Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EWS·Fli-1 Fusion Protein Interacts with Hyperphosphorylated RNA Polymerase II and Interferes with Serine-Arginine Protein-mediated RNA Splicing*

Ewing's sarcoma displays a characteristic chromosomal translocation that results in fusion of the N-terminal domain of the Ewing's sarcoma protein (EWS) to the C-terminal DNA-binding domain of the ETS family transcription factor Fli-1 (Friend leukemia integration-1). EWS possesses structural motifs suggesting a role in transactivation as well as RNA binding. We demonstrate that wild-type EWS protein functions as an adapter molecule coupling transcription to RNA splicing by binding to hyperphosphorylated RNA polymerase II through the N-terminal domain of EWS and recruiting serine-arginine (SR) splicing factors through the C-terminal domain of EWS. The oncogenic EWS·Fli-1 fusion protein retains the ability to bind to hyperphosphorylated RNA polymerase II but lacks the ability to recruit SR proteins because of replacement of the C-terminal domain of EWS by Fli-1. In an in vivo splicing assay, the EWS·Fli-1 fusion protein inhibits SR protein-mediated E1A pre-mRNA splicing in a dominant-negative manner. These results indicate that EWS·Fli-1 interferes with the normal function of EWS and implicate uncoupling of gene transcription from RNA splicing in the pathogenesis of Ewing's sarcoma.
LCL Type Supply Filter for Active Power Filter - Comparison of an Active and a Passive Method for Resonance Damping

First-order L type supply Alters do not always offer sufficient attenuation of switching ripple currents in voltage- source active power filter applications. By using third-order LCL filters the level of the switching frequency current components can be reduced more effectively. However, because of the resonance phenomenon of the supply filter and the active filter wide operating bandwidth, the use of the LCL filter in the active filter applications is challenging. This paper compares an active and a passive method for LCL filter resonance damping, assesses their suitability for the active power filter application and presents their benefits and drawbacks. The passively damped LCL filter utilizes a control system designed for an active filter with a first-order L type filter, while the active damping method examined is based on the cascaded control of the mains side inductor and the capacitor currents. First, the frequency responses of the transfer function models are examined and second, the topologies are studied through experimental tests. The results presented show that both topologies filter the harmonics effectively and the switching ripple is attenuated. The active method requires more current sensors, while additional damping resistors are needed in the passively damped system. However, there are only slight differences both in the filtering results and the power losses.
Performance of computed tomography versus chest radiography in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis with and without diabetes at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background Prior research suggests that diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increasing risk for developing cavitary lung disease in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Additionally, chest computed tomography (CT) scan may be more sensitive than chest X-ray in detecting cavitary disease in such patients. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of chest CT to chest X-ray in detecting cavitary lung disease and to compare the frequency of cavities between TB patients with DM and without DM. Patients and methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 2004 to December 2015. We included patients aged 18 years and older with a positive sputum culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and their medical charts were reviewed from admission to discharge. Results Of the 133 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 38 (28.6%) patients were known to have DM and were compared with 95 (71.4%) patients without DM. DM patients with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) >6.5% had significantly more cavitary lesions when compared to all patients (with or without DM) with HbA1c <6.4% and/or random blood sugar <200 mg/dL. Furthermore, CT was able to detect lung cavities in 58.8% of the patients who had negative chest X-ray findings for cavities. Conclusion The presence of lung cavities was significantly associated with the presence of DM and levels of HbA1c in patients with pulmonary TB. CT scan in those with normal radiography increased the detection of cavities.
Failure to Return

Objective. To assess parental, practice, and social factors associated with missed immunization visits by young, urban children. Study Design. Parents of children ≤36 months(n = 705) were surveyed. The primary outcome was missed immunization visit, by parental report. Key parent, practice, and social factors were assessed using hierarchical logistical regression. Results. Families were predominantly Latino and publicly insured. Parents who rescheduled (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.27; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.76-6.09) or had problems scheduling appointments (AOR = 4.00; 95% CI = 1.49-10.75) were more likely to miss an immunization visit, as were those with vaccine safety fears (AOR = 3.76; 95% CI = 1.23-11.5) or more limited communication with their provider (AOR = 2.38; 95% CI = 1.05-5.36). Having friends and families with positive immunization views was protective (AOR = 0.030; 95% CI = 0.002-0.41). Conclusion. This study highlights factors that may help urban families keep immunization visits: open communication with providers, flexibility in scheduling appointments, and individual and community education.
Nano- and meso-measurement methods in the study of dielectrics

Measurements of the physical form and morphology of dielectrics and of their chemical characteristics and physical properties have become increasingly important at micron and sub-micron length scales. Such length scales are accessible by different forms of microscopy but scanning probe methods allow both chemical and physical measurements to be made, in addition to morphological and typographical imaging, at nanoscopic and mesoscopic length scales. These measurements are described in this paper with examples drawn from many areas of dielectric research and applications, including polymer morphology, surface and subsurface charge measurements along with the dynamics of charge-decay, surface potential and work function, microelectronics, ferroelectrics, photocharging, dielectric response and nanoscopic relaxation and nanoscopic Raman spectroscopy. The future of scanning probe methods for dielectric measurements is assured but more effort is required to both develop and consolidate this form of nano-metrology.
Cognitive abilities in children with specific language impairment: consideration of visuo-spatial skills.

