cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulatory Interactions of Csr Components: the RNA Binding Protein CsrA Activates csrB Transcription in Escherichia coli

The global regulator CsrA (carbon storage regulator) of Escherichia coli is a small RNA binding protein that represses various metabolic pathways and processes that are induced in the stationary phase of growth, while it activates certain exponential phase functions. Both repression and activation by CsrA involve posttranscriptional mechanisms, in which CsrA binding to mRNA leads to decreased or increased transcript stability, respectively. CsrA also binds to a small untranslated RNA, CsrB, forming a ribonucleoprotein complex, which antagonizes CsrA activity. We have further examined the regulatory interactions of CsrA and CsrB RNA. The 5' end of the CsrB transcript was mapped, and a csrB::cam null mutant was constructed. CsrA protein and CsrB RNA levels were estimated throughout the growth curves of wild-type and isogenic csrA, csrB, rpoS, or csrA rpoS mutant strains. CsrA levels exhibited modest or negligible effects of these mutations. The intracellular concentration of CsrA exceeded the total CsrA-binding capacity of intracellular CsrB RNA. In contrast, CsrB levels were drastically decreased (~10-fold) in the csrA mutants. CsrB transcript stability was unaffected by csrA. The expression of a csrB-lacZ transcriptional fusion containing the region from -242 to +4 bp of the csrB gene was decreased ~20-fold by a csrA::kanR mutation in vivo but was unaffected by CsrA protein in vitro. These results reveal a significant, though most likely indirect, role for CsrA in regulating csrB transcription. Furthermore, our findings suggest that CsrA mediates an intriguing form of autoregulation, whereby its activity, but not its levels, is modulated through effects on an RNA antagonist, CsrB.
Integrins Regulate the Association and Phosphorylation of Paxillin by c-Abl

The c-Abl proto-oncogene is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase whose activity and localization are regulated by integrins. Cell adhesion to fibronectin triggers the transient recruitment of c-Abl from the nucleus to focal adhesions and activation of its tyrosine kinase. To investigate the integrin regulation of c-Abl, proteins that interact with c-Abl following cell adhesion were assayed. Several proteins that were phosphorylated on tyrosine were found to transiently co-precipitate with c-Abl during cell adhesion, and one was identified as the focal adhesion protein paxillin. Abl also became transiently phosphorylated in response to cell adhesion. In addition, paxillin was found to serve as substrate for the adhesion-activated c-Abl kinase. These results suggest that c-Abl may mediate effects of integrins on cell functions by phosphorylating paxillin.
Adverse effects of inhalation of excessive amounts of nebulized isoproterenol in status asthmaticus

Abstract The inhalation of excessive amounts of nebulized isoproterenol and related compounds may produce adverse effects in status asthmaticus. Nine of 17 patients, whose deaths were caused primarily by asthma, used these preparations excessively and apparently more and more to accomplish less and less. Three entered into a locked-lung syndrome when prolonged inpatient treatment with corticosteroids and all other usually employed modalities failed to produce relief of wheezing, which persisted, increased, became refractory to very large doses of isoproterenol given by hand nebulizer and intermittent positive pressure breathing apparatus, and ultimately caused death. Thirty living patients, with severe asthma resistant to all usual forms of treatment, including corticosteroids, improved when they stopped overusing nebulized isoproterenol compounds. One of these showed no bronchodilating response after recovery. One normal person had evidence of irritation of the upper and lower respiratory tract after inhalation of excessive aerosol from the Isuprel Mistometer but no evidence of bronchial obstruction. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that therapeutic doses of these preparations are well tolerated and effective against bronchial obstruction due to asthma, but overusage may induce and/or maintain irritation of the air passages and intractable asthma.
Drosophila MUS312 interacts with the nucleotide excision repair endonuclease MEI-9 to generate meiotic crossovers

MEI-9 is the Drosophila homolog of the human structure-specific DNA endonuclease XPF. Like XPF, MEI-9 functions in nucleotide excision repair and interstrand crosslink repair. MEI-9 is also required to generate meiotic crossovers, in a function thought to be associated with resolution of Holliday junction intermediates. We report here the identification of MUS312, a protein that physically interacts with MEI-9. We show that mutations in mus312 elicit a meiotic phenotype identical to that of mei-9 mutants. A missense mutation in mei-9 that disrupts the MEI-9-MUS312 interaction abolishes the meiotic function of mei-9 but does not affect the DNA repair functions of mei-9. We propose that MUS312 facilitates resolution of meiotic Holliday junction intermediates by MEI-9.
Ecological and behavioral correlates of individual flocking propensity of a tropical songbird

