cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The population genetics of the apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella and the snowberry maggot, R. zephyria: implications for models of sympatric speciation

True fruit flies belonging to the Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera:Tephritidae) sibling species complex possess several attributes consistent with a history of sympatric divergence via host plant shifts. Here, we investigate whether hybridization and genetic introgression is occurring between two members of the group, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), whose primary hosts are domestic apples (Malus pumila) and hawthorns (Crataegus spp., and R. zephyria (Snow) whose host is snowberries (Symphoricarpos spp.). These flies are important because they appear to be at a transition stage between taxa reproductively isolated solely on the basis of host plant-related adaptations and those that have evolved additional non-host dependent sterility and inviability. Observing extensive hybridization and introgression between R. pomonella and R. zephyria would have major repercussions for current models of sympatric speciation. In a survey of allozyme and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation for 1105 flies collected throughout the northern United States we found two results suggesting that low level hybridization occurs between R. pomonella and R. zephyria. (1) Two flies reared from snowberries and one fly reared from hawthoms had genotypes indicative of them being R. pomonella and R. zephyria, respectively. Rhagoletis pomonella and R. zephyria adults may therefore occasionally frequent each others host plant, providing the opportunity for hybridization. (2) Four flies collected from hawthorns and one from snowberries had genotypes that made them likely to be F1 hybrids. Likelihood analysis revealed the data were also consistent with an hypothesis of shared ancestral alleles (i.e., the pattern of genetic variation could also be explained by R. pomonella and R. zephyria sharing alleles/haplotypes whose origins date to a common ancestor). We estimated that, in the absence of interspecific mating, random assortment of genes within R. pomonella and R. zephyria populations would produce an average of 5.4 flies with genotypes suggesting they were F1 hybrids – a number equivalent to the 5 putative F1 hybrids observed in the study. Our results therefore underscore the difficulty in distinguishing between hypotheses of low level introgression and shared ancestral polymorphism. But even if hybridization is occurring, the data suggest that it is happening at a very low and probably evolutionarily insignificant level (perhaps 0.09% per generation), consistent with sympatric speciation theory. Future tests are discussed that could help resolve the hybridization issue for R. pomonella and R. zephyria.
Naturally-occurring missense mutations in the human growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor alter ligand binding.

Growth hormone (GH) releasing hormone (GHRH) is a hypothalamic factor that stimulates GH secretion. It acts by activating a seven transmembrane domain G proteincoupled receptor of 423 amino acids expressed by the somatotroph cells of the pituitary gland (GHRH receptor, GHRH-R). Familial isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) can be caused by mutations in the GHRH-R gene both in humans and mice. We have described six disease-causing missense mutations in this gene in IGHD patients (H137L, L144H, A176V, A222E, F242C, K329E). These mutations are inherited as autosomal recessive traits, and cause impairment of the receptor to transmit GHRH signalling. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms through which these mutations cause receptor malfunction. To this end, we transiently expressed each mutated receptor into Chinese hamster ovary cells. Cells expressing each of the mutated receptors did not show an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP in response to GHRH. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence studies indicated that the amino acid changes do not cause protein degradation, and do not alter the proper insertion of the receptor into the cell membrane. Binding studies with human 125 I-GHRH showed that the lack of response to GHRH is due to inability of all the mutated receptors to bind the ligand. These studies demonstrate that abnormal ligand binding is a common mechanism by which naturally occurring missense mutation alter GHRH-R function.
Unconscious biases: Racial microaggressions in American Indian health care

Purpose: This article reports on the prevalence and correlates of microaggressive experiences in health care settings reported by American Indian (AI) adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This community-based participatory research project includes two AI reservation communities. Data were collected via in-person article-and-pencil survey interviews with 218 AI adults diagnosed with T2DM. Results: Greater than one third of the sample reported experiencing a microaggression in interactions with their health providers. Reports of microaggressions were correlated with self-reported history of heart attack, worse depressive symptoms, and prior-year hospitalization. Depressive symptom ratings seemed to account for some of the association between microaggressions and hospitalization (but not history of heart attack) in multivariate models. Conclusions: Microaggressive experiences undermine the ideals of patient-centered care and in this study were correlated with worse mental and physical health reports for AIs living with a chronic disease. Providers should be cognizant of these subtle, often unconscious forms of discrimination.
Using a low-cost electroencephalograph for task classification in HCI research

Modern brain sensing technologies provide a variety of methods for detecting specific forms of brain activity. In this paper, we present an initial step in exploring how these technologies may be used to perform task classification and applied in a relevant manner to HCI research. We describe two experiments showing successful classification between tasks using a low-cost off-the-shelf electroencephalograph (EEG) system. In the first study, we achieved a mean classification accuracy of 84.0% in subjects performing one of three cognitive tasks - rest, mental arithmetic, and mental rotation - while sitting in a controlled posture. In the second study, conducted in more ecologically valid setting for HCI research, we attained a mean classification accuracy of 92.4% using three tasks that included non-cognitive features: a relaxation task, playing a PC based game without opponents, and engaging opponents within the game. Throughout the paper, we provide lessons learned and discuss how HCI researchers may utilize these technologies in their work.
Market signalling: a review

