Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis Capping Protein (AtCP) Is a Heterodimer That Regulates Assembly at the Barbed Ends of Actin Filaments*

The precise regulation of actin filament polymerization and depolymerization is essential for many cellular processes and is choreographed by a multitude of actin-binding proteins (ABPs). In higher plants the number of well characterized ABPs is quite limited, and some evidence points to significant differences in the biochemical properties of apparently conserved proteins. Here we provide the first evidence for the existence and biochemical properties of a heterodimeric capping protein from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtCP). The purified recombinant protein binds to actin filament barbed ends with Kd values of 12–24 nm, as assayed both kinetically and at steady state. AtCP prevents the addition of profilin actin to barbed ends during a seeded elongation reaction and suppresses dilution-mediated depolymerization. It does not, however, sever actin filaments and does not have a preference for the source of actin. During assembly from Mg-ATP-actin monomers, AtCP eliminates the initial lag period for actin polymerization and increases the maximum rate of polymerization. Indeed, the efficiency of actin nucleation of 0.042 pointed ends created per AtCP polypeptide compares favorably with mouse CapZ, which has a maximal nucleation of 0.17 pointed ends per CapZ polypeptide. AtCP activity is not affected by calcium but is sensitive to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. We propose that AtCP is a major regulator of actin dynamics in plant cells that, together with abundant profilin, is responsible for maintaining a large pool of actin subunits and a surprisingly small population of F-actin.
Role of Metcalfa pruinosa as a Vector for Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae

After 20 years of steady increase, kiwifruit industry faced a severe arrest due to the pandemic spread of the bacterial canker, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa). The bacterium penetrates the host plant primarily via natural openings or wounds, and its spread is mainly mediated by atmospheric events and cultural activities. Since the role of sucking insects as vectors of bacterial pathogens is widely documented, we investigated the ability of Metcalfa pruinosa Say (1830), one of the most common kiwifruit pests, to transmit Psa to healthy plants in laboratory conditions. Psa could be isolated both from insects feeding over experimentally inoculated plants, and from insects captured in Psa-infected orchards. Furthermore, insects were able to transmit Psa from experimentally inoculated plants to healthy ones. In conclusion, the control of M. pruinosa is recommended in the framework of protection strategies against Psa.
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) – an overview

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare condition that is estimated to affect 1/7,000 – 1/16,000 deliveries (Reyes et al. 1994; Pockros et al. 1984). It is associated with microvesicular fatty infiltration of the liver and possibly kidney (due to defective beta oxidation of fat) leading to fatty liver and renal insufficiency very early in the course of the disease (Castro et al. 2000). It was first described by 1940 by Sheehan in a series of six pregnancies (Sheehan 1940). It almost always occurs in the third trimester, however it has been reported as early as 23 weeks’ gestation (Suzuki et al. 2001). The average gestational age at delivery reported in one series is 35.2 weeks (Fesenmeier et al. 2005). Very occasionally, it has been diagnosed in the first few days postpartum. More than half (50 – 70%) of AFLP can have associated pre-eclampsia with or without haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome (Gracia and Lavergne 2001). Like pre-eclampsia, most (57%) of the affected women are nulliparous and it is more common in twin pregnancies (Usta et al. 1994).
A new method to construct golay complementary set and near-complementary set by paraunitary matrices

We present our previous work in [17] in a more generic way to construct q-ary Golay complementary sets and near-complementary sets of size N and sequence length M · Nm by using different seed sequences, where m is an arbitrary non-negative integer, M is the length of seed sequences and N is a power of 2. The boolean functions of these sequences will also be derived with our method. To illustrate it, we will derive a new quaternary Golay set that has never been recorded before, and we will rephrase the boolean functions of near complementary sequences presented in Theorem 12 [9] by our method.
NAVY RECRUITS WHO WERE MALTREATED IN CHILDHOOD

Aims: To examine relationships between childhood maltreatment and alcohol-related problems among U.S. Navy recruits. Methods: An anonymous sample of 5697 Navy recruits completed a survey regarding their alcohol consumption, alcohol problems (binge drinking, drinking until drunk, alcohol dependence, alcohol-related arrests), and experiences of childhood physical and sexual abuse. Results: Most of the recruits used alcohol, and a substantial proportion reported histories of childhood maltreatment. Recruits who had been victimized as children were more likely to use alcohol. Furthermore, among drinkers, those who had been abused were more likely to exhibit alcohol problems than were non-abused drinkers. Conclusion: Substantial numbers of personnel with alcohol-related problems may be using alcohol to self-medicate due to a history of childhood abuse. Attention to the association between alcohol abuse and childhood maltreatment might help improve the efficacy of military alcohol reduction programs.
Behavioral observations at age 3 years predict adult psychiatric disorders. Longitudinal evidence from a birth cohort.

