Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Structure of NSD1 Reveals an Autoregulatory Mechanism Underlying Histone H3K36 Methylation*

The Sotos syndrome gene product, NSD1, is a SET domain histone methyltransferase that primarily dimethylates nucleosomal histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36). To date, the intrinsic properties of NSD1 that determine its nucleosomal substrate selectivity and dimethyl H3K36 product specificity remain unknown. The 1.7 Å structure of the catalytic domain of NSD1 presented here shows that a regulatory loop adopts a conformation that prevents free access of H3K36 to the bound S-adenosyl-l-methionine. Molecular dynamics simulation and computational docking revealed that this normally inhibitory loop can adopt an active conformation, allowing H3K36 access to the active site, and that the nucleosome may stabilize the active conformation of the regulatory loop. Hence, our study reveals an autoregulatory mechanism of NSD1 and provides insight into the molecular mechanism of the nucleosomal substrate selectivity of this disease-related H3K36 methyltransferase.
Evaluation of Autonomic Neuropathy in Chronic Alcoholic Liver Disease

Background: Autonomic neuropathy (AN) is quiet common in chronic alcoholic liver disease. Long term alcohol consumption may produce wide ranging effect on almost all body tissues, including the autonomic and peripheral nervous systems. Clinical symptoms of autonomic failure generally appear when the polyneuropathy is severe. Objective: To study the prevalence of autonomic dysfunction in patients with chronic alcoholic liver disease and its correlation with Child TurcottePugh score. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was done on 80 patients of chronic alcoholic liver disease. Apart from clinical examination and routine investigation, polyrite was used to carry out autonomic function test. Results: Out of 80 patients autonomic dysfunction was observed in 58 (72.5%) patients. Early autonomic involvement was found in 30 (37.5%), definite involvement in 10 (12.5%), severe involvement in 18 (22.5%) patients. Conclusion: Autonomic neuropathy is common in chronic alcoholic liver disease and its severity increases with increase in Child TurcottePugh score.
EphA7 regulates spiral ganglion innervation of cochlear hair cells

During the development of periphery auditory circuitry, spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) form a spatially precise pattern of innervation of cochlear hair cells (HCs), which is an essential structural foundation for central auditory processing. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the developmental formation of this precise innervation pattern remain not well understood. Here, we specifically examined the involvement of Eph family members in cochlear development. By performing RNA‐sequencing for different types of cochlear cell, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry, we found that EphA7 was strongly expressed in a large subset of SGNs. In EphA7 deletion mice, there was a reduction in the number of inner radial bundles originating from SGNs and projecting to HCs as well as in the number of ribbon synapses on inner hair cells (IHCs), as compared with wild‐type or heterozygous mutant mice, attributable to fewer type I afferent fibers. The overall activity of the auditory nerve in EphA7 deletion mice was also reduced, although there was no significant change in the hearing intensity threshold. In vitro analysis further suggested that the reduced innervation of HCs by SGNs could be attributed to a role of EphA7 in regulating outgrowth of SGN neurites as knocking down EphA7 in SGNs resulted in diminished SGN fibers. In addition, suppressing the activity of ERK1/2, a potential downstream target of EphA7 signaling, either with specific inhibitors in cultured explants or by knocking out Prkg1, also resulted in reduced SGN fibers. Together, our results suggest that EphA7 plays an important role in the developmental formation of cochlear innervation pattern through controlling SGN fiber ontogeny. Such regulation may contribute to the salience level of auditory signals presented to the central auditory system. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 452–469, 2016
The spectrum of quality-of-life impairments in recurrent geriatric depression.

BACKGROUND Although recurrent major depression in elderly individuals is a disabling condition, only a few studies have systematically examined the magnitude and specificity of quality-of-life (QOL) impairments in such patients in comparison with matched controls or the elderly population. METHODS We examined the variations in QOL scores of 100 elderly (age range 60-88 years) patients with moderate to severe recurrent major depression and compared them with published elderly population norms. Disease-specific Quality of Life in Depression Scale (QLDS) and generic Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) QOL ratings obtained at baseline were analyzed. RESULTS Compared with published elderly population norms, depressed subjects showed significant QOL impairments in five of eight baseline SF-36 items (p <.01). Women rated their QOL as worse than men on physical functioning and role physical (p <.01) and showed similar trends on all other QOL items. Compared with younger subjects, subjects aged older than 70 years reported lower QOL on the summary physical component (p <.01) and a trend for higher QOL on the summary mental component (p <.05) of the SF-36. Depression symptom ratings were correlated with some QOL measures, but accounted for less than 10% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS Despite limitations, such as a cross-sectional design and indirect comparisons with norms generated from another study, our findings confirm the disabling nature of recurrent late-life depression and the importance of targeting both depressive symptoms and broader QOL outcomes in intervention trials.
Interfacial Contact Effects in Top Gated Zinc Oxide Thin Film Transistors Grown by Atomic Layer Deposition

