cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Load Redistribution Attack Detection using Machine Learning: A Data-Driven Approach

Three detection techniques are presented against a wide class of cyber-attacks that maliciously redistribute loads by modifying measurements. The detectors use different anomaly detection algorithms based on machine learning techniques: nearest neighbor method, support vector machines, and replicator neural networks. The detectors are tested using a data-driven approach on a realistic dataset comprised of real historical load data in the form of publicly available PJM zonal data mapped to the IEEE 30-bus system. The results show all three detectors to be very accurate, with the nearest neighbor algorithm being the most computational efficient.
Replicating a below-band linear field in a refracting sound channel via a caustic-corrected autoproduct

Frequency difference source localization methods have achieved some success in uncertain underwater environments by taking advantage of the frequency difference autoproduct—a quadratic product of two complex field amplitudes at different frequencies but from the same location and recorded signal. The phase of the frequency difference autoproduct is less sensitive to unknown propagation complexities than that of the in-band field from which it is derived. The noted localization success arises in some technologically relevant scenarios when the frequency difference autoproduct at least partially mimics a genuine acoustic field at the difference of the two frequencies. However, the nonlinearity inherent in the autoproduct can lead to salient and even counter-intuitive differences between it and a genuine below-band field in the same environment. This presentation explores methods for correcting the phase differences that arise between autoproducts and genuine fields in refracting multipath environments that lead to the formation of caustics. This presentation illustrates the effectiveness of utilizing these methods to localize sources using propagation simulations in a refracting environment, and 200 to 300 Hz PhilSea10 propagation data (Worcester et al., 2013) collected in a deep-ocean sound channel at source-array ranges of hundreds of kilometers. [Work supported by ONR.]
From pixels to protest: Using the Internet to confront bias at the societal level

Abstract The Internet has become a powerful platform for social mobilization. In this chapter, we discuss online activism as a method of confronting bias and prejudice (with a focus on sexism) by reviewing some recent real-world examples and scholarship of online activism. Then, we describe how psychological factors can limit the potential success of online activism, such as how bias on the Internet itself may act as a barrier that prevents people from engaging in online activism in the first place, “slacktivism” as a threat to a movement’s long-term success by allowing people to engage in small forms of online activism but disengage from further action, and the pressure to conform to egalitarian norms as a limitation of the strength and authenticity of a movement. Finally, we offer some practical suggestions on how to overcome these limitations.
The Msp Protein of Treponema denticola Interrupts Activity of Phosphoinositide Processing in Neutrophils

Periodontal disease is a significant health burden, causing tooth loss and poor oral and overall systemic health. Dysbiosis of the oral biofilm and a dysfunctional immune response drive chronic inflammation, causing destruction of soft tissue and alveolar bone supporting the teeth. Treponema denticola, a spirochete abundant in the plaque biofilm of patients with severe periodontal disease, perturbs neutrophil function by modulating appropriate phosphoinositide (PIP) signaling. Through a series of immunoblotting and quantitative PCR (qPCR) experiments, we show that Msp does not alter the gene transcription or protein content of key enzymes responsible for PIP3 signaling: 3' phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), or 5' Src homology 2 domain-containing inositol phosphatase 1 (SHIP1). Instead, using immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), we found that Msp activates PTEN through dephosphorylation specifically at the S380 site. Msp in intact organisms or outer membrane vesicles also restricts PIP signaling. SHIP1 phosphatase release was assessed using chemical inhibition and immunoprecipitation to show that Msp moderately decreases SHIP1 activity. Msp also prevents secondary activation of the PTEN/PI3K response. We speculate that this result is due to the redirection of the PIP3 substrate away from SHIP1 to PTEN. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed a redistribution of PTEN from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane following exposure to Msp, which may contribute to PTEN activation. Mechanisms of how T. denticola modulates and evades the host immune response are still poorly described, and here we provide further mechanistic evidence of how spirochetes modify PIP signaling to dampen neutrophil function. Understanding how oral bacteria evade the immune response to perpetuate the cycle of inflammation and infection is critical for combating periodontal disease to improve overall health outcomes.
Anhydrosugars as tracers in the Earth system

Wild and prescribed fires are important sources of a broad suite of organic compounds collectively termed pyrogenic carbon (PyC). Most PyC compounds have additional sources beyond fire, adding uncertainty to their use as tracers. However, members of the anhydrosugar family of isomeric compounds—levoglucosan, galactosan and mannosan—are generated exclusively by the pyrolysis and combustion of cellulose and hemicellulose. Although anhydrosugars are some of the only unique organic markers for fire, they have not yet seen wide use as tracers in terrestrial or marine research because our understanding of their biogeochemistry and transport through the Earth system is poorly constrained. Anhydrosugars are chemically reactive in all phases (gaseous, aqueous and particulate), molecularly diffusive in semisolid matter, semivolatile, water-soluble, and biodegradable. Their chemical composition also suggests that they sorb to soil mineral surfaces. Together, these characteristics mean that anhydrosugars are not conservative tracers. While these traits have historically been perceived as drawbacks, here we argue that these characteristics present opportunities for new research avenues, including tracking organic matter transport and degradation in multiple environments. We review evidence for anhydrosugar production, degradation and detection in various environments, and use this information to propose new research on PyC and organic matter in the Earth system.
Juvenile reef fish growth and survival related to subregional patterns of primary production

