cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogen-mediated suppression of the gene encoding protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPRO in human breast cancer: mechanism and role in tamoxifen sensitivity.

We have previously demonstrated the tumor suppressor characteristics of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor-type O (PTPRO) in leukemia and lung cancer, including its suppression by promoter methylation. Here, we show tumor-specific methylation of the PTPRO CpG island in primary human breast cancer. PTPRO expression was significantly reduced in established breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 due to promoter methylation compared with its expression in normal human mammary epithelial cells (48R and 184). Further, the silenced gene could be demethylated and reactivated in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells upon treatment with 5-Azacytidine, a DNA hypomethylating agent. Because PTPRO promoter harbors estrogen-responsive elements and 17β-estradiol (E2) plays a role in breast carcinogenesis, we examined the effect of E2 and its antagonist tamoxifen on PTPRO expression in human mammary epithelial cells and PTPRO-expressing breast cancer cell line Hs578t. Treatment with E2 significantly curtailed PTPRO expression in 48R and Hs578t cells, which was facilitated by ectopic expression of estrogen receptor (ER)β but not ERα. On the contrary, treatment with tamoxifen increased PTPRO expression. Further, knockdown of ERβ by small interfering RNA abolished these effects of E2 and tamoxifen. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed association of c-Fos and c-Jun with PTPRO promoter in untreated cells, which was augmented by tamoxifen-mediated recruitment of ERβ to the promoter. Estradiol treatment resulted in dissociation of c-Fos and c-Jun from the promoter. Ectopic expression of PTPRO in the nonexpressing MCF-7 cells sensitized them to growth-suppressive effects of tamoxifen. These data suggest that estrogen-mediated suppression of PTPRO is probably one of the early events in estrogen-induced tumorigenesis and that expression of PTPRO could facilitate endocrine therapy of breast cancer.
The nurse work environment, job satisfaction and turnover rates in rural and urban nursing units.

Aim The aim of the present study was to determine whether there are differences in hospital characteristics, nursing unit characteristics, the nurse work environment, job satisfaction and turnover rates in rural and urban nursing units. Background Research in urban hospitals has found an association between the nurse work environment and job satisfaction and turnover rates, but this association has not been examined in rural hospitals. Method Rural and urban nursing units were compared in a national random sample of 97 United States hospitals (194 nursing units) with between 99 and 450 beds. Results Significant differences were found between hospital and nursing unit characteristics and the nurse work environment in rural and urban nursing units. Both nursing unit characteristics and the work environment were found to have a significant influence on nurse job satisfaction and turnover rates. Conclusion Job satisfaction and turnover rates in rural and urban nursing units are associated with both nursing unit characteristics and the work environment. Implications for nursing management Both rural and urban hospitals can improve nurse job satisfaction and turnover rates by changing unit characteristics, such as creating better support services and a work environment that supports autonomous nursing practice. Rural hospitals can also improve the work environment by providing nurses with more educational opportunities.
Electrical Characterization of Cu Composition Effects in CdS/CdTe Thin-Film Solar Cells With a ZnTe:Cu Back Contact

We study the effects of Cu composition on the CdTe/ZnTe:Cu back contact and the bulk CdTe. For the back contact, its potential barrier decreases with Cu concentration while its saturation current density increases. For the bulk CdTe, the hole density increases with Cu concentration. We identify a Cu-related deep level at ∼0.55 eV whose concentration is significant when the Cu concentration is high. The device performance, which initially improves with Cu concentration then decreases, reflects the interplay between the positive influences (reducing the back contact potential barrier while increasing the saturation current density of the back contact and hole density in CdTe bulk) and negative influences (increasing deep levels in CdTe) of Cu.
Rubber Chemicals from Cyclic Amines. II Dithioamines and Sulfenamides as Accelerators and Curing Agents

Abstract Dithioamines and sulfenamides derived from various cyclic amines were evaluated as accelerators and vulcanizing agents. Structural variations of these compounds are correlated with their scorch delaying properties, accelerating activity and vulcanization efficiency, employing the Mooney Viscometer and the Monsanto Oscillating Disk Rheometer. The relative cure characteristics differed with changes in the basic structure of the compounds, and with the size and type of the cyclic amine moiety. However, the piperidine derivatives consistently showed longer scorch delay and slower mean cure rate than the corresponding derivatives of pyrrolidine, hexamethylenimine or heptamethylenimine. In the case of the thiazolyl sulfenamides, the type of substitution in the thiazolyl group also influenced scorch delay. An empirical relation was observed between the effect of concentration of the thiazolyl sulfenamides on scorch delay and the results of differential thermal analyses of sulfenamide and sulfur blends.
Tale of Two Continents: Environmental Management-Based Regulation in the European Union and the United States

