cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age-driven modulation of tRNA-derived fragments in Drosophila and their potential targets

Development of sequencing technologies and supporting computation enable discovery of small RNA molecules that previously escaped detection or were ignored due to low count numbers. While the focus in the analysis of small RNA libraries has been primarily on microRNAs (miRNAs), recent studies have reported findings of fragments of transfer RNAs (tRFs) across a range of organisms. Here we describe Drosophila melanogaster tRFs, which appear to have a number of structural and functional features similar to those of miRNAs but are less abundant. As is the case with miRNAs, (i) tRFs seem to have distinct isoforms preferentially originating from 5’ or 3’ end of a precursor molecule (in this case, tRNA), (ii) ends of tRFs appear to contain short “seed” sequences matching conserved regions across 12 Drosophila genomes, preferentially in 3’ UTRs but also in introns and exons; (iii) tRFs display specific isoform loading into Ago1 and Ago2 and thus likely function in RISC complexes; (iii) levels of loading in Ago1 and Ago2 differ considerably; and (iv) both tRF expression and loading appear to be age-dependent, indicating potential regulatory changes from young to adult organisms. We found that Drosophila tRF reads mapped to both nuclear and mitochondrial tRNA genes for all 20 amino acids, while previous studies have usually reported fragments from only a few tRNAs. These tRFs show a number of similarities with miRNAs, including seed sequences. Based on complementarity with conserved Drosophila regions we identified such seed sequences and their possible targets with matches in the 3’UTR regions. Strikingly, the potential target genes of the most abundant tRFs show significant Gene Ontology enrichment in development and neuronal function. The latter suggests that involvement of tRFs in the RNA interfering pathway may play a role in brain activity or brain changes with age. This article was reviewed by Eugene Koonin, Neil Smalheiser and Alexander Kel.
Communication Logic Design and Analysis for Networked Control Systems

This chapter addresses the control of spatially distributed processes via communication networks with a fixed delay. A distributed architecture is utilized in which multiple local controllers coordinate their efforts through a data network that allows information exchange. We focus our work on linear time-invariant processes disturbed by Gaussian white noise and propose several logics to determine when the local controllers should communicate. Necessary conditions are given under which these logics guarantee boundedness and the trade-off is investigated between the amount of information exchanged and the performance achieved. The theoretical results are validated through Monte Carlo simulations. The resulting closed loop systems evolve according to stochastic differential equations with resets triggered by stochastic counters. This type of stochastic hybrid system is interesting on its own.
Postlaunch Radiometric Validation of the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) Proto-Flight Model on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Spacecraft through 1999

Abstract Each Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) instrument contains three scanning thermistor bolometer radiometric channels. These channels measure broadband radiances in the shortwave (0.3–5.0 μm), total (0.3–>100 μm), and water vapor window regions (8–12 μm). Ground-based radiometric calibrations of the CERES flight models were conducted by TRW Inc.’s Space and Electronics Group of Redondo Beach, California. On-orbit calibration and vicarious validation studies have demonstrated radiometric stability, defined as long-term repeatability when measuring a constant source, at better than 0.2% for the first 18 months of science data collection. This level exceeds by 2.5 to 5 times the prelaunch radiometric performance goals that were set at the 0.5% level for terrestrial energy flows and 1.0% for solar energy flows by the CERES Science Team. The current effort describes the radiometric performance of the CERES Proto-Flight Model on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission spacecraft over t...
Cancer as a chronic inflammatory disease: role of immunotherapy

Cancer is fundamentally the end stage of many chronic inflammatory diseases, representing a state of continuous angiogenic and stromagenic support for the established neoplasm [1,2]. Indeed, a substantial literature now exists to support the notion that cancer in adults arises most often in the setting of chronic inflammation [3]. Efforts to arrest and diminish tumor growth applied late in the setting of metastatic disease, at a time when the host and the tumor have established their folie a deux, are regrettably largely ineffective. The absence of suitable biomarkers and surrogates of response likewise limit application of biologic therapies early in disease. Many of these markers are of tissue remodeling and inflammation associated with the neoplastic state [4-11]. New findings about the interactions of natural killer (NK) cells and dendritic cells (DCs) [12-32] in the initiation of the inflammatory response as well as secondary responses suggest their critical role in immunity and potential utility as immunotherapies or the use of cytokine or cytokine gene therapy designed to elicit/activate them. Although the period following resection of the primary tumor is most often a period of seeming quiescence, we now recognize that considerable changes including continued genomic instability and immunologic alterations in the host and tumor target molecules are occurring. Having a means to identify suitable biomarkers and surrogates of tumor during this nominally quiescent period is one of great need so that novel agents might be applied at a time when they are most likely to modify the biology of the tumor. Promising new approaches applying proteomics, genomics [33-36], and cellomics (imaging cytometric) [37-41] strategies may make this possible.
A chimeric prokaryotic pentameric ligand–gated channel reveals distinct pathways of activation

