Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fully Silicided Metal Gates for High-Performance CMOS Technology: A Review

Full silicidation (FUSI) of polysilicon gates promises to be a simple approach for formation of metal gate electrodes for highly scaled complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistors. Devices have been reported with several different silicides, prominently with nickel. NiSi was shown to produce different work functions, covering a large portion of silicon bandgap, in relation to a dopant type and amount present in polysilicon. Elimination of polysilicon gate electrode depletion has been demonstrated. Data indicates that significant reduction of gate tunneling current is possible. A summary of developments of this new approach to metal gates and discussion of issues and challenges of the FUSI process and its applicability to highly scaled technologies is presented.
Distance based fast outlier detection method

In this paper, we propose a new method to capture outliers in an efficient way. The proposed approach has two steps, clustering-pruning step and outlier factor step. In clustering-pruning step, the entire input data set is clustered into disjoint clusters using a clustering algorithm and based on the outlier factor of the centroids of the disjoint clusters, we prune away some clusters. In outlier factor step, we calculate outlier score for each point in the unpruned clusters. Based on the outlier score we declare the top-n points with the highest score as outliers. The experimental results using real data set demonstrate that even though the number of computations are less, the proposed method performs better than the existing method.
Quantification of aortic stenosis in mechanically ventilated patients using multiplane transesophageal Doppler echocardiography.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of multiplane transesophageal Doppler echocardiographic assessment of the severity of aortic stenosis in mechanically ventilated patients using modified transgastral views of the left ventricular outflow tract and the aortic valve. DESIGN A prospective study comparing the results of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac catheterization. SETTING A university hospital. PATIENTS Twenty-eight American Society of Anesthesiologists class III and IV patients with aortic stenosis undergoing elective cardiac surgery for valve replacement. INTERVENTIONS Intubated and mechanically ventilated patients with aortic stenosis undergoing cardiac surgery for valve replacement were studied by multiplane transesophageal Doppler echocardiography to determine transvalvular pressure gradients (Bernoulli formula) and valve areas (continuity equation). These findings were compared with the respective preoperative data from TTE and cardiac catheterization. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS In 25 of 28 patients (89%), adequate transgastral Doppler recordings of the aortic jet could be obtained. The TEE measurements correlated well with the respective data obtained by TTE (maximal pressure gradient: r=0.93, p<0.0001, mean difference=5.9+/-5.8 mm Hg [mean+/-SD]; mean pressure gradient: r=0.91, p<0.0001, mean difference=5.4+/-4.6 mm Hg; aortic valve area: r=0.97, p<0.0001, mean difference=0.07+/-0.05 cm2) and cardiac catheterization (n=16) (maximal vs peak-to-peak pressure gradient: r=0.84, p<0.0001, mean difference=10.9+/-8.8 mm Hg; mean pressure gradient: r=0.80, p<0.0002, mean difference=9.7+/-5.9 mm Hg; aortic valve area: r=0.84, p<0.0001, mean difference=0.1+/-0.08 cm2). CONCLUSION Multiplane transesophageal Doppler echocardiography offers an alternative approach for assessing the severity of aortic stenosis in mechanically ventilated patients in whom conventional TTE is not feasible.
God's Undertaker: Has Science Buried God?

This book evaluates the evidence of modern science in relation to the debate between the atheistic and theistic interpretations of the universe, and provides a basis for discussion. The book has grown out of the author's lengthy experience of lecturing and debating on this subject in the UK, USA, Germany and Russia, and has been written in response to endless requests for the argumentation in written form as people seem to feel that the approach draws them in to the debate in a fresh way.
Computation of two time-dependent coefficients in a parabolic partial differential equation subject to additional specifications

In this paper, we consider the problem of the simultaneous determination of time-dependent coefficients in a one-dimensional partial differential equation. The main aim is to apply the tau technique to determine unknown coefficients in a time-dependent partial differential equation. Our approach consists of reducing the problem to a set of algebraic equations by expanding the approximate solution in terms of shifted Legendre polynomials with unknown coefficients. The operational matrices of integral and derivative together with the tau method are then utilized to evaluate the unknown coefficients of shifted Legendre polynomials. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the presented technique.
Vers la génération de modéles de simulation

Grâce aux facilites de communication et aux progres technologiques, nous pouvons agir n'importe ou et a tout moment : nous commencons a vivre dans un monde ubiquitaire avec des relations de communication diverses. Un des problemes fondamentaux des systemes ubiquitaires est leur complexite de conception ; l'Ingenierie Dirigee par les Modeles (IDM) se presente comme une approche prometteuse pour resoudre cette complexite. Notre etude concerne les systemes ubiquitaires et leur etude a l'aide d'outils de simulation. Elle s'appuie sur l'existence d'un meta-modele generique des systemes ubiquitaires developpe au laboratoire LISyC par l'equipe de recherche SuSy. Dans une approche d'ingenierie dirigee par les modeles, les modeles-instances de ce meta-modele peuvent etre traites par differentes techniques de transformation. Le travail s'inscrit dans un objectif general qui vise a transformer ces instances en des donnees conformes au domaine d'application d'un outil de simulation. Il consistera dans un premier temps a identifier les outils de transformation et de simulation adaptes au meta-modele generique et aux proprietes a verifier.
Physiology of Upward Transport in the Human Female Genital Tract

Abstract: The uterus and fallopian tubes represent a functionally united peristaltic pump under the endocrine control of ipsilateral ovary. We have examined this function by using hysterosalpingoscintigraphy (HSS), recording of intrauterine pressure, electrohysterography, and Doppler sonography of the fallopian tubes. An uptake of labeled particles into the uterus was observed during the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle after application into the vagina. Transport into the oviducts, however, could only be demonstrated during the follicular phase. Furthermore, the predominant transport was into the tube ipsilateral to the ovary containing the dominant follicle. The pregnancy rate following spontaneous intercourse or insemination was higher in those women in whom ipsilateral transport could be demonstrated. The amount of material transported to the ipsilateral tube was increased after oxytocin administration, as demonstrated by radionuclide imaging and by Doppler sonography following instillation of ultrasound contrast medium. An increase in the basal tone and amplitude of contractions was observed after oxytocin administration. These results support the idea that the uterus and fallopian tubes act as a peristaltic pump, which increases transport of sperm into the oviduct ipsilateral to the ovary bearing the dominant follicle. Oxytocin appears to play a critical role in this peristaltic pump. A failure of the peristaltic mechanism is possibly responsible for infertility. We propose the term tubal transport disorder (TTD) as a nosological entity. Results from HSS could be a useful adjunct for choosing treatment modalities in patients with patent fallopian tubes suffering from infertility. These patients may be better served with in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Characterization of 10 new nuclear microsatellite markers in Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae)

Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were identified and characterized in Acca sellowiana in order to expand the limited number of pre-existing polymorphic markers for use in population genetic studies for conservation, phylogeography, breeding, and domestication. Methods and Results: A total of 10 polymorphic microsatellite primers were designed from clones obtained from a simple sequence repeat (SSR)–enriched genomic library. The primers amplified di- and trinucleotide repeats with four to 27 alleles per locus. In all tested populations, the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.269 to 1.0. Conclusions: These new polymorphic SSR markers will allow future genetic studies to be denser, either for genetic structure characterization of natural populations or for studies involving genetic breeding and domestication process in A. sellowiana.
Adult Education and Lifelong Learning. The case of GSAE (General Secretary for Adult Education) in Greece

The participation rates in adult education in Greece are low in comparison with other European countries. Within the framework of the present research an effort has been undertaken in order to evaluate the program of training instructors of adults through distance learning education hosted by the GSAE (General Secretary for Adult Education) and the ICAE (Institute for the Continuing Adult Education) in Greece. Among the most important outcomes of this research was considered to be the positive attitude of the participants concerning the program in general as well as the electronic educational material distributed. Furthermore, the hybrid educational process selected for use by the program was thought to be particularly flexible. As for the programâ? s negative aspects, the main problems noted were the distance certain trainees had to cover in order to participate physically during the scheduled meetings, as well as the technical issues arose within the e-learning environment.
Development of anemia, phlebotomy practices, and blood transfusion requirements in 45 critically ill cats (2009-2011).

OBJECTIVE To describe the incidence of the development of anemia, the number of phlebotomies performed daily, the approximate volume of blood withdrawn, the transfusion requirements and their association with duration of hospitalization and survival to discharge in critically ill cats. DESIGN Retrospective study from January 2009 to January 2011. SETTING University teaching hospital. ANIMALS Cats hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) for >48 hours. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Medical records of cats hospitalized for >48 hours in the ICU were examined. Of the 45 cats included, 60% (27/45) were not anemic upon admission to the ICU. Of these, 74.1% (20/27) developed anemia during their ICU stay. Development of anemia was associated with a longer duration of hospitalization (P = 0.002) but not with survival (P = 0.46). Fourteen cats (31.1%; 14/45) received one or more packed red blood cell transfusions and had significantly longer ICU stays (P < 0.001). Transfusion requirements were not associated with survival (P = 0.66). The median number of phlebotomies per day for all cats in the ICU was 3 (range 1-6). This was significantly associated with the development of anemia (P = 0.0011) and higher transfusion requirements (P = 0.16) in the 14 cats that received a transfusion. The estimated volume phlebotomized was significantly (P < 0.001) greater in cats that required a transfusion (median volume 3.32 mL/kg/ICU stay) compared to cats that did not require a transfusion (median volume 1.11 mL/kg/ICU stay) but was not associated with survival to discharge (P = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS Development of anemia necessitating blood transfusions is common in critically ill cats and leads to significantly longer duration of ICU hospitalization. Iatrogenic anemia from frequent phlebotomies is an important cause for increased transfusion requirement. Fewer phlebotomies and other blood conserving strategies in these patients may help reduce the incidence of anemia and decrease transfusion requirements, as well as result in shorter hospital stays.
Particulate Air Pollution Exposure and C-reactive Protein During Early Pregnancy