For coral reef organisms with bipartite lifecycles, the ontogenetic shift from the pelagic larval stage to the benthic environment is often associated with high mortality that may be influenced by the local environment as well as individual traits that alter vulnerability to predation. Habitat variability such as food availability and competition for resources can influence traits such as growth and size, ultimately affecting mortality rates as well as the strength or direction of trait-mediated mortality. In this study, we examined subregional patterns of early life-history traits (ELHTs) of a model coral reef fish (bicolor damselfish: Stegastes partitus) in environmentally and oceanographically distinct regions of the Florida Keys, USA: the relatively more productive lower Keys (LK) and the more oligotrophic upper Keys (UK). Fish arrived to reef habitats with similar larval ELHTs (larval growth, pelagic larval duration, settlement size) but experienced higher mortality in the LK. Despite variability in mortality rates, patterns of selective mortality were similar between the UK and LK. For juvenile fish, growth during the first 4 days post-settlement was significantly faster in the LK compared to the UK, potentially linked to higher productivity and food availability. Results of this study indicate that environmental variability in settlement habitat at subregional spatial scales can affect post-settlement growth and survival of young fish soon after they transition to the demersal juvenile stage in coral reef environments.
How’s the Water?

Around graduation for the past decade or so, I reread David Foster Wallace’s Kenyon commencement speech from 2005. It begins with a quick story: “There are these two young fish swimming along, and ...
Comparing Relative Value Units among Shoulder Arthroplasty, Hemiarthroplasty, and ORIF for Proximal Humerus Fractures in the Elderly: Which is Most Worth Your Time?

Background: Relative value units (RVUs) are assigned to Current Procedural Technology (CPT) codes and giverelative economic values to the services physicians provide. This study compared the RVU reimbursements for thesurgical options of proximal humerus fractures in the elderly, which include arthroplasty (reverse [RSA] and total [TSA]),hemiarthroplasty (HA), and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).Methods: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, a total of 1,437 patients of at least 65 yearsof age with proximal humerus fractures between 2008 and 2016 were identified. Of those, 259 underwent RSA/TSA(CPT code 23472), 418 underwent HA (CPT codes 23470 and 23616), and 760 underwent ORIF (CPT code 23615).Univariate analysis compared RVU per minute, reimbursement rate, and the average annual revenue across cohortsbased on respective operative times.Results: RSA/TSA generated a mean RVU per minute of 0.197 (SD 0.078; 95%CI [0.188, 0.207]), which wassignificantly greater than the mean RVU per minute for 23470 HA (0.156; SD 0.057; 95%CI [0.148, 0.163]), 23616 HA(0.166; SD 0.065; 95%CI [0.005, 0.156]), and ORIF (0.135; SD 0.048; 95%CI [0.132, 0.138]; p <0.001). This convertedto respective reimbursement rates of $6.97/min (SD 2.78; 95%CI [6.63, 7.31]), $5.48/min (SD 2.05; 95%CI [5.22,5.74]), $5.83/min (SD 2.28; 95%CI [5.49, 6.16]) and $4.74/min (SD 1.69; 95%CI [4.62, 4.87]). After extrapolation,respective average annual revenues were $580,386, $456,633, $475,077, and $395,608.Conclusion: RSA/TSA provides significantly greater reimbursement rates compared to HA and ORIF. Orthopaedicsurgeons can use this information to optimize daily procedural cost-effectiveness in their practices.Level of evidence: III
Controllability and fraction of leaders in infinite networks

In this paper, we study controllability of a network of linear single-integrator agents when the network size goes to infinity. We first investigate the effect of increasing size by injecting an input at every node and requiring that network controllability Gramian remain well-conditioned with the increasing dimension. We provide theoretical justification to the intuition that high degree nodes pose a challenge to network controllability. In particular, the controllability Gramian for the networks with bounded maximum degrees is shown to remain well-conditioned even as the network size goes to infinity. In the canonical cases of star, chain and ring networks, we also provide closed-form expressions which bound the condition number of the controllability Gramian in terms of the network size. We next consider the effect of the choice and number of leader nodes by actuating only a subset of nodes and considering the least eigenvalue of the Gramian as the network size increases. Accordingly, while a directed star topology can never be made controllable for all sizes by injecting an input just at a fraction f < 1 of nodes; for path or cycle networks, the designer can actuate a non-zero fraction of nodes and spread them throughout the network in such way that the least eigenvalue of the Gramians remain bounded away from zero with the increasing size. The results offer interesting insights on the challenges of control in large networks and with high-degree nodes.
Geriatric skiers: active but still at risk, a National Trauma Data Bank study.

