cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detecting Network Motifs in Gene Co-expression Networks Through Integration of Protein Domain Information

Biological networks can be broken down into modules, groups of interacting molecules. To uncover these functional modules and study their evolution, our research groups are developing graph-theory based strategies for the analysis of gene expression data. We are looking for groups of completely connected subgraphs (e.g., cliques) in co-expression networks in which corresponding members (genes) encode proteins with the same combination of protein domains. The common pattern shown by a group of such cliques is a “network motif” that may be reused multiple times within organisms. We have developed algorithms for constructing gene co-expression networks labeled with corresponding protein sequence domain combinations, and then detected recurring network motifs with similar protein domain memberships within these labeled networks. The statistical significance of detected network motifs is evaluated by comparing results with those from randomized networks. Also the biological relevance of network motifs is evaluated for shared Gene Ontology annotations on biological processes. We applied our approach to the malaria transcriptome and found many network motifs with three, four, or five members. Many predicted network motifs were further supported by their existence in yeast protein interaction networks. These results illustrate a new strategy for studying the modularity of biological networks by integrating different types of data and cross-species comparisons. A full description of results is available at http://mouse.ornl.gov/~xpv/camda04/.
Analysis Algorithm for Sky Type and Ice Halo Recognition in All-Sky Images

Abstract. Halo displays, in particular the 22 ∘ halo, have been captured in long time series of images obtained from total sky imagers (TSIs) at various Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) sites. Halo displays form if smooth-faced hexagonal ice crystals are present in the optical path. We describe an image analysis algorithm for long time series of TSI images which scores images with respect to the presence of 22 ∘ halos. Each image is assigned an ice halo score (IHS) for 22 ∘ halos, as well as a photographic sky type (PST), which differentiates cirrostratus (PST-CS), partially cloudy (PST-PCL), cloudy (PST-CLD), or clear (PST-CLR) within a near-solar image analysis area. The color-resolved radial brightness behavior of the near-solar region is used to define the discriminant properties used to classify photographic sky type and assign an ice halo score. The scoring is based on the tools of multivariate Gaussian analysis applied to a standardized sun-centered image produced from the raw TSI image, following a series of calibrations, rotation, and coordinate transformation. The algorithm is trained based on a training set for each class of images. We present test results on halo observations and photographic sky type for the first 4 months of the year 2018, for TSI images obtained at the Southern Great Plains (SGP) ARM site. A detailed comparison of visual and algorithm scores for the month of March 2018 shows that the algorithm is about 90 % reliable in discriminating the four photographic sky types and identifies 86 % of all visual halos correctly. Numerous instances of halo appearances were identified for the period January through April 2018, with persistence times between 5 and 220 min. Varying by month, we found that between 9 % and 22 % of cirrostratus skies exhibited a full or partial 22 ∘ halo.
CHAPTER 44 – DHEA: Biology and Use in Therapeutic Intervention

Physiologic Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration to aging humans have multiple beneficial effects. In men, but possibly not in women, it may have an antiobesity effect. Conversely, in women, but possibly not in men, DHEA may promote insulin sensitivity. DHEA may beneficially affect bone turnover and clearly augments the growth hormone/ IGF-I axis. Additionally, DHEA is likely an immunoaugmentory substance, reducing some of the declines in immune competence seen with aging. DHEA also may act in humans to exert multiple beneficial effects by augmenting end-organ and hepatic production of IGF-I in response to GH. It now has been well demonstrated that IGF-I is an immunoaugmentory substance in its own right and that its receptors and effects are noted in bone, muscle, and fat. Such an augmentation of IGF-I action would also result in an overall decline in serum growth hormone levels through hypothalamic-pituitary negative feedback, resulting in enhanced insulin sensitivity. Indeed, IGF-I therapy has been studied in clinical trials as a treatment for diabetes.
Nubian Villagers in Post-Independent Egypt as Depicted in Muhammad Khalil Qasim's Novel Ashamandoura

Many Egyptians recognize the word Ashamandouraas particularly Nubian word that refers to the boat leaning towards the bank of the Nile. However, very few of them recognize the name as a novel by the extraordinary Nubian writer, poet, journalist and activist; Muhammad Khalil Qasim. Ashamandoura is a unique novel. It is the first Nubian novel written in Arabic. Moreover, It is the first novel about the life of Nubians; esp. their life during one of the major catastrophes that the Nubian territories passed by. Nubians have paid a great price for Egypts prosperity and modernity. They have sacrificed their lands for building Aswan High Dam. Before this, the price they paid was due to their forced migration of their villages four times; 1902, 1912, 1933,and in 1963. The novel, Ashamandoura tells the story of the flooding of Nubian villages during 1912 or what is known as second uplift of Aswan Dam. Ashamandoura could be read as a social documentary of the most critical phases of Nubians lives. In addition to its literary style, the novel touches on detailed aspects of the Nubian village life in post-independent Egypt. The novel could be read as two parts; the first part is about the life of villagers, their customs, traditions, habits, and conversations about expected flooding and government compensations. The second part of the novel tells the tragedy of villages inundation and forced migration of the Nubians to new villages. Although the novel tells the story of one village Qattah in this case, one could see this as an exemplary description of all Nubian villages south of Aswan Dam.
Experimental study of aerodynamic resuspension of RDX residue