Bird flocks are characteristic of environments worldwide, and there is a rich literature investigating the purported costs and benefits for attendant species. Few studies, however, have investigated the potential sources of individual variation in flocking behavior. We hypothesized that flocking propensity would vary among individuals as a function of intrinsic, environmental, and social characteristics, as well as flock-joining opportunities as a function of home range size and number of flocks present. We tracked wedge-billed woodcreepers (Glyphorynchus spirurus) using radiotelemetry from January–February, 2011 and January–March, 2012 at Tiputini Biodiversity Station in eastern Ecuador. Individual home ranges overlapped a mean of 2.6 (0.2 standard error [SE]) individuals by a mean of 44% (0.09 SE) per overlapping individual. Flocking propensity was 32% in 2011 and 20% in 2012, with considerable individual variation (2–35%). Expected flocking propensity was 45% based on average home range size and number of flocks in the study area; assuming that dominant individuals excluded subordinates in areas of home range overlap reduced the predicted value to 35%. Individual flocking propensity was positively correlated with body condition, frequency of aggressive behavior, and probability of joining a flock given presence, and negatively correlated with number of overlapping conspecifics. Our results suggest that woodcreepers compete for access to flocks within areas of home range overlap, which results in limited opportunities for some individuals to join flocks. The costs and benefits of group behavior may, therefore, vary among individuals within a species.
An integrated approach to the synthesis of geometrically non‐linear structures

An integrated approach to the minimum weight design of geometrically nonlinear three-dimensional truss structures with geometric imperfections, subject to inequality constraints on static displacements, stresses, local buckling and cross sectional areas, is investigated. The integrated structural synthesis problem involves design and response quantities as independent variables and equilibrium equations, describing the finite element model, as equality constraints. The nonlinear structural analysis and the optimization are thus merged together into a single process. A computer program developed to compute the constraint values and analytical gradients is coupled with a generalized reduced gradient algorithm to solve the integrated problem. Numerical results for a geometrically nonlinear shallow dome example problem are presented for various types of imperfections. Furthermore, it is found that the algorithm is capable of detecting and guarding against system as well as element elastic instability using equilibrium information only, that is, without imposing system and local buckling inequality constraints.
Early Therapy of Vertical Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Infection: Control of Viral Replication and Absence of Persistent HIV-1-Specific Immune Responses

Studies of potent antiretroviral combination regimens were undertaken in young infants to evaluate the potential for long-term suppression of viral replication and to evaluate the immune consequences of such therapies. Early combination antiretroviral therapy led to a loss of plasma viremia, cultivable virus, and labile extrachromosomal replication intermediates. Despite preservation of immune function, persistent human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1)-specific immune responses were not detected in most infants. The absence of detectable, persisting immune responses in most HIV-1-infected infants treated early contrasts with what is typically seen in adults who are treated early. These results are consistent with the notion that early combination antiretroviral therapy of HIV-1-infected infants allows the long-term suppression of viral replication.
Data sharing in a large heterogeneous environment

The issues involved in sharing information among a large collection of independent databases is explored. Some of the distinguishing features that characterize such large-scale environments (such as size, autonomy, and heterogeneity) are discussed. A multistep information sharing process for those systems is outlined and an architecture supporting that exchange is presented. A detailed description of a working prototype based on this architecture and some measurements of its performance are provided. >
An Evaluation of the Species Status of Bactrocera invadens and the Systematics of the Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) Complex

ABSTRACT The genus Bactrocera (Tephritidae) contains >500 species, including many severe pests of fruits and vegetables. Although native to tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and Australasia, a number of the pest species, largely members of the Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) complex, have become widespread through accidental introduction associated with agricultural trade. The B. dorsalis complex includes several morphologically and ecologically similar pests, making species designations uncertain. One of these, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta, and White, endemic to Sri Lanka, has spread across Africa in the last decade and become a major agricultural pest. We sequenced one mitochondrial and two nuclear genes from 73 specimens, belonging to 19 species to construct phylogenies and examine species relationships and limits within the genus Bactrocera and several species of the B. dorsalis complex-specifically addressing the placement of B. invadens. Results indicate the B. dorsa...
Spectro-polarimetric bidirectional reflectance distribution function determination of in-scene materials and its use in target detection applications

For sensing systems that characterize the spectro-polarimetric radiance reaching the camera, the origin of the sensed phenomenology is a complex mixture of sources. While some of these sources do not contribute to the polarimetric signature, many do such as the polarization state of the downwelled sky radiance, the target and background p-BRDF(polarimetric bidirectional reflectance distribution function), the polarization state of the upwelled path radiance, and the sensor Mueller matrix transfer function. In this paper we derive portions of the p-BRDF in terms of both the spectral diffuse and polarimetric specular components of the reflectance using an in-scene calibration technique. This process is applied to simulated data, laboratory data, and data from a field collection. Spectra of a car panel for clean and contaminated states derived using laboratory data are injected into a hyperspectral image cube. It is shown how this target can be identified using a target specific tracking vector derived from its polarimetric signature as it moves between spatial locations within a scene.
Towards Certainty of Seabed Jurisdiction beyond 200 Nautical Miles from the Territorial Sea Baseline: Australia's Submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf

On 15 November 2004, Australia lodged only the third submission by a coastal state to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. The ten discrete areas in which Australia's continental shelf extends beyond 200 nautical miles from the territorial sea baseline total over 3 million square kilometers. This article outlines Australia's submission on the basis of the published executive summary and the procedural rules of the Commission that are to govern its examination, exploring some of the submission's implications for other states in terms of Article 76 of the Law of the Sea Convention.
Becoming Agile using Service Learning in the Software Engineering Course

This experience report describes a three year journey toward agility in a software engineering course. Students in the course work in small project teams to develop an application for a real client using the service-learning model. In the first year, a formal plan-driven approach was used, and only two of four projects were completed successfully. A more agile approach was taken the second year, but there were still failing projects. In the third year a highly agile approach based on short iterations and user stories was used. This was more successful, as every project team delivered working software to their clients. This paper also discusses some of the challenges of managing and evaluating student work when using agile methods.
[Studies of the loss of viability of bacterial aerosols. III. Factors affecting death rates of certain non-pathogens].

In a recent paper, Ferry, Brown & Damon (1958) reported measurements of the death-rates of several bacterial species stored as aerosols. The organisms studied, Mtcrococcus candidqhs Eschertchta cols, Mycobacterturn phlei, Corynebacterium xerose and Serratia marcescens, themselves non-pathogenic, were selected because they resembled certain pathogens either in structural or cultural respects. It was found that death rates could be compared in terms of constants kl, k2 and b representing, respectively, rate constants for rapid initial and slow secondary decay processes and the fraction surviving rapid initial decay. By kl we denote percentage decay per second; similarly k2 gives percentage decay per lninute. Although the constants are functions of such factors as pH of the bacterial suspension from which aerosols were generated, re]ative humidity (subsequently indicated as R.H.), and temperature of the ambient air, they can also, under comparable conditions be roughly correlated with structural or cultural aharacteristics of the organism studied. Subsequently we attempted to scrutinize more carefully soine of the factors affecting death-rates. The relevant experiments are reported in this paper and include studies of: (a) aerosols stored in nitrogen instead of air, (b) the effect of temperature on the death rate of M. candidus stored in nitrogen and (c) aerosols generated from orgaxiisms subjected to differentprocedures. Thefirst two approaches were the more fruitful. The methods and apparatus were those recently described except as noted in relation to certain experiments (Ferry et al. 1958). Other useful methods have been described by Kethley, Cown & Fincher (1957).
Generalization of the Sethi-Ullman algorithm for register allocation

The Sethi-Ullman algorithm for register allocation finds an optimal ordering of a computation tree. Two simple generalizations of the algorithm increase its applicability without significantly increasing its cost.
Syndrome realizations of linear codes and systems

Behavioral realizations of linear codes or systems usually involve observed variables, hidden variables (states), and constraints. We study realizations that also involve syndrome variables, which are hidden variables that must equal zero in any valid trajectory. Syndrome realizations arise naturally in parity-check or transform realizations of codes, and more generally as duals of state realizations. The dual of a syndrome realization has a nice form in which state and syndrome variables trade places. On the other hand, it is shown that syndrome realizations are essentially the same as the restricted state realizations of Forney, G.D., Jr. (see IEEE Trans. Inf. Theory, vol.47, p.520-48, 2001), which, in some respects, appear to be more fundamental.
A topological measurement for weighted protein interaction network

High-throughput methods for detecting protein-protein interactions (PPl) have given researchers an initial global picture of protein interactions on a genomic scale. The usefulness of this understanding is, however, typically compromised by noisy data. The effective way of integrating and using these non-congruent data sets has received little attention to date. This paper proposes a model to integrate different data sets. We construct this model using our prior knowledge of data set reliability. Based on this model, we propose a topological measurement to select reliable interactions and to quantify the similarity between two proteins' interaction profiles. Our measurement exploits the small-world network topological properties of protein interaction network. Meanwhile, we discovered some additional properties of the network. We show that our measurement can be used to find reliable interactions with improved performance and to find protein pairs with higher function homogeneity.
The Bread Revolutions of 2011: Teaching Political Economies of the Middle East

Whether it was bread-wielding Tunisians, marching Suez workers, or Yemeni protestors chanting against corruption, the 2011 Arab uprisings put political economy issues front and center. Indeed, a critical thread throughout the region's uprisings has been the simple question: “where has the money gone?” And though the field of political economy is multifaceted, the basic refrain “follow the money” unites most of it. Having students engage and debate political economy issues helps counteract much of the popular media's fixation on violence, terrorism, and sectarianism that too often exclusively frames how Americans understand the Middle East. Political economy gets at some of the most important (but certainly not all) factors and dynamics that define social and political life in the Middle East. A political economy approach also reinforces the critical disposition and tools of inquiry to instill in university undergraduates. In particular, the approach stresses to students that the realms of the economy and the political are hardly distinct, and therefore a more complete explanation for the events of 2011, and after, require grasping that interaction (Lindblom 1982; Polanyi 2001).
Spatial distribution of colonizing Listronotus maculicollis populations: implications for targeted management and host preference.

