cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of pseudogenes in the rice gene complement

The Osa1 Genome Annotation of rice (Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica cv. Nipponbare) is the product of a semi-automated pipeline that does not explicitly predict pseudogenes. As such, it is likely to mis-annotate pseudogenes as functional genes. A total of 22,033 gene models within the Osa1 Release 5 were investigated as potential pseudogenes as these genes exhibit at least one feature potentially indicative of pseudogenes: lack of transcript support, short coding region, long untranslated region, or, for genes residing within a segmentally duplicated region, lack of a paralog or significantly shorter corresponding paralog. A total of 1,439 pseudogenes, identified among genes with pseudogene features, were characterized by similarity to fully-supported gene models and the presence of frameshifts or premature translational stop codons. Significant difference in the length of duplicated genes within segmentally-duplicated regions was the optimal indicator of pseudogenization. Among the 816 pseudogenes for which a probable origin could be determined, 75% originated from gene duplication events while 25% were the result of retrotransposition events. A total of 12% of the pseudogenes were expressed. Finally, F-box proteins, BTB/POZ proteins, terpene synthases, chalcone synthases and cytochrome P450 protein families were found to harbor large numbers of pseudogenes. These pseudogenes still have a detectable open reading frame and are thus distinct from pseudogenes detected within intergenic regions which typically lack definable open reading frames. Families containing the highest number of pseudogenes are fast-evolving families involved in ubiquitination and secondary metabolism.
A circular loop antenna with nonuniform current distribution

An analysis for the far field of a filamentary loop antenna with nonuniform current distribution is presented. In order to obtain a possible current distribution, an analogy between a circular transmission line and a parallel-wire transmission line is made. This analogy yields a standing wave of current similar to that found on a lossy parallel-wire line. Considering only the far field of the antenna, the differential expressions for magnetic flux density are set up and the resulting equation is solved. The solution gives the magnetic flux density at a distant point from the antenna. Loops with uniform current and loop with sinusoidal current distributions are own to be special case of the general solution. To verify the validity of the assumed current distribution, the experimental patterns of a loop 1\lambda long are compared with calculated patterns. Results indicate that the field solutions are probably applicable to loops many wavelengths long.
Time-independent square patterns in surface-tension-driven Benard convection

The transition between hexagonal and square patterns is investigated in laboratory experiments on surface-tension-driven Benard (Marangoni) convection in a fluid of Prandtl number 81. As the Marangoni number M is increased, an ideal hexagonal pattern is supplanted by a defect-free square pattern; the transition occurs gradually with patterns of mixed hexagonal, pentagonal, and square symmetry arising at intermediate values of M. An elementary topological process associated with two-dimensional patterns governs local changes in morphology; the dynamics are relaxational with all patterns becoming stationary with M fixed for a sufficiently long time. The transition is hysteretic and depends strongly on the pattern wave number.
Revised Estimates of Diagnostic Test Sensitivity and Specificity in Suspected Biliary Tract Disease

Background: The purpose of this study was to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests for gallstones and acute cholecystitis. Methods: All English-language articles published from 1966 through 1992 about tests used in the diagnosis of biliary tract disease were identified through MEDLINE. From 1614 titles, 666 abstracts were examined and 322 articles were read to identify 61 articles with information about sensitivity and specificity. Application of exclusion criteria based on clinical and methodologic criteria left 30 articles for analysis. Cluster-sampling methods were adapted to obtain combined estimates of sensitivities and specificities. Adjustments were made to estimates that were biased because the gold standard was applied preferentially to patients with positive test results. Results: Ultrasound has the best unadjusted sensitivity (0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.95 to 0.99) and specificity (0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.88 to 1.00) for evaluating patients with suspected gallstones. Adjusted values are 0.84 (0.76 to 0.92) and 0.99 (0.97 to 1.00), respectively. Adjusted and unadjusted results for oral cholecystogram were lower. Radionuclide scanning has the best sensitivity (0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 0.98) and specificity (0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.86 to 0.95) for evaluating patients with suspected acute cholecystitis; test performance is unaffected by delayed imaging. Unadjusted sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in evaluating patients with suspected acute cholecystitis are 0.94 (0.92 to 0.96) and 0.78 (0.61 to 0.96); adjusted values are 0.88 (0.74 to 1.00) and 0.80 (0.62 to 0.98). Conclusions: Ultrasound is superior to oral cholecystogram for diagnosing cholelithiasis, and radionuclide scanning is the test of choice for acute cholecystitis. However, sensitivities and specificities are somewhat lower than commonly reported. We recommend estimates that are midway between the adjusted and unadjusted values. (Arch Intern Med. 1994;154:2573-2581)
Understanding Popularity and Relational Aggression in Adolescence: The Role of Social Dominance Orientation

