cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
c-Myb and v-Myb are differentially phosphorylated by p42mapk in vitro

The product of the c-myb proto-oncogene is a highly conserved transcription factor that has been shown to function as both a transactivator and repressor. The v-myb oncogenes of E26 leukemia virus and avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) encode proteins truncated at both the amino and carboxy termini, deleting portions of the DNA-binding and negative regulatory domains present in c-Myb. Similar truncations of c-Myb alter its function, suggesting that the viral proteins lack important regulatory sequences. Interestingly, eight potential sites of phosphorylation by proline-directed protein kinases conserved between the avian, murine and human Myb proteins are clustered in or near the negative regulatory domain of c-Myb. The majority of these sites are deleted in both the E26 and AMV viral proteins. In this paper we show that one proline-directed protein kinase, p42mapk, phosphorylates bacterially synthesized avian and murine c-Myb but not AMV v-Myb in vitro. We find that p42mapk phosphorylates c-Myb on serine and threonine, but not on tyrosine. Furthermore, deletion analysis indicates that the sites of phosphorylation map to the C-terminal negative regulatory domain. We speculate that the inability of v-Myb to be phosphorylated by p42mapk may contribute to its oncogenic properties.
Role of Binaural Temporal Fine Structure and Envelope Cues in Cocktail-Party Listening.

While conversing in a crowded social setting, a listener is often required to follow a target speech signal amid multiple competing speech signals (the so-called “cocktail party” problem). In such situations, separation of the target speech signal in azimuth from the interfering masker signals can lead to an improvement in target intelligibility, an effect known as spatial release from masking (SRM). This study assessed the contributions of two stimulus properties that vary with separation of sound sources, binaural envelope (ENV) and temporal fine structure (TFS), to SRM in normal-hearing (NH) human listeners. Target speech was presented from the front and speech maskers were either colocated with or symmetrically separated from the target in azimuth. The target and maskers were presented either as natural speech or as “noise-vocoded” speech in which the intelligibility was conveyed only by the speech ENVs from several frequency bands; the speech TFS within each band was replaced with noise carriers. The experiments were designed to preserve the spatial cues in the speech ENVs while retaining/eliminating them from the TFS. This was achieved by using the same/different noise carriers in the two ears. A phenomenological auditory-nerve model was used to verify that the interaural correlations in TFS differed across conditions, whereas the ENVs retained a high degree of correlation, as intended. Overall, the results from this study revealed that binaural TFS cues, especially for frequency regions below 1500 Hz, are critical for achieving SRM in NH listeners. Potential implications for studying SRM in hearing-impaired listeners are discussed. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Acoustic signals received by the auditory system pass first through an array of physiologically based band-pass filters. Conceptually, at the output of each filter, there are two principal forms of temporal information: slowly varying fluctuations in the envelope (ENV) and rapidly varying fluctuations in the temporal fine structure (TFS). The importance of these two types of information in everyday listening (e.g., conversing in a noisy social situation; the “cocktail-party” problem) has not been established. This study assessed the contributions of binaural ENV and TFS cues for understanding speech in multiple-talker situations. Results suggest that, whereas the ENV cues are important for speech intelligibility, binaural TFS cues are critical for perceptually segregating the different talkers and thus for solving the cocktail party problem.
A Theory of the Accounting Accelerator

This paper examines the aggregate consequences of accounting standard-setting in economies with financing frictions. We extend the framework of Bernanke and Gertler (1989) and Holmstrom and Tirole (1997) to optimal reporting of productive assets. Our main result is that the accounting process will offset acceleration for small or moderate financial frictions; in fact, the accounting process may make aggregate investment more rigid to decreases in fundamentals. However, for large enough financing frictions, the accounting process contributes to acceleration. The model explains when, given a small decline in fundamentals, the economy may respond with a discontinuous readjustment in accounting standards, prices and investment. The theory offers new hypotheses about the consequences of accounting choice in the aggregate.
Method of determining the relationship between audio/video QoE and route availability in a MANET

There is a growing interest in using a mobile ad hoc network (MANET) as a means of communication when existing networks are disrupted by a disaster. A problem with using a MANET is that its communication quality is degraded by intermittent disconnections of its routes. The network's communication quality can be enhanced by controlling its route availability (RA). However, since the qualitative relationship between the quality of experience (QoE) and RA is still unclear, how effective RA control is in enhancing QoE has not been confirmed. We have developed a tool that simulates intermittent connections/disconnections of a MANET, and have derived the relationship between QoE and RA from subjective quality assessment (MOS values) of audio/video communication quality.
Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: Hematolymphoid Tumours

