting cells failed to metabolize [14C] fructose. However, the addition of glutamic acid to the suspension resulted in the rapid accumulation of sugar by the cells. Approximately 15% of the 14C-labeled material was extractable with boiling water, and by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, this phosphorylated derivative was identified as [14C]fructose-1-phosphate. The nonextractable material represented [14C]glucan polymer. Fructose-1-phosphate kinase activity in fructose-grown cells was fivefold greater than that in glutamate-grown cells. We suggest that the activity of fructose-1-phosphate kinase and the availability of ATP regulate the flow of fructose into either the glycolytic or polymer-synthesizing pathway in F. nucleatum.
Analysis by metadynamics simulation of binding pathway of influenza virus M2 channel blockers

M2 protein of influenza A virus is a proton channel spanning the viral envelope. Activity of this proton channel is required for uncoating of viral particles and equilibrating the pH across the trans Golgi apparatus, which prevents conformational change in hemagglutinin. Amantadine, an anti‐influenza A virus drug, inhibits M2 proton channel activity by binding to the channel pore; however, most currently circulating influenza A viruses are amantadine‐resistant. The most prevalent resistant mutation is a substitution from Ser31 to Asn31 in M2. Further atomistic analysis of ligand‐M2 complexes is needed to provide new approaches for the design of novel M2 channel blockers. Here, the free energy profiles of the binding kinetics of M2 channel blockers were examined by well‐tempered metadynamics simulations and it was found that amantadine first binds to Asp24 of S31 M2 and forms a metastable conformation. In contrast, the free energy profiles of adamantyl bromothiophene dual inhibitor with either S31 M2 or N31 M2 are broad funnel‐shaped curves, suggesting that adamantyl bromothiophene does not form metastable complexes with M2. The trajectory of well‐tempered metadynamics simulations revealed that steric hindrance between adamantyl bromothiophene and S31 M2 interrupts formation of a metastable conformation at Asp24 and that a halogen bond between the bromine atom and N31 is responsible for pulling down the ligand to the channel pore of N31 M2 in the absence of a metastable state. Binding pathways of M2 channel blockers to M2 are here proposed on the basis of these findings; they may provide new approaches to designing further M2 channel blockers.
Corynebacterium macginleyi Conjunctivitis in Canada

ABSTRACT This report describes for the first time Corynebacterium macginleyi as a cause of conjunctivitis in Canada, where menaquinone analysis was done as part of the strain characterization. This species is typically isolated from ocular surfaces of patients from Europe and Japan. The isolate was resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin.
Supranormal Myocardial Creatine and Phosphocreatine Concentrations Lead to Cardiac Hypertrophy and Heart Failure: Insights From Creatine Transporter–Overexpressing Transgenic Mice

Background— Heart failure is associated with deranged cardiac energy metabolism, including reductions of creatine and phosphocreatine. Interventions that increase myocardial high-energy phosphate stores have been proposed as a strategy for treatment of heart failure. Previously, it has not been possible to increase myocardial creatine and phosphocreatine concentrations to supranormal levels because they are subject to tight regulation by the sarcolemmal creatine transporter (CrT). Methods and Results— We therefore created 2 transgenic mouse lines overexpressing the myocardial creatine transporter (CrT-OE). Compared with wild-type (WT) littermate controls, total creatine (by high-performance liquid chromatography) was increased in CrT-OE hearts (66±6 nmol/mg protein in WT versus 133±52 nmol/mg protein in CrT-OE). Phosphocreatine levels (by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy) were also increased but to a lesser extent. Surprisingly, CrT-OE mice developed left ventricular (LV) dilatation (LV end-diastolic volume: 21.5±4.3 &mgr;L in WT versus 33.1±9.6 &mgr;L in CrT-OE; P=0.002), substantial LV dysfunction (ejection fraction: 64±9% in WT versus 49±13% in CrT-OE; range, 22% to 70%; P=0.003), and LV hypertrophy (by 3-dimensional echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging). Myocardial creatine content correlated closely with LV end-diastolic volume (r=0.51, P=0.02), ejection fraction (r=−0.74, P=0.0002), LV weight (r=0.59, P=0.006), LV end-diastolic pressure (r=0.52, P=0.02), and dP/dtmax (r=−0.69, P=0.0008). Despite increased creatine and phosphocreatine levels, CrT-OE hearts showed energetic impairment, with increased free ADP concentrations and reduced free-energy change levels. Conclusions— Overexpression of the CrT leads to supranormal levels of myocardial creatine and phosphocreatine, but the heart is incapable of keeping the augmented creatine pool adequately phosphorylated, resulting in increased free ADP levels, LV hypertrophy, and dysfunction. Our data demonstrate that a disturbance of the CrT-mediated tight regulation of cardiac energy metabolism has deleterious functional consequences. These findings caution against the uncritical use of creatine as a therapeutic agent in heart disease.
Scaling rules and parameter tuning procedure for analog design reuse in technology migration

In this paper a methodology for analog design reuse during technology scaling is proposed. First of all, analytical resizing rules are derived for MOS transistors working in saturation and triode regions. These rules, however, do not account for parasitic effects that, especially in submicron technologies, lead to inaccurate scaling. For this reason, for example, DC gain and unity gain frequency may substantially differ from the original. In order to compensate these inaccuracies, a tuning procedure based on SPICE simulations is proposed. Finally, the migration and tuning procedures are validated and simulation results are compared scaling down a Miller OTA from 0.25 /spl mu/m to 0.15 /spl mu/m technology.
Design and efficiency of selection experiments for estimating genetic parameters.

(i) Formulae are derived for the sampling variance of selection response and for estimates of realised heritability and realised genetic correlation. (ii) If a control population is maintained, or divergent selection practised, the greater part of the sampling variance comes from genetic drift and depends primarily on the total number of individuals recorded in the whole experiment, rather than on its duration. (iii) The optimal selection intensity for estimating realised heritabilities is investigated-proportions selected of about 15 per cent should be satisfactory. Similar designs will also be efficient for estimation of realised genetic correlations. (iv) Several methods of estimating heritability are compared, of these the realised heritability has least variance. (v) Some selection indices for improving a single trait are evaluated. Mass selection is likely to be best for comparing response from alternative selection programmes or populations.