We characterized the spatio-temporal distribution of emerging overwintered adult Listronotus maculicollis populations colonizing golf course fairways with Spatial Analyses by Distance IndicEs (SADIE) with the goal to better target management tactics and to test assumptions for weevil preference for annual bluegrass (Poa annua). Adults randomly colonized and moved throughout fairways. However, cumulative captures were significantly aggregated along fairway edges closest to overwintering sites demonstrating progressive movement through the edges. Spatial association analyses suggest that the spatial patterns of cumulative captures of adults rather than weekly patterns were strongly associated with larvae, indicating that the adults enter fairways from the edges and deposit eggs over the course of several weeks. We did not observe an effect of host species on the distribution of either adult or larval L. maculicollis which leads us to question traditional assumptions of host preference for short mown P. annua. Instead, we propose that the aggregated distribution of larvae is generated by a low encounter rate of short mown hosts, rather than preference for species or cultivar. This study indicates that caution need to be applied when using preference-performance criteria in host preference studies. Future behavioural studies need to address the contributions of encounter rate and host species on L. maculicollis host selection and oviposition.
Interfacial layer defects and instabilities in HfO 2 MOS structures

Recent studies have demonstrated that deep level defects very near the Si/dielectric boundary are important reliability problems in HfO2 based devices. In this study, we provide a partial identification of the chemical and structural nature of an electrically active center which is present in the interfacial layer (IL) of HfO2 based devices. The defect almost certainly involves an oxygen deficient silicon probably weakly coupled to a nearby hafnium atom.
The prostate cancer susceptibility variant rs2735839 near KLK3 gene is associated with aggressive prostate cancer and can stratify gleason score 7 patients.

Purpose: Gleason score (GS) 7 prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease with different clinical behavior. We sought to identify genetic biomarkers that may predict the aggressiveness of GS 7 diseases. Experimental Design: We genotyped 72 prostate cancer susceptibility SNPs identified in genome-wide association studies in 1,827 white men with histologically confirmed prostate adenocarcinoma. SNPs associated with disease aggressiveness were identified by comparing high-aggressive (GS ≥8) and low-aggressive (GS ≤6) cases. The significant SNPs were then tested to see whether they could further stratify GS 7 prostate cancer. Results: Three SNPs—rs2735839, rs10486567, and rs103294—were associated with biopsy-proven high-aggressive (GS ≥8) prostate cancer ( P P = 0.003). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, patients carrying the A allele at rs2735839 exhibited a 1.85-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.31–2.61) increased risk of being GS 4 + 3 compared with those with GS 3 + 4. The rs2735839 is located 600 base pair downstream of the KLK3 gene (encoding PSA) on 19q13.33 and has been shown to modulate PSA level, providing strong biologic plausibility for its association with prostate cancer aggressiveness. Conclusions: We confirmed the association of the rs2735839 with high-aggressive prostate cancer (GS ≥8). Moreover, we reported for the first time that rs2735839 can stratify GS 7 patients, which would be clinically important for more accurately assessing the clinical behavior of the intermediate-grade prostate cancer and for tailoring personalized treatment and posttreatment management. Clin Cancer Res; 20(19); 5133–9. ©2014 AACR .
Impacts of air–sea interactions on regional air quality predictions using WRF/Chem v3.6.1 coupled with ROMS v3.7: southeastern US example

Abstract. Air–sea interactions have significant impacts on coastal convection and surface fluxes exchange, which are important for the spatial and vertical distributions of air pollutants that affect public health, particularly in densely populated coastal areas. To understand the impacts of air–sea interactions on coastal air quality predictions, sensitivity simulations with different cumulus parameterization schemes and atmosphere–ocean coupling are conducted in this work over southeastern US in July 2010 using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with Chemistry (WRF/Chem). The results show that different cumulus parameterization schemes can result in an 85 m difference in the domain averaged planetary boundary layer height (PBLH), and 4.8 mm difference in the domain averaged daily precipitation. Comparing to WRF/Chem without air–sea interactions, WRF/Chem with a 1-D ocean mixed layer model (WRF/Chem-OML) and WRF/Chem coupled with a 3-D Regional Ocean Modeling System (WRF/Chem-ROMS) predict the domain averaged changes in the sea surface temperature of 0.1 and 1.0 °C, respectively. The simulated differences in the surface concentrations of ozone (O3) and PM2.5 between WRF/Chem-ROMS and WRF/Chem can be as large as 17.3 ppb and 7.9 μg m−3, respectively. The largest changes simulated from WRF/Chem-ROMS in surface concentrations of O3 and particulate matter with diameter less than and equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5) occur not only along coast and remote ocean, but also over some inland areas. Extensive validations against observations, show that WRF/Chem-ROMS improves the predictions of most cloud and radiative variables, and surface concentrations of some chemical species such as sulfur dioxide, nitric acid, maximum 1 h and 8 h O3, sulfate, ammonium, nitrate, and particulate matter with diameter less than and equal to 10 μm (PM10). This illustrates the benefits and needs of using coupled atmospheric–ocean model with advanced model representations of air–sea interactions for regional air quality modeling.
Automatic Parallelism Through Macro Dataflow in MATLAB