Marketing signals are communication vehicles which provide information beyond the mere form of the message ‐ a message within a message. These signals can be sent to competitors, customers, suppliers, or other interested stakeholders (e.g., government, stockholders, community). Discusses marketing signals and the advantages and disadvantages of market signalling. Provides the results of a study of business market signalling, and offers recommendations on how a firm can signal more effectively to its customers and competitors.
Exploring the biology of 'chemo brain': how has PET/CT helped us?

This article will briefly summarize what we know about ‘chemo brain’ to date. We will discuss how PET/CT can be useful in understanding the neurobiology of this phenomenon and, in addition, how it may be relevant to the care of individual patients with cancer. Chemo brain The National Cancer Institute estimates that there were 13.7 million Americans with a history of cancer still alive in January of 2012 [101]. Over 1.6 million new cases of cancer are anticipated this year in the USA alone [101]. Common treatments for cancer include surgery, radiotherapy
Assessment of photosynthetic radiation-use efficiency with spectral reflectance.

Reflectance changes at 531 nm, associated with the zeaxanthin-antheraxanthin-violaxanthin interconversion and the related thylakoid energization, are widespread among plant species. We evaluated an index based on 531 nm, reflectance ('PRI', Photochemical Reflectance Index, calculated as (R 531 -R 570) /(R 531 +R 570 )) as an indicator of efficiency of photosynthetic radiation use in seven species representing both C 3 and CAM photosynthetic pathways. Leaves exposed to a dark-light-dark transition in a steady-state laboratory gas exchange system exhibited nearly parallel changes in PRI and PS II quantum yield (ΔF/F m '). Similar PRI and ΔF/F m ' responses were seen in leaves exposed to diurnally changing sunlight levels outdoors. PRI was linearly related to ΔF/F m ', and both ΔF/F m ' and PRI were exponentially related to instantaneous efficiency of photosynthetic radiation-use in different species over a range of different field conditions. These results extend previous studies by indicating a functional relationship between PRI, ΔF/F m ', and photosynthetic radiation-use efficiency. The narrow-band PRI index offers a simple, portable means of assessing PS II radiation-use efficiency, analogous to ΔF/F m ', and with the potential for remote applications at scales larger than the leaf.
Some Comments on the Numerical Integration of the Vorticity Equation and Related Equations

It is shown that if the streamfunction is specified over an Eulerian region R ( x , y ) at t =0, and on the boundaries of R ( x , y ) at t > 0, a solution of the vorticity equation which satisfies certain conditions of continuity will be unique. If vorticity is also specified at the inflow boundary, such a solution is excluded. In the latter case, an internal discontinuity propagates into the region along a material surface, and in principle solutions should be obtained separately for each sub-region and “matched” kinematically and dynamically at the interface. The associated analytical or numerical problems are prohibitive. The problem of obtaining stable methods of numerical integration, specifying only the stream function on the boundary, is considered. Numerical integrations of a non-linear first order differential equation indicate that such stable methods may exist, in contradiction to linear theory. The integration of the vorticity and associated equations for the first time-step is also considered. A method is presented which is not only simple to apply, but also maintains the same accuracy as succeeding time-steps for which centered difference techniques are used. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1958.tb02019.x
Characterization of growth factors in human cartilage

Growth factor activity has been identified in the chondrocytes and extracellular matrix (ECM) fractions of human costal cartilage. There was about five times more growth factor activity in the ECM than was found to be associated with the chondrocytes. The growth factor activity in chondrocytes was found to be associated with chromatin. Both the chromatin-associated growth factor (CAGF) activity and extracellular matrix growth factor (EMGF) activity were characterized for molecular weight, charge, and the effect of reduction by sulfhydryl reducing reagents. Biorex cation exchange chromatography showed that both CAGF and EMGF were cationic. CAGF and EMGF have molecular weights between 15,000 and 18,000 as determined by size exclusion chromatography on HPLC TSK 3000 columns equilibrated with guanidine-HCl and dithiothreitol.
Optimal packet scheduling for multiple description coded video transmissions over lossy networks

Multiple description coding addresses the problem of encoding a source signal into two or more sub-streams. Each sub-stream is assumed to be transmitted over an independent path. However, multiple independent paths may not be available, and for most cases only a single path can be used. The scheduling of these descriptions over a single path is still problematic because of the bursty packet loss behavior. In this paper, we propose a novel packet scheduling method for multiple description coded video transmission over a single path. The proposed method adaptively schedules the descriptions according to channel conditions by jointly considering the bursty packet loss behavior and the transmission delay of the network. The simulation results show that the proposed method can improve the video quality by 1.5 dB on average as compared to the method of sending one packet of each description right after the other. It also outperforms a heuristic interleaving approach by roughly 0.3-0.45 dB, depending on the channel conditions.
Preparation of Chitosan‐Alginate Nanoparticles for Trans‐cinnamaldehyde Entrapment