This study investigated a potential moderator of the association between popularity and relational aggression: social dominance orientation (SDO), the degree to which an individual endorses the importance of social hierarchy. One hundred eighty-five ninth graders completed a sociometric assessment of RA and popularity, and a self-report SDO measure. SDO was positively associated with popularity for both boys and girls, and with RA for girls. Popularity and RA were positively correlated for both genders. Regression analyses showed that SDO moderated the association between popularity and RA for girls, but not for boys. Girls who were both popular and who were social dominance-oriented were particularly high in peer-nominated RA. SDO may provide a useful framework for understanding the role of popularity in adolescent peer groups.
Temporal and Spatial Patterns of Trace Elements in the Patuxent River: A Whole Watershed Approach

Trace element distributions, partitioning, and speciation were examined at 15 sites in the Patuxent River watershed from May 1995 through October 1997 to determine possible sources of trace elements to the river and estuary, to examine the relationship of the trace element discharges to freshwater discharges as well as to land use and geographic region, to validate previous estimates of loadings to the river, and to provide baseline data for trace elements in the Patuxent River watershed and estuary. Six freshwater sites were examined, representing different basins and geographic provinces, and nine sites along the estuarine salinity gradient. Subregions within the watershed varied considerably in concentrations and areal yields for some elements. Concentrations of As, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn were elevated in the Coastal Plain sites compared to the Piedmont sites, while Cu and Hg were more evenly distributed. Cadmium, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn showed overall positive correlations with river flow while As and methylHg (meHg) showed negative correlations with river flow. Concentrations of trace elements in the estuarine portion of the river were generally low, and consistent with mixing between Patuxent River water with elevated concentrations and the lower concentrations of the Chesapeake Bay. Interesting features included a local Cd maximum in the low salinity region of the estuary, probably caused by desorption from suspended sediments, and a significant input of water containing high As concentrations from the Chesapeake Bay and from As being released from bottom sediments in summer. Comparisons between the estimated annual flux of trace elements and the estimates of suspected source terms (atmospheric deposition, urban runoff, and known point sources) suggest that, except for Hg, direct atmospheric deposition is small compared to fluvial loads. Current estimates of trace element inputs from point sources or from urban runoff are inadequate for comparison with other sources, because of inappropriate techniques and/or unacceptably high detection limits. A complete examination of trace element dynamics in the Patuxent River (and in other coastal systems) will require better data for these potential sources.
Less Subjectivity in Setting Cut Scores: A Novel Approach

Recently, standard-setting cut scores and assessment techniques became of major concerns for many organizational institutions worldwide. A cut score separates one performance level from another. It differentiates between those who pass and those who fail. They may vary according to the recommendations of policy makers and stakeholders. Passing scores were suggested by many methods on numerous types of tests: certification tests and educational tests. Most of these standard setting methods rely on panelists’ subjectivity in ordering items by level of difficulty. This paper presents a simple approach to assessments by minimizing considerably panelists’ subjectivity. Items are classified in levels of difficulties rather than in an increasing order in most of the standard methods. This novel approach respond to three main criteria: practicality, wide range of applicability and maximum agreement with the empirical data. Provisional and operational cut scores were derived and discussed.
Scaling Methods for Surface Aerators

The scaling laws for relating the performance of different-sized surface aerators are reviewed. It is concluded that complete dynamic similarity, stipulated by simultaneous equality of Reynolds, Froude and Weber numbers, is impossible to achieve. In the absence of dynamic similarity, one can make use of the “extended principle of similarity.” The application of this method to scale the power consumption and oxygen absorption of surface aerators is outlined in detail.
Genetic Ablation of Extra Domain A of Fibronectin in Hypercholesterolemic Mice Improves Stroke Outcome by Reducing Thrombo-Inflammation.

Background—The fibronectin-splicing variant containing extra domain A (Fn-EDA) is present in negligible amounts in the plasma of healthy humans but markedly elevated in patients with comorbid condi...
Reassessment of the effects of cycloheximide on mossy fiber sprouting and epileptogenesis in the pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy.

A feature of animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy and the human disorder is hippocampal sclerosis and Timm stain in the inner molecular layer (IML) of the dentate gyrus, which represents synapti...
A genomics-based framework for identifying biomarkers of human neurodevelopmental toxicity

Human embryonic stem cell (hESC) neural differentiation models have tremendous potential for evaluating environmental compounds in terms of their ability to induce neurodevelopmental toxicity. Genomic based-approaches are being applied to identify changes underlying normal human development (in vitro and in vivo) and the effects of environmental exposures. Here, we investigated whether mechanisms that are shared between hESC neural differentiation model systems and human embryos are candidate biomarkers of developmental toxicities for neurogenesis. We conducted a meta-analysis of transcriptomic datasets with the goal of identifying differentially expressed genes that were common to the hESC-model and human embryos. The overlapping NeuroDevelopmental Biomarker (NDB) gene set contained 304 genes which were enriched for their roles in neurogenesis. These genes were investigated for their utility as candidate biomarkers in the context of toxicogenomic studies focused on the effects of retinoic acid, valproic acid, or carbamazepine in hESC models of neurodifferentiation. The results revealed genes, including 13 common targets of the 3 compounds, that were candidate biomarkers of neurotoxicity in hESC-based studies of environmental toxicants.
Issue tracking

