Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A very compact 1MS/s Nyquist-rate A/D-converter with 12 effective bits

We present a very compact analog-to-digital convertor (ADC) for use as a standard cell. To achieve an inherent accuracy of at least 12-bits without trimming or calibration, extended counting A/D-conversion is used. Here, the circuit performs a conversion by passing through two modes of operation: first it works as a 1st-order incremental convertor and then it is reconfigured to operate as a conventional algorithmic converter. This way, we obtain a Nyquist-rate converter that requires only 1 operational amplifier and achieves 12-bit accuracy performance in 13 clock cycles with 9 bit capacitor matching. The circuit is designed in 0.18 μm CMOS with a thick oxide option. The resulting analog core occupies a chip area of only 0.011 mm2 and the complete digital control and reconstruction logic (including additional test features and storage registers) is 0.02 mm2. The analog blocks of the circuit consume 1.2mW and the digital 0.4mW. At a sample rate of 1 MS/s, the peak SNDR is 74.5dB and the dynamic range is 78dB, constant over the Nyquist band. The worst-case integral non-lineairity (INL) is within ±0.55 LSB.
A 490-nA, 43-ppm/°C, sub-0.8-V supply voltage reference

This paper presents a low power bandgap reference generator with 193-mV output voltage. The nominal supply voltage is 0.8 V, but the circuit can work with a supply down to 0.65 V. The circuit has been fabricated with a standard 0.18 μm CMOS technology and achieves a temperature coefficient of 43 ppm/°C for temperatures ranging from 0 to 120°C. A sampled-data amplifier consuming 140 nA and a reversed current-mode bandgap scheme draining 350 nA enable the achieved performance.
Operational redundancy in axon guidance through the multifunctional receptor Robo3 and its ligand NELL2

No going back The mammalian spinal cord coordinates neuronal systems across the body. Axons that cross the spinal cord midline during development first need permission to cross and then instruction not to keep crossing back and forth. Jaworski et al. studied the axonal guidance receptor ROBO3 and found a ligand NELL2 in mice that appears to help in this process. Science, this issue p. 961 Multiple fail-safe signaling pathways ensure that developing axons cross the spinal cord midline no matter what. Axon pathfinding is orchestrated by numerous guidance cues, including Slits and their Robo receptors, but it remains unclear how information from multiple cues is integrated or filtered. Robo3, a Robo family member, allows commissural axons to reach and cross the spinal cord midline by antagonizing Robo1/2–mediated repulsion from midline-expressed Slits and potentiating deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC)–mediated midline attraction to Netrin-1, but without binding either Slits or Netrins. We identified a secreted Robo3 ligand, neural epidermal growth factor-like-like 2 (NELL2), which repels mouse commissural axons through Robo3 and helps steer them to the midline. These findings identify NELL2 as an axon guidance cue and establish Robo3 as a multifunctional regulator of pathfinding that simultaneously mediates NELL2 repulsion, inhibits Slit repulsion, and facilitates Netrin attraction to achieve a common guidance purpose.
Rate Allocation and Adaptation for Incremental Redundancy Truncated HARQ

This paper considers incremental redundancy hybrid ARQ (HARQ) transmission over independent block-fading channels. The transmitter, having no knowledge of the instantaneous channel state information (CSI) can or - allocate the transmission rate knowing the statistics of the channel, or - adapt the transmissions rates using the outdated CSI, i.e., the one experienced by the receiver in the past transmissions that resulted in a packet decoding failure. Aiming at throughput maximization problems under constraint on the outage probability, we show how to optimize the rate-adaptation and rate-allocation policies using dynamic programming framework. Numerical examples obtained in a Rayleigh-fading channel show that rate adaptation provides notable gains over a rate allocation and non-adaptive HARQ, and, for high SNR, only a few transmissions are necessary to approach closely the ergodic capacity.
Development of Clinical Pharmacy Key Performance Indicators for Hospital Pharmacists Using a Modified Delphi Approach