Many environmental issues, such as addressing climate change and encouraging sustainability, have transcended existing statutory schemes, causing regulators and scholars to evaluate alternative regulatory mechanisms. One area of focus has been the potential for using environmental management systems (EMSs) as a way to leverage governmental regulation of operations that impact the environment. An EMS is a systematic planning, implementation and review process that organizations use to continuously improve environmental performance. While there is some literature on the impact that regulations incorporating EMSs have had, almost nothing has been written from a comparative viewpoint. This Article analyzes what role EMSs have played in governmental regulation by comparing the two of the most prominent governmental programs based on EMSs: the European Commission’s Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Performance Track program. This comparison is especially useful because governmental regulators in the European Union and the United States took opposite approaches with respect to those programs. The European Union continues to develop and promote EMAS while the United States withdrew its Performance Track program in 2009. The Article concludes that there is strong potential for EMS-based regulations to produce significant environmental performance and compliance benefits, and that more should be done in the United States to evaluate lessons learned from Performance Track as well as EMAS developments. Some the of major benefits, such as risk management, avoidance of negative incidents and external engagement, are hard to quantify but could provide the basis for transforming current adversarial relationships among regulated facilities, regulators and other stakeholders into more productive collaborative governance relationships.
Sensing a bud in the yeast morphogenesis checkpoint: a role for Elm1

Bud formation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae must be coordinated with the nuclear cycle to enable successful proliferation. Many environmental stresses temporarily disrupt bud formation, and in such circumstances, the morphogenesis checkpoint halts nuclear division until bud formation can resume. Bud emergence is essential for degradation of the mitotic inhibitor, Swe1. Swe1 is localized to the septin cytoskeleton at the bud neck by the Swe1-binding protein Hsl7. Neck localization of Swe1 is required for Swe1 degradation. Although septins form a ring at the presumptive bud site before bud emergence, Hsl7 is not recruited to the septins until after bud emergence, suggesting that septins and/or Hsl7 respond to a "bud sensor." Here we show that recruitment of Hsl7 to the septin ring depends on a combination of two septin-binding kinases: Hsl1 and Elm1. We elucidate which domains of these kinases are needed and show that artificial targeting of those domains suffices to recruit Hsl7 to septin rings even in unbudded cells. Moreover, recruitment of Elm1 is responsive to bud emergence. Our findings suggest that Elm1 plays a key role in sensing bud emergence.
Theoretical analysis of infrared radiation of space target

First,the heat balance equation of space target is given and the temperature distribution of space target is got by node network.Second,according to the Plank principle,the infrared radiation is obtained and the currently calculation method of the infrared radiation of space target is got.At last,based on the example and some predigested conditions,the temperature and infrared radiation distribution of space target flying above aerosphere are calculated.The computation results illustrate the rationality of the theoretical.
Energy dissipation at the silica glass/compressed aerogel interface: The fate of Wild 2 mineral grains and fragments smaller than ~100 nm

Allocation FC6,0,10,0,26 from Stardust track 10 shows a slightly wavy silica glass/compressed silica aerogel interface exposing a patchwork of compressed silica aerogel domains and domains of silica glass with embedded Wild 2 materials in ultra-thin TEM sections. This interface is where molten silica encountered compressed silica aerogel at temperatures <100 °C, and probably near room temperature, causing steep thermal gradients. An Mg, Fe-olivine grain, and a plagioclase-leucite intergrowth survived without melting in silica glass. A Mg-, Al-, Ca-, K-bearing silica globule moved independently as a single object. Two clusters of pure iron, low-Ni iron, and low-Ni, low-sulfur Fe-Ni-S grains also survived intact and came to rest right at the interface between silica glass/compressed silica aerogel. There are numerous Fe-Ni-S nanograins scattered throughout MgO-rich magnesiosilica glass, but compositionally similar Fe-Ni-S are also found in the compressed silica aerogel, where they are not supposed to be. This work could not establish how deep they had penetrated the aerogel. Iron nanograins in this allocation form core-ring grains with a gap between the iron core and a surrounding ring of thermally modified aerogel. This structure was caused when rapid, thermal expansion of the core heated the surrounding compressed aerogel that upon rapid cooling remained fixed in place while the iron core shrank back to its original size. The well-known volume expansion of pure iron allowed reconstruction of the quench temperature for individual core-ring grains. These temperatures showed the small scale of thermal energy loss at the silica glass/compressed silica aerogel interface. The data support fragmentation of olivine, plagioclase, and iron and Fe ± low-Ni grains from comet 81P/Wild 2 during hypervelocity capture.
Enhanced magnetic properties of carbon nanotubes and multilayer graphene decorated with Co 3 O 4

