Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 820GHz SiGe chipset for terahertz active imaging applications

The spatial resolution of microwave and mmWave imaging systems can be improved by an increase of their operating frequencies into the submillimeter-wave range (300GHz to 3THz). Electronic terahertz sources and receivers are presently dominated by III/V semiconductor and waveguide packaging technologies. Multipliers and mixers capable of an output power of 1.4mW at 875GHz [1], as well as a conversion loss of 9.25dB at 850GHz [2], have been demonstrated in remote sensing and radio astronomy applications. However, short-range active terahertz imaging systems exhibit less stringent link-budgets, thus opening up new opportunities for highly integrated low-cost silicon TX and RX front-ends. Previous circuit design examples include a 410GHz CMOS VCO in a 45nm technology capable of an output power of −47dBm [3], as well as a 650GHz subharmonic receiver with a 44dB noise figure [4]. In this paper, recent advances in SiGe HBT device technology [5] are used to demonstrate a 820GHz TX/RX chipset for active terahertz imaging applications.
The Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Postpartum Affective Disorders

Postpartum affective disorders continue to be a major health issue for women. There is a general belief that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective in treating severe or treatment-refractory postpartum affective illnesses, but evidence to support this assertion is lacking. In this case series, we present 5 cases of women with postpartum depression and psychosis, all of whom had failed prior pharmacological therapy. All 5 women had a significant response within 3 to 6 treatments with ECT. Our findings suggest that ECT is overall an effective treatment of postpartum illnesses. In addition to being an excellent choice for women who have failed prior medication trials, ECT may also be considered for women whose severity of illness necessitates rapid symptom resolution.
Genetic relatedness in the family Enterobacteriaceae.

Five criteria of genetic relatedness are considered. The first, transfer of plasmids between groups, is frequently not a good criterion, because transfer is possible between all genera of the Enterobacteriaceae and also to genera in other families. Though transfer to closely related groups is most frequent, host restriction and the properties of the plasmid may influence the transfer frequency as much as the relatedness of the donor and recipient. The second criterion is interspecies recombination (integration) of chromosomal genes transferred by Hfr strains. Crosses between closely related genera (E. coli and Shigella) gave high frequency of stable hybrids, but crosses between less related genera (E. coli and Salmonella) result in lower recombination, with the donor genes frequently integrated in nonallelic positions on the chromosome, or remaining as autonomous CCC-DNA. In crosses between distantly related genera such as E. coli and Proteus, all the donor DNA remained as CCC, with no detectable integration into the chromosome. Third, the linkage maps of different strains of a species such as E. coli or of closely related species are very similar. The linkage maps of E. coli and S. typhimurium are also similar, with one gene rearrangement, an inversion, distinguishing them. There are some indications of differences in gene order between E. coli and Yersinia and between E. coli and S. marcescens and considerable evidence for rearrangements in gene order between E. coli and P. mirabilis. No similarity between the linkage maps of E. coli and of nonenteric bacteria such as Pseudomonas was observed. Thus within the enteric bacteria there is striking similarity in order of genes between closely related genera, but major changes when less related genera, such as E. coli and P. mirabilis, are observed. are observed.
Interplay between Arabidopsis Activating Factors E2Fb and E2Fa in Cell Cycle Progression and Development1[W]

Eukaryotic E2Fs are conserved transcription factors playing crucial and antagonistic roles in several pathways related to cell division, DNA repair, and differentiation. In plants, these processes are strictly intermingled at the growing zone to produce postembryonic development in response to internal signals and environmental cues. Of the six AtE2F proteins found in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), only AtE2Fa and AtE2Fb have been clearly indicated as activators of E2F-responsive genes. AtE2Fa activity was shown to induce S phase and endoreduplication, whereas the function of AtE2Fb and the interrelationship between these two transcription factors was unclear. We have investigated the role played by the AtE2Fb gene during cell cycle and development performing in situ RNA hybridization, immunolocalization of the AtE2Fb protein in planta, and analysis of AtE2Fb promoter activity in transgenic plants. Overexpression of AtE2Fb in transgenic Arabidopsis plants led to striking modifications of the morphology of roots, cotyledons, and leaves that can be ascribed to stimulation of cell division. The accumulation of the AtE2Fb protein in these lines was paralleled by an increased expression of E2F-responsive G1/S and G2/M marker genes. These results suggest that AtE2Fa and AtE2Fb have specific expression patterns and play similar but distinct roles during cell cycle progression.
Photobiomodulation: Newly Discovered Actions in Resistance Exercise

