Export of importin alpha from the nucleus is mediated by a specific nuclear transport factor

NLS proteins are transported into the nucleus by the importin alpha/beta heterodimer. Importin alpha binds the NLS, while importin beta mediates translocation through the nuclear pore complex. After translocation, RanGTP, whose predicted concentration is high in the nucleus and low in the cytoplasm, binds importin beta and displaces importin alpha. Importin alpha must then be returned to the cytoplasm, leaving the NLS protein behind. Here, we report that the previously identified CAS protein mediates importin alpha re-export. CAS binds strongly to importin alpha only in the presence of RanGTP, forming an importin alpha/CAS/RanGTP complex. Importin alpha is released from this complex in the cytoplasm by the combined action of RanBP1 and RanGAP1. CAS binds preferentially to NLS-free importin alpha, explaining why import substrates stay in the nucleus.     

Heat Transport and Thermal Expansion of Electrochromic Glazing Systems Due to Solar Irradiation

For many technical and architectural applications of electrochromic glazings a thorough understanding of the heat transport and the optical and thermal radiative properties of the system is essential. Furthermore, the thermal expansion and eventually the induced stresses within the laminated system are of interest. To meet these demands the solar absorptance of the electrochromic glazings at different tinted states were measured using an UV–VIS-NIR spectrometer. The thermal expansion coefficients of the glass materials were determined by a push-rod dilatometer. Then the instationary coupled conductive and radiative heat transfer due to solar irradiation were calculated for various pane configurations by finite element analysis. Starting from the resulting instationary temperature fields, the stress and strain states within the laminated glazing system were calculated.     

Cognitive capacity differences among writers.

Examined differences between good and poor writers on 6 cognitive-processing tasks. In Exp I, 3 tasks were employed to ascertain differences between 15 good and 15 poor undergraduate writers on recall and manipulation of information: an ordered letters task, an iconic memory task, and a letter reordering task. In Exp II, 3 additional tasks were employed to examine 17 good and 16 poor undergraduate writers' abilities to hold and manipulate larger amounts of information: a word reordering task, a sentence reordering task, and a paragraph assembly task. In both experiments, the results reveal significant differences between good and poor writers' abilities to hold and simultaneously manipulate information. Exp III replicated the results of Exps I and II with 15 good and 14 poor high school writers. It is suggested that the observed differences between good and poor writers can be attributed to differences in elementary information-processing programs. (31 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Influence of austenite strength on martensite start temperature Ms

It is known that austenite strength determines the morphology of the new phase during martensitic transformation. As the strength of austenite influences the growth of a martensite crystal, i.e. the movement of the austenite/martensite interface, a correlation between strength of the parent phase and M_s has to exist. M_s depends on thermodynamical and mechanical properties of the alloys. To distinguish the individual variables, austenite strength was changed by different hardening mechanisms: solid solution hardening, plastic deformation or both.     

Comparison of chromosomal damage induced by X-rays and Ar ions with an LET of 1840 keV/micrometer in G1 V79 cells

Wound healing in the adult is commonly compromised by excessive scar formation. In contrast, fetal wound healing is a regenerative process characterised by the conspicuous absence of scarring. Available evidence suggests that phenotypic differences between fetal and adult fibroblasts are important determinants of these distinct modes of tissue repair. In this context, a number of groups (including our own) have documented differences between fetal and adult fibroblasts with respect to such potentially relevant characteristics as migratory activity, motogenic response to cytokines and the synthesis of motility factors, cytokines and matrix macromolecules. The oral mucosa appears to be a privileged site in the adult in that it continues to display a fetal-like mode of wound healing. Data are presented in this review indicating that a subpopulation of gingival fibroblasts expresses several 'fetal-like' phenotypic characteristics. These observations are discussed in terms of both the continued expression of a fetal-like mode of wound healing in the oral mucosa and the possible differential involvement of distinct fibroblast subpopulations in the progression of periodontal disease.     

Risks and benefits of laparoscopic hernia-plasty (TAPP). 5 years experiences with 3,400 hernia repairs

In the present study, for the first time the aspects of risk, benefit and the costs of laparoscopic hernioplasty in the transabdominal technique with preperitoneal placement of a polypropylene mesh are examined prospectively in a very large group of patients with 3,400 hernia repairs. The median operation time was 45 min for unilateral primary hernias, 50 min for unilateral recurrent hernias and 76 min for bilateral hernias. The frequency of complications showed a significant dependence on the individual steps in the development of the method and the individual learning curve. The same is true for the rate of recurrency. Whereas initially the rate of serious complications was 2.75%, the rate of minor complications 11% and the rate of recurrences 4.5% the corresponding figures are at present 0.4%, 4.4% and 0.5%. Laparoscopic hernioplasty proved to be equally as effective in the treatment of primary hernias, recurrent hernias and bilateral hernias. The large number of 11 surgeons participating proves that laparoscopic hernioplasty can be learned and that even in a teaching hospital it can be performed safely, efficiently and cost-effectively.     

Quantitative microstructural characterization of aligned eutectics by electrical analog modeling

The formal theory of conduction in multiphase systems as derived by Rayleigh is compared with experimental results from fabricated Bi-Cu composite model systems having known minor phase particle shape and well defined phase particle distributions. The development of a rigorous three dimensional fibrous analog model by the modification of existing analog concepts and utilization of the Rayleigh analysis coupled with resistance measurements performed on more complex Bi-Cu composite systems is presented. This fiber analog model is applied to the directionally aligned Sb-InSb eutectic utilizing available resistivity data. Via this model a quantitative microstructural characterization, consistent in two orthogonal directions, is achieved and these data are presented. Formerly Graduate Student, Department of Metallurgy and Material Science, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa. This paper is based upon a thesis submitted by W. G. WATSON in partial fulfillment of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.     

Effects of an encounter group experience on self-perception and interpersonal relations.

Conducted a controlled laboratory investigation of an encounter group experience involving 24 Ss. All Ss 1st participated in a group discussion and rated each other and self on liking, trust, openness, and relaxation. A week later, 1/2 of the Ss participated in a 2-day group encounter and, subsequently, all Ss met again in discussion and were rerated on the same values by each other, self, and independent Os. Results show the encounter Ss improved in self concept, intragroup cohesiveness and liking, and ability to relate to others. No such changes were found for the controls. Negatively, however, the Os did not find any difference between experimental Ss and controls. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

ASPECTS OF HIGH-TEMPERATURE LOW-CYCLE THERMOMECHANICAL FATIGUE OF A SINGLE CRYSTAL NICKEL-BASE SUPERALLOY

High-temperature thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) tests were performed on monocrystalline specimens of the γ′-precipitate-strengthened nickel-base superalloy CMSX-6. The specimens had axial orientations near [001]. In-phase, out-of-phase, clockwise-diamond and counter-clockwise-diamond TMF tests were conducted in total strain control in symmetric push-pull. The temperature interval extended from 873 to 1373 K, the total strain amplitude was 0.5% with a cycle time of 300 s. The stress response, the plastic strain amplitudes and the fatigue lives were measured. In addition, fatigue-induced micro-structural changes were investigated. The shapes of the hysteresis loops and the mechanical TMF behaviour varied markedly with the shape of the strain-temperature cycles. The TMF life of the alloy was found to correlate with the stress amplitude in the tensile half-cycle. The evolution of the microstructure shows the formation of dislocation networks around the precipitates and in particular, severe changes in the size and the morphology of the γ'-precipitate structure. These changes vary with the strain-temperature cycle shape. Failure occurred exclusively by fatigue (and not creep) in the form of localized shear.