UNLABELLED Trans-cinnamaldehyde incorporated chitosan-alginate nanoparticles were synthesized using the ionic gelation and polyelectrolyte complexation technique. Alginate, chitosan, calcium chloride, and trans-cinnamaldehyde at predetermined concentrations were complexed electrostatically to optimize particle size and loading efficiency. A final methodology using optimized processing parameters (for example, stirring time, homogenization time, equilibration time, and droplet size) was developed. The best working alginate to chitosan mass ratio was determined to be 1.5:1 at a pH dispersion of 4.7. Particle size (166.26 nm) and encapsulation efficiency (73.24%) were further optimized at this mass ratio using an alginate:calcium chloride mass ratio of 4.8:1, alginate:trans-cinnamaldehyde mass ratio of 37.5:1, a 18 gauge syringe needle, stirring times of 90 min, 15 min of homogenization at 21000 rpm, and equilibration time of 24 h. Optimized nanoparticles showed increased stability (6 wk) and translucency in solution. The final radical scavenging effect of loaded particles in apple juice was 62% and trans-cinnamaldehyde was just as available to react in free form as it was in inclusion complexes. The final nanoparticle system with modified and optimized processing parameters reduced the size by 43.6% and increased entrapment efficiency by 17.2%. Nanoparticles resembled a spherical shell and core type arrangement (that is, spherical, distinct, and regular) and were in the size range of 10 to 100 nm. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Nanoencapsulation of lipophilic antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds has the potential to improve their effectiveness and efficiency of delivery in food systems. Determining a standard nanoparticle synthesis methodology and optimizing entrapment efficiency and particle size prior to characterization studies allows for improved understanding of nanosystems and substantiates results. This study demonstrates the potential to improve current nanoparticle preparation techniques to fine tune critical physical parameters. The results presented in this study can aid in developing new and simple ways to improve nanoparticle formulations and prompt further studies to validate entrapment of lipophilic compounds combinations.
Response to David B. Edwards's “Afghanistan, Ethnography, and the New World Order”: On the Involuntary Redrawing of Our Subject Matter

In the scenes and scene changes he describes, David B. Edwards sets the constructions of mass media over against personal memory, and popular constructions of the "other" emanating from the United States against complex multivocalities audible "on site." Local knowledge is constrained and distorted, yet in some interesting ways, extended and inflected, by global representations in international communicative channels. One can engage Edwards's assemblage of vignettes in (at least) one time-honored way: as a photo album inviting us to narratize these pictures in various dialogic modes (or moods). To lift some images from his text: The mulla on the antiaircraft gun of Soviet design and Chinese manufacture, his sound track supplied by an Egyptian-trained Qur'an reciter on a Japanese tape recorder: One might ask of this picture, "Which item isn't new here?" One answer would be: The "global village" aspect of Islamic utterance is not new. A traditional hadith (saying of the Prophet), anciently attested but frequently heard these days, is "Seek knowledge even if it be in China." That saying could serve as a benchmark for the antiquity of the transregional (now transnational) in Islamic discourse. Religious specialists and their texts have routinely traveled from Spain to central and South Asia and beyond. Expressive styles (e.g., the Qur'anic recitation style fostered at Al-Azhar University, in Cairo) are a pan-communal resource, unevenly shared to be sure, but marking community, not exoticism, even in their distinctiveness. New technologies facilitate some venerable cultural practices, as in this case. The question then becomes: How might new facilities of access affect the valorization of such materials? How are these valued voices now heard? Here I think also of the war
Transmission of supersymmetry breaking from a four-dimensional boundary

In the strong-coupling limit of the heterotic string theory constructed by Ho{hacek r}ava and Witten, an 11-dimensional supergravity theory is coupled to matter multiplets confined to 10-dimensional mirror planes. This structure suggests that realistic unification models are obtained, after compactification of 6 dimensions, as theories of 5-dimensional supergravity in an interval, coupling to matter fields on 4-dimensional walls. Supersymmetry breaking may be communicated from one boundary to another by the 5-dimensional fields. In this paper, we study a toy model of this communication in which 5-dimensional super-Yang-Mills theory in the bulk couples to chiral multiplets on the walls. Using the auxiliary fields of the Yang-Mills multiplet, we find a simple algorithm for coupling the bulk and boundary fields. We demonstrate two different mechanisms for generating soft supersymmetry breaking terms in the boundary theory. We also compute the Casimir energy generated by supersymmetry breaking. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Mechanism for the establishment of transcriptional HIV latency in the brain in a simian immunodeficiency virus-macaque model.

