Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On process variation tolerant low cost thermal sensor design in 32nm CMOS technology

Thermal management has emerged as an important design issue in a range of designs from portable devices to server systems. Internal thermal sensors are an integral part of such a management system. Process variations in CMOS circuits cause accuracy problems for thermal sensors which can be fixed by calibration tables. Stand-alone thermal sensors are calibrated to fix such problems. However, calibration requires going through temperature steps in a tester, increasing test application time and cost. Consequently, calibrating thermal sensors in typical digital designs including mainstream desktop and notebook processors increases the cost of the processor. This creates a need for design of thermal sensors whose accuracy does not vary significantly with process variations. Other qualities desired from thermal sensors include low area requirement so that many of them maybe integrated in a design as well as low power dissipation, such that the sensor itself does not become a significant source of heat. In this paper, we present a process variation tolerant thermal sensor design with (i) active compensation circuitry and (ii) signal dithering based self calibration technique to meet the above requirements in 32nm technology. Results show that we achieve ±3ºC temperature accuracy, with a relatively small design. This compares well with designs that are currently used.
Efficacy of Berberine Alone and in Combination for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review

The objective of this review is to identify, summarize, and evaluate clinical trials of berberine for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and other dyslipidemias. A literature search for randomized, controlled trials of berberine that assessed at least 2 lipid values as endpoints resulted in identification of 12 articles that met criteria. The majority of evaluated articles consistently suggest that berberine has a beneficial effect on low-density lipoprotein (reductions ranging from approximately 20 to 50 mg/dL) and triglycerides (reductions ranging from approximately 25 to 55 mg/dL). Common study limitations included lack of reporting of precision in their endpoints, description of blinding, transparency in flow of patients, and reporting of baseline concomitant medications. Berberine could serve as an alternative for patients who are intolerant to statins, patients resistant to starting statin therapy but who are open to alternative treatments, and for low-risk patients not indicated for statin therapy.
Effective low-density lipoprotein-lowering therapy: Implementation in clinical practice

Although age-adjusted mortality of coronary heart disease has been successfully reduced over recent years, coronary heart disease still represents a leading cause of death and morbidity, in particular in patients at very high cardiovascular risk. Dyslipidaemia plays a major and causal role in the development and clinical progression of coronary heart disease. At present, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol represents the primary target of lipid-directed therapies for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and events. The new European guidelines recommend intensive statin therapy and the possible addition of ezetimibe to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to a goal of less than 1.8 mmol/L (<70 mg/dL) or by at least 50% if the baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is between 1.8 and 3.5 mmol/L (70–135 mg/dL) in patients at very high cardiovascular risk. Also, the new European guidelines now mention the potential use of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in very high-risk patients with persistently high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol despite maximally tolerated statin treatment in combination with ezetimibe or in patients with statin intolerance. A recent European consensus document discusses the practical clinical use of PCSK9 inhibitors and provides more detailed recommendations. However, despite the overwhelming scientific evidence of the beneficial effects of lipid-lowering therapies, a large proportion of patients at very high cardiovascular risk are not treated according to the current European guideline recommendations. Reinforcing lipid-lowering therapies provides an excellent chance effectively to reduce morbidity and mortality from coronary heart disease.
Aspirin as a potential modality for the chemoprevention of breast cancer: A dose-response meta-analysis of cohort studies from 857,831 participants

