cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HAMAP in 2013, new developments in the protein family classification and annotation system

HAMAP (High-quality Automated and Manual Annotation of Proteins-available at http://hamap.expasy.org/) is a system for the classification and annotation of protein sequences. It consists of a collection of manually curated family profiles for protein classification, and associated annotation rules that specify annotations that apply to family members. HAMAP was originally developed to support the manual curation of UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot records describing microbial proteins. Here we describe new developments in HAMAP, including the extension of HAMAP to eukaryotic proteins, the use of HAMAP in the automated annotation of UniProtKB/TrEMBL, providing high-quality annotation for millions of protein sequences, and the future integration of HAMAP into a unified system for UniProtKB annotation, UniRule. HAMAP is continuously updated by expert curators with new family profiles and annotation rules as new protein families are characterized. The collection of HAMAP family classification profiles and annotation rules can be browsed and viewed on the HAMAP website, which also provides an interface to scan user sequences against HAMAP profiles.
Influence of soil hydric parameters on the winter cold hardiness of a burrowing beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)

This investigation examined the influence of soil moisture and associated parameters on the cold hardiness of the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say), a temperate-zone species that overwinters in terrestrial burrows. The body mass and water content of adult beetles kept in sand at 4 °C varied over a 16-week period of diapause according to the substratum's moisture content. Changes in body water content, in turn, influenced the crystallization temperature (range −3.3 to −18.4 °C; n = 417), indicating that environmental moisture indirectly determined supercooling capacity, a measure of physiological cold hardiness. Beetles held in dry sand readily tolerated a 24-h exposure to temperatures ranging from 0° to −5 °C, but those chilled in sand containing as little as 1.7% water (dry mass) had elevated mortality. Thus, burrowing in dry soils not only promotes supercooling via its effect on water balance, but may also inhibit inoculative freezing. Mortality of beetles exposed to −5 °C for 24 h was lower in substrates composed of sand, clay and/or peat (36–52%) than in pure silica sand (78%) having an identical water content (17.0% dry mass). In addition to moisture, the texture, structure, water potential, and other physico-chemical attributes of soil may strongly influence the cold hardiness and overwintering survival of burrowing insects.
Influence of elevational motion on the degradation of 2D image frame matching

A clinically useful approach to forming extended field of view images has recently been developed. This method takes a sequence of 2D images acquired while the transducer is scanned in an azimuthal direction and determines inter frame translation and rotation based on image matching techniques. The image motion estimation techniques employed do not generally distinguish anatomically related features from inherent image speckle and hence speckle typically forms a significant component of the image information being tracked. Consequently, speckle decorrelation due to out of plane motion by the transducer may lead to significantly reduced image motion estimation accuracy and/or reliability. The impact of elevation motion is investigated here using simulated speckle images obtained by determining a 3D point spread function (PSF) that is then convolved with a 3D random scatterer target to obtain 2D speckle images.
Binding mode prediction for a flexible ligand in a flexible pocket using multi-conformation simulated annealing pseudo crystallographic refinement.

Abstract We describe multi-conformation simulated annealing-pseudo-crystallographic refinement (MCSA-PCR), a technique developed for predicting the binding mode of a flexible ligand in a flexible binding pocket. To circumvent the local-minimum problem efficiently, this method performs multiple independent cycles of simulated annealing with explicit solvent, “growing” the ligand in the binding pocket each time. From the ensemble of structures, a pseudo-crystallographic electron density map is calculated, and then conventional crystallographic refinement methods are used to best fit a single, optimal structure into the density map. The advantage of the MCSA-PCR method is that it provides a direct means to evaluate the accuracy and uniqueness of the calculated solution, provides a measure of ligand and protein dynamics from the refined B-factors, and facilitates comparison with X-ray crystallographic data. Here, we show that our MCSA-PCR method succeeds in predicting the correct binding mode of the VSV8 peptide to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) receptor. Importantly, there is a significant correlation between the experimentally determined crystallographic water molecules and water density observed in the pseudo map by MCSA-PCR. Furthermore, comparison of different approaches for extracting a single, most probable structure from the calculated ensemble reveals the power of the PCR method and provides insights into the nature of the energetic landscape.
Superior vena cava perforation following the placement of a superior vena cava filter in males less than 60 years of age.

Although the utility of the superior vena cava (SVC) filter remains controversial, the safety and efficacy of SVC filters in patients with upper extremity deep venous thrombosis in whom anticoagulation is contraindicated or ineffective have been well described. However, few complications have been reported. Herein we describe a series of three cases of SVC perforation in three young males following the placement of SVC filters. All three patients had deep venous thrombosis on upper extremity duplex ultrasonography and contraindication to anticoagulation (n = 1) or failure of anticoagulation (n = 2). Cardiac tamponade was demonstrated on transthoracic echocardiography in all three cases. The pericardial effusion was evacuated with either median sternotomy or pericardiocentesis in two cases. One of the patients died of cardiac arrest, and an autopsy showed aortic perforation in addition to the SVC perforation. This patient underwent chest compression following the cardiac arrest. One patient was lost to fol...
Efficient modeling of optical coherent transient processors

