Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental and theoretical investigation of nano-crystal and nitride-trap memory devices

In this paper, we propose a thorough experimental and theoretical investigation of memory-cell structures employing discrete-trap type storage nodes, using either natural nitride traps or semiconductor nano-crystals. thus operating with a small finite number of electrons. A detailed account of static and dynamic charging/discharging phenomena occurring in these devices is given, based on bias-, time-, and temperature-dependent measurements. A comprehensive interpretation of experimental results is proposed by means of physical modeling. In particular, two different models are proposed. The first one consists in a modified floating-gate-like approach, while the second one is a trap-like approach, relying on Shockley-Read-Hall statistics. Using these two approaches, some general behavior laws for memory operation are formulated. Considerations on the suitability of each model on the particular structures are suggested.
Genetic, Clinicopathological, and Radiological Features of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma with Ductal Plate Malformation Pattern

Background/Aims Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) with a ductal plate malformation (DPM) pattern is a recently recognized rare variant. The genomic profile of iCCA with DPM pattern needs to be elucidated. Methods Cases of iCCA with DPM pattern were retrospectively reviewed based on the medical records, pathology slides, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports collected between 2010 to 2019 at a single center. Massive parallel sequencing was performed for >500 cancer-related genes. Results From a total of 175 iCCAs, five (2.9%) cases of iCCA with DPM pattern were identified. All cases were of the small duct type, and background liver revealed chronic B viral or alcoholic hepatitis. Three iCCAs with DPM pattern harbored MRI features favoring the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, whereas nonspecific imaging features were observed in two cases. All patients were alive without recurrence during an average follow-up period of 57 months. Sequencing data revealed 64 mutated genes in the five cases, among which FGFR2 and PTPRT were most frequently mutated (three cases each) including an FGFR2-TNC fusion in one case. Mutations in ARID1A and CDKN2A were found in two cases, and mutations in TP53, BAP1, ATM, NF1, and STK11 were observed in one case each. No IDH1, KRAS, or PBRM1 mutations were found. Conclusions iCCAs with DPM pattern have different clinico-radio-pathologic and genetic characteristics compared to conventional iCCAs. Moreover, FGFR2 and ARID1A variants were identified. Altogether, these findings further suggest that iCCA with DPM pattern represents a specific subtype of small duct type iCCA.
The Leg Fat to Total Fat Ratio Is Associated with Lower Risks of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Less Severe Hepatic Fibrosis: Results from Nationwide Surveys (KNHANES 2008–2011)

Background The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has rapidly increased worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an independent relationship between regional fat distribution, especially leg fat mass, and the presence of NAFLD using nationally representative data in Korea. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 14,502 participants in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008 to 2011. Total fat mass, leg fat mass, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Validated NAFLD prediction models and scoring systems for hepatic fibrosis were used. Results The leg fat to total fat (LF/TF) ratio showed a negative relationship with many factors, including body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and liver enzyme levels. When the LF/TF ratio and indices of hepatic steatosis were stratified by quartiles, the LF/TF ratio showed a negative correlation with the scoring systems that were used. The LF/TF ratio showed better accuracy in predicting NAFLD than total fat mass or leg fat mass alone. After adjusting for various traditional and lifestyle factors, a low LF/TF ratio remained a risk factor for NAFLD. Among NAFLD subjects, the LF/TF ratio showed a negative relationship with hepatic fibrosis. Conclusion A lower LF/TF ratio was markedly associated with a higher risk of hepatic steatosis and advanced hepatic fibrosis using various predictive models in a Korean population. Therefore, the LF/TF ratio could be a useful anthropometric parameter to predict NAFLD or advanced hepatic fibrosis.
Cerebrovascular Risk-Factors of Prevalent and Incident Brain Infarcts in the General Population: The AGES-Reykjavik Study

