Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Life Prediction of High-Cycle Fatigue in Aluminum Bonding Wires Under Power Cycling Test

In this paper, a 3-D finite-element (FE) model was established based on real test samples. Coupled electrothermal and thermal-mechanical FE analyses were conducted to analyze the mechanical behavior of bonding wire under cyclic power loading. The current crowding phenomenon may be improved by increasing the wire number. The junction temperature can be decreased by decreasing the joule heat from the current crowding around the bonding wire. The findings suggest that the power module with wire configuration design shall be operated in a higher power load; meanwhile, the identical reliability can be guaranteed. The temperature predicted by the simulation was consistent with the experimental data. Incremental equivalent plastic strain was not observed when the current loading was low. However, the plastic ratio progressively enhanced with the current load. With a high current load, the yielding effect should be considered. Plastic strain dominated the failure mechanism. The concepts of high- and low-cycle fatigue should be incorporated into the life prediction model for modules subjected to low and high current loadings, respectively. After the simulation results were validated with the experimental data, two models for the design of power modules were proposed.
A Review of Some Numerical Methods to the Euler Equations in Two-Dimensions

This work aims to describe the numerical implementation of the Lax and Friedrichs, Lax and Wendroff TVD, Boris and Book, Beam and Warming and MacCormack, on a finite volume and structured spatial discretization contexts, to solve the Euler equations in two-dimensions. The Lax and Wendroff algorithm was implemented according to the TVD formulation of Yee. The Beam and Warming scheme was implemented only in its explicit version. Hence, it is possible to distinguish four categories of algorithms studied in this work: symmetrical (Lax and Friedrichs and Beam and Warming), FCT (Boris and Book), Predictor/Corrector (MacCormack) and TVD (Lax and Wendroff). They are applied to the solution of the steady state problem of the moderate supersonic flow along a compression corner. A spatially variable time step procedure is employed to accelerate the convergence of the numerical methods to the steady state condition. This procedure has demonstrated a meaningful gain in terms of convergence ratio, as reported by Maciel. The results have demonstrated that the Beam and Warming scheme, using the nonlinear dissipation operator, provides the best results in terms of quality (good capture of shock wave thickness and wall pressure profile) and quantity (good prediction of the oblique shock wave angle). Key-Words: Symmetrical schemes, FCT scheme, Predictor/Corrector scheme, TVD scheme, Finite volumes, Euler equations, Two-dimensions.
New concepts in operative andrology: a review.

Several recently published, or about to be published, controversial issues in operative andrology are clarified and reviewed in this paper. The microsurgical technique for sperm retrieval for nonobstructive azoospermia, the round spermatid controversy and the varicocoele dilemma (why does everybody keep doing varicocoelectomy for male factor infertility? ) are presented with salient points that have recently been presented elsewhere and referenced. Finally, at the end, we review briefly what is known about the likelihood of genetic transmission of infertility from male factor patients to their offspring as a result of the new ICSI technology.
Plasma lipoproteins in familial lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase deficiency: effects of incubation with lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase in vitro.

To study the effect of lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) on the plasma lipoproteins of patients with familial LCAT deficiency, whole plasma or the lipoprotein fraction of d smaller than 1.006 g/ml (VLDL) was incubated in the presence of LCAT and subsequently examined by chemical, physical, and immunological techniques. The following occured upon incubating either hyperlipemic or nonlipemic plasma: The concentrations of polar lipids decreased, particulary in the large molecular weight lipoprotein subfraction of d 1.019-1.063 g/ml (LDL2) and in the lipoprotein fraction of 1.06301. 25 g/ml (HDL). The concentration of cholesteryl ester (CE) increased, particularly in the VLDL and in the lipoprotein fractions of d 1.006-1.019 g/ml (LDL1) and LDL2. The concentration of arginine-rich apolipoprotein decreased in the HDL and increased in the VLDL and LDL1. The concentrations of the C-apoliproteins appeared to change in the opposite direction. The concentration of apolipoprotein B in the LDL increased concomitantly with an increase in the concentration and flotation rsate of the small LDL2. The concentration apolipoprotein A-I in the HDL increased; and a major component in the HDL fraction became identical in apperance to normal HDL. Upon incubating a patient's isolated VLDL in the presence of LCAT, lipoproteins with properties similar to normal LDL2 were formed. These experiments show that the LCAT reaction can alter the apolipoprotein content and physical properties as well as the lipid content of the patient's lipoproteins.
The ICP 22 Protein of Equine Herpesvirus 1 Cooperates with the IE Protein To Regulate Viral Gene Expression

The equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) immediate-early (IE) phosphoprotein is essential for the activation of transcription from viral early and late promoters and regulates transcription from its own promoter. The EHV-1 EICP22 protein, a homolog of ICP22 of herpes simplex virus, increased the in vitro DNA binding activity of the IE protein for sequences in the IE, early, and late promoters. The EICP22 protein affected the rate as well as the extent of the IE protein binding to promoter DNA sequences. To study the DNA binding activity of the IE protein, Trp, Gln, Asn, and Lys of the WLQN region, which is directly involved in DNA binding, were replaced with Ser (IEW493S), Glu (IEQ495E), Ile (IEN496I), and Glu (IEK498E), respectively. Gel shift assays revealed that the glutathione S-transferase (GST)-IEQ495E(407-615) and GSTIEK498E(407-615) proteins failed to bind to the IE promoter, indicating that the Gln and Lys residues are important for the DNA binding activity. In the presence of the GST-EICP22 protein, DNA binding activity of the GST-IEQ495E(407-615) protein was restored, suggesting that the EICP22 protein cooperates with the IE protein to regulate EHV-1 gene expression. Transient-transfection assays also showed that the EICP22 protein allowed the IEQ495E mutant to be functional as a transactivator. These results are unique and may represent an important role for the EICP22 protein in EHV-1 gene regulation.
The role of the contralateral limb in below-knee amputee gait

Very little quantitative biomechanical research has been carried out evaluating issues relevant to prosthetic management. The literature available suggests that amputees may demonstrate an asymmetrical gait pattern. Furthermore, studies suggest that the forces occurring during amputee gait may be unequally distributed between the contralateral and prosthetic lower limbs/This study investigates the role of the contralateral limb in amputee gait by determining lower limb joint reaction forces and symmetry of motion in an amputee and non-amputee population. Seven adult below-knee amputees and four non-amputees participated in the study. Testing involved collection of kinematic coordinate data employing a WATSMART video system and ground reaction force data using a Kistler force plate. The degree of lower limb symmetry was determined using bilateral angle-angle diagrams and a chain encoding technique. Ankle, knee and hip joint reaction forces were estimated in order to evaluate the forces acting across the joints of the amputee's contralateral limb. The amputees demonstrated a lesser degree of lower limb symmetry than the non-amputees. This asymmetrical movement was attributed to the inherent variability of the actions of the prosthetic lower limb. The forces acting across the joints of the contralateral limb were not significantly higher than that of the non-amputee. This suggests that, providing the adult amputee has a good prosthetic fit, there will not be increased forces across the joints of the contralateral limb and consequently no predisposition for the long-term wearer to develop premature degenerative arthritis.
Organ Toxicity and Mortality in Propofol-Sedated Rabbits Under Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation

BACKGROUND: Prolonged administration of propofol at large doses has been implicated in propofol infusion syndrome in intensive care unit patients. In this study we investigated organ toxicity and mortality of propofol sedation at large doses in prolonged mechanically ventilated rabbits and determined the role of propofol's lipid vehicle. METHODS: Eighteen healthy male rabbits were endotracheally intubated and sedated with propofol 2% (Group P), sevoflurane (Group S) or sevoflurane while receiving Intralipid 10% (Group SI). Sedation lasted 48 h or until death (Group P) or the maximum surviving period of Group P (Groups S and SI). The initial propofol infusion rate (20 mg · kg−1 · h−1) or sevoflurane concentration (1.5%) was adjusted, if needed, to maintain a standard level of sedation. Blood biochemical analysis was performed in serial blood samples and histologic examination in the heart, lungs, liver, gallbladder, kidneys, urinary bladder, and quadriceps femoris muscle at autopsy. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 100% (surviving period, 26–38 h) for Group P, whereas 0% for Groups S and SI. The initial propofol infusion rate had to be increased up to 65.7 ± 4.6 mg · kg−1 · h−1 and sevoflurane concentration up to 4%. Serum liver function indices, lipids and creatine kinase were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in Groups P and SI and lactate was increased only in Group P, whereas amylase was increased in all groups. In Group P, histologic examination revealed myocarditis, pulmonary edema with interstitial pneumonia, hepatitis, steatosis, and focal liver necrosis, cholangitis, gallbladder necrosis, acute tubular necrosis of the kidneys, focal loss of the urinary bladder epithelium, and rhabdomyolysis of skeletal muscles; in Group S, low-grade bronchitis and incipient inflammation of the liver and the kidneys; and in Group SI, low-grade bronchitis, liver steatosis and hepatitis, and incipient inflammation of the gallbladder, kidneys, and urinary bladder. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous infusion of 2% propofol at large doses for the sedation of rabbits undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation induced fatal multiorgan dysfunction syndrome similar to the propofol infusion syndrome seen in humans. Our novel findings including lung, liver, gallbladder, and urinary bladder injury were also noted. The role of propofol's lipid vehicle in the manifestation of the syndrome was minor. Sevoflurane proved to be a safe alternative medication for prolonged sedation.
Randomized Trial Does Acetaminophen Activate Endogenous Pain Inhibition in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis ? A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Cross-over Trial

Methods: Fifty-three women (19 CFS/FM patients, 16 RA patients, and 18 healthy women) were randomly allocated to the experimental group (1 g acetaminophen) or the placebo group (1 g dextrose). Participants underwent an assessment of endogenous pain inhibition, consisting of an evaluation of temporal summation with and without conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Seven days later groups were crossed-over. Patients and assessors were blinded for the allocation.
HPLC on Chiralcel OJ‐R for Enantiomer Separation and Analysis of Ketoprofen, from Horse Plasma, as the 9‐Aminophenanthrene Derivative *

Racemic ketoprofen is a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug used to treat musculoskeletal and colic conditions in horses. The enantioselective chiral inversion of ketoprofen administered to horses has been studied by use of cellulose tris(4‐methylbenzoate), also known as Chiralcel OJ‐R, as chiral stationary phase; acetonitrile − 0·02 m perchlorate buffer (pH 2·0) ‐ methanol, 60:15:25 (v/v/v) was used as mobile phase. Before chromatography, to effect adequate chiral interaction with the chiral stationary phase ketoprofen was derivatized with 9‐aminophenanthrene, under acid conditions, after solid‐phase (C18) extraction and then liquid–liquid extraction, to ensure effective removal of endogenous plasma materials. The 9‐aminophenanthrene derivative of S‐ibuprofen was used as internal standard. The enantiomers of ketoprofen were separated to baseline (Rs = 6·44, α = 1·76) within a short analysis time.
Awake mapping for resection of cavernous angioma and surrounding gliosis in the left dominant hemisphere: surgical technique and functional results: clinical article.

