Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inversion in Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Capacitors on Boron-Doped Diamond

For the advancement of diamond-based electronic devices, the fabrication of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) is crucial, as this device finds applications in numerous fields of power electronics and high-frequency systems. The MOS capacitor forms the basic building block of the MOSFET. In this letter, we describe planar MOS capacitor structures fabricated with atomic layer deposited aluminum oxide as the dielectric on oxygen-terminated boron-doped diamond substrates with different doping levels. Using capacitance-voltage measurements, we have, for the first time, observed inversion behavior in MOS structures on boron-doped diamond, with a doping concentration of 4.1 × 1019/cm3.
Multifunction subthreshold gate used for a low power full adder

This paper presents a full-adder based on realtime reconfigurable CMOS perceptron circuits operating in subthreshold. The Perceptron is based on three output wired inverters that is configured through well biasing. The full-adder is demonstrated by simulations for a 0.12 um CMOS process. Functionality is proven for 200-400 mV power supply voltages. Minimum power consumption is 7.4 nW and power-delay-product 7.8 fJ, for a Vdd of 200 mV, according to simulations.
Computation of Surface Geometry and Segmentation Using Covariance Techniques

In this correspondence, the application of covariance techniques to surface representation of 3-D objects is discussed and such ways of computing surface geometry are compared with traditional methods using differential geometry. It is shown how the covariance method provides surface descriptors that are invariant to rigid motions without explicitly using surface parameterizations or derivatives. Analogous covariance operators for both the Gauss and Weingarten maps are defined and a range image segmentation technique is presented that labels pixels as jump or crease discontinuities or planar, parabolic or curved region types. >
Psychosocial Contributions to Sex‐Correlated Differences in Pain

Abstract: Sex‐correlated differences in pain perception and behavior have been reported in several studies. Where such differences are found, they are most often in the direction of girls and women reporting more pain than is reported by boys and men. Although biologic, psychologic, and sociocultural factors act interdependently to influence pain responding, most efforts to explain sex‐correlated differences in pain have focused on first‐order biologic differences between the sexes. The current paper discusses empirical and theoretical literature addressing gender role socialization, cognitive factors, and affective factors associated with sex‐correlated differences in pain. We affirm that there is convincing evidence that such psychosocial factors must be taken into account in research on sex‐correlated differences in pain. We contend that the use of the dichotomous variable sex as a proxy for presumed biologic aspects of being female or male may obscure the contribution to sex‐correlated differences that could be ascribed to the ways in which women and men are socialized with respect to pain perception and pain reporting.
Analysis of interactions responsible for vasopressin binding to human neurohypophyseal hormone receptors—molecular dynamics study of the activated receptor–vasopressin–Gα systems

Vasopressin (CYFQNCPRG‐NH2, AVP) is a semicyclic endogenous peptide, which exerts a variety of biological effects in mammals. The main physiological roles of AVP are the regulation of water balance and the control of blood pressure and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) secretion, mediated via three different subtypes of vasopressin receptors: V1a, V1b and V2 receptors (V1aR, V1bR and V2R, respectively). They are the members of the class A, G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). AVP also modulates several behavioral and social functions. In this study, the interactions responsible for AVP binding to vasopressin V1a and V2 receptors versus the closely related oxytocin ([I3,L8]AVP, OT) receptor (OTR) have been investigated. Three‐dimensional models of the activated receptors were constructed using multiple sequence alignment, followed by homology modeling using the complex of activated rhodopsin with Gtα C‐terminal peptide of transducin MII‐Gt(338‐350) prototype as a template. AVP was docked into the receptor‐Gα systems. The three lowest‐energy pairs of receptor‐AVP‐Gα (two complexes per each receptor) were selected. The 1‐ns unconstrained molecular dynamics (MD) of complexes embedded into the fully hydrated 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphatidylcholine (POPC) lipid bilayer was conducted in the AMBER 7.0 force field. Six relaxed receptor‐AVP‐Gα models were obtained. The residues responsible for AVP binding to vasopressin receptors have been identified and a different mechanism of AVP binding to V2R than to V1aR has been proposed. Copyright © 2005 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dynamical control of subduction parameters on surface topography