Background: Key performance indicators (KPIs) are quantifiable measures of quality. There are no published, systematically derived clinical pharmacy KPIs (cpKPIs). Objective: A group of hospital pharmacists aimed to develop national cpKPIs to advance clinical pharmacy practice and improve patient care. Methods: A cpKPI working group established a cpKPI definition, 8 evidence-derived cpKPI critical activity areas, 26 candidate cpKPIs, and 11 cpKPI ideal attributes in addition to 1 overall consensus criterion. Twenty-six clinical pharmacists and hospital pharmacy leaders participated in an internet-based 3-round modified Delphi survey. Panelists rated 26 candidate cpKPIs using 11 cpKPI ideal attributes and 1 overall consensus criterion on a 9-point Likert scale. A meeting was facilitated between rounds 2 and 3 to debate the merits and wording of candidate cpKPIs. Consensus was reached if 75% or more of panelists assigned a score of 7 to 9 on the consensus criterion during the third Delphi round. Results: All panelists completed the 3 Delphi rounds, and 25/26 (96%) attended the meeting. Eight candidate cpKPIs met the consensus definition: (1) performing admission medication reconciliation (including best-possible medication history), (2) participating in interprofessional patient care rounds, (3) completing pharmaceutical care plans, (4) resolving drug therapy problems, (5) providing in-person disease and medication education to patients, (6) providing discharge patient medication education, (7) performing discharge medication reconciliation, and (8) providing bundled, proactive direct patient care activities. Conclusions: A Delphi panel of hospital pharmacists was successful in determining 8 consensus cpKPIs. Measurement and assessment of these cpKPIs will serve to advance clinical pharmacy practice and improve patient care.
Novel Pilot-Assisted Spectrum Sensing for OFDM Systems by Exploiting Statistical Difference Between Subcarriers

This paper presents a novel pilot-assisted spectrum sensing technique for orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. The main idea is based upon the physical nature that subcarriers carrying pilots or payload data have different first-order and second-order statistical properties. These differences vanish when the spectrum of interest is unoccupied. Therefore, the decision of spectrum availability can be formed based upon these differences, which can be explored through employment of frequency-domain differential operations. Thanks to the differential operations, the proposed technique has less sensitivity of the noise power uncertainty problem caused by imperfect hardware. Performance of the proposed technique is analytically formulated in terms of probability of false alarm (PFA) and probability of detection (PD). Computer simulations are carried out to elaborate the analytical results. It is shown that the second-order statistics based proposed technique outperforms the conventional pilot-assisted technique up to 7 dB. Moreover, it is shown that the first-order statistics based proposed technique outperforms the second-order statistics based proposed technique for small normalized Doppler shifts (≤ 0.013). However, the second-order statistics based proposed technique offers better performance for larger normalized Doppler shifts.
Degrees of Freedom of MIMO-MAC with Random Access

A distributed random access network with K users and one Access Point (AP) is considered. It is assumed that users and the AP are equipped with M and N antennas, respectively. Each user independently decides whether to transmit in a time slot or not. We initially focus on two-user random access networks and characterize the network average Degrees of Freedom (DoF)1. For the K-user networks, an upper-bound on the network average DoF is first proposed. Then, it is shown that the proposed upper-bound can be achieved using single stream data transmission for many network configurations. Finally, we show through a few examples that there exist some network configurations where multi-stream data transmission in conjunction with interference alignment is necessary in order to achieve the upper-bound.
Using decoys to expand the recognition specificity of a plant disease resistance protein

Improving plant disease responses Disease resistance in plants depends on genes that allow them to recognize when they are infected by a pathogen so that they can mount a timely defense response. Unfortunately, pathogens can often overcome endogenous disease resistance genes by evolving new virulence strategies that escape detection. Kim et al. modified the pathogen recognition systems in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to widen its reach. The approach should enable the development of crops with more durable disease resistance and hence reduce pesticide use and increase crop yields. Science, this issue p. 684 Swapping proteolytic cleavage sites in a plant immune response pathway enables defense against a new suite of pathogens. Maintaining high crop yields in an environmentally sustainable manner requires the development of disease-resistant crop varieties. We describe a method to engineer disease resistance in plants by means of an endogenous disease resistance gene from Arabidopsis thaliana named RPS5, which encodes a nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) protein. RPS5 is normally activated when a second host protein, PBS1, is cleaved by the pathogen-secreted protease AvrPphB. We show that the AvrPphB cleavage site within PBS1 can be substituted with cleavage sites for other pathogen proteases, which then enables RPS5 to be activated by these proteases, thereby conferring resistance to new pathogens. This “decoy” approach may be applicable to other NLR proteins and should enable engineering of resistance in plants to diseases for which we currently lack robust genetic resistance.
Synchronous Drosophila circadian pacemakers display nonsynchronous Ca2+ rhythms in vivo

Layered versatility atop circadian clocks The circadian clock evolved to allow cells or organisms to anticipate changes in physiological requirements associated with Earth's 24-hour light/dark cycle. Some activities, however, need to occur out of phase with the core clock. Liang et al. imaged changes in intracellular concentration of Ca2+ in populations of neurons in the fruit fly brain. Although the underlying clock was synchronous, the rhythms of Ca2+ changes corresponded with distinct timing of activities associated with activity of the particular neuronal populations. Proper coordination of these distinct phases required expression of the neuropeptide pigment-dispersing factor and its receptor. Science, this issue p. 976 Neuropeptides enable synchronized circadian clocks to time events out of phase with the clock mechanism. In Drosophila, molecular clocks control circadian rhythmic behavior through a network of ~150 pacemaker neurons. To explain how the network’s neuronal properties encode time, we performed brainwide calcium imaging of groups of pacemaker neurons in vivo for 24 hours. Pacemakers exhibited daily rhythmic changes in intracellular Ca2+ that were entrained by environmental cues and timed by molecular clocks. However, these rhythms were not synchronous, as each group exhibited its own phase of activation. Ca2+ rhythms displayed by pacemaker groups that were associated with the morning or evening locomotor activities occurred ~4 hours before their respective behaviors. Loss of the receptor for the neuropeptide PDF promoted synchrony of Ca2+ waves. Thus, neuropeptide modulation is required to sequentially time outputs from a network of synchronous molecular pacemakers.
Opioid Pharmacokinetics-Pharmacodynamics

