Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Book review: Design and modeling for 3D ICs and interposers

It appears that 3D integration with through silicon vias (TSV) is finally here! I am referring to the mem-ory-on-logic and logic-on-logic applications where the improvement in performance, transistor density and form factor enables the electronics industry to continue the miniaturization of systems. Because of this, the timing of this book is about right.
Effects of gadolinium injected into the middle ear on the stria vascularis

Conclusion.The concentration of gadolinium (Gd) used clinically showed no remarkable effects on the stria vascularis; however, a higher concentration had adverse effects. The concentration of Gd must be borne in mind when injecting Gd into the tympanic cavity. Objective. Endolymphatic hydrops has been visualized using high resolution MRI with the intratympanic administration of Gd in patients with Meniere's disease. We attempted to investigate the effects of Gd on the stria vascularis. Materials and methods. Gd hydrate diluted eightfold with saline or non-diluted Gd or saline was injected into the tympanic cavity of guinea pigs. To investigate the effects of Gd on the stria vascularis, we measured endocochlear DC potential (EP) and observed the stria vascularis using transmission electron microscopy. Results. Intratympanic injections of Gd hydrate diluted eightfold with saline (1/8 Gd) and saline did not cause apparent changes in the EP. Moreover, the amplitude of the EP decreased significantly 60 min after non-diluted Gd was injected. Transmission electron micrographs of the stria vascularis revealed no significant morphological difference between the ears injected with 1/8 Gd and those injected with saline. There was significant morphological change in the ear injected with non-diluted Gd. The intercellular spaces were markedly enlarged.
The seroepidemiology of B. pertussis infection in Catalonia, Spain

A survey of the seroprevalence of pertussis antibodies in a representative sample of the population from Catalonia was carried out. Ninety-seven municipalities and 30 schools were randomly selected to recruit the 2126 subjects who participated in the study. A serum sample was obtained from all individuals participating in the study in order to determine levels of pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) antibodies by ELISA test. Sociodemographic data were collected for all subjects. The prevalence of PT antibodies was 75 % and that of FHA antibodies 89 %. Significant increments were observed with age, both in the prevalence of PT (P < 0·0001) and of FHA (P = 0·018). Of the sociodemographic variables studied, only urban habitat was significantly associated to PT antibodies. The agreement observed among the two types of antibodies studied was weak (κ = 0·264). Routine revaccination with the acellular vaccine in children over 7 years of age, in adolescents and adults seems a reasonable strategy to prevent the appearance of cases of pertussis in the community.
Eye Morphology and Retinal Topography in Hummingbirds (Trochilidae: Aves)

Hummingbirds are a group of small, highly specialized birds that display a range of adaptations to their nectarivorous lifestyle. Vision plays a key role in hummingbird feeding and hovering behaviours, yet very little is known about the visual systems of these birds. In this study, we measured eye morphology in 5 hummingbird species. For 2 of these species, we used stereology and retinal whole mounts to study the topographic distribution of neurons in the ganglion cell layer. Eye morphology (expressed as the ratio of corneal diameter to eye transverse diameter) was similar among all 5 species and was within the range previously documented for diurnal birds. Retinal topography was similar in Amazilia tzacatl and Calypte anna. Both species had 2 specialized retinal regions of high neuron density: a central region located slightly dorso-nasal to the superior pole of the pecten, where densities reached ∼45,000 cells·mm-2, and a temporal area with lower densities (38,000-39,000 cells·mm-2). A weak visual streak bridged the two high-density areas. A retina from Phaethornis superciliosus also had a central high-density area with a similar peak neuron density. Estimates of spatial resolving power for all 3 species were similar, at approximately 5-6 cycles·degree-1. Retinal cross sections confirmed that the central high-density region in C. anna contains a fovea, but not the temporal area. We found no evidence of a second, less well-developed fovea located close to the temporal retina margin. The central and temporal areas of high neuron density allow for increased spatial resolution in the lateral and frontal visual fields, respectively. Increased resolution in the frontal field in particular may be important for mediating feeding behaviors such as aerial docking with flowers and catching small insects.
Home visitation programs for at-risk young families. A systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND This systematic literature review is stimulated by the perceived need of investigator, practice and policy stakeholders for a complete but parsimonious summary of key elements of programs that use home visitation for at-risk young families as the major delivery method. OBJECTIVES To describe the program components, practices, outcomes, and reliability of the evaluation approaches. METHODS Computer and hand searches of literature were carried out. Reports of established programs, from the last five years, that describe home visitation services to at-risk families were included. A comprehensive data collection tool was used in the analysis of the findings. FINDINGS Improvements over the previous five years were seen in the following areas: use of early intervention model, inclusion of comparison groups and adequate sampling. DISCUSSION Challenges remain in development, targeting and reporting of home visitation practice, overall lack of impact, differential effects by program site, retention of participants and appropriate measurement.
Satellite-Based Continuous-Variable Quantum Communications: State-of-the-Art and a Predictive Outlook

