Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple factors in the early splicing complex are involved in the nuclear retention of pre‐mRNAs in mammalian cells

Intron‐containing pre‐mRNAs are retained in the nucleus until they are spliced. This mechanism is essential for proper gene expression. Although the formation of splicing complexes on pre‐mRNAs is thought to be responsible for this nuclear retention activity, the details are poorly understood. In mammalian cells, in particular, very little information is available regarding the retention factors. Using a model reporter gene, we show here that U1 snRNP and U2AF but not U2 snRNP are essential for the nuclear retention of pre‐mRNAs in mammalian cells, showing that E complex is the major entity responsible for the nuclear retention of pre‐mRNAs in mammalian cells. By focusing on factors that bind to the 3′‐splice site region, we found that the 65‐kD subunit of U2AF (U2AF65) is important for nuclear retention and that its multiple domains have nuclear retention activity per se. We also provide evidence that UAP56, a DExD‐box RNA helicase involved in both RNA splicing and export, cooperates with U2AF65 in exerting nuclear retention activity. Our findings provide new information regarding the pre‐mRNA nuclear retention factors in mammalian cells.
Influence of Race and Ethnicity on Charge Severity in Chicago Homicide Cases

This research examines prosecutorial decision making at the initial charging stage in Chicago homicide cases during the late 1990s. The objectives of this investigation are to determine whether African Americans were prosecuted more severely than similarly situated White and Latino defendants in Chicago homicide cases prior to the abolition of the death penalty in Illinois and to identify the factors that affected how severely prosecutors prosecuted defendants during that time. The study participants are adults who were identified by the Chicago Police Department as suspects in homicide incidents during the years of 1994 and 1995 and whose cases were selected for prosecution. Other relevant factors that may have influenced charging decisions include the defendant–victim relationship, the homicide circumstances, and the number of victims in a particular homicide incident. General linear regression modeling is used to determine the factors that affected how severely prosecutors prosecuted Chicago homicide defendants. Charge severity is measured by the number of charges of Class M felony murder that were filed against a defendant. The results indicate that prior to the moratorium on the death penalty in Chicago, all defendants studied (regardless of the race/ethnicity of their victims) were charged with fewer counts of murder (prosecuted less severely) than African American defendants who were charged with killing White victims. This direct and significant relationship persists even after adding defendant–victim relationship and homicide circumstance interaction terms to the analysis.
Wireless fall sensor with GPS location for monitoring the elderly

Falls of the elderly has become a major public health problem in our modern society. It is both the first cause of accidental death, but also the beginning of the loss of autonomy from these people. In this context, the paper describes a solution based on an energy-efficient embedded device capable of detecting the fall, to send a warning to a control and monitoring processing station and to locate the person in a close external environment. Fall detection, location, processing and signal analysis, and data transmission are provided by an accelerometer, a GPS receiver, a microcontroller and a Zigbee technology transceiver.
Modification of uterine vasculature during pregnancy in macaques

Embryonic development in macaques includes extensive modification of the uterine vasculature by fetal trophoblast cells. Soon after the onset of blastocyst attachment to the endometrium, syncytial trophoblast cells intrude between endometrial epithelial cells, resulting in focal epithelium loss. Trophoblast cells continue to move into the endometrial stroma and encounter superficial uterine capillaries. These capillaries are penetrated by trophoblast, which permits maternal blood to leave the maternal circulation and enter lacunae formed within the mass of trophoblast cells. Cytotrophoblast cells enter the uterine vessels and attach to the endothelium via cell adhesion molecules prior to migration into confluent spiral arterioles, against the flow of blood. As intra‐arterial cytotrophoblast cells migrate, they displace adjacent endothelium, produce matrix metalloproteinases, traverse the tunica intima, and reside in the tunica media as intramural trophoblast. Intramural trophoblast cells disrupt the tunica media and become surrounded by an extensive extracellular matrix. In areas proximal to the placenta, the entire circumferences of spiral arteries are modified in this way. In the same arteries, distal to the placenta and farther “upstream,” trophoblast‐mediated changes to the arterial wall are less extensive. Uterine veins are modified by trophoblast only in the area immediately next to the trophoblast shell, with no trophoblast migration. The functional consequence of this trophoblast activity may be to ensure an adequate flow of maternal blood to the placenta, thus enhancing the survival of the fetus. Microsc. Res. Tech. 60:390–401, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of low-dose aspirin on the occurrence of venous thromboembolism: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND Short-term aspirin therapy can lower the risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in high-risk patients, but whether the long-term use of low-dose aspirin reduces risk in healthy adults is uncertain. OBJECTIVE To test the efficacy of long-term aspirin therapy for preventing VTE. DESIGN Secondary analysis of a 10-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING U.S. female health care professionals in the Women's Health Study. PARTICIPANTS 39,876 initially healthy women age 45 years or older (26,779 gave blood samples that were evaluated for factor V Leiden, G20210A prothrombin, and MTHFR 677C>T polymorphisms). MEASUREMENTS Documented VTE (deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) and unprovoked VTE (no recent surgery, trauma, or cancer diagnosis) were prospectively evaluated, secondary end points. INTERVENTION Aspirin, 100 mg, or placebo on alternate days. RESULTS Venous thromboembolism occurred in 482 women during follow-up, an incidence higher than that of myocardial infarction and nearly equal to that of stroke. The incidence of VTE (per 1000 person-years) was 1.18 among women randomly assigned to active aspirin, compared with 1.25 among women randomly assigned to placebo (relative hazard, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.79 to 1.13]; rate difference, -0.06 [CI, -0.28 to 0.16]). For unprovoked VTE, the relative hazard was 0.90 (CI, 0.70 to 1.16) and the rate difference was -0.06 (CI, -0.21 to 0.10). Relative hazards associated with aspirin use in higher-risk subgroups were 0.83 (CI, 0.50 to 1.39) among women with either factor V Leiden or the prothrombin mutation and 1.36 (CI, 0.77 to 2.41) among those with a history of VTE. LIMITATION Venous thromboembolism was a secondary end point in the Women's Health Study. CONCLUSION These data suggest that long-term, low-dose aspirin treatment has little effect on the prevention of VTE in initially healthy women. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00000479.
Are Pediatric Interns Prepared to Perform Infant Lumbar Punctures?: A Multi-Institutional Descriptive Study

