Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insights Into Phase-Noise Scaling in Switch-Coupled Multi-Core LC VCOs for E-Band Adaptive Modulation Links

High-capacity wireless links at millimeter-Waves are candidate for backhaul infrastructure to small-cell mobile networks. However, the use of high-order modulation schemes sets challenging phase-noise specifications for integrated frequency synthesizers. Moreover, the use of adaptive modulation suggests local oscillators exploiting noise scaling, up to several decibel depending on channel conditions. In this paper, multi-core switch-coupled LC voltage-controlled oscillators are proposed to achieve ultra-low phase noise and scalable noise performance according to system requirements in a power-efficient way. A theoretical model investigating the effect of LC core component mismatches shows very good agreement with experiments. Design insights are provided, key in order to take effective advantage from the proposed low-noise technique. A quad-core ~20 GHz oscillator prototype, followed by a frequency quadrupler, has been realized in 55-nm BiCMOS technology. Measured performances are ~70-to-81 GHz frequency range with −106.5-dBc/Hz minimum phase noise at 1-MHz offset from an 80-GHz carrier with 50-mW power consumption and 1.2-V supply. To authors’ knowledge, this is the lowest phase noise measured in the E-Band using integrated technologies and CMOS-compatible supplies. When noise requirements are relaxed, auxiliary cores are turned off rising phase noise by 6 dB but with power consumption reduced down to 18 mW only.
Synthesis and Hypolipidemic Activity of Novel 2‐(4‐(2‐Amino‐6‐(4‐Substituted Phenyl) Pyrimidin‐4‐yl)‐2‐Substituted Phenoxy) Acetic Acid Derivatives

A novel series of 2‐(4‐(2‐amino‐6‐(4‐substituted phenyl) pyrimidin‐4‐yl)‐2‐substituted phenoxy) acetic acid derivatives were efficiently synthesized. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vivo hypolipidemic activity, using high‐fat‐diet‐induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Some of these compounds showed significant antihyperlipidemic activity.
C3 and C4 Pathways of Photosynthetic Carbon Assimilation in Marine Diatoms Are under Genetic, Not Environmental, Control1[W][OA]

Marine diatoms are responsible for up to 20% of global CO2 fixation. Their photosynthetic efficiency is enhanced by concentrating CO2 around Rubisco, diminishing photorespiration, but the mechanism is yet to be resolved. Diatoms have been regarded as C3 photosynthesizers, but recent metabolic labeling and genome sequencing data suggest that they perform C4 photosynthesis. We studied the pathways of photosynthetic carbon assimilation in two diatoms by short-term metabolic 14C labeling. In Thalassiosira weissflogii, both C3 (glycerate-P and triose-P) and C4 (mainly malate) compounds were major initial (2–5 s) products, whereas Thalassiosira pseudonana produced mainly C3 and C6 (hexose-P) compounds. The data provide evidence of C3-C4 intermediate photosynthesis in T. weissflogii, but exclusively C3 photosynthesis in T. pseudonana. The labeling patterns were the same for cells grown at near-ambient (380 μL L−1) and low (100 μL L−1) CO2 concentrations. The lack of environmental modulation of carbon assimilatory pathways was supported in T. pseudonana by measurements of gene transcript and protein abundances of C4-metabolic enzymes (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase) and Rubisco. This study suggests that the photosynthetic pathways of diatoms are diverse, and may involve combined CO2-concentrating mechanisms. Furthermore, it emphasizes the requirement for metabolic and functional genetic and enzymic analyses before accepting the presence of C4-metabolic enzymes as evidence for C4 photosynthesis.
COACH BOT - Modular e-Course with Virtual Coach Tool Support

The COACH BOT project aims at designing and testing an innovative e-learning methodology for adult education that combines Conversational Agent Technology (chatbot) with an ad hoc designed modular learning path. The pilot e-course addresses a target group of home health care professionals (e.g. home caretakers, nurses, etc). The project’s innovation consists of the development of a collaborative e-learning environment featuring a “chatbot” or “Virtual Coach” who interacts with users through a human-like interface. The “Virtual Coach” acts as a teacher, coach and tutor, who supports learners “individually” during the modular e-course by providing in-depth information, assessment, case studies, technical and methodological support. The e-course curriculum is based on a personalised approach allowing learners, with help from the COACH BOT, to customize their own training path and benefit from a suitable training path that is relevant to their profession and based on their own specific needs, knowledge and skill
Effect on mortality of semipurified diets versus natural feedstuffs fed to chickens infected with eimeria tenella.

