cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utility of CT Radiomics Features in Differentiation of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma From Normal Pancreatic Tissue

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to determine the utility of radiomics features in differentiating CT cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) from normal pancreas. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In this retrospective case-control study, 190 patients with PDAC (97 men, 93 women; mean age ± SD, 66 ± 9 years) from 2012 to 2017 and 190 healthy potential renal donors (96 men, 94 women; mean age ± SD, 52 ± 8 years) without known pancreatic disease from 2005 to 2009 were identified from radiology and pathology databases. The 3D volume of the pancreas was manually segmented from the preoperative CT scans by four trained researchers and verified by three abdominal radiologists. Four hundred seventy-eight radiomics features were extracted to express the phenotype of the pancreas. Forty features were selected for analysis because of redundancy of computed features. The dataset was divided into 255 training cases (125 normal control cases and 130 PDAC cases) and 125 validation cases (65 normal control cases and 60 PDAC cases). A random forest classifier was used for binary classification of PDAC versus normal pancreas of control cases. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. RESULTS. Mean tumor size was 4.1 ± 1.7 (SD) cm. The overall accuracy of the random forest binary classification was 99.2% (124/125), and AUC was 99.9%. All PDAC cases (60/60) were correctly classified. One case from a renal donor was misclassified as PDAC (1/65). The sensitivity was 100%, and specificity was 98.5%. CONCLUSION. Radiomics features extracted from whole pancreas can be used to differentiate between CT cases from patients with PDAC and healthy control subjects with normal pancreas.
Analyzing Use of the Graduate Record Examinations® General Test in Doctoral Nursing Education: Start, Stop, Continue, or Modify?

AIM The purpose of this study was to analyze uses of the Graduate Record Examinations® (GRE) General Test in doctoral nursing education. BACKGROUND Doctoral study is a costly (time, money, resources, effort) investment for both students and institutions alike, and it is imperative students who are likely to succeed are admitted. Admission criteria such as the GRE General Test must be examined for appropriate use and necessity. METHOD Literature regarding uses of the GRE General Test in doctoral nursing education was analyzed versus GRE General Test publisher evidence-based uses and guidelines while considering test psychometrics. RESULTS Although the GRE General Test is widely used in doctoral nursing program admissions, it appears it is often not used according to evidence-based guidelines or uses. Notably, crucial self-validations are infrequent. CONCLUSION Self-validations are essential when determining if doctoral nursing programs should start, stop, continue, or modify their use of the GRE General Test. Admission criteria analyses may help streamline admission processes and remove some unnecessary costs in doctoral education.
"Napoleon Hat" Sign: A Distinctive Cytologic Clue to Reactive Pneumocytes

Various types of acute and subacute lung injury can cause severe reactive pneumocyte atypia, which may mimic malignant proliferations and present a major diagnostic pitfall. This particularly applies to cytologic preparations and frozen sections, where background inflammatory injury may be subtle or not apparent. Although several distinguishing morphologic features of reactive pneumocytes have been suggested, there is significant overlap with neoplastic proliferations. In this article, a highly distinctive but underrecognized feature of reactive pneumocytes is highlighted that can serve as a useful diagnostic clue. The feature refers to the distinctive pinched shape of reactive pneumocytes, for which the author has coined the term "Napoleon hat" sign to draw the analogy with the iconic headwear. The analogy vividly captures the distinctive shape of reactive pneumocytes, and can serve as a useful diagnostic and teaching tool in the interpretation of pulmonary specimens.
Geographic information system based detection and quantification of boulders using HiRISE imagery: a case study in Jezero Crater

The objective of this study is to present a geographic information system based method for detecting and quantifying boulders (area, length, width, elevation, and transport distance) that couples image processing techniques with spatial analysis tools. This study focuses on a delta within Jezero Crater on Mars, the site of the upcoming Mars 2020 rover mission. Understanding the distribution of boulders and their properties is significant since they are critical for understanding surficial geology, sedimentology, and erosional/depositional processes on Mars. Additionally, boulders and large clasts pose a challenge to the traversability of terrain for both rovers and future human missions. A high-resolution imaging science experiment image of the Jezero delta was processed using a filtering/masking algorithm, which combines mean filtering, brightness interval masking, and range kernel filtering. User-determined conservative (no false-positive boulder pixels) and liberal (no false-negative pixels) brightness thresholds were used to generate boulder polygons and their minimum-bounding geometry. Using conservative parameters, 443,126 boulder-like features were identified, of which 153,582 (35%) were relevant boulders. For these boulders, the cumulative fractional area versus boulder width relationship flattens out as predicted in prior work, suggesting that approach is accurate, and further is simpler than existing approaches, and can identify boulders as small as 50 cm in diameter. The algorithm, which can be customized to various degrees of boulder rounding and works on images with different brightness and contrast levels and illumination angles, is applicable to boulder fields on Earth as well as Mars and other solar system bodies.
The Trifecta of Violence: A Socio-Historical Comparison of Lynching and Violence Against Transgender Women

