Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The novel human HUEL (C4orf1) gene maps to chromosome 4p12-p13 and encodes a nuclear protein containing the nuclear receptor interaction motif.

A 3250-bp novel human cDNA sequence was isolated from the MRC-5 human embryonic lung cell line by the rapid amplification of cDNA ends technique. This gene was designated HUEL and given the symbol C4orf1 by the HUGO Nomenclature Committee. Within HUEL was identified a continuous ORF of 1704 bp encoding a predicted hydrophilic protein of 568 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 63,410 Da. The putative protein contains the LXXLL signature motif considered necessary and sufficient for binding of certain coactivators to liganded nuclear receptors, as well as nuclear localization signals, a nuclear export-like signal, a zinc finger-like motif, an acidic region, and two leucine zipper-like domains. Northern blot analysis of human fetal tissues revealed 3. 4-kb transcripts, while RT-PCR demonstrated HUEL expression in a wide range of human adult tissues and cancer cell lines. In the SiHa, HT-1080, and G-401 cancer lines was detected an alternative transcript in which a 166-bp segment was excluded by exon skipping, which is predicted to culminate in a protein with a modified and truncated C-terminus. HUEL was localized to chromosome region 4p12-p13 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. In Western blots, affinity-purified antibodies raised against a HUEL-specific synthetic peptide could recognize a distinct protein band of approximately 70 kDa. Immunoblotting of subcellular fractions and indirect immunofluorescence of human embryonic lung cells demonstrated the distribution of HUEL predominantly in the cytoplasm, with an apparently cytoskeletal association. However, in smaller or dividing PLC/PRF/5 and TONG liver carcinoma cells, there was a translocation of HUEL from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Taken together, these data suggest that HUEL plays a role in transcriptional regulation.
Genetic Diversity in the Interference Selection Limit

Pervasive natural selection can strongly influence observed patterns of genetic variation, but these effects remain poorly understood when multiple selected variants segregate in nearby regions of the genome. Classical population genetics fails to account for interference between linked mutations, which grows increasingly severe as the density of selected polymorphisms increases. Here, we describe a simple limit that emerges when interference is common, in which the fitness effects of individual mutations play a relatively minor role. Instead, similar to models of quantitative genetics, molecular evolution is determined by the variance in fitness within the population, defined over an effectively asexual segment of the genome (a “linkage block”). We exploit this insensitivity in a new “coarse-grained” coalescent framework, which approximates the effects of many weakly selected mutations with a smaller number of strongly selected mutations that create the same variance in fitness. This approximation generates accurate and efficient predictions for silent site variability when interference is common. However, these results suggest that there is reduced power to resolve individual selection pressures when interference is sufficiently widespread, since a broad range of parameters possess nearly identical patterns of silent site variability.
Genomic signatures of the plateless phenotype in the threespine stickleback

Abstract Understanding the genetic basis of traits involved in adaptive divergence and speciation is one of the most fundamental objectives in evolutionary biology. Toward that end, we look for signatures of extreme plate loss in the genome of freshwater threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Plateless stickleback have been found in only a few lakes and streams across the world; they represent the far extreme of a phenotypic continuum (plate number) that has been studied for years, although plateless individuals have not yet been the subject of much investigation. We use a dense single nucleotide polymorphism dataset made using RADseq to study fish from three freshwater populations containing plateless and low plated individuals, as well as fish from full plated marine populations. Analyses were performed using FastStructure, sliding windows F ST, Bayescan and latent factor mixed models to search for genomic differences between the low plated and plateless phenotypes both within and among the three lakes. At least 18 genomic regions which may contribute to within‐morph plate number variation were detected in our low plated stickleback populations. We see no evidence of a selective sweep between low and plateless fish; rather reduction of plate number within the low plated morph seems to be polygenic.
Extended Visual Cryptography for Natural Images

Extended Visual Cryptography[Ateni01] is a type of cryptography which encodes a number of images in the way that when the images on transparencies are stacked together, the hidden message appears without a trace of original images. The decryption is done directly by the human visual system with no special cryptographic calculations. This paper presents a system which takes three pictures as an input and generates two images which correspond to two of the three input pictures. The third picture is reconstructed by printing the two output images onto transparencies and stacking them together. While the previous researches basically handle only binary images, this paper establishes the extended visual cryptography scheme suitable for natural images. Generally, visual cryptography suffers from the deterioration of the image quality. This paper also describes the method to improve the quality of the output images. The trade-off between the image quality and the security are discussed and assessed by observing the actual results of this method. Furthermore, the optimization of the image quality is discussed.
Current trends in laser shock processing

