Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Smart grid Security: A new approach to detect intruders in a smart grid Neighborhood Area Network

In this paper, we propose an efficient and lightweight attack detection mechanism for a smart grid Neighborhood Area Network (NAN) that combine between distributed and centralized intrusion detection. A NAN includes the customers' appliances, smart meters and collectors. The smart meters measure the power consumption of each appliance and the collectors aggregate the measures and forward them to the control center for analysis. Intrusion Detection System (IDS) agents, proposed in our framework, run in a distributed fashion at smart meters level and in a centralized fashion at collector and control center nodes. A combination between a rule-based detection and a learning algorithm for training and classification is proposed to detect intruders that want to either inject false measurements or exhaust the energy of the grid, or inject Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. Simulation results confirm that our intruder detection framework outperforms the current cyber detection mechanisms since these sophisticated attacks are detected with efficient energy consumption.
Hardness Assurance for Proton Direct Ionization-Induced SEEs Using a High-Energy Proton Beam

The low-energy proton energy spectra of all shielded space environments have the same shape. This shape is easily reproduced in the laboratory by degrading a high-energy proton beam, producing a high-fidelity test environment. We use this test environment to dramatically simplify rate prediction for proton direct ionization effects, allowing the work to be done at high-energy proton facilities, on encapsulated parts, without knowledge of the IC design, and with little or no computer simulations required. Proton direct ionization (PDI) is predicted to significantly contribute to the total error rate under the conditions investigated. Scaling effects are discussed using data from 65-nm, 45-nm, and 32-nm SOI SRAMs. These data also show that grazing-angle protons will dominate the PDI-induced error rate due to their higher effective LET, so PDI hardness assurance methods must account for angular effects to be conservative. We show that this angular dependence can be exploited to quickly assess whether an IC is susceptible to PDI.
Fos expression by glutamatergic neurons of the solitary tract nucleus after phenylephrine‐induced hypertension in rats

The baroreflex pathway might include a glutamatergic connection between the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and a segment of the ventrolateral medulla (VLM) called the caudal ventrolateral medulla. The main goal of this study was to seek direct evidence for such a connection. Awake rats were subjected to phenylephrine‐ (PE‐) induced hypertension (N=5) or received saline (N=5). Neuronal activation was gauged by the presence of Fos‐immunoreactive (Fos‐ir) nuclei. Fos‐ir neurons that contained vesicular glutamate transporter 2 mRNA (glutamatergic neurons) or glutamic acid decarboxylase mRNA (GABAergic neurons) were mapped throughout the medulla oblongata. Saline‐treated rats had very few Fos‐ir neurons. In PE‐treated rats, Fos‐ir neurons were detected in both NTS and VLM. In NTS, 72% of Fos‐ir neurons were glutamatergic and 26% were GABAergic. In the VLM, 41% of Fos‐ir neurons were glutamatergic and 56% were GABAergic. In VLM, Fos‐ir glutamatergic neurons were evenly distributed and were often catecholaminergic, whereas Fos‐ir GABAergic cells were clustered around Bregma −13.0 mm. This region of the VLM was injected with Fluoro‐Gold (FG) in eight rats, four of which received PE and the rest saline. Fos‐ir NTS neurons retrogradely labeled with FG were detected only in PE‐treated rats. These cells were exclusively glutamatergic and were concentrated within the NTS subnuclei that receive the densest inputs from arterial baroreceptors. In conclusion, PE, presumably via baroreceptor stimulation, induces Fos in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in both NTS and VLM. At least 29% of the Fos‐ir glutamatergic neurons of NTS project to the vicinity of the VLM GABAergic interneurons that are presumed to mediate the sympathetic baroreflex. J. Comp. Neurol. 460:525–541, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feasibility of Real-Time Workflow Segmentation for Tracked Needle Interventions