BACKGROUND This study provides, to our knowledge, the first empirical test of whether behavioral differences among children in the first 3 years of life are linked to specific adult psychiatric disorders: anxiety and mood disorders, antisocial personality disorder, recidivistic and violent crime, alcoholism, and suicidal behavior. METHODS In a longitudinal-epidemiological study, 3-year-old children were classified into groups based on examiner observations of their behavior. At age 21 years, they were reassessed for psychopathologic functioning using standardized interviews based on DSM-III-R criteria. RESULTS Although effect sizes were small, undercontrolled (includes children who are impulsive, restless and distractible) and inhibited (includes children who are shy, fearful, and easily upset) children differed significantly from comparison children in young adulthood. Under-controlled 3-year-olds were more likely at 21 years to meet diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality disorder and to be involved in crime. Inhibited 3-year-olds were more likely at 21 years to meet diagnostic criteria for depression. Both groups were more likely to attempt suicide, and boys in both groups had alcohol-related problems. Controls for family social class did not change the findings. CONCLUSION Some forms of adult psychopathologic abnormality are meaningfully linked, albeit weakly, to behavioral differences observed among children in the third year of life.
Outcome Prediction by Traditional and New Markers of Inflammation in Patients with Sepsis

Abstract Patients (n = 242) admitted to intensive care unit for longer than 48 hours were categorised for sepsis according to American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine (ACCP/SCCM) Consensus Conference criteria. Body temperature, leukocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) as well as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10 and HLA-DR expression on monocytes were determined. Data of one randomly choosen day per patient entered analysis. Immunologic mediators contributing significantly to outcome were determined by logistic regression analysis. Area under the curves (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curves of clinical markers of inflammation predicting prognosis were compared with AUC of relevant immunologic mediators. TNF-α, IL-6 and HLA-DR expression on monocytes were significantly associated with outcome; the AUC's were 0.835, 0.844 and 0.761 respectively. AUC's for clinical markers were 0.878, 0.811, 0.620 and 0.614 for PCT, CRP, leukocyte count and body temperature respectively. PCT had the highest AUC compared to other clinical markers. These data indicate that PCT might be a better marker than the classic criteria of inflammation, CRP, leukocyte count, and body temperature to identify patients endangered by severe infection or sepsis.
Serum Markers for the Noninvasive Diagnosis of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease that affects millions of women worldwide and its diagnosis is still challenging. Medical history, symptoms together with imaging data may address the correct diagnosis, but the gold standard remains laparoscopic assessment with histological confirmation. The development of serum markers as diagnostic tools for endometriosis may allow a prompt and noninvasive diagnosis. Several serum biomarkers have been investigated over the years, but none of these have shown a clinical utility and nowadays the more realistic diagnostic biomarker consists in a panel of biomarkers. The recent introduction of new technologies such as genomics and proteomics may represent the future perspective of endometriosis diagnosis.
Birth defects of children in women received in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET): A meta-analysis

To elucidate the birth defects of children in women received In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) by conducting a meta-analysis. We conducted a systematic literature search to identify original studies of birth defects in IVF-ET before Feb 2016. Eligible studies were retrieved via both computer searches and manual review of references. The summary difference estimates between groups were calculated based on the Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) with its 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Sensitivity and publication analyses were performed after the pooled analysis. A total of 15 original studies of 189376 new born were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed an increased level of birth defects rate in women received IVF-ET (Z=8.67, P<0.01). There was no significant publication bias in the included studies (P for Begg’s test=0.86, P for egger’s test=0.16). Congenital malformation in IVF-ET group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05) and the level of OR was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.20, 1.41). Our results demonstrated that there was an increased level of birth defects rate in women received IVF-ET.
Cytokine Expression in the Rat Adrenal Cortex

The rat adrenal cortex produces the cytokines interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-1alpha, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, interferon-gamma inducing factor, and transforming growth factor-beta1. Interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor are localized to the zona glomerulosa. In contrast, interferon-gamma inducing factor is localized to the zona reticularis and fasciculata. Transforming growth factor-beta1 is localized to the zona fasciculata. Endotoxin and interleukin-1 increase interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor release from adrenal cells. In contrast, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, adenosine, serotonin, and dopamine increase adrenal interleukin-6 release, but inhibit tumor necrosis factor release. These secretagogues also increase interleukin-6 mRNA content of adrenal cells. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone decreases transforming growth factor beta1 content of adrenal glands. Endotoxin increases adrenal expression of mRNA for macrophage migration inhibitory factor, but decreases the tissue content of this protein. Endotoxin increases the expression of interleukin-1beta mRNA. Cold stress increases the expression of mRNA for interferon-gamma inducing factor. Therefore, cytokines are differentially expressed in the adrenal cortex and the release and production of these cytokines are regulated selectively. Because cytokines have effects on adrenal function and are differentially regulated, they may play autocrine/paracrine roles in regulating the adrenal gland.
Generation of Immune Responses against Hepatitis C Virus by Dendritic Cells Containing NS5 Protein-Coated Microparticles

ABSTRACT Dendritic cells (DCs) internalize and process antigens as well as activate cellular immune responses. The aim of this study was to determine the capacity of DCs that contain antigen-coated magnetic beads to induce immunity against the nonstructural hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen 5 (NS5). Splenocytes derived from Fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor 3 (Flt3) ligand-pretreated BALB/c mice were incubated with magnetic beads coated with HCV NS5, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and/or anti-CD40; purified; and used for immunization. Cellular immunity was measured using cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) and T-cell proliferation assays, intracellular cytokine staining, and a syngeneic tumor challenge using NS5-expressing SP2/0 myeloma cells in vivo. Splenocytes isolated from animals vaccinated with DCs containing beads coated with NS5, LPS, and anti-CD40 secreted elevated levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and gamma interferon in the presence of NS5. The numbers of CD4+, IL-2-producing cells were increased >5-fold in the group immunized with DCs containing beads coated with NS5, LPS, and anti-CD40, paralleled by an enhanced splenocyte proliferative response. Immunization promoted antigen-specific CTL activity threefold compared to the level for control mice and significantly reduced the growth of NS5-expressing tumor cells in vivo. Thus, strategies that employ NS5-coated beads induce cellular immune responses in mice, which correlate well with the natural immune responses that occur in individuals who resolve HCV.
The vitamin E nutritional status of rats fed on diets high in fish oil, linseed oil or sunflower seed oil

Twelve groups of eight rats and two control groups of sixteen rats were given semisynthetic diets with 40% energy as fat for a period of 76 d. All diets contained a minimum of 3% energy as linoleic acid and comparable basal levels of D-α- and D-γ-tocopherol. The diets varied in fat composition and in the content of DL-α-tocopheryl acetate. The diets high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were either rich in fish oil (FO; groups 1–4; 10% energy as fish oil PUFA), linseed oil (LN; groups 1–4; 10% energy as α-linolenic acid) or sunflower seed oil (SF; groups 1–4; 10 + 3% energy as linoleic acid). The control groups were given a diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; CO 1; 10 + 13% energy as oleic acid) or a diet with an ‘average’ linoleic acid content (CO 2; 8.5% energy as linoleic acid). Of each high PUFA diet three groups were supplemented with graded levels of DL-α-tocopheryl acetate. Steatitis, a sensitive histopathological indicator of vitamin E deficiency in animals fed on diets rich in fatty acids with three or more double bonds, was observed only in the adipose tissue of the FO groups, even in the group with the highest DL-α-tocopheryl acetate supplementation. Liver and serum α- tocopherol levels were found to be positively correlated and liver and serum γ-tocopherol levels negatively correlated with dietary DL-α-tocopheryl acetate. The groups on the FO diets had significantly reduced liver and serum tocopherol levels in comparison with the groups on the other high-PUFA diets. With the supplementation scheme used for the FO groups the liver α-tocopherol levels of both control groups were reached but the serum control levels were not.
Phénomènes unilatéraux dans un matériau endommageable : Modélisation et application à l'analyse de structures en béton.

La microfissuration progressive et les effets unilateraux sont les phenomenes preponderants qui doivent etre introduits lors de calculs elements finis de structures en beton arme soumises a des chargements cycliques ou sismiques. La modelisation developpee tient compte de la perte de raideur et des deformations anelastiques qui sont dus a l'endommagement. Cette modelisation qui prend aussi en compte les effets unilateraux dus aux refermetures de fissures est developpee dans un cadre rigoureux qui assure la stabilite de la formulation. Une approche originale est aussi presentee pour la modelisation du beton de fibres. Ces modeles sont implantes dans un code elements finis utilisant des elements de poutres multicouches. Les resultats des calculs obtenus sont compares aux experiences pour des poutres en beton, beton de fibres, beton arme et beton de fibres arme soumises en flexion trois points sous chargement cyclique. Des comparaisons sont aussi effectuees sur un noeud d'ossature et un poteau. La bonne representativite des resultats montre que les phenomenes preponderant ont ete pris en compte. Le programme elements finis developpe est suffisamment simple et performant pour etre utilise par des ingenieurs.
Altered Connectivity and Synapse Maturation of the Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Pathway in a Mouse Model of the Fragile X Syndrome

The Fragile X syndrome (FXS) as the most common monogenetic cause of cognitive impairment and autism indicates how tightly the dysregulation of synapse development is linked to cognitive deficits. Symptoms of FXS include excessive adherence to patterns that point to compromised hippocampal network formation. Surprisingly, one of the most complex hippocampal synapses connecting the dentate gyrus (DG) to CA3 pyramidal neurons has not been analyzed in FXS yet. Intriguingly, we found altered synaptic function between DG and CA3 in a mouse model of FXS (fmr1 knockout [KO]) demonstrated by increased mossy fiber-dependent miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) frequency at CA3 pyramidal neurons together with increased connectivity between granule cells and CA3 neurons. This phenotype is accompanied by increased activity of fmr1 KO animals in the marble burying task, detecting repetitive and obsessive compulsive behavior. Spine apparatus development and insertion of AMPA receptors is enhanced at postsynaptic thorny excrescences (TEs) in fmr1 KO mice. We report age-dependent alterations in TE morphology and in the underlying actin dynamics possibly linked to a dysregulation in profilin1 expression. TEs form detonator synapses guiding CA3 network activity. Thus, alterations described here are likely to contribute substantially to the impairment in hippocampal function and therefore to the pathogenesis of FXS.
Credibility of Electronic Word-of-Mouth: Informational and Normative Determinants of On-line Consumer Recommendations

Word-of-mouth (WOM) study is extended to the on-line context (eWOM) by examining the informational and normative determinants of the perceived credibility of on-line consumer recommendations. A survey of users of an on-line consumer discussion forum in China substantiated the effects of the determinants, although post-hoc analyses revealed that prior knowledge and involvement level moderate some of them. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Obstacles of Psychological and Social Adaptation for Students with Hearing Loss in the Higher Studying Stage in the Amman Governorate

The study aimed at recognizing some obstacles of psychological and social adaptation for students with hearing loss at the Higher Studying Stage of the Seventh Grade to the Tenth Grade in Al-Amal School for Students with Hearing Loss in Amman City – Jordan. The sample of study consisted of (65) students (male & female). Scale of obstacles of adaptation of the individual with hearing loss. It was prepared by Ar-Rabadi (1994). The researcher did find the psychological reliability quotient (0.71) and the social adaptation (0.87). Arithmetic means, standard deviations, T-test and analysis of variance for data processing. The most important results terminated into existence of superficial differences among means of estimations of students with hearing loss at obstacles of psychological and social adaptation in accordance with the difference of studying grades, and existence of differences with statical indication among estimations of individuals of the sample of study, at obstacles of psychological and social adaptation, ascribed to variables of type of handicap, for the interest of the whole degree, and place of residence for the interest of context. In addition to non-existence of differences with statistical indication at obstacles of psychological and social adaptation, due to variables of sex, hearing samples and causes of the obstacle.The researcher recommends to entrust schools with care and concern dyed with awareness, knowledge and experience by proficient teachers and saving infrastructure, which assists students with hearing loss to psychological and social adaptation within the environment in which they live.
Detection of KPC in Acinetobacter spp. in Puerto Rico

ABSTRACT During an island-wide PCR-based surveillance study of beta-lactam resistance in multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex isolates obtained from 17 different hospitals, 10 KPC-positive Acinetobacter isolates were identified. DNA sequencing of the blaKPC gene identified KPC-2, -3, and -4 and a novel variant, KPC-10. This is the first report of a KPC-type beta-lactamase identified in Acinetobacter species.
Options for hormone therapy in women who have had a hysterectomy

Objective: To review postmenopausal hormone therapy for women who have undergone hysterectomy with or without bilateral oophorectomy and to make clinical recommendations regarding changes in regimens compared with those for women with their uterus in place. Design: We conducted a literature review, including a review of current guidelines. Results: When the uterus is absent, estrogen treatment is all that is needed when hot flashes and/or genital atrophic symptoms are associated with surgical or natural menopause. Reasons to add a progestogen to an estrogen-only therapy regimen after hysterectomy include the need to reduce the risk for unopposed estrogen-dependent conditions, chief among which are endometriosis or endometrial neoplasia. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that regimens containing both estrogen and progestogen versus estrogen alone are associated with a greater relative risk of breast cancer without additional improvement in relief of hot flashes or vaginal symptoms. When a bilateral oophorectomy is performed before natural menopause, the onset of menopausal symptoms, primarily vasomotor symptoms, genital tract atrophy, and/or a decline in sexual function, is rapid, and the symptoms are more severe. Thus, the need for a decision on the use of hormone therapy is accelerated. Conclusions: The decision to use or not use menopausal hormone therapy in women without a uterus should involve an individualized risk/benefit analysis just as it should when the uterus is present. After hysterectomy, for most patients, current literature results favor not including a progestogen. Data suggest an attenuation of the potential cardiovascular benefit of estrogen therapy in this situation, yet no better protection against bone fractures and an increase in the risk for breast cancer when both estrogen and progestogen are used.