This article explores violence against transgender women—from the state control of trans bodies through laws and policies to an apparent increase in transphobic murders in the United States (US). Using a socio-historical comparison to the legacy of racism, racist policies, and lynching in the US, we consider the relationship between hateful rhetoric, state-sanctioned discrimination, such as North Carolina’s Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act (known as “House Bill 2” or “HB2”), and the recently reported uptick in the murders of transgender women of color. Given the feminist backlash and racial threat rhetoric that characterizes the current political landscape, an exploration into this link is crucial to understanding the extreme threats facing transgender women.
Neuronal NADPH oxidase 2 in Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis

Abstract Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and there is evidence that mitochondrially-generated superoxide can activate NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), which is a major enzymatic generator of superoxide. Although NOX2 has been examined in the context of PD, previous studies have focused on microglial function; the role of neuronal NOX2 in PD pathogenesis remains to be defined. Here we devised and validated a proximity ligation assay for NOX2 activity and demonstrated that in human PD and 2 models thereof, neuronal NOX2 is highly active in substantia nigra dopamine neurons. Further, NOX2 activity is responsible for accumulation, post-translational modification and oligomerization of α-synuclein as well as activation of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2). Administration of a brain-penetrant, specific NOX2 inhibitor prevented NOX2 activation and its downstream effects in vivo in a rat model of PD. We conclude that neuronal NOX2 is a major contributor to oxidative stress in PD, to α-synuclein pathology and to LRRK2 activation in idiopathic PD. In this context, NOX2 inhibitors hold potential as a disease-modifying therapy in PD. Summary In dopamine neuron, NADPH oxidase isoform 2 amplifies the oxidative stress-related pathogenic cascade in Parkinson’s disease
DeepSENSE: Learning coil sensitivity functions for SENSE reconstruction using deep learning.

Purpose To improve the estimation of coil sensitivity functions from limited auto-calibration signals (ACS) in SENSE-based reconstruction for brain imaging. Methods We propose to use deep learning to estimate coil sensitivity functions by leveraging information from previous scans obtained using the same RF receiver system. Specifically, deep convolutional neural networks were designed to learn an end-to-end mapping from the initial sensitivity to the high-resolution counterpart. Sensitivity alignment was further proposed to reduce the geometric variation caused by different subject positions and imaging FOVs. Cross-validation with a small set of datasets was performed to validate the learned neural network. Iterative SENSE reconstruction was adopted to evaluate the utility of the sensitivity functions from the proposed and conventional methods. Results The proposed method produced improved sensitivity estimates and SENSE reconstructions compared to the conventional methods in terms of aliasing and noise suppression with very limited ACS data. Cross-validation with a small set of data demonstrated the feasibility of learning coil sensitivity functions for brain imaging. The network learned on the spoiled GRE data can be applied to predict sensitivity functions for spin-echo and MPRAGE datasets. Conclusion A deep learning-based method has been proposed for improving the estimation of coil sensitivity functions. Experimental results have demonstrated the feasibility and potential of the proposed method for improving SENSE-based reconstructions especially when the ACS data are limited.
Oily Barbarians Breach Ion Channel Gates

It has long been debated whether and how voltage-gated ion channels are affected by the lipid environment of the plasma membrane. In his Perspective, [Hilgemann][1] discusses new work ([ Oliver et al .][2]) showing that the inactivation of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels can be modulated by the lipids PIPand arachidonic acid. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/304/5668/223 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/304/5668/265
Misinterpreting Dahl on power

Dahl’s critics have often called attention to important aspects of power relations – e.g. the suppression of issues and consciousness control. The critics, however, have not always portrayed Dahl’s views as accurately as one might wish. Distinguishing between an abstract concept of power and operational definitions adopted for purposes of specific research projects is fundamental for Dahl. Furthermore, Dahl’s concept of power implies nothing about the preferences of B, is not zero-sum, does not necessitate compulsion, may or may not be subtle or visible, is not confined to material resources, and may be either direct and immediate or indirect and long term.
Differential impact of carbon assimilation on the expression of quantitative and qualitative resistance in alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Quantitative resistance is desirable in agronomic crops because of its durability in contrast to the highly heritable but more volatile qualitative resistance. Qualitative resistance has a gene-for-gene interaction with the pathogen; quantitative resistance lacks that specificity. Despite the genetic differences, both types of resistance utilize products of the phenylpropanoid pathway to respond to infection. However, they differ dramatically when carbon assimilation is reduced by low photosynthetic photon flux density. Expression of quantitative resistance fails under low light. Qualitative resistance is insensitive to low light level. Carbon flux appears to explain the differences in sensitivity, with quantitative resistance requiring a greater carbon flux through the phenylpropanoid pathway for its expression than qualitative resistance. In the absence of sufficient carbon assimilation and/or carbohydrate reserves, plants with the genes for quantitative resistance fail to express that resistance. Quantitative resistance is sensitive to environmental factors, a sensitivity often attributed to micro-climatic effects on the pathogen. The sensitivity of quantitative resistance to carbon assimilation suggests that part of the environmental sensitivity of quantitative resistance is due to the effect of environmental factors on carbon assimilation.
The formation of phosphides in iron meteorites.

