Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fungal infections in oncology patients: update on epidemiology, prevention, and treatment

Purpose of review Fungal infections that occur after hematopoietic stem cell transplant and therapies for hematologic malignancies contribute to poor outcomes. In the recent year, studies have focused on updating epidemiologic data, providing an understanding of immunogenetic risks for infection, and optimizing prevention and treatment strategies; these studies will be reviewed. Recent findings Contributions to our understanding of epidemiology have come from multicenter studies. Results demonstrate variability in the numbers of diagnosed invasive aspergillosis cases in oncology centers, and a persistent, although relatively low rate of invasive candidiasis. Both multiple and single-center studies are demonstrating improved outcomes of treating invasive aspergillosis. Several important studies have outlined the importance of immunogenetics in conferring risks for invasive fungal infections. There have been numerous studies recently published that assist with our understanding of preventive strategies, questioning the utility of pretherapy screening computed tomography scans and masks. Several important randomized trials compared alternative strategies to standard ‘empirical’ therapies. Finally, several studies were performed that outline complexity in administering new azole antifungals, assisting in optimizing outcomes. Summary Studies published in the most recent year outline several important advances in our understanding of epidemiology, prevention and treatment of invasive fungal infections.
Construction de trajectoires a partir d'images de satellites : etude de systemes nuageux

La mesure du deplacement de nuages a partir des images fournies par les satellites permet de deduire le vent a differents niveaux de la troposphere. Les vecteurs vents ainsi obtenus constituent une des retombees des images satellitales les plus utiles pour les modeles de prevision. Cette possibilite de suivre des nuages sur les images a ete, jusqu'ici, tres peu utilisee pour l'etude en soi des nuages et de leur cycle de vie. Le but de cette these est de montrer qu'il est possible de suivre correctement des nuages de differentes situations meteorologiques sur de longues periodes, d'etudier l'influence de differents parametres sur la qualite et la duree de leur trajectoire, et de voir dans quelle mesure cette trajectoire met en evidence l'evolution du nuage. Cette demarche a ete appliquee a plusieurs elements et systemes nuageux des regions temperees et tropicales. Elle a permis d'etudier de maniere plus detaillee l'evolution et la duree de vie des cirrus. Une comparaison avec des trajectoires derivees d'analyses meteorologiques permet de valider la methode dans son ensemble, et met en evidence les informations supplementaires que cette nouvelle methode apporte. Les trajectoires revelent des mouvements divergents dans la haute troposphere, en particulier dans le canal vapeur d'eau du satellite meteosat. Elles peuvent egalement aider a une meilleure estimation du niveau des nuages que le calcul d'un simple champ de vecteurs. Dans certains cas, lorsqu'un element nuageux isole est suivi, il est possible de deduire sa duree de vie. Une selection sommaire des nuages froids permet un suivi legerement different, davantage lie au mouvement d'ensemble du systeme dont ils font partie
A study of fracture callus material properties: Relationship to the torsional strength of bone

This study was designed to quantitate the local material properties of fracture callus during gap healing and to relate these local properties to the torsional strength of bone in a canine model under external fixation. Bilateral tibial transverse osteotomies were performed in 32 dogs and stabilized using unilateral external skeletal fixators with a 2‐mm gap. Dogs were divided into four equal groups and euthanized at either 2, 4, 8, or 12 weeks. The torsional properties of one bone of each pair were determined. In both bones of each pair, the indentation stiffness, calcium content, and histomorphometric properties of six sites of periosteal callus, six sites of endosteal callus, four sites of cortical bone, and two sites of gap tissue were determined. Each of the four types of tissue had a specific structural or material property change during the study period. The indentation stiffness of periosteal callus increased up to 8 weeks and then plateaued. Endosteal callus stiffness peaked at 8 weeks and then decreased by 12 weeks. Gap tissue stiffness increased linearly over time. Cortical bone stiffness decreased over time. Indentation stiffness was significantly associated with the calcium content of periosteal callus (R2 = 0.50, p < 0.0001) and gap tissue (R2 = 0.66, p < 0.0001). The local stiffnesses of gap tissue and periosteal callus were significantly associated with the maximum torque (gap, R2 = 0.50, p < 0.0001; periosteal, R2 = 0.34, p < 0.05) and the torsional stiffness (gap, R2 = 0.44, p < 0.0001; periosteal, R2 = 0.65, p < 0.0001) of the bone. Changes in local material properties corresponded to histologic changes in new bone formation and porosity of the four tissues.
SiC current limiting devices for surge protection