Here we report evidence of enhanced magnetic properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and multilayer graphene (MLG) decorated with Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs). These 1∶1 CNTs/Co 3 O 4 and MLG/Co 3 O 4 nano-composites were prepared by a one-step ultrasonic treatment in sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) surfactant. Structure and morphology of the composites were verified using X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Magnetization (M) vs. magnetic field (H) measurements at room temperature in H up to 2.5 kOe showed that the measured M= MS at 2.5 kOe in both the CNT/Co 3 O 4 and MLG/Co 3 O 4 nanocomposites is enhanced by a factor of about 2.5 as compared to MS expected from the simple addition of MS measured for the two components of the nanocomposites. This is surprising since Co 3 O 4 is a paramagnet at room temperature. These enhanced magnetic properties in the nanocomposites likely result from contributions from Co3+ ions which being in the low-spin S=0 state are non-magnetic in pristine Co 3 O 4 but become magnetic in the reduced crystalline symmetry of the interface layers in CNTs/Co 3 O 4 and MLG/Co 3 O 4 .
Tails of Schrödinger’s Cat

IN HIS FAMOUS THOUGHT EXPERIMENT, Schrodinger (1935) imagined a cat that measures the value of a quantum mechanical observable with its life. Adapted to the measurement of x-spin of an electron, the experiment is this. If at the start of the measurement interaction the state of the cat is |R〉 (the ready to measure state), and the state of the electron is |↑〉 (the electron’s x-spin is up), then at the conclusion of the measurement the state of the cat and electron is |↑〉|Alive〉. And if at the start of the measurement interaction the state of the cat is |R〉 and the state of the electron is |↓〉 (the x-spin of the electron is down) then at the conclusion of the measurement the state of the cat and electron is |↓〉|Dead〉 The cat records the x-spin of the electron in its state of aliveness.
The Great Game in West Asia

The Great Game in West Asia examines the strategic competition between Iran and Turkey for power and influence in the South Caucasus. These neighboring Middle East powers have vied for supremacy and influence throughout the region and especially in their immediate vicinity, while contending with ethnic heterogeneity both within their own territories and across their borders. Turkey has long conceived of itself as not just a bridge between Asia and Europe but in more substantive terms as a central player in regional and global affairs. If somewhat more modest in its public statements, Iran’s parallel ambitions for strategic centrality and influence have only been masked by its own inarticulate foreign policy agendas and the repeated missteps of its revolutionary leaders. But both have sought to deepen their regional influence and power, and in the South Caucasus each has achieved a modicum of success. In fact, as the contributions to this volume demonstrate, as much of the world’s attention has been diverted to conflicts and flashpoints near and far, a new great game has been unravelling between Iran and Turkey in the South Caucasus.
Relationship Problems among Men in Treatment for Engaging in Intimate Partner Violence

Although the content of relationship problems has received considerable study in research on couple adjustment, little of this work has focused on relationship problems among men who engage in intimate partner violence (IPV). Theory and research on IPV indicate that relationship problems are an important contributing factor, and the assessment of relationship problems may prove clinically useful in IPV treatment. With a sample of 589 men presenting for services at an abuser intervention program (AIP), the current study aimed to (1) provide descriptive information about rates of endorsement and problem severity for 30 relationship problems, (2) identify different areas of relationship problems via principal component analysis, and (3) examine bivariate correlations between relationship problems and use of physical IPV, emotional abuse, and relationship satisfaction. Results indicated that poor communication, difficulties over money, constant bickering, lack of trust between partners, and selfishness/lack of cooperation were the most commonly endorsed relationship problems. Principal component analysis identified seven broad areas of relationship problems, including communication/money management, substance use, sexual difficulties, cultural differences, mistrust/jealousy, togetherness, and shared friends/activities. As predicted, the severity of relationship problems was positively associated with IPV and emotional abuse and negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. These findings provide key preliminary information about relationship problems among men in treatment for partner abuse and highlight directions for future research.
TV: A Vast Oasis of Public Interest Programming

A presidential candidate once asked: "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?" The American people answered with a resounding "No." (1) Today's question is, "Is the American public better served by television now than it was forty years ago?" The answer, resoundingly, is "Yes." I am not sure I ever subscribed to the notion of television as a "Vast Wasteland," but putting that aside, today's TV landscape bears little resemblance to the three-network era when Newton Minow uttered his memorable catch phrase. Then, there were fewer than 600 commercial stations mostly affiliated with ABC, CBS, and NBC. Today, there are around 1300 commercial stations affiliated with nine commercial networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PAX, WB, UPN, and the Spanish-language networks, Univision and Telemundo), along with dozens of true independent stations. There is also a vibrant public television system, and multi-channel video providers, such as cable and satellite, that offer a wide variety of niche programming options. Even if one eliminates cable and satellite from the mix, it is undeniable that U.S. broadcasters provide a far more diverse menu of news, information, sports, and entertainment than that which is available anywhere else in the world. America's unique system of free, over-the-air broadcasting--based on localism and free of government control--is the model for nations around the globe. Indeed, in my occasional travels abroad, I am struck by how many international broadcasters are striving to emulate the U.S. model. As U.S. broadcasters, we take seriously our responsibility to serve the public. That is why the most successful stations are those that are laser-like in their focus on localism, whether they are sponsoring a debate between candidates for Congress, sending news anchors to a community service event, or partnering on a local Toys for Tots campaign. Every day and in every community, local broadcasters serve the public interest in a variety of ways. For example, broadcasters across America voluntarily launched the AMBER Alert that has been responsible for the rescue of dozens of kidnapped children all over the country. Stations implemented the plan, not because they were coerced by the government, but because it was the right thing to do. The causes are endless, and the requests for airtime for such causes are countless. That is why stations donate considerable airtime to public service announcements ("PSAs") tailored locally to serve the needs of individual communities. PSA airtime is used to implore teens to stay off drugs, to aid in anti-drunken-driving efforts, and to raise millions of dollars for breast cancer research and AIDS research, to name a few. …
Effect of Experimental Bactericides on Three Bacterial Diseases of Foliage Plants