Summary form only given. Fully coupled Maxwell-Bloch equations are required to adequately study the problem of coherent pulse propagation and stimulated photon echo processes, especially in optically thick media. The coupled Maxwell-Bloch equations for optical coherent transients (OCT) simulations have so far assumed a collinear configuration, where all the inputs and echoes propagate along the same direction. We present our own model.
Partial resolution in branch target buffers

Branch target buffers, or BTBs, are small caches for program branching information. Like data caches, addresses are divided into equivalence classes based on their low order bits. Unlike data caches, however, complete resolution of a single address from within an equivalence class is not required for correct execution. Substantial savings are therefore possible by employing partial resolution, using fewer tag bits than necessary to uniquely identify an address. We present the relationship between the number of tag bits in a branch target buffer and prediction accuracy, based on dynamic simulations of the SPECINT92 benchmark suite. For a 512 entry BTB, on average only two tag bits are necessary to obtain 99.9 percent of the accuracy obtainable with a full tag; no more than nine tag bits are required to obtain identical prediction accuracy. This suggests that microprocessors can achieve substantial area savings in their BTB tag stores by employing partial resolution.
Berry phase, hyperorbits, and the Hofstadter spectrum: semiclassical dynamics in magnetic Bloch bands

We have derived a set of semiclassical equations for electrons in magnetic Bloch bands. The velocity and energy of magnetic Bloch electrons are found to be modified by the Berry phase and magnetization. This semiclassical approach is used to study general electron transport in a dc or ac electric field. We also find a close connection between the cyclotron orbits in magnetic Bloch bands and the energy subbands in the Hofstadter spectrum. Based on this formalism, the pattern of band splitting, the distribution of Hall conductivities, and the positions of energy subbands in the Hofstadter spectrum can be understood in a simple and unified picture. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
The Wedding Dress

The Wedding Dress presents an epiphanous shift in a couple's understanding of exogamy and commitment when confronted with extended family's clannish expectations. Submitting to and then challenging...
AN ANALYSIS OF GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST DISEASE IN SYRIAN HAMSTERS : II. THE EPIDERMOLYTIC SYNDROME: STUDIES ON ITS PATHOGENESIS

The epidermolytic syndrome that can be obtained at will in F(1) hybrid hamsters by the cutaneous inoculation of adequate doses of parental strain lymphoid cells has been investigated to determine whether the cutaneous lesions are due to an autoimmune process arising from the severe, initial GVH reactions in the skin. It was amply demonstrated that inoculation of donor cells into the skin was of crucial importance to the development of epidermolysis. Parental strain lymphoid cells in similar doses delivered by any other route into normal F(1) hybrids failed absolutely to incite the acute syndrome. If "immune lymphocyte transfer" reactions incited by donor cells in the host's skin were surgically removed at timed intervals after inoculation, only complete excision within 24 hr prevented the appearance of epidermolysis in F(1) hybrid hosts, indicating that inoculated donor cells must remain within the confines of the skin for approximately 24 hr in order to evoke the disease, persistence for longer periods of time being unnecessary for the subsequent course of the disease. However, reconstitution experiments involving the intramuscular inoculation of suspensions containing mixtures of donor cells and host lymphoid cells, in the presence or absence of epidermal cells, unequivocally indicated that no intimate exposure of lymphoid cells to putative skin-specific antigens was essential. Similarly, the elicitation of generalized epidermolysis in F(1) hybrids irradiated with 300 r and then inoculated intravenously with donor cells casts further doubt on the pathogenic importance of the skin as a source of tissue-specific antigen. The results of subsequent experiments indicated that host leukocytes, rather than parenchymal cells of the dermis or the epidermis, were important contributors of the transplantation antigenic stimulus. Moreover, a series of experiments, using (CB x MHA)F(1) hybrid hosts that had been lethally irradiated and reconstituted with bone marrow cells from ALS-treated MHA donors, indicated that from 6 to 10 wk after reconstitution-when direct and immune lymphocyte transfer reactions showed a virtual absence of native F(1) leukocytes from the circulation-donor cells obtained from specifically sensitized MHA donors were completely ineffective in inducing epidermolysis, while equivalent lymphoid cell inocula derived from CB donors evoked the cutaneous disease irrespective of the time elapsed since reconstitution. To explain these findings it is postulated that in hamsters, the primary targets in graft-versus-host disease incited by the intracutaneous inoculation of donor cells are leukocytes originating in bone marrow or lymph node, or both.
Growth of Bacillus subtilis on polyurethane and the purification and characterization of a polyurethanase-lipase enzyme