Background: Studies on the association of cerebrovascular risk factors to magnetic resonance imaging detected brain infarcts have been inconsistent, partly reflecting limits of assessment to infarcts anywhere in the brain, as opposed to specific brain regions. We hypothesized that risk-factors may differ depending on where the infarct is located in subcortical-, cortical-, and cerebellar regions. Methods: Participants (n=2662, mean age 74.6±4.8) from the longitudinal population-based AGES (Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility)-Reykjavik Study underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and on average 5.2 years later. We assessed the number and location of brain infarcts (prevalent versus incident). We estimated the risk-ratios of prevalent (PRR) and incident (IRR) infarcts by baseline cerebrovascular risk-factors using Poisson regression. Results: Thirty-one percent of the study participants had prevalent brain infarcts and 21% developed new infarcts over 5 years. Prevalent subcortical infarcts were associated with hypertension (PRR, 2.7 [95% CI, 1.1–6.8]), systolic blood pressure (PRR, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.1–1.4]), and diabetes (PRR, 2.8 [95% CI, 1.9–4.1]); incident subcortical infarcts were associated with systolic (IRR, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.0–1.4]) and diastolic (IRR, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.0–1.6]) blood pressure. Prevalent and incident cortical infarcts were associated with carotid plaques (PRR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.3–2.5] and IRR, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.3–2.9], respectively), and atrial fibrillation was significantly associated with prevalent cortical infarcts (PRR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.2–2.7]). Risk-factors for prevalent cerebellar infarcts included hypertension (PRR, 2.45 [95% CI, 1.5–4.0]), carotid plaques (PRR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.2–1.8]), and migraine with aura (PRR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.1–2.2]). Incident cerebellar infarcts were only associated with any migraine (IRR, 1.4 [95% CI, 1.0–2.0]). Conclusions: The risk for subcortical infarcts tends to increase with small vessel disease risk-factors such as hypertension and diabetes. Risk for cortical infarcts tends to increase with atherosclerotic/coronary processes and risk for cerebellar infarcts with a more mixed profile of factors. Assessment of risk-factors by location of asymptomatic infarcts found on magnetic resonance imaging may improve the ability to target and optimize preventive therapeutic approaches to prevent stroke.
Dosage, Efficacy, and Safety of Intra-articular Vancomycin for Prophylaxis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus after Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Rat Model

Although intra-articular vancomycin powder (VP) is sometimes applied before the closure of the incision to prevent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after joint replacement, the dosage, efficacy, and safety remain controversial. This study aimed to explore the dosage, efficacy, and safety of intra-articular VP in the prophylaxis of infection after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a rat model. ABSTRACT Although intra-articular vancomycin powder (VP) is sometimes applied before the closure of the incision to prevent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after joint replacement, the dosage, efficacy, and safety remain controversial. This study aimed to explore the dosage, efficacy, and safety of intra-articular VP in the prophylaxis of infection after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a rat model. Sixty male rats were randomly divided into five groups after receiving TKA: control (no antibiotics); systemic vancomycin (SV) (intraperitoneal injection, 88 mg/kg of body weight, equal to 1 g in a patient weighing 70 kg); and VP0.5, VP1.0, and VP2.0 (44 mg/kg, 88 mg/kg and 176 mg/kg, respectively; intra-articular). All animals were inoculated in the knee with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). General status, serum biomarkers, radiology, microbiological assay, and histopathological tests were assessed within 14 days postoperation. Compared with the control and SV groups, bacterial counts, knee width, tissue inflammation, and osteolysis were reduced in the VP0.5, VP1.0, and VP2.0 groups, without notable body weight loss and incision complications. Among all the VP groups, VP1.0 and VP2.0 groups presented superior outcomes with regard to knee width and tissue inflammation than the VP0.5 group. Microbial culture indicated that no MRSA survived in the knee of VP1.0 and VP2.0 groups, while bacteria growth was observed in the VP0.5 group. No obvious changes in the structure and functional biomarkers of liver and kidney were observed in either the SV or VP groups. Therefore, intra-articular vancomycin powder at a dosage from 88 mg/kg to 176 mg/kg may be effective and safe in preventing PJI induced by methicillin-resistant S. aureus in the rat TKA model.
Tolerance of peritoneal and residual renal function to intraperitoneal gadolinium‐based agents: An animal experimental study of magnetic resonance peritoneography

