Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Entry into the nuclear pore complex is controlled by a cytoplasmic exclusion zone containing dynamic GLFG-repeat nucleoporin domains

ABSTRACT Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) mediate nucleocytoplasmic movement. The central channel contains proteins with phenylalanine-glycine (FG) repeats, or variations (GLFG, glycine-leucine-phenylalanine-glycine). These are ‘intrinsically disordered’ and often represent weak interaction sites that become ordered upon interaction. We investigated this possibility during nuclear transport. Using electron microscopy of S. cerevisiae, we show that NPC cytoplasmic filaments form a dome-shaped structure enclosing GLFG domains. GLFG domains extend out of this structure and are part of an ‘exclusion zone’ that might act as a partial barrier to entry of transport-inert proteins. The anchor domain of a GLFG nucleoporin locates exclusively to the central channel. By contrast, the localisation of the GLFG domains varied between NPCs and could be cytoplasmic, central or nucleoplasmic and could stretch up to 80 nm. These results suggest a dynamic exchange between ordered and disordered states. In contrast to diffusion through the NPC, transport cargoes passed through the exclusion zone and accumulated near the central plane. We also show that movement of cargo through the NPC is accompanied by relocation of GLFG domains, suggesting that binding, restructuring and movement of these domains could be part of the translocation mechanism.
Finite-element simulation of ceramic drying processes

A finite-element simulation for the drying process of ceramics is performed. The heat and moisture movements in green ceramics caused by the temperature gradient, moisture gradient, conduction, convection and evaporation are considered. The finite-element formulation for solving the temperature and moisture distributions, which not only change the volume but also induce the hygro-thermal stress, is carried out. Employing the internally discontinuous interface elements, the numerical divergence problem arising from sudden changes in heat capacity in the phase zone is solved. In order to verify the reliability of the formulation, the drying process of a coal and the wetting process of a graphite epoxy are simulated and the results are compared with the analytical solution and another investigator's result. Finally, the drying process of a ceramic electric insulator is simulated.
A common T/C polymorphism in the promoter region of the beta T-cell receptor gene.

Polymorphisms in the T-cell receptor genes can provide important information for the study of the immune response system, particularly for autoimmune diseases. This report characterizes a common T to C polymorphism in the promoter of the beta 2 constant chain of the T-cell receptor, which abolishes a recognition site for BglII restriction endonuclease.
Luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and behavioral response of male-oriented rams to estrous ewes and rams.

During the breeding season three experiments were conducted to evaluate the LH and testosterone (T) response of rams with male sexual orientation (e.g., male-oriented homosexual rams) to female sheep, to male sheep, and to treatment with LHRH. Male-oriented rams were identified through a series of sexual performance and sexual preference tests. Treatments included exposure to estrous females and to males for 15 min (Exp. 1) and exposure to estrous females and to males for 8 h (Exp. 2). Behavioral responses to stimulus animals were recorded. In Exp. 2 homosexual rams mounted males more than females (P less than .02) and exhibited more flehmen (P less than .002) and investigatory sniffs (P less than .01) when exposed to males vs females. Acts of aggression (butting the stimulus animals) did not differ by gender (P greater than .1). Flehmen and butting were positively correlated to LH secretion (P less than .02) of rams exposed to females but not to males. In Exp. 1, LH concentration determined every 15 min for 6 h was not affected (P greater than .05) by the gender of the stimulus animal. In Exp. 2, LH pulse frequency and concentration were similar (P greater than .05) by treatment. Lack of an LH response to sexual activity in homosexual rams was not a result of pituitary or gonadal insensitivity; within 1 h of a single injection of LHRH both LH and T increased (Exp. 3). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Biosynthesis of Very-Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Transgenic Oilseeds: Constraints on Their Accumulationw⃞