Background There are few data describing pediatric interns’ experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to common procedures. This information would help guide supervisors’ decisions about interns’ preparedness and training needs. Objectives This study aimed to describe pediatric interns’ medical school experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and skills with regard to infant lumbar punctures (LPs) and to describe the impact of these factors on interns’ infant LP skills. Methods This prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at 21 academic medical centers participating during 2010. Participants answered 8 knowledge questions, 3 attitude questions, and 6 experience questions online. Skills were assessed on an infant LP simulator using a 15-item subcomponent checklist and a 4-point global assessment. Results Eligible interns numbered 493, with 422 (86%) completing surveys and 362 (73%) completing skills assessments. The majority 287/422 (68%) had never performed an infant LP; however, 306 (73%) had observed an infant LP during school. The mean (SD) knowledge score was 63% (±21%). The mean (SD) subcomponent skills checklist score was 73% (±21%). On the global skills assessment, 225 (62%) interns were rated as beginner, and 137 (38%) were rated as competent, proficient, or expert. Independent predictors of an above-beginner simulator performance included infant LP experience on a patient (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–3.5), a knowledge score greater than 65% (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.5–3.7), or self-reported confidence (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.9–6.4). Conclusions At the start of residency, the majority of pediatric interns have little experience, poor knowledge, and low confidence and are not prepared to perform infant LPs.
Clustering based on periodicity in high‐throughput time course data

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, traditionally used in analytical chemistry, has recently been introduced to studies of metabolite composition of biological fluids and tissues. Metabolite levels change over time, and providing a tool for better extraction of NMR peaks exhibiting periodic behavior is of interest. We propose a method in which NMR peaks are clustered based on periodic behavior. Periodic regression is used to obtain estimates of the parameter corresponding to period for individual NMR peaks. A mixture model is then used to develop clusters of peaks, taking into account the variability of the regression parameter estimates. Methods are applied to NMR data collected from human blood plasma over a 24‐h period. Simulation studies show that the extra variance component due to the estimation of the parameter estimate should be accounted for in the clustering procedure. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 4: 579–589, 2011
FPGA-Based Implementation and Performance of the Global and Local Algorithms for the Gens Alignment

The paper has as objective to implement, in hardware-making use of FPGA technology, the algorithms that are considered as standard for the comparison and the global and local alignment of the DNA genetic sequences. These algorithms use the dynamic programming technique. These algorithms were implemented in software (C language) and, later, the hardware implementation (using VHDL and FPGAs). We compare our obtained software and hardware results, by the execution time of the algorithms, and it was possible to verify that our hardware implementation is better than our software version and others bioinformatics-platforms.
A Fully Modular Control Strategy for Input-Series Output-Parallel (ISOP) Inverter System Based on Positive Output-Voltage-Amplitude Gradient

In this paper, a fully modular control strategy for input-series output-parallel (ISOP) inverter system is proposed to ensure equal sharing of input voltage and output current among the constituent inverters. Compared with existing control strategies, such as centralized control that restricts the modularity of the system and distributed control, which realizes voltage and current sharing by means of connecting constituent inverter modules through sharing buses, the proposed control strategy can achieve fully modular design without any control signal interconnection among the constituent inverters, leading to superior modularity and reliability. First, the control strategy is deduced and the principle of the control strategy is analyzed. Then, the detailed implementation and stability analysis of the proposed strategy are presented. At last, a two-module ISOP inverter system is tested in the laboratory and the experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
High Throughput Low Stress Air Jetting Carrier Release for RDL-First Fan-Out Wafer-Level-Packaging