Abstract A soil microorganism capable of degrading polyurethane was isolated from a mesocosm study. This organism was identified as Bacillus subtilis through 16s rRNA sequencing. The ability of this organism to degrade polyurethane was characterized by the measurement of its growth kinetics and the purification and characterization of a polyurethane degrading enzyme. The growth kinetics for this microorganism was obtained on two substrates: Impranil DLNTM and tributyrin. The growth of B. subtilis on polyurethane at certain concentrations (1.5– 0.18 mg ml −1 ) and tributyrin at all concentrations followed simple Monod growth kinetics. Lineweaver–Burke analysis of the data was performed to yield a μmax value of 0.7626±0.04799 doublings h −1 and Ks value of 0.08559±0.03291 mg ml −1 for Impranil DLNTM and a μmax value of 0.46003±0.05407 doublings h −1 and Ks value of 0.04065±0.2336 μM for tributyrin. At higher concentrations of Impranil DLNTM (9.0– 3.0 mg ml −1 ) Monod kinetics were not observed due to the binding of polyurethane to the cell wall of the B. subtilis. The purified protein as determined by SDS-PAGE has a molecular weight of approximately 28 kDa . Substrate specificity was examined using p-nitrophenyl substrates with varying carbon lengths. The highest substrate specificity was observed for p-nitrophenyl-acetate with an activity of 45 U mg −1 . Additionally, the enzyme is heat labile and not inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride (PMSF), adenylmethylsulfonylfluoride (AMSF), ethylenediamine-tetra acetic acid (EDTA), or Bromelain.
Inferring protein–DNA dependencies using motif alignments and mutual information

Motivation: Mutual information can be used to explore covarying positions in biological sequences. In the past, it has been successfully used to infer RNA secondary structure conformations from multiple sequence alignments. In this study, we show that the same principles allow the discovery of transcription factor amino acids that are coevolving with nucleotides in their DNA-binding targets. Results: Given an alignment of transcription factor binding domains, and a separate alignment of their DNA target motifs, we demonstrate that mutually covarying base-amino acid positions may indicate possible protein–DNA contacts. Examples explored in this study include C2H2 zinc finger, homeodomain and bHLH DNA-binding motif families, where a number of known base-amino acid contacting positions are identified. Mutual information analyses may aid the prediction of base-amino acid contacting pairs for particular transcription factor families, thereby yielding structural insights from sequence information alone. Such inference of protein–DNA contacting positions may guide future experimental studies of DNA recognition. Contact:shaun.mahony@ccbb.pitt.edu or benos@pitt.edu
Mouse forkhead L2 maintains repression of FSH-dependent genes in the granulosa cell

The forkhead transcription factor forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) is expressed in granulosa cells of small and medium follicles in the mouse ovary. Foxl2 female knockout mice exhibit primordial follicle depletion and primary ovarian failure, but evidence from adult female conditional Foxl2 knockout mice suggests that FOXL2 may also play a significant role in maintenance of ovarian differentiation at stages beyond the primordial follicle and initial wave of folliculogenesis. We previously showed that human FOXL2 functions as a transcriptional repressor of several key genes involved in granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation, including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), P450aromatase (CYP19A1 (CYP19)), P450scc (CYP11A1 (CYP11A)), and cyclin D2 (CCND2). To elucidate the role of mouse FOXL2, we determined its role in transcriptional regulation in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and then confirmed our findings in mouse granulosa cells. We found that mouse FOXL2 represses the activities of the mouse Star, Cyp19a1, Cyp11a1 promoters in CHO cells, but may not repress the Ccnd2 promoter, and identified the minimal mouse Star, Cyp19a1, and Cyp11a1 promoter regions responsive to FOXL2 regulation. We then knocked down Foxl2 in mouse granulosa cells using siRNA, which resulted in significantly increased expression levels of mouse Star, Cyp19a1, and Cyp11a1 but not Ccnd2. To increase Foxl2 expression levels, we generated a mouse Foxl2 lentiviral construct and used it to infect mouse granulosa cells. Following lentiviral infection, the expression levels of mouse Star, Cyp19a1, and Cyp11a1, but not Ccnd2, decreased significantly. These data confirm that mouse FOXL2 functions as a transcriptional repressor of key granulosa cell genes that influence ovarian development.
Gender Differences in Relationship Awareness and Marital Satisfaction among Young Married Couples

Relationship awareness is defined here as thinking about interaction patterns, comparisons, or contrasts between oneself and one's partner in a relationship. This concept provides a frame-work for examining the effects of spouses' thinking and talking about their own relationships on marital satisfaction and contentment with life. During interviews conducted with 42 married couples, wives talked more about their relationships than their husbands did. Wives' marital satisfaction was positively associated with the husbands' degree of relationship talk during the interview. The association between husbands' relationship talk and wives' marital well-being was strongest for wives who talked very little about their relationship. Husbands' marital satisfaction was not related to either spouse's relationship talk. A similar pattern of results was found for contentment with life. Findings are discussed in light of previous research that focuses on gender differences in relationships, in the sense of self and inter...
Accelerator Field Measurements at High Power

When a coupled chain of resonant cavities is driven at high peak or average power, it may not necessarily respond in the same way as it does at low power. Differences can be caused by such factors as thermal effects, glow discharge and multipactoring which are not normally present at the tuning power level. These factors may be strongly influenced by the geometry of the cavity chain. A continuing effort is being carried on at Los Alamos to make comparative measurements at both low and high power on the 805 MHz LAMPF accelerating structure. This structure and the procedures used in tuning it have been described elsewhere in these proceedings where it has been pointed out that tank-to-tank average fields must be tuned to ± 1-2% of each other for proper beam dynamics, and that the stopband of ?/2 mode resonantly coupled structures must be properly set for stable high-power operation. The question naturally arises as to whether the field distribution and stop-band in tanks tuned at low power remain unchanged at high power. Some differences have been seen earlier in the distribution of electric probe readings which were set very close to each other at low power and tended to scatter rather badly at high power.
Control of respiration in newborn babies. III. Developmental changes of respiratory depth and rate responses to CO2.