Dataflow computation model is a powerful paradigm that exploits the inherent parallelism in a program. It is especially relevant on modern machines that offer multiple avenues for parallelizing code. However, adopting this model has been challenging as neither hardware- nor language-based approaches have had much success in the past outside specialized contexts. We argue that macro dataflow, where each dataflow operation is computationally non-trivial, can be implemented effectively on contemporary general-purpose hardware with the help of a runtime system employing a modern task-oriented library, such as Intel Threading Building Blocks (TBB). In order to make this approach attractive to community of scientific programmers, a strategy that enables programs written in popular programming languages to execute as dataflow computations is required.
Glucocorticoid-prolactin interactions in Nb2 lymphoma cells : antiproliferative versus anticytolytic effects

The interaction between the immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids and the mitogenic effects of prolactin (PRL) were examined in Nb2 lymphoma cells, a pre-T cell line. The synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (Dex), caused a concentration-dependent (6.25-200 nM) inhibition of basal and ovine PRL (oPRL)-stimulated Nb2 cell proliferation. Although Dex was antiproliferative, the steroid had no effect on cell viability in the presence of PRL. However, when PRL was omitted from the medium, Dex increased the proportion of dead Nb2 cells by 24 hr in a concentration (25-200 nM)-dependent fashion without affecting total cell number. The antiproliferative and cytolytic effects of Dex were mimicked by other corticosteroids (cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, and deoxycorticosterone) in the expected order of glucocorticoid potency, but not by other steroids (17-beta-estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone) or triiodothyronine. In addition, the antiproliferative and cytolytic effects of glucocorticoids were antagonized by the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU 486. Since corticosteroid-induced cytolysis was apparent only in the absence of mitogen, the anticytolytic effects of oPRL were tested. In the presence of Dex (100 nM), oPRL (25-1600 pg/ml) caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of cytolysis without changing cell number. Other lactogenic hormones (human growth hormone, human placental lactogen, rat PRL), but not trophic nonlactogenic hormones (rat growth hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, ACTH), also inhibited Dex (100 nM)-induced cytolysis. Agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA extracted from Nb2 cells revealed that within 12 hr, 100 nM Dex induced DNA fragmentation, indicative of programmed cell death or apoptosis. Coincubation of cells with Dex and oPRL (1 ng/ml) inhibited Dex-induced fragmentation of Nb2 cell genomic DNA. These studies reveal a complex interaction between glucocorticoids and PRL in Nb2 cells. Although a glucocorticoid receptor-mediated antiproliferative effect is evident, PRL (at concentrations that usually stimulate cell proliferation) has the capacity to protect the cell against glucocorticoid-receptor-mediated induction of apoptosis.
Treatment of parkinson's disease with bromocriptine.

Abstract Bromocriptine in high doses (up to 100 mg per day) was administered to 14 patients with advanced Parkinson's disease whose disorder was progressing despite optimum treatment with levodopa combined with a peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitor (carbidopa). In 10, bromocriptine (mean dose, 57 mg) induced a statistically significant (P<0.01) improvement in rigidity, tremor, bradykinesia, gait disturbance and total score. In seven patients levodopa with carbidopa was completely replaced by bromocriptine (mean dose, 70 mg), with improvement in four. Adverse effects were similar to those observed with levodopa and carbidopa, except that in individual patients abnormal involuntary movements and diurnal oscillations in performance (on-off effect) were decreased whereas orthostatic hypotension and mental changes were increased. Bromocriptine appears to be a major new agent in Parkinson's disease that is especially promising in patients no longer responding to levodopa. (N Engl J Med 295:1400–1404, 1976)
Do Investors Use Prior Tax Avoidance when Pricing Tax Loss Carryforwards

ABSTRACT The Internal Revenue Code allows firms to carry excess tax losses forward to offset future taxable income and reduce taxes. Consistent with tax loss carryforwards (TLCFs) creating a significant asset, prior research finds that investors positively value TLCFs. However, investors face significant uncertainty about whether firms will have sufficient future taxable income to benefit from TLCFs. We hypothesize that investors' valuation of new TLCFs will vary with firms' prior tax avoidance behavior because it signals firms' abilities to generate taxable income to offset TLCFs through tax planning. We confirm that investors assign a positive value to new TLCFs and find that investors' valuation varies with firms' prior tax avoidance behavior. Investors positively value TLCFs when firms exhibit high variability in prior tax avoidance and high levels of prior tax avoidance. Our results are incremental to the effect of changes in the valuation allowance on investors' valuation of new TLCFs. JEL Classific...
Analysis on fly distribution and density variation in rubbish field