Abstract Background Downhill skiing accounts for a large portion of geriatric sport-related trauma. We assessed the national burden of geriatric versus nongeriatric ski trauma. Materials and methods Adults presenting to level 1/2 trauma centers after ski-associated injuries from 2011 to 2015 were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank by ICD-9 code. We compared demographics, injury patterns, and outcomes between geriatric (age ≥65 y) and nongeriatric adult skiers (age 18-64 y). A multiple regression analysis assessed for risk factors associated with severe injury (Injury Severity Score >15). Results We identified 3255 adult ski trauma patients, and 16.7% (543) were geriatric. Mean ages for nongeriatric versus geriatric skiers were 40.8 and 72.1 y, respectively. Geriatric skiers more often suffered head (36.7 versus 24.3%, P 3, 49.0 versus 31.5%, P Conclusions At level 1/2 trauma centers, geriatric age in ski trauma victims was associated with unique injury patterns, higher acuity, increased rates of facility care at discharge, and higher mortality as compared with nongeriatric skiers. Our findings indicate the need for specialized care after high impact geriatric ski trauma.
Moving toward a new era of telepsychology in university training clinics: Considerations and curricula recommendations

Many university training clinics are facing numerous challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic including a need to transition from a traditional in-person modality of psychotherapy services to telepsychology As student leaders of an American university training clinic, we briefly address the pandemic and rise of telepsychology, and then present five practical suggestions and five core curricula recommendations to aid clinics in adapting to meet the educational needs of trainees using telepsychology during this unprecedented time We conclude by offering structure and content suggestions for a four-session intensive workshop to provide trainees and supervisors alike with a telepsychology "primer" prior to providing services In particular, we suggest training clinics adopt telepsychology best practice guidelines rather than adopt the mindset of implementing a temporary solution for providing services during the pandemic Through this mindset, student psychotherapists are given an enriching training opportunity and clinics will be better postured to iteratively improve and tailor telepsychology services to meet the needs of the populations they serve (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Public Significance Statement-In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, university training clinics have been faced with the task of rapidly transitioning from an in-person model to telepsychology This manuscript offers student-perspective guidance and practical suggestions to help training clinics adapt to meet the evolving training needs of doctoral students and increase trainee and supervisory competence in the provision of telepsychology during this unprecedented time (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
The Offense-Specific Nature of Gender and Familial Responsibility in United States Federal Sentencing, 2010–2016:

Prior sentencing research has identified leniency afforded to females (compared with males) and those with familial responsibility (compared with those without). Studies have also found that the ef...
Racial disparities in the use of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation and flutter

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia seen in clinical practice. Catheter ablation is an expensive but potentially curable treatment of AF. We explored differences in the use of catheter ablation for AF in the state of Florida and compared the findings to ablation for atrial flutter. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of all ambulatory and hospital discharge procedures between 2006 and 2009 in Florida. We identified all subjects with AF and atrial flutter, using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes along with the race/ethnicity of each individual. We used logistic regression to determine the odds ratio (OR) of having a catheter ablation per disease by race and ethnicity adjusted for Charlson score, insurance status, year of the procedure, and facility location. Results We identified 923 590 subjects with AF and 28 714 with atrial flutter. Catheter ablations were more commonly used in atrial flutter than in AF. The adjusted OR of having catheter ablation for AF for blacks was 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60-0.75, P < 0.01), and for Hispanics it was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75-0.91, P < 0.01) when compared to whites. The adjusted OR of having an ablation for atrial flutter for blacks was 1.08 (95% CI: 0.96-1.21, P = 0.16), and for Hispanics it was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.78-1.08, P = 0.20) when compared to whites. Conclusions In the state of Florida, black and Hispanic subjects with AF received less catheter ablations, whereas the same minority subjects with atrial flutter received a similar number of ablations compared to white subjects, with the same insurance and comorbidity burden.
Communication of suicidal intent and suicide in unipolar depression: A forty year follow-up

Abstract Two hundred and 25 unipolar depressives hospitalized during the 1930's were classified on the basis of documented communication of suicidal intent. A long term follow-up revealed 15 of the former patients had died by suicide. Communicated suicidal intent was documented in the index hospital record of all 15. The presence of communicated intent may distinguish a group of unipolar depressives at risk for suicide from those not at risk.
Formation and Maintenance of a Functional Glomerulus