. The recordings from an earlier study regarding the respiratory depth and rate changes induced by exposure to 4 % CO2 in air in 13 babies with PM age varying between 32 and 43 weeks were reexamined with regard to the pattern of thoracic/abdominal breathing excursion in breathing immediately prior to the CO2 exposure and the type of response induced. The pattern was called “stable” when the thoracic breathing excursions were in phase and congruent with the abdominal ones. When the thoracic excursions in comparison with the abdominal excursions were totally inverted, or incongruous but in phase, or rapidly varying between those two, the pattern was called “unstable”. “Unstable” pattern of the breathing prior to the CO2 exposures was followed in an incidence of 60 % by the type of response to CO2 which is characterized by a prompt rate increase (the “Type B” response) and only in 16% by the type characterized by an increased breathing amplitude (the “Type A” response). When the excursion pattern of the breathing prior to the CO2 exposures was “stable”“Type A” responses were induced in 59% and “Type B” responses in only 14%. The excursion pattern present when a baby is exposed to 4 % CO2 thus seems to affect the type of respiratory depth and rate changes achieved. With increasing post menstrual age the excursion pattern of the spontaneous breathing is more often “stable” and respiratory depth and rate changes of the “Type B” induced by CO2 less common. The variabilities of the breathing seen preferably in the preterm baby regarding regularity, rate and tidal volumes (as they could be approximated by the registration methods used) were noted most when the excursion pattern was “unstable”. The results can be hypothetically interpreted to indicate a dynamic interaction between the thoracic wall and pulmonary mechanoreceptor systems of respiratory regulation. The decreasing variability of the breathing seen with increasing maturation in the baby could be explained by an increasing maturation of the neuromuscular ability to provide stability to the rib cage which would act stabilizing on the pulmonary vagal afferent input to the respiratory center.
Effects of the Positive Action Program on Indicators of Positive Youth Development Among Urban Youth

This study evaluated effects of Positive Action, a school-based social-emotional and character development (SECD) intervention, on indicators of positive youth development (PYD) among a sample of low-income, ethnic minority youth attending 14 urban schools. The study used a matched-pair, cluster-randomized controlled design at the school level. A multiple-measure self-report protocol assessed four key strengths and resources for PYD: self-concept, peer affiliations, ethics, and social skills. Students (n=1170) were assessed from grades 3 to 8, the duration of the intervention, with drop-outs and late entrants included in analyses. Growth curve analyses revealed evidence of favorable program effects on each of the four types of resources. The study contributes to PYD research by providing evidence for school-based interventions in low-income, urban contexts for ethnic minority youth.
The Role of Methyltransferase Inhibitors in the Management of the Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Supportive care alone for MDS appears inferior to newer treatment approaches using methyltransferase inhibitors.
Reactive oxygen species production in single cells following laser irradiation (Presentation Recording)

Region specific DNA breaks can be created in single cells using laser light that damages DNA but does not directly generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). We have examined the cellular response to directly generated DNA breaks in single cells. Using a combination of ROS specific dyes and oxidase inhibitors we have found that the oxidase and chromatin remodeling protein Lysine demethylase I (LSD1) generates detectable ROS as a byproduct of its chromatin remodeling activity during the initial DNA damage response. ROS is produced at detectable amounts primarily within the first 3 minutes post irradiation. LSD1 activity has been previously associated with transcriptional regulation therefore these findings have implications for regulation of gene expression following DNA damage particularly in cells with altered redox states.
Perceived built environment and health-related quality of life in four types of neighborhoods in Xi’an, China

Development in Chinese cities is resulting in a diversity of urban environments that may influence health. In a cross-sectional study of 1608 adults in 20 neighborhoods of Xi'an, China, we examined perceptions of neighborhoods using the NEWS-A survey and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) from the SF-12 across four types of neighborhoods: old/planned, old/unplanned, new/high density, and new/low density. Increased accessibility was significantly associated with both higher mental (range: 3.13-5.53 points) and physical (range: 2.06-3.54 points) well-being for all types of neighborhoods. In the new neighborhoods, increased perceived diversity, safety, and esthetics were significantly associated with higher physical and mental well-being. This study can help inform urban planning priorities to improve quality of life as Chinese cities develop.
Sensitivity training: an analysis of trainer intervention and group process.

