Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fission yeast kinesin-8 controls chromosome congression independently of oscillations

ABSTRACT In higher eukaryotes, efficient chromosome congression relies, among other players, on the activity of chromokinesins. Here, we provide a quantitative analysis of kinetochore oscillations and positioning in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a model organism lacking chromokinesins. In wild-type cells, chromosomes align during prophase and, while oscillating, maintain this alignment throughout metaphase. Chromosome oscillations are dispensable both for kinetochore congression and stable kinetochore alignment during metaphase. In higher eukaryotes, kinesin-8 family members control chromosome congression by regulating their oscillations. By contrast, here, we demonstrate that fission yeast kinesin-8 controls chromosome congression by an alternative mechanism. We propose that kinesin-8 aligns chromosomes by controlling pulling forces in a length-dependent manner. A coarse-grained model of chromosome segregation implemented with a length-dependent process that controls the force at kinetochores is necessary and sufficient to mimic kinetochore alignment, and prevents the appearance of lagging chromosomes. Taken together, these data illustrate how the local action of a motor protein at kinetochores provides spatial cues within the spindle to align chromosomes and to prevent aneuploidy. Highlighted Article: Quantitative analysis in S. pombe reveals that chromosome oscillations are dispensable for kinetochore congression in mitosis. Kinesin-8 controls chromosome congression through length-dependent pulling forces.
The vacuolar membrane protein gamma‐TIP creates water specific channels in Xenopus oocytes.

The vacuolar membrane (tonoplast) of higher plant cells contains an abundant 27 kDa protein called TIP (tonoplast intrinsic protein) that occurs in different isoforms and belongs to a large family of homologous channel‐like proteins found in bacteria, plants and animals. In the present study, we identified and characterized the function of gamma‐TIP from Arabidopsis thaliana by expression of the protein in Xenopus oocytes. gamma‐TIP increased the osmotic water permeability of oocytes 6‐ to 8‐fold, to values in the range 1–1.5 × 10(−2) cm/s. Similar results were obtained with the homologous human erythrocyte protein CHIP28, recently identified as the erythrocyte water channel. The bacterial homolog GlpF did not affect the osmotic water permeability of oocytes, but facilitated glycerol uptake, in accordance with its known function. By contrast, gamma‐TIP did not promote glycerol permeability. Voltage clamp experiments provided evidence showing that gamma‐TIP induced no electrogenic ion transport in oocytes, especially during osmotic challenge that resulted in massive transport of water. These results allow us to conclude that the various protein members of the MIP family have unique and specific transport functions and that the plant protein gamma‐TIP likely functions as a water specific channel in the vacuolar membrane.
You can’t fix what isn’t broken: eight weeks of exercise do not substantially change cognitive function and biochemical markers in young and healthy adults

Objective The benefits of exercise on brain health is well known in aging and psychiatric populations. However, the relationship between habitual exercise in young and healthy adults remains unclear. This study explored the effects an eight-week exercise prescription on cognitive function, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cathepsin B (CTHB) in young and healthy adults. Methods A total of 22 low-active, young and healthy adults were recruited from a local university. A total of 12 participants performed an eight-week exercise prescription and 12 participants served as controls. Cognitive assessments, cardiorespiratory fitness and plasma BDNF and CTHB concentrations were measured at baseline and eight weeks. Results Results showed exercise improved cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.044, d = 1.48) with no improvements in cognitive function or no changes in plasma BDNF and CTHB concentrations. Conclusion We provide evidence that a short-term course of moderate exercise does not improve cognitive function or change plasma biochemical markers concentrations in young and healthy adults, despite mild improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness. These results suggest that cognitive health may peak during early adulthood leaving little room for improvement throughout this period of the lifespan.
Identification of a Novel Prenyl and Palmitoyl Modification at the CaaX Motif of Cdc42 That Regulates RhoGDI Binding

ABSTRACT Membrane localization of Rho GTPases is essential for their biological functions and is dictated in part by a series of posttranslational modifications at a carboxyl-terminal CaaX motif: prenylation at cysteine, proteolysis of the aaX tripeptide, and carboxymethylation. The fidelity and variability of these CaaX processing steps are uncertain. The brain-specific splice variant of Cdc42 (bCdc42) terminates in a CCIF sequence. Here we show that brain Cdc42 undergoes two different types of posttranslational modification: classical CaaX processing or novel tandem prenylation and palmitoylation at the CCaX cysteines. In the dual lipidation pathway, bCdc42 was prenylated, but it bypassed proteolysis and carboxymethylation to undergo modification with palmitate at the second cysteine. The alternative postprenylation processing fates were conserved in the GTPases RalA and RalB and the phosphatase PRL-3, proteins terminating in a CCaX motif. The differentially modified forms of bCdc42 displayed functional differences. Prenylated and palmitoylated brain Cdc42 did not interact with RhoGDIα and was enriched in the plasma membrane relative to the classically processed form. The alternative processing of prenylated CCaX motif proteins by palmitoylation or by endoproteolysis and methylation expands the diversity of signaling GTPases and enables another level of regulation through reversible modification with palmitate.
Optimal paths in disordered complex networks.