The renal glomerulus is an elegant structure that serves as an exquisitely selective plasma filtration unit. The glomerulus has been conserved throughout evolution and has a basic cellular organization common in the primitive kidneys of fishes and amphibious vertebrates to the more advanced kidneys of birds, reptiles, and mammals. The normal development and integrity of the glomerulus are essential for the efficient removal of metabolic wastes without inadvertent loss of vital plasma components such as proteins and blood cells into urine. Intensive research over the years has uncovered the interplay between the different cells that comprise the glomerulus, and the genes that help shape and maintain glomerular integrity. We summarize here our current understanding of glomerular development and function, and recent findings providing insights into the etiology of renal disease resulting from glomerular maldevelopment and dysfunction.
Noradrenergic Modulation of Light-Driven Egr-1 Expression in the Adult Visual Cortex

Noradrenaline has been shown to modulate sensory driven responses in the primary visual cortex (V1) of a number of vertebrate species. Moreover, this neurotransmitter has been postulated to bridge neuronal activation to genomic responses in order to instruct cells in long-lasting changes in neuronal performance. Here we show that local noradrenergic receptor activation in V1 is required for experience-regulated gene expression in the mouse V1. More specifically, we demonstrate that noradrenaline used locally within V1 mediates the light-driven gene expression of egr-1, an immediate early gene implicated as a mediator of neuronal plasticity. Visually-driven egr-1 expression largely depends on the α-adrenergic receptor subtype, with a lesser involvement of the s-subtype. Our findings suggest that noradrenergic transmission regulates plasticity associated gene expression in V1 of awake mice and is well positioned to broadly integrate experience-dependent changes at the cell’s membrane and the genomic machinery in neurons.
Comparison of in situ and ex situ bioconjugation of Au nanoparticles generated by laser ablation

Abstract Au nanoparticles were generated by laser ablation in PBS buffer and conjugated to immunoglobulin E (IgE) during ablation ( in situ ) and after ablation ( ex situ ). Exposure for 5 min to 532 nm pulses with a duration of 150 ps, an energy of 8 mJ and a repetition rate of 10 Hz yielded nanoparticles with a mean diameter of about 4 nm for in situ conjugation and of about 5 nm for ex situ conjugation. ELISA analysis showed that the conjugation efficiency was comparable for in situ and ex situ fabrication. ELISA for cytokine (IL-6) production by IgE-activated mast cells showed that the Au–IgE conjugates induced a response which coincided within error for conjugates prepared in situ and ex situ.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta Collagen-Like Peptides: Self-Assembly and Mineralization on Surfaces

Collagens constitute a large family of extracellar matrix proteins in humans and mammals that provide a structural framework for tissues. A number of hereditary connective tissue diseases are associated with mutations in collagens, including Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Collagen-like peptides were synthesized with alterations in primary sequence to represent native and mutation states related to this disease. The peptides were self-assembled in solution and on surfaces to investigate the influence of sequence chemistry on self-organization and, subsequently, how changes in structural organization impact templating for hydroxyapatite (HA) crystallization. Bulkier and more hydrophilic amino acid side chains in the peptide sequence, representing increasing severity of the disease state, resulted in a progressive disruption of the triple helix and supramolecular assembly. These changes also resulted in alterations in the nature of the mineralization pattern and composition of the calcium phosphate deposited on assembled templates.
The effect of malathion, diazinon, and various concentrations of zinc, copper, nickel, lead, iron, and mercury on fish.

Acute and chronic toxicity tests for malathion, diazinon, copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe) were conducted. Mortalities ofBarilius vagra andCyprinus carpio (common carp) were variable but LC50-96 hr were similar for pesticides. AdultB. vagra seem to be more sensitive to malathion than juvenile carp. Both juvenile carp and adultB. vagra were extremely sensitive to diazinon. Long-term exposure to pesticides modified morphology and behavior. The LC50-96 values for Cu, Hg, and Pb were 0.3, 0.16, and 0.44, respectively, for smaller fish and 1.0, 0.77, and 1.33, respectively, for larger fish. Replicate LC50 values for Zn, Ni, and Fe were somewhat variable, and for these metals, the size of the fish seemed to affect response because LC50 values increased as fish size increased. Cooper, Pb, Zn, and Fe residues following exposure to sublethal concentrations of these metals for 15 d were significantly greater in whole juvenile common carp than in controls.
Empirical Knowledge, Scientific Authority, and Native Development: The Controversy over Sugar/Rice Ecology in the Netherlands East Indies, 1905-1914

This essay explores the political value of empirical, scientific knowledge of place in the Netherlands East Indies. Critics of the European sugar industry claimed that sugar depleted the soil and stunted subsequent rice crops. The ensuing con troversy reached a stalemate when both sugar scientists and their critics were accused of selectively choosing evidence according to political bias. Scientists in the Department of Agriculture resolved the dispute and fought accusations of bias by drawing on their empirical knowledge of agricultural conditions across Java, using place-based knowledge to construct their credibility and exclusive authority to speak for agricultural matters in the colony.
Use by gynecologists of a modified sensate focus technique to treat vaginismus causing infertility

