Trapezoidal cross-sectional influence on FinFET threshold voltage and corner effects

Fin field effect transistors (FinFETS) are silicon-on-insulator (SOI) transistors with three-dimensional structures. As a result of some fabrication-process limitations (as nonideal anisotropic overetch) some FinFETs have inclined surfaces, which results in trapezoidal cross sections instead of rectangular sections, as expected. This geometric alteration results in some device issues, like carrier profile, threshold voltage, and corner effects. This work analyzes these consequences based on three-dimensional numeric simulation of several dual-gate and triple-gate FinFETs. The simulation results show that the threshold voltage depends on the sidewall inclination angle and that this dependence varies according to the body doping level. The corner effects also depend on the inclination angle and doping level. (C) 2008 The Electrochemical Society.

Time Changes with the Embodiment of Another's Body Posture

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the perception of presentation durations of pictures of different body postures was distorted as function of the embodied movement that originally produced these postures. Participants were presented with two pictures, one with a low-arousal body posture judged to require no movement and the other with a high-arousal body posture judged to require considerable movement. In a temporal bisection task with two ranges of standard durations (0.4/1.6 s and 2/8 s), the participants had to judge whether the presentation duration of each of the pictures was more similar to the short or to the long standard duration. The results showed that the duration was judged longer for the posture requiring more movement than for the posture requiring less movement. However the magnitude of this overestimation was relatively greater for the range of short durations than for that of longer durations. Further analyses suggest that this lengthening effect was mediated by an arousal effect of limited duration on the speed of the internal clock system.

Short-term nutritional counseling reduces body mass index, waist circumference, triceps skinfold and triglycerides in women with metabolic syndrome

Background: It is recognized that the growing epidemic of metabolic syndrome is related to dietary and lifestyle changes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate short-term application of nutritional counseling in women with metabolic syndrome. Methods: This follow-up study was conducted from September to November 2008 with thirty three women >= 35 years old screened clinically for nutritional counseling. Dietary intake was reported, and biochemical and body composition measures were taken at baseline and after three months of follow-up. Results: Of the 33 women evaluated, 29 patients completed the study. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity was high at 38%, 72.4%, 55.2%, and 75.8%, respectively. At the end of three-months of follow-up, a significant decline in body mass index, waist circumference, triceps skinfold, and triglycerides was observed, as was an increase in calcium and vitamin D intake. The multiple regression analysis showed that changes in body mass index, triceps skinfold, waist circumference and triglyceride levels after nutritional intervention were positively associated with changes in anthropometric (loss of body weight) and biochemical (decrease of TG/HDL-c ratio) parameters. Moreover, waist circumference changes were negatively associated with changes in calcium and vitamin D intake. Conclusion: Short-term nutritional counseling improved some factors of metabolic syndrome. Moreover, the increases in calcium and vitamin D consumption can be associated with the improvement in markers of metabolic syndrome.

Robotic Resection of Intraductal Neoplasm of the Pancreas

Background: Minimally invasive techniques have been revolutionary and provide clinical evidence of decreased morbidity and comparable efficacy to traditional open surgery. Computer-assisted surgical devices have recently been approved for general surgical use. Aim: The aim of this study was to report the first known case of pancreatic resection with the use of a computer-assisted, or robotic, surgical device in Latin America. Patient and Methods: A 37-year-old female with a previous history of radical mastectomy for bilateral breast cancer due to a BRCA2 mutation presented with an acute pancreatitis episode. Radiologic investigation disclosed an intraductal pancreatic neoplasm located in the neck of the pancreas with atrophy of the body and tail. The main pancreatic duct was enlarged. The surgical decision was to perform a laparoscopic subtotal pancreatectomy, using the da Vinci (R) robotic system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA). Five trocars were used. Pancreatic transection was achieved with vascular endoscopic stapler. The surgical specimen was removed without an additional incision. Results: Operative time was 240 minutes. Blood loss was minimal, and the patient did not receive a transfusion. The recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 4. Conclusions: The subtotal laparoscopic pancreatic resection can safely be performed. The da Vinci robotic system allowed for technical refinements of laparoscopic pancreatic resection. Robotic assistance improved the dissection and control of major blood vessels due to three-dimensional visualization of the operative field and instruments with wrist-type end-effectors.