Recent high resolution structures of several pentameric ligand-gated ion channels have provided unprecedented details of their molecular architecture. However, the conformational dynamics and structural rearrangements that underlie gating and allosteric modulation remain poorly understood. We used a combination of electrophysiology, double electron-electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopy, and x-ray crystallography to investigate activation mechanisms in a novel functional chimera with the extracellular domain (ECD) of amine-gated Erwinia chrysanthemi ligand-gated ion channel, which is activated by primary amines, and the transmembrane domain of Gloeobacter violaceus ligand-gated ion channel, which is activated by protons. We found that the chimera was independently gated by primary amines and by protons. The crystal structure of the chimera in its resting state, at pH 7.0 and in the absence of primary amines, revealed a closed-pore conformation and an ECD that is twisted with respect to the transmembrane region. Amine- and pH-induced conformational changes measured by DEER spectroscopy showed that the chimera exhibits a dual mode of gating that preserves the distinct conformational changes of the parent channels. Collectively, our findings shed light on both conserved and divergent features of gating mechanisms in this class of channels, and will facilitate the design of better allosteric modulators.
From Device to Vice: Social Control and Intergroup Conflict at Rajneeshpuram

Social control and intergroup conflict at Rajneeshpuram, the commune built by the followers of Shree Rajneesh, was studied from a social-psychological perspective. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. The leadership's control was facilitated by the newness of the group and its belief system. Disciples believed that the leaders had a special understanding of Rajneesh's vision and hence were susceptible to their influence. Structural characteristics, such as isolation, contributed to the leaders' power and to the conflict with the surrounding community, as did the methods of internal control. Within the community maladaptive norms took on a life of their own and aided in the demise of Rajneeshpuram.
Occurrence of insecticide resistant greenbugs (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado and suggestions for management

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to resolve esterase isozymes that were related to insecticide resistance in greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani). This report documents the occurrence of esterase polymorphisms in the Midwest and assesses differences in regional occurrences. In total, 13,863 individual greenbugs from Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado were tested between 1991 and 1995. The occurrence of resistant greenbugs appeared to be greatest in the southwest crop reporting district of Kansas and the north plains crop reporting district of Texas. The overall incidence of pattern 1 resistant greenbugs declined from 7.1% in 1991 to <1% in 1994 and 1995. Pattern 2 resistant greenbug occurrence varied from year to year (5.7-29.8%). Several explanations for the spatial occurrence of resistant greenbugs and several techniques for managing resistant greenbug populations are offered.
Permutation Functions on a Finite Field

Using a well-known theorem of Burnside on permutation groups of prime degree we offer new and simplified proofs of Theorems A, B, B' below for the case q=p a prime.
Reproduction and Development of Diuraphis noxia (Homoptera: Aphididae) at Constant Temperatures

Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), reared on wheat Triticum aestivum L., at six constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C) had significant differences in longevity and reproduction. Total life span decreased with increasing temperatures and was dependent on the number of nymphal stadia exhibited before the onset of reproduction. Adult life span was longest for aphids having five stadia. Natality was a function of temperature, adult age, and the number of maternal stadia. The average number of nymphs produced per day increased at each temperature regime from 5 to 20°C and then decreased from 20 to 30°C. Natality trends were very symmetrical with no significant differences between 5 and 30°C, 10 and 25°C, and 15 and 20°C. The number of maternal stadia had less impact on natality as temperature increased above 15°C. Total nymphs per aphid was greatest for adults exhibiting four stadia, although variation was high. Aphid mortality was dependent on aphid age and temperature. Regression analyses indicated that mortality trends were not significantly different for cohorts reared at 5, 10, and 15°C, although decreasing temperature effects led to higher survival rates. Mortality was significantly higher over time for each temperature increase above 15°C.
Detection and analysis of Influenza during 2009-2010 in Xicheng district network laborotary

Objective:Detection on throat swab specimens from patients suspected influenza of two hospital in Xicheng district in order to analyze the epidemic characteristics of Influenza in 2009-2010.Methods: We have detected virus nucleic acid isolated from specimens on specific genes infA,SWinfA,SWH1 and cotrol gene RNP by real-time RT-PCR,then identifiied the subtype on FluB,FluH1,Flu H3genes.Results: In total 2117 specimens,there were 263 positive samples with influenza A(H1N1)virus subtype which the higest quantity emergered in October and November;in addition to the existence of the seasonal influenza subtypes,the positive of B subtypes were 393 which increased in December,the higest quantity exist in Janurary and Februrary;the positive of A(H3) subtypes were 78 which the higest quantity emergered in August and September;the positive of A1 subtypes were 2,as well as 15 positive of A subtypes undentified.Conclusion: The epidemical peak of influenza in Xicheng district of Beijing was from October 2009 to March 2010 in total years survilance,the predominant type was Influenza A(H1N1) and type B which emergered in differiential time.
Application of Water Quality Index to Assessment on Drinking Water Quality in Pudong New Area,Shanghai, 2012