Of 5,341 infertile couples seen over an 8-year period, 76 (1.4%) had primary vaginismus, of whom 63 were treated with the use of a simplified sensate focus technique. There was complete symptomatic resolution of vaginismus in 60 women, and pregnancy was achieved in 33.
“Really Existing Socialism” and the Archival Revolution

It is often said that the “archival revolution” of the last twenty years—the publication of Soviet party, governmental, and secret police archives both in Russia and the West—has fundamentally transformed our understanding of what the Soviets used to call “really existing socialism.” The volumes in the Yale University Press “Annals of Communism” series (twenty-seven in all) give ample support to this thesis. That series includes indispensable volumes of Lenin’s secret writings, along with the key documentation surrounding the Katyn Forest massacre of 1940 (in which over 20,000 Polish nationals were murdered on the order of Stalin and the Soviet politburo), the Great Terror, which refers to Stalin’s purge trials of the 1930s, and the war against the independent peasantry, which includes the collectivization and forced famines of the early 1930s. Acad. Quest. (2012) 25:308–313 DOI 10.1007/s12129-012-9288-5
The Dark Matter Distribution in the Central Regions of Galaxy Clusters: Implications for Cold Dark Matter

We have undertaken a spectroscopic survey of gravitational arcs in a carefully chosen sample of six clusters, each containing a dominant brightest cluster galaxy. We use these systems to study the relative distributions of dark and baryonic material in the central regions. Three clusters present both radial and tangential arcs and provide particularly strong constraints on the mass profiles, whereas the other three display only tangential arcs and act as a control set. Following Sand, Treu, & Ellis, we analyze stellar velocity dispersion data for the brightest cluster galaxies in conjunction with the arc redshifts and lens models to constrain the dark and baryonic mass profiles jointly. For the systems containing radial arcs we find that the inner dark matter density profile is consistent with a three-dimensional distribution, ρDM ∝ r-β, with logarithmic slope β = 0.52 (68% CL). Similarly, we find that the tangential arc sample gives an upper limit, β < 0.57 (99% CL). Taking the six clusters together, the mean dark matter distribution is inconsistent with the standard NFW value, β = 1.0, at greater than 99% confidence. In addition, we find considerable cosmic scatter in the β (Δβ ~ 0.3) values of the radial arc sample. We find no evidence that systems with radial arcs preferentially yield flatter dark matter profiles as might be expected if they were a biased subset. We discuss the validity of our one-dimensional mass reconstruction method and verify its conclusions by comparing with results of a more rigorous ray-tracing code that does not assume axial symmetry. Our results extend and considerably strengthen the earlier conclusions presented by Sand and coworkers and suggest that the relationship between dark and visible matter in the cores of clusters is much more complex than anticipated from recent simulations.
Distributed Wireless Sensors on the Human Body

Advances in technology have led to development of various sensing, computing and communication devices that can be woven into the physical environment of our daily lives. Such systems enable on-body and mobile health-care monitoring, can integrate information from different sources, and can initiate actions or trigger alarms when needed. In this talk, we describe a collaborative signal processing scheme for physical movement monitoring with motion sensors. The signal processing consists of preprocessing, feature extraction and classification. We define a measure on feature "significance" as well as features' correlations. We characterize a graph model for collaborative signal processing based on the aforementioned measures, and illustrate how this model can be utilized to efficiently synthesize computation and communication for highly resource constrained wearable and mobile systems. We are examining the optimal positioning of sensors on the body for given physical activities, and focus on the segmentation and classification problem of the analysis of the continuous measurements of the observations obtained from the sensors. We have experimental data from different age subjects and show the individual differences amongst subjects.
The hydrolysis of bromodifluoromethyltriphenylphosphonium bromide [1]

Abstract Hydrolysis of [Ph3 P + CF2Br]Br− afforded a high yield of bromodifluoromethane and triphenylphosphine oxide. Hydrolysis in the presence of a radioactive isotope of bromine or sodium iodide gave unequivocal evidence that the mechanism for this reaction proceeds through a difluorocarbene intermediate.
Salvage chemotherapy for lymphoma with VP-16, ifosfamide, and cisplatin.

Between 1983 and 1985, we conducted a phase II clinical trial using VP-16, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (VIP) in patients with refractory lymphoma. Twenty-eight patients with bidimensional measurable disease were treated with VP-16 (75 mg/m2), ifosfamide (1.2 g/m2), and cisplatin (20 mg/m2) as daily intravenous infusions for 5 consecutive days. N-Acetyl-cystein, 2 g orally every 6 h, was given as a uroepithelial protective agent. All patients had received extensive combination chemotherapy prior to beginning VIP (median number of regimens = 2). Of the 25 patients evaluable for response, 2 patients achieved complete remission and 7 achieved partial remission for an overall objective response rate of 36%. The length of responses ranged from 2 months to 13 months. The predominant toxicity of VIP was myelosuppression. Of 23 patients receiving more than one course of VIP, 17 (73%) had dose reductions or delays related to poor hematologic tolerance of therapy. Uroepithelial and renal toxicity were mild. VIP demonstrates therapeutic activity in refractory lymphoma and appears comparable to other ifosfamide/VP-16 based salvage regimens.
Systematic identification of DNA variants associated with ultraviolet radiation using a novel Geographic-Wide Association Study (GeoWAS)