All programming projects have one thing in common: there is always more to do. Some things that need doing are bug fixes; others are enhancements such as cleaning up and refactorlng existing code, adding tests, and writing documentation. but before your office wall becomes a collage of sticky-note reminders, you might want to try an issue tracker instead. In this article, we describe two open-source issue-tracking software packages: Roundup, an implementation of the winning design in Los Alamos National Laboratory's Software Carpentry contest and Bugzilla (from the GNU project).
Increased chromosome number of rat parotid cells after isoproterenol.

SummaryAdministration of pharmacologic doses of the sympathetic amine, isoproterenol, to adult female rats resulted in a progressive enlargement of the gland with duration of treatment. Although this enlargement is the result of hypertrophy of acinar cells as well as proliferation of these elements, marked mitotic activity was generally confined to the early days of treatment (1-5 days) whereas hypertrophy was initiated almost immediately and persisted throughout the period of isoproterenol-administration. During the early phase of marked cellular proliferation, chromosome counts from squash preparations of tissue indicated that greater-than-diploid (>2n) as well as diploid (2n) cells were present. Furthermore, the proportion of 2n to >2n changed with time in a highly suggestive way, i.e., at 1-2 days, when mitotic activity was increased above normal, but low, 2n cells predominated; at 3 days, when mitotic rate was maximal, equal numbers of 2n and >2n cells were observed; and at 4-5 days, when mitotic rat...
Efficient subspace clustering of large-scale data streams with misses

As the amount of data generated and communicated continuously increases, clustering algorithms that are not able to handle this enormous amount of data have to be redesigned. Recent subspace clustering advances, while powerful, are computationally and memory demanding. The present paper introduces an online algorithm that broadens high-performance batch subspace clustering methods, and is able to perform subspace clustering on data arriving sequentially and possibly with misses. Numerical tests on synthetic and real data demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach.
The Incidence and Predictors of Post-procedural Incomplete Stent Apposition after Drug-eluting Stent Implantation assessed by optical coherence tomography

Objective To evaluate the incidence and predictors of post-procedural incomplete stent apposition(ISA) after drug-eluting stent(DES) implantation. Methods This retrospective analysis included 50 cases received optical coherence tomography(OCT) both pre-procedure and post-procedure from June 2009 to June 2010 in our hospital. Local features of coronary artery lesions(including: thrombus load, the degree of calcification, unstable plaque that is thin-cap fibroatheroma(TCFA), dissection, atherosclerosis, lesion length, the degree of stenosis)and stent malapposition were evaluated by OCT. Results A total of 30390 struts were evaluated. The incidence of post-procedural ISA was(6.63±4.37)%. Multivariate analysis revealed that sirolimus-eluting stent(SES)(β=5.3%, 95%CI, 2.9%-7.6%, P0.001), calcification(β=1.9%,95%CI, 0.7%-3.0%, P=0.002) were positively related to post- procedural ISA. The maximal inflation pressure of adjunctive balloon post dilatation(β=-0.2%, 95%CI,-0.4%=0.0%, P=0.021) was negatively correlated to post-procedural ISA. Conclusion SES, calcification could increase the incidence of post- procedural ISA. Adjunctive balloon post dilatation might reduce the incidence of post- procedural ISA.
Hepatic triglyceride secretion in relation to lipogenesis and free fatty acid mobilization in fasted and glucose-refed rats

Plasma triglyceride concentrations were significantly lowered by a single feeding of glucose to rats that had been fasted for 22 hr. Three feedings of glucose produced a similar effect. In the glucose-refed animals mobilization of free fatty acids from adipose tissue was impaired more rapidly than hepatic lipogenesis was restored from its low fasting level. These effects of glucose were shown by both a 50% fall in plasma free fatty acid concentration and an 84% decrease in free fatty acid release by isolated epididymal fat pads within 30 min after a single refeeding of glucose. Hepatic lipogenesis from either acetate-1-(14)C or glucose-U-(14)C was not restored even after glucose had been fed three times at hourly intervals. Triton-induced hypertriglyceridemia was used to measure the hepatic triglyceride secretory rate; it was found that glucose refeeding decreased this rate in all but one of several experiments. This decreased secretion rate was sufficient to account for the nearly complete disappearance of triglyceride in very low density lipoproteins (d < 1.019) that occurred within 1 hr after a single glucose intubation.
Designs for the management of an economy at war