Several experimental bactericides were compared with standard bactericides for efficacy on several floral and foliage crops: Erwinia chrysanthemi on Philodendron selloum, Xanthomonas campestris pv. hedera on Brassaia actinophylla and Hedera helix, and Pseudomonas cichorii on Chrysanthemum morifolium and B. actinophylla. Compounds tested were Kocide 101 77WP (cupric hydroxide) alone and in combination with Manzate 200 80WP (mancozeb), Ciba Geigy experimental compounds 448, 115944 and 151731, and Agri-Strep 1721.2% (streptomycin sulfate). In the majority of trials, compound 115944 provided disease control equivalent to that achieved with streptomycin sulfate. Disease control following application of 151731 was variable, while treatment with compound 448 resulted in poor control. Moderate disease control was achieved with cupric hydroxide applied alone or with mancozeb for Erwinia blight or Xanthomonas leaf spot.
Compatibility Assessment of Fuel System Infrastructure Plastics with Bio-oil and Diesel Fuel

Bio-oil derived via fast pyrolysis is being developed as a renewable fuel option for petroleum distillates. The compatibility of neat bio-oil with 18 plastic types was evaluated using neat diesel f...
Fast fault coverage estimation of sequential tests using entropy measurements

In this paper, we explore the relationship between fault coverage for sequential circuits and the observed entropy during test application. We find that the entropy measured at a subset of the primary and pseudo-primary outputs is highly and significantly correlated to the regions of the design that are exercised by the test vectors. Consequently, they can be used for estimating the coverages for the newly generated test sets. As computing the entropy requires only logic simulation, it can greatly speed up the fault grading process. In our experiments on the ISCAS'89 benchmarks, we are able to achieve an average root mean squared error of 2.1% in fault coverage estimation for test sets of varying lengths, together with an order of magnitude speedup over fault simulation.
Reading The Constitution in Cyberspace

We might distinguish between two types of constitutional regimes, one codifying, the other transformative. A codifying constitutional regime aims at preserving something essential from the then-current constitutional or legal culture?to protect it against change in the future; a transformative constitutional regime aims at changing something essential in the then-current constitutional or legal culture to make it different in the future. The picture of the codifying regime is Ulysses tied to the mast; the picture of the transformative is revolutionary France. In our constitutional tradition, the Constitution of 1791 was a codifying constitution?the Bill of Rights, that is, was a constitutional regime that sought to entrench certain practices and values against change.1 The Civil War Amendments, on the other hand, were transformative, aiming to remake something of what the American social and legal culture had become, to tear out from the American soul its tradition of inequality, and replace it with a practice of equality.
Preparing Rare Earth Silicon Iron Alloys

A major use of rare earths produced in the United States is in alloy steels. The rare earths are added as mischmetal or rare earth/iron/silicon alloy for modification of inclusion chemistry and shape (1). Commercial production of rare earth/iron/silicon alloy is by carbothermic reduction of a mixture of rare earth oxides, silica, and iron above 1,930°C (2). Commercial alloys contain from 30 to 50 wt-pct rare earths and rare earth recovery is generally less than 60 pct. To advance mineral technology by maximizing process efficiency, the Bureau of Mines investigated methods to improve preparation of rare earth/iron/silicon alloy (3).
Epigenetic Regulation of Secondary Metabolite Biosynthetic Genes in Fungi

Many fungi are prolific producers of secondary metabolites. These compounds are thought to fill a variety of ecologically relevant functions including participating in chemical sensing systems and communicating with other organisms in their surroundings. In order for natural products to operate effectively, the host organisms must maintain control over their expression. Epigenetic processes have emerged as important contributors to the regulation of secondary metabolite expression in fungi. Several examples highlighting the range of secondary metabolites whose production is controlled wholly or in part by epigenetic processes are presented. Recently reported cases demonstrating how insights into epigenetic control mechanisms can improve the production and diversification of secondary metabolite production are also examined.
Pharmaka und Gifte