ω6- and ω3-polyunsaturated C20 fatty acids represent important components of the human diet. A more regular consumption and an accordingly sustainable source of these compounds are highly desirable. In contrast with the very high levels to which industrial fatty acids have to be enriched in plant oils for competitive use as chemical feedstocks, much lower percentages of very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLCPUFA) in edible plant oils would satisfy nutritional requirements. Seed-specific expression in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) of cDNAs encoding fatty acyl-desaturases and elongases, absent from all agronomically important plants, resulted in the very high accumulation of Δ6-desaturated C18 fatty acids and up to 5% of C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acid. Detailed lipid analyses of developing seeds from transgenic plants were interpretated as indicating that, after desaturation on phosphatidylcholine, Δ6-desaturated products are immediately channeled to the triacylglycerols and effectively bypass the acyl-CoA pool. Thus, the lack of available Δ6-desaturated acyl-CoA substrates in the acyl-CoA pool limits the synthesis of elongated C20 fatty acids and disrupts the alternating sequence of lipid-linked desaturations and acyl-CoA dependent elongations. As well as the successful production of VLCPUFA in transgenic oilseeds and the identification of constraints on their accumulation, our results indicate alternative strategies to circumvent this bottleneck.
Cannabis Use and Dependence among French Schizophrenic Inpatients

Background: To assess the prevalence of cannabis use and dependence in a population of schizophrenic inpatients and to compare schizophrenics with and without cannabis consumption. Methods: One hundred one schizophrenic patients were examined during their first week of hospitalization. They answered the PANNS scale of schizophrenia, the CAGE and the Fagerström questionnaire, and the DSM-IV-TR criteria for cannabis, alcohol, opiates, and nicotine use dependence were checked. We also assessed socio-demographic characteristics, the motive of cannabis consumption, and the number of cannabis joints and alcoholic drinks taken. Results: The prevalence of cannabis consumption was 33.6% among schizophrenic inpatients. Schizophrenics consuming cannabis were younger than non-schizophrenics (33.3 vs. 44.7 years p < 0.0001), more often male (77 vs. 54%, p = 0.02) and had been hospitalized for the first time in psychiatry earlier (24.3 vs. 31.3 p = 0.003). Eighty-eight percent of cannabis consumers were dependent on cannabis. They were more often dependent on opiates (17 vs. 0%) and alcohol (32 vs. 7.4%, p = 0.001) and presented compulsive buying more often (48 vs. 27%, p = 0.04). Logistic regression revealed that factors associated to cannabis consumption among schizophrenics were cannabis dependence, male gender, pathological gambling, opiate dependence, number of joints smoked each day, and compulsive buying. Conclusion: 33.6% of the schizophrenic patients hospitalized in psychiatry consume cannabis and most of them are dependent on cannabis and alcohol. Hospitalization in psychiatry may provide an opportunity to systematically identify a dependence disorder and to offer appropriate information and treatment.
Leukocyte Telomere Length and Risks of Incident Coronary Heart Disease and Mortality in a Racially Diverse Population of Postmenopausal Women

Objective—Telomeres are regions at the ends of chromosomes that maintain chromosomal structural integrity and genomic stability. In studies of mainly older, white populations, shorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors and increased risks of mortality and coronary heart disease (CHD). On average, African Americans (AfAm) have longer LTL than whites, but the LTL–CHD relationship in AfAm is unknown. We investigated the relationship of LTL with CHD and mortality among AfAm. Approach and Results—Using a case–cohort design, 1525 postmenopausal women (667 AfAm and 858 whites) from the Women’s Health Initiative had LTL measured in baseline blood samples by Southern blotting. CHD or mortality hazards ratios were estimated using race-stratified and risk factor–adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. There were 367 incident CHD (226 mortality) events in whites, whereas AfAm experienced 269 incident CHD (216 mortality) events during median follow-up of 13 years. Shorter LTL was associated with older age, current smoking, and white race/ethnicity. In whites, each 1 kilobase decrease in LTL was associated with 50% increased hazard of CHD, hazard ratio=1.50 (95% confidence interval, 1.08–2.10), P=0.017. There was no association between CHD and LTL in AfAm. White women with shorter LTL had higher risks of mortality. In contrast, shorter LTL was weakly associated with decreased mortality hazard in AfAm. Conclusions—As one of the largest prospective studies of LTL associations with incident CHD and mortality in a racially diverse sample, our study suggests differences in LTL associations with CHD and mortality between white and AfAm postmenopausal women.
Possible Predictors of Outcome for Conditionally Discharged Patients – A Preliminary Study