Objective: To evaluate acute traumatic pain protocols and to suggest optimization by characterizing opioid pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK-PD). Data Sources: MEDLINE (1946 to November 2015), EMBASE (1974 to November 2015), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970 to December 2014), and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2005 to November 2015). Keywords: morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl, trauma, acute pain, intravenous, opioid, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Literature characterizing opioid PK-PD was included. Additionally, studies evaluatingoutcomes of opioids for acute severe pain in adult trauma patients were selected. Data Synthesis: PK-PD literature suggests that morphine exhibits an effect delay of 1.6 to 4.8 hours; however, clinical significance is doubtful. The relative onset of morphine is approximately 6 minutes, and duration, 96 minutes. Morphine 0.1 mg/kg IV then 0.05 mg/kg every 5 minutes achieved pain control in 40% of patients at 10 minutes and 76% at 60 minutes. The effect delay of hydromorphone (orally) is 18 to 38 minutes; its relative onset (IV), 5 minutes; and duration, 120 minutes. Hydromorphone every 15 minutes achieved variable success in clinical trials. The effect delay of fentanyl IV is 16.4 minutes; relative onset, 2 minutes; and duration, 7 minutes. One randomized controlled trial used fentanyl 0.1 µg/kg IV every 5 minutes. Conclusions: Further integration of opioid PK-PD into acutepain protocols is possible. One opioid should not be deemed more effective but rather titrated to effect. Morphine and hydromorphone can be titrated IV every 5 minutes until adequate pain control. Fentanyl can be titrated every 3 minutes.
Can pacemakers warn of impending syncope in the elderly

Professor Sutton trained at King’s College Hospital (London, UK) as an undergraduate and trained in Cardiology at St George’s Hospital (London, UK), the University of North Carolina (NC, USA) and the National Heart Hospital, London. During the years 1976–1993 he was a Consultant Cardiologist at Westminster Hospital (London, UK) and from 1993 to 2007 at the Royal Brompton Hospital (London, UK); currently his appointment is at St Mary’s Hospital (London, UK). He has been interested in cardiac stimulation since working at St George’s. During the 1980s there began to be a focus on syncope. Professor Sutton was awarded a personal Chair in Clinical Cardiology at Imperial College (London, UK), in 2003.
Investigation of partially gated Si tunnel FETs for low power integrated optical sensing

This paper presents experimental results regarding optical and electrical characteristics of a partially gated p-i-n structure that has an extension in the channel region coated with transparent material. The correlation between band to band tunneling and photo current is discussed. Four main phenomena are observed under illumination: (1) negative transconductance can be obtained under reverse bias conditions (2) the off current is governed by the photocurrent and subthreshold slope is degraded (3) a kink in the saturation current appears in the output characteristics (4) the light sensitivity of the transconductance in P mode operation can be tuned with the back gate bias.
Electron-hole pair excitation determines the mechanism of hydrogen atom adsorption

Sticking hydrogen atoms to surfaces The simplest case of adsorption at a surface—that of a hydrogen atom—is actually quite complicated. This is because it is not clear how this light atom can transfer enough momentum to the heavy surface that it can slow down and stick. Bünermann et al. prepared highly energetically controlled hydrogen atoms (see the Perspective by Brune). On a gold surface, inelastic collisions occurred during adsorption, but not when an insulating layer of xenon atoms was used. Science, this issue p. 1346; see also p. 1321 Control of the energy of an atomic hydrogen beam allowed measurement of its inelastic scattering from surfaces. [Also see Perspective by Brune] How much translational energy atoms and molecules lose in collisions at surfaces determines whether they adsorb or scatter. The fact that hydrogen (H) atoms stick to metal surfaces poses a basic question. Momentum and energy conservation demands that the light H atom cannot efficiently transfer its energy to the heavier atoms of the solid in a binary collision. How then do H atoms efficiently stick to metal surfaces? We show through experiments that H-atom collisions at an insulating surface (an adsorbed xenon layer on a gold single-crystal surface) are indeed nearly elastic, following the predictions of energy and momentum conservation. In contrast, H-atom collisions with the bare gold surface exhibit a large loss of translational energy that can be reproduced by an atomic-level simulation describing electron-hole pair excitation.
Importancia de la disnea basal e inducida en la calidad de vida de los pacientes con EPOC