This paper deals with some of the theoretical and practical considerations underlying sensitivity trainer behavior. First, goals and assumptions of sensitivity training, in contrast to those of group psychotherapy, are examined. The concept of group process is discussed with respect to sequential tasks within the group. A three-stage model of trainer interventions is developed and the matching of appropriate trainer strategies and behavior with differential phases of group development is presented.
A Wake-Only Energetics Model for Preliminary Design of Biologically Inspired Micro Air Vehicles

In this paper we demonstrate how a wake-only, coupled flapping kinematics-energetics model can be used to perform preliminary design investigations of biologically inspired Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs). The wake-only method uses the shed vortex-wake to represent the aerodynamics footprint for a given vehicle or animal. Since we only examine the wake, the analysis is low cost and compact allowing us to span large regions of the flapping-flight design space. In this paper we focus on several considerations in flapping wing MAV design, such as wing aspect ratio, wing area, flapping amplitude, and flapping frequency. We examine the effects of simplified kinematics on the energetic efficiency ofthe vehicle. Several examples are presented in the paper, including: the study of two bio-inspired MAV scales (one based on a medium sized fruit bat (C. brachyotis) and the other based on a cockatiel (N. hollandicus). In addition, we maximize the mission goals of two mock MAV missions through preliminary design analysis.
Is resistance futile? Acculturation and disadvantage theory in immigrant entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurial opportunity often has origins in demographic shifts, such as those caused by immigration, but disadvantage theory suggests that for cultural reasons, incongruence often exists between immigrants' economic aspirations, and the opportunities available in host countries. Thus, in the context of entrepreneurship, this paper investigates the acculturation strategies of immigrant entrepreneurs in their host countries and how these may manifest in entrepreneurial action. Berry's (1997) five acculturation strategies of integration, assimilation, separation/segregation, and marginalisation are considered. The paper also considers the influence of disadvantage theory and cross-vergence theory (Ralston et al., 1993a, 1993b) in strengthening and weakening the relationship between acculturation strategy and the foci of entrepreneurial ventures. Investigating the interaction between home and host country cultures, as manifest in entrepreneurial action, should provide a deeper understanding of immigrant populations' entrepreneurial experience. Implications for future research, policy, and practise are advanced and discussed.
Automatic estimation of parkinson's disease severity from diverse speech tasks.

The need for reliable, scalable and efficient diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a major clinical need. Automating the diagnosis can lead to more accurate and objective predictions as well as provide insights regarding the nature of Parkinson’s condition. This paper proposes a fully automated system to rate the severity (UPDRS-III scale) of PD from patients’ speech. Specifically, the system captures atypicalities in an individual’s voice when performing multiple diverse speaking tasks and makes a unified prediction of the PD severity. The performance is tested in a cross-data setting, with different subjects and dissimilar recording conditions. Results indicate that (i) effective features vary depending on the nature of the specific speech task, (ii) additional novel feature sets to detect distortions in Parkinson’s speech significantly improve the prediction accuracy from the Interspeech15 Challenge baseline system and (iii) our fusion system based on an unsupervised clustering technique also improves the accuracy. Our system incorporates ivector and functionals for segmental features, non-linear time series features, speech rhythm and automatic speech recognition decoding based features. By its application on the Interspeech15 eating condition challenge, the system also shows its potential for detecting other sources of speech variability.
A Comprehensive One-Pot Synthesis of Protected Cysteine and Selenocysteine SPPS Derivatives

A proof-of-principle methodology is presented in which all commercially-available cysteine (Cys) and selenocysteine (Sec) solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) derivatives are synthesized in high yield from easily prepared protected dichalcogenide precursors. A Zn-mediated biphasic reduction process applied to a series of four bis-N(α)-protected dichalcogenide compounds allows facile conversion to their corresponding thiol and selenol intermediates followed by insitu S- or Se-alkylation with various electrophiles to directly access twenty one known Cys and Sec SPPS derivatives. Most of these derivatives were able to be precipitated in crude form out of petroleum ether in sufficient purity for direct use as peptide building blocks. Subsequent incorporation of these derivatives into peptide models nicely illustrates their viability and applicability toward SPPS.
Initiation of hamster sperm motility from quiescence: effect of conditions upon flagellation and respiration.

The point within the male reproductive tract where sperm motility originates varies with mammalian species. Premotile sperm from hamster, a species whose sperm are still quiescent in the epididymis, were used here to investigate further the parameters involved in the initiation of sperm motility. Two types of motility were produced: (1) partial, weak flagellation by simple dilution; (2) strong complete motility by inducers (calcium, cyclic adenosine 3′:5′-monophosphate) in the presence of amplifiers (caffeine spermine). Expansion of initiation conditions to test tube volumes revealed that, at high sperm dilutions, bicarbonate could also induce motility. The respiratory consequences of sperm motility induction were measured. A large, short-term burst of oxygen consumption occurred at a time paralleling the previously reported shifts in nucleotide levels associated with this event.
Racial disparities in survival among patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma in the targeted therapy era.