The iron-rich corner of the Fe-Ni-P phase diagram has been redetermined between 1100° and 650°C in order to determine the necessary conditions for the formation of the phosphide minerals observed in iron meteorites. The heat-treated alloys were examined and the phase boundaries established by the use of the electron microprobe. These results are applied to the various types of iron meteorites to describe the necessary conditions to yield the diversity of shape and Ni composition of schreibersite and rhabdite.
Density of normal binary covering codes

A binary code with covering radius R is a subset C of the hypercube Qn = {0,1} n such that every x ∈ Qn is within Hamming distance R of some codeword c ∈ C, where R is as small as possible. For a fixed coordinate i ∈ [n], define C (i)
Abstract data types, then and now

Data abstraction has come to play an important role in software development. This paper presents one view of what data abstraction is, how it was viewed when it was introduced, and its long-term impact on programming.
Integrating responsible conduct of research education into undergraduate biochemistry and molecular biology laboratory curricula.

Recently, a requirement for directed responsible conduct in research (RCR) education has become a priority in the United States and elsewhere. In the US, both the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation require RCR education for all students who are financially supported by federal awards. The guidelines produced by these agencies offer useful templates for the introduction of RCR materials into courses worldwide. Many academic programs already offer courses or workshops in RCR for their graduate students and for undergraduate science majors and/or researchers. Introducing RCR into undergraduate biochemistry and molecular biology laboratory curricula is another, highly practical way that students can be exposed to these important topics. In fact, a strong argument can be made for integrating RCR into laboratory courses because these classes often introduce students to a scientific environment like that they might encounter in their careers after graduation. This article focuses on general strategies for incorporating explicit RCR education into biochemistry and molecular biology laboratory coursework using the topics suggested by NIH as a starting point. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43(2):68–75, 2015.
Retinoic acid regulates CD1d gene expression at the transcriptional level in human and rodent monocytic cells.

CD1d belongs to a group of nonclassical antigen-presenting molecules that present glycolipid antigens and thereby activate natural killer T (NKT) cells, a subset of bifunctional T cells. Little is ...
Fair Share or Status Quo? The Twin Cities Livable Communities Act

This article presents an analysis of the potential impact of a program of regional fair share housing in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area: the Livable Communities Act (LCA). The author argues that fair share programs can be judged by two standards: (1) the degree to which they meet current and projected needs for affordable housing and (2) the extent to which they redistribute affordable housing opportunities throughout a region. The analysis shows that the LCA fails on the first of these standards and only minimally meets the second. Should program goals be fully met by all of the participating communities, the LCA will result in a decrease in the relative availability of affordable housing by 12 percent compared to a continuation of the status quo. In addition, overall, the program will not result in significant redistribution of affordable housing opportunities within the region. Only among rental housing units, which make up only 17 percent of estimated future residential development, is the...
Chemical regulation of epigenetic modifications: opportunities for new cancer therapy.

Epigenetics is concerned about heritable changes in gene expression without alteration of the coding sequence. Epigenetic modification of chromatin includes methylation of genomic DNA as well as post-translational modification of chromatin-associated proteins, in particular, histones. The spectrum of histone and non-histone modifications ranges from the addition of relatively small groups such as methyl, acetyl and phosphoryl groups to the attachment of larger moieties such as poly(ADP-ribose) and small proteins ubiquitin or small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO). The combinatorial nature of DNA methylation and histone modifications constitutes a significant pathway of epigenetic regulation and considerably extends the information potential of the genetic code. Chromatin modification has emerged as a new fundamental mechanism for gene transcriptional activity control associated with many cellular processes like proliferation, growth, and differentiation. Also it is increasingly recognized that epigenetic modifications constitute important regulatory mechanisms for the pathogenesis of malignant transformations. We review here the recent progress in the development of chemical inhibitors/activators that target different chromatin modifying enzymes. Such potent natural or synthetic modulators can be utilized to establish the quantitative contributions of epigenetic modifications in DNA regulated pathways including transcription, replication, recombination and repair, as well as provide leads for developing new cancer therapeutics. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 28, No. 5, 645–687, 2008
Changes in fluid transport across the perfused midgut of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii during the molting cycle