Residues of hazardous substances, such as chemical compounds with low vapor pressure, radioactive particles, or biological contamination can remain on surfaces for a prolonged period of time. The f...
Algebraic properties of Hermitian sums of squares

ABSTRACTWe study the class of bihomogeneous polynomials r(z,z¯) on Cn×Cn for which there is a positive integer d such that r(z,z¯)z2d can be written as a Hermitian sum of squares. We reinterpret th...
Acceptance-based skill acquisition and cognitive reappraisal in a culturally responsive treatment for binge eating in adolescence.

Emotional overeating, or eating in excess to soothe negative emotions, is a high-risk behavior for the future development of the binge-eating disorder (BED). The Emotional Overeating Intervention (...
Two-dimensional halide perovskites featuring semiconducting organic building blocks

Two-dimensional (2D) organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskites exhibit unique properties, such as long charge carrier lifetimes, high photoluminescence quantum efficiencies, and great tolerance to defects. Over the last several decades tremendous progress has occurred in the development of 2D layered halide perovskite semiconductor materials and devices. Chemical functionalization of 2D halide perovskites is an effective approach for tuning their electronic properties. A large amount of effort has been made in compositional engineering of the cations and anions in the perovskite lattice. However, few efforts have incorporated rationally designed semiconducting organic moieties into these systems to alter the overall chemical and optoelectronic properties of 2D perovskites. In fact, incorporation of large conjugated organic groups in the spatially confined inorganic perovskite matrix was found to be challenging, and this synthetic challenge hinders a deeper understanding of the materials’ structure–property relationships. Recently, exciting progress has been made regarding the molecular design, optical characterization, and device fabrication of novel 2D halide perovskite materials that incorporate functional organic semiconducting building blocks. In this article, we provide a timely review regarding this recent progress. Moreover, we discuss successes and current challenges regarding the synthesis, characterization, and device applications of such hybrid materials and provide a perspective on the true future promise of these advanced nanomaterials.
Team-Based Learning in Medical School Hematology Course Improves Immediate Understanding but Not Long-Term Retention

Background: The goal of medical school hematology preclinical curricula is to prepare students not only for course exams and standardized testing but also clinical care during clerkships and beyond. While active teaching methods such as team-based learning (TBL) are associated with improved end of course exam performance, the impact on long-term retention has not been evaluated. Methods: We assessed the impact of three different teaching approaches on short term understanding and long-term retention of hematology knowledge after a hematology pathophysiology course. Lecture material was reinforced with traditional case-based small group discussion, TBL, or no small group reinforcement. Knowledge assessments with 15 multiple choice questions were conducted prior to the course, immediately after course, and 14 months after the course at the end of the core clerkship year. Several topics covered by traditional small groups in the 2018 were switched to TBL in the 2019, and, thus, could be directly compared across the two cohorts. Results: We recruited 70 students, 34 from the 2018 iteration of the course and 36 from the 2019, which represents 24% of eligible students. Of these, 48 students completed the final assessment (69% retention). Prior to the course, students answered 31% of questions correctly. This increased to 78% immediately after the course with significant differences across teaching methods: TBL 87%; traditional small group 78%; no small group 76% (p WFindings and Discussion: We found a meaningful and statistically significant increase in the understanding gained by using TBL, but this did not lead to better long-term retention. The immediate impact of improved knowledge is consistent with prior research on TBL and may be sufficient to justify its use, as improved scores on short-term testing testing has value for student well-being, generating an interest in hematology, and competitiveness for residency application. However, our findings argue against justifying the adoption of TBL on the basis of superior long-term retention. Despite this TBL may still be of long-term benefit through modeling team decision making and self-directed learning that are core features of how clinical medicine is practiced. The impact of TBL on these components of clinical efficacy and on an interest in hematology remains areas for future study. Download : Download high-res image (141KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure . Disclosures Binder: Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Consultancy.
Attitudinal Change, Cohort Replacement, and the Liberalization of Attitudes about Same-sex Relationships, 1973–2018:

Americans’ attitudes toward same-sex relationships have liberalized considerably over the last 40 years. We examine how the demographic processes generating social change in attitudes toward same-s...
The usefulness of olive oil enema in children with severe chronic constipation.