The long‐wavelength surface deflection of Earth's outermost rocky shell is mainly controlled by large‐scale dynamic processes like isostasy or mantle flow. The largest topographic amplitudes are therefore observed at plate boundaries due to the presence of large thermal heterogeneities and strong tectonic forces. Distinct vertical surface deflections are particularly apparent at convergent plate boundaries mostly due to the convergence and asymmetric sinking of the plates. Having a mantle convection model with a free surface that is able to reproduce both realistic single‐sided subduction and long‐wavelength surface topography self‐consistently, we are now able to better investigate this interaction. We separate the topographic signal into distinct features and quantify the individual topographic contribution of several controlling subduction parameters. Results are diagnosed by splitting the topographic signal into isostatic and residual components, and by considering various physical aspects like viscous dissipation during plate bending. Performing several systematic suites of experiments, we are then able to quantify the topographic impact of the buoyancy, rheology, and geometry of the subduction‐zone system to each and every topographic feature at a subduction zone and to provide corresponding scaling laws. We identify slab dip and, slightly less importantly, slab buoyancy as the major agents controlling surface topography at subduction zones on Earth. Only the island‐arc high and the back‐arc depression extent are mainly controlled by plate strength. Overall, his modeling study sets the basis to better constrain deep‐seated mantle structures and their physical properties via the observed surface topography on present‐day Earth and back through time.
Using GRA and MPI to assess of Intellectual capital management for Taiwanese pharmaceutical industry

Fast technology evolution is considered as the most important factor for economic growth. The management of technology is one of very essential issues for outstanding enterprises. Technology is the core of intellectual capital (IC). Most of the studies regarding IC were focusing on the contents and measurement. This study will be more directing at how to utilize IC more effectively in order to improve the performance of enterprises. GRA and Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) are employed to research the relationship between business performance and management of IC for Taiwanese pharmaceutical industry. The research results show that 7 companies have better business performance due to more superior IC management; however, other 5 companies have room for improvement. These results should be very valuable for both academic study in future and business enhancement.
Loss of Myosin VI No Insert Isoform (NoI) Induces a Defect in Clathrin-mediated Endocytosis and Leads to Caveolar Endocytosis of Transferrin Receptor*

Myosin VI is a motor protein that moves toward the minus end of actin filaments. It is involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis and associates with clathrin-coated pits/vesicles at the plasma membrane. In this article the effect of the loss of myosin VI no insert isoform (NoI) on endocytosis in nonpolarized cells was examined. The absence of myosin VI in fibroblasts derived from the Snell's waltzer mouse (myosin VI knock-out) gives rise to defective clathrin-mediated endocytosis with shallow clathrin-coated pits and a strong reduction in the internalization of clathrin-coated vesicles. To compensate for this defect in clathrin-mediated endocytosis, plasma membrane receptors such as the transferrin receptor (TfR) are internalized by a caveola-dependent pathway. Moreover the clathrin adaptor protein, AP-2, necessary for TfR internalization, follows the receptor and relocalizes in caveolae in Snell's waltzer fibroblasts.
Perceptions of Risk and Prevention of Dementia in the Healthy Elderly

Objectives: (1) To determine the attitudes and perceptions of the elderly with regard to dementia. (2) To correlate these beliefs with demographic variables of age, sex, intelligence scores and social class. Method: A postal questionnaire survey of a sample of 562 subjects of the Manchester University Age and Cognitive Performance longitudinal study group. Results: The response rate was 95%. Most responders (69%) did not worry about dementia, although they were more likely to think about it if they had a family member with dementia (p < 0.005). There is no link between social class, sex, intelligence scores and age with regard to worries and concerns of dementia. The majority of responders (82%) took action to maintain their health but demonstrated poor awareness of risks or protective factors for dementia. Conclusion: The elderly on the whole were not fearful of dementia or of acquiring it. There was poor awareness of risks or protective factors for dementia.
Removal of neuraminic acid from H-2 alloantigens without effect of antigenic reactivity.

