Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antisense long noncoding RNAs regulate var gene activation in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum

Significance How cells specifically express only a single gene among numerous equivalent copies within their genomes is one of the unsolved mysteries in the field of eukaryotic gene expression. The molecular mechanisms that underlie mutually exclusive gene expression are the key for understanding the virulence of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the deadliest form of human malaria. P. falciparum expresses its primary virulence determinants in a mutually exclusive manner and evades human immune attack through switches in expression between different variants of a large gene family named var. We found that var-specific antisense long noncoding RNA molecules incorporate into chromatin and determine how parasites select a single gene for expression while the rest of the family is maintained silenced. The virulence of Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of the deadliest form of human malaria, is attributed to its ability to evade human immunity through antigenic variation. These parasites alternate between expression of variable antigens, encoded by members of a multicopy gene family named var. Immune evasion through antigenic variation depends on tight regulation of var gene expression, ensuring that only a single var gene is expressed at a time while the rest of the family is maintained transcriptionally silent. Understanding how a single gene is chosen for activation is critical for understanding mutually exclusive expression but remains a mystery. Here, we show that antisense long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) initiating from var introns are associated with the single active var gene at the time in the cell cycle when the single var upstream promoter is active. We demonstrate that these antisense transcripts are incorporated into chromatin, and that expression of these antisense lncRNAs in trans triggers activation of a silent var gene in a sequence- and dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, interference with these lncRNAs using complement peptide nucleic acid molecules down-regulated the active var gene, erased the epigenetic memory, and induced expression switching. Altogether, our data provide evidence that these antisense lncRNAs play a key role in regulating var gene activation and mutually exclusive expression.
Study of intermetallic compound growth and failure mechanisms in long term reliability of silver bonding wire

Silver wires have become a novel bonding material in recent years. But users & field engineers are still divided over the issue of reliability performance including failure mechanism and intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formation. In this study, new type of high purity silver wire with 96Ag-3Pd-1Au alloy (96% Ag) is introduced, and the bonding properties on Al bond pad are evaluated through bondability & reliability test. Reliability tests for wire characterization are high-temperature-storage lifetime test (HTST) and unbiased highly-accelerated stress test (uHAST) with temperature and humidity. Two types of mold compounds are used which have different Cl- ion content. Below 10 ppm of Cl- ion for the green compound and 27 ppm for the normal one. Bondability, IMC formation(Ag2Al, Ag3Al) & growth rate are measured for both HTST150'C & 175'C for 2000h and the possible failure mechanism is defined based on the micro-structural characterization from uHAST in which the repetitive oxidation and reduction reactions occur due to the galvanic reaction and the Cl- ions with sufficient moisture and thermal energy, and the reduction reaction of Ag-Al IMCs and Al pad causes to form the micro-crack failure.
Multiple micronutrient supplementation does not reduce diarrhoea morbidity in Ugandan HIV-infected children: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract Objectives: To determine the effect of multiple micronutrient supplementation on the incidence and prevalence of diarrhoea in Ugandan HIV-infected children aged 1–5 years. Methods: We enrolled 847 HIV-infected Ugandan children in a randomised trial of a supplement containing 14 micronutrients (MMS) given at twice the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) versus a six-multivitamin (MV) supplement given in one RDA as the ‘standard of care’. The participants were stratified into a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) group of 85/847 (10%) and a non-HAART group of 762/847 (90%) participants. The supplements were given daily for 6 months. Episodes of diarrhoea assessed at routine visits, sick visits and those reported within 2 weeks before the routine visit were counted against weeks of observation for each participant. Diarrhoea incidence per child was calculated as the number of episodes per child year. Rate ratios were used to compare person–time rates in the two groups. Results: The incidence of diarrhoea was 3·8 (95% CI 3·4–4·3) in the MMS and 3·5 (95% CI 3·1–4·0) in the MV group per child year. The rate ratio was 1·1 (0·9–1·3), similar in both strata, except that HAART-treated children had a lower incidence rate of diarrhoea. The prevalence of diarrhoea at 6 months was also similar in the two groups. Conclusion: The 14-multiple-micronutrient supplement given in two RDA doses compared with a six-multivitamin ‘standard of care’ supplement given in one RDA dose did not reduce the incidence or prevalence of diarrhoea in HIV-infected children aged 1–5 years.
Low insulin sensitivity measured by both quantitative insulin sensitivity check index and homeostasis model assessment method as a risk factor of increased intima-media thickness of the carotid artery.

