cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real Time Stream Mining based Attack Detection in Distribution Level PMUs for Smart Grids

Reliable automation of smart grids depends on decisions based on situational awareness extracted via real time system monitoring and accurate state estimation. The Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) at distribution and transmission layers of the smart grid provide high velocity real time information on voltage and current magnitudes and angles in a three phase electrical grid. Naturally, the authenticity of the PMU data is of utmost operational importance. Data falsification attacks on PMU data can cause the Energy Management Systems (EMS) to take wrong decisions, potentially having drastic consequences on the power grid’s operation. The need for an automated data falsification attack detection and isolation is key for EMS protection from PMU data falsification. In this paper, we propose an automated distributed stream mining approach to time series anomaly based attack detection that identifies attacks while distinguishing from legitimate changes in PMU data trends. Specifically, we provide a real time learning invariant that reduces the multi-dimensional nature of the PMU data streams for quick big data summarization using a Pythagorean means of the active power from a cluster of PMUs. Thereafter, we propose a methodology that learns thresholds of the invariant automatically, to prove the predictive power of distinguishing between small attacks versus legitimate changes. Extensive simulation results using real PMU data are provided to verify the accuracy of the proposed method.
If We Don’t Ask, Why Would They Tell? Provider and Staff Perceptions of LGBTQ and Gender Minority Women Seeking Services in Women’s Health

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess perceptions among staff at Penn State Women’s Health towards treatment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) patients through creation and dissemination of a survey, in efforts to eluacidate opportunities to improve upon faculty diversity training and, ultimately, the care provided to sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients. Methods: Informed by prior literature and the National LGBT Health Education Center national survey of healthcare providers, an electronic survey was developed and administered via email to Women’s Health staff. The survey included items on staff perceptions of the prevalence of SGM patients, relevance of discussions surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity and preparedness to meet the health needs of SGM patients, as well as familiarity with existing resources for SGM patients and desired future training on SGM health. Results: Roughly 200 staff received the survey, of which 34 responded, yielding a response rate of 17%. Clinical and nonclinical participants disagreed, on average, with the statement, My patients want me to ask them about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Using an unmatched count technique, it was estimated that 7% of participants are uncomfortable working with LGBTQ patients and 50% believe that talking with LGBTQ patients about their sexual orientation and gender identity will create more work for themselves. Clinical and nonclinical participants felt neutral, on average, towards statements regarding their familiarity with or preparedness to meet the health needs of their LGBTQ patients. Conclusions: The results of this survey demonstrate a misperception among Woman’s Health providers that SGM patients do not want to discuss their sexual orientation or gender identity. Despite having an accurate perception of the prevalence of SGM in clinic, providers felt neutral in their preparedness to meet the health needs of LGBTQ patients and lack knowledge of key resources, practice and policies related to LGBTQ health. The results of this survey elucidate opportunities to improve upon Women’s Health staff training on the LGBTQ community.
Brownfields Cleanup: A Look Back and Ahead Toward Superfund Authority

Did you know that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, through the Superfund program within each of the ten regional offices across the United States, has millions of dollars to spend each year for cleaning up contaminated sites that are not designated “Superfund” sites? Not many people seem to know that, even lawyers who practice in environmental law, or even law professors who teach it. If these elite folks do not know that, then how would ordinary community members know that, people with busy lives who don’t do Superfund for a living? The short answer is, they probably don’t know either.
Observing reorientation dynamics with Time-Resolved fluorescence and molecular dynamics in varying periodic boundary conditions.

This work presents a combined study of time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and all-atom molecular dynamics simulation to investigate periodic boundary conditions’ and water models’ influence on...
Transcriptome-wide Gene Expression Analysis in Peri-implantitis Reveals Candidate Cellular Pathways.

OBJECTIVE Peri-implantitis is a condition resulting in destructive inflammation in the peri-implant soft tissue barrier. Clinically, it demonstrates vast clinical differences to periodontitis that suggest distinct inflammatory mechanisms. Implant-derived titanium particles (i-TiPs) frequently found around diseased implants appear to alter the microenvironment and confer resistance to antibiotic treatments. Studies in orthopedic implants have demonstrated potent inflammatory responses to i-TiPs involving a variety of cell types in aseptic conditions. Nonetheless, the genetic programs of cells surveilling and supporting the peri-implant soft tissue barrier in response to the combined challenges of biomaterial degradation products and oral bacteria are poorly defined. Thus, we studied gene expression specific to oral peri-implant inflammatory disease. METHODS Peri-implant tissues were collected from healthy or diseased implants (N = 10) according to the 2018 classification criteria. Following RNA extraction and purification, a gene-level view of the transcriptome was obtained via a next-generation transcriptome-wide microarray profiling workflow (Clariom S; Applied Biosystems) that covers >20,000 well-annotated genes. A discovery analysis assessed global differential expression of genes and identified pathways in peri-implant health versus disease. RESULTS Genes involved in the endosomal-lysosomal pathway, such as actin polymerization, were strongly upregulated in diseased tissues (P < .05), proposing increased intracellular activities in response to bacteria and i-TiPs. Cellular respiration pathways involved in oxidative stress were highly transcribed in all peri-implant samples, suggesting that implant-specific factors may trigger a constant state of oxidative stress. CONCLUSION Within the limitations of this discovery study, expressive upregulation of genes in the endosomal-lysosomal and oxidative stress pathway suggests that inflammation related to receptor-driven responses to extracellular signals, such as i-TiPs and pathogens, may have a crucial role in peri-implantitis. Results warrant external replication in validation cohorts. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT Our findings regarding physiologic processes affected by peri-implantitis could advance knowledge of the mechanisms and consequences of the disease. Understanding the cellular programs that partake in peri-implant inflammation has the potential to translate to novel treatment strategies for patients with peri-implantitis.
A Dynamic E. coli Genome: Widespread DNA Contacts Revealed by Monitoring Mu Transposition