Fan-out wafer level packaging (FOWLP) not only provides simplified supply chain management and lower cost structure, but also enables thinner profile and heterogeneous system integration. FOWLP is becoming increasingly significant and is projected to drive growth in advanced packaging for the foreseeable future. There are many different processing technologies for fabricating FOWLP. One common key practice, which is very different from fan-in wafer level packaging, is the use of a temporary carrier to support wafer-level fabrication. The redistribution-layer (RDL) first approach is one of two mainstream processing technologies for FOWLP at present. One benefit is that the RDL is fabricated with direct support of a flat, rigid carrier prior to the occurrence of molding warpage and die shift. However, the RDL-first approach requires a carrier sacrificial layer that can withstand high-temperature/high-vacuum RDL build-up fabrication. Determined by adhesive chemistry's availability, the present forms of RDL-first FOWLP processing require carrier release by laser ablation, thus further limiting the choice of carrier to glass. At present, laser debonding for RDL-first FOWLP is a very costly and lengthy process. This paper presents a design for optimizing and processing a carrier-sacrificial layer that is compatible not only with current RDL-first FOWLP fabrication, but also enables the carrier's instant release by air jetting at room temperature. This air-assisted mechanical release of the carrier minimizes debonding stress on the wafer surface without localized heating and burning, and provides even more stress relief for larger carriers. A fan-out WLP process flow with air jetting carrier release is presented and evaluated. Key material properties of the current sacrificial-layer design are also analyzed.
The Effect of Medical Marijuana Laws on Labor Market Outcomes

This study is the first to estimate the impact of state medical marijuana laws (MMLs) on labor market outcomes. First, using data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, we document that MMLs are associated with an increase in marijuana consumption among younger and older adult males, consistent with increases in use for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Then, using data from the Current Population Survey Outgoing Rotation Groups, we find no evidence that MMLs affect employment, hours, or wages among working-age adults, including among demographic groups whose marijuana consumption is most impacted by MMLs. Medical marijuana laws that provide access to open marijuana dispensaries only moderately depress wages among young men. We conclude that the labor market effects of MMLs are small.
An overview of current industry and RD&D activities

international energy agency agence internationale de l'energie Please note that this publication is subject to specific restrictions that limit its use and distribution. The terms and conditions are available online at The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an autonomous body which was established in November 1974 within the framework of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to implement an international energy programme. It carries out a comprehensive programme of energy cooperation among twenty-eight of the OECD thirty member countries. The basic aims of the IEA are: n To maintain and improve systems for coping with oil supply disruptions. n To promote rational energy policies in a global context through cooperative relations with non-member countries, industry and international organisations. n To operate a permanent information system on the international oil market. n To improve the world's energy supply and demand structure by developing alternative energy sources and increasing the efficiency of energy use. n To promote international collaboration on energy technology. n To assist in the integration of environmental and energy policies. The OECD is a unique forum where the governments of thirty democracies work together to address the economic, social and environmental challenges of globalisation. The OECD is also at the forefront of efforts to understand and to help governments respond to new developments and concerns, such as corporate governance, the information economy and the challenges of an ageing population. The Organisation provides a setting where governments can compare policy experiences, seek answers to common problems, identify good practice and work to coordinate domestic and international policies. The Implementing Agreement for a Programme of Research, Development and Demonstration on Bioenergy ('IEA Bionergy') is an international collaborative agreement set up in 1978 under the auspices of the IEA to improve international cooperation and information exchange between national bioenergy RD&D programmes. IEA Bioenergy aims to accelerate the use of environmentally sound and cost-competitive bioenergy on a sustainable basis, to provide increased security of supply and a substantial contribution to future energy demands. Currently IEA Bioenergy has 22 Members and is operating on the basis of 13 Tasks covering all aspects of the bioenergy chain, from resource to the supply of energy services to the consumer. More information on IEA Bioenergy can be found on the organisation's homepage www.ieabioenergy. com international energy agency agence internationale de l'energie From 1 st-to 2 nd-Generation BioFuel technoloGies , of Task 39 ―Commercialising 1st and 2nd …
Spontaneous vs . Posed Facial Expression Analysis Using Deformable Feature Models and Aggregated Classifiers