Abstract 1. 1. Net water flux was measured across the perfused midgut of MacrobraMum rosenbergii during different stages of the molting cycle. 2. 2. Compared to fluid transport rates exhibited during intermolt. fluxes were elevated in animals approaching ecdysis. 3. 3. However, fluxes were much reduced in postmolt individuals. 4. 4. The significance of these findings in relation to salt and water balance of the organism is discussed.
Human skeletal muscle: Analysis of Ca2+ regulation in skinned fibers using caffeine

Abstract Caffeine-induced contractures of “chemically skinned” preparations of normal human skeletal muscle were used to analyze Ca2+ regulation by the sarcoplasmic reticulum. A major goal of this study was to establish criteria by which single-fiber preparations could be used to detect abnormalities of sarcoplasmic reticulum function in human muscle disease. The reticulum was loaded with Ca2+ by exposing skinned single-fiber preparations to Ca2+ solutions buffered with 5 m m EGTA [ethylene glycol bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N′-tetraacetic acid] at pH 7.0 and 20°C. The amount of Ca2+ accumulated was varied systematically by controlling the free Ca2+ in the buffered solution and the time of exposure to this solution. The caffeine threshold, i.e., the lowest concentration of caffeine required to release Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in sufficient quantity to initiate a tension, and the caffeine dose-response curve, i.e., the amplitude of the caffeine-induced tension vs. caffeine concentration, were found to depend on the Ca2+ accumulated by the sarcoplasmic reticulum. As the Ca2+ load was increased, the sarcoplasmic reticulum became more sensitive to caffeine, thereby shifting both caffeine threshold and caffeine dose-response curves to lower caffeine concentrations. Tensions induced by caffeine were transient, and the rate of relaxation was slowed as caffeine concentration was increased.
Alternative Economic Strategies in Low-Income Rural Communities: TANF, Labor Migration, and the Case of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation*

The premise of current welfare policies is that recipients are avoiding work and that requiring work will end welfare dependency. Unemployment is equated with labor market inexperience and economic inactivity. The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, a poor rural community with high unemployment, contradicts these assumptions. Many Lakota individuals have off-reservation wage work experience; there simply are not enough local jobs to absorb their human capital. Lakota households, however, are involved in a complex combination of socially embedded economic activities outside wage work. Imposing the premises of TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) on Pine Ridge results in indirect pressures toward urban migration and cultural assimilation. Furthermore, by imposing rigid notions of work, TANF runs the risk of destroying the economic flexibility that makes survival possible for poor households in Pine Ridge. Welfare and development policies need to reflect the real economies of rural American Indian reservations rather than those of superficially assimilated and economically imagined communities
Parametric Pumping with pH

Abstract Separations of aqueous solutions of Na+ and K+ have been obtained using a recuperative pH parametric pumping system. A chromatographic column of cation exchange resin was subjected simultaneously to an alternating axial displacement of solution and to an alternating pH gradient. The synchronous coupling of these two actions produced a concentration enrichment of 15–80% above the feed.
Defect control of hydrogenation activity of molybdenum sulfide catalyst

Abstract In line with the observations made in our studies on hydrodesulfurization the defect structure of the molybdenite crystal catalyst controls olefin hydrogenation activity. By exposure of the catalyst to H2S/H2 gas mixtures at elevated temperatures the ratio of Mo:S in the catalyst could be adjusted and monitored by electrical conductivity measurements. With a catalyst exhibiting initially n-type conductivity the introduction of S2− ions into the solid led to a decrease in electron density and anion vacancies. Further sulfiding of the catalyst led to p-type conductivity. The catalytic measurements indicate a pronounced enhancement in olefin hydrogenation activity with the addition of sulfur ions to the solid, i.e., decrease in Mo4+/S2−. The results demonstrate a close relationship between the defect structure of the catalyst and hydrogenation activity.
Toward Guidelines for Evidence-Based Assessment of Depression in Children and Adolescents

We aim to provide a starting point toward the development of an evidence-based assessment of depression in children and adolescents. We begin by discussing issues relevant to the diagnosis and classification of child and adolescent depression. Next, we review the prevalence, selected clinical correlates, course, and treatment of juvenile depression. Along with some general considerations in assessment, we discuss specific approaches to assessing depression in youth (i.e., interviews, rating scales) and briefly summarize evidence on the reliability and validity of a few selected instruments. In addition, we touch on the assessment of several other constructs that are important in a comprehensive evaluation of depression (i.e., social functioning, life stress, and family history of psychopathology). Last, we highlight areas in which further research is necessary and conclude with some broad recommendations for clinical practice given the current state of the knowledge.
A two-locus selection hypothesis for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Abstract Three hypotheses to explain the incidence and familial structure of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy are examined. The classical explanations of a high rate of mutation and heterozygote advantage are shown to be inconsistent with the data. The third hypothesis of two closely linked loci on the X chromosome is developed and shown to be compatible with a set of Utah families including many large Mormon families. The application of the results to other X-linked and autosomal diseases is discussed.
Warm water flooding of unconfined gas hydrate reservoirs