The problem of compacting genomes while still performing cellular processes is common to all life forms. The current view for E. coli is a compacted genome with well-organized domains where replication initiates and terminates. Some studies have suggested that these and other regions are sequestered or compartmentalized such that there is little to no interaction between them. In this work, we have exploited the high efficiency and promiscuity of phage Mu transposition to directly measure the in vivo rates of interactions between genomic loci, and have developed new tools for analyzing the proximity of loci across the genome. We observe widespread contacts between all regions of the E. coli chromosome, revealing a dynamic, effectively un-compartmentalized genome. We detect long-range interactions between several genes in different gene families such as dna and rrna, implicating spatial proximity of many distantly co-regulated genes for the first time in a prokaryote. We also see a higher interaction between the two halves of the chromosome during replication, consistent with the deduced proximity and higher mobility of the chromosomal arms as they segregate during replication. Our work advances a new view of genome organization in E. coli.
Thermoelastic modeling of laser-induced generation of strong surface acoustic waves

Short pulse laser irradiation of a substrate can generate pulses of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) capable of propagating long distances along the surface of the irradiated substrate. In this work, we use thermoelastic modeling of the generation of SAWs on a Si substrate to explore the effect of irradiation parameters, i.e., pulse duration, laser spot size, absorption depth, and spatial profile of the laser energy deposition, on the strength of the SAWs. A particular goal of this study is to establish the optimum conditions for maximizing the strength of the surface waves generated in the nonablative, thermoelastic irradiation regime. The simulations demonstrate that the highest strain amplitude of the laser-generated SAWs can be achieved for a laser spot size comparable to the characteristic length of the SAW propagation during the laser pulse. The amplitude of SAWs increases with the increase in the characteristic laser energy deposition depth, and laser pulses with sharper spatial energy deposition profiles (flat-top laser beams) produce stronger SAWs. For the optimal set of irradiation parameters, the strain amplitude of a SAW generated in Si in the thermoelastic regime can reach the levels of 10−4–10−3, which are sufficiently high for causing nonlinear sharpening of the wave profile and the formation of a shock front during the wave propagation from the laser spot. The computational predictions suggest the feasibility of a continuous generation of strong nonlinear pulses of SAWs, which may be utilized for driving the surface processes in thin film deposition, growth of two-dimensional materials, heterogeneous catalysis, and other applications.
Identification, Characterization, and Transcriptional Reprogramming of Epithelial Stem Cells and Intestinal Enteroids in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Rhesus Macaques

Epithelial cell injury and impaired epithelial regeneration are considered key features in HIV pathogenesis and contribute to HIV-induced generalized immune activation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the disrupted epithelial regeneration might provide an alternative approach for the treatment of HIV-mediated enteropathy and immune activation. We have observed a significant increased presence of alpha defensin5+ (HD5) Paneth cells and proliferating Ki67+ epithelial cells as well as decreased expression of E-cadherin expression in epithelial cells during SIV infection. SIV infection did not significantly influence the frequency of LGR5+ stem cells, but the frequency of HD5+ cells was significantly higher compared to uninfected controls in jejunum. Our global transcriptomics analysis of enteroids provided novel information about highly significant changes in several important pathways like metabolic, TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, where the majority of the differentially expressed genes were downregulated in enteroids grown from chronically SIV-infected macaques compared to the SIV-uninfected controls. Despite the lack of significant reduction in LGR5+ stem cell population, the dysregulation of several intestinal stem cell niche factors including Notch, mTOR, AMPK and Wnt pathways as well as persistence of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and loss of epithelial barrier function in enteroids further supports that SIV infection impacts on epithelial cell proliferation and intestinal homeostasis.
Chapter 5 An Electrogenic Sodium Pump in a Mammalian Tight Epithelium

