cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MYC is a critical target of FBXW7

// Mai Sato 1,2 , Ruth Rodriguez-Barrueco 2,5 , Jiyang Yu 3 , Catherine Do 2 , Jose M. Silva 1,2,5 and Jean Gautier 2,4 1 Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, USA 2 Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, USA 3 Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, USA 4 Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, USA 5 Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA Correspondence: Jean Gautier, email: // Keywords : MYC, FBXW7, synthetic lethality, CDC45, MCF10A Received : November 13, 2014 Accepted : December 18, 2014 Published : December 26, 2014 Abstract MYC deregulation is a driver of many human cancers. Altering the balance of MYC protein levels at the level of transcription, protein stability, or turnover is sufficient to transform cells to a tumorigenic phenotype. While direct targeting of MYC is difficult, specific genetic vulnerabilities of MYC-deregulated cells could be exploited to selectively inhibit their growth. Using a genome-wide shRNA screen, we identified 78 candidate genes, which are required for survival of human mammary epithelial cells with elevated MYC levels. Among the candidates, we validated and characterized FBXW7, a component of the SCF-like ubiquitin ligase complex that targets MYC for proteasomal degradation. Down-regulation of FBXW7 leads to synergistic accumulation of cellular and active chromatin-bound MYC, while protein levels of other FBXW7 targets appear unaffected. Over a four-week time course, continuous FBXW7 down-regulation and MYC activation together cause an accumulation of cells in S-phase and G2/M-phase of the cell cycle. Under these conditions, we also observe elevated chromatin-bound levels of CDC45, suggesting increased DNA replication stress. Consistent with these results, FBXW7 down-regulation alone decreases the survival of T47D breast cancer cells. These results establish that FBXW7 down-regulation is synthetic lethal with MYC, and that MYC is a critical target of FBXW7 in breast epithelial cells.
The Effects of Prolonged Administration of 5-Bromodeoxyuridine on Cells of the Immune System

We have determined the in vivo effect of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) administered to mice in the drinking water for various lengths of time on the performance of T and B lymphocytes in a number of experimental protocols. Young mice continuously exposed to BrdU fail to gain weight, and the lymphocytes recovered after a prolonged period of exposure are fewer in number than in control mice. The recovery of normal levels of T and B lymphocytes after irradiation is severely impaired. Ag-specific cells responding to Ag in an adoptive transfer model fail to expand as much in the presence of BrdU as in the absence, and the Ag-specific effectors produced in the presence of BrdU are less able to secrete cytokines upon restimulation in vitro. Polarized populations of Tc1 and Tc2 effectors generated in vitro proliferate less in the presence of BrdU, and the resulting effectors make less cytokines per cell upon restimulation. Thus, the incorporation of BrdU into T or B lymphocytes can, under some circumstances, seriously impair the performance of the labeled cells, and these findings raise a note of caution in the interpretation of studies that make use of long-term exposure to BrdU.
Experiencing real-world projects through team-based courses

Students of Software Engineering courses need real project experience in academia before entering the software industry. To address this need, a t wo-course sequence at Mansfield University has been designed to offer students "hands-on" experience. Students are placed into teams consisting four to six people and are required to assume certain roles. Students work from Project Planning to Conceptual Design in the first course and Detail Design to System Deployment in the second course. Students learn valuable lessons from these courses including team communication, scheduling, technical writing, and teamwork. Professional document preparation and team communication is stressed throughout the courses. We feel that the students are better prepared for the demands of the software industry as a result of taking these courses.
A descriptive evaluation of warfarin use in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Abstract Introduction Although warfarin is often recommended for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) management to mitigate thrombotic risk and improve survival, limited information exists to guide anticoagulation therapy. The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast warfarin therapy monitoring requirements and outcomes in patients with PAH and atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving long-term anticoagulation. Materials and Methods Patients initiated on warfarin for PAH between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2008 were matched by warfarin initiation date (± 90 days), age (± 5 years), chronic disease score (± 1 points), and sex to patients initiated for AF. The primary study endpoint was frequency of INR monitoring per 30 days of observation. Secondary endpoints included indicators of INR control and warfarin-related adverse events. Results and Conclusion A total of 84 patients were included - 18 and 66 in the PAH and AF groups, respectively. Patients with PAH had a higher median rate of INR measurements per 30 days compared to patients with AF (median = 2.0, interquartile range [IQR] = 1.5 – 2.3 vs. median = 1.6, IQR = 1.3 – 2.0, p = 0.046). There were no differences between groups with respect to percent of INR measurements in range, overall time in therapeutic range (TTR), or warfarin-related adverse events (all p > 0.05). Study results suggest that patients with PAH may be more difficult to manage as seen through more frequent INR monitoring. Potential management difficulties did not translate to a lower performance on indicators of INR control or increased risk of warfarin-related adverse events.
Regenerating the brain.