Large quantities of natural gas hydrates are present in shallow marine sediments as well as in arctic regions. This research is aimed at assessing production of natural gas from unconfined marine hydrate deposits. A multiphase, multicomponent, thermal, 3D simulator is used to simulate production of hydrates in the equilibrium mode. Three components (hydrate, methane, and water) and four phases (hydrate, gas, aqueous-phase, and ice) are considered in the simulator. Depressurization and warm water flooding of unconfined, horizontal and dipping reservoirs have been simulated. Production of methane from gas hydrate reservoirs depends on reservoir confinement, injection temperature, injection pressure, and production pressure. For unconfined horizontal reservoirs, depressurization is ineffective; thermal stimulation is necessary for gas production. Even warm water (temperature ≈ 30 °C) injection improves the gas production from hydrate reservoirs. Lower vertical permeability helps the gas production by heating...
Geology and the Wheeler Survey

The Wheeler Survey was the only one of the territorial surveys of the 1860's and 1870's to concentrate on topographic mapping rather than geology. This difference in emphasis contributed to the poor relations of the Army survey with the two Interior Department surveys and with the scientific community after 1873. Geologists' complaints with the Wheeler Survey centered on: the rapid pace of fieldwork, the publication policy, the accuracy and utility of the topographic base maps, and the subordination to the Army's young lieutenants.Ten geologists and three paleontologists served in the field with Wheeler. His survey's official publications reported reconnaissance work in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California. The survey's geologists collected many new fossils for description and stratigraphic evaluation by F.B. Meek and by C.A. White. E.D. Cope discovered the Puercan (earliest Paleocene) faunas of New Mexico, one of his most significant scientific discoveries, while with Wheeler. Mini...
Spermatogonial exchange involving the X but not the Y chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster.

The distal uninverted portion of In(1)sc8, which carriesy+ andac+, is occasionally lost during spermatogonial divisions. This is accomplished by exchange between the protion of the proximal heterochromatin that has been removed distally by the inversion and some other heterochromatin in the complement (see alsoLindsley 1955b).. The majority of the recombiants recovered from males carrying In(1)sc8 arise through exchange with the Y chromosome (12/15). The majority of the recombinants recovered from males carring In(1)sc8L, ENR, which is characterized by a heterochromatic second arm, do not arise through exchange with the Y chromosome (18/22). The absolute frequencies of Y involvement with In(1)sc8 (7/105067) and In(1)sc8L, ENR,(2/38588), however, are comparable. The heterochromatic constitution of the recombinants examined is consistent with the hypothesis that an observed excess of recombinants recoverred from In(1)sc8L, ENR as compared with In(1)sc8 is accounted for by Y independent recombinants and is the consequence of exchange between the second heterochromatin arm of In(1)ENR and the distal heterochromatin of In(1)sc8L. A maximum of six different regions of exchange between these two regions may be inferred from the constitution of the recombinants. This inference is considered to support the hypothesis that pairing and exchange between heterochromatic regions are not strictly homologous.
Coexistent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure in the elderly

The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) increases substantially with age. The coexistence of COPD and CHF is common but often unrecognized in elderly patients. To avoid overlooking COPD in elderly patients with known CHF pulmonary function tests should be routinely obtained. Likewise, to avoid overlooking CHF in elderly patients with known COPD left ventricular (LV) function should be routinely assessed. Plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels are useful to differentiate COPD exacerbation from CHF decompensation in patients presenting with acute dyspnea. Aging exacerbates skeletal muscle alterations that occur in patients with CHF and COPD. Skeletal muscle metabolic alterations and atrophy and the resulting deterioration of functional capacity progress rapidly in elderly patients with COPD and CHF. Physical conditioning reverses rapidly progressing skeletal muscle metabolic alterations and atrophy and promotes independence and life quality in the elderly. Physical conditioning is clearly an essential component of the management of elderly patients with COPD and CHF. The pharmacological management of patients with coexistent COPD and CHF should focus on not depriving these patients from long-term beta adrenergic blockade. Long-term beta adrenergic blockade has been repeatedly shown to improve survival in elderly patients with CHF due to LV systolic dysfunction and, contrary to conventional belief, is well tolerated by patients with COPD.
Line Formation Theory for the Multiterm Atom with Hyperfine Structure in a Magnetic Field

Within the framework of the quantum theory of polarized line formation, in the limit of complete frequency redistribution and of the collisionless regime, we derive explicit formulae describing the statistical equilibrium and the radiative emission of a multiterm atom with hyperfine structure, in the presence of an external magnetic field. The formulae we obtained for the radiative rates of the statistical equilibrium equations and for the radiative coefficients of the transfer equation for polarized radiation can be applied to investigate the formation of spectral lines for which both fine-structure and hyperfine-structure effects are important (e.g., the D1 and D2 lines of Na I in the solar atmosphere).
Cultural and moral boundaries in the United States: Structural position, geographic location, and lifestyle explanations☆