Contact effects at the source/drain (S/D) electrodes in thin film transistors (TFTs) based on zinc oxide (ZnO) utilizing the top gate, bottom contact geometry are investigated using electrical and material studies. Low temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) is employed to directly grow the ZnO active layer on Au, Ru, and TiW bottom electrodes. TFT performance varies significantly depending on the S/D metallization scheme. Au contacts are seen to uniquely promote the growth of a highly n-doped ZnO channel that degrades the TFT's output impedance and controllability. On the other hand, TiW contacts suffer from poor carrier injection because of Schottky barrier formation. The best overall performance is demonstrated by Ru/ZnO TFTs based on their excellent switching capabilities alongside a moderately high mobility. From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, the superior performance of Ru is the consequence of an oxidation-free interface that inhibits the adsorption of hydroxide surface dopants. Thus, the surface chemistry of the metal contact plays a large role on the ZnO growth and metal/ZnO interface energetics.
CORRELATIONS IN HOT ASYMMETRIC NUCLEAR MATTER

The single-particle spectral functions in asymmetric nuclear matter are computed using the ladder approximation within the theory of finite temperature Green's functions. The internal energy and the momentum distributions of protons and neutrons are studied as a function of the density and the asymmetry of the system. The proton states are more strongly depleted when the asymmetry increases, whereas the occupation of the neutron states is enhanced compared to the symmetric case. Preliminary results for the entropy and the free energy are also presented.
Proximal Hypospadias

Hypospadias results from abnormal development of the penis that leaves the urethral meatus proximal to its normal glanular position. Meatal position may be located anywhere along the penile shaft, but more severe forms of hypospadias may have a urethral meatus located at the scrotum or perineum. The spectrum of abnormalities may also include ventral curvature of the penis, a dorsally redundant prepuce, and atrophic corpus spongiosum. Due to the severity of these abnormalities, proximal hypospadias often requires more extensive reconstruction in order to achieve an anatomically and functionally successful result. We review the spectrum of proximal hypospadias etiology, presentation, correction, and possible associated complications.
High efficiency Ka-band Gallium Nitride power amplifier MMICs

The design and performance of two high efficiency Ka-band power amplifier MMICs utilizing a 0. 15μm GaN HEMT process technology is presented. Measured in-fixture continuous wave (CW) results for the 3-stage balanced amplifier demonstrates up to 11W of output power and 30% power added efficiency (PAE) at 30GHz. The 3-stage single-ended design produced over 6W of output power and up to 34% PAE. The die size for the balanced and single-ended MMICs are 3.24×3.60mm2 and 1.74×3.24mm2 respectively.
RESPONSE TO NATURAL AND LABORATORY SELECTION AT THE DROSOPHILA HSP70 GENES

Abstract To determine whether and how laboratory and natural selection act on the hsp70 (70-Kd heat-shock protein) genes of Drosophila melanogaster, we examined hsp70 allele frequencies in two sets of populations. First, five populations reared at different temperatures for more than 20 years differentially fixed both a large insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphism at the 87A7 hsp70 cluster (“56H8”/“122”) and a single nucleotide polymorphism at the 87C1 hsp70 cluster. In both cases, the 18°C and 25°C populations fixed one allele and the 28°C populations the other, consistent with previously described evolved differences among these populations in Hsp70 expression and thermotolerance. Second, we examined 56H8 and 122 frequencies in a set of 11 populations founded from flies collected along a latitudinal transect of eastern Australia. The 56H8 allele frequencies are positively associated with latitude, consistent with maintenance of the 56H8/122 polymorphism by natural selection. Thermal extremes and average values are negatively correlated with latitude. These results suggest that natural selection imposed by temperature and thermal variability may affect hsp70 allele frequencies.
Distinctive Big Five and Narrow Personality Traits of Psychology Majors

Using data from 120 undergraduate psychology majors and 1,916 non-psychology majors at a large Southeastern university and based on Holland's (1996) person-environment fit model, we examined whether the two groups differed on the Big Five model of personality and four narrow personality traits. For psychology majors, we investigated the relationship between personality traits and major satisfaction. As hypothesized, psychology majors scored higher on Openness to Experience, Work Drive, and lower on Tough-mindedness than non-majors. All of the traits except for Extraversion were related to major satisfaction. Possible explanations for these findings were discussed in terms of the adaptive value of each trait.
Cognitive Aging: Progress in Understanding and Opportunities for Action.