Computer-assisted training systems promote both training efficacy and patient health. An important component for providing automatic feedback in computer-assisted training systems is workflow segmentation: the determination of what task in the workflow is being performed. Our objective was to develop a workflow segmentation algorithm for needle interventions using needle tracking data. Needle tracking data were collected from ultrasound-guided epidural injections and lumbar punctures, performed by medical personnel. The workflow segmentation algorithm was tested in a simulated real-time scenario: the algorithm was only allowed access to data recorded at, or prior to, the time being segmented. Segmentation output was compared to the ground-truth segmentations produced by independent blinded observers. Overall, the algorithm was 93% accurate. It automatically segmented the ultrasound-guided epidural procedures with 81% accuracy and the lumbar punctures with 82% accuracy. Given that the manual segmentation consistency was only 84%, the algorithm's accuracy was 93%. Using Cohen's d statistic, a medium effect size (0.5) was calculated. Because the algorithm segments needle-based procedures with such high accuracy, expert observers can be augmented by this algorithm without a large decrease in ability to follow trainees in a workflow. The proposed algorithm is feasible for use in a computer-assisted needle placement training system.
Robust regulator of partially state feedback linearizable uncertain nonlinear systems

We consider single-input nonlinear systems with unknown unmodelled time-varying parameters or disturbances whose bounds are known. The main goal is to identify classes of uncertain systems for which the control exist and to provide constructive design procedures. Assuming that the undisturbed nominal system (f, g) is locally partially state feedback linearizable, that a strict triangularity condition and q ϵ Gr-1 hold for the uncertain terms, and that some condition is satisfied in the transformed partially linear system, we can design a robust local regulating state feedback control. At first, we identify class of nonlinear uncertain systems and give a systematic procedure for the design of a robust regulation for the nonlinear systems.
The Role of Monitoring and Control in Similar Nontarget/Target Discrimination

Processes involved in discrimination of targets from nontargets differing by a single critical feature were explored. Participants learned 80 target nouns (singular and plural), and were tested on 120 nouns: 40 targets, 40 similar nontargets (plurality changed between study and test), and 40 novel nontargets. Speeded (250ms, 1000ms) yes-no judgments were required after each test item. In Experiment 1, participants were informed before study, or after study but before recognition, that the test contained nontargets similar to targets by virtue of a plurality change. Controls received no such instructions. Target/nontarget similarity instructions reduced false alarms to similar nontargets and enhanced discrimination only when participants were informed before study, and at the 1000ms response interval. In Experiment 2, one group of participants was oriented to the specific discriminating feature before study, while another group was instructed that the task was difficult and to invest considerable effort at study. Specifically orientating participants to the critical feature change again improved discrimination and reduced false alarm rates, while merely emphasizing the requirement for effortful encoding did not. Detailed monitoring and control of target/nontarget discrimination are effective in reducing false recognition only if the necessary discriminating features are deliberately encoded at study, and if sufficient time is given for deliberate retrieval at test.
Cathepsin G-Dependent Modulation of Platelet Thrombus Formation In Vivo by Blood Neutrophils

Neutrophils are consistently associated with arterial thrombotic morbidity in human clinical studies but the causal basis for this association is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that neutrophils modulate platelet activation and thrombus formation in vivo in a cathepsin G-dependent manner. Neutrophils enhanced aggregation of human platelets in vitro in dose-dependent fashion and this effect was diminished by pharmacologic inhibition of cathepsin G activity and knockdown of cathepsin G expression. Tail bleeding time in the mouse was prolonged by a cathepsin G inhibitor and in cathepsin G knockout mice, and formation of neutrophil-platelet conjugates in blood that was shed from transected tails was reduced in the absence of cathepsin G. Bleeding time was highly correlated with blood neutrophil count in wildtype but not cathepsin G deficient mice. In the presence of elevated blood neutrophil counts, the anti-thrombotic effect of cathepsin G inhibition was greater than that of aspirin and additive to it when administered in combination. Both pharmacologic inhibition of cathepsin G and its congenital absence prolonged the time for platelet thrombus to form in ferric chloride-injured mouse mesenteric arterioles. In a vaso-occlusive model of ischemic stroke, inhibition of cathepsin G and its congenital absence improved cerebral blood flow, reduced histologic brain injury, and improved neurobehavioral outcome. These experiments demonstrate that neutrophil cathepsin G is a physiologic modulator of platelet thrombus formation in vivo and has potential as a target for novel anti-thrombotic therapies.
Expression of Procyclin mRNAs during Cyclical Transmission of Trypanosoma brucei