BACKGROUND: The brain is considered to be a reservoir of latent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). We examined the mechanism by which innate immune responses contribute to the establishment of this reservoir. METHODS: Gene-specific RNA and DNA were quantitated using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Protein expression was examined using Western blot analysis. Binding to and regulation of the SIV long terminal repeat (LTR) was examined using electrophoretic mobility shift assay, luciferase reporter constructs, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. RESULTS: Interferon-beta (IFN-beta) and myxovirus A (MxA) mRNA are produced in the brain during acute SIV infection. IFN-beta both suppresses SIV LTR activity and induces expression of the dominant-negative isoform of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-beta (C/EBP-beta). C/EBP-beta and its dominant-negative isoform respectively enhance and suppress histone acetylation at the SIV LTR and are present at the SIV LTR in vivo. SIV DNA persists when viral RNA is undetectable in the brain, and activation of the LTR is suppressed at the level of histone acetylation. CONCLUSION: Innate immune responses to virus infection that suppress acute virus replication in the brain also facilitate transcriptional latency of SIV. These data provide the first mechanistic model of HIV latency in the brain.
Status of national intellectual property rights (IPRs) systems and its impact to agricultural development: a time series cross section data analysis of TRIPS member-countries

This study aimed to quantify the importance of strengthened IPRs policies on agricultural development of members of trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS). Setting the global IPR standards today, TRIPS is an important international agreement to study while the importance of agriculture to the economies of TRIPS member-countries makes it a bellwether for gauging the impact of TRIPS on agricultural development. Specifically, this study estimated the impact of strengthened IPR systems using a time series cross section data of 103 TRIPS member countries using secondary data from 1980 to 2005. Empirical results support a link between strengthened IPR systems and agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) not only for developed countries but also for developing member-economies of TRIPS.
Coordinate regulation of phospholipid biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: pleiotropically constitutive opi1 mutant.

Abstract Phospholipid metabolism in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae opi1 mutant, which excretes inositol and is constitutive for the biosynthetic enzyme inositol-1-phosphate synthase (M. Greenberg, P. Goldwasser, and S. Henry, Mol. Gen. Genet. 186:157-163, 1982), was examined and compared to that of a wild-type strain. In wild-type S. cerevisiae, the phospholipid composition and the relative rates of synthesis of individual phospholipids change in response to the availability of exogenous supplies of soluble phospholipid precursors, particularly inositol. The opi1 mutant, in contrast, displays a relatively invariant phospholipid composition, and its pattern of phospholipid synthesis does not change in response to exogenous phospholipid precursors. Phosphatidylinositol synthase was not found to be regulated in either wild-type or opi1 cells. In wild-type cells, phosphatidylserine synthase and the phospholipid N-methyltransferases are coordinately repressed in response to a combination of inositol and choline. However, in opi1 cells these activities are expressed constitutively. These results suggest that the gene product of the OPI1 locus participates in the coordinate regulation of phospholipid synthesis.
Prospero distinguishes sibling cell fate without asymmetric localization in the Drosophila adult external sense organ lineage

The adult external sense organ precursor (SOP) lineage is a model system for studying asymmetric cell division. Adult SOPs divide asymmetrically to produce IIa and IIb daughter cells; IIa generates the external socket (tormogen) and hair (trichogen) cells, while IIb generates the internal neuron and sheath (thecogen) cells. Here we investigate the expression and function of prospero in the adult SOP lineage. Although Prospero is asymmetrically localized in embryonic SOP lineage, this is not observed in the adult SOP lineage: Prospero is first detected in the IIb nucleus and, during IIb division, it is cytoplasmic and inherited by both neuron and sheath cells. Subsequently, Prospero is downregulated in the neuron but maintained in the sheath cell. Loss of prospero function leads to ‘double bristle’ sense organs (reflecting a IIb-to-IIa transformation) or ‘single bristle’ sense organs with abnormal neuronal differentiation (reflecting defective IIb development). Conversely, ectopic prospero expression results in duplicate neurons and sheath cells and a complete absence of hair/socket cells (reflecting a IIa-to-IIb transformation). We conclude that (1) despite the absence of asymmetric protein localization, prospero expression is restricted to the IIb cell but not its IIa sibling, (2) prospero promotes IIb cell fate and inhibits IIa cell fate, and (3) prospero is required for proper axon and dendrite morphology of the neuron derived from the IIb cell. Thus, prospero plays a fundamental role in establishing binary IIa/IIb sibling cell fates without being asymmetrically localized during SOP division. Finally, in contrast to previous studies, we find that the IIb cell divides prior to the IIa cell in the SOP lineage.
Determinants of the ZAR/USD exchange rate and policy implications: A simultaneous-equation model

This paper examines the determinants of the South African rand/US dollar (ZAR/USD) exchange rate based on demand and supply analysis. Applying the EGARCH method, the paper finds that the ZAR/USD ex...
Effect of Formalin in Increasing Heat Stability of Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin.