For most Americans, staying “mentally sharp” as they age is a very high priority. Declines in memory and decision-making abilities may trigger fears of Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases. However, cognitive aging is a natural process that can have both positive and negative effects on cognitive function in older adults-effects that vary widely among individuals. At this point in time, when the older population is rapidly growing in the United States and across the globe, it is important to examine what is known about cognitive aging and to identify and promote actions that individuals, organizations, communities, and society can take to help older adults maintain and improve their cognitive health. Cognitive Aging assesses the public health dimensions of cognitive aging with an emphasis on definitions and terminology, epidemiology and surveillance, prevention and intervention, education of health professionals, and public awareness and education. This report makes specific recommendations for individuals to reduce the risks of cognitive decline with aging. Aging is inevitable, but there are actions that can be taken by individuals, families, communities, and society that may help to prevent or ameliorate the impact of aging on the brain, understand more about its impact, and help older adults live more fully and independent lives. Cognitive aging is not just an individual or a family or a health care system challenge. It is an issue that affects the fabric of society and requires actions by many and varied stakeholders. Cognitive Aging offers clear steps that individuals, families, communities, health care providers and systems, financial organizations, community groups, public health agencies, and others can take to promote cognitive health and to help older adults live fuller and more independent lives. Ultimately, this report calls for a societal commitment to cognitive aging as a public health issue that requires prompt action across many sectors.
Antigenicity of rabies virus glycoprotein

Although the number of antigenic sites on the rabies virus glycoprotein that have been described regularly increases with time, no attempt has been made to carefully evaluate the relative importance of each of these sites. Here we provide a more precise description of the antigenicity of the protein in mice of the H-2d haplotype; we developed this description by using 264 newly isolated monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and a collection of neutralization-resistant (MAR) mutants. Most of the MAbs (97%) recognized antigenic sites previously described as II and III. One minor antigenic site separated from site III by three amino acids, including a proline, was identified (minor site a). Despite their proximity, there is no overlap between site III and minor site a; i.e., site III-specific MAR mutants were neutralized by the six MAbs defining minor site a, and vice versa. One of our MAbs, 1D1, reacted with sodium dodecyl sulfate-treated glycoprotein in Western blots (immunoblots) under reducing conditions and was therefore probably directed against a linear epitope, A MAR mutant selected with this MAb was still neutralized by MAbs of other specificities. This linear epitope was called G1 (G, Gif). As a general rule, we propose to reserve the term "antigenic site" (either major or minor) for regions of the protein which are defined by several MAbs originating from different fusions and to describe regions of the protein which are defined by a single MAb as epitopes. It would be interesting to test whether the same regions of the rabies virus glycoprotein are antigenic in mice of different haplotypes or in other species.
Drosophila Amphiphysin is a Post‐Synaptic Protein Required for Normal Locomotion but Not Endocytosis

Clathrin‐mediated endocytosis is required to recycle synaptic vesicles for fast and efficient neurotransmission. Amphiphysins are thought to be multiprotein adaptors that may contribute to this process by bringing together many of the proteins required for endocytosis. Their in vivo function, however, has yet to be determined. Here, we show that the Drosophila genome encodes a single amphiphysin gene that is broadly expressed during development. We also show that, unlike its vertebrate counterparts, Drosophila Amphiphysin is enriched postsynaptically at the larval neuromuscular junction. To determine the role of Drosophila Amphiphysin, we also generated null mutants which are viable but give rise to larvae and adults with pronounced locomotory defects. Surprisingly, the locomotory defects cannot be accounted for by alterations in the morphology or physiology of the neuromuscular junction. Moreover, using stimulus protocols designed to test endocytosis under moderate and extreme vesicle cycling, we could not detect any defect in the neuromuscular junction of the amphiphysin mutant. Taken together, our findings suggest that Amphiphysin is not required for viability, nor is it absolutely required for clathrin‐mediated endocytosis. However, Drosophila Amphiphysin function is required in both larvae and adults for normal locomotion.
Biomechanical Assessment of Bilateral C1 Laminar Hook and C1-2 Transarticular Screws and Bone Graft for Atlantoaxial Instability