[Objective] To evaluate drinking water quality using water quality index(WQI) in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. [Methods] Water samples were collected from finished water, trunk pipes and secondary supply systems. Fourteen indices were selected for revised Canadian water quality index(WQI). Backward stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed for sensitivity analysis. [Results] Disqualified samples were identified in all the sampling locations. The number of disqualified indices showed an impact to WQI with the highest degree. Ammonia, turbidity, and CODMn were the indices with the highest disqualified sample counts comparing to the relevant national standards, but iron, manganese, CODMn, and turbidity contributed most to WQI. The quality of drinking water samples sourcing from nearby rivers was the worst with significant disqualified index of ammonia. [Conclusion] Canadian water quality index(WQI) provides an effective way to assess the quality of different water samples and is of significant value in water quality management.
Research on EVA Investment Evaluation for Oil Project

The appearance of EVA brings the new concept of cost and effectively avoids the short-term investment decisions. Investing activities of oil companies with high investment have high profits and high risk and the investing effect is directly related to its capacity of development. This paper builds the EVA evaluation model for oil investment projects according to the provisions of " economic value added assessment rules" and then uses the model and traditional evaluation indexes,making evaluation of the capacity building project for an oil blocks. With the predicted data for 15years from 2012 to 2026,it is concluded that risk-resisting ability of the project is good,it has financial viability,and the EVA provides more comprehensive information.
Receptor-bound estrogens and their metabolites in the nucleus of the isolated rat liver parenchymal cell.

Recent studies have suggested that an estrogen receptor is present in rat liver and that hepatic metabolism may modulate receptor binding by estrogens. The metabolism of estrogens and the identity of receptor-bound estrogens were evaluated in the present study. Isolated hepatic parenchymal cells from rats were incubated with 10-7 M [3H]-17,β-estradiol or [3H]-17,α-ethinylestradiol for 5 min. [3H]-17,β-estradiol was metabolized much more extensively than [3H]-17,α-ethinylestradiol in cellular incubation mixtures. A variety of metabolites of each estrogen was detected. In incubations with [3H]-17,β-estradiol, estrone was the principle nonpolar radioactivity. In incubations with [3H]-l7,α-ethinylestradiol, 2-hydroxy-17,α-estradiol was identified as a metabolite. The identity of the receptor-bound [3H]estrogen was then studied after exposure of cells to [3H]-17,α-ethinylestradiol or [3H]-17,β-estradiol. After incubation of male or female liver cells with [3H]-17,α-ethinylestradiol, the cells were homogenized and purified nuclei were prepared. Unchanged 17,α-ethinylestradiol and 2-hydroxy-17,α-ethinylestradiol were identified as the receptor-bound estrogens. (17,α-ethinylestradiol and 2-hydroxy-17,α-ethinylestradiol were also capable of binding to the cytosol receptor in vitro.) After incubation of liver cells with [3H]-17,β-estradiol, the principle receptor-bound estrogen in the nucleus from female liver cells was unchanged 17,β-estradiol, in contrast to the radioactivity in the total cellular incubations, where estrone predominated. The principle nuclear-bound estrogen in male liver was an unidentified metabolite with the chromatographic mobility of 2-hydroxy-17,β-estradiol (however, it could not be methylated with catechol-O-methyl transferase). [3H]-17,β-estradiol was apparently less effective than [3H]-17,α-ethinylestradiol in binding to cellular receptors because of its more extensive metabolism, primarily to estrone. Although estrone binds cytosol receptors in vitro, it is much less effective than 17,β-estradiol in the promotion of receptor translocation in intact liver cells. Hepatic metabolism may modulate estrogenic potency in the liver and generate unusual estrogen metabolites which may interact with receptors. In cellular incubations, 17,α-ethinylestradiol and its metabolite 2-hydroxy-17,α-ethinylestradiol were more effective than the lower amount of unmetabolized 17,β-estradiol and the much higher levels of its metabolite estrone in the promotion of nuclear translocation of the estrogen receptor. Estrogen metabolism may contribute to the low receptor interaction and low biologic potency of 17,β-estradiol in the liver.
'Honking': Psychogenic cough tic in children.

Psychogenic cough tic is a troublesome complaint. The cough is a noisy bark or honking, repeated frequently while the child is awake, but absent during sleep. Clinical and laboratory findings are negative, and cough suppressants and other medications are ineffective. The cough usually starts in the winter months and may be preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection. School phobia is frequently a contributory cause, but other psychological problems must also be considered. Treatment is usually by suggestion and identification of the underlying psychological problem. In some cases tranquillizers may be required.
Method for maintaining viability of Clostridium perfringens in foods during shipment and storage: collaborative study.