SummaryThe observation of an increase in heat-stability of the hemagglutinating property of influenza virus in the presence of low concentrations of formalin has been described. Differences in the effect of formalin on different strains has been reported and discussed.The technical assistance of Miss Lee Whyte is gratefully acknowledged.
Mobile Technologies for Personalized Diagnostics and Global Health

I will review the existing commercial and technical roadblocks to the deployment molecular diagnostics to the consumer market and how they can be fundamentally altered by taking advantage of the now ubiquitous installed base of smartphones.
Differential Gene Expression of Three Mastitis-Causing Escherichia coli Strains Grown under Planktonic, Swimming, and Swarming Culture Conditions

ABSTRACT Bacteria can exhibit various types of motility. It is known that different types of motilities can be associated with virulence. In this work, we compare gene expression levels in bacteria that were grown under conditions that promoted three different types of E. coli motility. Better understanding of the mechanisms of how bacteria can cause an infection is an important first step to better diagnostics and therapeutics. Bacterial motility is thought to play an important role in virulence. We have previously shown that proficient bacterial swimming and swarming in vitro is correlated with the persistent intramammary infection phenotype observed in cattle. However, little is known about the gene regulation differences important for different motility phenotypes in Escherichia coli. In this work, three E. coli strains that cause persistent bovine mastitis infections were grown in three media that promote different types of motility (planktonic, swimming, and swarming). Using whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing, we identified a total of 935 genes (~21% of the total genome) that were differentially expressed in comparisons of the various motility-promoting conditions. We found that approximately 7% of the differentially expressed genes were associated with iron regulation. We show that motility assays using iron or iron chelators confirmed the importance of iron regulation to the observed motility phenotypes. Because of the observation that E. coli strains that cause persistent infections are more motile, we contend that better understanding of the genes that are differentially expressed due to the type of motility will yield important information about how bacteria can become established within a host. Elucidating the mechanisms that regulate bacterial motility may provide new approaches in the development of intervention strategies as well as facilitate the discovery of novel diagnostics and therapeutics. IMPORTANCE Bacteria can exhibit various types of motility. It is known that different types of motilities can be associated with virulence. In this work, we compare gene expression levels in bacteria that were grown under conditions that promoted three different types of E. coli motility. Better understanding of the mechanisms of how bacteria can cause an infection is an important first step to better diagnostics and therapeutics.
Novel Small Peptide Hormones

Abstract Following the sequencing of the genomes of humans and other mammalian species leading to the development of publicly accessible bioinformatic databases, numerous novel peptides and proteins have been discovered that regulate cardiovascular biology. These novel peptides and proteins represent several classes of biologically active molecules, including endocrine factors, adipokines, myokines, and peptides derived from short open-reading frames upstream of G protein-coupled receptors. In this chapter, we will highlight several recently discovered peptides and proteins and the current knowledge regarding their roles in cardiovascular function.
Basic Principles of Neuronal Signaling

This chapter describes the basic principles of neuronal signaling. Signals are relayed from one part of the nervous system to another in the language of action potentials. Action potentials travel in particular temporal patterns that are used to code for particular events. A particular frequency of action potential, for example, played onto a muscle determines the force of contraction. Neurons generate action potentials because they have a −70 mV resting potential that provides an available store of energy. During an action potential, the resting potential is broken down. A suprathreshold depolarizing stimulus signals the voltage sensitive Na + channels to open. Sodium ions enter the axonal interior and change the potential to +50 mV, which is the equilibrium potential for Na + . Sodium ion channels rapidly close; however, additional K + channels open and restore the membrane potential to its resting level. In the course of signaling, this process repeats many times. The neuron interior gains Na + ions and loses a few K + ions. The ion gradient is restored and maintained by a Na + –K + pump which uses cellular ATP to drive the ions against their gradients and maintain the ionic gradients across the neuronal membrane.
Mid-Infrared Dual-Comb Source Using a Silicon Microresonator

We demonstrate a dual-comb source in the mid-infrared using soliton modelocking in two silicon microresonators. Modelocking is achieved simultaneously using a single continuous-wave pump source using thermal control and free-carrier injection.
Bidirectional Magnetothermal Modulation of Neuronal Activity in Behaving Mice