Objective To study the influence of the rubbish field on fly through investigating the composition,population density and seasonal variation of fly in large water-scale rubbish field,nearby village and contrast village.Methods Trapping with lured food.Results The peak density of fly occurred in mid-May to first ten days of October.The average density of fly in rubbish field,nearby village and contrast village were 138.59 pieces per cage,172.68 pieces per cage and 194.37 pieces per cage.The dominant species was Grahami Aldrich,and there was obvious replacement in every seasons.Conclusion Rubbish field could make a great influence of the composition,population density and seasonal variation of fly,and the control work in the four pests of human factor was more important.
Sensitive, rapid, quantitative and in vitro method for the detection of biologically active staphylococcal enterotoxin type E.

Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial cause of clinical infections and foodborne illnesses through its production of a group of enterotoxins (SEs) which cause gastroenteritis and also function as superantigens to massively activate T cells. In the present study, we tested Staphylococcal enterotoxin type E (SEE), which was detected in 17 of the 38 suspected staphylococcal food poisoning incidents in a British study and was the causative agent in outbreaks in France, UK and USA. The current method for detection of enterotoxin activity is an in vivo monkey or kitten bioassay; however, this expensive procedure has low sensitivity and poor reproducibility, requires many animals, is impractical to test on a large number of samples, and raises ethical concerns with regard to the use of experimental animals. The purpose of this study is to develop rapid sensitive and quantitative bioassays for detection of active SEE. We apply a genetically engineered T cell-line expressing the luciferase reporter gene under the regulation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells response element (NFAT-RE), combined with a Raji B-cell line that presents the SEE-MHC (major histocompatibility complex) class II to the engineered T cell line. Exposure of the above mixed culture to SEE induces differential expression of the luciferase gene and bioluminescence is read out in a dose dependent manner over a 6-log range. The limit of detection of biologically active SEE is 1 fg/mL which is 109 times more sensitive than the monkey and kitten bioassay.
Bilateral Cecoureteroceles Causing Urinary Retention in the Newborn

The cecoureterocele differs from the usual ectopic ureterocele because it extends outside the bladder and may obstruct the urethra. The differentiation requires careful examination of the urethra by a voiding cystourethrogram and cystoscopy. We describe the management of a girl with bilateral cecoureteroceles who presented as a newborn with urinary retention and sepsis. Surgical correction of the cecoureterocele may differ from that required for the usual ectopic ureterocele.
Effects of glucose concentration on fetal breathing movements and electrocortical activity in fetal lambs

Tracheal pressure and electrocortical activity were recorded in 10 unanesthetized fetal lambs in utero to determine the effect on fetal breathing movements (FBMs) of fasting and a subsequent infusion of glucose. The incidence of FBMs decreased significantly from 37.9% ± 4.3% during fed control studies to 23.6% ± 3.6% (P
The effect of bullet removal and vegetation on mobility of Pb in shooting range soils.

Abstract Lead (Pb) contamination at shooting ranges is a public health concern because Pb is a toxic metal. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of two best management practices; bullet removal and vegetation, on bioavailability and leachability of Pb in three shooting range (SR) soils. St. Augustine grass was grown in sieved (2 mm) and un-sieved SR soils for 8 weeks after which leachates, soil and plant samples were analyzed. Bullet removal reduced total soil Pb, increased Mehlich-3 Pb in unvegetated soils and increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in all soils. Bullet removal increased leaching in two SR soils while grasses reduced leaching but increased water soluble Pb in two SR soils. The roots of the grasses were able to accumulate more Pb in the root (1893–5021 mg kg−1) than the aboveground biomass (252–880 mg kg−1) due to mobilization of Pb in the rhizosphere. Grasses had a higher plant biomass in unsieved soils suggesting tolerance to the presence of bullets in the unsieved soils. Results suggest that bullet removal probably increased microbial activity and Pb bioavailability in the soil. The leaching and bioavailability of Pb in shooting range soils depends on biological activities and chemical processes in the soil.
Fabrication of a Novel Nanostructured SnO2/LiCoO2 Lithium-Ion Cell

Incorporating nanotechnology processes and techniques to Li ion batteries has helped to improve the cycling capabilities and overall performance of several lithium ion battery chemistries. Nanostructuring a lithium ion battery’s anode and cathode, allows for extremely high surface area electrodes to be produced and utilized in many of these battery systems. Using a nanoporous Anodized Aluminum Oxide (AAO) membrane with nanopores of 200nm in diameter as a template, high surface area nanostructured electrode materials can be synthesized and utilized in a lithium ion cell. Through the use of RF magnetron sputter coating, these nanoporous AAO templates can be sputter coated with a thin film of active anode or cathode materials. The anode and cathode material in this research are SnO2 and LiCoO2, respectively. Nanostructured SnO2 has been investigated as an alternative high capacity anode to replace the more commonly used carbon based anodes of current lithium ion batteries. A novel nanostructured SnO2/LiCoO2 cell can be fabricated in a liquid electrolyte. The galvanostatic cell cycling performance will be discussed. Nanostructuring both electrode materials as well as the electrolyte can lead to a novel all-solid-state Li ion battery. Nanostructured SnO2 anode and LiCoO2 electrodes have been generated along with a polyethylene-oxide (PEO) based electrolyte nanoconfined in an AAO membrane, to generate a functioning nanostructured all-solid-state cell. The cell was investigated using AC impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic cell cycling. The cycling results of both SnO2/LiCoO2 cell systems will be discussed.
Mucosal Therapy for Potentially Malignant Diseases and OSCC