A collaborative study was conducted in 12 laboratories to determine the effectiveness of a new method for maintaining vegetative cells of Clostridium perfringens in viable condition during storage and transport of food specimens to the laboratory. The collaborative results showed that treatment of brown gravy and roast beef samples with an equal amount by weight of sterile buffered glycerol-sodium chloride solution to give a final 10% glycerol concentration and storage with Dry Ice for 10 days at -56 degrees C resulted in plate counts of C. perfringens which were 2-4 log cycles higher with 2 different strains than counts with untreated specimens stored by the usual method at -20 degrees C. Plate counts obtained with the treated specimens stored with Dry Ice were less than 1 log cycle lower than counts made with identical specimens before freezing for storage and shipment to the collaborators. The results with treated specimens were also more uniform among the different laboratories. Because the new method for storage and shipment of food samples was so effective for maintaining viability of the organism, the official first action method for C. perfringens (46.B01) was changed to incorporate these procedures as part of the method.
Connectivity in Wireless Networks

In the previous chapters, we tried to find methods to cope with interference in a wireless network in different layers. However, regardless of what method we use, the interference has impacts on the connectivity of the network. We sure want to have a connected network all the time. The question then will be whether this is possible or not. In this chapter we first define a few connectivity measures and then investigate the connectivity of a network based on those metrics.
M AND N PLOTS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses M and N plots and describes a method for scatterplotting four-dimensional data. Conventional scatterplots use dots on a rectangular coordinate system to graphically represent two-dimensional vectors. An M and N plot represents (M+N)-dimensional vectors by plotting M coordinates in one coordinate system and N coordinates in a second coordinate system. The two dots representing a point are connected by a straight line segment. Thus, scatterplots are 2 and 0 plots. A 1 and 0 plot—the dot plot—is sometimes used to plot one-dimensional data, plotting each point as a dot. There are two ways to draw M and N plots of two-dimensional data: the conventional scatterplot (2 and 0 plot) and the 1and 1 plot. A 1 and 1 plot represents a two-dimensional point (x,y) by 2 dots and a line segment on a pair of parallel coordinate axis. The basic ingredients of a 2 and 2 plot are a pair of coordinate axes and a segment. With a PRIM 9-1ike graphical device, it is possible to draw 3 and 3 plots of six-dimensional data.
Higher Education Engagement and Economic Participation: Divide and Conquer

What does this mean for reforming higher education policies and practices, particularly as it relates to community engagement and Black Diaspora? It is easy to assume that any time the subject of Divide and Conquer is broached that both terms conjure up negative, divisive language and thoughts, and can mean placing blame. That is not the intent of this writing. The long overdue focus is on the education participation, or lack thereof, of Black populations across the Diaspora. The intent is to first provide a brief historical context as it relates to Black Diaspora, followed by global implications of the Divide, particularly as it relates to education, and will conclude with implications of the Divide for reforming policies and practices as it relates to higher education engagement/partnerships. Higher education community engagement is exactly the arena that can help wrestle with different sets of challenges and engage in debates that hopefully will lead to new policies—or, at a minimum, shed new light on engaging possibilities. Higher education institutions, individually and collectively, bring people together and provide spaces to address important issues.
The process\gamma + \gamma \to \nu + \bar \nu (*)

The cross-section for\(\gamma + \gamma \to \nu + \bar \nu (*)\) is calculated, in the limits≪Mw2, for a weak interaction mediated by a vector meson, W, having a minimal electromagnetic interaction and an arbitrary anomalous magnetic moment. It is found to be cut-off-independent and considerably smaller than estimated.
Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study of Armodafinil Treatment of Daytime Sleepiness Associated With Treated Nocturia

Study Objectives Nocturia, voids which disturb sleep, is the most common cause of awakenings and is associated with daytime sleepiness. Because the standard treatments for the most common causes of nocturia are relatively ineffective, many treated patients with nocturia are left with residual sleepiness. We carried out this pilot study to evaluate the potential of armodafinil to be an effective means of addressing the sleepiness that persists in many nocturia patients, despite their receiving standard therapy. Methods This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study carried out in 28 patients with nocturia who were receiving standard clinical therapy for their nocturia and who had an Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score of at least 10. Subjects received 4 weeks of both armodafinil (150-250 mg) and placebo with order randomized. Results Armodafinil led to statistically significant improvement in sleepiness compared to placebo as indicated by the ESS (the primary outcome; p < .002) as well as the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement in Sleepiness scale (key secondary outcome; p = .01). Armodafinil did not increase nocturic events or significantly increase adverse effects versus placebo. Conclusions This pilot study, the first double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessing whether a wake-promoting therapy can improve residual daytime sleepiness in patients with treated nocturia, indicates the promise of armodafinil for addressing this residual sleepiness and provides impetus to carry out a large-scale study to definitively evaluate whether armodafinil is an effective therapy for the many patients with nocturia who experience daytime sleepiness that persists, despite their receiving standard therapy for this condition.
Book Review: If you Call Yourself a Jew: Reappraising Paul's Letter to the Romans