MR (Magnetic resonance) peritoneography is sensible for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)‐related complications, which could offer excellent soft‐tissue contrast and allows a multiplanar imaging evaluation of complications. However, there is no study about the optimal concentration of the gadolinium‐based agents nor the side effects of gadolinium‐based agents on peritoneum and residual renal function.
Wind turbine control applications of turbine-mounted LIDAR

In recent years there has been much interest in the possible use of LIDAR systems for improving the performance of wind turbine controllers, by providing preview information about the approaching wind field. Various potential benefits have been suggested, and experimental measurements have sometimes been used to claim surprising gains in performance. This paper reports on an independent study which has used detailed analytical methods for two main purposes: firstly to try to evaluate the likely benefits of LIDAR-assisted control objectively, and secondly to provide advice to LIDAR manufacturers about the characteristics of LIDAR systems which are most likely to be of value for this application. Many different LIDAR configurations were compared: as a general conclusion, systems should be able to sample at least 10 points every second, reasonably distributed around the swept area, and allowing a look-ahead time of a few seconds. An important conclusion is that the main benefit of the LIDAR will be to enhance of collective pitch control to reduce thrust-related fatigue loads; there is some indication that extreme loads can also be reduced, but this depends on other considerations which are discussed in the paper. LIDAR-assisted individual pitch control, optimal Cp tracking and yaw control were also investigated, but the benefits over conventional methods are less clear.
Dynamic Behavioural Pattern Mining Using Multiple Adaptive Sliding Window

Tremendous and potentially infinite volumes of data streams are often generated by real-time surveillance systems, communication networks, Internet traffic, on-line transactions in the financial market or retail industry, electric power grids, industry production processes, scientific and engineering experiments, remote sensors, and other dynamic environments. Unlike traditional data sets, stream data flow in and out of a
Complete genomic analysis of uncommon G12P[11] rotavirus causing a nosocomial outbreak of acute diarrhea in the newborns in New Delhi, India

Rotaviruses (RVs) are the major causative agents of acute gastroenteritis in children, but in neonates, RV infections are generally nosocomial in origin and mostly asymptomatic. However, there have been infrequent reports of nosocomial outbreaks of clinical disease in this population. In this study, we describe uncommon RV genotype; G12P[11] associated with an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis in the neonatal ward and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in New Delhi, North India. Full‐genome analyses of the pathogenic G12P[11] strain was carried out to map the genotype constellation and further to explore the variations in the antigenic epitopes on the immunodominant VP7 and VP4 proteins, the amino acid sequences were compared with neonatal strains; ROTAVAC® (G9P[11]) and asymptomatic G12P[11] and also other G/P‐type matched strains. The study revealed G12–P[11]–I1–R1–C1–M1–A1–N1–T1–E1–H1 human Wa‐like genotype constellation and highlights evidence of gene reassortment. No significant differences were observed in the sequences of structural (except VP3) and nonstructural encoding genes of G12P[11] strains recovered from symptomatic and asymptomatic neonates. Presence of additional N‐linked glycosylation site was noted in the G12 strains, as a consequence of a change from Asp→Asn at amino acid position 238. Interestingly, only two and four amino acids substitution within the 7‐1a and 8‐1 antigenic epitope were observed, respectively, compared with asymptomatic G12P[11] strain. The study emphasizes the importance of close monitoring of RV outbreaks in neonates for early alarming of novel strain.
Group I PAKs in myelin formation and repair of the central nervous system: what, when, and how