In 2017, the latest revision to the WHO Classification of Head and Neck Tumours will be released. Similar to the 2005 WHO, the codification of hematopoietic and lymphoid neoplasms of the head and neck is included within chapters pertaining to the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, the nasopharynx, the larynx, the oral cavity and oropharynx, the neck and the salivary glands. Herein, we describe both changes to the classification of hematolymphoid neoplasms of the head and neck since the 2005 WHO, as well as recent advances in our understanding of the underlying pathogenesis and molecular pathology of these neoplasms.
Machine Learning-Based Temperature Prediction for Runtime Thermal Management Across System Components

Elevated temperatures limit the peak performance of systems because of frequent interventions by thermal throttling. Non-uniform thermal states across system nodes also cause performance variation within seemingly equivalent nodes leading to significant degradation of overall performance. In this paper we present a framework for creating a lightweight thermal prediction system suitable for run-time management decisions. We pursue two avenues to explore optimized lightweight thermal predictors. First, we use feature selection algorithms to improve the performance of previously designed machine learning methods. Second, we develop alternative methods using neural network and linear regression-based methods to perform a comprehensive comparative study of prediction methods. We show that our optimized models achieve improved performance with better prediction accuracy and lower overhead as compared with the Gaussian process model proposed previously. Specifically we present a reduced version of the Gaussian process model, a neural network–based model, and a linear regression–based model. Using the optimization methods, we are able to reduce the average prediction errors in the Gaussian process from $4.2^\circ$ C to $2.9^\circ$ C. We also show that the newly developed models using neural network and Lasso linear regression have average prediction errors of $2.9^\circ$ C and $3.8^\circ$ C respectively. The prediction overheads are 0.22, 0.097, and 0.026 ms per prediction for reduced Gaussian process, neural network, and Lasso linear regression models, respectively, compared with 0.57 ms per prediction for the previous Gaussian process model. We have implemented our proposed thermal prediction models on a two-node system configuration to help identify the optimal task placement. The task placement identified by the models reduces the average system temperature by up to $11.9^\circ$ C without any performance degradation. Furthermore, these models respectively achieve 75, 82.5, and 74.17 percent success rates in correctly pointing to those task placements with better thermal response, compared with 72.5 percent success for the original model in achieving the same objective. Finally, we extended our analysis to a 16-node system and we were able to train models and execute them in real time to guide task migration and achieve on average 17 percent reduction in the overall system cooling power.
Strategies for the Aerobic Biodegradation of Dinitrotoluenes

Dinitrotoluenes (DNT) are intermediates in the production of the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and precursors of toluenediisocyanate used in the manufacture of polyurethane foams (Hartter, 1985) Disposal practices associated with TNT manufacturing dating back to World Wars I and II, have resulted in an enormous contamination problem at ammunition production and handling facilities in the US and worldwide. Although TNT is no longer produced in the US, the current annual worldwide production of DNT is 2.7 billion pounds. Both 2,4- and 2,6-DNT are listed as US EPA priority pollutants in the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the RCRA, and the CERCLA.
Student Perceptions of a Basic Medical Science-focused Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience

AimsThe four-year Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum at Belmont University College of Pharmacy requires student pharmacist to successfully complete 10-one month rotations in clinical or research facilities. Basic science faculty offer rotations which expose student pharmacists to basic medical bench research. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the student pharmacists’ assessments of the facilities, preceptor, and experiences during the rotation, and (2) assess student phamacists’ perceptions as described in their reflections. MethodsStudent perception of the rotation was measured in two ways. First, an Educator Evaluation was conducted through E*Value™. The instrument was divided into Section I which queried about the site/experience and Section II which focused on the preceptor. Second, investigators reviewed student pharmacists’ reflections using narrative and content analysis to evaluate how students expressed their feelings regarding the APPE. Key topics were defined according to reported findings and elective research rotation supportive rationale. A pair-wise linear regression was performed on data.ResultsStudent pharmacists rated the laboratory facilities and the preceptors highly. Through reflective exercises, student pharmacists expressed a high level of satisfaction with the research rotations. A comparison of results from two independent investigators searching the reflections for key terms relating to the outcome of the rotation showed a strong correlation between the results from each individual investigator. Final conclusionsThis rotation may not be appropriate for all student pharmacists; however, for those with an interest in research, the rotation can provide an opportunity to further explore the area. This helps to enhance certain characteristics, such as data interpretation and critical thinking skills. Overall, students felt that the rotation benefited them as future pharmacists.
Influence over school discipline policy: Variation across levels of governance, school contexts, and time

Little research explores the relative influence of various stakeholders on school discipline policy. Using data from the SASS and ordered logistic regression, this study explores such influence while assessing variation across schools types and changes over time. Principals consistently rate themselves and teachers as the most influential stakeholders over setting school discipline policy. The proportion of racial minorities in a school predicts greater influence from higher levels of governance while charter schools report less. Increases in influence of principals and teachers over time are documented. The results may inform both policymakers and practitioners as they work to improve equitable disciplinary outcomes for students.
Teach Your Students Well: The Seminary and a Hermeneutics of Suspicion