BACKGROUND Historically, African American (AA) patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have had inferior survival compared with Caucasian patients. Recent studies suggest that the survival disparity between races may be worsening since the advent of targeted therapies for RCC. In this study, survival rates among AA and Caucasian patients with advanced RCC are examined over time to determine whether a disparity in survival persists in the targeted therapy era. METHODS The authors identified patients with stage IV RCC in the National Cancer Data Base and compared survival between AA and Caucasian patients during the periods before (1998-2004) and after (2006-2011) the advent of targeted therapy. RESULTS In total, 48,846 patients were identified, and 10% were AA. Three-year survival among both AA and Caucasian patients improved between the 2 periods (P < .01 for both), with no interaction observed between race and improved survival over time (P = .15). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for death among AAs compared with Caucasians was 1.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.19) in the post-targeted therapy era, which was unchanged from the pretargeted therapy era (adjusted HR, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.15). The adjusted HR was similar when the analysis was restricted to those who received systemic therapy. CONCLUSIONS Both AA and Caucasian patients with advanced RCC have had a significant improvement in survival since the advent of targeted therapy. However, AA patients maintain a survival disadvantage compared with Caucasians independent of treatment received, potentially related to unmeasured comorbidities, disease burden, or tumor biology. Cancer 2016;122:2988-2995. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Science to Practice: Can Focused Ultrasound Disruption of the Blood-Brain Barrier Improve Malignant Brain Tumor Treatment Outcomes?

A relatively novel combination treatment for malignant brain tumors that includes focused ultrasound has been shown to improve tumor response and treatment outcome in a preclinical mouse model.
A half-micron ferroelectric memory cell technology with stacked capacitor structure

A half-micron ferroelectric technology applicable to mega-bit non-volatile memories is reported. 10.5 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ 1transistor/1capacitor cell with a stacked capacitor structure is successfully achieved using planarization by CMP (chemical mechanical polishing), dry etching at the high temperature and TiO/sub 2/ diffusion barrier technologies. The capacitance above 50 fF is obtained at the size of 1.5 /spl mu/m/spl times/1.5 /spl mu/m, which satisfies the primary requirements for 4M NVDRAM operation. >
WIYN Open Cluster Study. LXXII. A uvbyCa Hbeta CCD Analysis of the Metal-Deficient Open Cluster, NGC 2506

Precision uvbyCa Hbeta photometry of the metal-deficient, old open cluster, NGC 2506, is presented. The survey covers an area 20 by 20 arcminutes, and extends to V~18 for b-y and Hbeta and to V~17.0 for c_1 and hk. For V < 16.0, photometric scatter among the indices leads to the recovery of 6 known variables within the cluster core and 5 new variables in the outer 5 arcmin of the survey field. Proper motions, radial velocities, and precise multicolor indices are used to isolate a highly probable sample of cluster members from the very rich color-magnitude diagram (CMD). From 257 highly probable members at the cluster turnoff, we derive a reddening estimate of E(b-y) = 0.042 +/- 0.001 (E(B-V) = 0.058 +/- 0.001), where the errors refer to the internal standard errors of the mean. [Fe/H] is derived from the A/F dwarf members using both m_1 and hk, leading to [Fe/H] = -0.296 +/- 0.011 (sem) and -0.317 +/- 0.004 (sem), respectively. The weighted average, heavily dominated by hk, is [Fe/H] = -0.316 +/- 0.033. Based upon red giant members, we place an upper limit of +/- 0.010 on the variation in the reddening across the face of the cluster. We also identify two dozen potential red giant cluster members outside the cluster core. Victoria-Regina isochrones on the Stromgren system produce an excellent match to the cluster for an apparent modulus of (m-M) = 12.75 +/- 0.1 and an age of 1.85 +/- 0.05 Gyr.
How We Think and Learn: Theoretical Perspectives and Practical Implications

Written in a conversational and engaging manner, How We Think and Learn introduces readers to basic principles and research findings regarding human cognition and memory. It also highlights and debunks twenty-eight common misconceptions about thinking, learning, and the brain. Interspersed throughout the book are many short do-it-yourself exercises in which readers can observe key principles in their own thinking and learning. All ten chapters end with concrete recommendations - both for readers' own learning and for teaching and working effectively with others. As an accomplished researcher and writer, Jeanne Ellis Ormrod gives us a book that is not only highly informative but also a delight to read.
Large mammal and tortoise bones from Elands Bay Cave (South Africa): implications for Later Stone Age environment and ecology

Elands Bay Cave has provided abundant large mammal and angulate tortoise bones from three Later Stone Age occupational pulses, bracketed by radiocarbon between 13 600 and 7800 b.p., 4300 and 3100 b.p., and 1800 and 300 b.p. (the radiocarbon ages here and below are uncalibrated). The mammal bones come from thirty-four species as large or larger than the Cape dune molerat. Fur seals, steenbok/grysbok, and molerat dominate heavily. Other species occur mainly as traces, especially in deposits postdating 9600 b.p. Fur seal bones appear first in layers dated to about 11 000 b.p., where together with intertidal shells, they record the post-glacial rise in sea level that brought the coastline to approximately its current position about 1400 years later. The terrestrial mammals record a change from moister, grassier surroundings before about 9600 b.p. to drier, scrubbier ones afterwards. Deposits dated between 12 000 and 10 000 b.p. document the youngest known occurrence of the large, extinct Cape zebra. Median tortoise size suggests that local human collectors were most numerous about 10 000 b.p., coincident with the time when the density of occupational debris implies especially intensive human use of the cave. Average fur seal age suggests people were present mainly in the August–October interval when dead or exhausted 9–11 month old seals would have been especially abundant on the nearby shore.
Abstract 399: Deficiency of Angiotensin Type 1a Receptors in Adipocytes Increases Fat Mass in Angiotensin II-Infused LDLR-Deficient Mice but Has No Effect on Vascular Pathologies