Murine H-2 alloantigen glycoprotein fragments (10% carbohydrate comprised of sialic acid, fucose, galactose, mannose and glucosamine) were treated with Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase. While nearly 100% of the sialic acid was removed, no loss of H-2 antigenic reactivity occurred.
Polybrominated diphenyl ether trends in eggs of marine and freshwater birds from British Columbia, Canada, 1979-2002.

Temporal, spatial, and interspecific trends in polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants were determined in eggs of marine and freshwater bird species from the province of British Columbia, Canada. Temporal trends in the Fraser River estuary, 1983-2002, were examined by analysis of eggs of great blue herons (Ardea herodias) and from the Strait of Georgia marine ecosystem, 1979-2002, in eggs of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus). Results were compared to those from eggs of the osprey (Pandion haliaetus) taken along the lower Fraser River and along the Columbia River near Castlegar, British Columbia, and of a pelagic seabird, the Leach's storm-petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa), collected at a colony on the Queen Charlotte Islands. Mean concentration of sigmaPBDE, 455 microg/kg w.w. , were highest in heron eggs collected in 2002 from the Fraser estuary. Concentrations in eggs of cormorants and ospreys taken from sites of varying urban influence tended to be about half that value. Leach's storm petrel eggs had only trace amounts of sigmaPBDE (3.38 microg/kg), despite having similar concentrations of PCBs and organochlorine pesticides to the other species. PBDEs increased exponentially with a doubling time of 5.7 years in eggs of both herons and cormorants. Over this period of increasing PBDEs, major chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as PCBs and DDE, were stable or decreased. The PBDE pattern was relatively consistent in most years and sites, with BDEs 47 > 100 > 99 > 153 > 154 > 28 > 183. This was interpreted as evidence of technical pentaBDE formulations as primary sources of the contamination, with the octaBDE formulations as secondary. Higher resolution analysis of a subsample of the eggs revealed the presence of up to nine other congeners, including BDE209 (range: 0.9-1.8 microg/kg), indicating exposure and uptake of decaBDE sourced congeners in North American foodchains. At some locations, concentrations of pentabrominated congeners and mixtures in fish are approaching levels potentially toxic to fish-eating birds, based on rodent studies and calculations of dietary intake from fish data.
Psychosocial and Clinical Correlates of Substance use Disorder in an Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Population.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed at exploring the psychosocial and clinical correlates of substance use disorder in an adolescent inpatient psychiatric population. METHOD During the period from 2006-2007, all subjects were systematically screened for substance use disorder (SUD) and were assessed for SUD characteristics by an independent support team using the RECAP (Joint Report on Drug Addiction and Treatment). Each SUD case was matched for age, gender, unit, and admission week, so as to compare a consumer sample (cases) with a non-consumer sample (controls). We retrospectively extracted data (socio-demographic and clinical characteristics) from charts to realize a case-control comparison. To assess Axis II borderline psychopathology, the child retro-DIB (Diagnosis Interview for Borderline) was used. RESULTS The sample included 30 cases and 30 controls between 14 and 17 years of age. SUD was significantly associated with maltreatment (p=0.038), loss of a first-degree relative (p=0.039), school absenteeism (p=0.035) and suicide attempts (p=0.02). Regarding psychopathology, significant co-occurrence was observed between SUD and conduct disorder (p=0.019), all personality disorders (p=0.003) and borderline personality disorder specifically (p=0.021). CONCLUSION Adolescent inpatients with SUD possess differential psychosocial and clinical characteristics and particular correlates that justify adopting a specific multidisciplinary approach to this high-risk clinical subgroup.
Sleep Differences by Race in Preschool Children: The Roles of Parenting Behaviors and Socioeconomic Status