Publisher Summary Recent discoveries related to adult neurogenesis suggest that the long-sought goal of regenerating injured adult brain tissue may be achievable in principle. A variety of human neurological diseases and rodent models of these diseases—including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—are associated with an increase in the brain's neuroproliferative capacity. In some cases, growth factors or drugs can enhance this capacity further. Therefore, therapeutic manipulation of endogenous neurogenesis may be feasible. In addition to its potential clinical utility, the study of injury-induced adult neurogenesis reveals mechanisms of neuronal proliferation, migration, and differentiation that may also operate during normal development. A substantial body of evidence indicates that cerebral injury of several types can stimulate neurogenesis in the adult brain. The most compelling outstanding issue regarding the potential clinical importance of this phenomenon is to determine if it can generate functional neurons that contribute to enhanced recovery.
An overview of a system for automatic generation of file conversion programs

This paper describes a processor which automatically produces file conversion programs based on non-procedural user specification. The processor accepts, as input, descriptions of a source file and a desired target file with some auxiliary descriptions of associations between the two. This is specified by a user in a Data Description Language (DDL). To specify validation criteria, complex conversions not built in to the system, security criteria or summary processes, the system also accepts specifications in a Data Manipulation Language (DML). It produces, as an output, a conversion program in PL/1 capable of converting the described source file into the desired target file. The paper describes the structure, system design, capabilities and applications of the DDL/DML language and processor, including an illustrative example.
Sodium butyrate stimulates NHE8 expression via its role on activating NHE8 basal promoter activity

Butyrate is a major metabolite in colonic lumen. It is produced from bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber. Butyrate has been shown to stimulate electroneutral sodium absorption through its regulation on sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3). Although NHE8, the newest addition of intestinal NHE family, is involved in sodium absorption in the intestinal tract, whether butyrate modulates NHE8 expression in the intestinal epithelial cells is not known. In the current study, we showed that butyrate treatment strongly induced NHE8 protein and NHE8 mRNA expression in human intestinal epithelial cells. Transfection with the human NHE8 promoter reporter constructs showed that butyrate treatment stimulated reporter gene expression at an amount comparable with its stimulation of NHE8 mRNA expression. Interestingly, a similar result was also observed in human NHE8 promoter transfected cells after trichostatin (TSA) treatment. Gel mobility shift assay identified an enhanced Sp3 protein binding on the human NHE8 basal promoter region upon butyrate stimulation. Furthermore, Sp3 acetylation modification is involved in butyrate-mediated NHE8 activation in Caco-2 cells. Our findings suggest that the mechanism of butyrate action on NHE8 expression involves enhanced Sp3 interaction at the basal promoter region of the human NHE8 gene promoter to activate NHE8 gene transcription. Thus butyrate is involved in intestinal regulation of NHE8 resulting enhanced sodium absorption.
Developing Pediatric Emergency Preparedness Performance Measures

The most obvious deficiency in the current evaluation of disaster response is the lack of objective, quantifiable measures of performance. This frequently leads to assessments that are highly subjective depending on the evaluator, does not provide those who are planning with targets to achieve, and does not allow for measures that they have improved their preparedness. The goal of this article is to offer recommendations for government agencies at the federal, regional, and local levels, public health departments, and health care institutions to aid in the development of pediatric emergency management performance measures. This will be achieved through the application of traditional quality principles to the assessment of emergency management efforts and to the use of innovative analytic methodologies to develop comprehensive approaches to performance measurement in emergency management.
Bat response to prescribed fire and overstory thinning in hardwood forest on the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee

Abstract Across the Southeastern U.S., including the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee, prescribed fire and overstory thinning are being used to restore areas of closed-canopy hardwood forest to open woodland and savanna. We used acoustic recording of bat echolocation call sequences to examine bat activity (relative use of an area for foraging) in hardwood forest stands subject to 4 prescribed fire and residual basal area treatments (spring prescribed fire with woodland [SpW] and savanna [SpS] residual basal areas, and fall prescribed fire with woodland [FaW] and savanna [FaS]) basal areas, as well as untreated controls, during summer of 2013 and 2014. When possible, we classified recorded echolocation call sequences to species using automated identification software (Sonobat™ 3.1.4, SonoBat™ Inc., Arcata, California). To minimize errors in species classification of recorded bat passes, we combined similar species in groups based on call characteristics prior to conducting analyses. Total bat activity (P ⩽ 0.001), as well as LABO/NYHU (eastern red bat [Lasiurus borealis] and evening bat [Nycticeius humeralis]; P = 0.001), EPFU/LANO (big brown bat [Eptesicus fuscus] and silver-haired bat [Lasionycteris noctivagans]; P ⩽ 0.001), PESU (tricolored bat [Perimyotis subflavus]; P = 0.001), and LACI (hoary bat [Lasiurus cinereus]; P = 0.005) activity was generally higher in SpS and FaS stands, where overstory basal area was lower, than in control, SpW, and FaW stands, where overstory basal area was higher (P ⩽ 0.001). Our results suggest these treatments reduce clutter (physical obstructions to flight and foraging including foliage, branches, and stems), leading to improved foraging conditions for bats, particularly larger bodied species with lower call frequencies that are adapted to fly and forage in open conditions. We found no evidence nocturnal flying insect prey abundance or biomass influenced activity of bats in treatment stands, indicating clutter is more important than prey availability in determining habitat use by bats in this system. Our study provides support for continued use of prescribed fire and overstory thinning to restore hardwood forest to woodland and savanna and as a strategy to maintain and enhance habitat for forest bats in the Southeastern U.S.
Parameterization of Infrared Radiative Transfer in Cloudy Atmospheres