In Freud and Philosophy, Paul Ricoeur argues that religious believers must be willing to expose their faith to Freud's hermeneutics of suspicion. Believers will not, following the encounter, be the same people with the same faith, but, according to Ricoeur, the alternative of avoiding the encounter is not a viable option. However, a philosophy of “total exposure” to Freud, or anyone else issuing a challenge to religious faith, can be difficult for seminary faculty to apply, pedagogically. Indeed, seminaries are expected to graduate into ministry, not individuals experiencing a crisis of faith or meaning, but rather spiritually rock-solid men and women. The temptation, then, for seminary faculty is to “go easy” on their students, but this pedagogical strategy inevitably backfires. Seminarians who are sheltered from Ricoeur's challenge may be rock-solid at the “persona” or surface level of human personality, but this is not, necessarily, an indication that they are individuated or integrated people of faith.
Studying the epidemiology of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Screening method and pilot results

Objective:As part of a larger epidemiologic study of risk factors for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this pilot study combined parent and teacher information to estimate ADHD prevalence among elementary school children in a North Carolina county. The methods developed for this study and the pitfalls we encountered illustrate the challenges involved in conducting population-based studies of ADHD.Methods:We employed 2-stage screening using DSM-IV criteria. Teachers completed behaviour-rating scales for all children. We then administered a structured telephone interview to parents of potential cases. We screened 362 of 424 (85%) children in grades 1 to 5 in 4 schools.Results:According to parent reports, 43 children (12%) had previously been diagnosed with ADHD by a health professional. Thirty-four children (9%) were taking ADHD medication. Forty-six children (12.7%) met study case criteria for ADHD, based on combined teacher and parent reports. Of the 46 cases, 18 (39%) had not been previou...
Structural Barriers to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Young Sexual Minority Men: The P18 Cohort Study.

Background Despite decreasing rates of HIV among many populations, HIV-related health disparities among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men persist, with disproportional percentages of new HIV diagnoses among racial and ethnic minority men. Despite increasing awareness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), PrEP use remains low. In addition to exploring individual-level factors for this slow uptake, structural drivers of PrEP use must also be identified in order to maximize the effectiveness of biomedical HIV prevention strategies. Method Using cross-sectional data from an ongoing cohort study of young sexual minority men (N=492), we examine the extent to which structural-level barriers, including access to health care, medication logistics, counseling support, and stigma are related to PrEP use. Results While almost all participants indicated awareness of PrEP, only 14% had ever used PrEP. PrEP use was associated with lower concerns about health care access, particularly paying for PrEP. Those with greater concerns talking with their provider about their sexual behaviors were less likely to use PrEP. Conclusion Paying for PrEP and talking to one's provider about sexual behaviors are concerns for young sexual minority men. In particular, stigma from healthcare providers poses a significant barrier to PrEP use in this population. Providers need not only to increase their own awareness of and advocacy for PrEP as an effective risk-management strategy for HIV prevention, but also must work to create open and non-judgmental spaces in which patients can discuss sexual behaviors without the fear of stigma.
Reducing Prejudice Through Narratives

Abstract. Recent extensions to the contact hypothesis reveal that different forms of contact, such as mediated intergroup contact, can reduce intergroup anxiety and improve attitudes toward the out...
Disinfectant and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Campylobacter coli Isolated in 1998 to 1999 and 2015 from Swine and Commercial Pork Chops

Susceptibility profiles were determined for 111 Campylobacter coli strains obtained in 1998 to 1999 and 2015 from market age pigs and pork chops against 22 disinfectants and 9 antimicrobials. Resistance to tetracycline (TET) was observed in 44.4% of 1998 to 1999 strains, and the antibiotic resistance profile was TET. But strains obtained in 2015 from swine and retail pork chops had 75% TET resistance and the antibiotic resistance profile was TET, followed by azithromycin-erythromycin-TET-telithromycin-clindamycin. Antimicrobial resistance increased in 2015 strains. All strains were resistant to triclosan, and 84.1% and 95.8% of strains in 1998 to 1999 and 2015, respectively, were chlorhexidine resistant. All strains were susceptible to benzalkonium chloride. There was a shift toward higher susceptibility to chlorhexidine, triclosan, P-128, OdoBan, CPB, and CPC in 2015 swine and pork chop strains compared with 1998 to 1999 strains. The disinfectants Tek-Trol and providone-iodine, tris(hydroxylmethyl)nitromethane (THN) and formaldehyde demonstrated the highest susceptibilities. Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (C10AC) appeared to be about equally effective as benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium chloride (C14BAC) for inhibiting C. coli, and both were more effective than C8AC and C12BAC, but C16BAC was not efficient at inhibiting C. coli. The BACs, C12BAC and C14BAC, were the most effective ingredients in DC&R. Also, C12BAC and C14BAC, or these two in synergy with C10AC were responsible for inhibition of C. coli at high P-128 MICs. No cross-resistance was observed between antibiotics and disinfectants. The continued use of THN and formaldehyde in DC&R should be evaluated since these components are not effective, and their inclusion adds unwanted chemicals in the environment. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Campylobacter species cause diarrheal disease throughout the world. Disinfectants are often used on the farm, in veterinary medicine, by the food processing industry, in restaurants, and in consumer's homes. Limited information is available in the literature showing how disinfectants or disinfectant components may affect the many different foodborne pathogens, and, specifically, Campylobacter coli studied here. The knowledge generated in this study concerning the interactions of a broad array of disinfectants against C. coli may well affect the types of disinfectants and disinfectant formulations allowable for use by medical personnel, producers, food processors, restaurants, and consumers.
Frequency-Domain Finite-Difference Elastic Wave Modeling in the Presence of Surface Topography