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that under normal physiological conditions the basolateral membrane potential of the rabbit urinary bladder epithelium can be described by the constant field equation with K + as the most permeant ion. The apical membrane has a variable Na + permeability, subject to increase by aldosterone and to reduction by amiloride or increased intracellular Na + activity. Intracellular K + and Na + activities are maintained high and low, respectively, compared to plasma by the sodium pump Na + , K + -ATPase in the basolateral membrane. Neither ion is in equilibrium across the membrane. The pump is electrogenic and translocates three Na + ions per cycle from the cytoplasm to the serosal solution. The number of K + ions translocated per cycle is less than three. Electrogenicity is evident only after the intracellular sodium activity has been artificially elevated.
The Copyrightability of Legal Complaints

In 2002, a renowned U.S. class action law firm began placing copyright notices on its legal complaints. Cease-and-desist letters have been filed against several firms that lifted language off of the copyrighted complaints. Although no litigation has ensued to determine whether legal complaints are copyrightable, this Note asserts that legal complaints are copyrightable subject matter under the Copyright Act of 1976 despite the limitations of the idea-expression dichotomy, merger doctrine, useful article doctrine, and fair use defense. This Note focuses on the originality requirement of the Copyright Act, as interpreted through U.S. case law, and contends that legal complaints exhibit sufficient originality to warrant copyright protection. There appear to be no valid grounds why legal forms such as contracts, insurance policies, pleadings and other legal documents should not be protected under the law of copyright.'
c-kit receptor and ligand expression in postnatal development of the mouse cerebellum suggests a function for c-kit in inhibitory interneurons.

The c-kit receptor and its cognate ligand, KL, are encoded at the white spotting locus (W) and the steel locus (Sl) of the mouse, respectively. Sl and W mutations affect the same cellular targets in melanogenesis, gametogenesis and hematopoiesis during embryonic development and in adult life. c-kit is expressed in cellular targets of W and Sl mutations, whereas KL is expressed in the microenvironment of these targets. c-kit and KL, however, are also expressed in tissues and cell types that are not targets of W and Sl mutations, including the brain. The cerebellum contains a small number of neural cell types whose developmental origins, pathways of migration, and synaptic contacts are known. We have investigated the patterns of expression of the c-kit and KL RNA and protein products in postnatal cerebellar development of the mouse. In the adult cerebellum, c-kit RNA and protein expression was evident in basket, stellate, and Golgi neurons. Most strikingly, the c- kit protein is expressed in the basket cell axons that form “basket” and “pinceau” structures entwining the Purkinje cell soma and the initial segment of the Purkinje cell axon. KL RNA expression was found in Purkinje cells, and the KL protein was detected in Purkinje cell bodies and dendrites. Soluble KL protein was also present in c-kit- expressing basket, stellate, and Golgi cells, presumably as a result of internalization of ligand-receptor complexes. During postnatal development, c-kit and KL RNA and protein expression in Golgi and Purkinje neurons, respectively, was evident by day 0 and persisted subsequently. c-kit expression in basket and stellate cells was detected from their time of birth, starting at day 4. These results suggest a role for the c-kit receptor system in postnatal development of the cerebellum.
ultraviolet radiation from F and K stars and implications for planetary habitability

Now that extrasolar planets have been found, it is timely to ask whether some of them might be suitable for life. Climatic constraints on planetary habitability indicate that a reasonably wide habitable zone exists around main sequence stars with spectral types in the early-F to mid-K range. However, it has not been demonstrated that planets orbiting such stars would be habitable when biologically-damaging energetic radiation is also considered. The large amounts of UV radiation emitted by early-type stars have been suggested to pose a problem for evolving life in their vicinity. But one might also argue that the real problem lies with late-type stars, which emit proportionally less radiation at the short wavelengths (lambda < 200 nm) required to split O2 and initiate ozone formation. We show here that neither of these concerns is necessarily fatal to the evolution of advanced life: Earth-like planets orbiting F and K stars may well receive less harmful UV radiation at their surfaces than does the Earth itself.
The progestational and androgenic properties of medroxyprogesterone acetate: gene regulatory overlap with dihydrotestosterone in breast cancer cells.

Introduction Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), the major progestin used for oral contraception and hormone replacement therapy, has been implicated in increased breast cancer risk. Is this risk due to its progestational or androgenic properties? To address this, we assessed the transcriptional effects of MPA as compared with those of progesterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in human breast cancer cells.
From All for All

The script of a Highland Mayan play is introduced by an account of the founding and evolution of a Mayan performance group known as the Monkey Business Theatre. The play From All for All dramatizes the economic, social, and political forces that caused the Zapatistas to rise up and the Chiapas rain forests to fall. The role of the anthropologist as dramaturge and impresario, accompanying but not directing Maya colleagues, is explored.
On factoring quartics (mod p)