Trypanosoma brucei, the parasite causing human sleeping sickness, relies on the tsetse fly for its transmission. In the insect, EP and GPEET procyclins are the major surface glycoproteins of procyclic (midgut) forms of the parasite, with GPEET predominating in the early procyclic form and two isoforms of EP in the late procyclic form. EP procyclins were previously detected on salivary gland trypanosomes, presumably epimastigotes, by immunoelectron microscopy. However, no procyclins could be detected by mass spectrometry when parasites were isolated from infected glands. We have used qualitative and quantitative RT-PCR to analyse the procyclin mRNAs expressed by trypanosomes in the tsetse midgut and salivary glands at different time points after infection. The coding regions of the three EP isoforms (EP1, EP2 and EP3) are extremely similar, but their 3′ untranslated regions contain unique sequences that make it possible to assign the cDNAs amplified by this technique. With the exception of EP2, we found that the spectrum of procyclin mRNAs expressed in the midgut mirrors the protein repertoire of early and established procyclic forms. Surprisingly, procyclin mRNAs, including that of GPEET, are present at relatively high levels in salivary gland trypanosomes, although the proteins are rarely detected by immunofluorescence. Additional experiments using transgenic trypanosomes expressing reporter genes or mutant forms of procyclin point to a mechanism of translational or post-translational control, involving the procyclin coding regions, in salivary gland trypanosomes. It is widely accepted that T. brucei always has a coat of either variant surface glycoprotein or procyclin. It has been known for many years that the epimastigote form does not have a variant surface glycoprotein coat. The finding that this life cycle stage is usually negative for procyclin as well is new, and means that the paradigm will need to be revised.
E-government evaluation: The use of design science approach to build and evaluate customer satisfaction theoretical framework

To date, the literature on E-Government evaluation tends to stress on benchmarking and performance measurements of customer satisfactions with the use of quantitative rather than qualitative measurements. This paper seeks to address this problem by introducing a design science approach to build a new theoretical framework, namely, return on investment (ROI) vs return on relationship (ROR), as a qualitative evaluation tool, to evaluate E-Government services by classifying customer experiences into categories of customer satisfactions. Our results should help government to identify strategic focus areas that need attentions and allocation of funds.
Loss of Bard1, the Heterodimeric Partner of the Brca1 Tumor Suppressor, Results in Early Embryonic Lethality and Chromosomal Instability

ABSTRACT The BRCA1 tumor suppressor has been implicated in many cellular pathways, but the mechanisms by which it suppresses tumor formation are not fully understood. In vivo BRCA1 forms a heterodimeric complex with the related BARD1 protein, and its enzymatic activity as a ubiquitin ligase is largely dependent upon its interaction with BARD1. To explore the genetic relationship between BRCA1 and BARD1, we have examined the phenotype of Bard1-null mice. These mice become developmentally retarded and die between embryonic day 7.5 (E7.5) and E8.5. Embryonic lethality results from a severe impairment of cell proliferation that is not accompanied by increased apoptosis. In the absence of p53, the developmental defects associated with Bard1 deficiency are partly ameliorated, and the lethality of Bard1; p53-nullizygous mice is delayed until E9.5. This result, together with the increased chromosomal aneuploidy of Bard1 mutant cells, indicates a role for Bard1 in maintaining genomic stability. The striking similarities between the phenotypes of Bard1-null, Brca1-null, and double Bard1; Brca1-null mice provide strong genetic evidence that the developmental functions of Brca1 and Bard1 are mediated by the Brca1/Bard1 heterodimer.
Contrast Enhancement Using Combined 1-D and 2-D Histogram-Based Techniques