Abstract Parameterization of the transfer of infrared fluxes is developed for an atmosphere containing nonblack and semi-transparent clouds. The concept of parameterization makes use of the predetermined broadband cloud emissivity, transmissivity and reflectivity as functions of the cloud liquid water/ice content. In conjunction with the cloud radiative properties, broadband emissivities for water vapor, carbon dioxide and ozone are derived from band parameters in which the effects of pressure and temperature on absorption are accounted for in the path length based on a number of physical adjustments. Infrared cooling rates computed from the parameterized broadband model for clear and cirrus cloudy atmospheres show close agreement with those obtained from a more sophisticated band-by-band model with accuracy within about 0.2°C day−1.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Financial Literacy Curriculum for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Financial literacy programs are quickly gaining in popularity around the globe. A relatively new target group is survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), an economically vulnerable group for whom resource acquisition is related to personal safety and well-being. This study is a randomized controlled trial of a financial literacy curriculum designed for and delivered to a sample of 300 IPV survivors from 14 agencies in seven US states and Puerto Rico. Findings, based on difference-in-difference analyses and OLS regression models, indicate a strong effect of the curriculum on self-reported financial knowledge and behaviors and support the expansion of similar programs for survivors.
Using Videoconferencing to Deliver Individual Therapy and Pediatric Psychology Interventions with Children and Adolescents

Abstract Background: Because of the widening access gap between need for individual and pediatric psychology services and child specialist availability, secure videoconferencing options are more needed than ever to address access challenges across underserved settings. Methods: The authors summarize real-time videoconferencing evidence to date across individual therapy with children and pediatric psychology interventions using videoconferencing. The authors summarize emerging guidelines that inform best practices for individual child therapy over videoconferencing. Results: The authors present three case examples to illustrate best practices. The first behavioral pediatrics case summarizes evidence-based approaches in treating a rural young adolescent with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and hearing impairment. The second pediatric psychology case describes similarities and difference between on-site and videoconferencing services in treating a rural c...
Evolution of the Action Potential

Rapid signaling in the nervous system relies upon generation of action potentials (APs). In order to fire APs, neurons differentiate electrically excitable membrane properties. Study of many neurons indicates that electrical excitability is one of the earliest differentiated properties expressed by embryonic neurons. Further, electrical excitability is dynamically regulated during a neuron’s lifetime, both as part of normal development as well as in response to activity. Because many different types of ion channel are involved in AP generation, regulation can simultaneously target many different proteins. In addition, regulation can occur simultaneously at multiple levels (e.g., transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, post-translational). Here, we review the molecular bases for developmental regulation of APs.
Ethical Considerations in the Cyber Domain

Cybersecurity is a dynamic and ever-changing field. In today’s information intensive environment, cyber-related incidents such as online fraud, cybercrime, cyber terrorism, and cyber espionage are on the rise. Our national security, personal safety, and economic health are at risk because of our dependence on cyber technologies. Threats from the cyber domain can include hacking, white collar crime, fraud, identity theft or stealing proprietary information. The perpetrators exist on a continuum (basic hackers, organized cybercrime groups, terrorists and even well-funded nation state actors). Recently, we have seen a proliferation of Internet-connected devices such as automobiles, set-top boxes, home appliances, and energy consuming devices on a smart-grid. This proliferation is projected to continue as we move towards the Internet of Everything. This will only serve to increase the number of entry point that the adversaries can exploit.
Policies and Authorities Shaping U.S. Military Engagement in East and the Horn of Africa

Over the last decade, the U.S. military has increased its investments in building partner nation capacity, promoting security cooperation, and providing security force assistance throughout East and the Horn of Africa. A complex web of strategic guidance and legal authorities emanating from Washington, DC guides the work of U.S. military commanders working in the region. This paper will incorporate legal sociology and social anthropology theories and literature on U.S. military uses of existing authorities in an analysis of the potential discord in authorities and statues for U.S. military activities and engagements in East and the Horn of Africa region. Drawing on qualitative research methods, the researchers explored the policy mechanisms that enable the U.S. military to make human security investments, counter terrorist threats, and build military capabilities of East and Horn of African partner countries.
Thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas: epidemiology, diagnosis, and management