Abstract We present a simplified proof of a theorem of Skolem. This result describes the factorization of a fourth degree polynomial (mod p ), p an odd prime, in terms of its discriminant and the nature of the roots of a related resolvent cubic polynomial.
Reference sources on CD‐ROM at Indiana University

This paper describes the practical experience of a reference department in a large academic research library (Indiana University, Bloomington) using several different CD‐ROM products. Equipment and staffing problems and solutions are discussed together with user reaction. Also touched on is the impact of optical technology on both the Library's fee‐based online search service and on its planning for the future. It is concluded that optical technology has provided an immediately available satisfactory solution to a long‐identified problem.
Unique characteristics of bat rabies viruses in big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus)

Rabies virus infection has been documented in several North American bat species, including Eptesicus fuscus. The virus-host relationship between bats and rabies virus (RV) is not well understood. The incidence of non-lethal RV exposure, based on the presence of viral neutralizing antibodies, demonstrates that exposure to RV does not always lead to clinical infection in bats. It is unknown how the route of exposure, rabies virus variant, or health of the bat affects the outcome following exposure. This paper describes the pathogenesis of two big brown bat RV variants in homologous host species. Our study demonstrates that RV variants obtained from the same species of bat from similar geographical areas may result in a diverse clinical progression of disease.
Carbon-13 Fractionation of Relic Soil Organic Carbon during Mineralization Effects Calculated Half-Lives

The 13 C natural abundance approach for determining soil organic C (SOC) stability and turnover has been used to determine SOC mineralization kinetics. These calculations generally assume that 13 C fractionation during relic SOC and unharvested biomass mineralization is insignificant. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of this assumption on calculated relic SOC half-lives. Study sites were located in Minnesota and South Dakota. At the Minnesota site, SOC contained in the surface 30 cm of soil in a fallowed area decreased from 90.8 to 73.2 Mg ha -1 during a 22-yr period. Associated with this decrease was a 0.72%o increase in the soil δ 13 C values (from -18.97 to -18.25%o). Based on these values, the Rayleigh fractionation constant (e) of relic SOC was -3.45%o. At the South Dakota site, SOC decreased 10% (2.8 ± 1.8 g kg -1 ) and δ 13 C increased 3.2% (0.548 ± 0.332%o) during a 5-yr period. The Rayleigh fractionation constant for this experiment was -6.94%o (±4.74‰). In a separate experiment, the δ 13 C value of corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] residue remained unchanged after 4 mo. The impact of 13 C enrichment during relic C mineralization on calculated C budgets depends on the type of residue returned to the soil. A simulation study showed that for systems where C 4 residues are returned to soil derived from C 3 and C 4 plants, not considering 13 C enrichment during relic SOC mineralization will result in underestimating relic SOC half-lives and overestimating the contribution of fresh C 4 biomass in the SOC. The effect of 13 C enrichment during relic SOC and unharvested biomass mineralization had cumulative impacts on C budgets and did not cancel each other out. The reverse was true for C 3 biomass. To minimize these errors, SOC maintenance rate experiments should measure 13 C enrichment during relic SOC and unharvested biomass mineralization.
Plasma nitrate accumulation during the development of pacing-induced dilated cardiac myopathy in conscious dogs is due to renal impairment.

Heart failure is associated with an increase in plasma nitrate and nitrite (NOx). To date there is still some controversy regarding the causes of nitrate accumulation during the development of heart failure. The goal of this study was to analyze the underlying mechanisms that cause accumulation of plasma nitrates during the development of heart failure in dogs. Dogs were chronically instrumented for measurement of hemodynamics and renal function. Hearts were paced initially at 210 bpm for 3 weeks and then at 240 until the development of heart failure. Hemodynamics, renal function, renal blood flow, arterial blood gases, hemoglobin, plasma and urine NOx levels, and creatinine levels were measured weekly. Heart failure was assessed by hemodynamic alterations, physical signs such as lethargy, ascites, cachexia, and postmortem evidence of cardiac hypertrophy. LVSP (from 127 +/- 3 to 106 +/- 3 mmHg), LV dP/dt (from 2658 +/- 173 to 1439 +/- 217 mmHg/s), MAP (from 101 +/- 1.9 to 83 +/- 1.8 mmHg) fell, whereas LVEDP tripled (from 6.4 +/- 0.9 to 20 +/- 2.6 mmHg), and heart rate rose (from 101 +/- 4.2 to 117 +/- 6.3 bpm), all changes P < 0.05. RBF (from 146 +/- 10 to 96 +/- 9.9 ml/min), urine output (V) (from 0.26 +/- 0.02 to 0.16 +/- 0.02 ml/min), GFR (from 63 +/- 1.8 to 49 +/- 2 ml/min), and Na excretion (from 45 +/- 4.5 to 14 +/- 4.6 microEq/min) all decreased (P < 0.05), whereas RVR increased (from 0.68 +/- 0.05 to 0.94 +/- 0.1 mmHg/ml/min). These changes took place during a rise in plasma NOx (from 3.7 +/- 0.5 to 16+/-3.3 microM), a decrease in urine NOx (from 33 +/- 9.9 to 8.1 +/- 4.9 microM), and a concurrent increase in NOx reabsorption (from 221 +/- 31 to 818 +/- 166 nmol/min). There was a direct correlation between the increase in plasma NOx levels and an increase in filtered load (r(2) = 0.97, P = 0.02), a negative correlation between NOx levels and NOx excretion (r(2) = 0.65 P < 0.09), and a direct correlation between plasma NOx levels and NOx reabsorption (r(2) = 0.97, P = 0.02). These results indicate that elevated plasma NOx during heart failure are most likely the result of an impairment of the renal function and not increased NOx production. Furthermore, without knowing changes in renal function the measurement of plasma NOx in and of itself is a meaningless index of NO formation.
Depression and internal versus external focus of attention