Conditional discharge for restricted hospital order patients is by and large a successful process. The present study aimed to identify variables among a cohort of conditionally discharged patients in the West Midlands that would predict whether an individual was more likely to be readmitted to hospital, involved in a serious incident, to be recalled to hospital or given an absolute discharge. A retrospective case note analysis was undertaken. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables that could predict outcome. Patients were six times more likely to be readmitted to hospital if they misused drugs and nine times more likely if they self-harmed. They were also six and four times more likely to be involved in a serious incident if they misused alcohol and drugs respectively. Patients were five times more likely to be recalled to hospital if they did not have close social support and were four and a half times more likely to get an absolute discharge if they lived in supported accommodation. Conditional discharge is an effective model of community care for restricted hospital order patients. Addressing the problems caused by drug and alcohol misuse, self-harming behaviour, recognising the importance of a close social support network and developing more appropriate housing for these individuals will help make the process more successful.
Stealth liposomes: review of the basic science, rationale, and clinical applications, existing and potential

Among several promising new drug-delivery systems, liposomes represent an advanced technology to deliver active molecules to the site of action, and at present several formulations are in clinical use. Research on liposome technology has progressed from conventional vesicles (“first-generation liposomes”) to “second-generation liposomes”, in which long-circulating liposomes are obtained by modulating the lipid composition, size, and charge of the vesicle. Liposomes with modified surfaces have also been developed using several molecules, such as glycolipids or sialic acid. A significant step in the development of long-circulating liposomes came with inclusion of the synthetic polymer poly-(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in liposome composition. The presence of PEG on the surface of the liposomal carrier has been shown to extend blood-circulation time while reducing mononuclear phagocyte system uptake (stealth liposomes). This technology has resulted in a large number of liposome formulations encapsulating active molecules, with high target efficiency and activity. Further, by synthetic modification of the terminal PEG molecule, stealth liposomes can be actively targeted with monoclonal antibodies or ligands. This review focuses on stealth technology and summarizes pre-clinical and clinical data relating to the principal liposome formulations; it also discusses emerging trends of this promising technology.
Higher levels of interleukin‐6 in cystic fluids from patients with malignant versus benign ovarian tumors correlate with decreased hemoglobin levels and increased platelet counts

Background. Recently, high pretreatment platelet counts and low pretreatment hemoglobin levels were found to be negative prognostic factors in patients with ovarian cancer. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a multifunctional cytokine with a diversity of functions leading to the induction of C‐reactive protein (CRP), increased platelet counts, and low hemoglobin levels. Different epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines are found to produce varying amounts of IL‐6. In this study, a possible relationship between IL‐6 levels in cystic fluids of benign and malignant ovarian tumors and pretreatment serum CRP, platelet counts, and hemoglobin levels was evaluated.
Heavy hitters in streams and sliding windows

Identifying heavy hitter flows is a fundamental problem in various network domains. The well established method of using sketches to approximate flow statistics suffers from space inefficiencies. In addition, flow arrival rates are dynamic, thus keeping track of the most recent heavy hitters poses a challenge. Sliding window approximations address this problem, reducing space at the cost of increasing point query time. This paper presents two novel algorithms for identifying heavy hitters in streams and sliding windows. Both algorithms use statically allocated memory and support constant time point queries. For sliding windows, this is an asymptotic improvement over previous work. We also demonstrate reduced memory requirements of up to 85% in streams and 66% in sliding windows over synthetic and real Internet packet traces.
Estimation of disease incidence in claims data dependent on the length of follow-up: a methodological approach.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the impact of the length of disease-free intervals on incidence estimation. DATA SOURCE Statutory health insurance sample in Germany. STUDY DESIGN Overestimation of the incidence in the first quarter of 2008 for three selected diseases, diabetes mellitus, colorectal cancer, and heart failure, depending on different lengths of preceding disease-free intervals. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Continuously insured from 2000 until 2008 ≥ 18 years (N = 144,907). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Compared with an 8-year disease-free period, incidence overestimations for diabetes, colorectal cancer, and heart failure were 40, 23, and 43 percent defining a 1-year, and 5, 9, and 5 percent defining a 5-year disease-free period, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Depending on the specific disease, caution has to be taken while using short disease-free periods because incidence estimates may be extremely overestimated.
INITIAL EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF SYNTHETIC RUBBER ADDITIVES ON THE THERMORHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF ASPHALT MIXTURES