Background Previous meta-analyses on the relationship between aspirin use and breast cancer risk have drawn inconsistent results. In addition, the threshold effect of different doses, frequencies and durations of aspirin use in preventing breast cancer have yet to be established. Results The search yielded 13 prospective cohort studies (N=857,831 participants) that reported an average of 7.6 cases/1,000 person-years of breast cancer during a follow-up period of from 4.4 to 14 years. With a random effects model, a borderline significant inverse association was observed between overall aspirin use and breast cancer risk, with a summarized RR = 0.94 (P = 0.051, 95% CI 0.87-1.01). The linear regression model was a better fit for the dose-response relationship, which displayed a potential relationship between the frequency of aspirin use and breast cancer risk (RR = 0.97, 0.95 and 0.90 for 5, 10 and 20 times/week aspirin use, respectively). It was also a better fit for the duration of aspirin use and breast cancer risk (RR = 0.86, 0.73 and 0.54 for 5, 10 and 20 years of aspirin use). Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases through early October 2016 for relevant prospective cohort studies of aspirin use and breast cancer risk. Meta-analysis of relative risks (RR) estimates associated with aspirin intake were presented by fixed or random effects models. The dose-response meta-analysis was performed by linear trend regression and restricted cubic spline regression. Conclusion Our study confirmed a dose-response relationship between aspirin use and breast cancer risk. For clinical prevention, long term (>5 years) consistent use (2-7 times/week) of aspirin appears to be more effective in achieving a protective effect against breast cancer.
Converting Lymphoma Cells into Potent Antigen-Presenting Cells for Interferon-Induced Tumor Regression

Although mAbs to hCD20 are used therapeutically for B-cell lymphoma, some lymphomas are resistant. In mice, interferon-α (IFNα) abolished resistance. Treatment with an anti-CD20–IFNα fusion protein eradicated B-cell lymphoma by co-opting tumor cells to present antigen. Anti-hCD20 is a therapeutic mAb that is clinically used to treat B-cell lymphoma. Some lymphomas are resistant to anti-hCD20; others relapse after treatment with anti-hCD20. Using a syngeneic immunocompetent mouse model, we observed that targeting lymphoma with interferon-α (IFNα) abolished resistance of B-cell lymphoma to anti-CD20 while limiting interferon (IFN)-associated systemic toxicity in the host. Control of tumors by a fusion of anti-CD20 and IFNα (anti–CD20-IFNα) depended on existing tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Although lymphomas were resistant to IFN-directed killing, IFN-exposed tumor cells became the dominant antigen-presenting cells (APC) for the reactivation of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells that then controlled those lymphomas. Anti–CD20-IFNα also abolished checkpoint blockade resistance in advanced B-cell lymphoma. Our findings indicate that anti–CD20-IFNα eradicates B-cell lymphoma by employing tumor cells as APCs to reactivate tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells and synergizing with anti–PD-L1 treatment. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(7); 560–70. ©2017 AACR.
Virus-Like-Vaccines against HIV

Protection against chronic infections has necessitated the development of ever-more potent vaccination tools. HIV seems to be the most challenging foe, with a remarkable, poorly immunogenic and fragile surface glycoprotein and the ability to overpower the cell immune system. Virus-like-particle (VLP) vaccines have emerged as potent inducers of antibody and helper T cell responses, while replication-deficient viral vectors have yielded potent cytotoxic T cell responses. Here, we review the emerging concept of merging these two technologies into virus-like-vaccines (VLVs) for the targeting of HIV. Such vaccines are immunologically perceived as viruses, as they infect cells and produce VLPs in situ, but they only resemble viruses, as the replication defective vectors and VLPs cannot propagate an infection. The inherent safety of such a platform, despite robust particle production, is a distinct advantage over live-attenuated vaccines that must balance safety and immunogenicity. Previous studies have delivered VLVs encoded in modified Vaccinia Ankara vectors and we have developed the concept into a single-reading adenovirus-based technology capable of eliciting robust CD8+ and CD4+ T cells responses and trimer binding antibody responses. Such vaccines offer the potential to display the naturally produced immunogen directly and induce an integrated humoral and cellular immune response.
Estrogen Receptor α Mediates Proliferation of Osteoblastic Cells Stimulated by Estrogen and Mechanical Strain, but Their Acute Down-regulation of the Wnt Antagonist Sost Is Mediated by Estrogen Receptor β*