Recent research has indicated that attentional processes may be an important mediator of several depressive phenomena. Specifically, it was hypothesized that depressed individuals demonstrate a tendency to self-focus their attention. Two studies were conducted to examine this relationship. In Study 1, a replication of earlier research demonstrating a relationship between depression and the dispositional tendency to self-focus attention was obtained using three different samples. In Study 2, depressed and nondepressed subjects were compared on a measure of current level of self-focusing. Results indicated that depressed subjects evidenced a greater self-focused responding and less externally focused responding. The possible role of self-focused attention in contributing to the negative affect, negative internal attributions, and lowered self-esteem in depression are discussed, and suggestions for future research are provided.
Exploring the differences in cloud properties observed by the Terra and Aqua MODIS Sensors

Abstract. The aerosol-cloud interaction in different parts of the globe is examined here using multi-year statistics of remotely sensed data from two MODIS sensors aboard NASA's Terra (morning) and Aqua (afternoon) satellites. Simultaneous retrievals of aerosol loadings and cloud properties by the MODIS sensor allowed us to explore morning-to-afternoon variation of liquid cloud fraction (CF) and optical thickness (COT) for clean, moderately polluted and heavily polluted clouds in different seasons. Data analysis for seven-years of MODIS retrievals revealed strong temporal and spatial patterns in morning-to-afternoon variation of cloud fraction and optical thickness over different parts of the global oceans and the land. For the vast areas of stratocumulus cloud regions, the data shows that the days with elevated aerosol abundance were also associated with enhanced afternoon reduction of CF and COT pointing to the possible reduction of the indirect climate forcing. A positive correlation between aerosol optical depth and morning-to-afternoon variation of trade wind cumulus cloud cover was also found over the northern Indian Ocean, though no clear relationship between the concentration of Indo-Asian haze and morning-to-afternoon variation of COT was established. Over the Amazon region during wet conditions, aerosols are associated with an enhanced convective process in which morning shallow warm clouds are organized into afternoon deep convection with greater ice cloud coverage. Analysis presented here demonstrates that the new technique for exploring morning-to-afternoon variability in cloud properties by using the differences in data products from the two daily MODIS overpasses is capable of capturing some of the major features of diurnal variations in cloud properties and can be used for better understanding of aerosol radiative effects.
Paleontology: A Philosophical Introduction

Paleontology: A Philosophical Introduction Derek Turner Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2011 xi + 227 pp., ISBN 9780521116374, £55.00, US$90.00 (hardback); ISBN 9780521133326, £18.99, US$28....
Target Estimation Using Sparse Modeling for Distributed MIMO Radar

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar systems with widely separated antennas provide spatial diversity by viewing the targets from different angles. In this paper, we use a novel approach to accurately estimate properties (position, velocity) of multiple targets using such systems by employing sparse modeling. We also introduce a new metric to analyze the performance of the radar system. We propose an adaptive mechanism for optimal energy allocation at the different transmit antennas. We show that this adaptive energy allocation mechanism significantly improves in performance over MIMO radar systems that transmit fixed equal energy across all the antennas. We also demonstrate accurate reconstruction from very few samples by using compressive sensing at the receivers.
Systemic biochemical effects of inhaled NO in rats: increased expressions of NOS III, nitrotyrosine-, and phosphotyrosine-immunoreactive proteins in liver and kidney tissues.