RESULTS ARE PRESENTED OF THE INITIAL INVESTIGATION OF LINEAR VISCOELASTICITY PROPERTY AND THE OTHER RELATED MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF 8 DIFFERENT KINDS OF ASPHALT MIXTURES (6.1 PERCENT AND 5.0 PERCENT ASPHALT CONTENT BY WEIGHT, HIGH AND LOW VISCOSITY, WITH AND WITHOUT ADDED RUBBER). AT 70 F THE VISCOSITY SHOWS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT EFFECT WHERE MIXTURES WITH LOW-VISCOSITY ASPHALT (AS MEASURED AT 77 F) YIELD HIGH CREEP COMPLIANCE, LOW ULTIMATE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND LOW ULTIMATE TENSILE STRENGTH. MIXTURES WITH HIGH-ASPHALT CONTENT YIELD MODULUS, HIGH CREEP COMPLIANCE FOR THE HIGH VISCOSITY MIXTURES. AT 20 F, ASPHALT CONTENT AND HIGH VISCOSITY CONTRIBUTE TO THE HIGH ULTIMATE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND HIGH ULTIMATE STRAIN. ALSO, AT 20 F, HIGH VISCOSITY AND VISCOSITY-ASPHALT CONTENT INTERACTION CONTRIBUTE TO THE HIGH CREEP COMPLIANCE. THE FINDING ALSO INDICATE THAT THE ASSUMPTION OF LINEAR VISCOELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF THE ASPHALT MIXTURES IS APPROXIMATELY HELD. RUBBER ADDITIVES DO NOT SHOW SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON CREEP COMPLIANCES, ULTIMATE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS AND STRAINS, AND TENSILE STRENGTHS OF THE ASPHALT MIXTURES AT THE INITIAL PERIOD. /AUTHOR/
Comparison of different Linux containers

The new generation of virtualization is containerization. In this paper we measured the most common container techniques to determinate the performance of these techniques regarding computing power and network performance with industry standard measurement applications. We used these measurement results to compare them with native performance without any container techniques and with the Linux standard virtualization KVM performance. For the first time, this paper also measures the performance of the Singularity container system, which is a new approach of HPC systems container usage.
Microstructure and Properties of Laser‐Clad Mo2NiB2 Cermet Coating on Steel Substrate

A Mo2NiB2 cermet coating on steel substrate was fabricated by laser cladding technique. The laser cladding samples were subjected to various microstructure examinations, hardness, and wear and corrosion tests. The results showed that a continuous, dense and adherent laser‐clad coating was formed on the steel substrate. The coating consisted of γ‐(Fe, Ni) as a metallic matrix binder and Mo2NiB2 particles as a reinforced phase distributed uniformly in the microstructure. Average hardness of the coating up to 700 HV was significantly higher than that of the matrix 150 HV. The coating exhibited a dry‐sliding wear resistance that was increased by about 6 times relative to the steel substrate. Extensive pits formation on the surface and through the inner part had taken place for 304 stainless steel, while it disappeared in the coating.
Minimal enteral feeding, fetal blood flow pulsatility, and postnatal intestinal permeability in preterm infants with intrauterine growth retardation