Long-term environmental variables are widely understood to play important roles in DNA variation. Previously, clinical studies examining the impacts of these variables on the human genome were localized to a single country, and used preselected DNA variants. Furthermore, clinical studies or surveys are either not available or difficult to carry out for developing countries. A systematic approach utilizing bioinformatics to identify associations among environmental variables, genetic variation, and diseases across various geographical locations is needed but has been lacking. Using a novel Geographic-Wide Association Study (GeoWAS) methodology, we identified Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP) with population allele frequencies associated with geographical ultraviolet radiation exposure, and then assessed the diseases known to be assigned with these SNPs. 2,857 radiation SNPs were identified from over 650,000 SNPs in 52 indigenous populations across the world. Using a quantitative disease-SNP database curated from 5,065 human genetic papers, we identified disease associations with those radiation SNPs. The correlation of the rs16891982 SNP in the SLC45A2 gene with melanoma was used as a case study for analysis of disease risk, and the results were consistent with the incidence and mortality rates of melanoma in published scientific literature. Finally, by analyzing the ontology of genes in which the radiation SNPs were significantly enriched, potential associations between SNPs and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease were hypothesized. A systematic approach using GeoWAS has enabled us to identify DNA variation associated with ultraviolet radiation and their connections to diseases such as skin cancers. Our analyses have led to a better understating at the genetic level of why certain diseases are more predominant in specific geographical locations, due to the interactions between environmental variables such as ultraviolet radiation and the population types in those regions. The hypotheses proposed in GeoWAS can lead to future testing and interdisciplinary research.
300-W cryogenically cooled Yb:YAG laser

Thermooptic effects often limit the power and beam quality of bulk-solid-state lasers. Cryogenically cooled (/spl sim/100 K) Yb:YAG lasers have been previously demonstrated to have relatively low thermooptic effects and high efficiency due to improved material properties at low temperatures. In this work, >300-W average power with M/sup 2//spl sim/1.2 and 64% optical-optical efficiency has been demonstrated from an end-pumped-rod geometry power oscillator. To our knowledge, this is the highest average power to date from a cryogenically cooled Yb:YAG laser.
A method of assessing solid state reactivity illustrated by thermal decomposition experiments on sodium bicarbonate

Abstract The thermal decomposition of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) was studied under different atmospheres (dry nitrogen, air, and carbon dioxide), with various heating rates in order to characterize the substance. Various non-isothermal methods of kinetic analysis were employed in estimating the Arrhenius kinetic parameters, the activation energy and the frequency factor. All show that the most probable reaction mechanism under dry nitrogen and air is the first-order deceleratory mechanism, whereas under carbon dioxide it is the Avrami-Erofeev equation, with n = 1.5. Thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetric analysis (TGA and DTG) were employed for comparing the solid state reactivity of different samples of sodium bicarbonate. The reaction parameters, the extent of the reaction (α) and the reaction temperature were used in comparing the reactivities of various samples of sodium bicarbonate differing in particle size and surface area produced by grinding the substance in a ball mill. A method was utilized, termed here the αsample—αreference (αs—αr) method, by which the solid state reactivity of these samples could be compared with that of a reference. The terms αs, αr refer to the extent of reaction (here the extent of decomposition) at the same temperature for the sample (s) and reference (r).
Simultaneous measurement of temperature and strain using fiber Bragg gratings and Brillouin scattering

We report on the simultaneous measurement of temperature and strain in a single optical fiber. The measurements were made using a combination of a fiber Bragg grating element and a Brillouin scattering interrogation system, operating in different optical wavelength regimes, to determine the two parameters. The system has the potential to provide quasi- distributed determination of strain and temperature along g fiber.
ACCULTURATION AMONG THE GULLAH NEGROES