SUMMARY Three different inoculation doses of E. tenella were given to male New Hampshire X Columbian chickens at three weeks of age. From five days before to one week after oral inoculation, a semipurified diet, thought to be complete in all known nutrients, was given to the chickens. An identical inoculation schedule was followed for chickens of the same age, sex, and breeding; a diet composed of natural feedstuffs was substituted for the semipurified diet. For each inoculation dose, chickens fed the semipurified diet had a significantly lower death rate than those on natural feedstuffs. A single inoculation dose of E. tenella was given to male New Hampshire X Columbian chickens at three weeks of age. From 4 days before to 8 days after oral inoculation, the chickens received either semipurified diets containing different protein or carbohydrate sources or diets containing graded concentrations of cellulose. The groups did not differ significantly in mortality.
Cancer, heart disease, and diabetes in workers exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

BACKGROUND In 1997, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) as a group 1 human carcinogen, based largely on four highly exposed industrial cohorts that showed an excess of all cancers combined. In this study, we extended the follow-up period for the largest of these cohorts by 6 years and developed a job-exposure matrix. METHODS We did cohort mortality analyses involving 5132 chemical workers at 12 U.S. plants by use of life table techniques (U.S. population referent) and Cox regression (internal referent). We conducted exposure-response analyses for 69% of the cohort with adequate work history data and adequate plant data on TCDD contamination. All P values are two-sided. RESULTS The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for all cancers combined was 1.13 (95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.25). We found statistically significant positive linear trends in SMRs with increasing exposure for all cancers combined and for lung cancer. The SMR for all cancers combined for the highest exposure group was 1.60 (95% confidence interval = 1.15-1.82). SMRs for heart disease showed a weak increasing trend with higher exposure (P = .14). Diabetes (any mention on the death certificate) showed a negative exposure-response trend. Internal analyses with Cox regression found statistically significant trends for cancer (15-year lag time) and heart disease (no lag). CONCLUSIONS Our analyses suggest that high TCDD exposure results in an excess of all cancers combined, without any marked specificity. However, excess cancer was limited to the highest exposed workers, with exposures that were likely to have been 100-1000 times higher than those experienced by the general population and similar to the TCDD levels used in animal studies.
Functional Characterization of PyrG, an Unusual Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase Module from the Pyridomycin Biosynthetic Pathway

Pyridomycin is an antimycobacterial cyclodepsipeptide assembled by a nonribosomal peptide synthetase/polyketide synthase hybrid system. Analysis of its cluster revealed a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) module, PyrG, that contains two tandem adenylation domains and a PKS‐type ketoreductase domain. In this study, we biochemically validated that the second A domain recognizes and activates α‐keto‐β‐methylvaleric acid (2‐KVC) as the native substrate; the first A domain was not functional but might play a structural role. The KR domain catalyzed the reduction of the 2‐KVC tethered to the peptidyl carrier protein of PyrG in the presence of the MbtH family protein, PyrH. PyrG was demonstrated to recognize many amino acids. This substrate promiscuity provides the potential to generate pyridomycin analogues with various enolic acids moiety; this is important for binding InhA, a critical enzyme for cell‐wall biosynthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Cux1 transcription factor is induced in inflammatory bowel disease and protects against experimental colitis†