We study the optimal distance in networks, l(opt), defined as the length of the path minimizing the total weight, in the presence of disorder. Disorder is introduced by assigning random weights to the links or nodes. For strong disorder, where the maximal weight along the path dominates the sum, we find that l(opt) approximately N(1/3) in both Erdos-Rényi (ER) and Watts-Strogatz (WS) networks. For scale-free (SF) networks, with degree distribution P(k) approximately k(-lambda), we find that l(opt) scales as N((lambda-3)/(lambda-1)) for 3<lambda<4 and as N(1/3) for lambda> or =4. Thus, for these networks, the small-world nature is destroyed. For 2<lambda<3, our numerical results suggest that l(opt) scales as ln(lambda-1N. We also find numerically that for weak disorder l(opt) approximately ln(N for both the ER and WS models as well as for SF networks.
TIME-DEPENDENT QUEUE-SIZE DISTRIBUTION IN THE FINITE GI=M=1 MODEL WITH AQM-TYPE DROPPING

A GI=M=1-type queueing system with finite buffer capacity and AQM-type packet dropping is investigated. Even when the buffer is not saturated an incoming packet can be dropped (lost) with probability dependent on the instanteneous queue size. The system of integral equations for time-dependent queue-size distribution conditioned by the number of packets present in the system initially is built using the embedded Markov chain approach. The solution of the corresponding system written for Laplace transforms is found using the linear algebra. Numerical examples, in which different-type dropping functions are investigated in some network-motivated traffic scenarios, are attached as well.
Sprouting interneurons in mushroom bodies of adult cricket brains

In crickets, neurogenesis persists throughout adulthood for certain local brain interneurons, the Kenyon cells in the mushroom bodies, which represent a prominent compartment for sensory integration, learning, and memory. Several classes of these neurons originate from a perikaryal layer, which includes a cluster of neuroblasts, surrounded by somata that provide the mushroom body's columnar neuropil. We describe the form, distribution, and cytology of Kenyon cell groups in the process of generation and growth in comparison to developed parts of the mushroom bodies in adult crickets of the species Gryllus bimaculatus. A subset of growing Kenyon cells with sprouting processes has been distinguished from adjacent Kenyon cells by its prominent f‐actin labelling. Growth cone‐like elements are detected in the perikaryal layer and in their associated sprouting fiber bundles. Sprouting fibers distant from the perikarya contain ribosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum not found in the dendritic processes of the calyx. A core of sprouting Kenyon cell processes is devoid of synapses and is not invaded by extrinsic neuronal elements. Measurements of fiber cross‐sections and counts of synapses and organelles suggest a continuous gradient of growth and maturation leading from the core of added new processes out to the periphery of mature Kenyon cell fiber groups. Our results are discussed in the context of Kenyon cell classification, growth dynamics, axonal fiber maturation, and function. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:153–174, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transverse Energy Distribution Measurements for Polycrystalline and (100) Copper Photocathodes with Known Levels of Surface Roughness

The minimum achievable emittance in an electron accelerator depends strongly on the intrinsic emittance of the photocathode electron source. This is measurable as the mean longitudinal and transverse energy spreads in the photoemitted electrons. ASTeC constructed the Transverse Energy Spread Spectrometer (TESS) experimental facility to measure both the transverse and longitudinal electron energy spectra from III–V semiconductor, multi–alkali and metal photocathodes. Our R&D facilities also include in–vacuum quantum efficiency measurement, XPS, STM, plus ex–vacuum optical and STM microscopy for surface metrology. Photocathode intrinsic emittance is strongly affected by surface roughness, and the development of techniques to manufacture the smoothest photocathode is a priority for the electron source community. We present energy distribution measurements for electrons emitted from polycrystalline and single–crystal (100) copper photocathodes as a function of their measured surface roughness.
Overview of Commercially Available PCR Assays for the Detection of Aspergillus spp. DNA in Patient Samples

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis is essential to improve survival. Since the 1990s, attempts for PCR-based diagnosis of IA were made. Progress in the standardization of methods enabled the development of commercially available Aspergillus PCR assays in the last few years. Up to now, the clinical value of only a few commercial assays was investigated more extensively in large cohort studies. Most often, respiratory secretions such as bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were investigated, but some studies also included serum samples from high-risk patients. The data indicate that Aspergillus PCR, most likely in combination with galactomannan detection, has the potential for early and reliable diagnosis of IA including azole resistance markers. With the broad implementation of this technique in routine diagnosis and incorporation into patient care pathways, it is conceivable that an improvement in management of IA and subsequently patient outcome could occur.
Heptyl vicianoside and methyl caramboside from sour star fruit