Abstract The physical and mechanical aspects of laser shock processing (LSP) with plasma confinement were investigated with the aim of establishing the state of the art and assessing possible applications. Using a pulsed Nd :glass laser, fundamental processing aspects were studied, such as the precise role played by surface protective coatings and laser impact area on shock loading. For instance, it was shown that Al based coatings could enhance the peak stress values experienced by iron based surfaces by up to 50%. Residual stresses were investigated as the main contributor for improving surface behaviour. Lastly, the beneficial effects of LSP were demonstrated through two applications of the process: improvement offatigue behaviour and pitting corrosion resistance of steels.
An HLA-A2-restricted tyrosinase antigen on melanoma cells results from posttranslational modification and suggests a novel pathway for processing of membrane proteins

T lymphocytes recognize antigens consisting of peptides presented by class I and II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. The peptides identified so far have been predictable from the amino acid sequences of proteins. We have identified the natural peptide target of a CTL clone that recognizes the tyrosinase gene product on melanoma cells. The peptide results from posttranslational conversion of asparagine to aspartic acid. This change is of central importance for peptide recognition by melanoma-specific T cells, but has no impact on peptide binding to the MHC molecule. This posttranslational modification has not been previously described for any MHC-associated peptide and represents the first demonstration of posttranslational modification of a naturally processed class I-associated peptide. This observation is relevant to the identification and prediction of potential peptide antigens. The most likely mechanism for production of this peptide leads to the suggestion that antigenic peptides can be derived from proteins that are translated into the endoplasmic reticulum.
Influence of Fiber Length Distribution on Strength Efficiency of Fibers in Yarn

The tensile and tear strengths and hence the durability of a cotton fabric are greatly influenced by the length and strength of cotton fibers in addition to the fabric structure. This is so because fiber length to a large extent determines yam strength, which ultimately contributes to fabric strength. Also, fiber length and its distribution affect fiber processing and hence yarn performance during subsequent mechanical processing, including knitting and weaving. Therefore, fiber length distribution and its ultimate effect on the yarn strength are important. To better understand the length-strength relationship in cotton fibers, we have tried to model the strength of fibers assemblies in a yarn, based on some simple assumptions. In this model, we address an important issue of friction among adjacent fibers in a yarn structure and also introduce and derive a new parameter called the "strength efficiency" of fibers in a yarn, which may contribute to an understanding of the yarn failure mechanism. The paper should be helpful to the scientific community involved in improving the properties of cotton fibers, yarns, and fabrics.
Impacts of HONO sources on the photochemistry in Mexico City during the MCMA-2006/MILAGO Campaign

Abstract. The contribution of HONO sources to the photochemistry in Mexico City is investigated during the MCMA-2006/MILAGO Campaign using the WRF-CHEM model. Besides the homogeneous reaction of NO with OH, four additional HONO sources are considered in the WRF-CHEM model: secondary HONO formation from NO2 heterogeneous reaction with semivolatile organics, NO2 reaction with freshly emitted soot, NO2 heterogeneous reaction on aerosol and ground surfaces. The WRF-CHEM model with the five HONO sources performs reasonably well in tracking the observed diurnal variation of HONO concentrations. The HONO sources included are found to significantly improve the HOx (OH+HO2) simulations during daytime and the partition of NO/NO2 in the morning. The HONO sources also accelerate the accumulation of O3 concentrations in the morning by about 2 h and subsequently result in a noticeable enhancement of O3 concentrations over the course of the day with a midday average of about 6 ppb. Furthermore, these HONO sources play a very important role in the formation of secondary aerosols in the morning. They substantially enhance the secondary organic aerosol concentrations by a factor of 2 on average in the morning, although they contribute less during the rest of the day. The simulated particle-phase nitrate and ammonium are also substantially enhanced in the morning when the four HONO sources are included, in good agreement with the measurements. The impact of the HONO sources on the sulfate aerosols is negligible because of the inefficient conversion of H2SO4 from SO2 reacting with OH.
Microstructural mechanisms of cyclic deformation, fatigue crack initiation and early crack growth

In this survey, the origin of fatigue crack initiation and damage evolution in different metallic materials is discussed with emphasis on the responsible microstructural mechanisms. After a historical introduction, the stages of cyclic deformation which precede the onset of fatigue damage are reviewed. Different types of cyclic slip irreversibilities in the bulk that eventually lead to the initiation of fatigue cracks are discussed. Examples of trans- and intercrystalline fatigue damage evolution in the low cycle, high cycle and ultrahigh cycle fatigue regimes in mono- and polycrystalline face-centred cubic and body-centred cubic metals and alloys and in different engineering materials are presented, and some microstructural models of fatigue crack initiation and early crack growth are discussed. The basic difficulties in defining the transition from the initiation to the growth of fatigue cracks are emphasized. In ultrahigh cycle fatigue at very low loading amplitudes, the initiation of fatigue cracks generally occupies a major fraction of fatigue life and is hence life controlling.
Nitrate Efflux at the Root Plasma Membrane: Identification of an Arabidopsis Excretion Transporter[W]