New methodology to assess activity status of occlusal caries in primary teeth using laser fluorescence device

An in vivo study was conducted to verify the ability of laser fluorescence (LF) to assess the activity status of occlusal caries in primary teeth, using different air-drying times. Occlusal sites (707) were examined using LF (DIAGNOdent) after air-drying for 3 s and 15 s, and the difference between readings (DIF15 s-3 s) was calculated. For concurrent validation of LF, visual criteria-Nyvad (NY) and Lesion Activity Assessment associated with the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (LAA-ICDAS)-were the reference standards for lesion activity. Histological exam using a pH-indicator dye (0.1% methyl red) was performed in 46 exfoliated/extracted teeth for criterion validation. LF readings and DIF15 s-3 s were compared using Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed and validity parameters calculated, considering the caries activity assessment. Using NY, active lesions (3 s: 30.0 +/- 29.3; 15 s: 34.2 +/- 30.6) presented higher LF readings than inactive lesions (3 s: 17.0 +/- 16.3; 15 s: 19.2 +/- 17.3; p <0.05), different from LAA-ICDAS. Active cavitated caries resulted in higher LF readings (3 s: 50.3 +/- 3.5; 15 s: 54.7 +/- 30.2) than inactive cavitated caries (3 s: 19.9 +/- 16.3; 15 s: 22.8 +/- 16.8). Therefore, LF can distinguish cavitated active and inactive lesions classified by NY, but not by LAA-ICDAS; however, this difference might be related to the visual system rather than to LF. The air-drying time could be an alternative to improve the caries activity assessment; however, longer air-drying time is suggested to be tested subsequently. (C) 2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. [DOI: 10.1117/1.3463007]

Life-History Evolution on Tropidurinae Lizards: Influence of Lineage, Body Size and Climate

The study of life history variation is central to the evolutionary theory. In many ectothermic lineages, including lizards, life history traits are plastic and relate to several sources of variation including body size, which is both a factor and a life history trait likely to modulate reproductive parameters. Larger species within a lineage, for example tend to be more fecund and have larger clutch size, but clutch size may also be influenced by climate, independently of body size. Thus, the study of climatic effects on lizard fecundity is mandatory on the current scenario of global climatic change. We asked how body and clutch size have responded to climate through time in a group of tropical lizards, the Tropidurinae, and how these two variables relate to each other. We used both traditional and phylogenetic comparative methods. Body and clutch size are variable within Tropidurinae, and both traits are influenced by phylogenetic position. Across the lineage, species which evolved larger size produce more eggs and neither trait is influenced by temperature components. A climatic component of precipitation, however, relates to larger female body size, and therefore seems to exert an indirect relationship on clutch size. This effect of precipitation on body size is likely a correlate of primary production. A decrease in fecundity is expected for Tropidurinae species on continental landmasses, which are predicted to undergo a decrease in summer rainfall.

PAKs supplement improves immune status and body composition but not muscle strength in resistance trained individuals

Mixed formula supplements are very popular among recreational and professional weightlifters. They are usually known as PAKs and they are supposed to have a synergistic effect of their different nutrients. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of chronic (4 weeks) PAKS supplementation in combination with strength training on body composition, immune status and performance measures in recreationally trained individuals with or without PAKs supplementation. Methods: Twelve male subjects (Placebo n = 6 and PAKs supplement n = 6) were recruited for this study. The body composition, one maximum strength repetition tests and immune status were assessed before and after 4 week supplementation. Our data showed that, 4 week PAK supplementation associated with strength exercise not was effective in change strength than compared with placebo group. However, we observed that, PAK supplement was able to improve immune status and reduced body composition when compared with placebo group. These results indicate that, a mixed formula supplement is able to improve immune status and body composition but not maximum strength in recreational strength trained subjects in a 4 weeks period.

Mn-doped cubic BN as an atomiclike memory device: A density functional study

We investigate the electronic properties of Mn(B) substitutional doping in cubic boron nitride (BN), for different charge states, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We show that the neutral Mn has a nonmagnetic ground state (S=0). Upon charge injection, it is unambiguously shown that the Mn(B)(-) has a high-spin configuration with a strong, localized magnetic moment of 5 mu(Bohr). We developed a simple model, parameterized by the DFT results, that allows us to interpret the rules played by the crystal-field and exchange-correlation splitting in the magnetization process.

Organic molecule assembled between carbon nanotubes: A highly efficient switch device

We report a highly efficient switch built from an organic molecule assembled between single-wall carbon nanotube electrodes. We theoretically show that changes in the distance between the electrodes alter the molecular conformation within the gap, affecting in a dramatic way the electronic and charge transport properties, with an on/off ratio larger than 300. This opens up the perspective of combining molecular electronics with carbon nanotubes, bringing great possibilities for the design of nanodevices.

Many-Body Effects on the rho(xx) Ringlike Structures in Two-Subband Wells

The longitudinal resistivity rho(xx) of two-dimensional electron gases formed in wells with two subbands displays ringlike structures when plotted in a density-magnetic-field diagram, due to the crossings of spin-split Landau levels (LLs) from distinct subbands. Using spin density functional theory and linear response, we investigate the shape and spin polarization of these structures as a function of temperature and magnetic-field tilt angle. We find that (i) some of the rings ""break'' at sufficiently low temperatures due to a quantum Hall ferromagnetic phase transition, thus exhibiting a high degree of spin polarization (similar to 50%) within, consistent with the NMR data of Zhang et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 246802 (2007)], and (ii) for increasing tilting angles the interplay between the anticrossings due to inter-LL couplings and the exchange-correlation effects leads to a collapse of the rings at some critical angle theta(c), in agreement with the data of Guo et al. [Phys. Rev. B 78, 233305 (2008)].

Reverse engineering in many-body quantum physics: Correspondence between many-body systems and effective single-particle equations

The mapping, exact or approximate, of a many-body problem onto an effective single-body problem is one of the most widely used conceptual and computational tools of physics. Here, we propose and investigate the inverse map of effective approximate single-particle equations onto the corresponding many-particle system. This approach allows us to understand which interacting system a given single-particle approximation is actually describing, and how far this is from the original physical many-body system. We illustrate the resulting reverse engineering process by means of the Kohn-Sham equations of density-functional theory. In this application, our procedure sheds light on the nonlocality of the density-potential mapping of density-functional theory, and on the self-interaction error inherent in approximate density functionals.

A sampling device to quantify offspring release of sessile marine invertebrates

Quantifying the rate of propagule release is of most importance to estimate reproductive output of natural populations, but simple methods to obtain such data are seldom reported. We designed and tested an inexpensive apparatus capable of reliably measure the release of gametes, eggs or larvae of sessile marine invertebrates in vertical walls. A population of the acom barnacle Chthamalus bisinuatus was sampled with this trap over 68d to obtain a time series of naupliar release. An apparent semilunar trend is shown, indicating the effectiveness of this sampling method.

Resistance Training with Vascular Occlusion in Inclusion Body Myositis: A Case Study

GUALANO, B., M. NEVES JR, F. R. LIMA, A. L. PINTO, G. LAURENTINO, C. BORGES, L. BAPTISTA, G. G. ARTIOLI, M. S. AOKI, A. MORISCOT, A. H. LANCHA JR, E. BONFA, and C. UGRINOWITSCH. Resistance Training with Vascular Occlusion in Inclusion Body Myositis: A Case Study. Med Sci. Spot-is Exerc., Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 250-254, 2010. Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a rare idiopathic inflammatory myopathy that produces remarkable muscle weakness. Resistance training with vascular occlusion has been shown to improve muscle strength and cross-sectional area in other muscle wasting conditions. Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy of a moderate-intensity resistance training program combined with vascular occlusion by examining functional capacity, muscle morphology, and changes in the expression of genes related to muscle protein synthesis and proteolysis in a patient with IBM. Methods: A 65-yr-old man with IBM resistant to all proposed treatments underwent resistance training with vascular occlusion for 12 wk. Leg press one-repetition maximum; thigh cross-sectional area; balance, mobility, and muscle function; quality of life; and blood markers of inflammation and muscle damage were assessed at baseline and after the 12-wk program. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of mechanogrowth factor, mammalian target of rapamycin, atrogin-1, and muscle RING finger-1 were also quantified. Results: After the 12-wk training program, the patient`s leg press one-repetition maximum, balance and mobility function, and thigh cross-sectional area increased 15.9%, 60%, and 4.7%, respectively. All Short Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire subscales demonstrated improvements as well, varying from 18% to 600%. mRNA expression of mechanogrowth factor increased 3.97-fold, whereas that of atrogin-1 decreased 0.62-fold. Muscle RING finger-1 and mammalian target of rapamycin mRNA levels were only slightly altered, 1.18- and 1.28-fold, respectively. Importantly, the exercise did not induce disease flare. Conclusions: We describe a novel, and likely the first, nonpharmacological therapeutic tool that might be able to counteract the muscle atrophy and the declining strength that usually occur in IBM.