Background and Objective: This study aimed to examine whether socioeconomic variables (SES) and parenting behaviors mediate differences in sleep problems between Black and White preschool-aged children. Method: Parents of 191 preschool-aged children (53% male; 77% White) completed questionnaires regarding SES and sleep behaviors. Parenting behaviors and SES were analyzed as mediators of differences in sleep problems between Black and White children. Results: Parent behaviors related to bedtime routine and independence mediated the relationship between race and parent-reported bedtime difficulty, parent confidence managing sleep, and sleep onset latency. SES mediated the relationship between race and sleep onset latency. Conclusions: Sleep differences between Black and White preschool children were primarily mediated by parent behaviors rather than socioeconomic variables. Results may reflect differences in cultural practices and provide important information for treatment and parent-directed intervention regarding improving sleep in young children.
Development of In-pipe Inspection Robot

An in-pipe inspection robots are designed to remove the labour force and to act in inaccessible environment. In this paper we present a comprehensive study of in-pipe inspection robot. After some period every pipeline requires inspection and maintenance to ensure their safety and integrity. So, in-pipe inspection robots are used to inspect varies pipeline elements such as straight pipelines, elbow and branches internally. In- pipe inspection robot inspect the pipes of various size and find the defects and obstacles in the pipes. There are many in-pipe inspection robots which are differ by their power source, steering mechanism and application. This paper also shows the comparative study of different in-pipe inspection robots. Section 6 shows the new developed steering mechanism for improvising working style of in-pipe inspection robot. Still the applications of in-pipe inspection robots are limited according to pipeline material, pipe size and working environment.
HP1 Binding to Chromatin Methylated at H3K9 Is Enhanced by Auxiliary Factors

ABSTRACT A large portion of the eukaryotic genome is packaged into transcriptionally silent heterochromatin. Several factors that play important roles during the establishment and maintenance of this condensed form have been identified. Methylation of lysine 9 within histone H3 and the subsequent binding of the chromodomain protein heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) are thought to initiate heterochromatin formation in vivo and to propagate a heterochromatic state lasting through several cell divisions. For the present study we analyzed the binding of HP1 to methylated chromatin in a fully reconstituted system. In contrast to its strong binding to methylated peptides, HP1 binds only weakly to methylated chromatin. However, the addition of recombinant SU(VAR) protein, such as ACF1 or SU(VAR)3-9, facilitates HP1 binding to chromatin methylated at lysine 9 within the H3 N terminus (H3K9). We propose that HP1 has multiple target sites that contribute to its recognition of chromatin, only one of them being methylated at H3K9. These findings have implications for the mechanisms of recognition of specific chromatin modifications in vivo.
CaMKII phosphorylation of the GABAA receptor: receptor subtype‐ and synapse‐specific modulation

As a major inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA plays a vital role in the brain by controlling the extent of neuronal excitation. This widespread role is reflected by the ubiquitous distribution of GABAA receptors throughout the central nervous system. To regulate the level of neuronal inhibition requires some endogenous control over the release of GABA and/or its postsynaptic response. In this context, Ca2+ ions are often used as primary or secondary messengers frequently resulting in the activation of protein kinases and phosphatases. One such kinase, Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), can target the GABAA receptor to cause its phosphorylation. Evidence is now emerging, which is reviewed here, that GABAA receptors are indeed substrates for CaMKII and that this covalent modification alters the expression of cell surface receptors and their function. This type of regulation can also feature at inhibitory synapses leading to long‐term inhibitory synaptic plasticity. Most recently, CaMKII has now been proposed to differentially phosphorylate particular isoforms of GABAA receptors in a synapse‐specific context.
THE INFLUENCE OF ENDOPHYTIC BACTERIA ON Meloidogyne incognita INFECTION AND TOMATO PLANT GROWTH