Root NO3− efflux to the outer medium is a component of NO3− net uptake and can even overcome influx upon various stresses. Its role and molecular basis are unknown. Following a functional biochemical approach, NAXT1 (for NITRATE EXCRETION TRANSPORTER1) was identified by mass spectrometry in the plasma membrane (PM) of Arabidopsis thaliana suspension cells, a localization confirmed using a NAXT1–Green Fluorescent Protein fusion protein. NAXT1 belongs to a subclass of seven NAXT members from the large NITRATE TRANSPORTER1/PEPTIDE TRANSPORTER family and is mainly expressed in the cortex of mature roots. The passive NO3− transport activity (Km = 5 mM) in isolated root PM, electrically coupled to the ATP-dependant H+-pumping activity, is inhibited by anti-NAXT antibodies. In standard culture conditions, NO3− contents were altered in plants expressing NAXT-interfering RNAs but not in naxt1 mutant plants. Upon acid load, unidirectional root NO3− efflux markedly increased in wild-type plants, leading to a prolonged NO3− excretion regime concomitant with a decrease in root NO3− content. In vivo and in vitro mutant phenotypes revealed that this response is mediated by NAXT1, whose expression is upregulated at the posttranscriptional level. Strong medium acidification generated a similar response. In vitro, the passive efflux of NO3− (but not of Cl−) was strongly impaired in naxt1 mutant PM. This identification of NO3− efflux transporters at the PM of plant cells opens the way to molecular studies of the physiological role of NO3− efflux in stressed or unstressed plants.
Evaluation of Relationships Between Reported Resilience and Soldier Outcomes. Report Number 2: Positive Performance Outcomes in Officers (Promotions, Selections, & Professions)

Abstract : This technical report is the second in a series of reports evaluating the impact of the Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF) Program by examining relationships between reported resilience and psychological health (R/PH) and various health and behavioral outcomes (both positive and negative) among Soldiers. In this report, we first focused on the relationship between R/PH and positive objective outcomes related to high job performance (promotions and selections), and later turned our attention to the relationship between R/PH and high academic achievement (working in careers that require advanced terminal degrees, such as medical doctors and lawyers). While the results strongly suggest that there is a relationship between R/PH and the objective measures of high job performance, results do not support a relationship between R/PH and high academic achievement. Future evaluation will be required as data becomes available in order to derive causality.
Transcranial direct current stimulation of the left prefrontal cortex improves attention in patients with traumatic brain injury: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether a single session of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improves attention in patients with traumatic brain injury. DESIGN Double-blinded, cross-over design. PATIENTS Nine patients with attention deficit after traumatic brain injury. METHODS Patients underwent a computerized contrast reaction time task before and after the administration of real transcranial direct current stimulation (2 mA for 20 min) or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (2 mA for 1 min) to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a double-blind, crossover manner. RESULTS Immediately post-stimulation, the transcranial direct current stimulation group showed a tendency of shortened reaction time relative to baseline (87.3 ± 7.8%), whereas the sham stimulation group (122.4 ± 715.5%) did not (p = 0.056). However, this difference was not significant 3 or 24 h after stimulation (p > 0.05). The numbers of correct responses were not changed at any time after stimulation. CONCLUSION Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improves attention compared with sham stimulation in patients with traumatic brain injury, which suggests a potential role for this intervention in improving attention during cognitive training after traumatic brain injury. A further prospective randomized trial is required to confirm the benefits conferred by transcranial direct current stimulation in this patient population.
Experience-Driven Procedural Content Generation

Procedural content generation (PCG) is an increasingly important area of technology within modern human-computer interaction (HCI) design. Personalization of user experience via affective and cognitive modeling, coupled with real-time adjustment of the content according to user needs and preferences are important steps toward effective and meaningful PCG. Games, Web 2.0, interface, and software design are among the most popular applications of automated content generation. The paper provides a taxonomy of PCG algorithms and introduces a framework for PCG driven by computational models of user experience. This approach, which we call Experience-Driven Procedural Content Generation (EDPCG), is generic and applicable to various subareas of HCI. We employ games as an example indicative of rich HCI and complex affect elicitation, and demonstrate the approach's effectiveness via dissimilar successful studies.
The influence of chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity on psychological distress and sleep disturbance in cancer patients.