Background: Strain and estrogens down-regulate Sost/sclerostin and stimulate osteoblastic proliferation. Results: ERα inhibition prevents proliferation. ERβ inhibition prevents Sost down-regulation by strain or estradiol. Sclerostin prevents proliferation following strain and not estradiol. Conclusion: ERα promotes proliferation, and ERβ mediates Sost down-regulation following estradiol ligand stimulation and ligand independently following strain. Significance: Selective ER modulators could promote osteogenesis through differential regulation of Sost and proliferation. Mechanical strain and estrogens both stimulate osteoblast proliferation through estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated effects, and both down-regulate the Wnt antagonist Sost/sclerostin. Here, we investigate the differential effects of ERα and -β in these processes in mouse long bone-derived osteoblastic cells and human Saos-2 cells. Recruitment to the cell cycle following strain or 17β-estradiol occurs within 30 min, as determined by Ki-67 staining, and is prevented by the ERα antagonist 1,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-5-[4-(2-piperidinylethoxy)phenol]-1H-pyrazole dihydrochloride. ERβ inhibition with 4-[2-phenyl-5,7-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-β]pyrimidin-3-yl] phenol (PTHPP) increases basal proliferation similarly to strain or estradiol. Both strain and estradiol down-regulate Sost expression, as does in vitro inhibition or in vivo deletion of ERα. The ERβ agonists 2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile and ERB041 also down-regulated Sost expression in vitro, whereas the ERα agonist 4,4′,4″-[4-propyl-(1H)-pyrazol-1,3,5-triyl]tris-phenol or the ERβ antagonist PTHPP has no effect. Tamoxifen, a nongenomic ERβ agonist, down-regulates Sost expression in vitro and in bones in vivo. Inhibition of both ERs with fulvestrant or selective antagonism of ERβ, but not ERα, prevents Sost down-regulation by strain or estradiol. Sost down-regulation by strain or ERβ activation is prevented by MEK/ERK blockade. Exogenous sclerostin has no effect on estradiol-induced proliferation but prevents that following strain. Thus, in osteoblastic cells the acute proliferative effects of both estradiol and strain are ERα-mediated. Basal Sost down-regulation follows decreased activity of ERα and increased activity of ERβ. Sost down-regulation by strain or increased estrogens is mediated by ERβ, not ERα. ER-targeting therapy may facilitate structurally appropriate bone formation by enhancing the distinct ligand-independent, strain-related contributions to proliferation of both ERα and ERβ.
Smart Rehabilitation Garment for posture monitoring

Posture monitoring and correction technologies can support prevention and treatment of spinal pain or can help detect and avoid compensatory movements during the neurological rehabilitation of upper extremities, which can be very important to ensure their effectiveness. We describe the design and development of Smart Rehabilitation Garment (SRG) a wearable system designed to support posture correction. The SRG combines a number of inertial measurement units (IMUs), controlled by an Arduino processor. It provides feedback with vibration on the garment, audible alarm signals and visual instruction through a Bluetooth connected smartphone. We discuss the placement of sensing modules, the garment design, the feedback design and the integration of smart textiles and wearable electronics which aimed at achieving wearability and ease of use. We report on the system's accuracy as compared to optical tracker method.
Vitamin D Insufficiency and Asthma Severity in Adults From Costa Rica