The recent launch of the Micius quantum-enabled satellite heralds a major step forward for long-range quantum communication. Using single-photon discrete-variable quantum states, this exciting new development proves beyond any doubt that all of the quantum protocols previously deployed over limited ranges in terrestrial experiments can in fact be translated to global distances via the use of low-orbit satellites. In this paper we survey the imminent extension of space-based quantum communication to the continuous-variable regime—the quantum regime perhaps most closely related to classical wireless communications. The continuous variable regime offers the potential for increased communication performance, and represents the next major step forward for quantum communications and the development of the global quantum Internet.
Contactless energy transfer through air by means of ultrasound

An alternative approach to the wireless transfer of energy is proposed, employing acoustic waves in air. Unlike conventional methods, acoustic energy transfer is able to achieve energy transfer at high efficiencies over distances that are large in comparison to the dimensions of the transmitter and the receiver. This paper gives an overview of the principle and explains the different loss mechanisms that come into play. A theoretically limit on the achievable efficiency is calculated. It exceeds that of a comparable inductively coupled system by an order of magnitude. First preliminary measurements indicate that AET is feasible, although the measured efficiency is lower than the predicted theoretical limit.
The U.K. Working Party's Diagnostic Criteria for Atopic Dermatitis. III. Independent hospital validation

In order to qualify as a case of atopic dermatitis, we propose that an individual must have an itchy skin condition plus three or more of the following: history of flexural involvement, a history of asthma/hay fever, a history of a generalized dry skin, onset of rash under the age of 2 years, or visible flexural dermatitis. When tested in an independent sample of 200 consecutive dermatology outpatients of all ages, this arrangement of the diagnostic criteria achieved 69% sensitivity and 96% specificity when validated against physician's diagnosis. Based on the findings of this first exercise, minor modifications in the wording of the criteria were undertaken, and these were tested on a sample of 114 consecutive children attending out‐patient paediatric dermatology clinics. Overall discrimination improved, with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 96%. The simplified criteria are easy to use, take under 2 min per patient to ascertain, and do not require subjects to undress. These two independent validation studies suggest that the newly proposed criteria for atopic dermatitis perform reasonably well in hospital out‐patient patients. Further validation in community settings and in developing countries is needed.
Deficits in voluntary pursuit and inhibition of risk taking in sensation seeking

Sensation seeking has been associated with substance use and other risk‐taking behaviors. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigated the neural correlates underlying risk taking in sensation seeking. Twenty‐eight high sensation seekers (HSS; 14 female and 14 male young adults) and 28 low sensation seekers (LSS; 14 female and 14 male young adults) performed an interactive, sequential gambling task that allowed for voluntary pursuit or inhibition of risk taking. Behaviorally, HSS versus LSS exhibited a stronger tendency toward risk taking. Comparison of the groups revealed that when taking risks, HSS relative to LSS exhibited reduced fMRI responses in brain areas involved in risk processing, such as the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and the thalamus. Importantly, during the voluntary inhibition of risk taking, HSS relative to LSS showed greater fMRI responses in brain areas implicated in cognitive control (the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex) and negative emotion (the right anterior insula). These findings suggest that risk taking in sensation seeking may be driven by both a hypoactive neural system in the voluntary pursuit of risk taking and a hyperactive neural system in the voluntary inhibition of risk taking, thus providing implications for future prevention programs targeting sensation‐seeking behaviors. Hum Brain Mapp 38:6019–6028, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Learning, Retention, and Slacking: A Model of the Dynamics of Recovery in Robot Therapy