Das vielfaltige und verzweigte Gebiet der Toxikologie und Pharmakologie last jeden Versuch scheitern, in aller Kurze die verschiedenen Pharmaka und Gifte oder auch nur die Prinzipien dieser Wissenschaften zu beschreiben. Es soll an dieser Stelle vielmehr an Hand weniger ausgewahlter Beispiele gezeigt werden, das pharmakologische und toxikologische Wirkungen auf den wechselseitigen Beziehungen bestimmter Molekule mit bestimmten biochemischen Systemen beruhen. Dabei wird sich zeigen, das dieselbe Substanz sowohl gutartig als auch giftig sein kann und das zur Beschreibung der molekularen Wirkungen von Arzneimitteln und Giften die gleichen Grundprinzipien herangezogen werden konnen.
The Three Phases (Faces?) of Second-Language Research

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the research with adult second-language learners, where it examines three phases in the development of the field of second-language research. The argument is that each of these phases represents important approaches to understanding second-language phenomena, and that each is needed if one is to have a balanced grasp of the field. The first phase is the concern with linguistic issues. Indeed, linguists have dominated the field, at least in the United States and Europe. Their attention has been directed for the most part at two phenomena—acquisitional sequences in second-language learning and the question of transfer. Another phase in the development of the field of second-language research—one of primary interest in this conference—concern with the social context of language acquisition. The most recent phase of second-language research derives from developments in cognitive psychology. From this perspective, second-language learning is viewed as the acquisition of a complex cognitive skill.
Archaeological Sampling Strategies

This paper describes an interactive project developed to use for teaching statistical sampling methods in an introductory undergraduate statistics course, an Advanced Placement (AP) statistics cour...
Temperature and Hormones Associated with Bacterial Etiolation Symptoms of Creeping Bentgrass and Annual Bluegrass

Bacterial etiolation, caused by Acidovorax avenae or Xanthomonas translucens pv. poae, is a problematic disease of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) and annual bluegrass (Poa annua) turfgrass stands. The objective of this study was to determine whether temperature may play a role in phytohormone production by these bacteria and to determine if there is any change in phytohormones specifically in etiolated plant tissues. In vitro, A. avenae and X. translucens were cultured at 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C for 14 days. Bacterial cultures were sampled for gibberellic acid isoforms (GA1, GA3, GA4, and GA20), jasmonic acid, salicylic acid (SA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), zeatin riboside, and abscisic acid (ABA). No phytohormones were detected in pure cultures of X. translucens, whereas A. avenae produced GA1, GA3, GA4, and IAA. Acidovorax avenae isolate MSU-13 produced significantly higher GA1 and GA3 at 35 and 40 °C on most days measured. In the field study, etiolated stem and leaf tissues of creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass were evaluated for bacterial identification, etiolation ratings, and phytohormone quantification. Significantly more etiolation symptoms were observed in both annual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass on days with higher temperatures. In annual bluegrass, etiolated stems and leaves showed significantly higher GA1, GA3, etiolated leaves showed significantly higher GA20, ABA, and lower IAA compared to normal turf tissues on most experimental dates. In creeping bentgrass, higher GA1, GA4, SA, ABA, and lower IAA were detected in etiolated turf tissues than normal tissues on most experimental dates. Plant hormone regulation due to the presence of bacteria may be altered differentially in response to different bacteria species eliciting similar plant symptoms.
Wine Sensory Reference Standards to Align Wine Tasters on a Shared Terminology

Summary Goals: Reference standards for common aromas are used throughout the wine industry to align wine tasters on a shared terminology. The Wine Aroma Wheel provides descriptive terms and reference recipes for the third, most specific, tier. 1 We intended to expand the recipes to the second tier of the Wine Aroma Wheel. We wanted recipes to be easy to prepare and to only include common, edible ingredients that are available in grocery stores at low cost. We also wanted to provide preparation recommendations that enable users to exactly reproduce each recipe. Moreover, we aimed at developing a standardized process to define representative recipes for each term using a panel of wine experts. Key Findings: Using recipes, we helped define a subset of descriptive aroma terms relating to wine, allowing for more consistent discussions among wine-industry professionals that have been trained with these standards to associate the appropriate aromas with the corresponding descriptive terms. Defined a list of recipes for reference standards based on a subset of the terms represented in the Wine Aroma Wheel, by using a panel of wine experts (individuals either working or studying in the field of enology). Included preparation guidelines and storage requirements for each recipe to ensure accurate repeatability. Impact and Significance: Aroma description is a major challenge in the wine industry, as different groups of people, including consumers, winemakers, wine critics, sommeliers, tasting room staff, and others, use different terms to describe the same wines. Defining easily reproducible recipes for reference standards will help wine-industry professionals maintain a consistent terminology to describe wines by training employees with defined reference standards. We also hope other researchers will use these recipes in descriptive analyses and other sensory studies involving reference standards. Having a pool of common recipes among all studies will not only accelerate the process of making reference standards, but will also enable researchers to compare wines across studies, assuming panelists are well-trained.
Distinguishing Behaviors and Competencies of Effective Physician Leaders

Changing organizational and environmental dynamics present unique challenges to leaders in the field of health care. An accelerated emphasis on increasing the quality of health care delivery, conta...
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Outcomes in Patients Carrying Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Mutations.