This letter presents an adaptive contrast enhancement algorithm considering both preservation of the shape of a one-dimensional (1-D) histogram and statistical information on the gray-level differences between neighboring pixels obtained by a 2-D histogram. The proposed system consists of two modules. One is to enhance the entire contrast by stretching the 1-D histogram while preserving the shape of the histogram. The other is to improve the details of nonsmooth areas occurring frequently in input images. These are formulated into a single constrained optimization problem. Compared with several state-of-the-art enhancement algorithms, the proposed algorithm shows highly competitive performance.
A REVIEW OF FORGIVENESS PROCESS MODELS AND A COPING FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE FUTURE RESEARCH

Abstract Despite substantial advances in other areas of forgiveness research, empirical evaluation of a fundamental aspect of forgiveness, the process itself, has been virtually nonexistent. This article reviews the existing literature and concludes that although numerous process models have been proposed, many lack a coherent theoretical grounding, and few have been empirically validated. Importantly, understanding of the forgiveness process is hindered by a lack of consensus on what forgiveness is, and consequently what constitutes the endpoint of the process. In response to the many shortcomings in the literature, salient issues for future research are identified. The stress and coping model (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) is proposed as a framework for guiding theorizing and research.
Is a Good Offensive Always the Best Defense?

A checkers-like model game with a simplified set of rules is studied through extensive simulations of agents with different expertise and strategies. The introduction of complementary strategies, in a quite general way, provides a tool to mimic the basic ingredients of a wide scope of real games. We find that only for the player having the higher offensive expertise (the dominant player ), maximizing the offensive always increases the probability to win. For the non-dominant player, interestingly, a complete minimization of the offensive becomes the best way to win in many situations, depending on the relative values of the defense expertise. Further simulations on the interplay of defense expertise were done separately, in the context of a fully-offensive scenario, offering a starting point for analytical treatments. In particular, we established that in this scenario the total number of moves is defined only by the player with the lower defensive expertise. We believe that these results stand for a first step towards a new way to improve decisions-making in a large number of zero-sum real games.
Familial psychomotor retardation with markedly fluctuating serum prolactin, FSH and GH levels, partial TBG-deficiency, increased serum arylsulphatase A and increased CSF protein: a new syndrome?: 90

Identical twin-sisters (born at 36 wks; birthweight 2.2 and 3.0 kg) presented at 2 years of age with marked psychomotor retardation and bone-age of 1 year. Physical growth and phenotype were normal. Repeated investigations revealed: markedly fluctuating basal serum prolactin (778-5652 μU/ml; nl < 800), FSH (17-55 mIU/ml; nl < 10) and GH (2-144 ng/ml; nl < 10), but normal LH; low TBG (1.1 and 1.2 mg/dl; nl 1.6-2.4) also present in the father, with otherwise normal thyroid function including TRH test, arylsulphatase A moderately increased in serum (mean 293 and 272 nmol/ml; nl 30-130) but not in leukocytes, without increase of other lysosomal enzymes, and increasing CSF protein. Normal results were found for GH response to i.m. glucagon, urinary excretion of 17-keto and 17-hydroxysteroids, at funduscopy and for lymphocyte karyotype (Giemsa banding), buffy coat of blood leukocytes and electronmicroscopy of conjunctiva. Sella tursica was normal on x-ray. Cortical and cerebellar hypotrophy was evident on CAT-scan. Electromyography was normal but nerve conduction velocity was delayed (30-31 m/sec; nl 50 ± 1). A nerve and muscle biopsy is planned. At this stage we have no satisfactory explanation for these unusual findings.
An Architecture for Service Deployed in the Cloud Environment

A cloud computing as a distributed computing emerging paradigm in which data and services are available in data centers extensible and can be accessed transparently since devices (computers, phones, clusters, ) connected via the Internet. Cloud computing solve problems of scalability and availability and insure distributed computing. This paper aims to provide an architecture for services deployed in cloud environment. It deals with new concepts like NFV, SDN to meet the needs of services.
FIBER NUMBER IN THE MUSHROOM BODIES OF ADULT DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER DEPENDS ON AGE, SEX AND EXPERIENCE