The fall of France in May 1940 was to be a wake-up call in official Washington. To that point, those concerned with shaping U.S. economic policy had taken little note of events in Europe. The task of moving the domestic economy toward full employment remained their primary concern. The Nazi blitzkrieg in continental Western Europe moved the issue of an American defense program to a much higher position on the national agenda. In the summer of 1940, it came easily to contemporaries to compare their situation with the one the nation had faced in World War I. In the judgment of a number of economists within the bureaucracy, economic mobilization in the 1940s ought to be an easier task than it had been in 1917–18. By contrast with the earlier episode, expertise that economists could provide was readily at hand: The mushrooming of the New Deal agencies had already positioned them within government. Moreover, the professional experiences of many of them during the 1930s suggested that the nation could expect qualitative improvement in the advice they offered. The tools of the “new” macroeconomics, it appeared, could usefully be redeployed to shape fiscal policies to restrain private spending to magnitudes compatible with the targets set for a defense build-up. But that was not all. Economists well placed in the official establishment by 1940 believed that the 1933–35 experience with the NRA had taught useful lessons about how a new round of industrial mobilization should be organized.
Succession 'Losers': What Happens to Executives Passed Over for the CEO Job?

Shareholders pay considerable attention to the choice of executive selected as the new CEO whenever a change in leadership takes place. However, without an inside look at the leading candidates to assume the CEO role, it is difficult for shareholders to tell whether the board has made the correct choice. In this Closer Look, we examine CEO succession events among the largest 100 companies over a ten-year period to determine what happens to the executives who were not selected (i.e., the “succession losers”) and how they perform relative to those who were selected (the “succession winners”).We ask: Are the executives selected for the CEO role really better than those passed over? What are the implications for understanding the labor market for executive talent? Are differences in performance due to operating conditions or quality of available talent? Are boards better at identifying CEO talent than other research generally suggests?The Stanford Closer Look series is a collection of short case studies through which we explore topics, issues, and controversies in corporate governance and executive leadership. In each study, we take a targeted look at a specific issue that is relevant to the current debate on governance and explain why it is so important. Larcker and Tayan are co-authors of the books “Corporate Governance Matters” and “A Real Look at Real World Corporate Governance.”
TCT-151 Ventricular Septal Rupture Complicating ST-Elevation Myocardical Infarctions: A Nationwide Analysis

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a sporadic but lethal complication after an acute myocardial infarction (MI). With the advent of reperfusion strategies, VSRs have become all the more infrequent, yet the outcomes continue to negatively impact the clinical prognosis of these patients while
MRI assessment of bone structure and microarchitecture.

Osteoporosis is a disease of weak bone and increased fracture risk caused by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue. The standard-of-care test used to diagnose osteoporosis, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) estimation of areal bone mineral density (BMD), has limitations as a tool to identify patients at risk for fracture and as a tool to monitor therapy response. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of bone structure and microarchitecture has been proposed as another method to assess bone quality and fracture risk in vivo. MRI is advantageous because it is noninvasive, does not require ionizing radiation, and can evaluate both cortical and trabecular bone. In this review article, we summarize and discuss research progress on MRI of bone structure and microarchitecture over the last decade, focusing on in vivo translational studies. Single-center, in vivo studies have provided some evidence for the added value of MRI as a biomarker of fracture risk or treatment response. Larger, prospective, multicenter studies are needed in the future to validate the results of these initial translational studies. Level of Evidence: 5 Technical Efficacy: Stage 5 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:323–337
Are courts re-inventing Internet regulation?

ABSTRACTThe article reviews the evolution and key dimensions of the jurisprudence around the world as it relates to the Internet regulation and governance. It argues that while the judicial sector played a fairly marginal role as far as on-line issues were concerned in the first two decades of the Internet development, judicial rulings have now emerged as one of the main forces shaping on-line freedom of expression and information and the Internet governance. The article reviews a number of decisions from Europe and Latin America to demonstrate that judicial ruling are challenging some of the Internet’s founding principles and values. They have become highly influential, not just as interpreters of the law (the tribunals’ traditional function) but as shapers or transformers of the Internet norms and values. This evolution has become particularly clear over the last three to five years, demonstrating the increasing confidence of judges and Tribunals in challenging engineers, users, corporations, or indeed ...
Extracellular vesicles in liver disease and potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous vesicles originating from different cells in the liver. The pathophysiological role of EVs is increasingly recognized in liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease, NAFLD, viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. EVs, via their cargo, can provide communication between different cell types in the liver and between organs. EVs are explored as biomarkers of disease and could also represent therapeutic targets and vehicles for treatment delivery. Here, we review advances in understanding the role of EVs in liver diseases and discuss their utility in biomarker discovery and therapeutics.
Abstract 534: Deficiency of Protease-activated Receptor 2 Attenuates Angiotensin II-induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Independent of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Tissue Factor