BACKGROUND The study is concerned with the cognitive abilities of children with specific language impairment (SLI). Previous research has indicated that children with SLI demonstrate difficulties with certain cognitive tasks despite normal non-verbal IQ scores. It has been suggested that a general processing limitation might account for the pattern of language and cognitive difficulties seen in children with SLI. The performances on a visuo-spatial short-term memory task and a visuo-spatial processing task were considered in a group of young children with SLI. Verbal short-term memory was also measured. AIMS To identify whether children with SLI demonstrate difficulties with visuo-spatial memory as well as verbal short-term memory. To see whether a visuo-spatial processing task without short-term memory requirements is problematic for children with SLI. To consider performance on these tasks over time. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Nine children with SLI (mean age 3;9 years at the study outset) and nine typically developing children (mean age 3;9 years at the study outset) were visited on three occasions over 1 year. Verbal short-term memory, visuo-spatial short-term memory and visuo-spatial processing tasks were administered to the children, and performance over time was compared between the two groups. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS The children with SLI performed at a lower level than the typically developing children on the verbal short-term memory task. Both groups showed similar development on the verbal short-term memory task and the visuo-spatial processing task over time. Only the visuo-spatial short-term memory task showed slower development over time in the children with SLI relative to the typically developing children. CONCLUSIONS Children with SLI demonstrated slower development on a visuo-spatial short-term memory task relative to typically developing children of the same chronological age. This finding has implications for speech and language therapists and other professionals working with children with SLI. It may mean that only certain types of visual support are suitable, and that children with SLI will have difficulty with tasks requiring a high level of processing, or a number of mental manipulations.
Do Protease Inhibitors Increase the Risk for Coronary Heart Disease in Patients With HIV‐1 Infection?

Summary: There is continued concern about protease inhibitors (PIs) causing increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in HIV‐infected patients. This ongoing observational study examines CHD and myocardial infarction (MI) hospitalization rates among HIV‐positive members of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program of Northern California, before and after PI use, and before and after any antiretroviral therapy (ART). Also, CHD and MI hospitalization rates among HIV‐infected members are compared with members not known to be HIV‐positive. With 4.1 years' median total follow‐up, age‐adjusted CHD and MI hospitalization rates were not significantly different before versus after PIs (6.2 vs. 6.7 events per 1000 person‐years); or before versus after ART (5.7 vs. 6.8). However, comparing HIV‐positive and ‐negative members, the CHD hospitalization rate was significantly higher (6.5 vs. 3.8, p = .003), and the difference in the MI rate also was higher (4.3 vs. 2.9, p = .07). Differences between HIV‐positive and ‐negative members in the CHD risk factors measured were mixed, and the overall clinical significance of these differences is uncertain. Our data suggest that PIs and other antiretroviral therapies do not yet increase CHD or MI hospitalizations among HIV‐infected individuals; however, longer follow‐up is needed. Other HIV‐related mechanisms may be at work, causing increased CHD and MI risk among all HIV‐infected persons.
Randomized trial of carboplatin versus radiotherapy for stage I seminoma: mature results on relapse and contralateral testis cancer rates in MRC TE19/EORTC 30982 study (ISRCTN27163214).

PURPOSE Initial results of a randomized trial comparing carboplatin with radiotherapy (RT) as adjuvant treatment for stage I seminoma found carboplatin had a noninferior relapse-free rate (RFR) and had reduced contralateral germ cell tumors (GCTs) in the short-term. Updated results with a median follow-up of 6.5 years are now reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS Random assignment was between RT and one infusion of carboplatin dosed at 7 × (glomerular filtration rate + 25) on the basis of EDTA (n = 357) and 90% of this dose if determined on the basis of creatinine clearance (n = 202). The trial was powered to exclude a doubling in RFRs assuming a 96-97% 2-year RFR after radiotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], approximately 2.0). RESULTS Overall, 1,447 patients were randomly assigned in a 3-to-5 ratio (carboplatin, n = 573; RT, n = 904). RFRs at 5 years were 94.7% for carboplatin and 96.0% for RT (RT-C 90% CI, 0.7% to 3.5%; HR, 1.25; 90% CI, 0.83 to 1.89). One death as a result of seminoma (in RT arm) occurred. Patients receiving at least 99% of the 7 × AUC dose had a 5-year RFR of 96.1% (95% CI, 93.4% to 97.7%) compared with 92.6% (95% CI, 88.0% to 95.5%) in those who received lower doses (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.24 to 1.07; P = .08). There was a clear reduction in the rate of contralateral GCTs (carboplatin, n = 2; RT, n = 15; HR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.95; P = .03), and elevated pretreatment follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (> 12 IU/L) was a strong predictor (HR, 8.57; 95% CI, 1.82 to 40.38). CONCLUSION These updated results confirm the noninferiority of single dose carboplatin (at 7 × AUC dose) versus RT in terms of RFR and establish a statistically significant reduction in the medium term of risk of second GCT produced by this treatment.
Controller Design for Discrete-Time Descriptor Models: A Systematic LMI Approach