SUMMARY The mushroom bodies are two characteristically shaped structures of the insect central brain. In Drosophila melanogaster they contain more fibers in females than in males. Within the first week of adult life the total number of fibers increases by about 15% and decreses again in flies older than 3–4 weeks. The number of mushroom body fibers is significantly reduced in flies kept under social isolation or deprived of their antennal input, but not in flies subjected to visual deprivation.
Erbb transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors are differentially expressed throughout the adult rat central nervous system

The neuregulin (NRG) family of growth and differentiation factors and their erbB receptors contribute importantly to the development of the nervous system, but their distribution and function in the adult brain are poorly understood. The present study showed that erbB2, erbB3, and erbB4 transcripts and protein are distributed throughout all areas of adult rat brain. These three receptors were differentially expressed in neurons and glia. Some neurons expressed only a subset of erbB kinases, whereas other neurons expressed all three erbB receptors but sequestered each of these polypeptides into distinct cellular compartments. In synapse‐rich regions, erbB immunoreactivity appeared as punctate‐, axon‐, and/or dendrite‐associated staining, suggesting that NRGs are involved in the formation and maintenance of synapses in adult brain. ErbB labeling also was present in neuronal soma, indicating that NRGs act at sites in addition to the synapse. Glia in adult brain also differentially expressed erbB3 and erbB4. Approximately half of the erbB3 labeling in white matter was associated with S100β+/glial fibrillary acidic protein negative macroglia (i.e., oligodendrocytes or glial fibrillary acidic protein negative astrocytes). In contrast, macroglia in gray matter did not express erbB3. The remaining erbB3 immunoreactivity in white matter and erbB4 glial staining seemed to be associated with microglia. These results showed that erbB receptors are expressed widely in adult rat brain and that each erbB receptor subtype has a distinct distribution. The differential distributions of erbB receptors in neurons and glia and the known functional differences between these kinases suggest that NRGs have distinct effects on these cells. The continued expression of NRGs and their erbB receptors in mature brain also implies that these molecules perform important functions in the brain throughout life. J. Comp. Neurol. 433:86–100, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Do steroid hormones function via multiple signaling pathways?

Is There an Answer? is intended to serve as a forum in which readers of IUBMB Life may pose questions of the type that intrigue biochemists but for which there may be no obvious answer or one may be available but not widely known or easily accessible. Readers are invited to e-mail f.vella@sasktel.net if they have questions to contribute or if they can provide answers to questions that are provided here from time to time. In the latter case, instructions will be sent to interested readers. Answers should be, whenever possible, evidencebased and provide relevant references. –Frank Vella
Different approaches in the assessment of audiological rehabilitation: a meta-theoretical perspective

The aim of this article is to highlight some elements (e.g. the view on truth, causality, context and methods) in three different meta-theoretical approaches to assessment and to discuss their implications', external realism, critical realism, and anti-realism. Although there are many differences between external realism and anti-realism, their main shortcoming is the failure to answer one of the basic questions in assessment research: ‘What works for whom in what circumstances? ’ In order to answer this question, one needs a deep-structure ontology and a theory including mechanisms and contexts, which one finds in critical realism. An adequate approach to an evaluation process can be described as follows. The point of departure is a theory describing how mechanisms work in context and what the expected outcomes are. Hypotheses are formulated suggesting answers to the question ‘What might work for whom in what circumstances? ’ Data are collected in order to answer the question. Different methods are used which can shed light on the phenomenon. The outcome of the evaluation process is to find the conditions under which a specific outcome is produced.
Democracy and Economic Reforms: Developing Underdeveloped Political Economies

L'A. s'efforce de mesurer l'impact des programmes d'ajustement structurel imposes, sur le plan economique et politique, aux pays africains par les organisations internationales comme la Banque mondiale et le Fonds monetaire internationale domines par les pays developpes. Il tente d'evaluer leur influence sur les processus de democratisation en Afrique. Il se demande si de tels programmes sont adaptes a la situation africaine. Il souligne que ceux-ci ont ete mis en place pour pallier les difficultes economiques auxquels les pays africains etaient confrontes. Il montre qu'ils visent, de meme, a encourager la mise en place de regimes democratiques dans cette region. Il analyse les difficultes auxquelles ils auront a faire face en ce domaine