Abstract Two new alkyl glycosides, heptyl vicianoside (1) and methyl 2-O-β-d-fucopyranosyl-α-l-arabinofuranoside (methyl caramboside, 4), were isolated from the sour fruit of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae), along with octyl vicianoside (2), cis-3-hexenyl rutinoside (3), and methyl α-d-fructofuranoside (5). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Compounds 2, 3, and 5 were obtained from the genus Averrhoa for the first time. All the compounds were evaluated for in vitro α-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities, but none of them were potent.
GMDBSCAN: Multi-Density DBSCAN Cluster Based on Grid

DBSCAN is one of the most popular algorithms for cluster analysis. It can discover all clusters with arbitrary shape and separate noises. But this algorithm can’t choose parameter according to distributing of dataset. It simply uses the global MinPts parameter, so that the clustering result of multi-density database is inaccurate. In addition, when it is used to cluster large databases, it will cost too much time. For these problems, we propose GMDBSCAN algorithm which is based on spatial index and grid technique. An experimental evaluation shows that GMDBSCAN is effective and efficient.
Serum neurokinin B levels in newly diagnosed nondipper hypertensive patients

ObjectiveCardiovascular diseases are more common in patients with nondipper hypertension (NDHT) compared with those with dipper hypertension (DHT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the serum neurokinin B levels in DHT and NDHT patients. MethodsThe study population included newly diagnosed hypertensive patients who were not under antihypertensive treatment. A total of 77 patients were evaluated with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and divided into two groups: NDHT (n=42) and DHT (n=35). Plasma neurokinin B levels were measured using the ELISA method. ResultsSerum neurokinin B levels were significantly higher in the NDHT group compared with the DHT group [254 (180–888) and 207 (116–752) pg/ml, respectively; P=0.024]. There is a positive correlation between the mean night-time systolic blood pressure and plasma neurokinin levels (r=0.590; P<0.001). On regression analysis, neurokinin B level was only found to be related to the mean night-time systolic blood pressure (unstandardized &bgr;=−22.02±9.59; P<0.001). ConclusionPlasma neurokinin B level is higher in patients with NDHT, indicating an unfavorable cardiovascular prognosis. There is a need for further studies that search for the relation between serum neurokinin B levels and NDHT.
Metallic Iron (Fe0) Provide Possible Solution to Universal Safe Drinking Water Provision

The use of metallic iron (Fe0) for environmental remediation is applied industrially with a great degree of empiricism. Rules of thumb seem to be the only guide followed by the greater part of the Fe0 remediation community. The present communication demonstrates the validity of such a harsh statement and hopes that the research community will now follow the 10-year-old path concealing Fe0 remediation and mainstream science. A promising application is safe drinking water provision on a decentralized manner. *Corresponding author: Chicgoua Noubactep Department of Applied Geology University of Göttingen, Göttingen Germany Tel. +49 551 39 3 3191 Fax: +49 551 39937 E-mail: cnoubac@gwdg.de Citation: Noubactep C. Metallic Iron (Fe0) Provide Possible Solution to Universal Safe Drinking Water Provision. J Water Technol Treat Methods. 2018 Jan;1(1):102 Copyright: © 2018 Noubactep C. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 international License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Universal number posit arithmetic generator on FPGA

Posit number system format includes a run-time varying exponent component, defined by a combination of regime-bit (with run-time varying length) and exponent-bit (with size of up to ES bits, the exponent size). This also leads to a run-time variation in its mantissa field size and position. This run-time variation in posit format poses a hardware design challenge. Being a recent development, posit lacks for its adequate hardware arithmetic architectures. Thus, this paper is aimed towards the posit arithmetic algorithmic development and their generic hardware generator. It is focused on basic posit arithmetic (floating-point to posit conversion, posit to floating point conversion, addition/subtraction and multiplication). These are also demonstrated on a FPGA platform. Target is to develop an open-source solution for generating basic posit arithmetic architectures with parameterized choices. This contribution would enable further exploration and evaluation of posit system.
Gradient importance sampling: An efficient statistical extraction methodology of high-sigma SRAM dynamic characteristics

The impact of within-die transistor variability has increased with CMOS technology scaling up to the point where it has emerged as a systematic problem for the designer. Estimating extremely low failure rate, i.e. “high-sigma” probabilities, by the conventional Monte Carlo (MC) approach requires millions of simulation runs, making it an impractical approach for circuit designers. To overcome this problem, alternative failure estimation methodologies, which require a smaller number of runs have been proposed. In this paper, we propose a novel methodology called “gradient importance sampling” (GIS) for fast statistical extraction of high-sigma circuit characteristics. It is based on conventional Importance Sampling combined with a gradient-based approach to find the most probable failure point (MPFP). By applying GIS to extract SRAM dynamic characteristics in 28nm FDSOI CMOS, we show that the proposed methodology is straightfor-ward, computationally efficient and the results are in line with those obtained via standard MC. To the best of our knowledge, the GIS results are the best in their class for low failure rate estimation.
Distances to emergency department and to primary care provider's office affect emergency department use in children.