This paper provides a systematic way to generalize the controller design for discrete-time nonlinear descriptor models. The controller synthesis is done using a Takagi-Sugeno representation of the descriptor models and linear matrix inequalities. We propose approaches to exploit the discrete-time nature of the problem by using delayed Lyapunov functions, which allow delayed controller gains. In addition, the well-known Finsler's Lemma is used to avoid the explicit substitution of the closed-loop dynamics. Examples are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed results.
RABIES IN NORTHEASTERN EUROPE—THE THREAT FROM INVASIVE RACCOON DOGS

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the main terrestrial wildlife rabies vector in Europe. However, recently the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)—an invasive species originating from East Asia—has become increasingly important as secondary host, especially in the Baltic States. This imposes problems on neighboring rabies-free countries (such as Finland), where the density of each of the two vector species on its own might be too low to sustain a long-term rabies epizootic, but the community of vectors could be large enough to support a rabies epizootic. In this modeling study, we analyzed rabies epizootics in a community of foxes and raccoon dogs. We focused on the impact of density and behavioral differences (hibernation) between the two vector species. We found that rabies could persist in the community, even if the disease would not spread in the single vector species because its density was too low. Epizootics in the community were stronger than expected for single species, and raccoon dogs were usually the major rabies host. If raccoon dog territory density was high, invasive raccoon dogs could even outcompete native foxes because of apparent competition via the rabies virus. The enhancement in disease risk and disease intensity caused by raccoon dogs suggests that current strategies to control wildlife rabies in Europe should be reviewed, and that oral rabies vaccination also should target raccoon dogs after they emerge from hibernation.
Urinary excretion of albumin in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: persistent versus intermittent microalbuminuria and relationship to duration of diabetes, sex, and metabolic control.

OBJECTIVE Urinary excretion of albumin is a marker for incipient diabetic nephropathy in adults. The intra-individual variability, as well as the relationship to duration of diabetes, onset of the disease, and long-term metabolic control, have not been evaluated in a large sample of pediatric patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 5,722 nocturnal urinary albumin excretion rates were determined in 447 children, adolescents, and young adults with type 1 diabetes, comprising 1,821 years of observation. Excretion rates were related to duration of diabetes, age at onset of diabetes, sex, blood pressure, and metabolic control. RESULTS Based on repeated measurements in individual patients, the positive predictive value of one sample was 76%, the negative 99.5%. After a duration of diabetes of 11 years, 5% of patients displayed persistent microalbuminuria (10% after 13 years). The duration of diabetes until persistent microalbuminuria was identical for patients with prepubertal or pubertal onset of diabetes. In addition to duration, female sex (P < 0.03) and insufficient long-term metabolic control (P < 0.03) contributed significantly and independently to urinary albumin excretion. CONCLUSIONS Determination of urinary albumin excretion rate is useful in pediatric patients. Female subjects with a long duration of diabetes and insufficient metabolic control are especially at risk for microalbuminuria. Even if persistent microalbuminuria usually becomes evident in patients aged > 11 years, the prepubertal duration of diabetes contributes equally to this risk. Good metabolic control therefore should be aspired to from the onset of diabetes.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Minimum Intervention Measures on Young Offenders

The goal of this study was to analyze the recidivism rate in minor offenders to whom a minimum intervention measure was applied after their first felony or misdemeanor, and to determine the variables associated with recidivism. The sample was made up of 154 minors from the province of Santa Cruz of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). The information was collected from the database of the Minors' Court. The recidivism rate depends on the measure imposed, ranging between 14 and 40.6%. The degree of agreement between the Technical Team's proposal and the court decision was 70%. With regard to the variables associated with recidivism, a model was obtained through logistic regression that correctly classified 83.7% of the cases, and was made up of the variables perception of parenting problems, intervention of social services, and social isolation. El objetivo de este estudio era analizar la tasa de reincidencia en menores infractores a los que se les aplicaba una medida de intervención mínima en su primer delito o falta, y conocer las variables asociadas a la reincidencia. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 154 menores de la provincia de Santa Cruz de Tenerife. La información se extrajo de la base de datos del Juzgado de Menores. La tasa de reincidencia depende de la medida impuesta, variando entre un 14 y un 40.6%. El grado de acuerdo entre la propuesta del Equipo Técnico y la resolución judicial fue del 70%. En cuanto a las variables asociadas a la reincidencia, mediante regresión logística se obtuvo un modelo que clasifica correctamente al 83,7% de los casos, y que está formado por las variables percepción de problemas en la crianza por parte de los padres, intervención de los servicios sociales y aislamiento social.
The phenotype and fate of the antibody‐forming cells of the splenic foci