If You Call Yourself a Jew: Reappraising Paul's Letter to the Romans. By Rafael Rodriguez. Eugene, Ore.: Cascade Books, 2014. 317 pp. $62.00 (cloth); $37.00 (paper).Considering the abundance of Romans commentaries, why consider buying this one? In short: this brief reappraisal (rather than full-length commentary) develops a promising minority perspective of which we should not be uninformed. In fact, I predict this work may propel this interesting perspective discussed among specialists into a mainstream, popularly accessible approach.Appreciation for classical rhetoric has moved to the forefront of Pauline scholarship. Rafael Rodriguez is no exception to that trend. Like virtually all contemporary New Testament scholars, he builds on the insights of the New Perspective on Paul (Sanders, Dunn, Wright, for example). Rodriguez differs, however, in identifying Paul's audience. He joins a "small but important minority of scholars" arguing Paul wrote exclusively to gentile believers in the Jewish Messiah in Rome (p. 7). Paul explicitly identifies this audience in four places (1:5-6, 1:13, 11:13, 15:15-16) and nowhere points to another. The suggestion strikes me as refreshing. Paul says he is writing to gentiles. From this and other letters, we know him as the apostle to the gentiles, distinguished from the Twelve and their mission among the Jews. Whether or not we ultimately agree, the approach is remarkably reasonable and not easy to dismiss.Rodriguez pushes the thesis further (as have Thorsteinsson, Stowers, and Thiessen). He begins with a simple thought experiment: "I decided to read Paul's diatribe as a dialogue with a gentile proselyte to Judaism-a 'Judaizer'-simply to see what effect if would have on my reading of Romans as a whole. . . . After all, how much difference could it make whether Paul imagined himself in dialogue with an actual Jew or a gentile who calls himself a Jew?" (p. ix). Quite a bit, he discovered.Rodriguez's handling of chapter seven highlights how reading Romans this way helps solve some challenging interpretive problems. Popular, devotional readings of Romans 7 see it as dramatically introspective: Paul is showing that even saintly apostles share the "inner psychological angst at the enormity of God's righteous requirements" (p. 139). Yet despite being common in American pulpits and Bible studies, this interpretation cannot make sense of the text. Reading 7:7-25 as direct statements from Paul would "unravel... the coherence of the letter as a whole" (p. 133), since Paul had already contradicted many of the arguments put forward there.Almost no biblical scholars holds to that view. "These contradictory statements," Rodriguez explains, "suggest that Paul is not speaking in his own, authorial voice" (p. …
Utility of Synovial White Blood Cell Count and Differential Before Reimplantation Surgery

Abstract Background Determining optimal timing of reimplantation during 2-stage exchange for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains elusive. Joint aspiration for synovial white blood cell (WBC) count and neutrophil percentage (PMN%) before reimplantation is widely performed; yet, the implications are rarely understood. Therefore, this study investigates (1) the diagnostic yield of synovial WBC count and differential analysis and (2) the calculated thresholds for persistent infection. Methods Institutional PJI databases identified 129 patients undergoing 2-stage exchange arthroplasty who had joint aspiration before reimplantation between February 2005 and May 2014. Persistent infection was defined as a positive aspirate culture, positive intraoperative cultures, or persistent symptoms of PJI—including subsequent PJI-related surgery. Receiver-operating characteristic curve was used to calculate thresholds maximizing sensitivity and specificity. Results Thirty-three cases (33 of 129; 25.6%) were classified with persistent PJI. Compared with infection-free patients, these patients had significantly elevated PMN% (62.2% vs 48.9%; P = .03) and WBC count (1804 vs 954 cells/μL; P = .04). The receiver-operating characteristic curve provided thresholds of 62% and 640 cells/μL for synovial PMN% and WBC count, respectively. These thresholds provided sensitivity of 63% and 54.5% and specificity of 62% and 60.0%, respectively. The risk of persistent PJI for patients with PMN% >90% was 46.7% (7 of 15). Conclusion Synovial fluid analysis before reimplantation has unclear utility. Although statistically significant elevations in synovial WBC count and PMN% are observed for patients with persistent PJI, this did not translate into useful thresholds with clinical importance. However, with little other guidance regarding the timing of reimplantation, severely elevated WBC count and differential analysis may be of use.
Genomic insights into the ancient spread of Lyme disease across North America

Lyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in North America and continues to spread. The disease was first clinically described in the 1970s in Lyme, Connecticut, but the origins and history of spread of the Lyme disease bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), are unknown. To explore the evolutionary history of B. burgdorferi in North America, we collected ticks from across the USA and southern Canada from 1984 to 2013 and sequenced the, to our knowledge, largest collection of 146 B. burgdorferi s.s. genomes. Here, we show that B. burgdorferi s.s. has a complex evolutionary history with previously undocumented levels of migration. Diversity is ancient and geographically widespread, well pre-dating the Lyme disease epidemic of the past ~40 years, as well as the Last Glacial Maximum ~20,000 years ago. This means the recent emergence of human Lyme disease probably reflects ecological change—climate change and land use changes over the past century—rather than evolutionary change of the bacterium. Lyme disease, spread by ticks infected with the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, was first described in the 1970s, but its origins are obscure. Genomics of North American ticks points to an origin pre-dating the Last Glacial Maximum.
The EGFR Inhibitor Gefitinib Enhanced the Response of Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma to Cisplatin In Vitro.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in a variety of solid tumors including oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and has been implicated in the resistance of these tumors to cisplatin. This study was performed to determine if the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib could enhance the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin on OSCC cells in vitro. The expression of EGFR and the phosphorylation of its downstream signaling to ERK, and AKT pathway were detected by Western blotting. Cell proliferation and survival were determined by AlamarBlue and colony formation assay respectively. Cells apoptosis were determined by Western blotting for cleaved PARP protein and by flowcytometry of cells stained with Annexin V and PI. Cal27, OSC19, and SCC25 cells treated with gefitinib 1 μM demonstrated reduced phosphorylation of EGFR, AKT, and ERK proteins with very limited inhibition of proliferation. Cisplatin inhibited proliferation of the same cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The concentration producing 50% inhibition (IC50) for cisplatin decreased in the presence of gefitinib 1 μM, and a combination of cisplatin 5 µM and gefitinib 1 µM caused synergistic growth inhibition and synergistic reduction in cell survival. The growth inhibitory effect of the combination was associated with reduced ERK and AKT activation, increased poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and increased apoptosis. Thus, in OSCC cells in vitro, inhibition of EGFR activity with gefitinib enhances the apoptotic effect of cisplatin. This has potential implications for enhancement of cisplatin effectiveness in tumors that over-express the EGFR.
Seasonal Abundance of Thrips (Thysanoptera: Suborders Terebrantia and Tubulifera) in Georgia Flue-Cured Tobacco and Impact of Management Practices on the Incidence of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus

Flue-cured tobacco plant beds and fields were surveyed from 1989–91 to determine the seasonal abundance and species composition of thrips in Georgia. A total of 43 species were collected from tobac...
Integrating “Evo” and “Devo”: The Limb as Model Structure

Reconciling the origins of morphological diversity with the deep homology of underlying mechanisms is a question fundamental to the goals of evolutionary developmental biology ("evo-devo" or EDB). In this paper I argue that differing research agendas in evolutionary and developmental biology have hindered how we address this question, but that the limb provides ideal "common ground" for their fuller integration. To support this idea, I review two previous analyses of limb variation in mammal, bird, and reptile taxa that offer complementary approaches to explaining diversity. Specifically, I present evidence suggesting that: (1) a shared genetic architecture affects the pattern of between limb developmental integration, while their functional dissociation is linked to both increased phenotypic evolvability and diversity of interlimb proportions, and (2) within limb proportional diversity is biased such that proximal and distal segments function as tradeoffs while the middle segment is more conservative, a signal that is both evident from early in morphogenesis and suggestive of an "inhibitory cascade" model of limb proximo-distal axis development. In the first case, shared genetic mechanisms predict both observed developmental integration between limbs and patterns of clade-specific diversity. In the second case, underappreciated patterns of phenotypic diversity suggest novel insights into the underlying developmental mechanisms by which variation is generated. These studies show how insights from both evolutionary and developmental biology of the limb may be used to generate novel testable hypotheses into the origins of diversity that are broadly applicable to the integration of EDB.
Processing scalar implicatures in conversational contexts: An ERP study

Abstract Scalar expressions are words that have both a semantic meaning (e.g., the semantic meaning of “some” is “more than one”) and a pragmatic meaning (e.g., the pragmatic meaning of “some” is “some but not all”). The majority of experimental research on scalar terms has focused on the quantity expression “some” and its use in nonconversational contexts. In contrast, in this research we examined five different scalar expressions that were embedded in a conversational context with varying degrees of face-threat. Participants read scenarios followed by a target utterance containing a scalar expression in the first half of the utterance (e.g., some), with a second half continuation of the utterance containing either the pragmatic meaning (e.g., not all) or the semantic meaning (e.g., all). ERPs in response to the scalar term and subsequent meaning were examined. Neural responses to the scalar term did not vary as a function of face-threat. However, the semantic meaning resulted in a larger P300 than did the pragmatic meaning, a difference that was greater when the situation was face-threatening than when it was not face-threatening. This pattern did not vary over the five different scalar expressions and suggests that in conversational contexts, it is the pragmatic meaning that is expected.
Endocrine Remission After Pituitary Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Differences in Rates of Response for Matched Cohorts of Cushing Disease and Acromegaly Patients.