Background: Cux1 is a ubiquitous transcriptional factor that has been associated with cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and differentiation. Cux1 is an effector of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF&bgr;) pathway, PAR2 receptor signaling, and cellular migration, mechanisms intimately related to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Methods: CD1 mice treated with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water and cultured intestinal epithelial cells were used to determine Cux1 expression under inflammatory conditions. A commercial cDNA library was used to monitor CUX1 expression in IBD patients. The Cux1&Dgr;HD/&Dgr;HD hypomorphic mouse model (Cux1&Dgr;HD) treated with DSS in drinking water was used and the disease severity assessed. Results: Cux1 expression increased in cultured intestinal epithelial cells stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF&agr;), in the mouse intestinal epithelium during experimental colitis and in human IBD patient samples. DSS‐induced colitis in Cux1&Dgr;HD mice was more severe according to clinical observations such as weight loss, colon length, and rectal bleeding. Histological observations confirmed an increase of IBD‐related morphological changes including ulceration and mucosal infiltration of leukocytes in Cux1&Dgr;HD mice. An increased number of pSer276‐RelA‐positive cells and higher expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines were also measured in the colon of Cux1&Dgr;HD diseased animals. Elevated levels of Cxcl1 were measured before and after DSS‐treatment and a greater neutrophilic infiltration was quantified in DSS‐treated Cux1&Dgr;HD mice. Finally, mucosal healing was significantly impaired in Cux1&Dgr;HD mice during recovery from DSS treatment. Conclusions: CUX1 is increased in response to inflammatory stress and its nuclear expression is crucial to protect against DSS‐induced colitis and subsequent mucosal healing. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2010)
Surface Modification of Bioactive Glasses and Preparation of PDLLA/Bioactive Glass Composite Films

In order to improve the homogeneous dispersion of particles in the polymeric matrix, 45S5, mesoporous 58S, and 58S bioactive glasses were surface modified by esterification reactions with dodecyl alcohol at reflux temperature of 260°C (named as m-45S5, m-mesoporous 58S, and m-58S, respectively). The modified particles showed better hydrophobicity and longer time of suspension in organic matrix. The PDLLA/bioactive glass composite films were fabricated using surface modified bioactive glass particles through solvent casting-evaporation method. Surface morphology, mechanical property, and bioactivity were investigated. The results revealed that the inorganic particle distribution and tensile strength of the composite films with modified bioactive glass particles were significantly improved while great bioactive properties were maintained. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation illustrated that the modified bioactive glass particles were homogeneously dispersed in the PDLLA matrix. The maximum tensile strengths of composite films with modified bioactive glass particles were higher than that of composite films with unmodified bioactive glass particles. The bioactivity of the composite films were evaluated by being soaked in the simulated body fluid (SBF) and the SEM observation of the films suggested that the modified composite films were still bioactive in that they could induce the formation of HAp on its surface and the distribution of HAp was even more homogeneous on the film. The results mentioned above indicated that the surface modification of bioactive glasses with dodecyl alcohol was an effective method to prepare PDLLA/bioactive glass composites with enhanced properties. By studying the comparisons of modification effects among the three types of bioactive glasses, we could get the conclusion that the size and morphology of the inorganic particles would greatly affect the modification effects and the properties of composites.
Seroprevalence of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus and risk factors in Xinjiang, China

Xinjiang, China is an endemic area for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) but the seroprevalence of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and risk factors remain undefined. In this study, antibodies to one KSHV latent protein (ORF73) and two KSHV lytic proteins (ORF65 and ORF‐K8.1) were examined in 2,228 subjects from the general population and 37 subjects infected with HIV‐1 in Xinjiang, and 560 subjects from the general population in Hubei, a low KS incidence region. The serostatus of a serum sample was defined based on positive results in any one of the three serologic assays. The seroprevalence of KSHV in the general population was higher in Xinjiang than in Hubei (19.2% vs. 9.5%; odds ratios [OR], 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68–3.08; P < 0.001). Among the ethnic groups in Xinjiang, 68 (15.8%) Han, 182 (20.7%) Uygur, 140 (19.9%) Hazakh, 9 (33.3%) Xibo, and 29 (16.8%) Hui were KSHV‐seropositive, respectively. Compared to the Han, the latter groups had an increase in the risk of KSHV of 62.2%, 63.8%, 180.1%, and 30.2% (P = 0.003, 0.004, 0.018, and 0.286, respectively). Subjects aged <20, 20–50, and >50 had a seroprevalence of KSHV of 11.8%, 17.9%, and 24.6%, respectively. Compared to subjects aged <20, the latter groups had an increase in the risk of KSHV of 63.3% and 144.5% (P = 0.009 and <0.001, respectively). Subjects infected with HIV‐1 in Xinjiang had a seroprevalence of KSHV of 43.2%, and a 220% increase in the risk of KSHV compared to the general population (P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained when the seroprevalence of KSHV was analyzed with any single or two of the three serologic assays alone. Genotyping identified three unique sequences clustered in the A clade. This study indicates that Xinjiang has a high seroprevalence of KSHV. Geographic location, ethnicity, age and HIV‐1 infection are risk factors. Serologic and genotyping results suggest the introduction of KSHV into Xinjiang by specific ethnic groups. J. Med. Virol. 81:1422–1431, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The three‐dimensional tracking pattern of the human patella