Inappropriate secretion of TSH was first described in 1960 in a patient with evidence of hyperthyroidism and expanded sella on imaging. It was later found that a type of pituitary adenoma that secretes TSH (thyrotropinoma) was the underlying cause. The objective of the present review article is to summarize data on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of thyrotropinomas. The prevalence of thyrotropinomas is lower than that of other pituitary adenomas. Early diagnosis is now possible thanks to the availability of magnetic resonance imaging and sensitive laboratory assays. As a corollary, many patients now present earlier in the course of their disease and have smaller tumors at the time of diagnosis. Treatment also has evolved over time. Transsphenoidal surgery is still considered definitive therapy. Meanwhile, radiation therapy, including radiosurgery, is effective in achieving tumor control in the majority of patients. In the past, radiation therapy was used as second line treatment in patients with residual or recurrent tumor after surgery. However, the availability of somatostatin analogs, which can lead to normalization of thyroid function as well as shrink these tumors, has led to an increase in the role of medical therapy in patients who are not in remission after pituitary surgery. In addition, dopamine agonists have shown some efficacy in the management of these tumors. Better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of thyrotropinomas may lead to rationally designed therapies for patients with thyrotropinomas.
Fluidized Bed Air Gasification Using Low Heating Value Sand-Bedded Dairy Manure and Sludge Pellets

Solid manure handling is a major environmental issue confronting animal facilities in the United States. One difficulty in using dairy manure as a fuel source is the presence of sand bedding used for lactating dairy cows. More than 30% of dairy farms use sand beds for a dry and clean environment that prevents bacterial growth [1]. In this study, dairy animal manure obtained directly from waste lagoons was used for the air gasification process. The manure was dried to reduce the moisture down to 5% and a sand separating system was designed to remove some sand bedding materials. Preliminary air gasification experiments showed that the direct use of dairy manure containing 75% ash content, that reflect high sand content, reduced the temperature of the reactor. The study is also aimed at handling unprocessed dairy manure and generating electric power for the on-site use. A high heating value manure is needed to run the gasifier and the produced synthesis gas (or syngas) is fed to an engine coupled with a generator. Some dairy manure gasification work were done using fresh dairy manure. The highest heating value from the dairy manure biomass was found to be 4.5MJ/kg in a fixed-bed gasifier [2]. Another gasification study using a fluidized-bed reactor could produce syngas heating value as high as 4.7MJ/m3 from dairy manure [3]. A bench-scale fluidized bed containing a 3-inch diameter reactor tube with a cyclone and a scrubber was used to gasify dairy manure using air at different temperatures. The sand separated dairy manure used in this study contained approximately 45% ash content. The maximum heating value of the synthesis gas was 3.8MJ/m3 at an operating temperature of 750°C. The syngas will need to be upgraded. To upgrade the synthesis gas heating value, sludge pellets of 18.7MJ/kg were mixed with the dairy manure in different ratios of 10% and 30%. The syngas heating values from mixed manure with sludge pellet were increased to 5MJ/m3 with 10% sludge, and 5.7MJ/m3 with 30% sludge. The sludge used has higher heating value resulting in higher gas HV. The cold gasification efficiency was achieved as high as 36±5% with dairy manure mixed with sludge pellet. At a higher operating temperature, higher efficiency was obtained with increased gas composition of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This syngas may then be used for power generation as well as possible input gas for the Fisher Tropsch process for liquid biofuel production. The result of the experiments will be a cornerstone for the widespread application of low heating value animal waste for producing high heating value syngas that may be used for electric power generation as a result of various upgrading processes.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Low frequency (74 MHz) radio continuum observations of the inner 13&° - 7° of the Galactic center

We analyze a high resolution (114″ × 60″) 74 MHz image of the Galactic center taken with the Very Large Array (VLA). We have identified several absorption and emission features in this region, and we discuss preliminary results of two Galactic center sources: the Sgr D complex (G1.1–0.1) and the Galactic center lobe (GCL).The 74 MHz image displays the thermal and nonthermal components of Sgr D and we argue the Sgr D supernova remnant (SNR) is consistent with an interaction with a nearby molecular cloud and the location of the Sgr D Hii region on the near side of the Galactic center. The image also suggests that the emission from the eastern side of the GCL contains a mixture of both thermal and nonthermal sources, whereas the western side is primarily thermal.
Telluroether to Telluroxide Conversion in the Coordination Sphere of a Metal: Oxidation-Induced Umpolung of a Te–Au Bond