Purpose To compare and describe the time to endocrine remission and new hypopituitarism among patients with growth hormone (GH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas after radiosurgery, controlling for several known prognostic factors. Methods and Materials An institutional review board–approved, institutional retrospective analysis of patients with GH- and ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas was performed, with matching for patient sex, age at radiosurgery, interval between the last resection and radiosurgery, use of previous radiation therapy, whole sella treatment, suprasellar extension, cavernous sinus invasion, and margin dose. Endocrine remission was defined as a normal serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH secreting) or a normal 24-hour urine-free cortisol (ACTH secreting) level without suppressive medications. Endocrine remission and the incidence of new hypopituitarism after single-fraction radiosurgery were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. Results The data from 242 patients were evaluated, 121 with GH-secreting tumors and 121 with ACTH-secreting tumors. Of the 242 patients, 75% had cavernous sinus invasion and 10% had suprasellar extension at radiosurgery. The median radiosurgical marginal dose was 25 Gy to the 50% isodose line between each group. After multivariable adjustment, the factors associated with an increased time to endocrine remission included patient age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.016; P = .023), cavernous sinus invasion (HR 1.793; P = .004), and the presence of acromegaly (HR 2.912; P Conclusions After radiosurgery, patients with ACTH-secreting tumors achieved endocrine remission sooner than did those with GH-secreting tumors. These results provide insight into the relative tumor biology and disease course after radiosurgery that will serve to further improve clinical outcomes and patient treatment in the future.
Improper Priors, Spline Smoothing and the Problem of Guarding Against Model Errors in Regression

SUMMARY Spline and generalized spline smoothing is shown to be equivalent to Bayesian estimation with a partially improper prior. This result supports the idea that spline smoothing is a natural solution to the regression problem when one is given a set of regression functions but one also wants to hedge against the possibility that the true model is not exactly in the span of the given regression functions. A natural measure of the deviation of the true model from the span of the regression functions comes out of the spline theory in a natural way. An appropriate value of this measure can be estimated from the data and used to constrain the estimated model to have the estimated deviation. Some convergence results and computational tricks are also discussed.
Recollections of a Long Friendship

I think the first time Donna and I met Walter was in Paris the summer of 1963. I was finishing a postdoc there at the Ecole Normale Superieure, and he was coming for a sabbatical year’s stay. Shortly thereafter we left Paris, in a display of spectacularly bad timing, missing the excitement of that year’s first work on density functional theory, which ultimately led to Walter’s Nobel Prize. But I do want to take credit for an important contribution we made to that work. We turned over our Paris rental apartment to Pierre Hohenberg, who was the one who wrote the seminal first paper on density functional theory with Walter that year.
In situ protection of splash zones: 30 years on

The corrosion rate in the splash zone of marine piles is severe. Coatings for application in situ must provide protection even when applied to contaminated or immersed surfaces. Petrolatum tapes have been successfully used for this application for 30 years. Developments of this type of coating have been evaluated by laboratory tests and case histories. They confirm that petrolatum tape systems with suitable outer coverings maintain long-term corrosion protection of splash zones and are unaffected by sulfate-reducing bacteria.
Weld Inspection Using Laser Vision

The most widely utilized welding evaluation technique is visual testing (VT). Major limitations of visual inspection are the subjectivity of judgments of the acceptability of the weld and time required to perform the inspection. Machine vision technology can replace or augment VT to curtail these limitations. Pre-weld inspection is an effective and efficient means of determining size and fit-up problems as well as seam tracking. Post-weld inspection with machine vision is efficient in that it saves time, provides a record of the inspection, and establishes a quantitative standard for measurements. This paper discusses laser-based, structured-light machine vision technology and its application toward automated pre- and post-weld inspection. Practical industrial applications including small, laser-welded tailored blanks and larger fillet welds are discussed along with results of initial testing.
Indomethacin alters the Na,K-ATPase response to protein kinase C activation in cultured rabbit nonpigmented ciliary epithelium