A study was undertaken to provide data on the three‐dimensional tracking pattern of the patella, relative to the femur, in human knee‐joint specimens. For this purpose, a highly accurate roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA) method was applied. The three‐dimensional motion patterns of the tibia and the patella were measured and represented in terms of three translations and three rotations each, during knee flexion in neutral (unloaded), endorotated, and exorotated pathways. We found that the patella displays complex but consistent three‐dimensional motion patterns during flexion, which include flexion rotation, medial rotation, wavering tilt, and a lateral shift relative to the femur. The motion patterns are very much affected by tibial rotations accompanying flexion.
Actin cytoskeleton organization in response to integrin‐mediated adhesion

Cell matrix adhesion regulates actin cytoskeleton organization through distinct steps, from formation of filopodia and lamellipodia in the early phases of cell adhesion to organization of focal adhesions and stress fibers in fully adherent cells. In this review, we follow the events induced by integrin‐mediated adhesion, such as activation of GTPases Cdc42 and Rac and their effectors and their role in actin polymerization leading to formation of lamellipodia and filopodia and cell spreading. We also show that actin stress fiber and focal adhesion formation following adhesion requires cooperation between integrin‐mediated signaling and additional stimuli, including activation of PKC, Rho GTPases, and PTKs such as p125Fak and Src. Microsc. Res. Tech. 47:67–78, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Training Physicians in Communication Skills

Their [doctors] usefulness did not depend on making the patient swallow substances for the most part harmful (the harm was scarcely perceptible, as they were given in small doses), but they were useful, necessary and indispensable because they satisfied a mental need for the invalid and of those who loved her–and that is why there are, and always will be, pseudohealers, wise women, homeopaths and allopaths.
Nucleoside analogue mutations and Q151M in HIV-1 subtype A/E infection treated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

Objectives: To investigate genotypic drug resistance in HIV-1 subtype A/E infection associated with failure of double/triple-nucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor therapy. Methods: Patients from HIV-NAT 002 [stavudine (d4T)/didanosine (ddI) dose reduction study] and HIV-NAT 003 (zidovudine (ZDV)/lamivudine (3TC) versus ZDV/3TC/ddI) whose HIV-1 RNA was > 1000 copies/ml at week 48 and/or week 96 were tested for genotypic resistance. In both studies, after 48 weeks, patients were switched to the other dual or triple-nucleoside RT inhibitor (NRTI) either according to randomization or to the occurrence of virological failure. Results: Resistance mutations found in the d4T/ddI, ZDV/3TC, and ZDV/3TC/ddI groups: none at baseline; at week 48, nucleoside analogue mutations (NAM), 2/17 (12%), 2/10 (20%), and 1/8; Q151M complex, 3/17 (18%), 0%, and 0%; M184V, 0%, 10/10 (P < 0.001), 3/8; V75T, 3/17 (18%), 0%, and 0%; L74V, 3/7 (18%), 0%, and 0%, respectively. At week 96, among the switchers, i.e., group A d4T/ddI to ZDV/3TC, group B ZDV/3TC to d4T/ddI, and group C ZDV/3TC/ddI to d4T/3TC/abacavir: NAM, 12/21 (57%), 4/7 and 1/3; Q151M, 4/21 (19%), 0% and 1/3, respectively. Interestingly, four or more NAM were observed in a higher proportion in group A (4/17 versus none in the others). Conclusions: Multi-NRTI resistance (NAM and Q151M) and M184V (only in 3TC failure) are commonly found in HIV-1 subtype A/E infection associated with NRTI failure. Suboptimal d4T/ddI therapy led to a high incidence of V75T and L74V mutations. Switching from d4T/ddI to ZDV/3TC may be associated with a higher incidence of four or more NAM. Thus, suboptimal and dual NRTI therapy is not recommended for global application.
Hypothesis: Environmental regulation of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by oxidative stress