Abstract Purpose Few reports have determined the efficacy of olive oil enemas for severe constipation. Here, we review our experience with olive oil enemas in children with severe chronic constipation. Methods In our outpatient pediatric surgery department, the charts of 118 patients prescribed with olive oil enemas between January 2010 and November 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A 1–2 ml/kg olive oil enema was given either alone or followed several hours later by a glycerin enema. Ratings included “very effective (VE),” “effective (E),” “limited (L),” “ineffective (I),” and “unknown (U).” Results One hundred and fifteen (97.5%) patients were able to use olive oil enemas at home. Forty-nine had functional constipation; 43 had anorectal malformation; 40 had Hirschsprung disease; 12 had spina bifida; and 10 had other maladies. Used as an enema, olive oil was effective in treating fecal impaction in 77.6% of patients; as a lubricant, it was effective in treating 76.9% of patients. Efficacy for fecal disimpaction was similar among patients with different underlying disorders. Conclusion Olive oil enemas are useful for more than three-quarters of children with severe chronic constipation. Further study is warranted to add olive oil enemas as an adjunctive treatment in the management of severe constipation.
Studying the Impacts of Federal Funding on Residential Smart Meter Adoption and Utilities’ Performance in the U.S.: A Simultaneous Equation Approach

As a key component in smart cities, smart grid aligns the energy supply and demand, promotes more efficient use of energy, and encourages consumer awareness in energy saving. A key technological piece of a smart grid is the smart meter that allows two-way communication between consumers and utility companies. This paper uses a simultaneous equation approach to study the impacts of federal funding on smart meter adoption and utilities’ performance in the U.S residential sector. Our findings suggest that the federal funding is a stimulus inducing smart meter adoption that allows for improved energy efficiency and reduced peak load demands. This study provides empirical evidence on the positive impact of public funding as an effective policy instrument for smart meter adoptions, and it offers policy implications for infrastructure modernization the U.S.
An Approach for High Data Rate Communicatons within Capacitive Power Transfer System

For most existing methods, it is challenge to achieve high data rate communication with simple additional circuit for capacitive power transfer (CPT) system. In this digest, a pulse-based modulation approach based on a bidirectional DC/DC converter is proposed. By injecting the pulse current, which is generated by the bidirectional converter, into the primary side, the data is superposed on the power current. Thus, the data and power can be transferred to secondary side through same capacitive channel. To generated a current pulse which is short enough to allow for high-rate data transfer, the bidirectional converter operates in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) to reduce switching frequency. As a result, the data rate can be several times higher than the operation frequency.
I don’t want to be a rule enforcer during the COVID-19 pandemic: Frontline employees’ plight

Abstract This research explores the pandemic-related experiences of frontline employees (FLEs) relative to customer rule-enforcement interactions within retail and service industries. Using a survey, incorporating closed-ended and CIT questions, we investigated, from the FLEs' perspectives, the occupational stress of rule-enforcement, company expectations of FLEs regarding rule enforcement, and the emotional impact of customer interactions on FLEs. Results indicate that several customer misbehaviors, such as not following rules and being rude, produce significant occupational stress. Further, based on our CIT assessments, many of the FLEs’ recounted rule-enforcement incidents involved negative customer reactions, translating to heightened negativity for FLEs due to emotional contagion.
Nonobese Diabetic/Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) Mouse as a Model System to Study the Engraftment and Mobilization of Human Peripheral Blood Stem Cells

Mobilized CD34(+) cells from human peripheral blood (PB) are increasingly used for hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. However, the mechanisms involved in the mobilization of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are largely unknown. To study the mobilization of human progenitor cells in an experimental animal model in response to different treatment regimens, we injected intravenously a total of 92 immunodeficient nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice with various numbers of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) -mobilized CD34(+) PB cells (ranging from 2 to 50 x 10(6) cells per animal). Engraftment of human cells was detectable for up to 6.5 months after transplantation and, depending on the number of cells injected, reached as high as 96% in the bone marrow (BM), displaying an organ-specific maturation pattern of T- and B-lymphoid and myeloid cells. Among the different mobilization regimens tested, human clonogenic cells could be mobilized from the BM into the PB (P = .019) with a high or low dose of human G-CSF, alone or in combination with human stem-cell factor (SCF), with an average increase of 4.6-fold over control. Therefore, xenotransplantation of human cells in NOD/SCID mice will provide a basis to further study the mechanisms of mobilization and the biology of the mobilized primitive human hematopoietic cell.
Appropriate Reduction and Fe-Al Separation of High Iron Gibbsite