ACCULTURATION AMONG THE GULLAH NEGROES* By WILLIAM R. BASCOM analysis of European customs in T HE New World the accommodation of African and problem in the United the presents a particularly difficult States because the processes of acculturation have gone much farther here than in other regions. In dealing with the Negro cultures in South America and the West Indies, the African traits that have been retained are specific enough and numerous enough to make possible the identification of the tribes whose cultures have been involved. But even among the Gullah in the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia,1 where the Negroes have been as isolated as anywhere in the United States, resemblances to specific African tribes are very rare. For the most part the similarities are to those elements which are common to West Africa as a whole-to the common denominators of West African culture--and not to those aspects of culture which are distinctive of the tribes within that area. It is therefore extremely difficult to determine what particular West African cultures have contrib­ uted to the present situation. It is now recognized that the differences in the general pattern of the cultures of Africa and Europe were not great; in fact their fundamental similarity justifies the concept of an Old World Area which includes both Europe and Africa. There were a number of institutions common to both regions, including a complex economic system based on money, markets, and middle-men, as well as a large number of crafts among which iron-working was important; a well developed system of government based on kings, and courts of law in which cases were tried by specialists (lawyers) and in which ordeals were employed to decide certain cases; a religious system with a complex hierarchy of priests and deities; a common stock of folklore and a common emphasis on moralizing elements and proverbs. Aside from writing, the wheel, the plow, and Christianity, most of the distinctive traits of Western civilization seem to have followed the industrial revolution. This similarity between the fundamental patterns of Europe and Africa has further complicated the problem of assessing the relative influences of these areas in the culture of the Gullahs. Since most African traits of a specific nature have disappeared, what is to be found is, for the most part, a series of institutions which differ from the European forms only in their • Read before the Central Section, American Anthropological Association, Indianapolis, April 26, 1940. 1 Field work in Georgia and South Carolina during the summer of 1939 was made possible by a grant-in-aid from the Social Science Research Council of Northwestern University.
Survey of modelling techniques used in optimisation of power electronic components

Design optimisation techniques for power electronic converters have been the subject of numerous research studies for the past 15 years. Accurate modelling is the most important task in the optimisation, and, because the nature of optimisation problem demands evaluating an objective function numerous times, fast and simplified modelling techniques are required. The objective of this study is to categorise and analyse the previous studies related to modelling techniques incorporated in design optimisation of power electronic converters. Common trends in modelling and optimisation of power electronic converters are analysed and suggestions for future research in this field will be presented.
Workforce 2000 demographic changes and their impacts

The U. S. workforce is becoming highly diverse. Human resource practices of the past will not be effective in managing tomorrow's heterogeneous labor force. Managing a diverse workforce is the key to future success, therefore identifying and learning the trends shaping the future of human resource is one of the most demanding tasks of managers. The purpose of this study is to examine the demographic bhanges occurring and that will continue to occur in the future. Changes such as the decrease in the size of the population and workforce, increase in the average age of the population and workforce, increase in the number of women, minorities, immigrants and contingent workers in the workforce are examined and their impacts on the society and industry are discussed.
A closed-string (or ring) soliton configuration with non-zero Hopf number

Abstract A static closed-string (or ring) soliton configuration is proposed in the O(3) non-linear sigma model in the (3 + 1)-dimensional world. The soliton has a non-zero integral Hopf number and its stability is guaranteed by non-trivial topology. Such topological solitons may appear in either particle physics or condensed matter systems.
Connection between flavor-mixing of cosmologically significant neutrinos and heavy element nucleosynthesis in supernovae.

We use heavy element nucleosynthesis from supernovae to probe the mixing of [nu][sub [ital e]] with [nu][sub [tau]] (or [nu][sub [mu]]) possessing cosmologically significant masses (1 to 100 eV). We conclude that the [nu][sub [tau]]([nu][sub [mu]])-[nu][sub [ital e]] vacuum mixing angle must satisfy sin[sup 2]2[theta][lt]10[sup [minus]5], in order to ensure that [ital r]-process heavy elements can be produced in neutrino-heated supernova ejecta. Mixing at a level exceeding this limit precludes [ital r]-process nucleosynthesis in this site.
Effect of venous strangulation obstruction on length of equine jejunum and relevance to small-intestinal resection.

— To determine if venous strangulation obstruction (VSO) of the distal half of the equine small intestine would increase length of that segment. Study Design— Halothane-anesthetized horses were assigned randomly to 3 groups of 5 horses: Group 1 (controls)—the entire small intestine was measured and rubber-shod clamps were applied to mark each end of the most distal 50% of the small intestine; Group 2—same procedure, except that VSO was induced in the distal 50% of the small intestine for 180 minutes; and Group 3—same initial procedure, except that VSO was induced for 90 minutes and followed by reperfusion for 90 minutes. Animals or Sample Population— Fifteen horses. Methods— The proximal and distal halves of the small intestine were measured before and at 180 minutes after clamps and ligatures were applied. At the end of the study, biopsies were taken to assess mucosal epithelial damage by light microscopy, and horses were euthanatized while under general anesthesia. Results— Intestine subjected to VSO and VSO and reperfusion had marked hemorrhagic changes and thickening in the intestinal wall. Both groups had incurred a grade 2.8 of 5 mucosal injury by 180 minutes. Total length of small intestine and length of the distal 50% did not change in the control group, but intestine subjected to VSO only and VSO and reperfusion had increased in length by 29% (P < .05) and 36% (P < .05), respectively. Conclusions— Small intestine of horses subjected to VSO can increase in length, and this change could cause an overestimate of the amount of intestine involved in an extensive strangulating lesion. Clinical Relevance— An overestimate of the amount of intestine involved in an extensive strangulating lesion could lead to an overly pessimistic assessment of a horse's risk for postresection malabsorption and maldigestion. Therefore, estimates of the proportion of small intestine that is strangulated should be corrected for this potential error and the risk of malabsorption determined accordingly.
Microstructure formation during BiMn/Bi eutectic growth with applied alternating electric fields