Abstract Background Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)1/2 genes result in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent reduction of α-ketoglutarate and formation of 2-hydroxyglutarate, which blocks normal cellular differentiation and promotes leukemogenesis. Nearly 20% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients carry IDH1/2 mutations. Although multiple investigators have described the prognostic implications of IDH mutations in AML patients receiving chemotherapy, the effect of these mutations on outcomes after allogeneic (allo) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is unknown. Patients and Methods We report on the clinical outcome of a cohort of AML patients, who were tested for IDH mutations and underwent alloHCT at City of Hope (2015-2017). Of a total of 317 screened patients, 99 (31%) underwent alloHCT, of whom 23 carried and 76 did not carry IDH mutations (control). Results No statistical significance was detected in patient’s overall survival (P = .84). With a median follow-up of 7.8 months, 1-year relapse rate of 29% and 13% was seen in the IDH-mutated and control group, respectively (P = .033). IDH1/2 mutation status remained significantly associated with relapse (hazard ratio, 2.8; P = .046) after inclusion of pre-HCT disease status in a multivariable model. Conclusion Our results, despite low patient numbers, indicate that IDH mutations are associated with higher relapse rate after alloHCT. Further prospective studies on post transplantation IDH inhibition is required to improve outcomes in AML patients who carry IDH mutations.
Diverse Folding Pathways of HIV-1 Protease Monomer on a Rugged Energy Landscape.

Abstract The modern energy landscape theory of protein folding predicts multiple folding pathways connecting a myriad of unfolded conformations and a well-defined folded state. However, direct experimental observation of heterogeneous folding pathways is difficult. Naturally evolved proteins typically exhibit a smooth folding energy landscape for fast and efficient folding by avoiding unfavorable kinetic traps. In this case, rapid fluctuations between unfolded conformations result in apparent two-state behavior and make different pathways indistinguishable. However, the landscape roughness can be different, depending on the selection pressures during evolution. Here, we characterize the unusually rugged folding energy landscape of human immunodeficiency virus-1 protease monomer using single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer spectroscopy. Our data show that fluctuations between unfolded conformations are slow, which enables the experimental observation of heterogeneous folding pathways as predicted by the landscape theory. Although the landscape ruggedness is sensitive to the mutations and fluorophore locations, the folding rate is similar for various protease constructs. The natural evolution of the protease to have a rugged energy landscape likely results from intrinsic pressures to maintain robust folding when human immunodeficiency virus-1 mutates frequently, which is essential for its survival.
School procedural justice and being pushed out: examining the intersection of sex and race/ethnicity

There is a growing body of research that explores how school punishment practices are disrupting educational progress. It is also known that educational success and failure are linked to sex and ra...
Association between relationship characteristics, sexual health attitudes, and dual contraceptive use among young adult college students aged 18-24.

Objective: Determine the relationship characteristics, sexual health attitudes, and demographic factors associated with dual contraceptive use among college students. Participants: September–Octobe...
Novel statistical approaches and applications in leveraging real-world data in regulatory clinical studies

In medical product development, there has been a growing interest in utilizing real-world data which have become abundant owing to advances in biomedical science, information technology and engineering. High-quality real-world data may be utilized to generate real-world evidence for regulatory or healthcare decision-making. We discuss propensity score-based approaches for leveraging patients from a real-world data source to construct a control group for a non-randomized comparative study or to augment a single-arm or randomized prospective investigational clinical study. The proposed propensity score-based approaches leverage real-world patients that are similar to those prospectively enrolled into the investigational clinical study in terms of baseline characteristics. Either frequentist or Bayesian inference can then be applied for outcome data analysis, with the option of down-weighting information from the real-world data source. Examples based on pre-market regulatory review experience are provided to illustrate the implementation of the proposed approaches.
Altering aspects of mitochondrial quality to improve musculoskeletal outcomes in disuse atrophy

We present data suggesting that mitochondria-based interventions may mitigate disuse atrophy. However, the efficacy of mitochondria-based interventions may vary depending on the specific target of ...
Tri­carbonyl(η6-tri­fluoro­methyl­benzene)­chromium(0)

The title compound, [Cr(C6H5CF3)(CO)3], exhibits the three-legged piano-stool structure expected for a tri­carbonyl­metal complex with an η6-coordinated arene. The tri­fluoro­methyl functional group is tilted towards the Cr(CO)3 center.
Nonlinear Mixed-Effects Modeling

Continuing from Chap. 6, this chapter illustrates the nonlinear MLM to estimate the additional between-group variation in addition to the within-group variation discussed in Chap. 6. For a detailed theory of nonlinear MLM (i.e., nonlinear mixed-effects model), interested readers can refer to the book by Pinheiro and Bates (Mixed-effect models in S and SPLUS. Springer, New York, 2000). In this chapter, we illustrate the application of the R package nlme by analyzing a commonly used dataset on the growth of loblolly pines.
Plasmonic Directional Photodetectors for Edge Enhancement

Angle-sensitive plasmonic photodetectors that can perform optical-domain spatial filtering operations are developed. The edge enhancement capabilities of these devices are demonstrated via computational imaging simulations based on their measured angular response.
FreeSurfer based cortical mapping and T1-relaxometry with MPnRAGE: Test-retest reliability with and without retrospective motion correction.