High iron gibbsite is a Fe-Al composite ore with quite big reserves in China, in which superfine aluminum and ferrous minerals are conjoint with each other. Thus, they are difficult to separate through physical beneficiation. In order to meet iron and aluminum consumption, a new process was proposed, in which gibbsite samples and pulverized coal were mixed uniformly, reduced isothermally at high temperature, cooled rapidly and then dressed by magnetic separation. The effects of reduction conditions, including reduction time, reduction temperature and FC/O (mole ratio), were investigated. The results revealed that regarding samples with 34.68% iron and 23.85% alumina, metallic iron concentrate with 78.23% iron and non-magnetic product with 53.32% alumina were obtained. The yielding ratio of iron and alumina are 89.24% and 86.09% respectively. Metallic iron concentrate can be used as steelmaking burden by further treatment, and alumina can be further extracted from the nonmagnetic product.
Do immune complexes play a role in hemolytic sequelae of intravenous immune globulin

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) was developed initially as an immunoglobulin replacement therapy for primary humoral immunodeficiency, but is now widely used in the treatment of autoinflammatory and autoimmune pathologies. In a small number of patients, hemolytic sequelae have been observed after IVIG administration. The lack of a simple one-to-one correlation between measurable hemagglutinins and hemolysis has led to complicated hypotheses involving coincident necessary variables (e.g., a two-hit hypothesis) and also to the positing of causal factors other than hemagglutinins. One such hypothesis is that immune complexes (ICs) contained within IVIG lead to hemolysis. IVIG-mediated hemolysis was addressed at a recent meeting sponsored by the Food and Drug Administration; the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association; and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The primary literature was reviewed at this meeting followed by detailed discussion. Participants concluded that there is both a theoretical basis by which ICs could contribute to hemolysis after IVIG administration and some published data in support of such a possibility. However, the reported data contain substantial caveats, and the existing evidence does not rise to a level sufficient to either confirm or reject a role for ICs. More detailed and focused human studies will be required to further assess the potential role of ICs in IVIG induced hemolysis. This paper summarizes the relevant literature and expands upon the conclusions of this workshop.
Tellurometer Ground Swing over Ice Surface

Microwave reflections are one of the basic errors associated with electromagnetic distance measurements. Measurements taken over an ice surface with a Tellurometer MRA-2 system show a definite trend of fine readings increasing with carrier frequency and large negative values as predicted by theoretical equations for reflections for a single surface. It was not possible to correlate these characteristics to surface reflections nor was it possible to correlate them with reflections from an atmospheric or subsurface layer.
Energy Consumption of Fair-Access in Sensor Networks with Linear and Selected Grid Topologies

In this paper, we investigate energy consumption of medium access control (MAC) for multi-hop sensor networks. In a wireless sensor network, one of the primary tasks of sensor nodes is to gather data and give an accurate measurement of the sensing environment. Thus, obtaining a fair amount of data from each sensor node plays a key role to achieve this objective. In this scenario, we adopt the model of a fair-access criterion which requires that sensor nodes have an equal rate of frame delivery to the base station. Then we derive tight lower bounds on network energy consumption in a cycle during which the base station successfully receives at least one original data frame from each sensor node. The unique aspect of this study is that the lower bounds on energy consumption hold for any MAC protocol. Furthermore, we prove that these bounds are tight.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying presynapse formation

Synapse formation is a highly regulated process that requires the coordination of many cell biological events. Decades of research have identified a long list of molecular components involved in assembling a functioning synapse. Yet how the various steps, from transporting synaptic components to adhering synaptic partners and assembling the synaptic structure, are regulated and precisely executed during development and maintenance is still unclear. With the improvement of imaging and molecular tools, recent work in vertebrate and invertebrate systems has provided important insight into various aspects of presynaptic development, maintenance, and trans-synaptic signals, thereby increasing our understanding of how extrinsic organizers and intracellular mechanisms contribute to presynapse formation.
Shapeable sheet without plastic deformation

Randomly crumpled sheets have shape memory. In order to understand the basis of this form of memory, we simulate triangular lattices of springs whose lengths are altered to create a topography with multiple potential energy minima. We then deform these lattices into different shapes and investigate their ability to retain the imposed shape when the energy is relaxed. The lattices are able to retain a range of curvatures. Under moderate forcing from a state of local equilibrium, the lattices deform by several percent but return to their retained shape when the forces are removed. By increasing the forcing until an irreversible motion occurs, we find that the transitions between remembered shapes show cooperativity among several springs. For fixed lattice structures, the shape memory tends to decrease as the lattice is enlarged; we propose ways to counter this decrease by modifying the lattice geometry. We survey the energy landscape by displacing individual nodes. An extensive fraction of these nodes proves to be bistable; they retain their displaced position when the energy is relaxed. Bending the lattice to a stable curved state alters the pattern of bistable nodes. We discuss this shapeability in the context of other forms of material memory and contrast it with the shapeability of plastic deformation. We outline the prospects for making real materials based on these principles.
Analyzing system safety in lithium-ion grid energy storage