p21‐activated kinases (PAKs) are a family of cell division control protein 42/ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Cdc42/Rac1)‐activated serine/threonine kinases. Group I PAKs (PAK1–3) have distinct activation mechanisms from group II PAKs (PAK4–6) and are the focus of this review. In transformed cancer cells, PAKs regulate a variety of cellular processes and molecular pathways which are also important for myelin formation and repair in the central nervous system (CNS). De novo mutations in group I PAKs are frequently seen in children with neurodevelopmental defects and white matter anomalies. Group I PAKs regulate virtually every aspect of neuronal development and function. Yet their functions in CNS myelination and remyelination remain incompletely defined. Herein, we highlight the current understanding of PAKs in regulating cellular and molecular pathways and discuss the status of PAK‐regulated pathways in oligodendrocyte development. We point out outstanding questions and future directions in the research field of group I PAKs and oligodendrocyte development.
Micron-scale supramolecular myosin arrays help mediate cytoskeletal assembly at mature adherens junctions

Yu-Kemp et al. explore mechanisms that epithelial cells use to assemble supramolecular actomyosin structures at E-Cadherin–based cell–cell junctions. They find that individual actin assembly pathways are not essential. Instead, microscopy and pharmacologic inhibition suggest that micron-scale supramolecular myosin arrays help bundle actin at mature junctions.
In vitro cytotoxic data on Se-methylselenocysteine conjugated to dendritic poly(glycerol) against human squamous carcinoma cells

Abstract Polymeric nanoparticles acting as sources of selenium (Se) are currently an interesting topic in cancer chemotherapy. In this study, polyglycerol dendrimer (DPGLy) was functionalized with seleno-methyl-selenocysteine (SeMeCys) by means of Steglich esterification with 4-dimethylaminopyridine/(l-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide) (EDC/DMAP) and cerium chloride as cocatalyst in acetonitrile at quantitative yields of 98 ± 1%. The SeMeCys coupling DPGLy efficiency vs. time were determined by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The cytotoxic effects of SeMeCys–DPGLy on the Chinese Hamster ovary cell line (CHO-K1) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells line were assessed by MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) assay. No signs of general toxicity of SeMeCys–DPGLy against CHO-K1 cells were detectable at which cell viability was greater than 98%. MTS assays revealed that SeMeCys–DPGLy reduced HNSCC cell viability and proliferation at higher doses and long incubation times.
Sliding mode control for autonomous vehicles with long delay to track straight paths

In this paper is presented the application of Sliding Mode Controller in autonomous vehicles with long dead time to track straight paths. The proposed controller is synthesized from a general reduced order model of the robot. This approach makes possible the application of this controller to different kind of robots, if they can be approximated by that kind of model. Based on computer simulations the proposed controller is compared against feedback state and lateral feedback position controllers. The robot model used is a cinematic one corresponding with a tricycle type model. The results show that the proposed approach presents better performance than the other two.
Influence of Postponed Follow-Up after Cochlear Implant Activation during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Aided Sound Field Detection and Speech Recognition

Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess the influence of postponing the first post-activation follow-up due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the aided sound field detection thresholds and speech recognition of cochlear implant (CI) users. Methods: A retrospective review was performed at a tertiary referral center. Two groups of adult CI recipients were evaluated: (1) patients whose first post-activation follow-up was postponed due to COVID-19 closures (postponed group; n = 10) and (2) a control group that attended recommended post-activation follow-ups prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (control group; n = 18). For both groups, electric thresholds were estimated at initial activation based on comfort levels and were measured behaviorally at subsequent post-activation follow-ups. For the control group, behavioral thresholds were measured at the 1-month follow-up. For the postponed group, behavioral thresholds were not measured until 3 months post-activation since the 1-month follow-up was postponed. The aided pure-tone average (PTA) and word recognition results were compared between groups at the 3-month follow-up and at an interim visit 2–9 weeks later. Results: At the 3-month follow-up, the postponed group had significantly poorer word recognition (23 vs. 42%, p = 0.027) and aided PTA (42 vs. 37 dB HL, p = 0.041) than the control group. No significant differences were observed between 3-month data from the control group and interim data from the postponed group. Conclusions: The postponed follow-up after CI activation was associated with poorer outcomes, both in terms of speech recognition and aided audibility. However, these detrimental effects were reversed following provision of an individualized map, with behaviorally measured electric threshold and comfort levels. While adult CI recipients demonstrate an improvement in speech recognition with estimated electric thresholds, the present results suggest that behavioral mapping within the initial weeks of device use may support optimal outcomes.
Growth of Neanderthal infants from Krapina (120–130 ka), Croatia