Abstract Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has been shown to reduce pulmonary hypertension associated with several disease states. The effects of iNO are thought to be restricted to the pulmonary vasculature because of its rapid inactivation by hemoglobin. Recent data have suggested, however, that iNO can form nitrosothiols, which can be carried throughout the circulation, thus increasing the half life and bioactivity on NO. Other studies have shown that iNO can affect intestinal ischemia and renal hemodynamics. In this study, rats were exposed to 49 ± 4 ppm or 107 ± 13 ppm NO for 4 h and the lung, spleen, liver, and kidney tissues were removed and measured for NOS II and NOS III protein, nitrotyrosine (NT), and phosphotyrosine (PT) immunoreactivity. Following 107 ppm iNO, increases in NOS III protein expression, NT, and PT were observed in the liver and kidney, but not in the lung or spleen. No such increases were noted after the lower dose of iNO. These results paralleled those shown for isobutyl nitrite that we reported earlier and indicated that iNO can cause changes in protein chemistry in organs and tissues beyond the lungs. Since iNO produced little systemic hemodynamic effects, it is unlikely that the observed biochemical alterations were derived secondarily from physiological changes.
An Assessment on Reliability of Quantitative Calculation Method for Obtaining Volume Fractions of TextureComponents With the Reduced ODF

The reliability and the accuracy of a quantitative calculation method for obtaining volume fractions of texture components of cubic materials were verified for the reduced ODFs terminated at l max = 22 and at l max = 16. It is concluded that an integrated width of r = ±10° around selected ideal orientations may be used in quantitative analysis of texture components. It is also shown that the conventional peak height method, which does not consider volume fractions, can only roughly give informations about texture components.
The United Nations Charter System and the Iraq Wars: Ethical Implications

Within thirteen years, the United States engaged in two military actions against Iraq, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Although the principal countries were the same in both conflicts, the context was quite different from one to the other. In confronting Saddam Hussein's regime, George H.W. Bush championed a "new world order" based on the principles of international law, whereas George W. Bush promoted unilateralism and preemptive war. This article utilizes an ethical framework to assess the decision-making that accompanied the two Iraq wars. Questions concerning the legitimacy of force and the legality of anticipatory military action within the UN Charter system are discussed, with specific reference to virtue-based, principles-based, and consequence-based ethics. The conclusion highlights the implications of these concerns for the UN and for multilateral cooperation.
On Required Element Testing

In this paper we introduce two classes of program testing strategies that consist of specifying a set of required elements for the program and then covering those elements with appropriate test inputs. In general, a required element has a structural and a functional component and is covered by a test case if the test case causes the features specified in the structural component to be executed under the conditions specified in the functional component. Data flow analysis is used to specify the structural component and data flow interactions are used as a basis for developing the functional component. The strategies are illustrated with examples and some experimental evaluations of their effectiveness are presented.
Low-normal serum selenium early in human pregnancy predicts lower birth weight

Abstract There are limited data to support the recommended daily allowance of 60 μ g/d for dietary selenium for pregnant women. In addition, low dietary selenium may exacerbate iodine deficiency and influence thyroid function. The objective was to study relationships among selenium nutrition, thyroid function, and pregnancy outcomes. We conducted a case-control study nested within a cohort of young, healthy women participating in the Camden (NJ) Study, a 20-year ongoing investigation of effects of maternal nutrition on pregnancy outcomes. Cases were 107 women who delivered preterm, and controls were 126 women who delivered full-term neonates. The mean gestational age at blood collection was 15.6 ± 0.6 weeks (mean ± SE). Diet selenium intake was 103 ± 5 μ g/d. Serum selenium concentrations were higher in cigarette smokers but were not significantly associated with preterm delivery or serum thyroid stimulating hormone concentration. Neonates born to mothers in the lowest decile of serum selenium (decile median, 8.57 μ g/dL or 1.09 μ mol/L) had significantly lower birth weights ( β = −259 ± 100 g) compared with those in the 9 highest deciles. For the subgroups of full-term and preterm neonates, maternal serum selenium and birth weight were significantly associated only for the full-term deliveries. For full-term pregnancies, low-normal serum selenium in the first or second trimester predicts lower birth weight, but prematurity masks this relationship. The effects of selenium do not appear to be mediated by its influence on thyroid function during pregnancy. If the association that we found is causal, maternal selenium nutrition may have a substantial effect on birth weight.
Kinetic Partitioning POISING SecB TO FAVOR ASSOCIATION WITH A RAPIDLY FOLDING LIGAND

Chaperones are a class of proteins that possess the remarkable ability to selectively bind polypeptides that are in a nonnative state. The selectivity of SecB, a molecular chaperone inEscherichia coli, for its ligands can be explained in part by a kinetic partitioning between folding of the polypeptide and association with SecB. It has clearly been established that kinetic partitioning can be poised to favor association with SecB by changing the rate constant for folding of the ligand. We now demonstrate that binding to SecB can be given a kinetic advantage over the pathway for folding by modulating the properties of the chaperone. By poising SecB to expose a hydrophobic patch, we were able to detect a complex between SecB and maltose-binding protein under conditions in which rapid folding of the polypeptide otherwise precludes formation of a kinetically stable complex. The data presented here are interpreted within the framework of a kinetic partitioning between binding to SecB and folding of the polypeptide. We propose that exposure of a hydrophobic patch on SecB increases the surface area for binding and thereby increases the rate constant for association. In this way association of SecB with the polypeptide ligand has a kinetic advantage over the pathway for folding.
Sexual behavior and attitude toward condoms among unmarried in-school and out-of-school adolescents in a high-HIV prevalence region in Ghana.