Despite remarkable advances in our ability to manage and treat a number of hematologic and solid malignancies, there has been a paucity of new chemotherapeutic agents to significantly improve the outcomes and survival of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients (Furness et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev (4):CD006386, 2011). Surgical resection and radiation and systemic chemotherapy are first-line options used in the management of most patients. The cure rate for early-stage OCSS patients remains very promising; however, these lifesaving surgeries are often accompanied by tremendous sacrifices. Many patients are left with cosmetic and functional disfigurement and require adjunctive support for basic functions such as chewing, swallowing, and, in some cases, even breathing. The exploration of local delivery methods, such as mucosal therapy, holds promise due to decreased systemic toxicity, consequently decreased morbidity, and improved patient quality of life (Saba et al., Oral Oncol 51:112–118, 2015). Furthermore, topical therapies offer an alternative in the treatment of malignant precursor lesions, such as leukoplakia and erythroplakia, so that patients may be treated earlier and remain in the purview of nonsurgical oral healthcare providers.
Independent predictors of a clinically significant improvement after lumbar fusion surgery.

Abstract Background Context Multiple studies have determined minimum clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds for EuroQOL-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scores in lumbar fusion patients. However, a comprehensive understanding of predictors for a clinically significant improvement (CSI) postoperatively does not exist. Purpose To determine medical, radiographic, and surgical predictors for obtaining a CSI following lumbar fusion surgery. Study Design This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent instrumented lumbar fusion. Patient Sample We included patients who underwent lumbar fusion for any indication between 2008 and 2013. Outcome Measures Outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative EQ-5D Index scores. Materials and Methods The medical records of patients who received a lumbar fusion for any indication were retrospectively reviewed to identify patient medical and surgical characteristics. A blinded reviewer assessed radiographs for each patient to examine sagittal alignment following fusion. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the achievement of a CSI based on two commonly cited MCID values. Results A total of 231 patients fit the inclusion criteria; 58% exceeded an MCID value for an EQ-5D score of 0.100, and 16% exceeded an MCID value of 0.390. Statistically significant independent predictors of not obtaining a CSI for an MCID threshold of 0.100 included a higher preoperative EQ-5D score (odds ratio [OR]=44.8) and L5-S1 fusion (OR=3.3). For an MCID value of 0.390, a higher preoperative EQ-5D score (OR=2,080.8) and a diagnosis of depression (OR=7.1) were predictive of not achieving a CSI, whereas spondylolisthesis (OR=4.1) was predictive of obtaining a CSI postoperatively. For both MCID values, patients who achieved a CSI had better postoperative quality of life (QOL) scores for all metrics measured, despite worse QOL scores preoperatively. Conclusions This study is the first to use a combination of medical, surgical, and postoperative sagittal balance variables as determinants for the achievement of a CSI after lumbar fusion. The awareness of these predictors may allow for better patient selection and surgical approach to decrease the probability of acquiring a poor outcome postoperatively.
Increased serum hepcidin contributes to the anemia of chronic kidney disease in a murine model.

Anemia is very common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients,[1][1] and has been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in this population.[2][2] The pathogenesis of CKD-associated anemia is multifactorial, contributed to by relative erythropoietin (Epo) deficiency, absolute and
Passwords for jobs: Compression of identity in reaction to perceived organizational control via social media surveillance

News stories regarding societal engagement with technology can carry implicit threats regarding technology use. Comments posted in response to such implicit threats can provide a window into concerns regarding the intersections of technology, privacy, surveillance, and workplaces. Using the framework provided by Tracy and Trethewey’s Crystallized Selves, an iterative qualitative analysis was undertaken to examine 4725 responses to a Yahoo! News article reporting an implicit threat of potential employers asking for interviewees’ Facebook passwords. A series of categories emerged identifying perceived collusion between corporations, the government, and Facebook supported by competition in the labor market. Perceptions and understandings of this practice were influenced by how commentators perceived the labor market, meritocracy, and social media users.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DREDGED BOTTOM SEDIMENTS