Purpose. To test whether prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) is generated by cultured nonpigmented ciliary epithelial (NPE) cells treated with the phorbol ester, phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu), an activator of protein kinase C. In addition, the authors tested whether indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, influences the stimulation of active sodium-potassium transport observed in PDBu-treated cells. Methods. A cell line derived from rabbit NPE was used in this study. PGE 2 was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Ouabain-sensitive potassium ( 86 Rb) uptake was measured as an index of active sodium-potassium (Na,K-ATPase-mediated) transport. Ouabain-sensitive ATP hydrolysis (Na,K-ATPase activity) also was measured. Cell sodium and potassium content was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results. Marked PGE 2 generation was observed in PDBu-treated cells. Indomethacin abolished the PGE 2 response. Ouabain-sensitive potassium ( 86 Rb) uptake was stimulated ∼40% in cells exposed to PDBu, but a stimulation of >100% was observed in cells exposed to PDBu in the presence of indomethacin. Added alone, indomethacin did not alter ouabain-sensitive potassium ( 86 Rb) uptake. Neither nordihydroguaiaretic acid (a lipoxygenase inhibitor) nor ethoxyresorufin (a cytochrome P450 inhibitor) altered the 86 Rb uptake response to PDBu. Sodium and cyclic adenosine monophosphate content was unchanged in cells treated with PDBU + indomethacin. Conclusions. In PDBu-treated cells, there may be generation of cyclooxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid that inhibit Na,K-ATPase activity, suppressing the stimulatory effect of PDBu on active sodium-potassium transport. Based on the observation that PGE 2 can inhibit Na,K-ATPase activity and also inhibit ouabain-sensitive potassium ( 86 Rb) uptake, the authors suggest PGE 2 may influence the Na,K-ATPase response to the activation of protein kinase C in NPE cells.
Atmospheric Deposition and Conservation: What is the Role for Conservation Organizations?

The world of conservation is rapidly changing. The increasing severity and scope of widespread anthropogenic threats to biological diversity can now be seen to impact even local conservation efforts. As these impacts become more visible in our backyards, a new reality has begun to shake the status quo. Brave actions to reverse these disturbing trends are being called for that fall outside traditional operating procedures. One need only consider the issue of global climate change to understand the pattern. In less than a decade, discussion of the potential impact of global climate change has progressed from a largely theoretical debate in halls of academia to a fact being reported in local newspapers. Meanwhile, on-the-ground conservation efforts are awakening to the reality that they have to play catch-up.
Exploring behaviors, treatment beliefs, and barriers to oral chemotherapy adherence among adult leukemia patients in a rural outpatient setting.

Adherence to oral chemotherapy is essential for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and multiple myeloma (MM) to remain in remission. Few studies have used a Likert-type scale to measure medication adherence in CML and MM patients. We applied a validated treatment adherence tool, the ASK-12 (Adherence Starts with Knowledge®) survey, which assessed inconvenience and forgetfulness, treatment beliefs, and medication-taking behaviors recorded on a five-point Likert-type scale at two visits. A medication adherence survey was administered to 42 newly diagnosed or pre-existing CML or MM patients at two outpatient oncology clinics affiliated with an academic medical center in rural eastern North Carolina. Thirty-one patients completed surveys at visit 1 and visit 2 (median 4.5 months apart). Most patients were treated for MM (65%), were non-Hispanic black (68%) and female (58%). Within subscales, mean adherence scores decreased between visits, signaling better adherence. Overall, visit scores were correlated (0.63, p = 0.001). Forgetting to take medication sometimes was the most common reason for non-adherence. Medication costs were not a barrier for MM patients. Greater patient–provider informed decision-making was identified as an opportunity for quality improvement among CML patients. The ASK-12 survey provided a strategy to obtain robust information on medication adherence.
Ambulance Deployment With Relocation Through Robust Optimization

This paper investigates the deployment issue of an emergency medical service (EMS) system to maintain the preferred service coverages under different considerations. Specifically, two coverage levels are introduced to reflect the requirements under the regular situation and the situation with ambulance unavailable. We propose the two-stage robust optimization (RO) models to design a reliable ambulance system subject to unavailability of the ambulances, with and without the ambulance relocation. For the RO problem with mixed-integer recourse for relocation, we customize the column and constraint generation method with an approximation strategy to handle the computational challenge. Our numerical study: 1) demonstrates that our RO formulations have a strong modeling capacity on designing the EMS system; 2) shows that our approximation algorithm performs very well; and 3) provides a quantitative evaluation of, including, relocation operations on the system performance. Note to Practitioners —This paper presents the novel optimization models to help ambulance deployment. Due to ambulance unavailability and relocation operations, traditional optimization formulations might not be sufficient for modeling or might be hard for computation. In this paper, we provide an uncertainty set-based approach to capture ambulance unavailability and to build the robust optimization models (with relocation recourse decisions). Also, efficient algorithms are designed to support practical instances. Numerical results are very supportive to our new models and computational methods.