Quantitative descriptions of the process of recovery of motor functions in impaired subjects during robot-assisted exercise might help to understand how to use these devices to make recovery faster and more effective. Linear dynamical models have been used to describe the dynamics of sensorimotor adaptation. Here, we extend this formalism to characterize the neuromotor recovery process. We focus on a robot therapy experiment that involved chronic stroke survivors, based on a robot-assisted arm extension task. The results suggest that modeling the recovery process with dynamical models is feasible, and could allow predicting the long-term outcome of a robot-assisted rehabilitation treatment.
Mode-locked parabolic Raman fiber oscillator

The generation of self-similar parabolic pulses (similaritons) has so far only been obtained in single-pass Raman amplifier configurations or in rare-earth doped fiber lasers. We report here the first demonstration of a mode-locked parabolic pulse fiber laser, which can potentially be run at any wavelength using Raman gain. This new all-fiber ring similariton laser scheme has been designed with the aid of a full theoretical model of its operation. The output similariton pulses of the laser have a true parabolic shape and a linear chirp.
Acute desensitization of GIRK current in rat atrial myocytes is related to K+ current flow

We have investigated the acute desensitization of acetylcholine‐activated GIRK current (IK(ACh)) in cultured adult rat atrial myocytes. Acute desensitization of IK(ACh) is observed as a partial relaxation of current with a half‐time of < 5 s when muscarinic M2 receptors are stimulated by a high concentration (> 2 μmol l−1) of ACh. Under this condition experimental manoeuvres that cause a decrease in the amplitude of IK(ACh), such as partial block of M2 receptors by atropine, intracellular loading with GDP‐β‐S, or exposure to Ba2+, caused a reduction in desensitization. Acute desensitization was also identified as a decrease in current amplitude and a blunting of the response to saturating [ACh] (20 μmol l−1) when the current had been partially activated by a low concentration of ACh or by stimulation of adenosine A1 receptors. A reduction in current analogous to acute desensitization was observed when ATP‐dependent K+ current (IK(ATP)) was activated either by mitochondrial uncoupling using 2,4‐dinitrophenole (DNP) or by the channel opener rilmakalim. Adenovirus‐driven overexpression of Kir2.1, a subunit of constitutively active inwardly rectifying K+ channels, resulted in a large Ba2+‐sensitive background K+ current and a dramatic reduction of ACh‐activated current. Adenovirus‐driven overexpression of GIRK4 (Kir3.4) subunits resulted in an increased agonist‐independent GIRK current paralleled by a reduction in IK(ACh) and removal of the desensitizing component. These data indicate that acute desensitization depends on K+ current flow, independent of the K+ channel species, suggesting that it reflects a reduction in electrochemical driving force rather than a bona fide signalling mechanism. This is supported by the observation that desensitization is paralleled by a significant negative shift in reversal potential of IK(ACh). Since the ACh‐induced hyperpolarization shows comparable desensitization properties as IK(ACh), this novel current‐dependent desensitization is a physiologically relevant process, shaping the time course of parasympathetic bradycardia.
Reproductive Microbiomes: A New Thread in the Microbial Network