Abstract Using the culture module of the 1993 General Social Survey, this study proposes a multicausal model to assess the determinants of moral and cultural boundaries in the American population. We find that structural position - education, income, class, and gender - affects the likelihood that individuals draw one type of boundary rather than another. Furthermore, geographic location and participation in lifestyle clusters play an important role in supplying cultural repertoires that affect the drawing of boundaries. While both cultural and moral boundaries are predicted by structural position and geographic location, cultural boundaries are predicted by participation in high culture lifestyle clusters and moral boundaries are predicted by participation in religious lifestyle clusters. Geographic location and participation in lifestyle clusters have a stronger effect on the boundaries of non-college graduates than on those of college graduates, suggesting that local cultural repertoires have a less important impact on the boundaries of individuals who share a homogenizing educational experience.
Antagonistic Regulation of mRNA Expression and Splicing by CELF and MBNL Proteins

RNA binding proteins of the conserved CUGBP1, Elav-like factor (CELF) family contribute to heart and skeletal muscle development and are implicated in myotonic dystrophy (DM). To understand their genome-wide functions, we analyzed the transcriptome dynamics following induction of CELF1 or CELF2 in adult mouse heart and of CELF1 in muscle by RNA-seq, complemented by crosslinking/immunoprecipitation-sequencing (CLIP-seq) analysis of mouse cells and tissues to distinguish direct from indirect regulatory targets. We identified hundreds of mRNAs bound in their 3' UTRs by both CELF1 and the developmentally induced MBNL1 protein, a threefold greater overlap in target messages than expected, including messages involved in development and cell differentiation. The extent of 3' UTR binding by CELF1 and MBNL1 predicted the degree of mRNA repression or stabilization, respectively, following CELF1 induction. However, CELF1's RNA binding specificity in vitro was not detectably altered by coincubation with recombinant MBNL1. These findings support a model in which CELF and MBNL proteins bind independently to mRNAs but functionally compete to specify down-regulation or localization/stabilization, respectively, of hundreds of mRNA targets. Expression of many alternative 3' UTR isoforms was altered following CELF1 induction, with 3' UTR binding associated with down-regulation of isoforms and genes. The splicing of hundreds of alternative exons was oppositely regulated by these proteins, confirming an additional layer of regulatory antagonism previously observed in a handful of cases. The regulatory relationships between CELFs and MBNLs in control of both mRNA abundance and splicing appear to have evolved to enhance developmental transitions in major classes of heart and muscle genes.
The Synthesis and Processing of Pro‐ACTH/Endorphin in the Developing Rat Pituitary

In many aspects of pro-ACTH/endorphin processing, newborn melanocytes are mature by birth. The newborn melanocytes correctly process precursor to many of the expected products including alpha MSH and beta-endorphin, the melanocytes perform tissue-specific modifications such as alpha-N-acetylation and additional proteolytic steps and they respond to dopaminergic agents but not to physiological levels of CRF or glucocorticoids. These features are retained in serum-free cultures of newborn intermediate pituitary cells. Thus, the major developmental alterations in the intermediate pituitary melanotropes involve the net 150-fold rise in pro-ACTH/endorphin synthetic rate, from birth to adulthood. In contrast, processing of pro-ACTH/endorphin in the newborn anterior lobe is not mature by birth. Both in vivo and in vitro newborn anterior pituitary corticotropes contain a large pool of pro-ACTH/endorphin, and a substantial amount of ACTH(1-39) is cleaved to ACTH(1-13)NH2 and CLIP. Surprisingly, the amount of ACTH(1-13)NH2 and beta-endorphin rises with increasing time in culture, but alpha-N-acetylation of ACTH(1-13)NH2 or beta-endorphin is not seen in the corticotropes. As in the adult, the synthesis of pro-ACTH/endorphin in newborn corticotropes is subject to regulation by CRF and glucocorticoids. In addition, glucocorticoid treatment of newborn corticotropes acts to suppress the cleavage of ACTH(1-39) to ACTH(1-13)NH2 and of beta-LPH to beta-endorphin, rendering the treated corticotropes more like the adult corticotropes. This plasticity in processing observed in the newborn corticotropes is not seen in the adult. It will be important to examine whether peptide processing patterns which are changed during this period of plasticity are permanently altered, and then what the consequences of those altered processing patterns might be.
CASTRATED Environment: GREENING Organizational Studies