Plant parasitic nematodes cause significant damage and losses to vegetable crops. Control of plant parasitic nematodes with pesticides is often restricted due to their high toxicity and negative impact on the environment. The need for environmentally safe control strategies has increased interest in developing biological control measures. The objective of this research was to study the effect of selected endophytic bacteria, Pantoea agglomerans MK-29, Cedecea davisae MK-30, Enterobacter spp. MK-42 and Pseudomonas putida MT-19 on early root penetration and gall formation of Meloidogyne incognita on tomato. The results showed that application of bacterial endophytes significantly reduced M. incognita infestation on tomato either as a seed treatment, root dipping or as a soil drench application. The four selected endophytic bacteria also significantly reduced early root penetration of Meloidogyne juveniles into tomato roots up to 56 %, when applied as a root dipping and soil drench. Seed treatment of endophytic bacteria followed by soil drench application apparently gave a higher reduction in the number of galls than the single application.
Bispectral Index-guided Administration of Anesthesia for Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Tumors: A Comparison of 3 Anesthetic Techniques

The main aims of anesthesia for pituitary surgery include maintenance of hemodynamic stability, provision of conditions that facilitate surgical exposure, and a smooth emergence to facilitate a prompt neurologic assessment. The primary aim of our study was to compare the effects of 3 anesthetic regimens on hemodynamics and recovery characteristics of the patients. Ninety patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery were enrolled in the study. Standard anesthesia technique was followed for induction. Patients were randomly divided to receive propofol, isoflurane, or sevoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia. The bispectral index target range during maintenance was 40 to 60. The hemodynamic variables (heart rate and mean arterial pressure) and bispectral index were noted during the various stages of the surgery. The time to emergence and extubation was noted. We evaluated cognitive function at 5 and 10 minutes posttracheal extubation. The 3 study groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, weight, and duration of surgery. We observed an increase in heart rate and blood pressure during intubation, nasal packing, and insertion of self-retaining nasal speculum. After tracheal intubation, the rise in blood pressure was more in sevoflurane group than propofol. During emergence, hypertensive response was seen in all patients. Emergence and extubation times were significantly shorter with propofol and sevoflurane. Patients who received propofol had better cognition scores. Aldrete scores were better with propofol and sevoflurane than isoflurane. The pressor response after intubation and emergence hypertension was significantly less with propofol. Better recovery profile was seen in sevoflurane and propofol groups and a better cognition in patients receiving propofol. Propofol plus nitrous oxide anesthesia could be the technique of choice in patients undergoing transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.
Grey leaves in an alpine plant: a cryptic colouration to avoid attack?

Cryptic colouration is a common predation-avoidance strategy in animals that is postulated to occur in plants, but few experimental studies have rigorously tested this hypothesis. We investigated the colouration of Corydalis benecincta, an alpine plant with remarkably dimorphic leaf colours (grey and green), based on a cost-benefit analysis. First we tested the premise that herbivores (Parnassius butterflies) cannot distinguish grey leaves from a scree background by spectrographic measurements and by estimating discriminability between leaves and scree using a butterfly colour vision model. Then we estimated the potential costs of inconspicuousness by comparing the photosynthetic performance and visual attractiveness to flower visitors of the two colour morphs. Finally, we examined the potential benefits of inconspicuousness by comparing damage, survivorship and female reproductive success. It is difficult for herbivores to distinguish grey-coloured morphs against the background. This grey colour originates in a combination of anthocyanins and chlorophylls. The two colour morphs had similar photosynthetic performance, visual attractiveness and female reproductive success. However, grey morphs had significantly lower herbivore damage and higher survivorship. Grey leaves benefit C. benecincta by reducing herbivory with low investment in anthocyanin synthesis, and little cost on photosynthesis and mating opportunity. This cryptic colouration may have evolved through selection pressure imposed by visually foraging herbivores.