Almost every part of our body has a coevolved microbial community. The expressed microbial genes comprise the various microbiomes that play important roles in normal physiology and development. The various microbiomes are separate, yet often connected, with the species composition of one affecting others. The female reproductive system microbiomes (eg, vaginal, placental, and mammary/milk) remain less well explored than the gut microbiome although they comprise a large proportion of the female microbial network. This review examines the evidence for interconnectivity between the female reproductive microbiomes, other maternal microbiomes, and developing infant microbiomes and the potential roles of each in health and disease. Disruptions in maternal microbiomes may be linked to pregnancy complications and maternal, fetal, and neonatal health. The diversity of the vaginal microbiome’s makeup, which appears to vary across ethnicity, has led researchers to reconsider the idea of a “healthy” or “normal” vaginal microbial community. Less is known about the possible placental microbiome, although an association between the placenta’s bacterial makeup and preterm labor and other pregnancy complications is being investigated. The mammary/milk microbiome appears to be influenced by maternal characteristics and may play a role in inoculating the infant but may also be affected by the infant’s oral microbiome. Probiotic therapies such as “vaginal seeding” offer potential health benefits but require more rigorous testing. Exploring the reproductive microbiomes in detail and pairing this information with an individual’s detailed medical history will provide a more complete picture of the status and importance of the microbial network to health.
Generalized driver steering model based on similarities in visual-based and optimal preview controls

The paper tackles a problem of modeling a vehicle lateral control performed by human driver. Nowadays, the modeling of driver behavior is a frequently suggested research topic and a lot of different models exist. Here, the steering control models, available in literature are presented and discussed. The similarities in different models are shown and a generalized model is proposed, merging the major different models into the same mathematical structure. Finally, the correspondence of a model is validated using real drivers data collected on a driving simulator.
Aceptación y resultados de la aplicación en España de un protocolo de vigilancia activa en cáncer de próstata

Introduccion. El cancer de prostata es una parte del proceso de envejecimiento en varones. En los ultimos anos se ha incrementado el numero de diagnosticos de bajo riesgo en los que el tratamiento radical podria significar un sobretratamiento. Sin embargo, algunos experimentan progresion de su enfermedad. El concepto de “Vigilancia Activa” implica el manejo conservador de estos pacientes con un seguimiento e identificacion precoz de los casos potencialmente agresivos para plantear un tratamiento con intencion curativa. La aplicacion en nuestro medio de un protocolo de Vigilancia Activa generaba dudas en cuanto a la aceptacion por parte de pacientes y a los resultados oncologicos. Tras 11 anos desde su implementacion disponemos de informacion para realizar un analisis de los resultados oncologicos, seguridad y eficacia de la aplicacion en nuestro medio del protocolo de vigilancia activa en cancer de prostata. Justificacion. Hipotesis. Objetivos. El estudio se justifica por la necesidad de encontrar alternativas para evitar el sobretratamiento de los pacientes con cancer de prostata de bajo riesgo. La hipotesis es que la aplicacion en Espana de un protocolo de Vigilancia Activa es factible en cuanto a aceptacion por los pacientes con buenos resultados oncologicos. El objetivo principal es conocer la supervivencia global, cancer especifica, libre de metastasis y libre de tratamiento de los pacientes en vigilancia activa. Los objetivos secundarios son conocer el porcentaje de aceptacion y abandono voluntario del protocolo, determinar cuales son los factores predictivos de reclasificacion histologica, analizar los resultados de subgrupos de edad y de aquellos que no cumplen estrictamente los criterios de Vigilancia Activa y analizar los resultados de los tratamientos radicales realizados en la cohorte.
Wound healing after paranasal sinus surgery: neutrophilic inflammation influences the outcome

Aims : After failure of medical treatment, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) remains the best treatment for chronic sinusitis (CS) and nasal polyposis (NP). The precise mechanisms involved in wound healing after sinus surgery remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore systematically the different histomorphological processes and cell populations involved in the wound repair of the paranasal mucosa.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a mountain grassland II: Seasonal variation of colonization studied, along with its relation to grazing and metabolic host type