As grid energy storage systems become more complex, it grows more difficult to design them for safe operation. This paper first reviews the properties of lithium-ion batteries that can produce hazards in grid scale systems. Then the conventional safety engineering technique Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) is reviewed to identify its limitations in complex systems. To address this gap, new research is presented on the application of Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) to a lithium-ion battery based grid energy storage system. STPA is anticipated to fill the gaps recognized in PRA for designing complex systems and hence be more effective or less costly to use during safety engineering. It was observed that STPA is able to capture causal scenarios for accidents not identified using PRA. Additionally, STPA enabled a more rational assessment of uncertainty (all that is not known) thereby promoting a healthy skepticism of design assumptions. We conclude that STPA may indeed be more cost effective than PRA for safety engineering in lithium-ion battery systems. However, further research is needed to determine if this approach actually reduces safety engineering costs in development, or improves industry safety standards.
New methods for the purification of vertebrate vitellogenin.

Two procedures are described for the isolation of vitellogenin from plasma. Vitellogenin can be selectively precipitated from the plasma of estrogen-treated animals by Mg2+ in the presence of EDTA. The vitellogenin thus obtained is >99% pure and is relatively undegraded. In the second procedure, vitellogenin can also be isolated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography, resulting in preparations that contain <2% albumin. In combination, these two isolation procedures yield vitellogenin preparations of very high purity.
The occupational mobility of black males revisited: Does race matter?

Abstract This study examined the extent to which opportunities for social mobility (as measured by occupational mobility) have or have not continued to expand for black males since the early 1970s. Among the findings of this study were: (1) intergenerational occupational mobility for both black and white males were associated with their fathers' occupational attainment, however black males experienced greater downward mobility than white males; (2) intergenerational occupational persistence levels were greater for white males than for black males; and (3) race continues to influence the occupational mobility of black males.
Mitochondrial phosphorylation in apoptosis: flipping the death switch.

Abstract Significance: Apoptosis is a complex cellular process subject to multiple layers of regulation. One such layer of regulation includes post-translational modifications, including acetylatio...
Short-wavelength light sources at Duke storage ring

A 1.1 GeV electron storage ring is now fully operational at the Duke University Free Electron Laser Laboratory. This ring is dedicated to drive a variety of very high brightness short- wavelength sources ranging from UV to gamma-rays. In this paper we present overview of short-wavelength radiation sources including THE OK-4 (XUV FEL, wiggler radiation and inverse Compton (gamma) -rays), X-ray bend-magnets synchrotron radiation, soft X-ray NIST undulator radiation and hard X-ray inverse Compton source. We also describe status of the sources and our short-term and long-term plans.
Normal Age Changes in the Rat Mandibular Joint

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUAALTERATIONES NORMAL DE INVETULATION IN LE ARTICULATION MANDIBULAR DEL RATTO.—Esseva studiate le normal crescentia e morphologia del articulation mandibular del ratto. Le articulationes studiate includeva specimens ab 15 differente gruppos de etate ab 1 die ad 2 annos. Le alterationes causate per le processos normal del invetulation es describite pro le areas principal del articulation, i.e., le fossa del articulation, le disco articular, e le condylo mandibular. Marcate alterationes esseva observate in le osso del fossa articular e del condylo. Alterationes de character plus subtil esseva notate in le disco articular. Le consta tation le plus remarcabile esseva le constantia del spissitate del cartilagine condylar post le cinquantesime die del vita.
Integrating Engineering into K-6 Curriculum: Developing Talent in the STEM Disciplines.

The fields of gifted and engineering education share many common interests, and their students share many common attributes. Infusing and making engineering implicit in the K-6 education programs creates opportunities to develop concepts, skills, and habits of the mind that are valuable in all disciplines while providing opportunities to discover and develop talent in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
The potential complexity of “universal ownership”: Cultural property, textual circulation, and linguistic fieldwork

Abstract Following Hill’s (2002) examination of the dominant rhetorical strategies used to discuss language revitalization projects, this paper continues this investigation, utilizing examples from sustained linguistic fieldwork in an indigenous Pueblo community in New Mexico. I detail the context surrounding the Pueblo’s decision to employ written indigenous language materials as part of a community language program including the new ways of limiting access to cultural information that have been developed in response to the controversial status of writing in this community. I show that the application of the concept that Hill identifies as “universal ownership” has the potential to lead to serious ethical problems, detailing the creative approaches to textual circulation within one community and offering alternatives for scholars facing ethical issues involving publication.
Self-Selection, Church Attendance, and Local Civic Participation

Prior research has shown that church attendance affects voting participation, but has a negative or no effect on more demanding forms of political participation. I argue that this differential for nonelectoral activity partially results from biases in how scholars conceptualize and analyze church attendance variables. To properly measure the influence of church attendance on nonelectoral participation, scholarship needs to account for self-selection biases that hinder accurate analyses. Consistent with the literature, a selection model finds that once fundamentalism's motivating effect is considered, church attendance plays no role in a respondent's participation in local government meetings. The present work provides a partial explanation for why attendance has no effect on more demanding political activity. These findings demonstrate that scholarship should focus attention on prior factors that influence congregants' attendance decisions.
Prevalence and predictors of low sexual assertiveness