While Ph2Te is oxidized into Ph2TeCl2 in the presence of (tht)AuCl (tht = tetrahydrothiophene), reaction of (o-(Ph2P)C6H4)2Te (LTeP2) with the same gold reagent affords the complex LTeP2AuCl (1). Upon reaction with Ph3P, this complex is converted into [LTeP2AuPPh3][Cl] ([2][Cl]). Complex 1 also reacts with H2O2 to afford the telluroxide gold chloride complex (o-(Ph2P)C6H4)2Te(═O)AuCl (3). The three new complexes have been fully characterized. Their crystal structures indicate the presence of a Te–Au bond with lengths of 2.874(4), 2.937(2), and 2.9864(5) A, for 1, [2][Cl], and 3, respectively. Natural bond orbital analysis shows that oxidation of 1 into 3 results in an umpolung of the Te–Au bond which switches from Te→Au in 1 to Te←Au in 3. These results show that the telluroxide moiety of 3 acts as a Z-type ligand.
Improved metastatic uterine papillary serous cancer outcome with treatment of mast cell activation syndrome.

A 71-year-old woman not on hormone replacement therapy presented with uterine bleeding. Dilation and curettage revealed complex hyperplasia with atypia, focal clear-cell features, and endocervicitis. Endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma was suspected.
Crystal retention by injured urothelium of the rat urinary bladder.

AbstractInjuries caused by hydrochloric acid or Triton X 100 application to the rat bladder urothelium, and the effects on calcium oxalate crystal retention, were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Damage due to either compound resulted in desquamation of urothelial cells. The crystals appeared to be retained by a fibrillar material, some of which was identified as fibrin. Heparin treatment of injured urothelium was found to prevent crystal retention.
A Transformative Mixed Methods Assessment of Educational Access and Opportunity for Undocumented College Students in the Southeastern United States

The Southeastern United States is home to one of the most culturally resistant arenas for undocumented immigrant students to pursue postsecondary education. Using a transformative mixed methods app...
Confession and Redemptive Forgetting in Spenser’s Legend of Holiness: Memories of Sin, Memories of Salvation

In his letter to Spenser, “A Pleasant and Pitthy Familiar discourse, of the Earthquake in Aprill last” (1580), Gabriel Harvey makes an unexpected allusion to John the Baptist’s command to “[r]epent: for the kingdome of heauen is at hand” (Matt. 3: 2). Discussing the possible causes of earthquakes, Harvey dismisses those who hastily ascribe divine causes to natural disasters as ignorant and uneducated. According to Harvey, this presumptuous belief is grounded only vpon these two weake and deceitfull groundes, Credulitie and Ignoraunce: if so be inwardly (not onely in Externall shewe, after an Hypocriticall and Pharisaicall manner) it certainly doo vs good for our reformation, and amendment, and seeme to preache vnto vs, Pœnitentiam agite (as in some respect euery suche straunge and rare Accident may seeme:) how Ordinarie, and Naturall so euer the Cause shall appeare otherwise to the best learned. (617–18)
Management of Hypertension in Patients With Mild to Moderate Aortic Stenosis: Navigating the SEAS.

The treatment of hypertension has been the subject of intense interest and debate over the last several years. Although a "lower is better strategy" has been adopted in clinical practice for many but not all patient cohorts, the boundary conditions for blood pressure treatment have not been rigorously established by clinical trials involving middle-aged and older adults with hypertension and other pre-specified cardiovascular (CV) disorders, such as acute coronary syndromes (ACS), heart failure and valvular heart disease (VHD). Concern remains that a J- or U-curve association between blood pressure and outcomes pertains among vulnerable patients with impaired coronary flow reserve and/or myocardial dysfunction. Excessive lowering of the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) may result in critical reductions in coronary perfusion pressure below the autoregulatory limit and render the heart ischemic, especially when myocardial oxygen demand is increased. Nevertheless, the evidence base is not uniformly consistent and issues such as confounding and reverse causality have been invoked to explain the observations made in some but not all trials. The deleterious effects of significantly elevated systolic (SBP) and/or DBP, however, across essentially all patient populations are not in question.
Technique of Pronator Teres Rerouting in Pediatric Patients With Spastic Hemiparesis

Children with spastic hemiparesis can present with forearm pronation deformities that can greatly impair function. In the appropriate setting, pronator teres rerouting can provide active supination while preserving active pronation, which may improve function in these patients. Patient selection is imperative for the success of this procedure because, in the wrong setting, pronator teres rerouting can lead to fixed supination deformity that may actually worsen position and function in these patients.
Surface trapping effects observed in AlGaN/GaN HFETs and heterostructures