The relationships among seasons, host metabolic type, grazing and arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization were analyzed in a high South American native grassland. This study investigated seasonal changes and grazing effects on the symbiotic endomycorrhizal interaction in 5 Poaceae [C3 metabolic pathway: Briza subaristata Lam. , Deyeuxia hieronymi (Hack.) Türpe and Poa stuckertii (Hack.) Parodi; with C4 metabolic pathway: Eragrostis lugens Nees and Sorghastrum pellitum (Hack.) Parodi; and a Rosaceae (Alchemilla pinnata Ruíz & Pav.)]. All hosts were dominant species in the mountain grassland in central Argentina. It was found that the seasons markedly influenced endomycorrhizal colonization, whereas grazing did not affect this interaction. C4 grasses presented the highest root colonization. Hosts Briza subaristata (C3 metabolic pathway) and Sorghastrum pellitum (C4 metabolic pathway) showed Arum- and Paris-type colonization and intermediate forms.
TÜRKİYE’DE ENERJİ TÜKETİMİ VE BÜYÜME İLİŞKİSİ: EŞBÜTÜNLEŞME VE NEDENSELLİK ANALİZİ

Sosyal ve ekonomik kalkinma icin temel bir dayanak olan enerji, politik etkilere sahip onemli makroekonomik unsurlardan biridir. Politika yapicilar etkin enerji ve cevre politikalari tasarlamak amaciyla buyume ve enerji tuketimi iliskisini anlamaya ihtiyac duymaktadirlar. Bu calismada, 1960-2015 donemi verileri kullanilarak, Turkiye orneginde buyume ve enerji tuketimi iliskisi incelenmistir. Bu kapsamda; seriler arasinda esbutunlesme iliskisinin varligi Bayer ve Hanck (2012) tarafindan onerilen esbutunlesme testi ile arastirilmistir. Esbutunlesme testi sonuclari, Turkiye’de buyume ile enerji tuketimi arasinda uzun donemli bir iliskinin olmadigini gostermektedir. Seriler arasindaki nedensellik iliskisi ise Hacker ve Hatemi-J (2006) tarafindan onerilen bootstrap nedensellik testi kullanilarak incelenmistir. Nedensellik testi sonuclari, buyume ile enerji tuketimi arasinda nedensellik iliskisinin olmadigini belirtmektedir. Turkiye icin elde edilen sonuclar tarafsizlik hipotezinin gecerliligini desteklemektedir.
Diagnóstico de avarias em inversores fonte de tensão de cinco níveis

Advances in power electronics technology have increased the use of power converters, causing major changes in the electricity sector. Despite their benefits, they also present several disadvantages such as the increase of the harmonic pollution. This problem is especially worrying in inverters since their output is, in most cases, linked directly to the network. Research and development of more efficient inversion solutions is therefore essential to minimize harmonic distortion. Multilevel converters present a promising solution to address this issue, namely the Neutral-Point-Clamp (NPC) converters. However while increasing levels of the converter the more complex becomes the control strategy. Over the years, various control strategies have been developed for operating converters of this type, most notably: strategies based on current and voltage. In this thesis, the choice of strategy lies with the predictive control, the usual less control strategy for the control of power converters, mainly NPC converters. It has also been up of great importance the study of behaviour on the occurrence of internal faults in power converters, not only to know the impact of these failures in the converter itself and the surrounding system, but to develop detection and identification of the failed component and technics for minimizing or even eliminating the damage caused by these failures. There have been proposed various diagnostic methods in power converters, including NPC converters. Of the methods already proposed the majority intended for use in two-level converters. Despite the good results achieved in this application, they are inefficient when applied to NPC converters. Many of the methods proposed specifically to NPC inverters require additional hardware and / or changes to the topology, leading to an increase in the cost of the converter. This study investigated the impact of failures on all the IGBTs used topology (five level NPC inverter). They also studied three methods of fault diagnosis: one successfully applied to a two-level converter and another successfully applied to a three level NPC converter (both based on analysis of current). Finally it has been studied a method (based on the analysis of voltages), newly developed, capable of detecting any fault of one IGBT, independent of the number of levels of the converter and control strategy. Methods under study are tested in simulation and laboratory environment, using a prototype developed during this thesis.