Background: Personal beliefs about sexual attitudes and rights likely affect reproductive health behaviors. We examined the prevalence and predictors of low sexual assertiveness (SA) among sexually active females across three age groups (14-17 yo, 18-21 yo, and 22-26 yo).Methods: 904 white, black, and Mexican-American females presenting at community-based family planning clinics in Southeast Texas between April 1997 and February 1998 completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire that assessed demographic and reproductive characteristics, dating behaviors, mental health measures and occurrence of physical and sexual assault. Subjects also completed a sexual assertiveness scale that assessed one's right to make various reproductive health decisions and sexual communications to partners. A total SA score was obtained by summing the 13 items; scores were then dichotomized so those scoring in the lowest quartile could be compared to the others. Data were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression stratified by age group (244 aged 14-17; 392 aged 18-21; and 268 aged 22-26).Results: 27% of subjects aged 14-17, 22% aged 18-21, and 17% aged 22-26 were identified as having low SA. For 14-17 years olds, logistic regression analyses revealed that those with low SA as compared to adequate SA were significantly more likely to be Mexican American (OR = 4.8) or black (OR = 3.1) than white, to have hand /= 1 (OR = 1.8). Among 22-26 years olds, low SA was associated with gravidity >/= 1 (OR = 2.8), being a high school dropout (OR = 2.1), and inconsistent birth control use in the last 12 months (OR = 1.9).Conclusions: These data suggest that 1 in 4 sexually active women report low SA and for two age groups these attitudes are associated with inconsistent contraception. Among 18-21 years olds, low SA is also associated with forced sexual contact and depressive symptoms. Thus, efforts to prevent unintended pregnancy and unwanted sexual contact may be more effective if individual levels of SA are taken into account.
Muscle Atrophy in Response to Cytotoxic Chemotherapy Is Dependent on Intact Glucocorticoid Signaling in Skeletal Muscle

Cancer cachexia is a syndrome of weight loss that results from the selective depletion of skeletal muscle mass and contributes significantly to cancer morbidity and mortality. The driver of skeletal muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia is systemic inflammation arising from both the cancer and cancer treatment. While the importance of tumor derived inflammation is well described, the mechanism by which cytotoxic chemotherapy contributes to cancer cachexia is relatively unexplored. We found that the administration of chemotherapy to mice produces a rapid inflammatory response. This drives activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which increases the circulating level of corticosterone, the predominant endogenous glucocorticoid in rodents. Additionally, chemotherapy administration results in a significant loss of skeletal muscle mass 18 hours after administration with a concurrent induction of genes involved with the ubiquitin proteasome and autophagy lysosome systems. However, in mice lacking glucocorticoid receptor expression in skeletal muscle, chemotherapy-induced muscle atrophy is completely blocked. This demonstrates that cytotoxic chemotherapy elicits significant muscle atrophy driven by the production of endogenous glucocorticoids. Further, it argues that pharmacotherapy targeting the glucocorticoid receptor, given in concert with chemotherapy, is a viable therapeutic strategy in the treatment of cancer cachexia.
Adolescents Talking about Thinking: Preliminary Findings of a Self-Report Instrument for the Assessment of Cognition and Learning.

The Survey of Teenage Readiness and Neurodevelopmental Status (STRANDS) is a new multidimensional measure designed to obtain a profile of abilities directly reported by the respondent. It is intended for use in clinical settings and schools to assist in the assessment of potential learning problems in high school students ages 15-19 years. It consists of a Questionnaire and Structured Interview, and takes 1 hour to administer. This study provides preliminary findings with respect to reliability and validity of the STRANDS. Subjects included 54 older adolescents who were divided into two groups: Learning Disability (n = 24) and Normal Achieving (n = 30). The two groups did not differ in terms of chronological age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, or Full Scale IQ. The STRANDS Questionnaire and Interview, and a number of benchmark measures were administered. Internal consistency measures for all scales on the STRANDS ranged from.66 to.91. Test-retest reliability of the Interview ranged from.72 to 97. Con...
Variability in platelet procoagulant activity in healthy volunteers.