Seismic numerical modeling in the presence of surface topography has become a valuable tool to characterize seismic wave propagation in basin or mountain areas. Regarding advantages of frequency-domain seismic wavefield simulations (e.g., easy implementation of multiple sources and straightforward extension of adding attenuation factors), we propose a frequency-domain finite-difference seismic wavefield simulation in 2D elastic media with an irregular free surface. In the frequency domain, we first transform second-order elastic wave equations and first-order free surface boundary conditions from the Cartesian coordinate system to the curvilinear coordinate system. Then we apply complex frequency-shifted perfectly matched layer (CFS-PML) absorbing boundary condition to second-order elastic wave equations in the curvilinear coordinate. To better couple free surface boundary conditions and CFS-PML absorbing boundary condition, we also apply the complex coordinate stretching method used in CFS-PML to free surface boundary conditions in the curvilinear coordinate. In the first numerical test, the comparison of the seismograms calculated by our algorithm with an analytical solution indicates that our algorithm can accurately simulate seismic wavefield in the frequency domain. Finally, we choose three more elastic models with different types of surface topographies to further characterize seismic wave propagation.
Palliative Care and Interventional Radiology Interface to Improve Patient Outcomes

Abstract Interventional procedures benefit palliative care team patients in a variety of different ways, providing a means to manage a wide array of debilitating symptoms. The interprofessional collaboration of palliative care and interventional radiology is imperative for the successful management of chronically ill patients in their homes. This article briefly defines the roles of the palliative care team and that of interventional radiology in patient symptom management, providing a better understanding of the differences and the interface of these disciplines in the complex symptom management of palliative patients.
Increasing Incidence of Advanced Non-cardia Gastric Cancers Among Younger Hispanics in the USA.

Recent findings indicate a shift in the epidemiology of non-cardia gastric cancer in the USA. In particular, an uprising trend in incidence rates among non-Hispanic whites aged < 50 years. To examine secular trends in the incidence of non-cardia gastric cancer among adults aged < 50 years in the USA by race/ethnicity and stage at diagnosis. Age-adjusted incidence rates and trends in adults aged < 50 years and ≥ 50 years were calculated using data from all 50 states in the National Program of Cancer Registries and the SEER program. We used joinpoint regression to compute average annual percent change (AAPC) in cancer incidence rates. Overall, we found an increasing trend of non-cardia gastric cancer among non-Hispanic whites aged < 50 years between 2001 and 2014 (AAPC = 1.24, 95% CI 0.49, 1.99). However, among non-Hispanic whites aged < 50 years, the rates of localized disease increased (AAPC = 5.28, 95% CI 3.94, 6.64), whereas the rates of distant stage non-cardia gastric cancer remained unchanged (AAPC = 0.68, 95% CI − 0.63, 2.00). Conversely, we found a significant increase in rates of distant stage non-cardia gastric cancer among Hispanics aged < 50 years (AAPC = 1.78, 95% CI 0.66, 2.91). Non-cardia gastric cancer incidence rates decreased over the study period among non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics aged ≥ 50 years. Given the rapid growth of the young Hispanic population in the USA, preventative strategies for non-cardia gastric cancer cannot neglect this population.
Tracking Dual Image Transmission through Dispersive Chiral Thick Lens under Dielictric Losses using Fresnel Coefficients

Fresnel coefficients are used to track dual image formation for electromagnetic propagation from a 2D object through a chiral thick lens with dielectric losses, and real and virtual imaging conditions investigated based on dispersive material parameters.
Copper Toxicity Is Not Just Oxidative Damage: Zinc Systems and Insight from Wilson Disease