Current limiting devices (CLD), which employ back-to-back connected high voltage normally-ON SiC-based vertical junction filed effect transistors (VJFETs), are realized to protect the sensitive aircraft electronics from the adverse effects of a lightning strike to the airframe. The functionality of the packaged CLDs with high and low current levels is demonstrated in low voltage static and transient tests. Electro-thermal simulations are performed to optimize the thermal performance of CLDs for high-energy test environments.
Differential effects of lowering culture temperature on mediator release from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated neonatal rat microglia

ObjectiveTherapeutic moderate hypothermia has the potential for neuronal protection against brain injury. Microglia, a type of immune-related cell in the brain, may play a certain role in neuronal damage subsequent to injury. We examined the effects of culture temperature changes from 37°C to 33°C or 30°C on mediator release, including nitric oxide, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-&agr; from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated microglia harvested from neonatal rats. DesignLaboratory study. SettingUniversity medical school. SubjectsMicroglial cells isolated from primary cultures of rat brains. InterventionsThe production of nitric oxide was measured by a nitrite accumulation method in a culture medium, whereas cytokines, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-&agr; were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Measurement and Main ResultsAt 30°C and 33°C, nitric oxide production stimulated by lipopolysaccharide decreased to 10 and 30% of control (37°C), respectively, 24 hrs after the stimulation, and the decrease was sustained for 48 hrs. Interleukin-6 production at 30°C and 33°C was also reduced to 30% of control 6 hrs after the activation. Such responses lasted throughout the study. However, tumor necrosis factor-&agr; release at 30°C and 33°C was depressed for only 6 hrs after stimulation, followed by subsequent elevation to concentrations similar to those at 37°C. Microglial morphologic activation, showing changes from round to bipolar, reached a peak at 6 hrs in the 37°C group, returning to round 12 hrs after lipopolysaccharide application. In 30°C and 33°C, the zenith was detected at 6 hrs, with activation remaining even 12 hrs after the stimulation, suggesting prolongation of the microglial response to lipopolysaccharide, which was inconsistent with changes in tumor necrosis factor release. ConclusionsDecreasing culture temperature inhibits the production of nitric oxide and interleukin-6 from activated microglia. Differences were found in the degree or time course change between tumor necrosis factor-&agr; and the other mediators. Also, the time course of morphologic changes in microglia was dependent on culture temperature. Further studies are required to define the mechanisms for such differences in mediator release from cooled microglia and also to clarify the inconsistency between morphologic change and its function in the cell.
Torque ripple suppression in surface mounted PMSMs with distributed windings

This paper examines the torque ripple variation of surface mounted PMSMs with distributed windings and large number of slots per pole. The effect of established cogging torque reduction methods such as magnet step skewing, stator dummy slots and magnet pole shaping on the torque ripple variations and magnetic flux production is investigated, as these methods address the same factors that influence torque ripple. Finite element analysis is performed in order to obtain the torque ripple and air-gap flux density waveforms. The effect of each applied method on the machines torque production and peak-to-peak variations are also presented. Magnet pole skewing method appears to be most effective when taking into consideration both torque ripple suppression and torque production.
Protein ubiquitination in lymphoid malignancies

Human lymphoid malignancies inherit gene expression networks from their normal B‐cell counterpart and co‐opt them for their own oncogenic purpose, which is usually governed by transcription factors and signaling pathways. These transcription factors and signaling pathways are precisely regulated at multiple steps, including ubiquitin modification. Protein ubiqutination plays a role in almost all cellular events and in many human diseases. In the past few years, multiple studies have expanded the role of ubiquitination in the genesis of diverse lymphoid malignancies. Here, we discuss our current understanding of both proteolytic and non‐proteolytic functions of the protein ubiquitination system and describe how it is involved in the pathogenesis of human lymphoid cancers. Lymphoid‐restricted ubiquitination mechanisms, including ubiquitin E3 ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes, provide great opportunities for the development of targeted therapies for lymphoid cancers.
Is a grooved collar implant design superior to a machined design regarding bone level alteration? An observational pilot study.