We have observed very slow surface potential transients in AlGaN/GaN HFETs induced by high drain and gate bias stresses. The surface potential has been observed to change as much as 2.5 V near the gate. It is proposed that the change in surface potential is caused by electrons that tunnel from the gate and get trapped at the surface states. The increase in the net negative charge at the surface raises the surface barrier, which in turn reduces the 2DEG concentration. Simultaneous measurements of surface electrostatic potential and drain current indicate that the transients have similar transient responses and are therefore related. A spatial map of the surface potential change after stress with respect to time shows that maximum changes occur close to the gate. Exposure to UV laser light completely eliminates the transients, while large reduction in transient magnitude has been observed for devices passivated with SiN/sub x/. Contrary to the gate and drain stress, UV laser exposure of AlGaN/GaN heterostructure samples has been observed to reduce the surface barrier, which slowly increases following a stretched exponential type transient after the laser is switched off. Such an observation is explained by the creation of electron-hole pairs, which decrease the net charge dipole across the AlGaN barrier and lower the barrier. The transient response is modeled by thermionic emission of electrons from the interface, which recombine with the holes trapped at the surface.
Joint Design and Separation Principle for Opportunistic Spectrum Access

This paper develops optimal strategy for opportunistic spectrum access (OSA) by integrating the design of spectrum sensor at the physical layer with that of spectrum sensing and access policies at the medium access control (MAC) layer. The design objective is to maximize the throughput of secondary users while limiting their probability of colliding with primary users. By exploiting the rich structures of the problem, we establish a separation principle: the design of spectrum sensor and access policy can be decoupled from that of sensing policy without losing optimality. This separation principle enables us to obtain closed- form optimal sensor operating characteristic and access policy, leading to significant complexity reduction. It also allows us to study the inherent interaction between spectrum sensor and access policy and the tradeoff between false alarm and miss detection in opportunity identification.
Comparative genomic expression signatures of signal transduction pathways and targets in paediatric Burkitt lymphoma: a Children's Oncology Group report

Summary Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is the most common histological subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in children and adolescents. Through the introduction of short intensive multi-agent chemoimmunotherapy, survival has improved significantly over the past 30 years. However, this successful approach is limited by significant chemotherapy-induced acute toxicity and risk of developing resistant disease, demonstrating the need to identify less toxic and targeted therapies. We analysed the comparative genomic signature and targetable signalling pathways in paediatric BL (PEBL) samples from the Children's Oncology Group study (ANHL01P1) by genomic profiling and selected genes were confirmed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. These results were compared to PEBL samples from public databases and utilised the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) Series (GSE) 10172 and 4475 (n = 16), and 4732 (n = 15). Three hundred and seventy-six genes (approximately 25%) were similarly expressed among three PEBL sample groups. Several target genes in Toll-like receptor signalling, JAK-STAT signalling and MAPK signalling were significantly overexpressed in PEBL. In addition, several tyrosine kinases, including Bruton tyrosine kinase, protein tyrosine phosphatase and histone deacetylase inhibitor were highly expressed in PEBL. These pre-clinical results suggest that specific signal transduction pathways are overly expressed in PEBL and several pathways could serve as potential future therapeutic targets.
Paleontological Note: Cenozoic Vertebrates from the Gulf Coastal Plain-I

This report notes two small marine Tertiary vertebrae faunas from east-central Mississippi including the first reported Oligocene sirenian from the southeast. Also reported is the second occurrence of a Middle Eocene sirenian from southwestern Alabama.
Nonsuicidal self-injury: Increased prevalence in engagement

While some suggest nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is increasing, very little has been done systematically to explore this possibility. The current study employed three cohorts of freshman (total N = 949) from the same university across a period of 7 years to explore engagement in NSSI. Related intrapersonal factors were also examined. NSSI lifetime and current engagement use drastically increased across the three cohorts. Anxiety followed a similar trajectory as NSSI behaviors as increasing in reported levels, while depression and coping behaviors did not. Implications of these trends are discussed.
Small fiber neuropathy presenting during the antecedent period of undifferentiated arthritis prior to rheumatoid arthritis.

In contrast to Sjogren syndrome (SS),1 small fiber neuropathies (SFN) associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been sparsely reported.2 Furthermore, many patients with RA pass through an antecedent period termed undifferentiated arthritis (UA),3 in which they may experience an inflammatory arthritis not satisfying criteria for RA or another inflammatory syndrome. SFN may be a rare complication occurring during this presaging period of UA. Yet this possibility is relevant, given that SFN may antedate systemic manifestations of other rheumatic diseases (i.e., SS).1 We report an unusual case of SFN initially developing in a patient with UA, who ultimately develops RA.
A Phenomenological Calcium-Based Model of STDP

Activity-dependent synaptic plasticity is believed to underlie functional reconfiguration of neuronal circuits, which in turn serves as the biological substrate of higher brain functions such as learning and memory (Hebb 1949; Milner et al. 1998; Abbott and Nelson 2000). Decades after Donald Hebb’s famous neurophysiological postulate (Hebb 1949), various forms of synaptic plasticity including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) have been the subject of intense experimental study (Bliss and Collingridge 1993; Malenka and Nicoll 1999; Lisman et al. 2003; Derkach et al. 2007). Among them, the recently discovered spike timingdependent plasticity (STDP) – during which the direction and extent of synaptic modification depend critically on the relative timing of pre- and postsynaptic action potentials or spikes (Bell et al. 1997; Magee and Johnston 1997; Markram et al. 1997; Mehta et al. 1997; Bi and Poo 1998; Debanne et al. 1998; Zhang et al. 1998; Feldman 2000) – has gained popularity partly because it is regarded as a physiologically relevant form of Hebbian plasticity (Abbott and Nelson 2000; Bi and Poo 2001; Dan and Poo 2006).
Molecular Genetics Of Wilms’ Tumor