Reversible modulation of targeted neuronal population holds great potential in neurological pathology and therapeutics. Previously, we have shown that neurons thermo-sensitized by TRPV1 channel expression (via AAV5), can be reversibly magneto-thermally stimulated by heating membrane bound super-paramagnetic nanoparticles with alternating magnetic fields. In vivo, this evokes specific behaviors. Here, we show that silencing may be achieved similarly by localized magnetothermal heating of the membrane. Action potential generation involves a series of ion-channel opening and closing. These are intrinsically temperature sensitive, and we show here that it is possible to reversibly suppress neuronal firing by transient temperature rises. We systematically evaluated thermo-modulation in wild type dissociated neurons in a temperature bath, and show how silencing is a function of temperature-increase rates as well as the absolute temperature. We demonstrate that this magneto-thermal neurosilencing can evoke specific behaviors in a place preference assay (PPA). Given a choice, mice prefer a dark chamber over a lit one. We show that magneto-thermal inactivation of Dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) affects this PPA choice of these mice. Our results show that selective thermo-modulation is a powerful all-round tool for remotely modulating animal behavior. This principle and toolset can be seamlessly expanded to counter addiction causing memory formations. It might also act as a tetherless alternative to optogenetic tools for studying social behavior as well as cognitive memory and learning pathways.
Complete Genome Sequence of Human Norovirus GII.Pe-GII.4 Sydney from the United States.

ABSTRACT We report here the first near-complete genome sequence (7,551 nucleotides) of a human norovirus GII.Pe-GII.4 Sydney variant, detected in a stool sample from an outbreak on a cruise ship in 2013.
What Do Smokers Want in A Smartphone-Based Cessation Application?

Background Fueled by rapid technological advances over the past decade, there is growing interest in the use of smartphones to aid in smoking cessation. Hundreds of applications have been developed for this purpose, but little is known about how these applications are accessed and used by smokers or what features smokers believe would be most useful. Purpose The present study sought to understand the prevalence of smartphone ownership and patterns of use among smokers as well as the perceived utility of various smartphone application features for smoking cessation that are currently in development or already available. Methods Daily cigarette smokers (n = 224) reported on smartphone ownership, their patterns of smartphone usage, and perceived utility of features. Features were ranked according to perceived utility and differences in both perceived utility and general smartphone use patterns were examined as a function of demographic and smoking-related variables. Results Most smokers (80.4%) own a smartphone, but experience with smoking cessation applications is extremely rare (6.1%). Ownership and patterns of usage differed as a function of demographic and smoking-related variables. Overall, gain-framed features were rated as most useful, while loss-framed and interpersonal features were rated as least useful. Conclusions Mobile health interventions have the potential to reach a large number of smokers but are currently underutilized. Additional effort is needed to ensure parity in treatment access. Gain-framed messages may be especially useful for engaging smokers, even if other features ultimately drive treatment effects. Implications This study describes patterns of smartphone usage among smokers and identifies the smartphone application features smokers believe would be most useful during a quit attempt. Findings indicate which subgroups of smokers are most likely to be reached with mobile health interventions and suggests that inclusion of specific features may be helpful for engaging smokers in the smoking cessation process.
Hereditary cancer prevalence and communication about family history risks in palliative care.

56Background: Hereditary cancer (CA) assessment & communication about family history (FH) risks in palliative care are underexplored & could be critical for surviving relatives. FH may not be adequately reviewed & appropriate information conveyed in the palliative care (PC) setting, even though family health is a legacy concern of patients. Cancer patients seeking PC never wish for their relatives to have CA & may be an important resource for communication about their relative’s CA risk & appropriate referrals. Methods: This prospective observational study among cancer patients receiving PC consultations was conducted at a 977-bed academic urban hospital between June 2016 & March 2017. Data were collected through structured interviews and chart review during hospitalizations. Results: 75 adult cancer patients were enrolled. Patients’ average age at diagnosis was 55.3 ± 15.7 years. 41(55%) self-identified as male; 34(45%) as female; 20(27%) as black, 49 (65%) white, and 6(8%) other. 24 patients (32%) were ...
Investigating the Isolation and Amplification of microRNAs for Forensic Body Fluid Identification

Background The discovery of forensic DNA typing evolved molecular biology far beyond what could have been expected in terms of its forensic application, and now there exists other developments in molecular biology which are ready for application to forensic challenges. One such challenge is the identification of the body fluid source of stains recovered from evidence items and crime scenes. Currently, there are significant efforts in the research field to develop novel methods for the molecular identification of body fluids, with microRNAs (miRNAs) revealing great potential. MiRNAs have been shown to have high tissue specificity and are less susceptible to degradation as a result of their small size, which infers great advantages to their potential role for identifying forensically relevant body fluids. Objective This study investigated the isolation and amplification of miRNAs from forensically relevant body fluids. Method Venous blood, menstrual blood, semen, saliva, and vaginal material samples were extracted using; miRNeasy® mini kit (Qiagen), mirVana™ miRNA isolation kit (Ambion), and a modified mir- Vana™ method, and the quality/quantity of isolated miRNA was determined. miRNAs previously identified to show specificity for particular forensically relevant body fluids were examined. Real Time-Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed targeting 5 miRNAs of interest, miR-451, miR- 412, miR-891a, miR-205 and miR-124a. Results This study identified the miRNeasy® mini kit as the optimal method of the three methods investigated for the extraction of miRNAs from body fluids and further validates a selection of miRNAs previously suggested as potential biomarkers. Conclusion This research highlights the potential of miRNAs as novel markers for the identification of forensically relevant body fluids.
Advantages of Applying the LFOV Camera with a Moving Imaging Table to Lower Extremity Venography