OBJECTIVE This retrospective observational pilot study examined differences in peri-implant bone level changes (ΔIBL) between two similar implant types differing only in the surface texture of the neck. The hypothesis tested was that ΔIBL would be greater with machined-neck implants than with groovedneck implants. METHOD AND MATERIALS 40 patients were enrolled; n = 20 implants with machined (group 1) and n = 20 implants with a rough, grooved neck (group 2), all placed in the posterior mandible. Radiographs were obtained after loading (at 3 to 9 months) and at 12 to 18 months after implant insertion. Case number calculation with respect to ΔIBL was conducted. Groups were compared using a Brunner-Langer model, the Mann-Whitney test, the Wilcoxon signed rank test, and linear model analysis. RESULTS After the 12- to 18-month observation period, mean ΔIBL was -1.11 ± 0.92 mm in group 1 and -1.25 ± 1.23 mm in group 2. ΔIBL depended significantly on time (P < .001), but not on group. In both groups, mean marginal ΔIBL was significantly less than -1.5 mm. Only insertion depth had a significant influence on the amount of periimplant bone loss (P = .013). Case number estimate testing for a difference between group 1 and 2 with a power of 90% revealed a sample size per group of 1,032 subjects. CONCLUSION ΔIBL values indicated that both implant designs fulfilled implant success criteria, and the modification of implant neck texture had no significant influence on ΔIBL.
The simplified regenerative boost converter for electric vehicle applications

It is known that energy source used in car today comes from fuel, which generates pollution to the environment. The scientists have forecasted that the amount of oil will be decreasing in the future. In the present, scientists and engineers seek for new energy sources to reimburse oil. Causing no harm to the environment is the first priority. To overcome this problem, the electric vehicle is the popular solution. In this paper, the simplified regenerative boost converter for electric vehicle applications is proposed. The two-switch boost converter is presented for supplying the power to charge batteries on the regenerative mode. The battery voltage is 288 V (12V, 24 batteries), was increased to 450 V for supplying the 3-phase inverter. The space vector PWM inverter is introduced to driving the 3-phase/50 Hz/230 V/20 kW induction motor. The feasibility of the proposed method is confirmed by simulations.
Discovery of a Regulatory Motif That Controls the Exposure of Specific Upstream Cyclin-dependent Kinase Sites That Determine Both Conformation and Growth Suppressing Activity of pRb*

The conformation and activity of pRb, the product of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene, is dependent on the phosphorylation status of one or more of its 16 potential cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) sites. However, it is not clear whether the phosphorylation status of one or more of these sites contributes to the determination of the various conformations and activity of pRb. Moreover, whether and how the conformation of pRb may regulate the phosphorylation of the cdk sites is also unclear. In the process of analyzing the function and regulation of pRb, we uncovered the existence of an unusual structural motif, m89 (amino acids 880–900), the mutation of which confers upon pRb a hypophosphorylated conformation. Mutation of this structural domain activates, rather than inactivates, the growth suppressor function of pRb. In order to understand the effect of the mutation of m89 on the phosphorylation of cdk sites, we identified all the cdk sites (Thr-356, Ser-807/Ser-811, and Thr821) the phosphorylation of which drastically modify the conformation of pRb. Mutation of each of these four sites alone or in combinations results in the different conformations of pRb, the migration pattern of which, on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, resembles various in vivo hypophosphorylated forms. Each of these hypophosphorylated forms of pRb has enhanced growth suppressing activity relative to the wild type. Our data revealed that the m89 structural motif controls the exposure of the cdk sites Ser-807/Ser-811in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the m89 mutant has enhanced growth suppressing activity, similar to a mutant with alanine substitutions at Ser-807/Ser-811. Our recent finding, that the m89 region is part of a structural domain, p5, conserved antigenically and functionally between pRb and p53, suggests that the evolutionarily conserved p5 domain may play a role in the coordinated regulation of the activity of these two tumor suppressors, under certain growth conditions.
The temporal relationship between glycogen phosphorylase and activation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex during adrenaline infusion in resting canine skeletal muscle