Based on present rates, some type of cancer will affect three out of ten individuals in the United States in his or her lifetime (Amer. Cancer Soc., 1988). The impact of cancer on the health of the population has made an understanding of the etiology and biology of malignancy a primary research concern. The role of chromosome abnormalities in tumorigenesis was first proposed by Boveri in 1914. The subsequent observation of the clonal nature of most tumors supported the notion that genetic alterations were critical in carcinogenesis. Thus, the identification, isolation, and characterization of genes involved in carcinogenesis has become an important approach for understanding cancer etiology and biology. Advances in the past decade in molecular biology, cytogenetics, and somatic cell genetics have allowed the localization and cloning of many human disease loci. The isolation of genes involved in carcinogenesis is confounded by the heterogeneous nature of neoplasia and the absence of a single gene that is clearly involved. One approach to circumvent these complications is to study cancers in which only one or a few genes are hypothesized to have a major role in tumorigenesis. Wilms’ tumor (WT) is one such cancer.
Historical Notes: The Pythagoreans, Rev. C. L. Dodgson, Knut Wicksell and Lord Keynes

The view we put forward in this paper, taken broadly, is not new. In the opinion of John Bernard, the originality of Pythagoras consisted in this, that he regarded scientific, and especially mathematical, study as the best purge for the soul. That is the theory of the early part of Plato’s Phaedo, which is mainly a statement of Pythagorean doctrine, and it frequently recurs in the history of Greek philosophy. It may be added that tradition represents the word “philosophy” as having been first used by Pythagoras. If that is so (and there is much to be said for tradition), we need not hesitate to ascribe to him the same mentioned in the Phaedo that philosophy is the “highest music”, and so, since music was certainly regarded as a soul-purge, we come to the same result in another way.”1
Viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol as risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer worldwide, with significant increase in the incidence observed in the past two decades in the United States. Majority of cases of HCC are due to chronic viral hepatitis B and C infections; however non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, associated with obesity and diabetes emerges as an important risk factor for HCC, in particular in the developed countries. Here we will review viral characteristics associated with increased risk for development of HCC and role of antiviral therapy in decreasing risk of HCC in those with viral hepatitis and cirrhosis. Association of alcoholic cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with liver cancer will be reviewed as well as possible measures to decrease the risk of HCC in these highly prevalent populations.
Correlation in Collisions

A fast proton with a short wavelength can in principle be used as a probe of correlation in a nucleus. The optical potential describing nucleon-nucleus elastic scattering scales simply with A, the number of nucleons, reflecting the constant density of nuclear matter. A microscopic calculation of this potential can be ordered so as to start with a zeroth order theory in which correlation is ignored, the independent particle model(IPM). A correction term using the pair correlation function can then be evaluated. Comparison with experiment is then possible with and without the correlation potential, V c; hence information about the pair correlation function available from theory and experiment can be compared.
Abstract WMP37: Temporal Changes in Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) and Stenting (CAS) in Elderly Hospitalized With Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis in the United States, 2005 to 2014

Introduction: The CREST trial in 2010 showed higher complication rates with CAS than with CEA in elderly older than 70yo. Practice guidelines in 2011 have since recommended CEA for elderly patients...
MERGER AND ACQUISITION: A STRATEGY FOR CORPORATE REORGANISATIONAL GROWTH

Merger and acquisition have become not only a method of external corporate growth, but also a strategic choice of the firm which enable further strengthening of core competence within an organization. In recent times, many corporate firms have resorted to merger or acquisition for their restructuring and reorganizational growth. Merger and acquisition have also brought about critical structural changes in some industries which have attracted international attention. A decision to carry out merger or acquisition is certainly a risky one, not a least, because of number of factors influencing the final outcome. It is a decision frequently based on wrong objectives and incorrect valuation process if it is not handled carefully. A number of motivations for merger and acquisition proposed in the literature are mostly drawn directly from finance theory but with some inconsistencies. In most cases, distressed firms are found to be the pillagers and the market reaction to these is not always predictable. Several financing options are associated with takeover activity and are generally specific to the acquiring firm. Given the interest in the academic and business literature, mer­ger and acquisition will continue to be an interesting but challenging strategy in the search for expanding corporate influence, profitability and growth. However, the process of merging with another company or acquiring another company is extremely complex. Bearing these challenges in mind, there is need for corporate firms and other stakeholders to have a clearer understanding and potential implications of merger and acquisitions in order to reduce the high percentage of merger and acquisition failures. This paper therefore, adopting a normative and theoretical review, analyzes the strategies and processes for effective mergers and acquisitions as a strategy for corporate reorganizational growth, with clearer understanding of the potential implications of merger and acquisition failures and preventions.
Solving a system of linear equations: From centralized to distributed algorithms