Among adolescents in Africa and in the rest of the world, unprotected sexual intercourse is the primary cause of HIV transmission. There is limited information on population based study of adolescents who are not-in-school. A quantitative and qualitative study was conducted among adolescents aged 10–19 (n = 483, mean age = 16.6) in the Ashanti region of Ghana on sexual behavior, condom use, and peer norms regarding sexuality. Age of sexual debut was younger for those in-school. However, out-of-school adolescents were more likely to ever have sexual intercourse (72.2% vs. 27.8%) and use condoms (83.6% vs. 16.4%) compared to their in-school counterparts. Religious affiliation was associated with being less sexually active. Statistically significant differences occurred for condom use and increased sexual activity with age. There is the need for programs to increase condom use. Adolescents in Ghana represent a vulnerable population and concerted efforts must be made to reach them.
The Big Five Personality Dimensions and the Process of Institutional Departure.

Abstract This study investigated the role of the “Big Five” personality dimensions in the dynamics of institutional departure in a convenience sample of 240 first-time, first-semester students enrolled in Introduction to Psychology at a large southwestern state university. Of the “Big Five” dimensions (agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness to experience), structural equation modeling revealed that conscientiousness exhibited the largest total effect on institutional departure (−.293). Conscientiousness exerted indirect effects (−.133) on institutional departure via organizational involvement, initial institutional commitment, and cumulative GPA as well as a direct effect (−.160) on institutional departure. Only 14 of the 240 students departed the institution within 1 year. A discriminant function analysis of institutional persistence versus departure, using cumulative GPA, institutional commitment, and conscientiousness as predictors, yielded a high false positive rate (67.6%) and a high sensitivity rate (78.6%).
Shaping the future of mental health in schools

Systemic reform in education is changing how schools address mental health and psychosocial concerns and is redefining the role of pupil service personnel in the process. This paper (a) highlights how schools currently address mental health, (b) discusses new directions that build on emerging reform themes and reframe prevailing reform models, and (c) outlines ways pupil-service professionals can develop a proactive agenda for shaping the future of mental health in schools. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Results from the commissioning of the ATLAS Pixel detector

The ATLAS pixel detector is a high resolution, silicon based, tracking detector with its innermost layer located only 5 cm away from the ATLAS interaction point. It is designed to provide good hit resolution and low noise, both important qualities for pattern recognition and for finding secondary vertices originating from decays of long-lived particles. The pixel detector has 80 million readout channels and is built up of three barrel layers and six disks, three on each side of the barrel. The detector was installed in the center of ATLAS in June 2007 and is currently being calibrated and commissioned. Details from the installation, commissioning and calibration are presented together with the current status.
On the presidential campaign trail: Apologia of association

Abstract During the 2008 presidential primary campaign, the supporters of Senators Clinton, McCain, and Obama made a number of controversial public statements. After these remarks became public and a focus of media attention, the candidates and their surrogates/supporters engaged in what we term apologia of association. This study examines this previously unexplored apologetic form.
The importance of package features and learning factors for ease of use

In the Information Systems community, the term ease of use has taken on many meanings and interpretations, and various factors said to contribute to it have been investigated. To determine whether studies in this area have focused on the right aspects, or need to be refocused, this study sought to ascertain whether some level of agreement exists among experienced users regarding the importance of various package design and assistance features for ease of use and the support they offer to identified learning dimensions. The results point to some degree of agreement among these users on the importance of individual features for ease of use, though they did not agree on all features. The panel agreed that the identified learning dimensions should be equally supported by package features. There was also reasonable agreement that certain features support certain learning dimensions. The results point to a need to refocus some of the research areas which have been considered important for ease of use and sugges...
THE DISTRIBUTION AND METABOLISM OF ORALLY ADMINISTERED 2‐MERCAPTOETHYLGUANIDINE (MEG) AND BIS(2‐GUANIDOETHYL) DISULFIDE (GED) IN PROTECTED MICE*

Distribution and metabolism of orally administered 2- mercaptoethylguanidine (MEG) and bis(2-guanidoethyl) disulfide (GED) were observed in order to provide insight into the raechanisra of AET. Male mice fasted overnight were fed /sup 35/S-labeled MEG or GED by cannula. The animals were sacrificed 30 min after feeding and homogenates were prepared for /sup 35/S analysis by liquid scintillation counting. Paper chromatograras and electrophonetograms were scanned for radioactive peaks of metabolites which were measured by planimetry. Identification of metabolites was carried out by synthesis of compounds suspected and comparison of behavior with the unknowns in several chromatographic and electrophoretic systems. Results indicate that MEG is absorbed from the intestinal tract more rapidly than GED. This explains the observation that mice given an oral dose of 400 g/kg MEG 30 min prior to irradiation are better protected than mice given an oral dose of 400 mg/kg GED at the same time. The chemical forms which correlate with protection are P.B.-S/sup AET/, GED, and S-acetyl-2-mercaptoethylguanidine, all of which are higher in the tissues after MEG feeding than after GED feeding. Although the experiments did not reveal the mechanism of action of AET, they do indicate the important chemical forms present in the tissues atmore » the time of radiation, and they suggest manipulations that may improve protection by means of this agent. (H.M.G.)« less
Unprecedented forms of vanadium observed within the blood cells of Phallusia nigra using K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