Modern humans have a slow and extended period of childhood growth, but to what extent this ontogenetic pathway was present in Neanderthals is debated. Dental development, linked to the duration of somatic growth across modern primates, is the main source for information about growth and development in a variety of fossil primates, including humans. Studies of Neanderthal permanent teeth report a pace of development either similar to recent humans or relatively accelerated. Neanderthal milk teeth, which form and emerge before permanent teeth, provide an opportunity to determine which pattern was present at birth. Here we present a comparative study of the prenatal and early postnatal growth of five milk teeth from three Neanderthals (120 000–130 000 years ago) using virtual histology. Results reveal regions of their milk teeth formed quickly before birth and over a relatively short period of time after birth. Tooth emergence commenced towards the earliest end of the eruption schedules displayed by extant human children. Advanced dental development is consistent with expectations for Neanderthal infant feeding.
Insect-host control of obligate, intracellular symbiont density

Many insects rely on intracellular bacterial symbionts to supplement their specialized diets with micronutrients. Using data from diverse and well-studied insect systems, we propose three lines of evidence suggesting that hosts have tight control over the density of their obligate, intracellular bacterial partners. First, empirical studies have demonstrated that the within-host symbiont density varies depending on the nutritional and developmental requirements of the host. Second, symbiont genomes are highly reduced and have limited capacity for self-replication or transcriptional regulation. Third, several mechanisms exist for hosts to tolerate, regulate and remove symbionts including physical compartmentalization and autophagy. We then consider whether such regulation is adaptive, by discussing the relationship between symbiont density and host fitness. We discuss current limitations of empirical studies for exploring fitness effects in host–symbiont relationships, and emphasize the potential for using mathematical models to formalize evolutionary hypotheses and to generate testable predictions for future work.
Effectiveness of self-help plus (SH+) in reducing anxiety and post-traumatic symptomatology among care home workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial

This article describes a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a supervised online delivery of self-help plus (SH+), during the second wave of COVID-19 contagions in Northern Italy. The SH+ is a psychological intervention developed by the World Health Organization to increase a person's ability to deal with stress. In this trial, it was tested primarily as a tool to reduce anxiety and post-traumatic symptomatology in workers of residential nursing and care homes. In order to partial out non-specific effects of the intervention, the SH+ was compared to an equally supervised and structured alternative activity. Secondarily, in view of future emergencies, the potential of SH+ as a tool to reduce perceived stress, increase subjective well-being and foster individual resilience was explored. At post-intervention, the preregistered analysis revealed no difference in self-reported anxiety and/or post-traumatic symptomatology between the group receiving the SH+ and the group engaged in an alternative activity. Some specific and positive effects of the SH+ intervention were only found on self-reported intervention effectiveness and engagement in exploratory analyses. These findings raise the question whether the previously documented effectiveness of the SH+ on self-reported symptomatology and on the prevention of psychiatric conditions could be attributed mostly to non-specific rather than specific factors connected with participant enrolment in a psychological intervention. Indeed, the effects of the SH+ had been previously compared only to the effects of not being engaged in any alternative activity (often described in the literature as ‘treatment as usual’—or ‘enhanced treatment as usual’, when some relevant information is given to the control group as a one-off). Given the negative findings of this study, before the SH+ is implemented in clinical practice, further studies should be conducted to examine its short- and long-term beneficial effects, by means of randomized studies that employ alternative but similarly structured interventions as control conditions, aiming to minimize the confounding effect of non-specific factors.