Over the past hundred years organizational activities have caused devastating damage to the natural environment. In response, environmentalism has emerged as an influential intellectual current, and as a worldwide mass move ment. Despite these trends, Organizational Studies as a field has failed to engage seriously in environmental discourses.Organizational theories cannot adequately address environmental concerns because of their limited ideas of 'organizational environment'. This paper iden tifies and critiques these limitations. It proposes an alternative view of organ izational environment as an economic biosphere. It examines the implications of this view for creating more nature-centred (green) organizational theories.
The application of geographic information systems and spatial analysis to assess dumped and subsequently scattered human remains

This study utilizes geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis (SA) technology to address the problems associated with prediction of location and effective recovery of dumped and scattered human remains in Louisiana. The goals are to determine if a selective bias exists in Louisiana as to where and when human remains are dumped and to assess whether or not geographically specific patterns exist in the dispersal of human remains. We hypothesized that a positive relationship exists between postmortem interval (PMI) and dispersal distance, and that there are negative relationships between PMI and dispersal direction and between dispersal direction and distance. Our results indicate that, in Louisiana, remains are more often dumped in rural areas away from a structure, and are found within (1/4) mile of the nearest road. For Louisiana, no seasonal bias was found in the analysis of when remains are dumped. Furthermore, with the exception of the relationship between PMI and the shortest distance remains were dispersed, no geographically specific patterns were detected in the analyses of dispersal distance, dispersal direction, and PMI.
The Spectral Ice Habit Prediction System (SHIPS). Part I: Model Description and Simulation of the Vapor Deposition Process

Abstract This paper describes the Spectral Ice Habit Prediction System (SHIPS), which represents a continuous-property approach to microphysics simulation in an Eulerian cloud-resolving model (CRM). A two-moment hybrid-bin method is adopted to predict the solid hydrometeor distribution, where the distribution is divided into the mass bins with a simple mass distribution inside each bin. Each bin is characterized by a single representative ice crystal habit and the type of solid hydrometeor. These characteristics are diagnosed based on a series of particle property variables (PPVs) of solid hydrometeors that reflect the history of microphysical processes and the mixing between bins and air parcels in space. Thus, SHIPS allows solid hydrometeors to evolve characteristics and size distribution based on their movement through a cloud. SHIPS was installed into the University of Wisconsin-Nonhydrostatic Modeling System (UW-NMS) and tested for ice nucleation and vapor deposition processes. Two-dimensional ideali...
The Axion Dark‐Matter eXperiment (ADMX): Recent Results

The axion is a hypothetical elementary particle whose existence would explain the baffling absence of CP violation in the strong interactions. It’s properties in addition make it a good dark‐matter candidate. Even though dark‐matter axions would make up the overwhelming majority of mass in the universe, they are extraordinarily difficult to detect. We have developed a detector, ADMX, for dark‐matter axions that is at heart an exquisitely sensitive detector of electromagnetic radiation. This talk will describe the progress we have made in this experimental search.
Pulmonary vein stenosis due to a compressive malignant tumor detected by transesophageal echocardiography.

A 72-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a history suggestive of a transient ischemic attack. On physical examination, he had bilateral expiratory rhonchi and no residual neurological deficit. A chest radiograph, obtained on admission, did not reveal any obvious lung mass or nodule. As part of the evaluation protocol, a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was performed to rule out a possible cardioembolic etiology. The TEE showed normal left ventricular systolic function, mildly dilated right ventricle with moderately elevated right ventricular systolic pressure, and a patent foramen ovale with a right-to-left …
Electroactive polymers (EAP) charaterization methods

Electroactive Polymers (EAP) are promising as a new class of actuation materials being considered in a wide range of applications. Their large electrically induced strains, low density, ease of processing, and mechanical flexibility offer advantages over traditional electroactive materials. However, before these materials can be properly exploited, their electrical and mechanical properties must be properly quantified. Two general types of EAP can be identified including wet (hydrated) and dry materials. The first type requires relatively low voltages ( 100MV/m) to achieve large extensional deformation (>4%). Some of the difficulties that are involved with the characterization of the properties of EAP include nonlinearity, large compliance, non-homogeneity formed during processing, etc. In order for this technology to fully mature, the authors are developing characterization techniques to quantify their electroactive responses and material properties. This paper focuses on a new testing procedure for bending EAP. Results for ion exchange Flemion membranes are presented.
Toward a Theory of Terrorism: Human Security as a Determinant of Terrorism

In this article, we investigate the relationship between human rights conditions and terrorist activity. We begin by outlining a theory for the genesis and growth of terrorism and argue that states which deny subsistence rights along with civil and political rights create an environment that is conducive to the development of terrorism. However, we conclude that it is the denial of security rights that is a necessary condition for the creation and growth of terrorism. We then examine the causes of terrorism in Northern Ireland in light of this theory. Specifically, we explore the extent to which human rights abuses contributed to the formation and growth of terrorists within Northern Ireland. We find that limits on the civil and political rights of the Catholic minority in Northern Ireland played a significant role in the genesis of terrorism. More importantly, British abuses of security rights increased the number of Irish citizens who supported and participated in terrorist activity.
Stability, change, and the stability of change in daily workplace affect

