Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Statistical beamforming for wireless backhaul of small moving cells in massive MIMO systems

A small moving cell (SMC) system is proposed to be a potential system in the next-generation cellular system. However, it is challenging issue to provide wireless backhaul links to the SMCs which may have high mobility. In this paper, we propose statistical beamforming (SBF) technique to provide the wireless backhaul links in massive MIMO systems. Unlike most of the conventional SBF schemes, we consider multiple antennas at the receiver side where the base station (BS) needs to determine the proper number of SBF beams. We first determines candidates of SBF beams as eigenvectors corresponding to dominant eigenvalues of channel correlation matrix (CCM). The average achievable SINR can be estimated using a Monte-Carlo sampling process without ST-CSI at the BS, then the proper beams and the transmit powers are adjusted by iterative water-filling algorithm. The simulation results show that the proposed SBF scheme is quite feasible for the wireless backhaul of SMCs in high mobility without the feedback of short-term channel information.
RGS21, a regulator of taste and mucociliary clearance?

Motile cilia of airway epithelial cells help to expel harmful inhaled material. Activation of bitterant‐responsive G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) is believed to potentiate cilia beat frequency and mucociliary clearance. In this study, we investigated whether regulator of G protein signaling‐21 (RGS21) has the potential to modulate signaling pathways connected to airway mucociliary clearance, given that RGS proteins modulate GPCR signaling by acting as GTPase‐accelerating proteins (GAPs) for the Gα subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins.
A Social-Cognitive Moderated Mediated Model of Psychological Safety and Empowerment

ABSTRACT This study examines the indirect role of psychological safety in shaping the four cognitions of psychological empowerment (i.e., meaning, competence, self-determination, impact) through three social mechanisms: authentic interactions, spiritual development, and perceived organizational voice. Data were collected from 229 congregation members of a nondenominational church. Preliminary analyses reveal psychological safety is: (a) linked to all four empowerment cognitions, (b) associated with the three proximal social mechanisms, and (c) indirectly predicts three of the four empowerment cognitions through heightened level of authentic interactions, spiritual development, and perceived organizational voice. Moreover, extraversion moderated the relationship of psychological safety with authentic interactions which, in turn, strengthened the size of the indirect effect for the meaning subcomponent of empowerment. Overall, this study suggests empowerment research can draw upon the potential, but frequently untapped, benefits of cultivating a secure space to facilitate member motivation through sincerity, personal development, and perceived voice.
Associations between Maternal Water Consumption and Birth Defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (2000-2005).

BACKGROUND Water and water-based beverages constitute a major part of daily fluid intake for pregnant women, yet few epidemiologic studies have investigated the role of water consumption on birth outcomes. METHODS We used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study to conduct a case-control study investigating associations between maternal water consumption during pregnancy and birth defects (BD). We used interview data on water consumption during the first trimester of pregnancy in 14,454 cases (major BDs n ≥ 50) and 5,063 controls. Total water consumption was analyzed as a continuous variable and in quartiles. We evaluated the role of dietary quality and sugar sweetened beverage consumption. Logistic regression models were used to assess effects of water consumption on risk of BDs with adjustment for relevant covariates. RESULTS Mean daily maternal water consumption among controls was 4.4 eight-ounce glasses. We observed decreases in estimated risk associated with increases in water consumption for several BDs, including neural tube defects (spina bifida), oral clefts (cleft lip), musculoskeletal defects (gastroschisis, limb deficiencies), and congenital heart defects (hypoplastic left heart syndrome, right-sided obstructions, pulmonary valve stenosis). Our results were generally unchanged when an indicator for overall dietary quality was included; however, there was evidence of effect measure modification by heavy consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages for some defects, but not all. CONCLUSION These analyses suggest the importance of sufficient water consumption during early pregnancy, above and beyond it being a marker of higher diet quality. Additional analyses are warranted to understand the biological mechanism for this association. Birth Defects Research 109:193-202, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proton NMR Observation of the Antineoplastic Agent Iproplatin In Vivo by Selective Multiple Quantum Coherence Transfer (Sel‐MQC)

We have noninvasively detected the proton signal of an antineoplastic agent Iproplatin in vivo by selective multiple quantum coherence transfer (Sel‐MQC). Without isotopic labeling or chemical modification, the Sel‐MQC method labels Iproplatin by its intrinsic proton multiple quantum coherences and, hence, differentiates the Iproplatin signal from the intensive overlapping resonances of lipid and lactate. This proton NMR method should also be applicable to study other drugs with appropriate spin coupling patterns.
Objective and Subjective Socioeconomic Gradients Exist for Sleep Quality, Sleep Latency, Sleep Duration, Weekend Oversleep, and Daytime Sleepiness in Adults

Socioeconomic gradients exist for multiple health outcomes. Lower objective socioeconomic position (SEP), whether measured by income, education, or occupation, is associated with inadequate sleep. Less is known about whether one's perceived ranking of their social status, or subjective SEP, affects sleep. This study examined whether a subjective socioeconomic gradient exists for sleep while controlling for objective SEP. Participants (N = 177; age, M = 45.3 years, SD = 6.3 years) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, MacArthur Ladder, and other self-report measures to assess sleep and objective SEP. Subjective SEP trumped objective SEP as a better predictor of sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, and weekend oversleep. These findings highlight the need to expand our framework to better understand the mechanisms underlying socioeconomic gradients and sleep.
Induction of c-Erb A-AP-1 Interactions and c-Erb A Transcriptional Activity in Myoblasts by RXR

We have previously shown that c-Erb A and v-Erb A display a cell-specific activity in avian myoblasts. In this work, we have compared the molecular basis of thyroid hormone action in HeLa cells and in QM7 myoblasts. The transcriptional activity of c-Erb Aα1 through a palindromic thyroid hormone response element (TRE) was similar in both cell types. However, c-Erb A did not activate gene transcription through a direct repeat sequence (DR) 4 TRE in myoblasts in contrast to results obtained in HeLa cells. Moreover, whereas retinoic acid receptor-AP-1 interactions were functional in both cell types, thyroid hormone receptor (T3R)-AP-1 interactions were only functional in HeLa cells. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays, functional tests, and Northern blot experiments, we observed that RXR isoforms are not expressed in proliferating myoblasts. Expression of RXR in these cells did not influence T3R transcriptional activity through a palindromic TRE but induced such an activity through a DR4 TRE. Moreover, it restored c-Erb A-AP-1 functionality in QM7 myoblasts and enhanced the myogenic influence of T3. We also observed that c-Jun overexpression in proliferating QM7 cells restored T3R transcriptional activity through a DR4 TRE. Therefore, alternative mechanisms are involved in the induction of T3R transcriptional activity according to the cell status (proliferation: c-Jun; differentiation: RXR). In addition we provide the first evidence that RXR is required to allow inhibition of AP-1 activity by ligand-activated T3R. Lastly, we demonstrate the importance of RXR in the regulation of myoblast differentiation by T3.
The healing effects of autologous platelet gel on acute human skin wounds.

OBJECTIVE To compare the healing of full-thickness skin punch wounds treated with topical autologous platelet gel (APG) vs conventional therapy (antibiotic ointment and/or occlusive dressings) in healthy volunteers. METHODS A prospective, single-blind, pilot study comprising 80 full-thickness skin punch wounds (4 mm diameter) was conducted on the thighs of 8 healthy volunteers. With each subject serving as his or her own control (5 punch sites per leg), APG was applied topically on one thigh, and an antibiotic ointment and/or a semiocclusive dressing was applied on the other thigh. Healing was monitored for spontaneous wound closure by clinical assessment and by digital photographs over 6 months. Over 35 days, 64 serial dermal biopsy specimens (6 mm diameter) were analyzed (using hematoxylin-eosin, Mason trichrome, CD-34, and Ki-67 stains) to measure differences between treated and control sites for cellularity, granulation formation, vascularity, epithelialization, and cellular replication. RESULTS Over a 42-day period, the APG-treated sites had statistically increased wound closure compared with controls by visual clinical assessment and by digital planimetry photographic measurements (P<or=.02). On day 17, the percentage of closure was 81.1% +/- 2.5% (mean +/- SE) for the APG-treated sites and 57.2% +/- 5.9% for the control sites. Also, the APG wound closure velocities were significantly faster than those of the controls (P = .001). Histologically, over time, the APG-treated sites had similar cellularity, cellular replication, granulation tissue, vascularity, and epithelialization compared with controls. However, when the platelet count in the gel was more than 6 times the baseline intravascular platelet count in some subjects, epithelialization and granulation formation appeared 3 days earlier in the APG-treated group. Furthermore, in vitro testing of supplemental APG showed increased endothelial cell proliferation compared with controls (P<.04). CONCLUSION This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that topical APG may hasten wound closure in full-thickness dermal wounds in healthy individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00199992.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome components among the elderly using three different definitions: A cohort study in Finland

Abstract Objective. Limited data are available on the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in elderly people (aged 70 years and over) at population level in Northern Europe. A study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of MetS and its components in an aging population by using different definitions. Design, setting, and subjects. A cross-sectional study of 539 inhabitants from Northern Finland (mean age 71.9 years) was conducted to investigate the prevalence of MetS, by using the definitions of MetS by the National Cholesterol Education Panel (NCEP), the modified NCEP (NCEPm), and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Main outcome measures. Prevalence of MetS by the NCEP, NCEP modified, and IDF criteria. Results. Overall, the prevalence of MetS was 24.7%, 35.2%, and 37.2% in men, by NCEP, modified NCEP, and IDF-definitions, respectively. In women the corresponding figures were 20.9%, 33.1%, and 47.8%. Hypertension was the most common component in both men (91.8%) and women (89.0%) by the IDF criteria. Glucose abnormalities were particularly prevalent in men (53.2% by NCEP and 78.4% by IDF criteria). Conclusions. The most common component was hypertension in both genders. Lower waist-circumference cut-off points of the IDF criteria led to a higher prevalence of MetS particularly in women. Prevalence of MetS varied significantly when measured by different definitions. Nearly half of older women met the IDF definition of MetS, which was more than twofold when compared with NCEP. Clinical practitioners should be aware of the limitations when using set criteria of MetS, in contrast to identifying the individual cardiovascular risk factors and the accumulation of these.
PILOT STUDY OF THE CLINICAL AND COGNITIVE EFFECTS OF HIGH‐FREQUENCY MAGNETIC SEIZURE THERAPY IN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a very commonly used treatment for patients with severe and treatment‐resistant depression. Although effective, this treatment is complicated by a number of side effects including cognitive impairment motivating attempts to develop treatment alternatives. Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) is a brain stimulation technique using a high‐powered transcranial magnetic stimulation device to produce therapeutic seizures. Preliminary research suggests that MST has antidepressant activity in the absence of cognitive side effects. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and cognitive profile of MST provided at high frequency (100 Hz) and potentially longer stimulation trains and longer treatment courses than have been previously investigated.
A high power density and efficiency bi-directional DC/DC converter for electric vehicles

In electric vehicle systems, bi-directional DC/DC converters are used to interface the battery bank with the high voltage DC bus of the inverter. The high power density and high efficiency are required for bidirectional DC/DC converters. This paper discusses the relationship between switching frequency, inductor value and passive components volume. First, the topologies of the system and the converter are presented. Then, the loss breakdown model is provided. A selection for the switching frequency is presented and an option of inductor value is provided to reduce the converter size and to keep the converter efficient. Then the converter layout which further enhances the power density is discussed. Finally, a high power density and high efficiency converter prototype is built, and the efficiency and thermal performance evaluation of the converter at different operating conditions is given.
Pharmacy technicians' views of learning and practice implementation

Objective Registered pharmacy technicians are a new group of regulated healthcare professionals in Great Britain, who fall under the same requirements for undertaking and recording of continuing professional development (CPD) as pharmacists. Little is known about this group of pharmacy professionals, their understanding of CPD and learning, or how they implement their learning into practice. This study aimed to address this.
Modulation of PAI‐1 and proMMP‐9 syntheses by soluble TNFα and its receptors during differentiation of the human monocytic HL‐60 cell line

During phorbol ester‐induced differentiation of HL‐60 monocytic cells, tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα) synthesis and secretion are increased, which contributes to the autocrine regulation of TNFα‐responsive genes. We investigated how, during phorbol ester‐induced differentiation of HL‐60 cells, the secreted TNFα modulated plasminogen activator inhibitor type I (PAI‐1) and gelatinase B (MMP‐9) syntheses, two proteins involved in pericellular proteolysis. The differentiation‐induced release of TNFα, was abolished by the hydroxamate‐based matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, RU36156. RU36156 or a neutralizing anti‐TNFα significantly down‐regulated PAI‐1 synthesis exclusively during the early phases of differentiation (from promyelocyte to monocytic‐like cells), which underlined the activating role of autocrine TNFα during this time range. As cells progressed to monocyte/macrophage phenotype, they still released TNFα, but RU36156 or anti‐TNFα no longer had an effect on PAI‐1 synthesis. This lack of effect was not due to a default of TNFα signaling since PAI‐1 synthesis was still stimulated in response to exogenous TNFα. TNFα receptor RI was also actively released and was shown to reduce TNFα activity which may account for the inability of soluble TNFα to up‐regulate PAI‐1 synthesis. In later mature stage, cells became susceptible to exogenous TNFα‐induced apoptosis and rapidly lost their ability to respond to TNFα. The MMP‐9 synthesis followed similar regulation as PAI‐1. Isolated human blood monocytes‐derived macrophages behave like HL‐60‐derived macrophages. In conclusion, these results show that during leukocyte differentiation, time windows exist during which the autocrine TNFα is active and then down‐regulated by RI, which may temper a continuous up‐regulation of the synthesis of proteins involved in pericellular proteolysis. J. Cell. Physiol. 196: 346–353, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimization of gold thin films thicknesses in enhancing SPR response

Nowadays, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor has been widely used in biosensing applications to detect the wide diversity of biomolecular interactions. There are few parameters need to be concerned in order to optimize the performance of SPR sensors such as film thicknesses, type of thin films and their configurations. In this study, we seek to determine the optimum thicknesses of hybrid thin films which consist of gold-graphene oxide layers for the enhancement of SPR sensor sensitivity. By using a theoretical approach, a WINSPALL 3.02 simulator had been used to investigate the effects of various thicknesses of hybrid configuration's thin films towards the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPP). A layer of 3 nm protein was added to compare the maximum adsorption of the SPR sensor based on their configuration. It was found that the optimum thicknesses of gold and graphene oxide are 50 nm and 0.68 nm respectively for achieving best sensitivity. Thus, the sensitivity value for gold-GO thin films is higher than silver-GO which are 19.42 °/RIU and 5.45 °/RIU with FWHM = 2.28° and 0.64° respectively.
Preferential binding of human topoisomerase I to superhelical DNA.

Eukaryotic type I DNA topoisomerase provides swivels for removing torsional strain from the DNA helix during transcription and DNA replication. Previously it has been shown that the enzyme is associated with actively transcribed genes and replicating DNA. Using an inactive mutant form of the protein containing phenylalanine instead of tyrosine at position 723, we have investigated the binding properties of the protein as a function of substrate topology. A series of filter binding assays indicated that the protein strongly prefers to bind superhelical over completely relaxed SV40 DNA. The ability of a supercoiled DNA to compete against a relaxed DNA for binding increases as the number of superhelical turns in the DNA increases. Since positively supercoiled DNA is bound with the same preference as negatively supercoiled DNA, we hypothesize that topoisomerase I binds preferentially at the nodes created by the crossing of two duplex helices. The preference for binding superhelical DNA is also exhibited by the conserved core domain (amino acids 175–659) which is missing the active site region located near the C‐terminus. These results suggest that this core domain may target the enzyme in vivo to regions of torsionally strained superhelical DNA.
Verbal abuse from nurse colleagues and work environment of early career registered nurses.

PURPOSE This study examined relationships between verbal abuse from nurse colleagues and demographic characteristics, work attributes, and work attitudes of early career registered nurses (RNs). DESIGN AND METHODS Data are from the fourth wave of a national panel survey of early career RNs begun in 2006. The final analytic sample included 1,407 RNs. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample, analysis of variance to compare means, and chi square to compare categorical variables. FINDINGS RNs reporting higher levels of verbal abuse from nurse colleagues were more likely to be unmarried, work in a hospital setting, or work in a non-magnet hospital. They also had lower job satisfaction, and less organizational commitment, autonomy, and intent to stay. Lastly, they perceived their work environments unfavorably. CONCLUSIONS Data support the hypothesis that early career RNs are vulnerable to the effects of verbal abuse from nurse colleagues. Although more verbal abuse is seen in environments with unfavorable working conditions, and RNs working in such environments tend to have less favorable work attitudes, one cannot assume causality. It is unclear if poor working conditions create an environment where verbal abuse is tolerated or if verbal abuse creates an unfavorable work environment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE There is a need to develop and test evidence-based interventions to deal with the problems inherent with verbal abuse from nurse colleagues.
A Power-Aware Chopper-Stabilized Instrumentation Amplifier for Resistive Wheatstone Bridge Sensors

This paper presents a power-aware instrumentation amplifier (IA) based on differential difference amplifier (DDA) dedicated to a resistive Wheatstone bridge sensor system. The design incorporates a proposed current source replica (CSR) circuit that facilitates the pair matching layout for all critical pairs in DDA input stage. This is in contrast with the conventional design where the stated layout technique can only be applied to the input transistor pairs. Besides, a new analysis on common-mode signals and differential common-mode signal in chopper-stabilized DDA is given. It has shown that the differential common-mode signal is not modulated in chopping DDA. The relationship between dc offset and differential common-mode rejection ratio (CMRRd) is illustrated. Enhancing CMRRd will lead to reduction of dc offset and offset drift in DDA. Fabricated by a 0.18-μm CMOS process, the experimental results have shown that the maximum input-referred offset for the injection-nulling switch chopper DDA with CSR circuit is 3 μV, while the input-referred dc offset is 1.78 μV (mean + standard deviation) at a chopping frequency of 10 kHz from eight fabricated samples. For a closed-loop gain of 40.17 dB, its output ripple is reduced by three times with respect to itself without CSR. The IA powered with a high-power supply rejection regulator has been tested with a resistive Wheatstone bridge. The transducer achieves an input-referred noise of 3.76 μVrms for 2-kHz bandwidth.