The thermal and fluid effects caused by applied alternating electric fields during BiMn/Bi eutectic directional solidification is analyzed. The computational model for numerical analysis includes detailed analysis of the electrical and magnetic fields caused by the alternating current (AC) which results in an oscillating freezing rate pattern. This is presented, as well as the corresponding eutectic microstructure spacing. In this paper, numerical results demonstrated that in addition to process parameters, microstructure formation depends on the frequency of the applied AC, and it changes spontaneously as the alternating electric field is applied.
Tyrosine Hydroxylase from Bovine Striatum: Catalytic Properties of the Phosphorylated and Nonphosphorylated Forms of the Purified Enzyme

The properties of purified tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) from bovine corpus striatum, both native and phosphorylated forms of the enzyme, were studied. TH had a tendency toward greater affinity for tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) than for the synthetic cofactor 6-methyltetrahydropterin (6-MPH4), although the maximal velocity of the TH-catalyzed reaction was greater with 6-MPH4. Phosphorylation increased the affinity of TH for cofactor at pH 6.0, with little change in Vmax. At pH 7.0, phosphorylation caused increased activation of TH by increasing Vmax as well as reducing the Km for cofactor. The K1 for dopamine was increased twofold by phosphorylation at pH 6.0, but eightfold at pH 7.0. Phosphorylation was not associated with a change in Km for tyrosine at any pH or with any cofactor studied, although the Km for tyrosine of TH was cofactor-dependent and seven to eight times greater with 6-MPH4 than with BH4 as cofactor. Heparin and NaCl activated native TH at pH 6.0, but not at pH 7.0. Phosphorylated TH was unaffected by heparin or salt at pH 6.0, but was relatively inhibited at pH 7.0. The data are presented in the context of the physiological environment of TH.
A future internet architecture that supports cloud computing

Cloud computing has become a reality. Cloud companies are already advertising services to the general public, and it appears the trend will continue to expand. Whether the majority of computing will eventually migrate to a cloud-based model is an economic question that cannot be answered easily. For purposes of this paper, however, we make an assumption and ask a broad question: "assuming cloud infrastructure becomes dominant, what Internet architecture would best support the communication needed?"The paper describes a world of cloud computing, presents an Internet architecture, and discusses some of the network requirements.
Parametric translation models for stationary non-Gaussian processes and fields

Parametric representations, that is, deterministic functions with time and/or space argument depending on finite families of random variables, are defined and used to describe approximately stationary non-Gaussian processes and fields specified partially by their marginal distribution and second-moment properties. The proposed parametric representations are memoryless transformations of sequences of parametric stationary Gaussian processes and fields, and are referred to as parametric translation models. Conditions are established for the convergence of statistics of sequences of parametric translation models to target statistics. Two numerical examples are presented to illustrate some properties of parametric translation models and demonstrate their use in random vibration.
Utilization of iliac screws and structural interbody grafting for revision spondylolisthesis surgery.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case analysis and presentation. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this article is to discuss the spectrum of failed spondylolisthesis cases for which either anterior column support or iliac screw fixation or both are useful in salvaging failed spondylolisthesis surgeries. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Past studies and experience have suggested that there is a relatively high rate of sacral screw failure both in long constructs to the sacrum in the adult population and also with treatment of both high-grade and adult spondylolisthesis at L5-S1. It has been noted that anterior column support at L5-S1 and additional fixation points in the sacropelvic unit provide some protection to the sacral screws. METHODS This article details the author's personal and institutional experience with sacropelvic fixation and anterior column support at L5-S1 to salvage failed spondylolisthesis cases. RESULTS To some extent, each case needs to be individualized. It is not always necessary to provide both anterior column support at L5-S1 and protection of the sacral screws with iliac screws. However, in the most complex problems using both seems to provide the greatest chance for an acceptable radiographic and clinical outcome. Most biomechanical studies have supported the use of anterior column support and iliac fixation to protect sacral screws, suggesting, of the two, that the iliac screws are more valuable. CONCLUSIONS For many of these cases of both high-grade dysplastic spondylolisthesis and low-grade adult isthmic spondylolisthesis, a reasonable combination of anterior column support and/or iliac screw fixation may be logical to reduce the incidence of failure and need for revision. The biggest concern with using iliac screw fixation is that these screws are prominent in a percentage of patients and the ultimate impact on the sacroiliac joint is not fully investigated. However, at our institution with 5- to 10-year follow-up, the impact on the sacroiliac joint has been minimal.