OBJECTIVES Patients of all ages use emergency departments (EDs) for primary care. Several studies have evaluated patient and system characteristics that influence pediatric ED use. However, the issue of proximity as a predictor of ED use has not been well studied. The authors sought to determine whether ED use by pediatric Medicaid enrollees was associated with the distance to their primary care providers (PCPs), distance to the nearest ED, and distance to the nearest children's hospital. METHODS This historical cohort study included 26,038 children age 18 and under, assigned to 332 primary care practices affiliated with a Medicaid health maintenance organization (HMO). Predictor variables were distance from the child's home to his or her PCP site, distance from home to the nearest ED, and distance from home to the nearest children's hospital. The outcome variable was each child's ED use. A negative binomial model was used to determine the association between distance variables and ED use, adjusted for age, sex, and race, plus medical and primary care site characteristics previously found to influence ED use. Distance variables were divided into quartiles to test for nonlinear associations. RESULTS On average, children made 0.31 ED visits/person/year. In the multivariable model, children living greater than 1.19 miles from the nearest ED had 11% lower ED use than those living within 0.5 miles of the nearest ED (risk ratio [RR] = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.81 to 0.99). Children living between 1.54 and 3.13 miles from their PCPs had 13% greater ED use (RR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.24) than those who lived within 0.7 miles of their PCP. CONCLUSIONS Geographical variables play a significant role in ED utilization in children, confirming the importance of system-level determinants of ED use and creating the opportunity for interventions to reduce geographical barriers to primary care.
Intrauterine insemination versus timed intercourse with clomiphene citrate in polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Objective. To compare the efficacy of intrauterine insemination vs. timed intercourse with clomiphene citrate as a first‐line treatment for anovulatory infertility associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. Design. A randomized controlled trial following the CONSORT criteria. Setting. A university hospital and a private practice setting. Patients. 188 women (525 cycles) with polycystic ovary syndrome. Main outcome measures. Women received three consecutive cycles of ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate and intrauterine insemination (n=93, 259 cycles) or three consecutive cycles of clomiphene citrate with timed intercourse (n=95, 266 cycles). Outcome measures. Clinical pregnancy rate per cycle, number of growing and mature follicles, serum estradiol, endometrial thickness at the hCG day, serum progesterone, ovulation, miscarriage and live birth rates. Results. There were no differences between the two groups regarding the clinical pregnancy rate per cycle or per woman (8.49 vs. 7.89% and 23.6 vs. 22.1%; p=0.26 and p=0.33, respectively). Two twin pregnancies occurred in each group. Miscarriage and live birth rates were comparable (18.1 vs. 19% and 19.35 vs. 17.89%; p=0.31 and p=0.33, respectively). No ectopic, higher‐order pregnancies or cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome occurred. No differences were found regarding the number of follicles, serum progesterone, ovulation rates, estradiol levels or endometrial thickness at the hCG day (7.7±0.4 vs. 7.5±0.6mm; p=0.54). Conclusions. Ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate and timed intercourse is as effective as that with intrauterine insemination for achieving pregnancy in polycystic ovary syndrome and could represent the initial treatment option, being less invasive and less expensive than intrauterine insemination.
Mental State Attribution and Body Configuration in Women

Body configuration is a sexually dimorphic trait. In humans, men tend to have high shoulder-to-hip ratios. Women in contrast, often have low waist-to-hip ratios (WHR); i.e., narrow waists and broad hips that approximate an hour-glass configuration. Women with low WHR’s are rated as more attractive, healthier, and more fertile. They also tend to have more attractive voices, lose their virginity sooner, and have more sex partners. WHR has also been linked with general cognitive performance. In the present study we expand upon previous research examining the role of WHR in cognition. We hypothesized that more feminine body types, as indexed by a low WHR, would be associated with cognitive measures of the female “brain type,” such as mental state attribution and empathy because both may depend upon the activational effects of estrogens at puberty. We found that women with low WHRs excel at identifying emotional states of other people and show a cognitive style that favors empathizing over systemizing. We suggest this relationship may be a byproduct of greater gluteofemoral fat stores which are high in the essential fatty acids needed to support brain development and cellular functioning. It is interesting to note that our findings suggest lower WHR females, who are more likely to be targeted for dishonest courtship, may be better at identifying disingenuous claims of commitment.