OBJECT Maximal resection of symptomatic cavernous angioma (CA), including its surrounding gliosis if possible, has been recommended to minimize the risk of seizures or (re)bleeding. However, despite recent neurosurgical advances, such extensive CA removal is still a challenge in eloquent areas. The authors report a consecutive series of patients who underwent awake surgery for CA within the left dominant hemisphere in which intraoperative cortical-subcortical electrical stimulation was used. METHODS Nine patients harboring a CA that was revealed by seizures in 6 cases and bleeding in 3 cases underwent resection. All CAs were located in the left dominant hemisphere: 3 temporal, 2 insular, 2 parietal, and 2 in the parietotemporal region. Awake mapping was performed in all cases by using intraoperative cortical-subcortical electrical stimulation and ultrasonography (except in 1 insular CA in which a neuronavigation system was used). RESULTS Total removal of the CA was achieved in all patients, with identification and preservation of language and sensory-motor structures. In addition, the pericavernomatous gliosis was removed in 7 cases, according to the functional boundaries provided by intraoperative subcortical stimulation. In 2 cases, subcortical mapping revealed eloquent areas within the surrounding gliosis, which was voluntarily avoided. There was no postsurgical permanent deficit, no rebleeding, and no epilepsy in 7 cases (2 patients had rare seizures in the 1st year or two after surgery, and then complete arrest), with a mean follow-up of 28.5 months (range 3-64 months). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that intraoperative cortical-subcortical stimulation in awake patients represents a valuable adjunct to image-guided surgery with the aim of selecting the safer surgical approach for CAs involving eloquent areas. Moreover, such online mapping can be helpful when removing the pericavernomatous gliosis while preserving functional structures, which can persist within the hemosiderin rim. Thus, the authors propose that awake surgery be routinely considered, both to optimize the resection and to improve the quality of life through seizure control and avoidance of (re)bleeding for CAs located in the left dominant hemisphere.
Trust and security risks in mobile banking

With the development and growth of mobile technologies, mobile phones enable users to perform a number of different tasks with their devices: from sending simple text messages, checking e-mails and browsing the internet, to running elaborated applications. Nowadays, the mobile phone platform creates great opportunities for businesses, especially due to its capabilities and population coverage: the number of mobile subscriptions approaches global population figures. In order to explore such opportunities, most banks have already launched their mobile applications and/or re-designed mobile version of their websites. One of the benefits of using mobile banking is the possibility for users to carry out bank transactions, such online payments or transfers, at anytime and anywhere. Expectations for the adoption of mobile banking were high; however, it represents about 20% of mobile phone users at the present. One factor has been recognised as being a strong reason for users not to adopt mobile banking: their concerns about security. This dissertation focuses on the relationship between the trust users have in mobile banking and the security risks that the use of mobile devices potentially pose. A questionnaire was created in order to gather users’ perception of security about mobile banking, and its results compared with recognised security issues.
GaAs HBT ESD Diode Layout and its Relationship to Human Body Model Rating

Different GaAs HBT ESD diode configurations are analyzed and compared using human body model (HBM) and transmission line pulse (TLP) measurements. A common diode stack test circuit consisting of 3 series forward and reverse diodes is used to analyze ESD ruggedness dependence on layout and area. Both base emitter and base collector junction ESD ruggedness is compared and analyzed. To our knowledge, this is the first time data has been presented for GaAs HBT diodes that calculates the ratio of HBM voltage to maximum TLP current
Interruptions During the Delivery of High-Risk Medications

Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the nature and frequency of interruptions during medication administration and the interruptions' effects on task efficiency to guide healthcare managers/executives in improving patient safety and staff productivity. Background: Interruptions have been identified as causal factors in medication administration errors. Research, however, is needed to assess the nature and frequency of interruptions throughout specific stages of the medication administration process and to develop mitigation interventions. Method: A direct observation study was conducted to document the nature, frequency, and timing of interruptions during specific stages of medication administration in a chemotherapy daycare unit. Results: Nurses were interrupted, on average, 22% of their time and were frequently interrupted while performing safety-critical tasks. Task completion times were greater for interrupted tasks than for uninterrupted tasks. Conclusion: Nurses are frequently interrupted during safety-critical stages of medication administration, which decreases task efficiency and could lead to adverse events.
Sexual Arousal to Female Children in Gynephilic Men

Phallometric assessments of single-victim sexual offenders against children have suggested that only about 50% of these men are more attracted to children than they are to adults. This has raised the question of what motivates the other 50% of men to approach young girls for sex. Freund et al. showed that gynephilic men (i.e., men preferentially attracted to adult women) evidenced greater arousal to images of prepubescent girls than to images of males of any age or to nonerotic images, arguing that gynephilic men may approach prepubescent girls as a “surrogate” for their preferred erotic targets (i.e., adult women). One might argue that these phallometric results are artifactual, given that they were obtained in a time period during which images of nudity were far less common than they are today (thus any female nudity might have elicited arousal). To address this issue, the authors examined the sexual arousal patterns of 214 contemporary men who, based on self-report, offense history, and phallometric responses, were purely gynephilic. Results showed the “classical control profile”: the greatest arousal to adult women, systematically decreasing arousal as the female stimuli became younger, and essentially no arousal to any age categories of males or to neutral (nonerotic) stimuli. Arousal to both pubescent and prepubescent girls was significantly greater than to neutral stimuli (p < .001 for both). Thus, Freund et al.’s results still appear to be valid, and the explanation for child molesting that they suggest still seems to be feasible.
Approximating Tree Edit Distance through String Edit Distance for Binary Tree Codes

This article proposes an approximation of the tree edit distance through the string edit distance for binary tree codes, instead of for Euler strings introduced by Akutsu (2006). Here, a binary tree code is a string obtained by traversing a binary tree representation with two kinds of dummy nodes of a tree in preorder. Then, we show that σ/2 ≤ τ ≤ (h + 1)σ + h, where τ is the tree edit distance between trees, and σ is the string edit distance between their binary tree codes and h is the minimum height of the trees.
Design and Analysis of Cryptographic Algorithms for Authentication

During the previous decades, the upcoming demand for security in the digital world, e.g., the Internet, lead to numerous groundbreaking research topics in the ﬁeld of cryptography. This thesis focuses on the design and analysis of cryptographic primitives and schemes to be used for authentication of data and communication endpoints, i.e., users. It is structured into three parts, where we present the ﬁrst freely scalable multi-block-length block-cipher-based compression function (Counter-bDM) in the ﬁrst part. The presented design is accompanied by a thorough security analysis regarding its preimage and collision security. The second and major part is devoted to password hashing. It is motivated by the large amount of leaked password during the last years and our discovery of side-channel attacks on scrypt – the ﬁrst modern password scrambler that allowed to parameterize the amount of memory required to compute a password hash. After summarizing which properties we expect from a modern password scrambler, we (1) describe a cache-timing attack on scrypt based on its password-dependent memory-access pattern and (2) outline an additional attack vector – garbage-collector attacks – that exploits optimization which may disregard to overwrite the internally used memory. Based on our observations, we introduce Catena – the ﬁrst memory-demanding password-scrambling framework that allows a password-independent memory-access pattern for resistance to the aforementioned attacks. Catena was submitted to the Password Hashing Competition (PHC) and, after two years of rigorous analysis, ended up as a ﬁnalist gaining special recognition for its agile framework approach and side-channel resistance. We provide six instances of Catena suitable for a variety of applications. We close the second part of this thesis with an overview of modern password scramblers regarding their functional, security, and general properties; supported by a brief analysis of their resistance to garbage-collector attacks. The third part of this thesis is dedicated to the integrity (authenticity of data) of nonce-based authenticated encryption schemes (NAE). We introduce the so-called j-IV-Collision Attack, allowing to obtain an upper bound for an adversary that is provided with a ﬁrst successful forgery and tries to eﬃciently compute j additional forgeries for a particular NAE scheme (in short: reforgeability). Additionally, we introduce the corresponding security notion j-INT-CTXT and provide a comparative analysis (regarding j-INT-CTXT security) of the third-round submission to the CAESAR competition and the four classical and widely used NAE schemes CWC, CCM, EAX, and GCM.