Many environmental toxins, such as heavy metals, air particles, and ozone, induce oxidative stress and decrease the levels of NADH and NADPH, cofactors that drive anabolic biochemical reactions and provide reducing capacity to combat oxidative stress. Recently, it was found that the Ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein family members, which oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in the DNA, is activated under high oxygen conditions by alpha ketoglutarate (-KG), a cofactor produced by aerobic metabolism in the citric acid cycle. TET, Jumonji-family histone demethylases, and prolyl hydroxylase, a repressor of HIF1a under high oxygen conditions, all require alpha ketoglutarate (a-KG) as cofactors for their activation. The impact of the HIF1a and TET proteins, which appear to have opposing functions, reaches several aspects of human life-including cell growth regulation, embryonic stem cell maintenance, cell differentiation, and tumorigenesis. The role of metabolism on regulating global DNA methylation and chromatin organization is recently demanding greater attention from the biomedical research community. This article will discuss the possible role of TET activation and the regulation of 5hmC and 5mC levels in response to environmental stress. We will also discuss how 5hmC and 5mC levels at the promoters of specific genes might be a useful biomarker for exposure to environmental toxins.
Identifying modifiable risk factors for rehospitalization: a case-control study of seriously mentally ill persons in Mississippi.

OBJECTIVE The authors sought to identify risk factors for rehospitalization in a seriously mentally ill population, focusing on factors that have the potential to be modified through community-based interventions. METHOD A case-control design was used in which 101 "case" subjects (recently readmitted psychiatric patients) and a comparison group of 101 subjects living in the community who had been previously hospitalized at the same time as the case subjects, but who in contrast had not been readmitted, were matched on gender, ethnicity, and length of time at risk for rehospitalization. The setting was the Mississippi public mental health system during the first 3 months of 1988, including Mississippi State Hospital and the 10 community mental health regions in its catchment area. The subjects were between the ages of 18 and 55 years, had had at least one previous Mississippi State Hospital admission, and had a primary chart diagnosis of schizophrenia; 197 informants, mostly family members, were also included in the study. Data were collected from structured interviews of subjects and informants, direct observation ratings of subjects, Mississippi State Hospital administrative records, and community mental health center administrative records. RESULTS Medication noncompliance, comorbid alcohol abuse, and a high level of criticism of subjects by informants were associated with greater risk of rehospitalization, while types and extent of outpatient service use, access to care, quality of life, and demographic variables (other than ethnicity and gender) were not. CONCLUSIONS These findings imply that interventions aimed at improving medication compliance, reducing alcohol abuse, and helping families cope with their mentally ill relatives could reduce the risk of hospitalization in this population.
Derivative Usage by Non-Financial Firms in Emerging Markets: The Peruvian Case

Financial derivatives markets have reached a remarkable development in recent years, but this pattern has not attained the same strength in developing countries. In consequence, an important question arises: what is the development degree of financial derivatives markets in emerging countries and which variables influence the use of derivatives in the top companies? To analyze this topic, Peru has been chosen as a reference and the Non-Financial Firms as well. In order to enhance objectivity, an empirical study has been conducted through a structured survey directed to chief financial managers of companies classified among the TOP 1000 in the country. This information was collected in order to explain the effect of the determinants that influence the development of financial derivatives in Peru. The results show that the use of derivatives in Peru is low and the relevant factors affecting its development are the degree of training in derivatives and the market regulation. This outcome suggests that there should be patterns of behaviour for market agents and government entities to promote the use of derivatives, as well as provide information for future research that might contribute to establish the most adequate mechanisms for market-development purposes.