Abstract For a wide range of control engineering applications, the problem of solving a system of linear equations is often encountered and has been well studied. Traditionally, this problem has been mainly solved in a centralized manner. However, for applications related to large-scale complex networked systems, centralized algorithms are often subjected to some practical issues due to limited computational power and communication bandwidth. As a promising and viable alternative, distributed algorithms can effectively address the issues associated with centralized algorithms by solving the problem efficiently in a multi-agent setting that accords with the distributed nature of networked systems. Distributed algorithms decompose the entire problem into many sub-problems that are solved by individual agents in a cooperative manner. In this survey paper, we provide a detailed overview of the state of the art relevant to distributed algorithms for solving a system of linear equations. We will first review basic distributed algorithms including both discrete-time and continuous-time algorithms. Then we will discuss the extended algorithms to achieve communication efficiency. Furthermore, we will also introduce distributed algorithms to obtain the minimum-norm solution for a system of linear equations with multiple solutions, as well as the least-squares solution when there is no solution. Finally, the relationship of distributed algorithms for solving a system of linear equations to the existing distributed optimization algorithms is discussed.
Polycyclic Compounds by Ugi—Pictet—Spengler Sequence.

Using this method a number of biologically interesting tetra- and pentacyclic ring systems can be prepared in good yields.
Assessing Standard and Kinetic Energy Conserving Discontinuous Galerkin Formulations for Marginally Resolved Navier-Stokes Flows

The robustness and accuracy of marginally resolved discontinuous Galerkin spectral element computations are evaluated for the standard formulation and a kinetic energy conserving split form on complex flow problems of physical and engineering interest, including the flow over a square cylinder, an airfoil and a plane jet. It is shown that the kinetic energy conserving formulation is significantly more robust than the standard scheme for under-resolved simulations. A disadvantage of the split form is the restriction to Gauss-Lobatto nodes with the inherent underintegration and lower accuracy as compared to Gauss quadrature used with the standard scheme. While the results support the higher accuracy of the standard Gauss form, lower numerical robustness and spurious oscillations are evident in some cases, giving the advantage to the kinetic energy conserving scheme for marginally resolved numerical simulations.
Russian adolescent sexual behaviour and contraceptive knowledge

Lack of sex education in schools has been an ongoing issue in Russia, mainly due to conservative opposition to providing accurate sexual health information openly. Many adolescents may be misinform...
Increase in Utilization of DCD Lung and Improved Outcomes over Time: Impact of Era

Purpose To examine changes in pre/post transplant characteristics regarding the use of donors after circulatory death (DCD) in lung transplant. Methods The SRTR database was queried to identify all lung transplants using DCD donors from 5/1/2005. Three groups based on 5 year intervals were established and recipient, donor, and transplant characteristics were compared amongst all groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis and a Cox proportional hazard model examined survival. Results 1,472 lung transplants utilizing DCD donors were identified. Unadjusted analysis demonstrated that donors and recipients were significantly older and recipients had a higher lung allocation score in the two latter time periods (p Conclusion Over time DCD lungs have been increasingly utilized. Despite significantly sicker recipients and increased travel/ischemic times, outcomes have remained stable, with a trend towards improved outcomes. With portable perfusion systems as well as increased ex vivo lung perfusion experience, DCD organ utilization will likely continue to further expand the potential lung donor pool.
Removing the Polyanionic Cargo Requirement for Assembly of Alphavirus Core-Like Particles to Make an Empty Alphavirus Core.

The assembly of alphavirus nucleocapsid cores requires electrostatic interactions between the positively charged N-terminus of the capsid protein (CP) and the encapsidated polyanionic cargo. This system differs from many other viruses that can self-assemble particles in the absence of cargo, or form “empty” particles. We hypothesized that the introduction of a mutant, anionic CP could replace the need for charged cargo during assembly. In this work, we produced a CP mutant, Minus 38 (M38), where all N-terminal charged residues are negatively-charged. When wild-type (WT) and M38 CPs were mixed, they assembled into core-like particles (CLPs). These “empty” particles were of similar size and morphology to WT CLPs assembled with DNA cargo, but did not contain nucleic acid. When DNA cargo was added to the assembly mixture, the amount of M38 CP that was assembled into CLPs decreased, but was not fully excluded from the CLPs, suggesting that M38 competes with DNA to interact with WT CPs. The composition of CLPs can be tuned by altering the order of addition of M38 CP, WT CP, and DNA cargo. The ability to produce alphavirus CLPs that contain a range of amounts of encapsidated cargo, including none, introduces a new platform for packaging cargo for delivery or imaging purposes.