Daily affect often is determined by unpredictable events, but also has predictable components. We describe how the simultaneous modeling of overall affect level, cyclical variation in affect, and the occurrence of affective events can provide a clearer understanding of how affective well-being fluctuates over time. We examined intrinsic task motivation as a positive affective event, and had an opportunity to examine a single large negative affective event as well. Specifically, data collection was interrupted by a hurricane which made landfall very close to the data collection site, disrupting the lives of employees for weeks or months. We hypothesized that affect spin—an individual difference measure of variability in the affect circumplex—would increase reactions both to positive and negative affective events. These ideas were examined with 65 employees who provided daily ratings of affect for 21 days. Positive affect was influenced by several factors, whereas negative affect was less predictable. Affect spin moderated many of the dynamic components of daily positive affect, largely supporting the notion that affect spin reflects sensitivity both to positive and negative affective events. Discussion centers on the utility of incorporating dynamic accounts of affect in the study of well-being and work. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
K. W. Barthel, N. H. M. Swinburne, and S. Conway Morris: Solnhofen: A Study in Mesozoic Paleontology

(1991). K. W. Barthel, N. H. M. Swinburne, and S. Conway Morris: Solnhofen: A Study in Mesozoic Paleontology. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology: Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 528-529.
Issues of Validity for Criterion-Referenced Measures

It has sometimes been assumed that validity of criterion-referenced tests is guaranteed by the de finition of the domain and the process used to gen erate items. These are important considerations ...
More Light on the Kurtosis and Related Statistics

Abstract We develop a scale invariant test for one member of the family given by the symmetric densities c exp [—|x|θ], θ>0 against another member. The statistic which arises in testing θ = 2 (normal) against θ = 4 is then modified to make it also location invariant; this modification results in the kurtosis K of the sample. Three other statistics are proposed for testing light-tailed distributions against heavy-tailed ones; in particular, the ratio V of one-half of the range and the mean deviation from the sample median is considered. A Monte Carlo study compares the relative values of the four statistics.
Identification and function of a polyketide synthase gene responsible for 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-melanin pigment biosynthesis in Ascochyta rabiei

Ascochyta rabiei produces and accumulates one of the well-known fungal polyketides, 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-melanin pigment (DHN-melanin), in asexual and sexual fruiting bodies. Degenerate PCR primers were used to isolate an ArPKS1 of A. rabiei encoding a polypeptide with high similarity to polyketide synthase (PKS) involved in biosynthesis of DHN-melanin in other ascomycetous fungi. Site-directed mutagenesis of ArPKS1 in A. rabiei generated melanin-deficient pycnidial mutants but caused no significant reduction of pathogenicity to chickpea. Pycnidiospores in ArPKS1-mutant pycnidia showed higher sensitivity to UV light exposure compared to pycnidiospores in melanized pycnidia of the wild-type progenitor isolate. Integration of an orthologous PKS1 gene from Bipolaris oryzae into the genome of the mutants complemented the dysfunctional ArPKS1 gene. This study demonstrated that A. rabiei uses a DHN-melanin pathway for pigmentation of pycnidia and this molecule may protect pycnidiospores from UV irradiation.
Biosensors Based on Nanomaterials and Nanodevices [Book Review]

The book provides excellent information on well-established and emerging techniques to readers who are interested in next-generation biosensor platforms.
Increased calpain expression in experimental demyelinating optic neuritis: an immunocytochemical study.

Since calcium activated neutral proteinase (calpain) is present in the central nervous system (CNS) and degrades myelin proteins, this endopeptidase has been suggested to play a role in myelin destruction in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In the present study, calpain immunocytochemical expression was examined in Lewis rats with acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for MS and optic neuritis. To identify cells expressing calpain, we labeled rat optic nerve sections for calpain with a polyclonal myelin calpain antibody and with monoclonal antibodies for glial (GFAP, OX42) and inflammatory (CD2, ED2, ED1, IFN-gamma) cell-specific markers. The results showed increased calpain expression in microglia (OX42) and infiltrating macrophages (ED1,2) in EAE compared to normal controls. Astrocytes constitutively expressed calpain in controls and acute EAE. Reactive astrocytes in EAE located in or near inflammatory foci, exhibited markedly increased calpain expression. Most T cells in acute EAE showed low level calpain expression while activated IFN-gamma-producing lymphocytes in inflammatory foci exhibited elevated levels of calpain expression. Thus, our results demonstrate increased calpain expression (at transcriptional and/or translational levels) in a rat model of optic neuritis. A role for calpain in myelin destruction during optic neuritis may be relevant to the pathogenesis of this disorder.