Essential metals such as copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are important cofactors in diverse cellular processes, while metal imbalance may impact or be altered by disease state. Cu is essential for aerobic life with significant functions in oxidation-reduction catalysis. This redox reactivity requires precise intracellular handling and molecular-to-organismal levels of homeostatic control. As the central organ of Cu homeostasis in vertebrates, the liver has long been associated with Cu storage disorders including Wilson Disease (WD) (heritable human Cu toxicosis), Idiopathic Copper Toxicosis and Endemic Tyrolean Infantile Cirrhosis. Cu imbalance is also associated with chronic liver diseases that arise from hepatitis viral infection or other liver injury. The labile redox characteristic of Cu is often discussed as a primary mechanism of Cu toxicity. However, work emerging largely from the study of WD models suggests that Cu toxicity may have specific biochemical consequences that are not directly attributable to redox activity. This work reviews Cu toxicity with a focus on the liver and proposes that Cu accumulation specifically impacts Zn-dependent processes. The prospect that Cu toxicity has specific biochemical impacts that are not entirely attributable to redox may promote further inquiry into Cu toxicity in WD and other Cu-associated disorders.
Saving face: the emotional costs of the Asian immigrant family myth

Angie Chung has written a timely book about the Asian immigrant family in the US. In the wake of such controversial publications as Amy Chua's Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother in 2011, a book which ...
Effect of Coil Parameters on Layered DD Coil for Efficient Wireless Power Transfer

Inductive wireless power transfer technology (WPT) is gaining momentum recently for wide range of applications. This ranges from charging of portable electronic devices to static and dynamic charging of electric vehicles. It is enabled by the use of magnetic coils wound in certain shapes and dimensions. In order to gain optimal wireless power transfer, coil parameters such as the wire spacing and the core area, are critical. A less optimal selection of values for these parameters can lead to destructive or constructive interaction between the generated fields. In this letter, some coil parameters such as the inter-layer and turn spacing of the Layered DD (LDD) coil are investigated to determine how they influence the inductance which influences the WPT efficiency. It was deduced that the start radius of the LDD coil is directly proportional to the inductance. The inter-layer distance and change in radius exhibit an inversely proportional relationship.
The Development of Disgust and Its Relationship to Adolescent Psychosocial Functioning

Experiences of excessive disgust have been implicated in several psychopathologies. Research, however, has rarely examined disgust and its role in psychosocial functioning from a developmental standpoint. This study examines the relationship between disgust expression in early life and subsequent adolescent psychosocial functioning. Data from 165 children were collected as part of a longitudinal study. Disgust propensity in infancy and childhood was assessed using a facial expressivity task and food aversion task, respectively. Adolescent psychosocial functioning was measured through several self-report measures. Results suggest that there exists a degree of consistency in disgust expression within the first year of life, and that childhood disgust propensity may be related to impairment in early adolescent psychosocial functioning. These findings highlight the potential importance of identifying early disgust expression as a marker for later psychopathology.
Low-pass filter cutoff frequency affects sacral-mounted inertial measurement unit estimations of peak vertical ground reaction force and contact time during treadmill running.

Abstract Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are popular tools for estimating biomechanical variables such as peak vertical ground reaction force (GRFv) and foot-ground contact time (tc), often by using multiple sensors or predictive models. Despite their growing use, little is known about the effects of varying low-pass filter cutoff frequency, which can affect the magnitude of force-related dependent variables, the accuracy of IMU-derived metrics, or if simpler methods for such estimations exist. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of varying low-pass filter cutoff frequency on the correlation of IMU-derived peak GRFv and tc to gold-standard lab-based measurements. Thirty National Collegiate Athletics Association Division 1 cross country runners ran on an instrumented treadmill at a range of speeds while outfitted with a sacral-mounted IMU. A simple method for estimating peak GRFv from the IMU was implemented by multiplying the IMU’s vertical acceleration by the runner’s body mass. Data from the IMU were low-pass filtered with 5, 10, and 30 Hz cutoffs. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine how well the IMU-derived estimates matched gold-standard biomechanical estimations. Correlations ranged from very weak to moderate for peak GRFv and tc. For peak GRFv, the 10 Hz low-pass filter cutoff performed best (r = 0.638), while for tc the 5 Hz cut-off performed best (r = 0.656). These results suggest that IMU-derived estimates of force and contact time are influenced by the low-pass filter cutoff frequency. Further investigations are needed to determine the optimal low-pass filter cutoff frequency or a different method to accurately estimate force and contact time is suggested.
On the Efficiency and Control of Different Functional Analysis Formats

Jessel et al. (Behavior Analysis & Practice, 13(1), 205–216, 2020a) conducted a review of the functional analysis literature between the years 1965 and 2016. The authors found an increasing trend in analyses replicating the components of Iwata et al. (Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 197–209, 1982/1994a) and determined that those components have come to represent a standard format. Since the inception of the standard, other functional analysis formats (e.g., brief, latency-based, trial-based) have been developed to improve analysis efficiency and control, with most retaining fundamental components of the standard and some omitting all (e.g., interview-informed, synthesized contingency analysis; IISCA). We conducted a review of functional analyses in this two-part evaluation to determine the levels of efficiency and control afforded by functional analysis variations and formats.
PARPs and ADP-Ribosylation: 50 Years … and Counting