The present study examined the effect of adrenaline infusion on the activation status of glycogen phosphorylase and the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) and on the accumulation of glucose‐6‐phosphate (G‐6‐P) and acetylcarnitine in resting canine skeletal muscle. The study was performed in an effort to gain some insight into the temporal relationship between glycogen phosphorylase and PDC activation in vivo in skeletal muscle, which is currently unresolved. Multiple muscle samples were obtained from canine brachial muscle (n= 10) before and during (1, 3, 7 and 15 min) adrenaline infusion (0.14 μg (kg body mass)−1 min−1, i.v. ). Adrenaline infusion increased glycogen phosphorylase ‘a’ by > 2‐fold above basal levels after 3 min (pre‐infusion = 9.2 ± 1.1 vs. 3 min = 22.3 ± 4.0 mmol glucosyl units (kg dry muscle)−1 min−1, P < 0.05). The concentration of G‐6‐P increased transiently from its basal concentration at 1 min (pre‐infusion = 1.5 ± 0.2 vs. 1 min = 4.4 ± 0.9 mmol kg dry muscle)−1, P < 0.01), declined to its pre‐infusion concentration at 3 min (P < 0.05), and then increased again after 7 min of infusion (P < 0.05). The PDC was activated following 7 min of adrenaline infusion (pre‐infusion = 0.22 ± 0.04 vs. 7 min = 1.04 ± 0.15 mmol acetyl‐CoA (kg wet muscle)−1 min−1, P < 0.01), and this degree of activation was maintained for the duration of infusion. During the first 3 min of infusion, the concentration of acetylcarnitine declined (pre‐infusion = 3.8 ± 0.3 vs. 3 min = 1.6 ± 0.2 mmol (kg dry muscle)−1, P < 0.05), before transiently increasing at 7 min above the 3 min concentration (3 min = 1.6 ± 0.2 vs. 7 min = 5.1 ± 1.0 mmol (kg dry muscle)−1, P < 0.01). This is the first study to demonstrate that adrenaline can indirectly activate the PDC in skeletal muscle in vivo at rest. The results demonstrate that adrenaline increased glycogen phosphorylase activation and glycolytic flux within 3 min of infusion, but took several more minutes to activate the PDC. This temporal relationship, combined with a probable adrenaline‐induced increase in metabolic rate (and thereby resting ATP demand), resulted in the biphasic changes in G‐6‐P and acetylcarnitine with infusion time.
Functional Hierarchy between Two OSE2 Elements in the Control of Osteocalcin Gene Expression in Vivo *

Osteocalcin gene expression is initiated perinatally and is restricted to mature osteoblasts and odontoblasts. Because their pattern of expression is highly restricted, the osteocalcin genes are excellent tools to study osteoblast-specific gene expression. To define the mechanisms of osteocalcin cell-specific gene expression in vivo, we generated transgenic mice harboring deletion mutants of the promoter region of OG2, one of the mouse osteocalcin genes. We show here that only 647 base pairs of this promoter are sufficient to confer cell-specific and time-specific expression to a reporter gene in vivo. This promoter fragment contains two copies of OSE2. This osteoblast-specificcis-acting element binds Osf2, a recently characterized osteoblast-specific transcription factor (Ducy, P., Zhang, R., Geoffroy, V., Ridall, A. L., and Karsenty, G. (1997)Cell 89, 747–754). We also demonstrate that the proximal OSE2 element is critical to confer an osteoblast-specific, developmentally regulated pattern of expression to a reporter gene. The other OSE2 element, located more upstream and presenting a lower affinity for Osf2, affects only weakly OG2 promoter activity. These data demonstrate the crucial role of Osf2 in controlling osteocalcin gene expression. Since osteocalcin synthesis is a hallmark of the differentiated osteoblast phenotype, these results suggest that, beyond its developmental function, Osf2 is also required for the maintenance of the osteoblast phenotype postnatally.
Readiness to Change in a Clinical Sample of Problem Drinkers: Relation to Alcohol Use, Self-Efficacy, and Treatment Outcome