PURPOSE In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (cipn) on psychological distress and sleep quality in cancer patients. METHODS A total of 706 cancer patients were interviewed for the study. In the 4th week of treatment, patient cipn was measured using the Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (pnq). The sleep quality and psychological distress of patients were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (psqi), the Distress Thermometer (dt), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (hads). Multiple logistic regression was applied to determine the independent effects of cipn on psychological distress and sleep disturbance in the patients. RESULTS THESE CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS WERE OBTAINED: 0.387 (p < 0.0001) between the pnq total score and the dt score, 0.386 (p < 0.0001) between the pnq total score and the hads Depression score, 0.379 (p < 0.0001) between the pnq total score and the hads Anxiety score, and 0.399 (p < 0.0001) between the pnq total score and the psqi global score. The prevalence rates of distress, depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality in the five pnq grades were statistically significantly different (p < 0.0001). After controlling for age, sex, education level, social supports, fatigue, disease stage, and tumour site, the pnq grades were found to be associated with depression (p < 0.0001), anxiety (p < 0.0001), and poor sleep quality (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity negatively affects psychological distress and sleep quality in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. High pnq grades were significantly associated with poor psychological status and sleep quality. Our results emphasize the importance of assessing peripheral neuropathies during chemotherapy and of adjusting treatment plans based on assessment results.
Neuronal circuits underlying acute morphine action on dopamine neurons

Morphine is a highly potent analgesic with high addictive potential in specific contexts. Although dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are widely believed to play an essential role in the development of drug addiction, neuronal circuits underlying morphine action on dopamine neurons have not been fully elucidated. Here we combined in vivo electrophysiology, tract-tracing experiments, and targeted neuronal inactivation to dissect a neural circuit for acute morphine action on dopamine neurons in rats. We found that in vivo, morphine targets the GABAergic tail of the VTA, also called the rostromedial tegmental nucleus, to increase the firing of dopamine neurons through the activation of VTA μ opioid receptors expressed on tail of the VTA/rostromedial tegmental nucleus efferents. Our data also reveal that in the absence of VTA glutamatergic tone, there is no morphine-induced activation of dopamine neurons. These results define the anatomical organization and functional role of a neural circuit for acute morphine action on dopamine neurons.
Progress and hurdles in the development of influenza virus-like particle vaccines for veterinary use

Virus-like particles (VLPs), which resemble infectious virus particles in structure and morphology, have been proposed to provide a new generation of vaccine candidates against various viral infections. As effective immunogens, characterized by high immunogenicity and safety, VLPs have been employed in the development of human influenza vaccines. Recently, several influenza VLP vaccines have been developed for veterinary use and successfully evaluated in swine, canine, duck, and chicken models. These VLP vaccine candidates induced protective immune responses and enabled serological differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals in conjunction with a diagnostic test. Here, we review the current progress of influenza VLP development as a next-generation vaccine technology in the veterinary field and discuss the challenges and future direction of this technology.
Multiphoton microscopy: an efficient tool for in-situ study of cultural heritage artifacts

We present multimodal nonlinear optical imaging of historical artifacts by combining Two-Photon Excited Fluorescence (2PEF) and Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) microscopies. Three-dimensional (3D) non-contact laser-scanning imaging with micrometer resolution is performed without any preparation of the objects under study. 2PEF signals are emitted by a wide range of fluorophores such as pigments and binder, which can be discriminated thanks to their different emission spectral bands by using suitable spectral filters in the detection channel. SHG signals are specific for dense non-centrosymmetric organizations such as the crystalline cellulose within the wood cell walls. We also show that plaster particles exhibit SHG signals. These particles are bassanite crystals with a non-centrosymmetric crystalline structure, while the other types of calcium sulphates exhibit a centrosymmetric crystalline structure with no SHG signal. In our study, we first characterize model single-layered samples: wood, gelatin-based films containing plaster or cochineal lake and sandarac film containing cochineal lake. We then study multilayered coating systems on wood and show that multimodal nonlinear microscopy successfully reveals the 3D distribution of all components within the stratified sample. We also show that the fine structure of the wood can be assessed, even through a thick multilayered varnish coating. Finally, in situ multimodal nonlinear imaging is demonstrated in a historical violin. SHG/2PEF imaging thus appears as an efficient non-destructive and contactless 3D imaging technique for in situ investigation of historical coatings and more generally for wood characterization and coating analysis at micrometer scale.