Over 50 years ago, the discovery of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) set a new field of science in motion—the field of poly(ADP-ribosyl) transferases (PARPs) and ADP-ribosylation. The field is still flourishing today. The diversity of biological processes now known to require PARPs and ADP-ribosylation was practically unimaginable even two decades ago. From an initial focus on DNA damage detection and repair in response to genotoxic stresses, the field has expanded to include the regulation of chromatin structure, gene expression, and RNA processing in a wide range of biological systems, including reproduction, development, aging, stem cells, inflammation, metabolism, and cancer. This special focus issue of Molecular Cell includes a collection of three Reviews, three Perspectives, and a SnapShot, which together summarize the current state of the field and suggest where it may be headed.
X-Autosome Translocations in The Mouse: Total Inactivation Versus Partial Inactivation Of The X Chromosome

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that the use of data from the X-A translocations in the mouse allowed hypothetical answers to be formulated regarding the selection of one active X chromosome, physical linkage of autosomal genes to the active or inactive X chromosomal material regarding inactivation or activation, complete inactivation of an intact X chromosome versus incomplete inactivation of the X portion of an X-A segment, and random versus nonrandom inactivation with respect to primary and secondary causes. The chapter also discusses an interesting model for a gene regulation control system, which is proposed in higher organisms. The inactivation of the X chromosome would indicate that there are hierarchies of gene regulation. The X chromosome would be expected to have all the control systems. This latter system is hypothesized to be the determination mechanism for which X chromosome will be the inactive X chromosome.
Optimum Thrust Pitch Profiles for Certain Orbit Control Problems

Optimal thrust pitch profiles that maximize the change in the semimajor axis while constraining the eccentricity change at zero over a revolution, in the presence of shadowing where no thrust is applied, are generated by using numerical quadrature methods. The procedure is extended to the dual problem of maximizing the change in eccentricity while constraining the semimajor axis change at zero for the near-circular case with shadowing. The method is further applied to the more general elliptic case using continuous thrust to circularize a highly elliptic synchronous orbit that stays synchronous during the circularization maneuver. For the simplified problem where the thrust is applied normal to the line of apsides, the use of the averaged rate of the eccentricity leads to an analytic expression relating the current eccentricity to the accumulated thrust time during the circularization. This expression allows for a quick evaluation of the required velocity change for a given initial elliptic orbit to circularize. Finally, for the near-circular case, the simultaneous circularization and orbit plane rotation using constant thrust yaw profile and inertially fixed in-plane thrust orientation, as in the simplified circularization problem, leads to an analytic expression for the required velocity change to effect a given orbit rotation with given initial eccentricity. The constant yaw angle needed for such a transfer is also obtained analytically.
The College Health Related Information Survey (C.h.R.I.s.-73): a screen for college student athletes.

Objective: To assess the reliability and discriminate validity of a new screening instrument for college student athletes. Method: 518 Stanford University students completed the proposed instrument (College Health Related Information Survey—CHRIS-73), which was based on the Juvenile Wellness and Health Survey (JWHS-76) but re-designed to assess mental health domains relevant to college athletes. Results: Factor analysis yielded four factors: mental health problems, eating problems, risk behaviors, and performance pressure. Factors were internally consistent, reasonably independent, and clearly discriminated between athletes and non-athletes, and males and females. Conclusions: This study supports the CHRIS-73 as a useful screen for assessing mental health problems among college student athletes.
The maximum flow algorithm applied to the placement and distributed steady-state control of UPFCs

The bulk power system is one of the largest man-made networks and its size makes control an extremely difficult task. This paper presents a method to control a power network using UPFCs set to levels determined by a maximum flow (max-flow) algorithm. The graph-theory-based max-flow is applied to the power system for UPFC placement and scheduling. A distributed version of max-flow is described to coordinate the actions of the UPFCs distributed in a power network. Two sample power systems were tested using max-flow for UPFC placement and settings. The resulting system characteristics are examined over all single-line contingencies and the appropriateness of the maximum flow algorithm for power flow control is discussed.
A Package for Testing Multiple Integration Subroutines

During the years 1960–1980 a significant number of methods were proposed for the approximate calculation of multiple integrals (see the books by Stroud [11] and Davis and Rabinowitz [4]). Usually the publication of the description of one of these methods was accompanied by results from a few selected test problems. Users of these methods discovered that although good results could occasionally be obtained in a short time with a particular method, it was often the case that it took hours of computer time to produce inaccurate results. The original description of the methods usually provided only limited information about the practical range of application of the method, and it was not clear if there could ever be any practical means of testing the different methods.
Genetic History of the Human Species