According to the transtheoretical model of behaviour change, individuals addicted to psychotropic drugs typically cycle through a sequence of five discrete stages (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance) before achieving sustained long-term abstinence and moderation, respectively. A number of English-language questionnaires have been developed to assess client motivation in accordance with the stages of change approach. The present study aimed to expand the research on the transtheoretical model by establishing the factor structure of a German-language version of the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES) in a large sample of alcohol-dependent inpatients (n = 350). Furthermore, the relation of client motivation to alcohol use, self-efficacy and treatment outcome at 3-month follow-up was examined. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three separate dimensions of readiness to change (Taking Steps, Recognition, and Ambivalence). The factorial structure of the German-language SOCRATES corresponded almost exactly to that of the original version. Readiness to change accounted for 9.4% of the variance in treatment outcome. Moreover, readiness to change was positively related to pretreatment self-efficacy.
Estrogen-related receptor-α antagonist inhibits both estrogen receptor–positive and estrogen receptor–negative breast tumor growth in mouse xenografts

Estrogen-related receptors (ERR) are orphan members of the nuclear receptor superfamily most closely related to estrogen receptors (ER). Although ERα is a successful target for treating breast cancer, there remains an unmet medical need especially for estrogen-independent breast cancer. Although estradiol is not an ERR ligand, ER and ERR share many commonalities and overlapping signaling pathways. An endogenous ERR ligand has not been identified; however, novel synthetic ERRα subtype–specific antagonists have started to emerge. In particular, we recently identified a novel compound, N-[(2Z)-3-(4,5-dihydro-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1,3-thiazolidin-2-yl idene]-5H dibenzo[a,d][7]annulen-5-amine (termed compound A) that acts specifically as an ERRα antagonist. Here, we show that compound A inhibited cell proliferation in ERα-positive (MCF-7 and T47D) and ERα-negative (BT-20 and MDA-MD-231) breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we report the differential expression of 83 genes involved in ERRα signaling in MCF-7 and BT-20 breast cancer cell lines. We show that compound A slowed tumor growth in MCF-7 and BT-20 mouse xenograft models, and displayed antagonistic effects on the uterus. Furthermore, a subset of genes involved in ERRα signaling in vitro were evaluated and confirmed in vivo by studying uterine gene expression profiles from xenograft mice. These results suggest for the first time that inhibition of ERRα signaling via a subtype-specific antagonist may be an effective therapeutic strategy for ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancers. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(3):672–81]
Microalbuminuria as a predictor of myocardial infarction in a Mexican population: the Mexico City Diabetes Study.

OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate whether microalbuminuria predicts myocardial infarction (MI) in a Mexican population. METHODS The study was a prospective, population-based cohort. Baseline examination was carried out in 1989; the first follow-up in 1993 and the second in 1997. All men and non-pregnant women between 35 and 64 years of age at the start of the study were considered eligible. Clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory characteristics were evaluated. All patients with macroalbuminuria at baseline were excluded from the present analyses, as were all prevalent cases with MI. Remaining patients were classified as with or without microalbuminuria. Incident cases of MI were identified during follow-up phases using an electrocardiogram (according to the Minnesota Code) or the death certificate (in which underlying cause of death was listed as MI, Causes of Death codes 410.0-410.9). Results. From 2196 individuals, 1586 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Two hundred fifteen (13.6%) had microalbuminuria, and 1371 (86.4%) did not. During follow-up, 10 patients with microalbuminuria and 31 patients without microalbuminuria developed an MI. Using robust logistic regression, the probability of developing MI, adjusting by Framingham score, was estimated to be 1.90 (95% CI,.97-3.72) times higher in patients with microalbuminuria as compared with patients without microalbuminuria. CONCLUSION We found that in a Mexican population the relationship between microalbuminuria and incidence of MI was borderline statistically significant after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors.