Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatic metabolism of skatole in pigs by cytochrome P4502E1.

High concentrations of skatole in fat are a major cause of boar taint in intact male pigs. Skatole is metabolized in the liver, and this metabolism could affect concentrations of skatole in fat. In this study, we evaluated the involvement of cytochrome P450, in particular cytochrome P4502E1, in skatole metabolism in pig liver. Liver microsomes from F4 European Wild Pig x Swedish Yorkshire intact male pigs were incubated in a buffer containing NADPH, NADH, and skatole. Several skatole metabolites were detected by HPLC, including 6-hydroxyskatole (pro-MII), 3-hydroxy-3-methyloxyindole (MIII), and five others not identified in this study. Inhibitors of P450 were added to microsomal incubations, and their effect on the formation of skatole metabolites and skatole disappearance was evaluated. The general cytochrome P450 inhibitors SKF 525A, at a concentration of . 2 mM and metyrapone, at a concentration of . 1 mM decreased the formation of pro-MII (P = .001) to 38.2 and 11.6%, respectively, of that of controls. The SKF 525A also reduced the synthesis of MIII and three other metabolites, whereas metyrapone only reduced the disappearance of skatole and synthesis of pro-MII. Inhibitors specific for cytochrome P4502E1 were more effective in reducing the formation of skatole metabolites than SKF 525A and metyrapone. Chlorzoxazone and diallyl sulfide reduced (P = .001) the synthesis of pro-MII to 9.7 and 30.9% of the control rate. The formation of most of the other skatole metabolites and disappearance of skatole were also reduced with these inhibitors. These results indicate that skatole is metabolized in pig liver to pro-MII and other metabolites by cytochrome P4502E1.
The influence of exercise-induced fatigue on cognitive function

Abstract Although anecdotal reports suggest that information processing and decision making is impaired immediately following prolonged periods of physical activity, results obtained from laboratory studies of exercise-induced fatigue have been inconsistent. Fatigue effects may be task specific and related to the time of post-exercise testing. The present study examined the effects on adults' performance of two cognitive tasks that differed in processing demands over an 80-min period of fatigue. Thirty young adult men and women were randomly assigned to either an exercise group and completed a 60-min bout of cycle ergometry at 90% ventilatory threshold or a control group and rested for 60 min. Following interventions, each participant completed a simple and complex version of a visual perceptual discrimination test, a 40-min memory-based vigilance test and a repetition of the visual perceptual discrimination tests. Those who exercised evidenced significant decrements in performance on complex perceptual-discrimination tasks compared to participants who rested. The response time of exercisers during a memory-demanding vigilance test were significantly slower than those of participants who rested; however, detection performance did not differ between groups neither was there a decrease in target detection across the vigil. The effects of exercise-induced fatigue may be task specific, with greater effects on perceptual tasks, which involve relatively automatic processing, compared to effortful memory-based tasks.
A fuzzy precedence graph definition for algebra-based dimension reduction

The ability to obtain a compact description of an object and to keep the significant information can be crucial for many applications such as indexing, clustering and classification. Formal concept analysis (FCA) provides an algorithm to perform such dimension reduction. However, the requirements of FCA limit its performance. In order to relax FCA requirements, this paper presents an extension of FCA with the definition and formal analysis of a fuzzy precedence graph. This is completed by a fuzzy dimension reduction algorithm. We have tested our algorithm on several real datasets related to bag of visual words and evaluated it for a classification task. The proposed formalism and algorithm improve FCA tools on several cases while retaining the significant information. Furthermore, the fuzzy dimension reduction algorithm never performs worse than FCA tools in terms of dimension reduction. We have also compared it with PCA dimension reduction. PCA usually reduces more attributes but looses more information and does so in an unreliable/unstable manner compared to our algorithm.
Multiple-Access Quantum Key Distribution Networks

This paper addresses multi-user quantum key distribution networks, in which any two users can mutually exchange a secret key without trusting any other nodes. The same network also supports conventional classical communications by assigning two different wavelength bands to quantum and classical signals. Time and code division multiple access (CDMA) techniques, within a passive star network, are considered. In the case of CDMA, it turns out that the optimal performance is achieved at a unity code weight. A listen-before-send protocol is then proposed to improve secret key generation rates in this case. Finally, a hybrid setup with wavelength routers and passive optical networks, which can support a large number of users, is considered and analyzed.
Talin determines the nanoscale architecture of focal adhesions

Significance Focal adhesions (FAs) mediate cell–extracellular matrix interactions and consist of integrin receptors linked to the actin cytoskeleton via multiprotein complexes organized into nanoscale strata. In this work, we sought to determine the molecular basis of FA nanostructure. Combining superresolution microscopy and protein engineering, we demonstrate the structural role of talin in regulating the nanoscale architecture of FAs. Talin specifies the dimension of the FA core, akin to a molecular ruler, in a remarkably modular manner. Our results define the molecular geometry of the integrin–talin–actin module that comprises the key mechanical linkage within FAs and elucidate how such interactions serve to integrate multiple cellular forces at adhesion sites. Insight into how molecular machines perform their biological functions depends on knowledge of the spatial organization of the components, their connectivity, geometry, and organizational hierarchy. However, these parameters are difficult to determine in multicomponent assemblies such as integrin-based focal adhesions (FAs). We have previously applied 3D superresolution fluorescence microscopy to probe the spatial organization of major FA components, observing a nanoscale stratification of proteins between integrins and the actin cytoskeleton. Here we combine superresolution imaging techniques with a protein engineering approach to investigate how such nanoscale architecture arises. We demonstrate that talin plays a key structural role in regulating the nanoscale architecture of FAs, akin to a molecular ruler. Talin diagonally spans the FA core, with its N terminus at the membrane and C terminus demarcating the FA/stress fiber interface. In contrast, vinculin is found to be dispensable for specification of FA nanoscale architecture. Recombinant analogs of talin with modified lengths recapitulated its polarized orientation but altered the FA/stress fiber interface in a linear manner, consistent with its modular structure, and implicating the integrin–talin–actin complex as the primary mechanical linkage in FAs. Talin was found to be ∼97 nm in length and oriented at ∼15° relative to the plasma membrane. Our results identify talin as the primary determinant of FA nanoscale organization and suggest how multiple cellular forces may be integrated at adhesion sites.
Efficient ensemble modeling method of FOG thermal-induced errors based on EEMD and extreme learning machine

In order to compensate the drift of fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) under intense ambient temperature variation, a novel ensemble modeling method named MS-ELM based on improved ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and extreme learning machine (ELM) is addressed in this paper. Firstly, the thermal-induced error is analyzed analytically. Then, a bounded EEMD is used to extract the features of FOG drift signal. Sample entropy (SE) and probability density function (pdf) are used to analyze the relativity between obtained modes and original signal. Degree of relativity is taken as the criteria of variables selection for ELM modeling. Finally, an ensemble model of FOG drift can be obtained by adding up all the submodels. Semi-physical experiment illustrates that MS-ELM outperforms the modeling methods based on OP-ELM or ELM.
Induction of apoptosis by cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors in prostate cancer cell lines

Abstract Prostaglandins are thought to play an important role in the proliferation of prostate cancer and are highly expressed in prostate cancer tissue. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), or prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase, is a key enzyme in the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin. In several cancers, COX‐2 contributes to the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. To assess the role of COX‐2 in prostate cancer, we investigated whether the inhibition of COX‐2 affected the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. The human prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP and PC 3, and a normal prostate stromal cell line (PrSC) were treated with COX‐2 inhibitors NS 398 and Etodolac. The proliferation rate of the cell lines was examined using 3(4,5‐dimethylethiazoly 1‐2‐) 2,5‐diphonyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. A DNA fragmentation assay was also used for proof of apoptosis. COX‐2 inhibitors could suppress the proliferation of LNCaP and PC 3 cells. In contrast, PrSC was not affected by COX‐2 inhibitors. These suppressive effects occurred in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. One of mechanisms responsible for cell death was apoptosis. COX‐2 seems to play a significant role in the progression of prostate cancer. COX‐2 may be a therapeutic target for prostate cancer. Since COX‐2 inhibitors suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis in prostate cancer cells, and have no effect in normal prostate stromal cells, COX‐2 inhibitors will be useful for the treatment of prostate cancer.
MCTCP: A Multipath Transport Shim Layer

Multipath transport protocols enable the concurrent use of different paths and resource pooling of their capacity. Ongoing research and standardization activities extend the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) towards a Multipath TCP solution. The objective is to aggregate multiple subflows between two endpoints into a single session that can be accessed by an application like a single TCP connection. This paper presents and evaluates Multi-Connection TCP (MCTCP) as a new multipath transport solution. MCTCP consists of a shim layer on top of several TCP connections and encodes control information, as far as possible, in their payload. In this paper, we first motivate MCTCP's design and compare it to a multipath transport protocol that uses TCP option encoding only. Second, we show that MCTCP can be implemented in the Linux stack with very few kernel modifications. We also demonstrate that MCTCP can be combined with a coupled multipath congestion control mechanism. Measurement results prove that MCTCP is an efficient and robust protocol that can dynamically pool the bandwidth of several paths.
Rhabdomyoma of the hypopharynx and larynx

Two cases of extracardiac rhabdomyoma are reported in a 54-year-old man with unexplained difficulty in breathing and in a 39-year-old man with a prolonged history of hoarseness. Attention is drawn to the necessity of doing hypopharyngo-and laryngoscopy in such cases. One tumour was found in the left vallecula in the hypopharynx and the other on the left vocal cord. The literature and the histological findings in 53 cases are reviewed. It appears that this rare tumour is most frequently found in muscles derived from the pharyngeal arches. A total of 40 cases have been diagnosed during the last decade, and this increase is likely to continue in the future. It may turn out that extra-cardiac rhabdomyoma is not so rare as was first presumed.
Improved dissolution behavior of lipophilic drugs by solid dispersions: the production process as starting point for formulation considerations

Introduction: Many new drug substances have low aqueous solubility which can cause poor bioavailability after oral administration. The application of solid dispersions is a useful method to increase the dissolution rate of these drugs and thereby improve their bioavailability. So far, several methods have been developed to prepare solid dispersions. To obtain a product with the desired attributes, both the formulation and production processes should be considered. Areas covered: The most currently used methods to produce solid dispersions, such as the fusion method, hot melt extrusion, spray drying, freeze drying and supercritical fluid precipitation, are reviewed in this paper. In addition, the physicochemical characteristics of the obtained solid dispersions are discussed. Expert opinion: Solid dispersions can be successfully prepared by simple fusion, hot melt extrusion, spray drying, freeze drying and supercritical fluid precipitation. Hot melt extrusion, spray drying and freeze drying are processes that can be applied for large scale production. The simple fusion method is not very suitable for large scale production, but is particularly suitable for screening formulations. The most recent method to produce sold dispersions is supercritical fluid precipitation. The process conditions of this method need extensive investigation, in particular in relationship with the selection of the type of carrier and/or solvent. Both processes and formulation aspects strongly affect the characteristics of solid dispersion products. Furthermore, application of crystalline solid dispersions is gaining increasing interest because they are thermodynamically more stable than amorphous solid dispersions.
Zinc and iron regulate translation of the gene encoding Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase

A lasB–lacZ translational fusion (pTS400) was used to examine expression of the elastase gene (lasB) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAO1. Expression from the lasB–lacZ fusion was enhanced when PAO1(pTS400) was grown in a defined medium containing elevated levels of zinc (6.0μg ml‐1). Transcript accumulation studies on PAO1(pTS400) and PAO1 showed that the addition of zinc had a slight negative effect on lasB transcription. These results indicated that zinc regulates the expression of elastase at the translational level. A comparison between zinc regulation and iron regulation was also made. Iron has a negative effect on lasB–lacZ expression. When PAO1(pTS400) was grown in a defined medium with a low iron content (0.1 μg ml‐1) the bacteria still responded to zinc. The independent effects of low iron and high zinc concentrations suggest separate control mechanisms for the two factors. Transcript accumulation studies on PA01 and PAO1(pTS400) indicated that early in the growth curve iron did not influence transcription of tasB or lasB–lacZ. Later in the growth curve a slight increase in lasB–lacZ transcription was observed only in PAO1(pTS400) grown in low iron. These results suggest that the iron regulation of lasB occurs predominantly at the transtational level. Finally, when PAO1(pTS400) was grown in a complex peptone‐based medium, a high level of transcript accumulation accounted for elastase expression. Alterations of iron and zinc concentrations of this medium did not affect the expression of elastase. These results suggest that there may be additional environmental cues regulating lasB transcription.
Immunologic failure despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy is related to activation and turnover of memory CD4 cells.

BACKGROUND Failure to normalize CD4(+) T-cell numbers despite effective antiretroviral therapy is an important problem in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. METHODS To evaluate potential determinants of immune failure in this setting, we performed a comprehensive immunophenotypic characterization of patients with immune failure despite HIV suppression, persons who experienced CD4(+) T-cell restoration with therapy, and healthy controls. RESULTS Profound depletion of all CD4(+) T-cell maturation subsets and depletion of naive CD8(+) T cells was found in immune failure, implying failure of T-cell production/expansion. In immune failure, both CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells were activated but only memory CD4(+) cells were cycling at increased frequency. This may be the consequence of inflammation induced by in vivo exposure to microbial products, as soluble levels of the endotoxin receptor CD14(+) and interleukin 6 were elevated in immune failure. In multivariate analyses, naive T-cell depletion, phenotypic activation (CD38(+) and HLA-DR expression), cycling of memory CD4(+) T cells, and levels of soluble CD14 (sCD14) distinguished immune failure from immune success, even when adjusted for CD4(+) T-cell nadir, age at treatment initiation, and other clinical indices. CONCLUSIONS Immune activation that appears related to exposure to microbial elements distinguishes immune failure from immune success in treated HIV infection.
Functional Neuronal Differentiation of Bone Marrow‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Recent results have shown the ability of bone marrow cells to migrate in the brain and to acquire neuronal or glial characteristics. In vitro, bone marrow‐derived MSCs can be induced by chemical compounds to express markers of these lineages. In an effort to set up a mouse model of such differentiation, we addressed the neuronal potentiality of mouse MSCs (mMSCs) that we recently purified. These cells expressed nestin, a specific marker of neural progenitors. Under differentiating conditions, mMSCs display a distinct neuronal shape and express neuronal markers NF‐L (neurofilament‐light, or neurofilament 70 kDa) and class III β‐tubulin. Moreover, differentiated mMSCs acquire neuron‐like functions characterized by a cytosolic calcium rise in response to various specific neuronal activators. Finally, we further demonstrated for the first time that clonal mMSCs and their progeny are competent to differentiate along the neuronal pathway, demonstrating that these bone marrow‐derived stem cells share characteristics of widely multipotent stem cells unrestricted to mesenchymal differentiation pathways.
A Price Coordination Mechanism for Purchasing Supply Chain Based on Dynamic Game of Incomplete Information