Abstract A test-retest study of FreeSurfer derived cortical thickness, cortical surface area, and cortical volume, as well as quantitative R1 relaxometry assessed on the midpoint of the cortex, was performed on a cohort of pediatric subjects (6-12 years old) scanned without sedation using SNARE-MPnRAGE (self navigated retrospective motion corrected magnetization prepared with n rapid gradient echoes) imaging. Reliability was assessed with coefficients of variation (CoVs) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and statistical tests were used to determine differences with and without SNARE motion correction. Comparison of the test-retest measures of SNARE-MPnRAGE with prospectively motion corrected PROMO MPRAGE were also performed. When SNARE motion correction was used all parameters had statistically significant improvements and demonstrated high reliability. Reliability varied depending on parameter, region, and measurement type (vertex or region of interest). For mean thickness/surface area/volume/mean R1 across the regions of FreeSurfer's DK Atlas, the mean CoVs (% x100) were (1.2/1.6/1.9/0.9) and the mean ICCs were (0.88/0.96/0.94/0.83). When assessed on a per-vertex basis, the CoVs and ICCs for thickness/R1 had mean values of (2.9/1.9) and (0.82/0.68) across the regions of the DK Atlas. Retrospectively motion corrected MPnRAGE had significantly lower CoVs and higher ICCs for the morphological measures than PROMO MPRAGE. Motion correction effectively removed motion related biases in nearly all regions for R1 and morphometric measures.
Laser direct writing of complex radially varying single-mode polymer waveguide structures

Increasing board-to-board and chip-to-chip computational data rates beyond 12.5 Gbs will require the use of single-mode polymer waveguides (WGs) that have high bandwidths and are able to be wavelength division multiplexed. Laser direct writing (LDW) of polymer WGs provides a scalable and reconfigurable maskless procedure compared to common photolithography fabrication. LDW of straights and radial curves are readily achieved using predefined drive commands of the two-axis direct drive linear stage system. Using the laser direct write process for advanced WG structures requires stage-drive programming techniques that account for specified polymer material exposure durations. Creating advanced structures such as WG S-bends into single-mode polymer WG builds provides designers with the ability to affect pitch control, optical coupling, and reduce footprint requirements. Fabrication of single-mode polymer WG segmented radial arcs is achieved through a smooth radial arc user-programmed defined mathematical algorithm. Cosine and raised-sine S-bends are realized through a segmentation method where the optimal incremental step length and bend dimensions are controlled to achieve minimal structure loss. Laser direct written S-bends are compared with previously published photolithographic S-bend results using theoretical bend loss models. Fabrication results show that LDW is a viable method in the fabrication of advanced polymer WG structures.
Elastic-Stress Waves Produced by Pressure Loads on a Spherical Shell

Abstract : The memorandum treats the problem of stresses in a spherical elastic shell subjected to a plane pressure wave traveling across it with constant speed, a case of technical interest when considering the effect of blast waves on the structure of a missile in flight. The analysis is subject to the following principal assumptions: (1) The effect of the sphere on the wave is neglected; (2) Momentless thin shell theory is assumed to apply. (Author)
Understanding the design space for cognitive networks

This paper studies a cognitive network where licensed primary users and unlicensed but ‘cognitive’ secondary users share spectrum. Many system design parameters affect the joint performance, e.g., outage and capacity, seen by the two user types in such a scenario. We explore the sometimes subtle system tradeoffs that arise in such networks. To that end, we propose a new simple stochastic geometric model that captures the salient interdependencies amongst spatially distributed primary and secondary nodes. The model allows us to evaluate the performance dependencies between primary and secondary transmissions in terms of the outage probability, node density and transmission capacity. From the design perspective the key design parameters determining the joint transmission capacity and tradeoffs, are the detection radius (detection SINR threshold), decoding SINR threshold, burstiness of coverage and/or transmit powers. We show how the joint transmission capacity region can be optimized or affected by these parameters.
Epilepsy and all that jazz.