Ventilation behavior during upper-body incremental exercise

Pires, FO, Hammond, J, Lima-Silva, AE, Bertuzzi, RCM, and Kiss, MAPDM. Ventilation behavior during upper-body incremental exercise. J Strength Cond Res 25(1): 225-230, 2011-This study tested the ventilation (V(E)) behavior during upper-body incremental exercise by mathematical models that calculate 1 or 2 thresholds and compared the thresholds identified by mathematical models with V-slope, ventilatory equivalent for oxygen uptake (V(E)/(V) over dotO(2)), and ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide uptake (V(E)/(V) over dotCO(2)). Fourteen rock climbers underwent an upper-body incremental test on a cycle ergometer with increases of approximately 20 W.min(-1) until exhaustion at a cranking frequency of approximately 90 rpm. The V(E) data were smoothed to 10-second averages for V(E) time plotting. The bisegmental and the 3-segmental linear regression models were calculated from 1 or 2 intercepts that best shared the V(E) curve in 2 or 3 linear segments. The ventilatory threshold(s) was determined mathematically by the intercept(s) obtained by bisegmental and 3-segmental models, by V-slope model, or visually by V(E)/(V) over dotO(2) and V(E)/(V) over dotCO(2). There was no difference between bisegmental (mean square error [MSE] = 35.3 +/- 32.7 l.min(-1)) and 3-segmental (MSE = 44.9 +/- 47.8 l.min(-1)) models in fitted data. There was no difference between ventilatory threshold identified by the bisegmental (28.2 +/- 6.8 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)) and second ventilatory threshold identified by the 3-segmental (30.0 +/- 5.1 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)), V(E)/(V) over dotO(2) (28.8 +/- 5.5 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)), or V-slope (28.5 +/- 5.6 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)). However, the first ventilatory threshold identified by 3-segmental (23.1 +/- 4.9 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)) or by VE/(V) over dotO(2) (24.9 +/- 4.4 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)) was different from these 4. The V(E) behavior during upper-body exercise tends to show only 1 ventilatory threshold. These findings have practical implications because this point is frequently used for aerobic training prescription in healthy subjects, athletes, and in elderly or diseased populations. The ventilatory threshold identified by V(E) curve should be used for aerobic training prescription in healthy subjects and athletes.

Performance of body fat and body mass index cutoffs in elevated blood pressure screening among male children and adolescents

For percentage of body fat (%BF), there are no internationally accepted cutoffs. The primary function of body fat cutoffs should be to identify not only excessive body fatness, but also the increased risk of unhealthy outcomes, such as hypertension. The purpose of this study was to analyze the accuracy of different %BF and body mass index (BMI) cutoffs as screening measures for EBP in pediatric populations. It was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 358 male subjects from 8 to 18 years old. BP was measured by the oscilometric method, and body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The accuracy of three reference tables used for body fat cutoffs was assessed. The three body fat reference tables were highly specific, but insensitive, for elevated BP screening. For elevated BP screening, all body fat cutoffs presented similar sensitivity (range=48.3-53.7%) and specificity (range=79.2-84.1%). The body fat cutoffs performed no better than BMI in screening of children and adolescents at risk of elevated BP (EBP). BMI seems a more attractive tool for this function, as it performed similarly and can be applied in large surveys and with lower costs. Hypertension Research (2011) 34, 963-967; doi:10.1038/hr.2011.61; published online 26 May 2011