Objective: Tissue factor (TF) is constitutively expressed in subendothelial cells, including vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and maintains hemostasis. The TF/factor VIIa complex as well as factor Xa have been shown to activate protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2). We and others have shown that TF/FVIIa-PAR-2 signaling induces migration of VSMCs in vitro and this is reduced in TF and PAR-2 deficient cells. We previously demonstrated C57BL/6 mice with 1% of normal TF levels (Low TF mice) had increased suprarenal abdominal aortic diameter and incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) compared to littermate controls. However, the source of cellular TF and whether signaling occurred through PAR-2 has not been examined. Our objective was to determine the importance of VSMC-specific deletion of TF and PAR-2 deficiency on the etiology of AAA. Methods and Results: VSMC-specific TF deficiency was evaluated on a low-density lipoprotein receptor deficient (Ldlr -/- ) background. Male mice were fed a fat-enriched diet (21% milk fat) and infused with angiotensin II (AngII; 1,000 ng/kg/min) for 28 days. Ldlr -/- /TF flox/flox SM22αCre + mice had increased abdominal aortic luminal diameters (Cre + : 1.92 ± 0.16 (n = 12); Cre - : 1.22 ± 0.03 mm (n = 10); P = 0.001) and incidence of AAA (100% vs. 50%; P = 0.01) compared to Cre - littermates. Next, we determined the effects of PAR-2 deficiency in AAA. Ldlr -/- /PAR-2 +/+ (n = 12) and Ldlr -/- /PAR-2 -/- (n = 15) male mice were fed a fat-enriched diet and infused with AngII for 28 days. PAR-2 deficiency attenuated abdominal aortic luminal diameters (PAR-2 +/+ : 1.78 ± 0.06 mm; PAR2 -/- : 1.17 ± 0.03 mm; P = 0.001) and incidence of AAA (84% versus 40%; P = 0.048) when compared to littermate controls. Total plasma cholesterol concentrations, lipoprotein cholesterol distributions, or increased systolic blood pressure was not different between groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that TF limits AAA growth and incidence via VSMCs in a PAR-2-independent manner. To verify this hypothesis, studies are currently underway to determine the effect of Factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors in PAR-2 deficient mice.
An incentivized early remediation program in Calculus I

Strong prerequisite skills are essential to student success in the calculus sequence; however, many students arrive in Calculus I with weaknesses that are difficult for them to overcome. In this paper, we describe an approach to early incentivized remediation of prerequisite material in a Calculus I course. We present data that supports the idea that a lack of prerequisite knowledge is a significant hurdle for students, but also that participation in the remediation program is correlated with student success. In addition, the program allows for the very early identification of students at high risk of failing. The program is easy to implement, and it would be adaptable to a variety of other courses for which prerequisite knowledge is essential for success including science courses, engineering courses and other mathematics courses.
Psychosocial Difficulties in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Body Image, Eating Behaviors, and Mood Disorders.

Objective To examine the recent literature on psychologic comorbidities prevalent in youth living with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)—including body image, eating behaviors, and mood disorders—to improve patient outcomes. Methods A comprehensive literature review was performed using the PubMed database. Eligible studies were extracted based on defined inclusion criteria, and the effects of AIS on psychologic comorbidities were evaluated. Studies were categorized and analyzed based on 3 recurrent themes: body image, eating behaviors, and mood. Results Body image presents the most important link between psychosocial difficulties and AIS. Self-reported body image is a significant factor for successful treatment outcomes in AIS. As such, specific patient-reported outcome measures have recently been developed and validated to aid in the treatment of AIS. Although patients with AIS consistently demonstrate altered anthropometry compared with their healthy counterparts, links between these factors and pathologic behaviors, such as abnormal fear of gaining weight or disordered eating, are not clear. Equally unclear is the association between AIS and altered moods, notably depression and anxiety, because of the wide variety of disparate instruments used to measure mood disorders in patients with AIS. Conclusions Patients with AIS undergoing treatment often face psychosocial difficulties. Together, the current literature points to a growing understanding and appreciation of the psychosocial aspects of AIS, but a clear need for more study is needed to optimize treatment of these patients.
Highway Asset Deterioration Rates

This paper is about highway asset deterioration rates. Typically, these are difficult to determine. However, using a data collection method adopted in North Carolina (and the resulting data obtaine...
A survey of the alpha-tubulin gene family in chicken: unexpected sequence heterogeneity in the polypeptides encoded by five expressed genes.