A major and continuing issue in anthropology is the recent evolutionary history of the human species. One question is the relationship of early humans (Homo erectus) to later larger-brained hominids often referred to as ‘archaic humans’ and ‘anatomically modern humans’. The major debate is between the recent African origin model and the multiregional model. The recent African origin model proposes that Homo sapiens arose as a separate species in Africa within the past 200 000 years, and then dispersed across the Old World replacing non-African archaic populations. The multiregional model suggests that human evolution over the past 2 million years has been within a single evolving polytypic species. Genetic data have been used increasingly to address these different models (and different variants of each). Several different approaches have been used: gene trees, genetic diversity within populations, genetic distances between populations, and reconstructions of ancient demography. Much of the genetic data is consistent with a replacement model. However, these data are also compatible with a general multiregional model that postulates genetic input from at least two geographic regions. To date, neither model is supported unequivocally by the genetic evidence. Genetic estimates of ancient population size favor an African origin model, but it is still not clear whether this rules out non-African archaic genetic input. One possibility is that our species is mostly, but not exclusively, out of Africa. Keywords: human evolution; homo erectus; neandertals; homo sapiens; African replacement; multiregional evolution; gene flow; effective population size; mitochondrial DNA
An efficient way of convection heat transfer measurement on a curved surface

Accurate determination of convective heat transfer coefficients on complex surfaces with high spatial resolution is essential in the design and analysis of thermal systems. This study focuses on the implementation of a recently developed true color image-processing technique for the quantitative interpretation of liquid crystal images obtained from a curved surface. The interpretation includes the use of a linear hue versus temperature relation as an accurate temperature measuring tool, a color image analysis system and a transient heat transfer model for the conversion of time accurate temperature information into heat transfer coefficient maps. A square to rectangular transition duct is used as a heat transfer model representative of a curved geometry. The transient heat transfer experiments are performed with ambient temperature air in the transition duct model which is preheated by a custom designed electric heater. The measurements are performed on the curved bottom surface of the transition duct. Two dimensional surface distributions of heat transfer coefficient on the curved surface are presented with high spatial resolution. The hue-capturing technique provides extremely fine details of heat transfer coefficient when compared to other conventional discrete sensor methods. The technique is a highly automated heat transfer measurement method which reduces lengthy data reduction processes and significantly improves spatial resolution.
Thermal copoly(amino acids) as inhibitors of glyoxalase I.

A number of copoly(alpha-amino acids) have been prepared thermally; some have been found to function as inhibitors of glyoxalase I, an enzyme which occupies a central position in Szent-Gyorgyi's theory of tumour genesis. These polymers are also of interest in the search for synthetic peptides having carcinostatic activity, since many natural peptides are active. The way in which the inhibitory activity varies with composition of the synthetic polymers has been investigated. Various properties (hydrophobicity, molecular weight, UV absorption, kinetic type) have been examined in a search for correlates of inhibitory activity.
Reinforcement learning for optimal tracking and regulation: A unified framework

Reinforcement learning (RL) has been widely used to design feedback controllers for both discrete-time and continuous-time dynamical systems. This technique allows for the design of a class of adaptive controllers that learn optimal control solutions forward in time, and without knowing the full system dynamics. Integral reinforcement learning (IRL) and off-policy RL algorithms for continuous-time (CT) systems, and Q-learning and heuristic dynamic programing for discrete-time (DT) systems have been successfully used to learn the optimal control solutions, online in real time. The application of these methods, however, has been mostly limited to the design of optimal regulators. Nevertheless, in practice it is often required to force the states or outputs of the system to track a reference (desired) trajectory. A unified framework for both tracking and regulation problems is defined here and it is shown here how we can develop online model-free RL algorithms to solve the unified tracking and regulation control problem for both CT and DT systems.
The incorporation of particle collisions in the time-dependent hartree-fock approximation

In the time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) approximation, particles interact only through the mean field, and the collisions between particles are not included. Previously, we formulated the extended time-dependent Hartree-Fock (ETDHF) approximation to include particle collisions in terms of a temporal variation of the occupation probability nγ for the single-particle states. In the simplest approximation, the single-particle potential is modified only through the particle density which depends on nγ. We wish to refine the extended TDHF approximation by studying how particle collisions affect the single-particle potential. We find that it acquires two second-order contributions which are state-dependent and are the generalization of the “core polarization” and “correlation” contributions one encounters in the study of the nucleon-nucleus optical potentials. In consequence, concepts such as energy-dependent single-particle potentials and effective masses may be properly introduced in the extended TDHF approximation. We also wish to review the conservation of energy in the ETDHF approximation. We find that the total energy should include a second-order contribution due to correlations arising from particle collisions. The proper choice of single-particle basis states in the extended TDHF approximation is also discussed.
Defining failure and its predictors in mandibular distraction for Robin sequence