The first product of the humoral response to antigen is low‐affinity antibody, produced by extrafollicular foci of antibody‐forming cells (AFC) in organs such as spleen and lymph node. These cells proliferate rapidly but then undergo an equally rapid decline, so that they are present in only small numbers 14 days after immunization. We have used 6‐parameter flow cytometry to isolate and examine the characteristics of (4‐hydroxy‐5‐nitrophenyl)acetyl‐specific AFC, looking in particular for those markers that might differentiate them from cells of the intrafollicular (germinal center) arm of the T‐dependent immune response. At day 7 of the primary response, most AFC were found to express surprisingly low levels of B220, high levels of syndecan, and retain significant levels of surface IgG1. We then used enzyme‐linked immunospot assays to demonstrate that the rapid decline of these cells was not likely to be due to migration to organs such as the bone marrow. Their decline could, however, be explained by apoptosis in situ, which was demonstrated immunohistologically by nick‐end labeling.
Solutions Strategies for Die Shift Problem in Wafer Level Compression Molding

Die shift problem that arises during the wafer molding process in embedded micro wafer level package fabrication was systematically analyzed and solution strategies were developed. A methodology to measure die shift was developed and applied to create maps of die shift on an 8 inch wafer. A total of 256 dies were embedded in an 8 inch mold compound wafer using compression molding. Thermal and cure shrinkages of mold compound are determined to be the primary reasons for die shift in wafer molding. Die shift value increases as the distance from the center of the wafer increases. Pre-compensation of die shift during pick and place is demonstrated as an effective method to control die shift. Applying pre-compensation method 99% of dies can be achieved to have die shift values of less than 40 μm. Usage of carrier wafer during wafer molding reduces the maximum die shift in a wafer from 633 μm to 79 μm. Die area/package area ratio has a strong influence on the die shift values. Die area/package area ratios of 0.81, 0.49, and 0.25 lead to maximum die shift values of 26, 76, and 97 μ. m, respectively. Wafer molding using low coefficient of thermal expansion (7 × 10-6/°C) and low cure shrinkage (0.094%) mold compounds is demonstrated to yield maximum die shift value of 28 μm over the whole 8 inch wafer area.
Inactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus Clinical Isolates by Using a Combination Microbicide

ABSTRACT A combination microbicide using the lipid-ether 1-0-octyl-sn-glycerol (OG) (3 mM) and peptide LSA5 (9 μM) synergistically inactivated six clinical isolates of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) by 30- to 100-fold and five of six HSV-1 isolates by 10-fold more than the sum of OG and LSA5 used individually within 30 min. OG plus LSA5 inactivated all HSV clinical isolates by ≥1,000-fold in 10 to 40 min.
Cooperation between C1q and DNase I in the clearance of necrotic cell-derived chromatin.

OBJECTIVE The efficient uptake of dying cells by phagocytes is essential to the avoidance of chronic inflammation. Some human autoimmune responses are thought to be driven by autoantigens from apoptotic or necrotic cells. We analyzed the role of C1q and DNase I in the disposal of necrotic cell-derived chromatin because deficiencies in these serum factors predispose to the development of systemic autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus. METHODS Human necrotic peripheral blood lymphocytes were incubated in cell culture medium supplemented with various sera or serum components. Chromatin degradation was monitored by measuring the residual DNA content by flow cytometry. The uptake of necrotic cell-derived nuclei was analyzed by in vitro phagocytosis assays. RESULTS Reconstitution of C1q-depleted serum with C1q strongly increased its ability to degrade necrotic cell-derived chromatin. Although C1q itself displayed no DNase activity, it strongly augmented the activity of serum DNase I. Whereas an excess of recombinant DNase I degraded chromatin in the absence of C1q, efficient uptake of the predigested material by monocyte-derived phagocytes required the presence of C1q. These data show that C1q and DNase I cooperate in the degradation of chromatin from necrotic cells. Furthermore, C1q was found to be necessary for effective uptake of degraded chromatin by monocyte-derived phagocytes. CONCLUSION C1q or DNase I deficiencies may precipitate autoimmunity in humans by a mechanism similar to that of other molecules that are involved in the safe, efficient, and rapid disposal of dying cells.