Reflex epilepsies are caused by different sensory stimuli. The report of a gene that, when mutated, causes epileptic seizures in response to loud noises may provide important clues into the mechanisms of neuronal excitability.
Entry inhibitors as topical microbicides to prevent HIV-1 sexual transmission

Specific inhibitors of HIV-1 attachment, fusion and entry are one approach to a topical microbicide. We have been evaluating several such compounds (small molecules and peptides) targeting several different stages of the fusion process, for their abilities to prevent experimental infection of rhesus macaques with various SHIVs, after vaginal challenge. These results will be presented and discussed, in the context of developing a practical product for use in women and men.
1.55-/spl mu/m bipolar cascade segmented ridge lasers

Scalable bipolar cascade lasers are achieved by electrically segmenting an InP ridge laser, and then series-connecting the segments. Lasers with up to 12 stages are demonstrated with record 390% continuous wave differential efficiency, and very low threshold currents. Three-stage lasers with 50-/spl Omega/ input impedance and over 100% differential efficiency are modulated with 2.5-GB/s digital data, and have 5-GHz analog modulation bandwidth. Noise and distortion properties are at least as good as single-stage control lasers.
Energy metabolism in lactating beef heifers.

To obtain measurements of energy balance in lactating beef cows, respiration calorimetry and digestion trials were conducted using seven lactating (613 kg BW) and three nonlactating (598 kg BW) Hereford × Angus heifers fed a pelleted 75% alfalfa:25% concentrate diet. Five measurements of energy balance were obtained at 6- to 7-wk intervals beginning 6 to 10 wk postpartum in lactating heifers and at 6-wk intervals in nonlactating heifers. Milk yield was measured using a combination of weigh-suckle-weigh and machine milking to adapt heifers to milking by machine without the use of oxytocin. Heifers were milked only by machine during measurements of energy balance. Weekly milk yield averages ranged from 8.2 kg/d at wk 5 postpartum to 3.2 kg/d at wk 32 postpartum. When scaled to BW.75, the regression of NEl on ME intake and the regression of ME intake on NEl were remarkably similar to previously published regressions for measurements obtained from lactating Holstein-Friesian cows. The average daily maintenance energy requirement from these regressions was 503 kJ ME/kg BW.75, a value similar to the average value reported previously for lactating Holstein-Friesian cows (488 kJ/kg BW.75). This is in contrast to numerous published comparisons of the maintenance requirements of cattle breed types in the nonlactating state and current NRC standards for estimating maintenance energy requirements of beef and dairy cattle. The results of the present study suggest that when expressed on the basis of BW.75 the efficiency of utilization of incremental ME above maintenance for milk and tissue energy (i.e., NEl) is similar among lactating Hereford × Angus heifers and lactating Holstein-Friesian cows. The breeds differ in terms of their propensity for milk yield and the resulting partition of ME between milk synthesis and tissue energy retention.
Carotid baroreflex responsiveness in heat-stressed humans

The effects of whole body heating on human baroreflex function are relatively unknown. The purpose of this project was to identify whether whole body heating reduces the maximal slope of the carotid baroreflex. In 12 subjects, carotid-vasomotor and carotid-cardiac baroreflex responsiveness were assessed in normothermia and during whole body heating. Whole body heating increased sublingual temperature (from 36.4 +/- 0.1 to 37.4 +/- 0.1 degrees C, P < 0.01) and increased heart rate (from 59 +/- 3 to 83 +/- 3 beats/min, P < 0. 01), whereas mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was slightly decreased (from 88 +/- 2 to 83 +/- 2 mmHg, P < 0.01). Carotid-vasomotor and carotid-cardiac responsiveness were assessed by identifying the maximal gain of MAP and heart rate to R wave-triggered changes in carotid sinus transmural pressure. Whole body heating significantly decreased the responsiveness of the carotid-vasomotor baroreflex (from -0.20 +/- 0.02 to -0.13 +/- 0.02 mmHg/mmHg, P < 0.01) without altering the responsiveness of the carotid-cardiac baroreflex (from -0.40 +/- 0.05 to -0.36 +/- 0.02 beats x min(-1) x mmHg(-1), P = 0.21). Carotid-vasomotor and carotid-cardiac baroreflex curves were shifted downward and upward, respectively, to accommodate the decrease in blood pressure and increase in heart rate that accompanied the heat stress. Moreover, the operating point of the carotid-cardiac baroreflex was shifted closer to threshold (P = 0.02) by the heat stress. Reduced carotid-vasomotor baroreflex responsiveness, coupled with a reduction in the functional reserve for the carotid baroreflex to increase heart rate during a hypotensive challenge, may contribute to increased susceptibility to orthostatic intolerance during a heat stress.
Basic Properties of Harmonic, Subharmonic, and Superharmonic Functions

Let \( B = B({{\xi }_{0}},\delta ) \) and if \( \xi \in B \) denote by \( \xi ' \) the image of ξ under inversion in ∂B. That is, \( \xi ' \) is on the ray from ξ0 through ξ, and \( \left| {\xi - {{\xi }_{0}}} \right|{\text{ }}\left| {\xi ' - {{\xi }_{0}}} \right| = {{\delta }^{2}} \). To simplify the notation take \( {{\xi }_{0}} = O \).