Objective: To study the effect of minimal enteral feeding (MEF) on intestinal permeability and feeding tolerance in preterm infants with intrauterine growth retardation (gestational age < 37 weeks, birth weight for gestational age p < 10). Furthermore, to determine whether fetal blood flow pulsatility or intestinal permeability predict feeding tolerance in these infants. Design: Randomised controlled trial. Methods: Within 48 hours of birth, infants were randomised to MEF or no enteral feeding (NEF) for five days in addition to parenteral feeding. Intestinal permeability was measured by the sugar absorption test before (SAT1) and after (SAT2) the study. The sugar absorption test measured the urinary lactulose/mannitol (LM) ratio after oral ingestion of a solution (375 mosm) containing mannitol and lactulose. Charts of all infants were assessed for measures of feeding tolerance. Fetal blood flow pulsatility index (U/C ratio) was measured within the seven days before birth. Results: Of the 56 infants enrolled, 42 completed the study: 20 received MEF and 22 NEF. The decrease in LM ratio (LM ratio 1 − LM ratio 2) was not significantly different between the two groups (0.25 v 0.11; p = 0.14). Feeding tolerance, growth, and incidence of necrotising enterocolitis were not significantly different between the two groups. Neither the U/C nor the LM ratio 1 predicted feeding tolerance. Conclusions: The results suggest that MEF of preterm infants with intrauterine growth retardation has no effect on the decrease in intestinal permeability after birth. Neither fetal blood flow pulsatility nor intestinal permeability predicts feeding tolerance.
Functional Characterization of 9-/13-LOXs in Rice and Silencing Their Expressions to Improve Grain Qualities

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are involved in oxidative rancidity and render rice unsuitable for human consumption. Here, RNA interference- (RNAi-) induced gene expression inhibition was used to analyze the functions of the bran/seed-specific LOXs in rice. r9-LOX1 and L-2 (9-LOX category) were the candidate genes expressing a bran/seed-specific LOX, while RCI-1 was (13-LOX category) a plastid-specific LOX. Real-time PCR showed that three LOXs were cultivar/tissue specific expression on a certain level. r9-LOX1 and L-2 were generally much higher in active bran/seed than in stabilized bran, mature seed, and regenerated plant. RCI-1 was barely expressed in seed. In transgenic lines, r9-LOX1, as well as L-2, expression was dramatically downregulated, compared to the nontransgenic controls. SPME/GC-MS analysis of r9-LOX1 RNAi transgenic lines showed 74.33% decrease in nonanal content (formed during oxidation of linoleic acid by lipoxygenase), but 388.24% increase in acetic acid and 184.84% hexanal (direct products of 13-LOX). These results indicate that r9-LOX1 positively regulates the amount of nonanal but negatively regulates acetic acid and hexanal. The negative regulation may be due to a mechanism of negative feedback between LOX family members. The information will help comprehensively understand the function of the bran/seed-specific LOXs, r9-LOX1, and improve the storage quality in the future.
Hormonal modulation of ovarian interstitial cells with particular reference to gap junctions

Thin-section and freeze-fracture studies on the rat ovarian interstitial cells revealed reductions in the size and the number of gap junctions after pituitary ablation. Small gap junctions, however, persist as long as 90 days after hypophysectomy even though regressive cytoplasmic changes are completed 75 d earlier. Administration of exogenous human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) results in the restoration of the normal interstitial cell morphology which is accompanied by amplification of junctional membrane. Within 24 h of hormone application, gap junction growth is characterized by the appearance of formation plaques. These studies suggest that the effect of hormone on interstitial cell gap junctions is to modulate the junctional surface area.
XMM-Newton and Chandra Observations of the Central Region of M31

Archival XMM-Newton data of the central region of M31 were analyzed for diffuse X-ray emission. Point sources with 0.5-10 keV luminosity exceeding ~4 × 1035 ergs s-1 were detected. Their summed spectra are reproduced well by a combination of a disk blackbody component and a blackbody component, implying that the emission mainly comes from an assembly of luminous low-mass X-ray binaries. After excluding these point sources, spectra were accumulated over a circular region of 6' (1.2 kpc) centered on the nucleus. In the energy range above 2 keV, these residual spectra are understood to mainly be contributions from unresolved faint sources and spillover of photons from the excluded point sources. There is in addition a hint of ~6.6 keV line emission, which can be produced by a hot (temperature of several keV), thin, thermal plasma. Below 2 keV the spectra involve three additional softer components expressed by thin thermal plasma emission models, for which the temperatures are ~0.6, ~0.3, and ~0.1 keV. Their 0.5-10 keV luminosities within 6' are measured to be ~1.2 × 1038, ~1.6 × 1038, and ~4 × 1037 ergs s-1 in order of decreasing temperature. The archival Chandra data of the central region of M31 yielded consistent results. By incorporating different annular regions, all three softer thermal components were confirmed to be significantly extended. These results are compared with reports from previous studies. A discussion is presented on the origin of each thermal emission component.