Many of the studies, that have evaluated the role of photobiomodulation (PBM) in alleviating excessive oxidative stress induced by exercise, were carried out in the setting of aerobic activities. In line with this notion, the aim of this Research Highlights article was to summarize the new role of PBM in the oxidative stress resulting from anaerobic exercise. Thus, this Research Highlights article briefly summarizes the findings reported in a recent article published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (February 18, 2018; doi: 10.1155/2018/5763256) by de Oliveira et al., which reported that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can protect skeletal muscles from oxidative stress induced by acute resistance exercise (RE). In fact, rats that underwent laser irradiation in the gastrocnemius muscle prior to RE bout showed a similar lipoperoxidation level to that of non-exercised rats. Animals in the LLLT group were also protected from attack by reactive oxygen species on their amino acids, as was revealed by the changes in the oxidized proteincontent. This study by de Oliveira et al. provides novel insights into the PBM process, which acts as a suppressor of the excessive oxidative stress evoked by RE.
EEG and ECG changes during simulator operation reflect mental workload and vigilance.

BACKGROUND Performing mission tasks in a simulator influences many neurophysiological measures. Quantitative assessments of electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) have made it possible to develop indicators of mental workload and to estimate relative physiological responses to cognitive requirements. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of mental workload without actual physical risk, we studied the cortical and cardiovascular changes that occurred during simulated flight. METHODS There were 12 pilots (8 novices and 4 experts) who simulated a flight composed of 10 sequences that induced several different mental workload levels. EEG was recorded at 12 electrode sites during rest and flight sequences; ECG activity was also recorded. Subjective tests were used to evaluate anxiety and vigilance levels. RESULTS Theta band activity was lower during the two simulated flight rest sequences than during visual and instrument flight sequences at central, parietal, and occipital sites (p < 0.05). On the other hand, rest sequences resulted in higher beta (at the C4 site; p < 0.05) and gamma (at the central, parietal, and occipital sites; p < 0.05) power than active segments. The mean heart rate (HR) was not significantly different during any simulated flight sequence, but HR was lower for expert subjects than for novices. The subjective tests revealed no significant anxiety and high values for vigilance levels before and during flight. CONCLUSIONS The different flight sequences performed on the simulator resulted in electrophysiological changes that expressed variations in mental workload. These results corroborate those found during study of real flights, particularly during sequences requiring the heaviest mental workload.
Comparison of the relative bioavailability of different coenzyme Q10 formulations with a novel solubilizate (Solu™ Q10)

The relative bioavailability of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is markedly influenced by its delivery systems. The aim of this study was to compare four standard CoQ10 supplements available on the market with a novel solubilizate formulation of CoQ10 (Solu™ Q10). Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed in 54 healthy volunteers after single and multiple intakes of 60 mg CoQ10 over a time period of 14 days. Solubilizates showed earlier flooding compared with oily dispersions and crystalline CoQ10, resulting in significantly elevated area under the curve between 0 and 4 h (P<0.01 solubilizates versus crystalline). The difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters of maximum plasma concentration, time to reach the peak plasma concentration and area under the curve between 0 and 12 h was not statistically significant between formulations. Long-term supplementation resulted in significantly higher plasma levels (P<0.01) for all formulations, with Solu™ Q10 performing best. Intracellular CoQ10 levels measured in buccal mucosa cells were increased (P<0.05) in response to supplementation when starting within the physiological range. In summary, solubilizates were clearly superior to oily dispersions and crystalline CoQ10 in their overall bioavailability, with the best absorption characteristics seen for the novel Solu™ Q10 solubilizate.
Sleep and heart failure.

"For several days his breathing was irregular; it would entirely cease for a quarter of a minute, then it would become perceptible, though very low, then by degrees it became heaving and quick, and then it would gradually cease again: this revolution in the state of his breathing occupied about a minute, during which there were about thirty acts of respiration" CHEYNE, 1818 [1). Despite the over 150 yrs since its description in a patient with heart failure, Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) remains something of a physiological and medical enigma. Although there have been hundreds of articles written about Cheyne-Stokes respiration, including many models of respiratory control, it is probably fair to state that we currently do not understand precisely what mechanisms initiate Cheyne-Stokes respiration, what mechanisms perpetuate the oscillation in the breathing pattern or what mechanisms terminate the oscillation. In addition, there is surprisingly little known about whether the breathing pattern itself may have an impact on the patient with congestive heart failure. In contrast to the large quantity of literature about the effect of obstructive apnoea on sleep structure and cardiorespiratory physiology, there is a paucity of information about the effect of CSR on these variables in the sleeping heart failure patient. For example, the most widely cited article on Cheyne-Stokes respiration with 186 references does not even mention sleep [2]. Two features are known by every student of medicine to be classic in heart failure; Cheyne-Stokes respiration, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea. However, very little has been written linking the two. HARRJsoN et al. [3] in 1934, in a classic work, reported that periodic breathing was present in all congestive hear failure (CHF) patients with dyspnoea on sleep onset. They also reported that the breathing pattern could be normal when the patient was awake and became abnormal "at the moment of sleep". After Cheyne-Stokes respiration started "following a long period of apnoea the subject would awaken as breathing set in"; some of the awakenings seemed to occur during the hyperpnoeic phase of CSR. HARRJsoN et al. [3] pointed out that such patients "may live for days and never sleep more than a few minutes or seconds at a time" and, not surprisingly, were described as being exhausted. All this was published three years before the frrst use of the electroencephalograph (EEG) to classify sleep [4].
EVALUATION OF IN VITRO EFFECTS OF BEVACIZUMAB (AVASTIN) ON RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIAL, NEUROSENSORY RETINAL, AND MICROVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term in vitro safety of bevacizumab (Avastin) in human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19), rat neurosensory retinal (R28), and human microvascular endothelial (HMVECad) cells. Methods: ARPE-19 and R28 cells were treated with 0.125 mg/mL, 0.25 mg/mL, 0.50 mg/mL, and 1 mg/mL of bevacizumab for 2, 6, and 24 hours. HMVECad cells were treated with 5 ng/mL of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and 0.125 mg/mL, 0.25 mg/mL, 0.50 mg/mL, and 1 mg/mL of either bevacizumab for 2, 6, and 24 hours or a nonspecific human purified immunoglobulin (IgG) for 24 hours. Cell viability was measured using trypan blue dye exclusion assay. Results: The cell viabilities of ARPE-19 cells, R28 cells, and HMVECad cells treated with bevacizumab were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from that of untreated controls. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between viabilities of HMVECad cells treated with bevacizumab and IgG. Conclusion: This study suggests that bevacizumab, at concentrations at or above the dose normally used in clinical practice, is not toxic to human retinal pigment epithelial, rat neurosensory retinal, or human microvascular endothelial cells in vitro. This report is consistent with the recent report of lack of toxicity of intravitreal bevacizumab in rabbits as well as the lack of apparent toxicity in clinical use.
The Cyclic Alternating Pattern Decreases as a Consequence of Total Sleep Deprivation and Correlates with EEG Arousals

The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity of the cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) parameters to the increased need for recuperation that follows one night of sleep deprivation. Nine normal male subjects were recorded for 3 nights [adaptation, baseline (BSL) and recovery (REC)]. BSL and REC nights were separated by a 40-hour sleep deprivation. Recovery after sleep deprivation was characterized by a decrease in stage 1, stage 2 and sleep latency, and an increase in slow wave sleep (SWS) and the sleep efficiency index, while rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) time did not differ as compared to BSL sleep. CAP parameters were significantly affected by sleep deprivation, and the main results were the following: (1) the CAP rate (time spent in CAP phases/NREM time) significantly decreased from 38.85 to 31.47%, and (2) within phase A subtypes, there was a significant decrease in A3 subtypes (from 38.11 to 19.57). Furthermore, the number of arousals scored according to American Sleep Disorders Association rules strongly correlated with A3 subtypes during both the BSL (r = 0.79) and REC nights (r = 0.95). These results indicate that recuperative processes after sleep deprivation are also associated with a lesser arousal instability as defined by the reduction of the CAP rate, which is strongly correlated with EEG arousals.
Using targeted risk factor reduction to prevent falls in older in-patients: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND falls and related injuries are known to be a significant problem for older people. There is evidence that identifying and addressing individual risk factors can reduce the incidence of falls in the community but no evidence of the effectiveness of targeted risk factor reduction methods applied to hospital in-patients. OBJECTIVE to test the efficacy of a targeted risk factor reduction core care plan in reducing risk of falling while in hospital. DESIGN a group (ward) randomised trial. SETTING elderly care wards and associated community units of a district general hospital in the North of England. SUBJECTS all elderly patients who received care in eight wards and community units during a 12-month study period. METHODS matched pairs of wards were randomly allocated to intervention or control groups. In the intervention wards, staff used a pre-printed care plan for patients identified as at risk of falling and introduced appropriate remedial measures. Numbers of falls in each group were then compared. RESULTS after introduction of the care plan there was a significant reduction in the relative risk of recorded falls on intervention wards (relative risk 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.95) but not on control wards (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.96-1.31). The difference in change between the intervention wards and control wards was highly significant (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.90, P = 0.006). There was no significant reduction in the incidence of falls-related injuries. CONCLUSION the use of a core care plan targeting risk factor reduction in older hospital in-patients was associated with a reduction in the relative risk of recorded falls.
Structural and Epistemic Parameters in Communities of Practice

If communities of practice (Lave and Wenger 1991) are best understood as fluid social relations, enacted among a self-selected group of participants, then are they best left alone, free from "interference" by organizational managers and policymakers? Or are there ways in which organizations can provide helpful support to such communities, without constraining the delicate dynamic by which they are sustained? This paper supports the latter position, arguing that organizations should sponsor the creation of certain loose organizational structures, around which it is hoped that communities of practice may then interact. However, some recent empirical research is presented suggesting that attempts to control group interaction by introducing too much structure are likely to result in the demise of the community itself. It is therefore proposed that there are lower and upper parameters for structural intervention in communities of practice.It is suggested that such communities also haveepistemic parameters, where participants' willingness to express their ideas as conceptual boundary objects around which others may engage and develop ideas is a minimum requirement, but where too much inward communicative focus is likely to result in gradual loss of meaning, with a negative effect on the community. In developing this position, this paper attempts to deepen our theoretical understanding of the interrelationship between organizational structure and the epistemic activity of members of communities of practice. Several practical implications of these insights are discussed for organizations wishing to cultivate and maintain communities of practice within their own working environments.
Keynesianism and the Natural Rate of Unemployment: A Problem in Pedagogy