The present study evaluated the association of ultrasonographic manifestations of carotid atherosclerosis with glucose status, various components of the insulin resistance syndrome, and insulin sensitivity measured by a novel quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI = 1/[log(I0) + log (G0)]). Carotid ultrasonographic measurements were performed on 54 diabetic subjects, 97 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and 57 normoglycemic subjects. QUICKI and insulin resistance measured by a HOMA (homeostasis model assessment) method had a high negative correlation (r = -0.995, P < 0.001). QUICKI was lower in diabetic subjects (0.319 +/- 0.022) than in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (0.334 +/- 0.027) or normoglycemia (0.335 +/- 0.022, P = 0.002). There was an increasing trend in the mean and maximal intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) with worsening of glucose status. The maximal IMT of the CCA correlated inversely with QUICKI (r = -0.158, P = 0.027). The prevalence of severe CCA atherosclerosis (maximal IMT of the CCA > or = 1.2 mm) was 41% in men and 16% in women (P < 0.001). It was also associated with a long (> or =26 yr) smoking history. The prevalence of severe CCA atherosclerosis was 11% in the highest QUICKI tertile, 36% in the middle tertile, and 33% in the lowest tertile (P = 0.002). Systolic blood pressure was higher and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol lower in subjects with severe CCA atherosclerosis, compared with those without it. In multiple regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio for severe CCA atherosclerosis was 5.7 (95% confidence interval, 2.2-15.1) in subjects in the two lowest tertiles of QUICKI, compared with those in the highest tertile.
Sidelobe suppression and super resolution for MIMO imaging radar

An algorithm for super resolution and sidelobe suppression is described for coherent collocated MIMO imaging radar. The algorithm modifies the coherent CLEAN method by performing a nonlinear least squares (NLLS) optimization in the beam domain. The NLLS optimization is performed at each step of the CLEAN algorithm, accounting for the mutual interference terms of closely spaced targets. This removes the requirement of a priori target information normally essential in NLLS optimization whilst also providing scope for super resolution. Frechet derivatives are used to generate the Hessian matrix for a Newton-Raphson iteration to solve the NLLS optimization. Particular attention is paid to convergence of this Newton-Raphson iteration to the global minimum. Inherently this large optimization is computationally expensive. Therefore a Dolph-Chebyshev weighting is presented as the optimum window for solving the NLLS optimization in a block matrix fashion. Finally numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the proposed algorithms ability to take advantage of the improved SNR from operating in the beam domain.
Prediction of Linear Motion

The paper briefly discusses the perception of velocity and prediction of motion as processes involved in the performance of fast-ball game skills. Two experiments utilizing a motion-prediction paradigm, in which the subject was allowed to view a moving tennis ball cross the display and disappear from view, are reported. The subject was required to estimate when the ball would reach a target set on the extended motion track. The experiments examined the effects of viewing distance, prediction distance, and stimulus velocity upon the accuracy and variability of performance. The first experiment found that both prediction distance and stimulus velocity were significant variables, their additive effects showing a linear relationship between prediction time and both constant and variable errors. The second experiment demonstrated that these linear relationships were replicable phenomena and that motion prediction became more accurate when subjects were given knowledge of results and allowed to practice the task.
Social‐Emotional Correlates of Early Stage Social Information Processing Skills in Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder

Difficulty processing social information is a defining feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet the failure of children with ASD to process social information effectively is poorly understood. Using Crick and Dodge's model of social information processing (SIP), this study examined the relationship between social‐emotional (SE) skills of pragmatic language, theory of mind, and emotion recognition on the one hand, and early stage SIP skills of problem identification and goal generation on the other. The study included a sample of school‐aged children with and without ASD. SIP was assessed using hypothetical social situations in the context of a semistructured scenario‐based interview. Pragmatic language, theory of mind, and emotion recognition were measured using direct assessments. Social thinking differences between children with and without ASD are largely differences of quantity (overall lower performance in ASD), not discrepancies in cognitive processing patterns. These data support theoretical models of the relationship between SE skills and SIP. Findings have implications for understanding the mechanisms giving rise to SIP deficits in ASD and may ultimately inform treatment development for children with ASD. Autism Res 2015, 8: 486–496. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A review on preventive measures and treatment of white spot lesions in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances

Objective: One complication of fixed orthodontic treatment in patients with poor oral hygiene is development of demineralized enamel lesions compromising esthetics. This study aimed to review preventive measures and treatment of white spot lesions (WSLs) in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Review of Literature: In this review study, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles published during 1964-2013 using the keywords “white spot lesions”, “demineralization”, “mastic gum”, “casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate or CPP-ACP”, “chitosan” and “orthodontics”; 96 articles were evaluated. Conclusion: White spot lesions can be prevented by conventional plaque control and adjunct measures such as the use of fluoride-containing compounds, chlorhexidine (CHX), xylitol gums, chitosan compounds and laser. Low-concentration fluoride, CPP-ACP compounds and laser help remineralize these lesions. If not treated, bleaching, microabrasion and tooth restoration are the final solutions.
Assessing disability progression with the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite

Background The initial Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) proposal was a three-part composite of quantitative measures of ambulation, upper extremity function, and cognitive function expressed as a single composite Z-score. However, the clinical meaning of an MSFC Z-score change is not obvious. This study instead used MSFC component data to define a patient-specific disease progression event. Objective Evaluate a new method for analyzing disability progression using the MSFC. Methods MSFC progression was defined as worsening from baseline on scores of at least one MSFC component by 20% (MSFC Progression-20) or 15% (MSFC Progression-15), sustained for ≥3 months. Progression rates were determined using data from natalizumab clinical studies (Natalizumab Safety and Efficacy in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis [AFFIRM] and Safety and Efficacy of Natalizumab in Combination With Interferon Beta-1a in Patients With Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis [SENTINEL]). Correlations between MSFC progression and other clinical measures were determined, as was sensitivity to treatment effects. Results Substantial numbers of patients met MSFC progression criteria, with MSFC Progression-15 being more sensitive than MSFC Progression-20, at both 1 and 2 years. MSFC Progression-20 and MSFC Progression-15 were related significantly to Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score change, relapse rate, and the SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) score change. MSFC Progression-20 and MSFC Progression-15 at 1 year were predictive of EDSS progression at 2 years. Both MSFC progression end points demonstrated treatment effects in AFFIRM, and results were replicated in SENTINEL. Conclusion MSFC Progression-20 and MSFC Progression-15 are sensitive measures of disability progression; correlate with EDSS, relapse rates, and SF-36 PCS; and are capable of demonstrating therapeutic effects in randomized, controlled clinical studies.
Asymmetric-Circular Shaped Slotted Microstrip Antennas for Circular Polarization and RFID Applications

Novel asymmetric-circular shaped slotted microstrip patch antennas with slits are proposed for circularly polarized (CP) radiation and radio frequency identification (RFID) reader applications. A single-feed configuration based asymmetric-circular shaped slotted square microstrip patches are adopted to realize the compact circularly polarized microstrip antennas. The asymmetric-circular shaped slot(s) along the diagonal directions are embedded symmetrically onto a square microstrip patch for CP radiation and small antenna size. The CP radiation can be achieved by slightly asymmetric (unbalanced) patch along the diagonal directions by slot areas. Four symmetric-slits are also embedded symmetrically along the orthogonal directions of the asymmetric-circular shaped slotted patch to further reduce antenna size. The operating frequency of the antenna can be tuned by varying the slit length while keeping the CP radiation unchanged. The measured 3-dB axial-ratio (AR) bandwidth of around 6.0 MHz with 17.0 MHz impedance bandwidth is achieved for the antenna on a RO4003C substrate. The overall antenna size is 0. 27λo × 0. 27λo × 0. 0137λo at 900 MHz.
Altered Phospholamban-Calcium ATPase Interaction in Cardiac Sarcoplasmic Reticulum During the Progression of Sepsis

The purpose of this study was to investigate alterations of phospholamban phosphorylation and its interaction with Ca2+ transport (Ca2+-ATPase activity and Ca2+ uptake) in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) during the progression of sepsis. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Phospholamban phosphorylation was studied by the labeling of the myocardial ATP pool by perfusing isolated rat hearts with [32P]H3PO4 followed by identification of the phosphorylated phospholamban. Results show that phospholamban phosphorylation was increased by 153% during the early hyperdynamic phase (9 h after CLP), while it was decreased by 51% during the late hypodynamic phase (18 h after CLP) of sepsis. The increase in phospholamban phosphorylation during early sepsis was associated with increases in +dP/dtmax and tissue cAMP content, while Ca2+ transport, left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), and −dP/dtmax remained unchanged. The decrease in phospholamban phosphorylation during late sepsis was accompanied by decreases in Ca2+ transport, LVDP, ±dP/dtmax, and tissue cAMP content. When isoproterenol was present in the perfusion medium, all parameters measured were stimulated in all three experimental groups (control, early sepsis, and late sepsis) except that Ca2+-ATPase activity and SR Ca2+ uptake were unresponsive in the early and the late septic groups. These findings demonstrate that during the late hypodynamic phase of sepsis, the observed decrease in myocardial contractility was due to the decrease in phospholamban phosphorylation, which resulted in decreased Ca2+ transport across the SR. In contrast, during the early hyperdynamic phase of sepsis, the increase in phospholamban phosphorylation did not correlate with increases in Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+-ATPase activity. Thus, the interaction between phospholamban phosphorylation and Ca2+ transport across the SR was disrupted during the early phase of sepsis.
Endogenous peroxynitrite mediates mitochondrial dysfunction in rat diaphragm during endotoxemia