Objectives: Angiotensin II (AngII) promotes atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) through the angiotensin type 1a receptor (AT1aR). However, the cell type mediating these effects has not been defined. Adipose tissue surrounding the aorta may influence the inflammatory milieu within the vessel wall and thus contribute to disease progression. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adipocyte-AT1aR deficiency on development of AngII and diet-induced vascular pathologies in low density lipoprotein receptor deficient (LDLR-/-) mice. Methods and results: LDLR -/- mice with adipocyte-AT1aR deficiency (AT1aRaP2, n = 21) and littermates (AT1aRfl/fl, n=17) were fed a high-fat diet (HF, 42% kcal fat; 0.15 cholesterol) for 1 week prior to, and throughout, 28 days of AngII infusion (1,000 ng/kg/min). Adipocyte-AT1aR deficiency had no effect on AAA incidence (external diameter of aorta; AT1aRfl/fl 1.4±0.1 vs. AT1aRaP2 1.5±0.1 mm, p=0.41) and atherosclerotic lesion areas in the aortic arch (AT1aRfl/fl 7.1±0.8 vs. AT1aRaP2 8.3+0.8% lesion area, p=0.49). Serum cholesterol (AT1aRfl/fl 1981±109 vs. AT1aRaP2 2044±85 mg/dL, p=0.65) and triglyceride (AT1aRfl/fl 450±31 vs. AT1aRaP2 496±33 mg/dL, p=0.32) concentrations were also unaffected by adipocyte-AT1aR deficiency. Interestingly, body weight was significantly increased in AngII-infused AT1aRaP2 mice (AT1aRfl/fl 26.8±0.5 vs. AT1aRaP2 28.0±0.5 g, p=0.013 for interaction between genotype and time), due to increases in adipose mass (retroperitoneal fat; AT1aRfl/fl 0.26±0.03 vs. AT1aRaP2 0.36±0.02 g, p=0.017). Mice fed the HF diet for 3 months without AngII infusion did not exhibit any changes in atherosclerotic lesion area in the aortic arch (AT1aRfl/fl 14.3±1% vs. AT1aRaP2 11.7±1%, p=0.14). Conclusions: Adipocyte-AT1aR deficiency has no effect on development of diet- or AngII-induced atherosclerosis or AAAs in hypercholesterolemic mice. Interestingly, body weight and fat mass were increased in AngII-infused adipocyte AT1aR deficient mice. Future studies will elucidate the mechanisms through which AngII regulates body weight and fat mass under these conditions.
The scatter, residual correlations and curvature of the sparc baryonic Tully–Fisher relation

In recent work, Lelli et al. (2016) argue that the tightness of the baryonic Tully-Fisher relation (BTFR) of the SPARC galaxy sample, and the weakness of the correlation of its residuals with effective radius, pose challenges to LCDM cosmology. In this Letter we calculate the statistical significance of these results in the framework of halo abundance matching, which imposes a canonical galaxy-halo connection. Taking full account of sample variance among SPARC-like realisations of the parent halo population, we find the scatter in the predicted BTFR to be 3.6 sigma too high, but the correlation of its residuals with galaxy size to be naturally weak. Further, we find abundance matching to generate BTFR curvature in 3.0 sigma disagreement with the data, and a fraction of galaxies with non-flat rotation curves somewhat larger than observed.
Champion of Change: Linda Darling-Hammond

Champion of Change: Linda Darling-Hammond reminds us that Dewey’s educational influence is not always spoken about in the context of the overarching themes of those who have constantly been battling for influence, if not control, of the American curriculum .
Serotonin Implicated in the Etiology of Seasonal Affective Disorder with Carbohydrate Craving

Seasonal affective disorder syndrome (SADS), a variant of atypical depression, is characterized by both affective and appetitive disturbances. Each fall these patients experience depressed mood, decreased energy, lowered interest, difficulty concentrating, and hypersomnia; moreover, they display increased appetite, carbohydrate craving, and weight gain. In spring time, with increasing day length, these symptoms abate, and the patients feel better and become hypomanic (Rosenthal et al. 1984).
Loss of Full-Length GATA1 Expression in Megakaryocytes Is a Sensitive and Specific Immunohistochemical Marker for the Diagnosis of Myeloid Proliferative Disorder Related to Down Syndrome.