Blood platelets provide the major surface for thrombin generation. When platelets are activated they expose phosphatidylserine (PS) on their outer membranes, providing the surface on which two procoagulant enzyme complexes, the Xase and prothrombinase complexes, assemble. We hypothesized that there is biological variability in platelet procoagulant activity. To test this hypothesis, we activated isolated platelets from seventeen volunteers, and added plasma concentrations of factors VIII, IXa, and X for the Xase complex assembly, and F.Xa and II for the prothrombinase complex. Xase and prothrombinase activity were assayed using a chromogenic substrate. We found a two- to three-fold variation in Xase and prothrombinase activity, respectively. The distribution of Xase activity in the population was symmetric, while the distribution of prothrombinase activity was positively skewed. The difference in distribution implies that simple expression of procoagulant lipid was not the only determinant of procoagulant activity. Variation in prothrombinase activity was not due to the amount of platelet-released F.V. Neither microparticle production nor F.X binding correlated with Xase or prothrombinase activity. Using fluorescein-conjugated annexin V, we also found no direct correlation between the level of PS exposure and Xase or prothrombinase activity. This indicates that platelets must make other contributions, in addition to PS, to the activity of the Xase and prothrombinase complexes. There is evidence that platelets possess specific receptors for some coagulation proteins, although these receptors have not been isolated. Biological variability in the expression of platelet receptors might explain the differences in Xase and prothrombinase activities in our study.
Levels and trends in under-5 mortality, 1990–2008

As global momentum and investment for accelerating maternal and child survival grows, monitoring of progress at the global and country level has become even more needed. Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG 4) calls for a two-thirds reduction in the mortality rate among children under the age of 5 years between 1990 and 2015. Generating accurate estimates of under-5 mortality poses a considerable challenge because of the limited data available for many developing countries. In response, experts at UNICEF, WHO, the World Bank, the UN Population Division (UNPD), and members of the academic community formed the Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (IGME).1 The IGME aims to source and share data on child mortality, to improve and harmonise estimation methods across partners, and to produce consistent estimates on the levels and trends in child mortality worldwide.
Comparing swarm algorithms for multi-source localization

This paper proposes a common set of validation benchmarks and a reference algorithm that provide ground-truth for comparative analysis of swarming algorithms for multi-source localization. The benchmarks capture the primary first-order attributes of the general problem: source characterization and distribution, initial robot distributions, and dead space. The Biased Random Walk (BRW) reference algorithm represents a simple approach without robot communication. We demonstrate how the benchmarks are used, in combination with sensitivity analysis, to provide insights into the relative performance of algorithms. The reproduced Glowworm Swarm Optimization (GSO) algorithm and a new GSO/BRW hybrid algorithm are evaluated in an attempt to improve upon the baseline BRW performance. Unfortunately, none of the algorithms presented are able to guarantee localization of all sources on all benchmark cases, and their convergence properties differ considerably.
Significance of water/solid ratio and temperature on the physico-mechanical characteristics of hydrating 4CaO.Al2O3.Fe2O3

Tetracalcium alumino-ferrite in paste form, at water/solid (W/S) ratios of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 1.0, and in pressed form at effective water/solid ratios of 0.13 and 0.08 has been hydrated for up to 45 days at temperatures of 23 and 80° C. Some prehydrated samples have also been subjected to autoclave treatment at 216° C. Of all the samples studied, that hydrated at a W/S=0.13 at 80° C indicated the highest ratio of cubic phase to hexagonal phase; that hydrated at a W/S=0.08 at 23° C showed the lowest. Thermograms gave evidence of the formation of hexagonal phases, although X-ray diffraction patterns did not. The specific surface area values depended on the degree of hydration and the nature of the product, autoclaved samples giving the lowest values. During the four days of hydration the specimen hydrated at 80° C expanded more than that hydrated at 23° C, but after that time the rates of expansion were reversed: that of the sample hydrated at 80° C was much lower than that of the sample hydrated at 23° C. Microstructural examination of the material formed at higher temperatures and lower water/solid ratios indicated a closely welded, continuous network of cubic phase. Such a structure yields a product of higher strength than that of a loose structure formed at higher water/solid ratios. A reasonably linear relation was found between porosity and logarithm of microhardness.
Sp1 binds to promoter sequences and activates herpes simplex virus ‘immediate-early’ gene transcription in vitro

During a herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) lytic infection, three classes of viral genes are transcribed in a temporally regulated manner1–5. The HSV-1 ‘immediate-early’ (IE) promoter sequences contain multiple copies of a hexanucleotide sequence, GGGCGG, known as a GC box, and one or more copies of an 11-base pair (bp) conserved A+T-rich element, designated TAATGARAT. The TAATGARAT elements are thought to mediate the trans-activation of IE RNA synthesis by a virion-associated protein(s)6–14, and the flanking G + C-rich sequences appear both to potentiate this induction and to direct IE promoter activity in vivo9–14. The similarity of the herpesvirus GC box repeats to those of the simian virus 40 (SV40) early promoter15–17 prompted the in vitro analysis of HSV IE transcription reported here. We show that the mammalian gene-specific transcription factor Spl (refs 18–20) binds to eight distinct regions of the HSV short terminal repeat and stimulates transcription 25-fold from the divergent IE-3 (ICP-4) and IE-4/5 promoters.
The etiology of high and low cognitive ability during the second half of the life span