In this paper, we propose an intensity-based technique for differentiating spontaneous from posed facial expressions by exploiting the deviation in combined geometric and appearance relationships between correlated feature points of deformable face model from its reference neutral expression. The proposed framework is an aggregation of multiple SVM classifiers that integrates geometric descriptors inspired from the Euclidean Distance Matrix Analysis (EDMA) together with Gabor banktype appearance models for initially identifying the class of facial expression and further for distinguishing between spontaneous and posed expressions. In contrast to several existing approaches, particularly those that rely on the global features, our framework is capable of more accurately differentiating between spontaneous and posed expressions by considering deviations within the same class of expressions rather than all classes at the same time. We demonstrate the superiority of our framework by applying it to images containing a wide range of expressions using a standard dataset. Our results also highlight different important facial points for classifying that expression from every other expressions and in accurately discriminating spontaneous and posed forms of that expression.
Bacteria in Midguts of Field-Collected Anopheles albimanus Block Plasmodium vivax Sporogonic Development

Abstract Bacterial infections were investigated in midguts of insectary and field-collected Anopheles albimanus Weidemann from southern Mexico. Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter cloacae and Enterobacter amnigenus 2, Enterobacter sp. , and Serratia sp. were isolated in field samples obtained in 1998, but only Enterobacter sp. was recovered in field samples of 1997 and no bacteria were isolated from insectary specimens. These bacteria were offered along with Plasmodium vivax infected blood to aseptic insectary An. albimanus, and the number of infected mosquitoes as well as the oocyst densities assessed after 7d. Plasmodium vivax infections in mosquitoes co-infected with En. amnigenus 2, En. cloacae, and S. marcensces were 53, 17, and 210 times, respectively, lower than in control mosquitoes, and the mean oocyst density in mosquitoes co-infected with En. cloacae was 2.5 times lower than in controls. Mortality was 13 times higher in S. marcensces-infected mosquitoes compared with controls. The overall midgut bacterial infection in mosquito field populations may influence P. vivax transmission, and could contribute to explain the annual variations in malaria incidence observed in the area.
Recruitment of the tinman homolog Nkx-2.5 by serum response factor activates cardiac alpha-actin gene transcription

We recently showed that the cardiogenic homeodomain factor Nkx-2.5 served as a positive acting accessory factor for serum response factor (SRF) and that together they provided strong transcriptional activation of the cardiac alpha-actin promoter, depending upon intact serum response elements (SREs) (C. Y. Chen, J. Croissant, M. Majesky, S. Topouz, T. McQuinn, M. J. Frankovsky, and R. J. Schwartz, Dev. Genet. 19:119-130, 1996). As shown here, Nkx-2.5 and SRF collaborated to activate the endogenous murine cardiac alpha-actin gene in 10T1/2 fibroblasts by a mechanism in which SRF recruited Nkx-2.5 to the alpha-actin promoter. Activation of a truncated promoter consisting of the proximal alpha-actin SRE1 occurred even when Nkx-2.5 DNA-binding activity was blocked by a point mutation in the third helix of its homeodomain. Investigation of protein-protein interactions showed that Nkx-2.5 was bound to SRF in the absence of DNA in soluble protein complexes retrieved from cardiac myocyte nuclei but could also be detected in coassociated binding complexes on the proximal SRE1. Recruitment of Nkx-2.5 to an SRE depended upon SRF DNA-binding activity and was blocked by the dominant negative SRFpm1 mutant, which allowed for dimerization of SRF monomers but prevented DNA binding. Interactive regions shared by Nkx-2.5 and SRF were mapped to N-terminal/helix I and helix II/helix III regions of the Nkx-2.5 homeodomain and to the N-terminal extension of the MADS box. Our study suggests that physical association between Nkx-2.5 and SRF is one way that cardiac specified genes are activated in cardiac cell lineages.
Proteome analysis of rat hepatic stellate cells

Proteome analysis was performed on cellular and secreted proteins of normal (quiescent) and activated rat hepatic stellate cells. The stellate cells were activated either in vitro by cultivating quiescent stellate cells for 9 days or in vivo by injecting rats with carbon tetrachloride for 8 weeks. A total of 43 proteins/polypeptides were identified, which altered their expression levels when the cells were activated in vivo and/or in vitro. Twenty‐seven of them showed similar changes in vivo and in vitro, including up‐regulated proteins such as calcyclin, calgizzarin, and galectin‐1 as well as down‐regulated proteins such as liver carboxylesterase 10 and serine protease inhibitor 3. Sixteen of them showed different expression levels between in vivo and in vitro activated stellate cells. These results were reproducibly obtained in 3 independent experiments. The up‐regulation of calcyclin, calgizzarin, and galectin‐1, as well as the down‐regulation of liver carboxylesterase 10 were directly confirmed in fibrotic liver tissues. Northern blots confirmed up‐regulation of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of calcyclin, calgizzarin, and galectin‐1 in activated stellate cells, indicating that these changes were controlled at the mRNA level. In addition a list compiling over 150 stellate cell proteins is presented. The data presented here thus provide a significant new protein‐level insight into the activation of hepatic stellate cells, a key event in liver fibrogenesis.