Objectives Myeloid proliferative disorders associated with Down syndrome (MPD-DS), including transient abnormal myelopoiesis and myeloid leukemia associated with Down syndrome (DS), harbor mutations of GATA1, a transcription factor essential for erythroid and megakaryocytic development. These mutations result in a N-terminally truncated GATA1 (GATA1s) and prohibit the production of the full-length GATA1 (GATA1f). Here, we demonstrate the utility of immunohistochemical GATA1f reactivity in diagnosing MPD-DS. Methods Immunohistochemical studies for GATA1f expression were performed on bone marrow biopsy specimens. Results In all cases of MPD-DS, megakaryocytes lacked GATA1f expression. In contrast, GATA1f expression was detected in megakaryocytes in all specimen types from patients without DS (normal bone marrows, pediatric myelodysplastic syndrome, juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, adult acute megakaryocytic leukemia [pediatric and adult; without trisomy 2]), as well as normal bone marrows from patients with DS. Conclusions The lack of GATA1f expression is a sensitive and specific immunohistochemical marker for MPD-DS.
Increased Bufflehead ( Bucephala albeola ) Breeding Activity in Minnesota

Buffleheads ( Bucephala albeola ) predominantly nest in the boreal forests and aspen parklands of Canada and Alaska. Historically, Buffleheads were common migrants but not summer residents in Minnesota. However, recent observations in Minnesota and surrounding states suggest increased breeding activity in the region. In 1978, the first Bufflehead brood in Minnesota was recorded at East Park Wildlife Management Area. Annually, Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) has conducted pair and brood surveys, with species-specific records available from 1990 to 2014. We report an increase in numbers of Bufflehead breeding pairs and broods at Agassiz NWR and new pair observations in surrounding areas.
Comorbidity of Conduct and Depressive Problems at Sixth Grade: Substance Use Outcomes Across Adolescence

The comorbidity of conduct and depressive problems and substance use outcomes were examined in a community-based sample of 340 African American males and females. Alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use were examined at Grades 6, 8, and 10 based on the following group membership at sixth grade: (a) comorbid conduct and depressive problems; (b) conduct problems only; (c) depressive problems only; (d) neither conduct nor depressive problems. Overall, the two conduct problem groups displayed the highest levels of substance use, although at some time points, comorbid youth displayed significant higher substance use levels. Subjects with depressive problems only displayed levels of substance use that were equivalent to subjects in the nonproblem group. Results highlight the importance of controlling for comorbid symptoms, possible interactive effects between conduct and depressive problems, and implications for treatment and prevention of substance use.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon and Sjögren’s Syndrome

In 1862, Maurice Raynaud published his medical school thesis in which he argued that some people have transient digital ischemia when exposed to cold temperatures. It is now recognized that skin blood flow in humans provides an important mechanism for normal thermoregulation. In fact, a normal response to cold exposure is vasoconstriction of the cutaneous blood vessels, leading to a decrease in heat loss from the body and protection against hypothermia [1].
Social Neuroscience of the Twenty-First Century

Social species are so characterized because they form organizations that extend beyond the individual. The goal of social neuroscience is to investigate the biological mechanisms that underlie these social structures, processes, and behaviors and the influences between social and neural structures and processes. Such an endeavor is challenging because it necessitates the integration of multiple levels. Mapping across systems and levels (from genome to social groups and cultures) requires interdisciplinary expertise, comparative studies, innovative methods, and integrative conceptual analysis.
Mutations in spliceosome genes and therapeutic opportunities in myeloid malignancies.

Since the discovery of RNA splicing more than 40 years ago, our comprehension of the molecular events orchestrating constitutive and alternative splicing has greatly improved. Dysregulation of pre-mRNA splicing has been observed in many human diseases including neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The recent identification of frequent somatic mutations in core components of the spliceosome in myeloid malignancies and functional analysis using model systems has advanced our knowledge of how splicing alterations contribute to disease pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize our current understanding on the mechanisms of how mutant splicing factors impact splicing and the resulting functional and pathophysiological consequences. We also review recent advances to develop novel therapeutic approaches targeting splicing catalysis and splicing regulatory proteins, and discuss emerging technologies using oligonucleotide-based therapies to modulate pathogenically spliced isoforms.
Development and Validation of an Algorithm to Identify Endometrial Adenocarcinoma in US Administrative Claims Data.

Background. Endometrial adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent type of endometrial cancer. Diagnostic codes to identify endometrial adenocarcinoma in administrative databases, however, have not been validated. Objective. To develop and validate an algorithm for identifying the occurrence of endometrial adenocarcinoma in a health insurance claims database. Methods. To identify potential cases among women in the HealthCore Integrated Research Database (HIRD), published literature and medical consultation were used to develop an algorithm. The algorithm criteria were at least one inpatient diagnosis or at least two outpatient diagnoses of uterine cancer (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) 182.xx) between 1 January 2010 and 31 August 2014. Among women fulfilling these criteria, we obtained medical records and two clinical experts reviewed and adjudicated case status to determine a diagnosis. We then estimated the positive predictive value (PPV) of the algorithm. Results. The PPV estimate was 90.8% (95% CI 86.9–93.6), based on 330 potential cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma. Women who fulfilled the algorithm but who, after review of medical records, were found not to have endometrial adenocarcinoma, had diagnoses such as uterine sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterus, endometrial stromal sarcoma, ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, leiomyosarcoma, or colon cancer. Conclusions. An algorithm comprising one inpatient or two outpatient ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes for endometrial adenocarcinoma had a high PPV. The results indicate that claims databases can be used to reliably identify cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma in studies seeking a high PPV.