Purpose Non-classical actions of vitamin D as a cytokine are related to the immunopathology of asthma. Few studies have examined vitamin D levels and asthma severity in adults. The aim of this research was to assess the relationship between vitamin D levels, atopy markers, pulmonary function, and asthma severity. Methods We analyzed 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in serum collected from 121 asthmatic adults from Costa Rica to investigate the association between vitamin D levels (categorized as sufficient, ≥30 ng/mL, or insufficient, <30 ng/mL), allergic rhinitis, total IgE and peripheral blood eosinophils (as markers of atopy), asthma severity, baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and forced vital capacity (FVC). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess these relationships. Results When the population was stratified by vitamin D status, 91% of asthmatic patients with vitamin D levels below 20 ng/mL (n=36) and 74% of patients with vitamin D levels between 20 and 30 ng/mL (n=73) had severe asthma versus 50% of those with vitamin D sufficiency (n=12; P=0.02). Vitamin D insufficiency was associated with a higher risk of severe asthma (odds ratio [OR], 5.04; 95% Confidence interval [CI], 1.23-20.72; P=0.02). High vitamin D levels were associated with a lower risk of hospitalization or emergency department visit during the last year (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84-0.98; P=0.04). Although there appeared to be a direct relationship between vitamin D levels and FEV1 (regression coefficient=0.48; r2=0.03), it did not reach statistical significance (P=0.07). Conclusions Our findings suggest that vitamin D insufficiency is common among our cohort of asthmatic adults. Lower vitamin D levels are associated with asthma severity.
Impact of Source and Timing of Calcium and Nitrogen Applications on 'Atlantic' Potato Tuber Calcium Concentrations and Internal Quality

Three Ca sources and two application schedules were compared for their effectiveness for increasing tissue Ca concentrations in 170 to 284 g field-grown tubers of 'Atlantic' potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.). Additional observations were made of internal physiological defects. Paired measures of tissue (periderm and nonperiderm) Ca concentration and internal quality (± hollow heart, ± internal brown spot) were made on individual tubers produced in plots fertilized with N at 224 kg·ha -1 and Ca at either 0 or 168 kg·ha -1 , supplied from either gypsum, calcium nitrate or NHIB (9N-0P-0K- 11Ca, a commercial formulation of urea and CaCl2). Application of N and Ca at emergence and hilling (nonsplit) was compared to application at emergence, hilling, and 4 and 8 weeks after hilling (split). Tuber yield and grade were unaffected by treatments. Split Ca application (from either calcium nitrate or NHIB) increased mean tuber nonperiderm tissue Ca concentrations and the percentage of tubers with an elevated Ca concentration in both years compared with non-Ca-supplemented controls. Split Ca application also resulted in greater increases in Ca in nonperiderm tissue than nonsplit Ca application in 1994. Although the correlation coefficient between Ca level in periderm and nonperiderm tissue of >400 individual tubers was highly significant in both study years, linear regression analyses suggested the Ca level in the two tissues were poorly related. Split application was associated with a 37% reduction in the incidence of internal tuber defects, relative to nonsplit application in 1994. Calcium application did not affect tuber internal quality based on means analysis, but chi-square analysis suggested that Ca concentration and internal quality of individual tubers may be related. The incidence of internal defects was 16.4% in tubers with nonperiderm tissue Ca ≤100 μg·g -1 dry weight compared to 10.6% in tubers with nonperiderm tissue Ca >100 μg·g -1 dry weight. These data suggest that 1) it is feasible to increase tuber Ca levels by field applications of moderate amounts of Ca, 2) tuber quality is impacted by N and Ca application schedule, and 3) Ca concentrations in tuber periderm and nonperiderm tissues may be controlled independently.
Recording characteristics of electrical impedance myography needle electrodes

Objective: Neurologists and physiatrists need improved tools for the evaluation of skeletal muscle condition. Here we evaluate needle electrical impedance myography (EIM), a new minimally invasive approach to determine muscle status that could ultimately become a bedside tool for the assessment of neuromuscular disorders. Approach: We design and study the recording characteristics of tetrapolar EIM needle electrodes combining theory and finite-element model simulations. We then use these results to build and pilot in vivo an EIM needle electrode in the rat gastrocnemius muscle (n=2). The dielectric properties of muscle are reported (mean ± standard deviation). Results: The numerical simulations show that the contribution of subcutaneous fat and muscle tissues to needle EIM data is <3% and >97%, respectively, and the sensed volume is 0.70 cm3. Apparent resistivity 277±30 Ω cm and relative permittivity (1±0.4)×105 (dimensionless) measured at 10 kHz are in good agreement with in vivo dielectric properties reported in the literature. Significance: The results presented show the feasibility of measuring muscle impedivity in vivo using a needle electrode from 10 kHz to 1 MHz. The development of needle EIM technology can open up a new field of study in electrodiagnostic medicine, with potential applications to both disease diagnosis and biomarker assessment of therapy.
A Scoping Review of Telehealth