The moving imaging table of a large field-of-view (LFOV) scintillation camera was applied to venography. The abnormal findings in 10 out of 27 patients with suspected venous disease of the legs studied by radionuclide venography of the lower extremities included venous occlusion, collateral circulation, and/or lung perfusion defects. Technetium-99m-MAA was simultaneously injected in the pedal vein of each foot with and without tourniquets. The LFOV camera is set on “scan mode” which synchronizes the moving table with image acquisition. Leg veins, iliac veins, inferior vena cava and lungs are imaged in one view sequentially. Advantages of this technique are: 1) reducing of the number of radiopharmaceutical injections and amount of the administered dose; 2) obtaining better anatomic presentation of the images; and 3) detecting perfusion defects in the anterior view of the lungs to alert the need for performing additional views.
High dimensional latent Gaussian copula model for mixed data in imaging genetics

Recent advances in imaging genetics combine different types of data including medical images like functional MRI images and genetic data like single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Many studies have proved that several mental diseases such as autism, ADHD, schizophrenia are affected by gene mutations. Understanding the complex interactions among these heterogeneous datasets may give rise to a new perspective for diseases diagnosis and prevention. In statistics, various graphical models have been proposed for the study of association networks with continuous data, binary data, and count data as well as the mixture of them. However, limited efforts have been made for the multinomial case, which has a direct application for SNP data. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a latent Gaussian copula model for mixed data containing multinomial components, which fills a vacancy of graphical models in imaging genetics. The performance of the proposed methods is first numerically assessed through simulation studies. Then it is validated with fMRI and SNP data collected by the Mind Clinical Imaging Consortium (MCIC) for a schizophrenia study.
Some specific aspects of cell-surface recognition by sipunculid coelomocytes.

Sipunculid worms have been the subject of research on the phylogeny of immune responses since the investigations of Cantacuzene (1). These marine worms comprise a distinctive group that inhabit intertidal areas scattered over the world. While a variety of discoveries has been made in sipunculids that are of immunological interest, emphasis is made that no specific molecular or cellular reactions have been found in this phylum that are comparable to those of vertebrate adaptive immunity. The discoveries that have been made include the phagocytic and encapsulation reactions common to invertebrates, the occurrence in some species of specialized free-swimming phagocytic structures in coelomic fluid termed “urns” (1), an inducible lysin for a protozoan (2), inducible and noninducible bactericidins (3, 4, 5), a capacity to hemolize (6, 7) and agglutinate vertebrate erythrocytes (8), an agent capable of immobilizing dinoflagellates (6), substances with specificities related to vertebrate blood groups (9) and an inhibitory effect on phagocytosis by bovine serum (10).
Enzymatic Regeneration of ATP from AMP and ADP Part II : Enzyme Immobilization and Reactor Development

The biosynthesis of many natural products consumes ATP (1). The involvement of ATP in biosynthetic reactions can be illustrated by two well established pathways for the activation of an alkyl carboxylate ion (Fig. 1). In one, transfer of the terminal phosphate Open image in new window Fig. 1 Pathways for Activation of Alkyl Carboxylate group of ATP to the carboxylate grouping (phosphoryl transfer) results in the production of an acyl phosphate and ADP. In a second pathway, nucleophilic attack of carboxylate ion on the α-phosphate grouping of ATP (adenylyl transfer) generates an acyl adenylate and inorganic pyrophosphate ion. These two types of acyl derivatives are both active esters and can take part in further reactions at the carbonyl group.
SEPARATION OF HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES BY THEIR Fc RECEPTOR

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the separation of human lymphocytes by their Fc receptor. A procedure discussed in the chapter uses the bottom surface of Falcon 30 ml tissue culture flasks coated with TNP-modified protein and then rabbit anti TNP (or DNP) antibodies. Approximately 25 × 106 monocyte-depleted lymphocytes in 4 ml of culture medium are allowed to settle onto the complex-coated surface, and after a brief incubation, the non-adherent cells are decanted and the bottom surface washed gently several times with medium. The adherent cells can be removed from this surface by incubation in 10 mM EDTA, 1 mM DNP-lysine, in PBS containing 0.1% BSA. After 30–60 min, most of the cells have rounded up and can be removed from the surface with gentle agitation. The total cell recovery from this separation is 70–90%, with a mean of 83%. The viability of both cell populations is greater than 95%. This technique is very simple and cheap to use, appears effective in bringing about the desired separation, and is particularly recommended for the rapid removal of cells bearing avidly binding FcR.
Im Dienst der Sache