How does one most effectively respond to the standard textbook "vertical Phillips curve," "natural rate" expositions of macroeconomics and foster awareness of an alternative, broadly post Keynesian, approach? Given the plausible manner in which the standard case is presented in macro texts (and the implausible assumptions commonly ascribed to "Keynesianism') this can be a difficult task. The following briefly outlines the main possible lines of counterargument within the Keynesian tradition. It is not intended as a comprehensive survey article; it presents one Keynesian's thoughts on the matter, in the hope of stimulating discussion among others. There are two broad Keynesian responses to the natural rate of unemployment (NRU) position now served up as standard fare in the intermediate macro texts:
Genome-wide activity of unliganded estrogen receptor-α in breast cancer cells

Significance Estrogen receptor-α (ERα) is a key protein in breast cancer and treatments targeting ERα are among the most widely used and effective in clinics. Although the role of estrogen-stimulated ERα in breast cancer has been exhaustively described, the functions of ERα in the absence of estrogen is hill-defined. In this work, we show that ERα binds extensively to the genome of breast cancer cells in the absence of estrogen, where it regulates the expression of hundreds of genes endowed with developmental functions. Our data suggest that ERα has a fundamental role in the homeostasis of luminal epithelial cells also when estrogen is ablated physiologically or pharmacologically. Estrogen receptor-α (ERα) has central role in hormone-dependent breast cancer and its ligand-induced functions have been extensively characterized. However, evidence exists that ERα has functions that are independent of ligands. In the present work, we investigated the binding of ERα to chromatin in the absence of ligands and its functions on gene regulation. We demonstrated that in MCF7 breast cancer cells unliganded ERα binds to more than 4,000 chromatin sites. Unexpectedly, although almost entirely comprised in the larger group of estrogen-induced binding sites, we found that unliganded-ERα binding is specifically linked to genes with developmental functions, compared with estrogen-induced binding. Moreover, we found that siRNA-mediated down-regulation of ERα in absence of estrogen is accompanied by changes in the expression levels of hundreds of coding and noncoding RNAs. Down-regulated mRNAs showed enrichment in genes related to epithelial cell growth and development. Stable ERα down-regulation using shRNA, which caused cell growth arrest, was accompanied by increased H3K27me3 at ERα binding sites. Finally, we found that FOXA1 and AP2γ binding to several sites is decreased upon ERα silencing, suggesting that unliganded ERα participates, together with other factors, in the maintenance of the luminal-specific cistrome in breast cancer cells.
Adaptation in the visual cortex: a case for probing neuronal populations with natural stimuli

The perception of, and neural responses to, sensory stimuli in the present are influenced by what has been observed in the past—a phenomenon known as adaptation. We focus on adaptation in visual cortical neurons as a paradigmatic example. We review recent work that represents two shifts in the way we study adaptation, namely (i) going beyond single neurons to study adaptation in populations of neurons and (ii) going beyond simple stimuli to study adaptation to natural stimuli. We suggest that efforts in these two directions, through a closer integration of experimental and modeling approaches, will enable a more complete understanding of cortical processing in natural environments.
New Venture Strategies in the Minicomputer Industry

Despite considerable recent interest in the processes and problems of entrepreneurship, very little is known about why new ventures succeed or fail. Even less is known about how the characteristics of organization that determine early success or failure influence later capacities for adaptation. This article presents results of an in-depth study of strategies employed by 108 new firms in the minicomputer industry over the period 1957 to 1981. It examines how different strategies implemented under different industry conditions are linked to early survival and failure. Then, it explores whether and to what extent these strategies persist in the face of changes in the firms' environment.
Reversing the polarity of bipolar stimulation in deep brain stimulation for essential tremor: A theoretical explanation for a useful clinical intervention

The quadripolar electrodes used for deep brain stimulation are designed to give flexibility in contact configuration, optimize therapeutic effect, and minimize side-effects. A patient with essential tremor did not tolerate a bipolar setting due to the emergence of a pulling sensation in her face. However, when the polarity of the contacts was reversed, a 70% higher voltage was tolerated. Using an electric field model, we predicted that this effect was due to the proximity of the topmost contact to the internal capsule. Post-operative imaging supported this prediction. These results demonstrate how a multi-disciplinary approach allows us to optimize parameter settings.