As the intensifying of market competition and the refinement of social division, the operation of modern enterprises is increasingly dependent on supply chain management (SCM). With the extension of the supply chain (SC) in scope and scale, the purchasing management plays a vital role for SC operation. The traditional purchasing management lacks the coordination with upstream supplier and downstream customer. And, the related works concerning this issue are still very limited. To this end, this paper proposes a price coordination mechanism based on dynamic game of incomplete information (DGII). Starting from the expected profits of multiple node enterprises in the purchasing supply chain (PSC), this paper analyzes the whole SC composed of the purchaser, upstream supplier and downstream customer. We consider the demand of downstream customer and investigate the price coordination mechanism of the PSC. Then we study the game process of node enterprises in the PSC using DGII theory, and present mathematical analysis. Our proposal effectively solves the problem of traditional purchasing management in lacking of coordination, improves the purchasing management with the theoretical model, and riches the SC theory.
Automated Route Planning for Milk-Run Transport Logistics with the NuSMV Model Checker

In this paper, we propose and implement an automated route planning framework for milk-run transport logistics by applying model checking techniques. First, we develop a formal specification framework for milk-run transport logistics. The framework adopts LTL (Linear Temporal Logic), a language based on temporal logics, as a specification language for users to be able to flexibly and formally specify complex delivery requirements for trucks. Then by applying the bounded semantics of LTL, the framework then defines the notion of “optimal truck routes”, which mean truck routes on a given route map that satisfy given delivery requirements (specified by LTL) with the minimum cost. We implement the framework as an automated route planner using the NuSMV model checker, a state-of-the-art bounded model checker. The automated route planner, given route map and delivery requirements, automatically finds optimal trucks routes on the route map satisfying the given delivery requirements. The feasibility of the implementation design is investigated by analysing its computational complexity and by showing experimental results. key words: automated route planning, transport logistics, model checking
Enrichissement du profil utilisateur à partir de son réseau social dans un contexte dynamique : application d'une méthode de pondération temporelle

Le profil de l’utilisateur est un element central dans les systemes d’adaptation de l’information. Les reseaux sociaux numeriques representent une source d'informations tres riche sur l’utilisateur. Nous nous interessons au processus d’enrichissement du profil utilisateur a partir de son reseau social. Ce processus extrait les interets de l’utilisateur a partir des individus dans son reseau egocentrique afin de construire la dimension sociale du profil de l'utilisateur. Afin de prendre en compte le caractere dynamique des reseaux sociaux, nous proposons, dans ce travail, de construire cette dimension sociale en integrant un critere temporel afin de ponderer les interets de l’utilisateur. Ce poids "temporel", qui reflete la pertinence d’un interet, est calcule, d’une part, a partir de la pertinence des individus du reseau egocentrique de l’utilisateur en prenant en compte la fraicheur de leurs liens avec l’utilisateur et, d’autre part, a partir de la pertinence des informations qu’ils partagent en prenant en compte la fraicheur de ces informations. Les experimentations sur les reseaux de publications scientifiques DBLP et Mendeley ont permis de montrer montrer que notre proposition fournit des resultats plus satisfaisants que ceux du processus existant.
Portal Vein Thrombosis Due to an Increase in Dose of Testosterone in a Young Man with Klinefelter Syndrome

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is associated with increased incidence of thrombotic events. Hypofibrinolysis is associated with increased risk of thromboembolism. Although testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) inhibits the hypofibrinolysis, it can still cause thrombosis paradoxically due to increased dose and duration of use. Herein, we present a case of a young male diagnosed with KS who was taking testosterone. The dose was increased to boost the energy levels, and the patient presented with abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed extensive portal vein thrombosis. He was started on enoxaparin followed by apixaban. Studies need to be done regarding the need for thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients on TRT.