Abstract Introduction Robin sequence (RS) is defined as the triad of micrognathia, glossoptosis and airway obstruction. A popular surgical treatment is mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO). In this study, it is demonstrated that the associated variables change, dependent on the manner in which failure is defined. These multiple failure outcomes are used to construct a scoring system to predict MDO failure. Methods A retrospective database of neonatal MDO patients was constructed. Failure outcomes studied included tracheostomy; a decrease in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) but an AHI >20; and death. A combination of bivariate and regression analysis was used to produce significantly associated variables and a scoring system. Results Statistical analysis demonstrated the association of gastroesophageal reflux; age >30 days; neurologic anomaly; airway anomalies, other than laryngomalacia; an intact palate; and pre-operative intubation on the outcome variables studied. Multiple scoring systems were produced with reasonable sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value. Conclusions When reporting surgical outcomes of MDO in the setting of RS, it is important to consider the AHI as well as avoidance of tracheostomy as an outcome variable. Incomplete amelioration of AHI accounts for half of the patients with a problem after MDO. The predictive scores presented will be used and validated on a larger, prospectively collected dataset.
Variable eculizumab clearance requires pharmacodynamic monitoring to optimize therapy for thrombotic microangiopathy after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) associated with terminal complement activation, as measured by elevated plasma terminal complement (sC5b-9) concentrations, has a very high mortality. The complement inhibitor eculizumab may be a therapeutic option for HSCT-associated TMA. We examined the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of eculizumab in children and young adult HSCT recipients with TMA and activated complement to determine drug dosing requirements for future efficacy trials. We analyzed prospectively collected laboratory samples and clinical data from 18 HSCT recipients with high-risk TMA presenting with complement activation who were treated with eculizumab. We measured eculizumab serum concentrations, total hemolytic complement activity, and plasma sC5b-9 concentrations. Population PK/PD analyses correlated eculizumab concentrations with complement blockade and clinical response and determined interindividual differences in PK parameters. We also compared transplant survival in patients treated with eculizumab (n = 18) with patients with the same high-risk TMA features who did not receive any targeted therapy during a separate prospective observational study (n = 11). In the PK analysis, we found significant interpatient variability in eculizumab clearance, ranging from 16 to 237 mL/hr/70 kg in the induction phase. The degree of complement activation measured by sC5b-9 concentrations at the start of therapy, in addition to actual body weight, was a significant determinant of eculizumab clearance and disease response. Sixty-one percent of treated patients had complete resolution of TMA and were able to safely discontinue eculizumab without disease recurrence. Overall survival was significantly higher in treated subjects compared with untreated patients (56% versus 9%, P = .003). Complement blocking therapy is associated with improved survival in HSCT patients with high-risk TMA who historically have dismal outcomes, but eculizumab pharmacokinetics in HSCT recipients differ significantly from reports in other diseases like atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Our eculizumab dosing algorithm, including pr-treatment plasma sC5b-9 concentrations, patient's actual body weight, and the first eculizumab dose (mg), accurately determined eculizumab concentration-time profiles for HSCT recipients with high-risk TMA. This algorithm may guide eculizumab treatment and ensure that future efficacy studies use the most clinically appropriate and cost-efficient dosing schedules.
Isolation of ribosome containing synaptosome subpopulation with active in vitro protein synthesis.

Subpopulations of synaptosomes harvested from neonatal rat brain cortices revealed a differential ability to synthesize protein in vitro. Incubation of synaptosomes with radiolbeled leucine, followed by continuous sucrose gradient centrifugation produced an asymmetric shift in the radioactivity toward the higher density sucrose fractions. The bulk of the mitochondrial cytochrome c-oxidase activity was also found in these fractions, however, subfractionation studies of osmotically-lysed synaptosomes suggested that the newly-synthesized proteins reside in an osmotically sensitive, non-mitochondrial compartment. The ability of each subpopulation of synaptosomes to synthesize protein in vitro was assessed after their isolation from linear continuous sucrose gradients. There was an enrichment of highly active protein synthesizing particles in the “heavy” subpopulations of neonatal synaptosomes. The inhibitory effects of chloramphenicol and cycloheximide on the protein synthesis in these particles were similar to those of the original synaptosome fraction. Electron microscopic analysis revealed an increase in the numbers of ribosome-containing structures resembling dendritic dendritic and axonal growth cones.
INTERLEUKIN-10 PROTECTS AGAINST PLATELET ACTIVATING FACTOR-INDUCED HYPOTENSION AND INTESTINAL INJURY IN THE RAT. • 720

INTERLEUKIN-10 PROTECTS AGAINST PLATELET ACTIVATING FACTOR-INDUCED HYPOTENSION AND INTESTINAL INJURY IN THE RAT. • 720