Abstract Although there is much evidence of genetic influence on individual differences in cognitive ability, little is known about genetic and environmental contributions to the high and low extremes of intelligence. The etiology of high and low cognitive ability in adulthood was explored by applying the DeFries and Fulker (1985, 1988) multiple regression analysis to data from subjects selected from a sample of 302 twin pairs (M age = 65.6) for scores ± 1 standard deviation on a measure of general cognitive ability in the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA). Estimates of group heritability, the extent to which a mean difference on a quantitative measure between a selected group and the unselected population is heritable, were significant for both high and low ability (h2g=.73 High; h2g=.77 Low); and were similar in magnitude to the heritability of individual differences in the full sample. However, the estimate of group heritability for low ability was constrained using a nonadditive genetic model. These results replicated in an analysis of follow-up test scores obtained 3 years later. Thus, the etiology of high and low ability may be the same as the etiology in the normal range for this Swedish sample of adult twins.
Correcting for the effects of natural abundance in stable isotope resolved metabolomics experiments involving ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry

Stable isotope tracing with ultra-high resolution Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance-mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) can provide simultaneous determination of hundreds to thousands of metabolite isotopologue species without the need for chromatographic separation. Therefore, this experimental metabolomics methodology may allow the tracing of metabolic pathways starting from stable-isotope-enriched precursors, which can improve our mechanistic understanding of cellular metabolism. However, contributions to the observed intensities arising from the stable isotope's natural abundance must be subtracted (deisotoped) from the raw isotopologue peaks before interpretation. Previously posed deisotoping problems are sidestepped due to the isotopic resolution and identification of individual isotopologue peaks. This peak resolution and identification come from the very high mass resolution and accuracy of FT-ICR-MS and present an analytically solvable deisotoping problem, even in the context of stable-isotope enrichment. We present both a computationally feasible analytical solution and an algorithm to this newly posed deisotoping problem, which both work with any amount of 13C or 15N stable-isotope enrichment. We demonstrate this algorithm and correct for the effects of 13C natural abundance on a set of raw isotopologue intensities for a specific phosphatidylcholine lipid metabolite derived from a 13C-tracing experiment. Correction for the effects of 13C natural abundance on a set of raw isotopologue intensities is computationally feasible when the raw isotopologues are isotopically resolved and identified. Such correction makes qualitative interpretation of stable isotope tracing easier and is required before attempting a more rigorous quantitative interpretation of the isotopologue data. The presented implementation is very robust with increasing metabolite size. Error analysis of the algorithm will be straightforward due to low relative error from the implementation itself. Furthermore, the algorithm may serve as an independent quality control measure for a set of observed isotopologue intensities.
Average Diurnal Behavior of Surface Winds during Summer at Sites in Complex Terrain

Mean diurnal wind distributions from five surface stations in the rugged Geysers area of northern California were examined to determine how they were affected by the terrain. The one-dimensional slop-flow model of Garrett was abel to simulate the average diurnal wind distribution at the station with the simplest slope geometry and using only routine weather observations as input. Wind direction frequency distributions at the other four stations clearly could not be explained by a simple daytime upslope and nighttime downslope wind distribution. Winds blew perpendicular to canyon axes (simple katabatic and daytime upslope flow) or parallel to canyon axes (organized drainage and upvalley winds), depending on station location. Winds always blew upslope during the day, but at two stations the wind blen some night and downslope on the others. The upslope flow at night may have been caused by prevailing winds in one case, and by drainage winds flowing off an opposing slope and across the intervening riverbed in the other.
Floridi's ontological theory of informational privacy: Some implications and challenges

This essay critically analyzes Luciano Floridi's ontological theory of informational privacy. Organized into two main parts, Part I examines some key foundational components of Floridi's privacy theory and it considers some of the ways in which his framework purports to be superior to alternative theories of informational privacy. Part II poses two specific challenges for Floridi's theory of informational privacy, arguing that an adequate privacy theory should be able to: (i) differentiate informational privacy from other kinds of privacy, including psychological privacy; and (ii) distinguish between descriptive and normative aspects of informational privacy in a way that differentiates a (mere) loss of privacy from a violation of privacy. I argue that Floridi's privacy theory, in its present form, does not explicitly address either challenge. However, I also argue that his ontological theory provides us with a novel way of analyzing the impact that digital technologies have had for informational privacy. I conclude by suggesting that Floridi's privacy framework can be interpreted as containing the elements of a "personality theory of privacy," which would be useful to examine in a separate study.
Determination of Solubility of a Metastable Polymorph

A method based on dissolution rate measurement was developed to obtain solubility data for rapidly reverting solid states. Experimental tests of the method showed it to be valid. Solubility and thermodynamic data for sulfathiazole II and I in 95 per cent alcohol were obtained. Other applications of the method are discussed.