Fits to the vanadium K-edge X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) of five whole blood cell samples from the tunicate Phallusia nigra revealed unprecedented forms of intracellular vanadium. Endogenous vanadium was divided between the V(III) ion (74.2±5.1% of total V) and the vanadyl ion [V(IV)O]2+ (25.2±5.4% of total V). The V(III) fraction included both [V(H2O)6]3+ (36.7±5.5%) modeled as VCl3 in 1 M HCl, and three previously unprecedented chelated V(III) forms (37.5±4.6%). Two of these could be represented by the model ligand environments V(acetylacetonate)3 (17.9±3.2%) and K3V(catecholate)3 (13.1±4.7%), implying DOPA-like complexation. The third chelated form was represented by the 7-coordinate N2O5 complex Na[V(edta)(H2O)] (8.0±1.8%). This coordination array, suggestive of a novel mononuclear V(III) protein site, contributed only to fits to samples 1, 2, 3 and 5, which were prepared in the presence of DTT. Endogenous V(IV) (25.2±5.4%) was principally modeled as VOCl2 in 1 M HCl. EPR spectra (averages: A‖=(1.842±0.006)×10−2 cm−1; A⊥=(0.718±0.007)×10−2 cm−1; g‖=1.936±0.002; g⊥=1.990±0.001) confirmed the predominance of the aquated vanadyl ion. Blood cell sample five uniquely required the XAS spectrum of VOSO4 in 0.1 M H2SO4 solution (13.0%) and of [OV(V)(pivalate)3] (3.1%) to successfully fit the XAS pre-edge energy region. This endogenous V(V) signal is also unprecedented. These results are compared with those of analogous fits to the blood cells of Ascidia ceratodes and may support assignment of P. nigra to a different genus.
Update on risk stratification and treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematologic malignancy. Chromosomal aberrations are important prognostic determinants that influence the clinical decision-making in newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Patients are considered high-risk if any of the following features are detected: hypodiploidy, deletion 13 by cytogenetics, t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20) and/or 17 p deletion. In the absence of these features patients are considered standard risk. Outside of trials, risk-adapted therapy in the transplant-eligible high-risk patients advocates use of bortezomib-based induction therapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and bortezomib-based maintenance therapy. High-risk, transplant-ineligible patients should also utilize bortezomib as initial therapy since it is known to overcome the poor prognosis associated with some high-risk features. The goal of therapy in high-risk patients is to attain and maintain a state of complete remission as much as possible. In contrast, the standard-risk, transplant-eligible patients may be treated with either lenalidomide-dexamethasone or bortezomib-based therapy followed by ASCT. In such patients, ASCT can also be deferred until first relapse if the patients are tolerating initial therapy well. Lenalidomide maintenance therapy in the post-transplant setting in standard-risk patients is controversial and not recommended routinely. For transplant-ineligible standard-risk patients, multiple options exist, although in the absence direct comparisons, we prefer lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone over melphalan-based combinations. This review outlines evidence-based management approaches in NDMM, with a focus on risk-adapted therapy.
The "Hourglass" energy diverter

A new design for a series spark-gap array for energy diverter usage has been developed. The electrical circuit of this array differs from previously reported energy diverter designs in two respects. First, the capacitors from each electrode to ground are eliminated, and second, the interelectrode capacitances of the gaps are not all equal. By varying the interelectrode capacitances of each gap in accordance with predetermined requirements, it was possible to study several triggering modes. In particular, two triggering modes were investigated; a "constant overvoltage" mode and an "increasing overvoltage" mode.
The concept of regression and Vygotskian developmental theory

Abstract The paper examines the heuristic value of the concept of regression in the context of developmental ideas advanced by the Soviet psychologist Lev Vygotsky (1896–1934). The language of semiotic mediation of behavioral acts and mental operations seems to be more adequate at the present stage of research than the old metaphors of mental “economy” and cathexis. This position is supported by a number of developmental and clinical studies undertaken by Vygotskian students. Analysis of these studies allows one to make a tentative suggestion regarding a formal scale of cognitive advancement/regression, which may replace the search for empirical coincidences in the behavior of children, people in “primitive” societies, and mental patients. While constructing such a scale one should take into account the type of communicative situation in which “regressive” forms of behavior or thinking are observed.