StudyDesign In vitro biomechanical test was conducted to compare the stability of 5 different atlantoaxial posterior fusion techniques. Objective To evaluate the biomechanical stability of an atlas laminar hook combined with transarticular (TA) screws relative to 4 different conventional fusion techniques. Summary of Background Data The atlantoaxial instability caused by fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, congenital deformity, or traumatic lesions of the transverse ligament often result in acute or chronic spinal cord compression, a possible threat to a patient's life. Posterior atlantoaxial fixations are used to reconstruct the stability of atlantoaxial articulation. Conventional posterior atlantoaxial fixations are associated with high rates of pseudoarthrosis and carry the potential risk of neurologic complication. TA screw fixation can provide an excellent biomechanical stability. As a modified 3-point fixation technique, the bilateral C1-2 TA screws have been combined with C1 laminar hook and bone grafts. This modified technique had carried good clinical outcomes. Methods Eight human specimens (C0-C4) were loaded nondestructively with pure moments and the range of motion at the level of C1-C2 was measured. Eight specimens were implanted with each of the following techniques, respectively: Gallie fixation, C1-2 TA screw fixation combined with Gallie fixation, C1-2 TA screw fixation, C1 laminar hook combined with C1-2 TA screw fixation plus bone grafts, and the C1 lateral mass screws in the atlas combined with C2 isthmic screws in axis. Results Although the C1-2 TA screws best restricted lateral bending and axial rotation, the modified 3-point fixation technique additionally restricted flexion-extension and provided the excellent stability. Differences in axial rotation and lateral bending (with±1.5 Nm load) were observed when the 3-point fixation techniques (TA+Gallie and TA+hook) were compared with atlas lateral mass screws in the atlas combined with isthmic screws in axis. Conclusions The modified C1 laminar hook combined with C1-2 TA screws and bone graft fixation provided the best biomechanical stability. The C1 lateral mass screws in the atlas combined with isthmic screws in axis fixation is a sound alternative when the C1-2 TA screw fixation is not feasible.
Platelets are covercytes, not phagocytes: Uptake of bacteria involves channels of the open canalicular system

Recent studies have suggested that uptake of bacteria by human platelets is more similar to ingestion of the same organisms by neutrophils than previously considered. Platelet pseudopods surround a bacterium by a process of circumferential adherence until the organism is fully enclosed in a vacuole consisting of internalized extracellular space surrounded by plasma membrane. The surface connected, open canalicular system (OCS) is not involved in the process of platelet phagocytosis. The present investigation has reviewed the literature on platelet–particle and platelet–bacterial interaction, and added a new study of the process of bacterial engulfment employing tannic acid as an electron dense tracer. The osmium black reaction product formed by tannic and osmic acids during fixation stained the glycocalyx on the platelet exterior surface and lining channels of the OCS. It also stained the vacuoles containing bacteria in platelets as well as channels of the OCS connected to the engulfment vacuole and exterior surface of the cell. Alpha granules releasing their contents into the OCS and into engulfment vacuoles were also stained by osmium black. The only way that tannic acid could reach and stain the interior surface of engulfment vacuoles during fixation was through patent channels of the OCS. In contrast, neutrophils do not contain an OCS, and phagocytic vacuoles containing organisms are never stained by tannic acid. Thus the platelet is a covercyte, not a phagocyte, and uptake of the bacteria does involve channels of the OCS.
Using Social Self-Identification in Social Marketing Materials Aimed at Reducing Violence Against Women on Campus

Bystander-focused in person sexual violence prevention programs provide an opportunity for skill development among bystanders and for widening the safety net for survivors. A social marketing campaign was designed modeling prosocial bystander behavior and using content familiar to target audience members by staging and casting scenes to look similar to the people and situations that the target audience regularly encounters. We refer to this sense of familiarity as social self-identification. In this exploratory study, we attempt to understand how seeing oneself and one’s peer group (e.g., social self-identification) in poster images affects target audience members’ (e.g., college students) willingness to intervene as a prosocial bystander. The posters in the social marketing campaign were displayed throughout a midsize northeastern public university campus and neighboring local businesses frequented by students. During the last week of the 4-week poster display, the university’s homepage portal featured an advertisement displaying a current model of an iPod offering undergraduate students an opportunity to win the device if they completed a community survey. We found that among students who had seen the posters, those who indicated that the scenes portrayed in the posters looked like situations that were familiar to them were significantly more likely to contemplate taking action in preventing a situation where sexual violence had the potential to occur. Furthermore, students who indicated familiarity with the poster content were more likely to indicate that they had acted in a manner similar to those portrayed in the poster. Future directions based on findings from this exploratory study are discussed.
Using Whole and Part-based HOG Filters in Succession to Detect Cars in Aerial Images

Vehicle detection in aerial images plays a key role in surveillance, transportation control and traffic monitoring. It forms an important aspect in the deployment of autonomous Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) in rescue and surveillance missions. In this paper, we propose a two-stage algorithm for efficient detection of cars in aerial images. We discuss how sophisticated detection technique may not give the best result when applied to large scale images with complicated backgrounds. We use a relaxed version of HOG (Histogram of Oriented Gradients) and SVM (Support Vector Machine) to extract hypothesis windows in the first stage. The second stage is based on discriminatively trained part-based models. We create a richer model to be used for detection from the hypothesis windows by detecting and locating parts in the root object. Using a two-stage detection procedure not only improves the accuracy of the overall detection but also helps us take complete advantage of the accuracy of sophisticated algorithms ruling out it’s incompetence in real scenarios. We analyze the results obtained from Google Earth dataset and also the images taken from a camera mounted beneath a flying aircraft. With our approach we could achieve a recall rate of 90% with a precision of 94%.