Identification of drug sensitive gene motifs using “epigenetic profiles” derived from bioinformatics databases

The use of epigenetic modifying drugs such as DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi) and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) is becoming more common in the treatment of cancer. Currently, there is a profound interest in determining predictive biomarkers for patient response and the efficacy of known and novel drugs. There are likely distinct “epigenetic profiles” defined by the location and abundance of DNA methylation patterns and histone modifications. Here we propose to investigate the response of a selected subset of genes to particular DNMTi and HDACi treatments, in two human cancer cell lines, colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 and liver adenocarcinoma HepG2. In this study we identified unique epigenetic profiles based on microarray and bioinformatics derived epigenetic data that are predictive of the response to epigenetic drug treatment. Microarray studies were used to identify re-activated genes common in two different cancer cell types treated with epigenetic drugs. Bioinformatics data was compiled on these genes and correlated against re-expression to construct the genes’ “epigenetic profile”. We then verified the response of the select group of genes in HCT-116 and HepG2 upon treatment at varying concentrations of epigenetic drugs and illustrated that selective reactivation of the target gene. Additionally, two novel genes were introduced and one selectively activated over another. Further research would prove invaluable for the medical and drug development communities, as a more extensive model would certainly be of use to determining patient response to drug treatment based on their individual epigenetic profile and leading to more successful novel drug design

Visual Search Processes and the Multivariate Point Symbol

This study reviews the major theories of visual search processes and applies some of their concepts to searching for multivariate point symbols in a map environment. The act of searching a map for information is a primary activity undertaken during map-reading. The complexity of this process will vary, of course, with symbol design and map content. Multivariate symbols, for example, will be more difficult to search for efficiently than univariate symbols. The purpose of this research was to examine the cognitive processes used by map readers when searching for multivariate point symbols on a map. The experiment used Chernoff Faces as the test symbol, and a symbol-detection task to assess how accurately and how efficiently target symbols composed of different combinations of facial features could be detected. Of particular interest was assessing the role that different combinations of symbol dimensions and different combinations of symbol parts played in moderating search efficiency. Subject reaction times and error rates were used to evaluate the efficiency of the searches. Results suggested all searches employed serial search processes, although feature searches (those in which a target symbol consists of a unique feature) were by far the easiest for subjects to complete. It was also demonstrated that hierarchical relationships could be manipulated within symbols to increase search efficiency for searches in which the target does not have a unique feature (conjunctive search)

Allusions in Ernest Hemingway's The sun also rises

The Sun Also Rises represents Ernest Hemingway's first serious endeavor as a novelist. For that reason alone, an extended study is meaningful. However, in this novel, Hemingway has made extensive and effective use of the technique of allusion, a literary device seemingly at odds with his characteristic simplicity of style. The allusions are so numerous and varied that they almost defy categorization. Some highly creditable studies have been made but have been limited to a particular allusion or a set of related allusions. No comprehensive study has been made, and this work is an attempt to meet that need. The use of allusion is first related to Hemingway's literary aims, showing it to be a device well suited to his method of saying much while adhering to his self-imposed simplicity and restraint. The allusions are then organized as they relate to tone, structure, characterization, setting, and meaning in The Sun Also Rises. Here the allusions are identified, explained in context, and related to the development of each of these elements. As many of the allusions serve multiple roles, some repetition has been unavoidable

The Impact of Bivariate Symbol Design on Task Performance in a Map Setting

Research conducted on the theory of selective attention suggests that varying the graphic combinations used when designing bivariate symbols affects the functionality of the symbol. Some graphic combinations appear to facilitate the ability to visualize correlation between the data sets represented by the symbol; others appear to be more effective at representing the data sets individually, some even at the expense of extracting correlational information. The purpose of the research described here was to test the strength of these findings in a map use context. Several bivariate symbol designs were tested using map use tasks designed to test participants' abilities to extract either correlational or individual information. Participant reaction times provided an assessment of the types and levels of interactions that occurred with each symbol set, Results corroborate previous research in both cartography and psychology, with several symbol designs falling into each of three interactional categories: separable, integral, and configural. By confirming and expanding previous research, this study provides further evidence of the strength of selective attention theory in aiding the design of bivariate thematic maps

Special Collections and Leadership: A Short Reflection on the ALA Emerging Leaders Experience

“Cello Music Cataloger? You’re kidding. That’s really your title!?” This was the response of one of my fellow ALA Emerging Leaders (ELs) when she discovered what kind of work I do with the Cello Music Collection here at the University Libraries

Untangling the lore of Ennio Bolognini [Slides]

Slides presented at the 2019 SELMA conference at the J.D. Williams Library, Oxford, MS on October 12, 2019

From the Continuing Education Coordinator [September 2013]

It will likely come as no surprise to you that RDA remains the central topic of discussion among MOUG Program Committee members as we prepare for the 2014 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA, February 25-26. Our deliberations have been guided first by your evaluations of the 2013 program, which made clear for the second year running that continuing education in RDA is your top priority. And of course we have been attentive to the ongoing conversation among colleagues in both technical and public services, many of whom are currently in transition to RDA and are experiencing the new cataloging standard “now that it is real,” as one of our members has put it

Techniques of Guitar Playing [Review]

Hector Berlioz famously commented on the shortcomings of the guitar, among them a “weak sonority” that greatly restricted its use in ensemble (Berlioz’s Orchestral Treatise: A Translation and Commentary, trans. and ed. Hugh Macdonald [Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002], 86). Even though the instrument as Berlioz knew it would give way later in the century to a larger, more sonorous design, the dynamic range of the guitar would never be extended (prior to electrification) in such a way that would satisfy the romantic appetite for vast soundscapes and extreme dynamic contrasts

Contextual effects and early theory of mind skill development

This study examines the impact of maternal use of mental state language and maternal report of emotional expressivity in the family during a critical age in theory of mind development. Participants included 263 3.5 year-old children whose theory of mind skills and verbal abilities were assessed; mothers reported on their emotion socialization practices and mothers and children were observed during parent-child interaction tasks. Positive associations between emotional expressivity in the family, maternal use of mental state language and general theory of mind development were hypothesized. No relation was found between mental state language use or expressed emotion in terms of predicting theory of mind development at any level. Results are discussed in terms of implications for theory of mind research

Non-tax money in Guilford County schools 1972-73

This study was designed to analyze sources and expenditures of non-tax money in public schools of Guilford County during the 1972-73 school year. Receipts, expenditures, and donations of goods recorded by a total of thirty-eight public schools were studied. Procedure followed four steps. First, a study was made of all receipts written during the 1972-73 school year by school treasurers within all Guilford County Schools. Receipts were classified and tables were produced from classifications. Second, all invoices paid by public schools of Guilford County during the 1972-73 school year were examined. Amounts shown on invoices were classified in accordance with usage of materials or services. Tables were formed from classifications. Third, a study of profits and cash donations made to or received by schools was conducted. Impact of non-tax monies on school programs was studied. This included a separate analysis of receipts and expenditures in the area of athletics. Fourth, a study was made of donated goods received by public schools of Guilford County during the 1972-73 school year. Analyses were made of values and origins of donated goods