Abstract To characterize the alpha-tubulin gene family in chicken, we have isolated five chicken alpha-tubulin genes and determined the majority of the sequences of the encoded polypeptides. Three of these (c alpha 3, c alpha 5/6 and c alpha 8) encode novel, expressed alpha-tubulins that have not previously been analyzed, whereas one gene segment is a pseudogene and another appears capable of encoding a functional subunit (although we were unable to document its expression in a survey of chicken tissues). Together with two additional expressed, functional alpha-tubulins reported earlier, we conclude that the chicken alpha-tubulin family is comprised of at least five functional genes whose polypeptide products are substantially more heterogeneous than found in preceding analyses of vertebrate alpha-tubulins. Comparison of the amino acid sequences reveals that the five polypeptides are between 96 and 83% identical, with the extreme carboxy-terminal residues representing a highly heterogeneous variable domain. Since some alpha-tubulins undergo cyclic post-translational removal and readdition of a carboxy-terminal tyrosine, the notable sequence divergence in this domain suggests that individual tubulins probably participate to different extents in this modification cycle.
Gender differences in the professional orientations of Protestant clergy

The literature on gender differences in orientations to work among Protestant clergy has been mixed, but generally points to the hypothesis that female clergy hold fewer career and professional work values than their male counterparts. This expectation flies in the face, however, of other more general population studies that show women and men hold similar work values and orientations to work. Using a national sample of clergy from two Protestant denominations, we test for gender differences in these values and orientations. Consistent with the general population findings, female clergy have professional values and orientations that are just as strong, if not stronger than those of male clergy.
Efficiency Selection Procedures for Capacity Utilization Estimation

A production function is estimated for a sample of vessels in the U.S. Bering Sea flatfish fishery. Panel data identify vessel-specific individual effects, which are estimates of unobserved vessel efficiency. These efficiency effects are ranked, and subset selection procedures determine tiers of vessels differentiated by efficiency rank. Maximal efficiency is then estimated within each tier. Tier-level maximal efficiency is used to estimate capacity and capacity utilization within the fishery.
Extraterrestrial Forcing of Surface Temperature and Climate Change: A Parody

It is proposed that visitation by extraterrestrial spacecraft (UFO) alters the electromagnetic properties of the earth, its atmosphere, and its oceans and that these changes can cause global warming leading to climate change and thence to the catastrophic consequences of floods, droughts, severe storms, and sea level rise. An empirical test of this theory is presented with data for UFO sightings and surface temperature reconstructions for the study period 1910-2015. The results show strong evidence of proportionality between surface temperature and cumulative UFO sightings. We conclude that the observed warming since the Industrial Revolution are due to an electromagnetic perturbation of the climate system by UFO extraterrestrial spacecraft.
Does the Geriatric Depression Scale measure depression in Parkinson's disease?

Author(s): Lopez, Francesca V; Split, Molly; Filoteo, J Vincent; Litvan, Irene; Moore, Raeanne C; Pirogovsky-Turk, Eva; Liu, Lin; Lessig, Stephanie; Schiehser, Dawn M | Abstract: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is recommended for screening depression in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Empirical evidence, however, is limited regarding its validity and factor structure in PD. Thus, the current study sought to evaluate the convergent and divergent validity of the GDS, as well as the structure and validity of the derived factors.MethodNondemented individuals with PD (n = 158) completed the GDS-30, and items were subjected to a principle component analysis. Geriatric Depression Scale total and factor scores were correlated with depression items from the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRSd) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMDd), as well as with the Apathy Scale (AS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Parkinson's disease Sleep Scale, and a Subjective Cognitive Function composite score.ResultsThe GDS total score was strongly correlated with divergent neuropsychiatric measures (AS, r = 0.57; STAI, r = 0.66; MFIS, r = 0.60), while only moderately correlated with convergent measures (MDS-UPDRSd, r = 0.36; HAMDd, r = 0.32; Ps l 0.05). Linear regression analyses revealed standardized measures of anxiety, apathy, and fatigue independently predicted the GDS total score, while depression items (MDS-UPDRSd and HAMDd) failed to reach significance. Three independent factors were identified: Anxiety, Apathy, and Fatigue. These factors were significantly predicted by their respective convergent measures.ConclusionsTaken together, our findings suggest that the GDS and its subscales appear to primarily measure anxiety, apathy, and fatigue in PD, or alternatively, these symptom dimensions may be predominant in PD-depression. Future research with clinically diagnosed samples is needed to confirm these initial findings.
Using X-ray Footprinting and Mass Spectrometry to Study the Structure and Function of Membrane Proteins.