Summary Objectives: This scoping review of the telehealth literature over the past year was conducted to provide a snapshot of some of the current developments in the field. As with any scoping review, only a subset of papers was examined, and the rigorous methods of a systematic review are not applied. Methods: We surveyed selected dimensions of the current literature, specifically targeting telehealth or eHealth interventions at the patient (or micro) level in this scoping review. Considering the lack of clarity around the terms like mHealth, eHealth, telehealth, and telemedicine, efforts were made understand and harmonize the terminology as part of the review process. Results: A total of 171 papers that matched the search criteria were culled from the literature. After discussion and debate, a total of 26 papers were retained and classified into at least one of 5 conceptual categories that were derived form a concept analysis. The five categories are Preventive and Therapeutic Effects; Health Service Utilization; Challenges & Opportunities for Enhanced User Centered Design; Low-powered studies/inconclusive evidence; and Future trends in telehealth. Each of these 5 concept categories are discussed to provide a better understanding of present opportunities, challenges, and the overall prospects for telehealth advancement. Conclusions: The field is expanding and maturing rapidly. There is a need for larger scale studies that balance rigor while reducing translational latency. Additional attention to implementation science methods is recommended as global telehealth projects accelerate.
On thermal stability of plates with functionally graded coefficient of thermal expansion

In this article, a four-variable refined plate theory is presented for buckling analysis of functionally graded plates subjected to uniform, linear and non-linear temperature rises across the thickness direction. The theory accounts for parabolic distribution of the transverse shear strains, and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factor. Young\'s modulus and Poisson ratio of the FGM plates are assumed to remain constant throughout the entire plate. However, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the FGM plate varies according to a power law form through the thickness coordinate. Equilibrium and stability equations are derived based on the present theory. The influences of many plate parameters on buckling temperature difference such ratio of thermal expansion, aspect ratio, side-to-thickness ratio and gradient index will be investigated.
Reward, Intrinsic Motivation, and Creativity

cognitions (e.g., cognitive interference), and affect (e.g., positive mood) while performing. We suggest, then, that positive and negative effects are related over time and occur within a self-regulatory process (Sansone & Harackiewicz, 1996; Sansone, Weir, Harpster, & Morgan, 1992). Eisenberger and Cameron (1996) provided a service in cautioning investigators and practitioners against oversimplifying what is in fact a very complex and complicated process and in calling for "a greater synthesis of relevant findings involving reinforcement, social cognition, and personality" (p. 1164). In so doing, however, they oversimplified the message from the original research as well as the current state of knowledge about this complicated process.
Prevalence of hemolysis and metabolic acidosis in patients with circulatory failure supported with extracorporeal life support: a marker for survival?

Elevated levels of plasma free hemoglobin (fHb) indicate red blood cell (RBC) damage. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of hemolysis and metabolic acidosis in patients on extracorporeal life support (ECLS) and to investigate whether it is a marker for outcome.
American Muslim College Students: The Impact of Religiousness and Stigma on Active Coping

This study explored the relationships between the variables of stigma, religiousness, active coping, and religious coping in a sample of American Muslim college students. Structural equation modeling of data from 120 American- born Muslim college students indicated that there is a significantly negative relationship between stigma and active coping, and that the relationship between religiousness and active coping is fully mediated by religious coping. Implications of these findings are discussed in terms of mental health services and supports for American Muslims, and the authors make suggestions for future research.
Metformin: a review of its potential indications

Metformin is the most commonly prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus. In recent years, in addition to glucose lowering, several studies have presented evidence suggesting some potential role for metformin, such as antitumor effect, antiaging effect, cardiovascular protective effect, neuroprotective effect or an optional treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome. This paper will critically review the role of metformin to provide reference for doctors and researchers.