It has been shown that nitric oxide (NO), synthesized by the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expressed in the diaphragm during endotoxemia, participates in the development of muscular contractile failure. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this deleterious action of NO was related to its effects on cellular oxidative pathways. Rats were inoculated with E. coli lipopolysac‐charide (LPS) or sterile saline solution (controls) and studied at 3 and 6 h after inoculation. iNOS protein and activity could be detected in the rat diaphragm as early as 3 h after LPS, with a sustained steady‐state concentration of 0.5 µM NO in the muscle associated with increased detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In vitro, the same NO concentration produced a marked increase in H2O2 production by isolated control diaphragm mitochondria, thus reflecting a higher intramitochondrial concentration of nondiffusible superoxide anion (O2−·). In a similar way, whole diaphragmatic muscle and diaphragm mitochondria from endotoxemic rats showed a progressive increase in H2O2 production associated with uncoupling and decreased phosphor‐ylating capacity. Simultaneous with the maximal impairment in respiration (6 h after LPS), nitration of mitochondrial proteins (a peroxynitrite footprint) was detected and diaphragmatic force was reduced. Functional mitochondrial abnormalities, nitration of mitochondrial proteins, and the decrease in force were significantly attenuated by administration of the NOS inhibitor L‐NMMA. These results show that increased and sustained NO levels lead to a consecutive formation of O2−· that reacts with NO to form peroxynitrite, which in turn impairs mitochondrial function, which probably contributes to the impairment of muscle contractility. —Boczkowski, J., Lis‐dero, C. L. , Lanone, S. , Samb, A. , Carreras, M. C. , Boveris, A. , Aubier, M. , Poderoso, J. J. Endogenous peroxynitrite mediates mitochondrial dysfunction in rat diaphragm during endotoxemia. FASEB J. 13, 1637–1647 (1999)
Personality and Technology Acceptance: Personal Innovativeness in IT, Openness and Resistance to Change

Individual users are known to differ in their tendency to adopt new technologies. Among the individual differences, Personal Innovativeness in IT (PUT) has been shown to be a reliable predictor of users' beliefs about the ease of use and usefulness of new technologies. However, it is unclear what are the personality traits that make some users more innovative in IT than others. Personality traits are used in the psychology literature to explain human beliefs and behavior, and recently see a growing interest in the IS literature as an explanatory tool of user behavior. The present research investigates two personality traits established in the psychology literature, resistance to change (RTC) and Openness, as determinants of PUT A survey of 121 prospective users of a digital library system was conducted to test our hypotheses. The findings suggest that RTC and Openness are determinants of PUT Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Depth of the 660‐km discontinuity near the Mariana slab from an array of ocean bottom seismographs

High frequency records of deep Mariana earthquakes from a dense array of ocean bottom seismographs deployed in the Mariana arc and back‐arc regions are stacked and searched for the phases P660p and S660p to constrain the depth of the 660‐km discontinuity near the Mariana slab. Results of the high‐resolution study suggest that around 18°N the 660‐km discontinuity lies at about 710–730 km (±14 km) depth within or in the vicinity of the slab core. In the region seismicity ceases at ∼620 km depth. This implies that, although tomographic images show the Mariana slab penetrating into the lower mantle, deep seismicity in the region terminates ∼100 km above the base of the transition zone. These findings and similar observations in Tonga argue that factors other than the phase transition at the base of the upper mantle may control the maximum down‐dip extent of the deep seismogenic region in the slab.
Counseling for physical activity in overweight and obese patients.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. More than 60 percent of U.S. adults are now overweight or obese (defined as at least 30 lb [13.6 kg] overweight), predisposing more than 97 million Americans to a host of chronic diseases and conditions. Physical activity has a positive effect on weight loss, total body fat, and body fat distribution, as well as maintenance of favorable body weight and change in body composition. Many of the protective aspects of exercise and activity appear to occur in overweight persons who gain fitness but remain overweight. Despite the well-known health and quality-of-life benefits of regular physical activity, few Americans are routinely active. Results of research studies have shown that physician intervention to discuss physical activity (including the wide array of health benefits and the potential barriers to being active) need not take more than three to five minutes during an office visit but can play a critical role in patient implementation. This article describes elements of effective counseling for physical activity and presents guidelines for developing physical activity programs for overweight and obese patients.
Comparison of self-hypnosis and propranolol in the treatment of juvenile classic migraine.

In a prospective study we compared propranolol, placebo, and self-hypnosis in the treatment of juvenile classic migraine. Children aged 6 to 12 years with classic migraine who had no previous specific treatment were randomized into propranolol (at 3 mg/kg/d) or placebo groups for a 3-month period and then crossed over for 3 months. After this 6-month period, each child was taught self-hypnosis and used it for 3 months. Twenty-eight patients completed the entire study. The mean number of headaches per child for 3 months during the placebo period was 13.3 compared with 14.9 during the propranolol period and 5.8 during the self-hypnosis period. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between decrease in headache frequency and self-hypnosis training (P = .045). There was no significant change in subjective or objective measures of headache severity with either therapy.