Background Membrane proteins are crucial for cellular sensory cascades and metabolite transport, and hence are key pharmacological targets. Structural studies by traditional highresolution techniques are limited by the requirements for high purity and stability when handled in high concentration and nonnative buffers. Hence, there is a growing requirement for the use of alternate methods in a complementary but orthogonal approach to study the dynamic and functional aspects of membrane proteins in physiologically relevant conditions. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the field of X-ray radiolytic labeling in combination with mass spectroscopy, commonly known as X-ray Footprinting and Mass Spectrometry (XFMS), which provide residue-specific information on the solvent accessibility of proteins. In combination with both lowresolution biophysical methods and high-resolution structural data, XFMS is capable of providing valuable insights into structure and dynamics of membrane proteins, which have been difficult to obtain by standalone high-resolution structural techniques. The XFMS method has also demonstrated a unique capability for identification of structural waters and their dynamics in protein cavities at both a high degree of spatial and temporal resolution, and thus capable of identifying conformational hot-spots in transmembrane proteins. Conclusion We provide a perspective on the place of XFMS amongst other structural biology methods and showcase some of the latest developments in its usage for studying conformational changes in membrane proteins.
Optimal acquisition setting for dual-contrast imaging with gadolinium and iodine on a research whole-body photon-counting-detector (PCD) CT

Photon-counting detectors (PCDs) can resolve the energy of incident x-ray photons, which allows simultaneous imaging of two contrast materials, such as iodine (I) and gadolinium (Gd), with a single scan. This capability may allow reduction of patient radiation dose for clinical applications that typically require multi-phase acquisitions by injecting different contrast media at different times and scanning only once to differentiate, for example, venous and arterial phases. The material decomposition performance on PCD-CT is dependent on acquisition setup including tube potential and energy thresholds. In this work, we performed a phantom study to evaluate the optimal acquisition settings for dual-contrast imaging using I and Gd on a research PCD-CT system. We further compared our results with a clinical dual-source dual-energy (DSDE) CT. An abdomen-shaped water phantom with I and Gd inserts of different concentrations was scanned using different energy thresholds and tube potentials to identify the optimal setup for I and Gd quantification. Results demonstrated that accurate quantification of I and Gd concentration was possible using the PCD-CT system. A tube potential of 80 kV and an energy threshold close to the K-edge of Gd (50 keV) was found to yield the best performance in terms of measurement root-mean-square-error (RMSE = 4.4 mg/mL for I and RMSE = 3.3 mg/mL for Gd). Further, the performance of PCD-CT with optimized setup was found to outperform DSDE-CT (RMSE = 8.1 mg/mL for I and 5.7 mg/mL for Gd).
Explorable Instructions: Crafting Designerly DIY Tutorials

The Maker and DIY craft movements promote values of democratization, creativity, and customization [12]. While the associated informal learning structures - makerspaces, workshops, and DIY tutorials - support fabrication, they do not necessarily scaffold design learning [27]. Here, I present my work on design learning in formal and informal contexts and propose the re-design of DIY instructions to better support and understand informal design learning.
Intrinsic superstructure near atomically clean armchair step edges of graphite

We investigated the electronic superstructure of a graphite surface in the vicinity of monoatomic armchair step edges with scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. Only the ($\sqrt{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\sqrt{3}$)$R{30}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ superstructure is visualized near atomically clean armchair edges, while the honeycomb superstructure is absent. The spectroscopic mapping near the clean armchair edge clearly reveals the ($\sqrt{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\sqrt{3}$)$R{30}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ superstructure on both sides of the step edge. We have also visualized a mixture of ($\sqrt{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\sqrt{3}$)$R{30}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ and honeycomb superstructures near structurally defective armchair edges. Our results suggest that the honeycomb superstructure pattern results from a superposition of two sets of ($\sqrt{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\sqrt{3}$)$R{30}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ superstructures with different phases. Our observation solves the mystery of the coexistence of two types of superstructures reported by prior studies.
Agriculture Application of Pseudomonas: A View on the Relative Antagonistic Potential Against Pests and Diseases.

Agriculture is an important factor for improving economy of the country. Productivity of the crop is drastically reduced due to the incidence of biotic factors such as pests, diseases and nematodes as their infestation causes huge economic loss to the farmers. Biocontrol agents are excellent candidates for the reduction of biotic stresses and effective alternative to the chemicals as chemicals cause a huge menace to the environment. Among biocontrol agents, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is important group of root-colonizing bacteria which help in the promotion of plant growth in addition to the suppression of pests and diseases. Pseudomonas is an important candidate belonging to PGPR which is a gram-negative and rod-shaped bacteria. Efficacy of various strains of these bacteria in enhancing the plant growth and suppression of pest and diseases were well proved. This chapter deals with the pioneering and recent works of Pseudomonas in the management of pests, diseases and nematodes. This review will help in the research work that involves Pseudomonas as a potential bioagent in the management of pests, diseases and nematodes.
EMS professionals: critical partners in human trafficking response

EMJ brought to the attention of emergency physicians the pressing public health issue of human trafficking in its podcast ‘Detecting human trafficking: a life-saving diagnosis in the emergency room’.1 A recent news article in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) World by Amato now highlights the role first responders have in breaking the cycle of human trafficking violence.2 EMS providers can leverage their access to vulnerable populations to identify and advocate for trafficking victims. But it is estimated that less than half of EMS providers have ever received training on how to identify trafficked persons, and how to intervene if they …
Ian L. McHarg: A bibliography