Background: It is not well understood how air pollution leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes. One pathway may be through C-reactive protein, a biomarker of systemic inflammation that has been reported to increase the risk of preterm delivery. We examined whether air pollution influences serum concentrations of C-reactive protein in early pregnancy. Methods: We studied 1696 pregnant women in Allegheny County, PA, from 1997 through 2001. C-reactive protein concentrations were assayed in blood collected before the 22nd week of gestation. We estimated levels of particles of less than 10 &mgr;m (PM10) and less than 2.5 &mgr;m diameter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone at the maternal zip code using Kriging interpolation for measurements obtained from ambient stations. Associations between air pollution and high C-reactive protein concentrations (≥8 ng/mL) were evaluated using logistic regression. Results: Among nonsmokers, an observed 9.2 &mgr;g/m3 increase in PM10 (averaged over 28 days prior to the blood sample) was associated with an odds ratios of 1.41 for high C-reactive protein concentrations (95% confidence interval = 0.99–2.00). Similarly, a 4.6 &mgr;g/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with an odds ratio of 1.47 (1.05–2.06). The odds ratio was 1.49 (0.75–2.96) per 7.9 ppb increase in ozone during summer. There were no associations in smokers or for other air pollutants, and there was no evidence for effect-measure modification by obesity. Conclusions: PM10, PM2.5, and ozone exposures were associated with increased C-reactive protein concentrations in early pregnancy, suggesting that these air pollutants contribute to inflammation and thereby possibly to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Anomalous Anterior Papillary Muscle as an Autopsy Finding in Two Cases

Anomaly in the anterior papillary muscle (APM) is known to cause left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, and this rare congenital condition could be a cause of sudden cardiac death. This anomaly and its hemodynamic effects is similar to valvular heart disease. In our two described cases, in which cause of death was, respectively, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and suicide by hanging, the cephalad portion of the left APM was inserted directly into the ventricular surface of the anterior mitral leaflet and chordae tendineae were absent in the area of the direct anomalous muscle insertion; the aberrant papillary muscle was very large and showed an exaggerated anterior displacement within the left ventricular cavity. The described anomaly is a cause of LVOT obstruction. This condition is considered to be rare, although incidence estimates do not exist. In the absence of other possible causes, this finding may indicate arrhythmia as being the immediate cause of death.
Can simultaneously acquired electrodermal activity improve accuracy of fMRI detection of deception?

Abstract Observation of changes in autonomic arousal was one of the first methodologies used to detect deception. Electrodermal activity (EDA) is a peripheral measure of autonomic arousal and one of the primary channels used in polygraph exams. In an attempt to develop a more central measure to identify lies, the use of functional magnetic resonance inaging (fMRI) to detect deception is being investigated. We wondered if adding EDA to our fMRI analysis would improve our diagnostic ability. For our approach, however, adding EDA did not improve the accuracy in a laboratory-based deception task. In testing for brain regions that replicated as correlates of EDA, we did find significant associations in right orbitofrontal and bilateral anterior cingulate regions. Further work is required to test whether EDA improves accuracy in other testing formats or with higher levels of jeopardy.
Big Five Personality and Residential Mobility: A State-Level Analysis of the USA

ABSTRACT Relations of the state-aggregated Big Five personality scores of 619,397 residents to four 2005 state-level residential mobility criteria were examined with the 50 states as cases. Multiple regression controlling for five state demographic variables showed (a) higher state neuroticism was strongly associated with lower mobility, lower same-county mobility, and lower between-county mobility; (b) higher state extraversion was associated with lower mobility and lower same-county mobility, but only with neuroticism and/or conscientiousness controlled; and (c) conscientiousness was related to same-residence, same-county, and different-county mobility, but only without demographic variables controlled. Discussion is grounded in the dangers of cross-level speculation and the potential of a basic assumption of geographical psychology that an area’s aggregate position on a dispositional variable is associated there with behavioral and psychological tendencies related to that variable.
Comment on “World's First Clinical Case of Gene-Activated Bone Substitute Application”