Certain physical and bulk chemical characteristics of bottom sediments that are candidates for dredging are summarized for approx. 50 locations throughout the United States. According to empirical criteria that were used for the past several years, most of these sediments would be termed polluted. Based on the results of a bivariate regression analysis among the reported parameters, some plausible correlations were identified between different metals and between metals and certain fractions of organic material. None of the parameters were highly correlated with the mass of submicron particles in a dredged material. However, additional site-specific data are needed to advance broader and more definitive conclusions regarding the water-quality impact that might occur during dredging and disposal operations.
Why is the universe of sets not a set

According to the iterative conception of sets, standardly formalized by ZFC, there is no set of all sets. But why is there no set of all sets? A simple-minded, though unpopular, “minimal” explanation for why there is no set of all sets is that the supposition that there is contradicts some axioms of ZFC. In this paper, I first explain the core complaint against the minimal explanation, and then argue against the two main alternative answers to the guiding question. I conclude the paper by outlining a close alternative to the minimal explanation, the conception-based explanation, that avoids the core complaint against the minimal explanation.
Structural Characterization of a Heparan Sulfate Pentamer Interacting with LAR-Ig1-2.

Leukocyte common antigen-related (LAR) protein is one of the type IIa receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) that are important for signal transduction in biological processes, including axon growth and regeneration. Glycosaminoglycan chains, including heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), act as ligands that regulate LAR signaling. Here, we report the structural characterization of the first two immunoglobulin domains (Ig1-2) of LAR interacting with an HS pentasaccharide (GlcNS6S-GlcA-GlcNS3,6S-IdoA2S-GlcNS6S-OME, fondaparinux) using multiple solution-based NMR methods. In the course of the study, we extended an assignment strategy useful for sparsely labeled proteins expressed in mammalian cell culture supplemented with a single type of isotopically enriched amino acid ([15N]-Lys in this case) by including paramagnetic perturbations to NMR resonances. The folded two-domain structure for LAR-Ig1-2 seen in previous crystal structures has been validated in solution using residual dipol...
Exploring California PV Home Premiums

E RNEST O RLANDO L AWRENCE B ERKELEY N ATIONAL L ABORATORY Exploring California PV Home Premiums Ben Hoen, Geoffrey T. Klise, Joshua Graff-Zivin, Mark Thayer, Joachim Seel and Ryan Wiser Environmental Energy Technologies Division November 2013 Download from: http://emp.lbl.gov/publications/exploring-california-pv-home-premiums This research builds on work published in 2011 entitled “An Analysis of the Effects of Residential Photovoltaic Energy Systems on Home Sales Prices in California,” LBNL- 4476E, which can be downloaded here: http://eetd.lbl.gov/ea/emp/reports/lbnl- 4476e.pdf. This work was supported by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (Solar Energy Technologies Office) of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231.
Recidivism and Reentry: The Role of Individual Coping Styles:

The high rate of recidivism among those reentering the community post incarceration can be partially attributed to various barriers to reentry, including unemployment, financial difficulties, and m...
Scripting for Administration, Automation and Security

Scripts are widely used for computer administration, task automation, and network security. This paper presents the challenges and experiences of implementing a new script programming course in an IT program. The course covers four commonly used scripting languages which are BASH, PowerShell, Perl, and Python. A project-based teaching method is used in the course. Students learn to finish common IT tasks with different scripting languages. These tasks include working with files and other computing resources, network communication, web systems, SQL database, system automation, and cybersecurity. Hands-on lab assignments are designed to further student learning and polish scripting skills. Students reported strong course outcomes.
Mek1 coordinates meiotic progression with DNA break repair by directly phosphorylating and inhibiting the yeast pachytene exit regulator Ndt80

Meiotic recombination plays a critical role in sexual reproduction by creating crossovers between homologous chromosomes. These crossovers, along with sister chromatid cohesion, connect homologs to enable proper segregation at Meiosis I. Recombination is initiated by programmed double strand breaks (DSBs) at particular regions of the genome. The meiotic recombination checkpoint uses meiosis-specific modifications to the DSB-induced DNA damage response to provide time to convert these breaks into interhomolog crossovers by delaying entry into Meiosis I until the DSBs have been repaired. The meiosis-specific kinase, Mek1, is a key regulator of meiotic recombination pathway choice, as well as being required for the meiotic recombination checkpoint. The major target of this checkpoint is the meiosis-specific transcription factor, Ndt80, which is essential to express genes necessary for completion of recombination and meiotic progression. The molecular mechanism by which cells monitor meiotic DSB repair to allow entry into Meiosis I with unbroken chromosomes was unknown. Using genetic and biochemical approaches, this work demonstrates that in the presence of DSBs, activated Mek1 binds to Ndt80 and phosphorylates the transcription factor, thus inhibiting DNA binding and preventing Ndt80’s function as a transcriptional activator. Repair of DSBs by recombination reduces Mek1 activity, resulting in removal of the inhibitory Mek1 phosphates. Phosphorylation of Ndt80 by the meiosis-specific kinase, Ime2, then results in fully activated Ndt80. Ndt80 upregulates transcription of its own gene, as well as target genes, resulting in prophase exit and progression through meiosis.