Ian McHarg was a major ecological theorist and practitioner in the second half of the twentieth century. Bibliographic information about his work is presented.
Isolation of Total RNA and Detection Procedures for miRNA Present in Bovine-Cultured Adipocytes and Adipose Tissues

Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNA) regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally by altering translation of protein(s) encoded by specific messenger RNA. Therefore the ability to detect and quantify the expression levels of specific miRNA present within a cell or tissue is necessary to thoroughly examine cellular physiology and gene expression. Here we describe procedures that allow for the isolation and quantification of miRNA in bovine adipocytes and adipose tissue.
Engagement and joy in the active learning classroom

It is common when implementing active learning to have concerns about whether students will meaningfully engage in planned activities and discussions.­ Within the physics education community, we are fortunate to have access to a collection of best practices on promoting student engagement and fostering a productive classroom climate. Written for the physics teacher audience specifically, this collection includes a variety of useful tips and resources that are directly applicable to a variety of physics classrooms and are freely available at www.physport.org. In this column, I hope to contribute to this broad conversation about promoting students’ productive engagement in a different manner by sharing a few pitfalls that I fell into during my first few years of physics teaching—pitfalls that created barriers to students experiencing joy as a central and defining feature of their active learning experiences. Some of the challenges I faced in creating a more joyful active learning classroom were related to tacit beliefs I held about active learning that were at times counterproductive, including notions that
Awareness and Application of Minimum Impact Practices among Rock Climbers in the Red River Gorge, Kentucky.

This study examines Leave No Trace (LNT) knowledge among rock climbers in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge (RRG), looking to establish if knowing more about LNT practices alters subsequent actions while climbing. The study uses survey data collected over one year in the RRG climbing areas. Ordinary Least Squares regression analysis reveals a positive relationship between a respondent’s awareness level of minimum impact practices and their self-reported actions adhering to those practices based on ones’ knowledge of LNT. Having a high income also has an impact on this relationship. This study establishes a dialogue about LNT principles as they relate to outdoor recreation and land management in climbing areas, while looking to continue the push for environmental education and minimum impact research to more fields.
Pro-Vaxxers Get Out: Anti-Vaccination Advocates Influence Undecided First-Time, Pregnant, and New Mothers on Facebook

Social media has revolutionized health information-seeking behavior with crowd-based medical advice. Decreased vaccination uptake and subsequent disease outbreaks have generally occurred in localized clusters based on social norms; however, geographically unrestricted Facebook networks promote parental vaccination refusal congruent with digital identity formation. Interactions within the largest closed Facebook group for vaccination choice were analyzed through the lens of Social Influence Theory. Anti-vaccination advocates impacted first-time mothers' expressed vaccination intentions through both informational and normative influence processes. Six overarching themes were identified as strategies used by these individuals to persuade fence sitting parents to delay or decline vaccinations, including: natural solutions, maternal empowerment, distrust of conventional medicine establishment, fear appeals, 'Russian Roulette' risk benefit analysis, and misinformation and misunderstandings.
Hidden Hazard—Identifying, Understanding, and Preventing Combustible Dust Explosions in Forest Industry Facilities

When a dust fire or explosion event (deflagration) occurs in any facility the results are significant and the consequences can range from only a simple clean-up and/or minor personnel injuries to catastrophic property damage with significant personnel injuries and even the possibility of fatalities. The follow up reviews from these dust explosion incidents has shown that there is a general lack of understanding of this hazard. The forest products industries contain recognized sources of dust hazards. There is a need for better understanding, training and awareness of the potential for dust hazards on the part of employers, employees and forest industry type facility owner operators. The intent of this paper is to provide a basic level of understanding of this subject and to provide useful reference and resource materials.
Clinical behavior and treatment outcomes in angiosarcoma: A 10-year retrospective review.

e23555Background: Angiosarcoma (AS) is a highly aggressive sarcoma. Five-year overall survival (OS) with local disease is only about 60% despite multimodality treatment. In advanced disease, respon...
Professional Responsibility: Its Nature and New Demands

The notion that professional work needs a moral purpose connected to the end of public service and that such purposes ought be developed in professional education and supported in professional work settings remains a core element of professional work but has also been criticized as unrealistic, unnecessary in today’s organizations, and not well suited to emerging, less bureaucratic forms of knowledge work. This paper challenges these claims by presenting a conception of professional work as necessarily requiring a dimension of fiduciary responsibility to clients, patients, and the welfare of the general public. Arguing that in both medicine and teaching there is serious misalignment between these ends and the organization and incentives of practice settings and education, the paper urges a rethinking and reconstruction of how professionals in both fields are prepared and their work carried out. The value of this approach is then tested against objections and the challenge posed by emerging, more “flexible structures” of work organization.