Objetivo La disnea es el principal sintoma de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva cronica (EPOC), por lo que tiene un papel importante en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS). Sin embargo, guarda una relacion debil con la gravedad de la obstruccion y hay pocos datos sobre como influye en la CVRS. Asi pues, nuestro objetivo ha sido averiguar los determinantes de la disnea basal y como influye esta en la CVRS de los pacientes con EPOC. Pacientes y metodos Se estudio a 101 pacientes con EPOC, a los que se realizaron exploracion funcional completa, test de provocacion bronquial (n = 70) y test de la marcha (TM). Se midieron la disnea basal, la inducida por broncoconstrictor y por esfuerzo, la CVRS y los grados de ansiedad y depresion. Resultados La disnea basal vino determinada por la ansiedad (un 17% de la variancia explicada), la presion inspiratoria maxima (4%) y la presion arterial de oxigeno (4%). En la EPOC leve-moderada (volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo > 50%) la CVRS se explico fundamentalmente por la ansiedad (el 43% de la variancia). Los metros caminados en el TM, la edad y la disnea basal explicaron otro 26%. La disnea basal tambien aparecio como determinante independiente de la CVRS en la subescala de Actividades, y la inducida por broncoconstriccion en la subescala de Impacto. En la EPOC grave (volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo ≤ 50%) la disnea basal fue el determinante fundamental de la CVRS. Los principales determinantes de la ansiedad fueron la disnea provocada por el TM (el 42% de la variancia) y la basal (6%). Conclusiones La ansiedad es el determinante fundamental de la CVRS en la EPOC; dicha ansiedad esta mediada fundamentalmente por la disnea inducida por esfuerzo y la disnea basal.
Use of Vitamin E and C Supplements for the Prevention of Cognitive Decline

Background: There are few studies of the association between the use of antioxidant vitamin supplements and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cognitive decline is generally viewed as part of the continuum between normal aging and AD. Objective: To evaluate whether the use of vitamin E and C supplements is associated with reduced risks of cognitive impairment, not dementia (CIND), AD, or all-cause dementia in a representative sample of older persons ≥65 years old. Methods: Data from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging (1991-2002), a cohort study of dementia including 3 evaluation waves at 5-yearly intervals, were used. Exposure to vitamins E and C was self-reported at baseline in a risk factor questionnaire and/or in a clinical examination. Results: The data set included 5269 individuals. Compared with those not taking vitamin supplements, the age-, sex-, and education-adjusted hazard ratios of CIND, AD, and all-cause dementia were, respectively, 0.77 (95% CI = 0.60-0.98), 0.60 (95% CI = 0.42-0.86), and 0.62 (95% CI = 0.46-0.83) for those taking vitamin E and/or C supplements. Results remained significant in fully adjusted models except for CIND. Similar results were observed when vitamins were analyzed separately. Conclusions: This analysis suggests that the use of vitamin E and C supplements is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline. Further investigations are needed to determine their value as a primary prevention strategy.
Biosensor reveals multiple sources for mitochondrial NAD+

A fluorescent sensor for NAD+ in living cells Roles of cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in metabolism, aging, and disease have garnered much interest, but methods have been lacking to measure the amounts of NAD+ in living cells. Cambronne et al. developed a genetically encoded biosensor that can be used to monitor concentrations of free NAD+ in various compartments of a cell (see the Perspective by Guarente). Such concentrations of NAD+ appear to be important in regulating the activity of NAD+-consuming enzymes such as sirtuins and ADP-ribosyltransferases. The authors used the sensor to demonstrate that NAD+ concentrations in mitochondria of cultured human cells can be controlled by multiple mechanisms. Science, this issue p. 1474; see also p. 1396 A fluorescent sensor allows measurement of NAD+ concentrations in cultured mammalian cells. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential substrate for sirtuins and poly(adenosine diphosphate–ribose) polymerases (PARPs), which are NAD+-consuming enzymes localized in the nucleus, cytosol, and mitochondria. Fluctuations in NAD+ concentrations within these subcellular compartments are thought to regulate the activity of NAD+-consuming enzymes; however, the challenge in measuring compartmentalized NAD+ in cells has precluded direct evidence for this type of regulation. We describe the development of a genetically encoded fluorescent biosensor for directly monitoring free NAD+ concentrations in subcellular compartments. We found that the concentrations of free NAD+ in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria approximate the Michaelis constants for sirtuins and PARPs in their respective compartments. Systematic depletion of enzymes that catalyze the final step of NAD+ biosynthesis revealed cell-specific mechanisms for maintaining mitochondrial NAD+ concentrations.