Im Oktober 1940 fand ein entscheidendes Ereignis in meinem Leben statt. Eines Tages kam Ignaz auf mich zu, der altere Bruder eines meiner fruheren Mitschuler, und sagte, er wolle mit mir reden.Wir machten einen Termin aus, der meine erste Begegnung mit dem Marxismus werden sollte. Ignaz klang nicht besonders uberzeugend, aber er gab mir Broschuren und Bucher mit, deren Botschaft auf fruchtbaren Boden fiel. Ich verschlang gierig alles, was mir in die Hande fiel, und innerhalb einiger Wochen war ich mehr oder weniger bekehrt.
Determination of the Cleavage Site of the Amyloid Precursor Protein by Plasma Desorption Mass Spectrometry

Publisher Summary In the studies of the proteolytic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP), plasmadesorption mass spectrometry (PDMS) has been used to analyze fragments derived from chemical digestion of SAPP. PDMS was used to record a mass spectrum of insulin and has since been widely used for protein and peptide research. PDMS can be used to determine the primary cleavage site of APP and discusses some of the important operational techniques for obtaining different structural information on the constitutive cleavage site of amyloid precursor protein. The influence of protein sample size on the different operations is also discussed. The constitutive cleavage site of a human amyloid precursor protein synthesized in a transfected CHO cell line has been determined using plasma desorption mass spectrometry combined with enzymatic digestion. The chapter discusses the potential of PDMS as a sensitive method for studying protein processing.
Affordable Housing and Exactions

Commentary on a recent California supreme court decision determining that in lieu fees charged under an affordable housing program came under the statute regulating monetary exactions rather than the one covering land use regulations.
Increased regional cerebral perfusion by 99mTc hexamethyl propylene amine oxime single photon emission computed tomography in post-traumatic stress disorder.

Objective Because of the treatment resistance and chronic affective lability of many post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients and the hypothesized association of these behaviors with temporal and limbic structures, a study was conducted to determine whether these patients would exhibit alterations in regional cerebral perfusion in the temporal and limbic regions compared with age-matched normal volunteers at rest. Method We studied 17 patients using 99mTc hexamethyl propylene amine oxime single photon emission computed tomography. Seven of the patients were on a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, five were on a tricyclic antidepressant, and five were on no medication at the time of the study. Patients were compared with eight age-matched normal controls. Results All PTSD patients showed a relative increase in regional cerebral perfusion in the anterior and posterior cingulate regions bilaterally, the right temporal and parietal regions, the right caudate/putamen region, and the left orbital and hippocampal regions compared with the control group. When the group of PTSD patients who were free of medication were compared with the control group, increased regional cerebral perfusion was found in the right and left caudate/putamen regions and the right orbital and anterior cingulate cortex bilaterally. Conclusions PTSD is associated with increased regional blood flow in limbic areas and the right temporal and parietal cortex compared with age-matched normal volunteers.
Detection rates and biases of fire observations from MODIS and agency reports in the conterminous United States

Abstract With growing concern about the impacts of fires on ecosystems and economies, satellite products are increasingly being used to understand fire regimes. Concurrently, where available, agency records of fires have also been used to assess fire regimes. Yet, it remains unclear if these independent datasets measure the same fires, which raises concerns about the interpretation and benchmarking of models derived from these products. Here, we present a novel product intercomparison of the MODIS burned area and active fire products across the conterminous United States using nearly 250,000 agency reported wildfires as reference data to model consistencies and inconsistencies between all three datasets. We compared agency reported wildfires from the Fire Program Analysis fire occurrence database to the MODIS products to identify which fires were detected vs. omitted by MODIS products relative to agency fire records, and by agency fire records relative to MODIS. We created generalized linear models as a function of fire attributes (e.g. size) and environmental variables (e.g. cloud cover) to predict MODIS detection of agency wildfires, and anthropogenic variables (e.g. agriculture) to predict agency detection of MODIS fires. We modeled fire detection probability separately for MODIS burned area and active fire products, and for the eastern and western U.S. Overall, we found that MODIS product detection rates ranged from 3.5% to 23.4% of all documented agency wildfires >1 ha, and that likelihood of detection increased with fire size. Agency detection rates ranged from 23.5% to 48% of MODIS burned area and active fires. Under ideal conditions, the MODIS active fire product had a 50% probability of detecting a wildfire that grew to at least 10 ha (eastern U.S.) – 78 ha (western U.S.), while the burned area product had a 50% probability of detecting a wildfire that grew to at least 169 ha (eastern U.S.) – 234 ha (western U.S.). Cloud cover and leaf area index were significant predictors of MODIS fire detection, while state boundaries were significant predictors of agency fire detection. This analysis presents an important assessment of the fire attributes and ground conditions that influence MODIS fire detection relative to extensive and increasingly used ground-based wildfire records. The large discrepancy in records of fire occurrence between MODIS and agency fire datasets highlights the need for this type of analysis into the types of fires likely to be included in each database.