We read with great interest the paper entitled “World’s First Clinical Case of Gene-Activated Bone Substitute Application” in Case Reports in Dentistry [1]. We would like to draw your attention to our recent study “Use of Gene-Activated Demineralized Bone Allograft in the Therapy of Ulnar Pseudarthrosis. Case Report” in BioNanoScience [2]. Despite the different pathologies in these two papers, it is interesting to compare them. Firstly, it is important to understand that there is currently only one approved gene plasmid-based therapy on the world market. Indeed several authors in the Deev et al. paper actively participated in the development [3] of the VEGF165 encoding plasmid for the stimulation angiogenesis in ischemic limbs. Since angiogenesis is very important for osteogenesis, the authors naturally decided to use this plasmid. Secondly, the authors demonstrate the successful widening of indications for an approved treatment for osteogenesis. However, this line of research is limited in its choice of therapeutic growth factors. This is why we focused on a completely new approach for gene activation of a demineralized bone allograft. We created a dual cassette expression plasmid, encoding for both proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) and proosteogenic bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2). We believe that expression of both these growth factors not only stimulated angiogenesis, but also enhanced osteogenesis at the site of the bone graft transplantation. Similar to Deev et al., we demonstrated the effectiveness of gene-activated bone transplants in stimulating osteogenesis which, in our study, resulted in callus formation at the site of ulnar pseudarthrosis. Besides the many in vitro and in vivo animal studies expertly reviewed by Deev et al. [4], to our knowledge these two clinical case reports are the first demonstrating the safety and efficacy of transplanting gene-activated bone grafts for the treatment of various bone pathologies, paving the way for additional clinical trials. Comparing proosteogenic effects of single or combinations of therapeutic growth factors and the mode of application of plasmid DNA on various natural, artificial, and demineralized bone grafts, with different types of bone defects, would ultimately identify more optimal therapeutic strategies.
The relation between group cohesiveness and performance: An integration.

Abstract : This paper reports on a meta-analytic integration of the relation between group cohesiveness and performance. Overall, the cohesiveness-performance effect was highly significant and of small magnitude. Several theoretically informative determinants of the cohesiveness-performance effect were examined. This effect was significantly stronger when cohesiveness was operationalized in terms of measurements of group members' perceptions of cohesiveness than when cohesiveness was operationalized in terms of experimental inductions of cohesiveness. The results of this analysis suggest that the more direct effect may be from performance to cohesiveness rather than from cohesiveness to performance. Discussion considers the implications of these results for future research on the relation between cohesiveness and performance.
Localization of orexin-1 receptors to vagal afferent neurons in the rat and humans.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Orexin-A and -B are brain-gut peptides that stimulate food intake via orexin-R1 and -R2 receptors. Cholecystokinin (CCK) inhibits food intake via CCK(A) receptors expressed on vagal afferent neurons. The purpose of the study was to determine whether vagal afferent neurons express OX-R1 and OX-R2 and whether orexin-A inhibits responses to CCK. METHODS OX-R1 and -R2 expression by rat and human nodose ganglia was examined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Receptor localization was determined by immunohistochemistry. Responses of rat jejunal afferent fibers were examined by electrophysiology. RESULTS Both rat and human nodose ganglia expressed OX-R1 as detected by RT-PCR, and humans also expressed OX-R2. The identity of the products was confirmed by sequencing. Immunohistochemistry indicated expression of OX-R1 in both species in neurons that also expressed CCK(A) and leptin receptors. In human ganglia there was also expression in glial cells that was absent in rats. Orexin-A had no effect on the resting discharge of afferent nerve fibers but inhibited responses to CCK. CONCLUSIONS OX-R1 and CCK(A) receptors are expressed by human and rat vagal afferent neurons. Orexin inhibits responses to CCK suggesting a role in modulation of gut to brain signaling.
Energetics of hydrogen bonding in proteins: A model compound study

Differences in the energetics of amide‐amide and amide‐hydroxyl hydrogen bonds in proteins have been explored from the effect of hydroxyl groups on the structure and dissolution energetics of a series of crystalline cyclic dipeptides. The calorimetrically determined energetics are interpreted in light of the crystal structures of the studied compounds. Our results indicate that the amide‐amide and amide‐hydroxyl hydrogen bonds both provide considerable enthalpic stability, but that the amide‐amide hydrogen bond is about twice that of the amide‐hydroxyl. Additionally, the interaction of the hydroxyl group with water is seen most readily in its contributions to entropy and heat capacity changes. Surprisingly, the hydroxyl group shows weakly hydrophobic behavior in terms of these contributions. These results can be used to understand the effects of mutations on the stability of globular proteins.