cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamical Analysis of Cyber-Related Contingencies Initiated from Substations

The N-1 contingency analysis of bulk power systems is a widely accepted pre-screening criterion to ensure system reliability and stability in operational planning. While the nature of contingencies in anticipating the threats relies on the initial events of weather-related storms, the emerging threats of cybersecurity on substation automation have introduced the complexity of threat event combinations. This chapter introduces a fundamental establishment of stability studies under the assumption of intrusion-based cyber-physical attack, which can impact the physical operation of a power system. The study of such combinatorial attacks can be hypothesized based multiple substation outages that can be plotted by attackers to disruptively opening the breakers in compromised substations, S-k, where k is the number of substation outage based on the total number of substations S. This chapter demonstrates the stability of the grid based on the impact analysis initiated hypothetically by switching attacks and the subsequent events that can lead to widespread instability. The proof-of-concept cases included in this study are performed based on the dynamical simulation using the IEEE-14 bus system. Relay models and associated control mechanisms provided are to characterize the relays tripping and its cascading consequences by the initial event of switching attacks based on observation of other locations of relaying. The expected outcome of simulated statistics for the small power system has shown the cascading effects of grids between initial event and topology of the network. The cascading effects of relay models are discerned by the local measurements from other substations based on the electrical quantity, such as frequency and voltage of substations as well as the rotor angle of generators, to exhibit spatiotemporal breaker trippings.
Clinical, Laboratory, and Radiologic Characteristics of Patients With Initial False-Negative Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Results

Background Concerns about false-negative (FN) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) have prompted recommendations for repeat testing if suspicion for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is moderate to high. However, the frequency of FNs and patient characteristics associated with FNs are poorly understood. Methods We retrospectively reviewed test results from 15 011 adults who underwent ≥1 SARS-CoV-2 NAATs; 2699 had an initial negative NAAT and repeat testing. We defined FNs as ≥1 negative NAATs followed by a positive NAAT within 14 days during the same episode of illness. We stratified subjects with FNs by duration of symptoms before the initial FN test (≤5 days versus >5 days) and examined their clinical, radiologic, and laboratory characteristics. Results Sixty of 2699 subjects (2.2%) had a FN result during the study period. The weekly frequency of FNs among subjects with repeat testing peaked at 4.4%, coinciding with peak NAAT positivity (38%). Most subjects with FNs had symptoms (52 of 60; 87%) and chest radiography (19 of 32; 59%) consistent with COVID-19. Of the FN NAATs, 18 of 60 (30%) were performed early (ie, ≤1 day of symptom onset), and 18 of 60 (30%) were performed late (ie, >7 days after symptom onset) in disease. Among 17 subjects with 2 consecutive FNs on NP NAATs, 9 (53%) provided lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens for testing, all of which were positive. Conclusions Our findings support repeated NAATs among symptomatic patients, particularly during periods of higher COVID-19 incidence. The LRT testing should be prioritized to increase yield among patients with high clinical suspicion for COVID-19.
Genetic and environmental influences on posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and disinhibited eating behaviors.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders (ED) frequently co-occur, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. EDs are characterized by features of maladaptive e...
Which bio-diversity indices are most adequate

One of the main objectives of ecology is to analyze, maintain, and enhance the bio-diversity of different ecosystems. To be able to do that, we need to gauge bio-diversity. Several semi-heuristic diversity indices have been shown to be in good accordance with the intuitive notion of bio-diversity. In this paper, we provide a theoretical justification for these empirically successful techniques. Specifically, we show that the most widely used techniques - Simpson index - can be justified by using simple fuzzy rules, while a more elaborate justification explains all empirically successful diversity indices.
Support vectors–based groundwater head observation networks design

[1] This study presents a methodology for designing long-term groundwater head monitoring networks in order to reduce spatial redundancy. A spatially redundant well does not change the potentiometric surface estimation error appreciably, if not sampled. This methodology, based on Support Vector Machines, makes use of a uniquely solvable quadratic optimization problem that minimizes the bound on generalized risk, rather than just the mean square error of differences between measured and “predicted” groundwater head values. The nature of the optimization problem results in sparse approximation of the function defining the potentiometric surface that was utilized to select the number and locations of long-term monitoring wells and guide future data collection efforts, which is a prerequisite in building and calibrating regional flow and transport models. The methodology is applied to the design of regional groundwater monitoring networks in the Water Resources Inventory Area (WRIA) 1, Whatcom County, northern Washington State, USA.
Flowers which we cannot yet see growing in Ramanujan's garden of hypergeometric series, elliptic functions, and q's

Many of Ramanujan’s ideas and theorems form the seeds of questions and problems, many of which remain unresolved or even to be thoroughly examined. This survey raises questions arising from Ramanu- jan’s work on theta-functions and other (q-series, with Gaussian hypergeometric functions making frequent appearances.
Benthic meiofauna responses to five forest harvest methods

Benthic meiofauna were collected from the pools of minute (0 order) streams in the Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas during March 21–23, 1996 to see if benthic communities responded to forest harvest methods in a similar manner as plankton communities collected two years prior. The study streams and their watersheds (2–6 ha) were located in 14–16 ha forest stands that were selected for comparability of stands. Five treatment stands were paired with adjacent undisturbed reference stands (10 total). Treatment stands were subjected to one of five harvest methods listed in order of decreasing severity of harvest disturbance to the stands: (1) clearcut; (2) pine seed-tree; (3) pine shelterwood; (4) pine-hardwood group selection; and (5) pine single-tree selection. The mean number of taxa per site was 14 with a range of 9–20 taxa including rotifers, copepods, nematodes, dipterans, ostracods and `other' meiofauna. Densities of total meiofauna (mean=2449 No. l −1) were significantly higher (p= 0.002) in treated sites. Highest densities occurred in single-tree and clearcut treatments. Rotifers were significantly more numerous at the single-tree treatments (p=0.03) and nematodes were significantly greater at the clearcut treatments (p=0.03). We conclude that benthic meiofauna in these headwater streams are sensitive to silviculture practices and that the impact of forest harvest persists for at least 2.5 years.
Small-angle scattering by microemulsions

A model water-in-oil microemulsion is introduced in which the rigidity of the interfacial surfactant film is sufficiently large that it acts as the primary factor in determining the droplet structure of the disperse water phase. When the oil-water interface is saturated with surfactant, the excess surfactant unable to reside in the interfacial region is taken to form spherical micelles in the oil continuous phase and the microemulsion comprises a mixture of spherical marcroparticles. The small-angle scattering intensity is calculated as a function of the surfactant concentration for both X-ray and neutron scattering studies in both the dilute and concentrated regimes.
Beyond imagination: Perspective change problems revisited

Traditional models of perspective change problems (i.e., judgment of egocentric target directions from an imagined perspective) assume that performance reflects one's ability to imagine the new perspective. Three experiments investigated whether advanced cuing of the imagination direction improves performance in an imagined self-rotation task. RT performance did not improve when extended time was given to complete the imagination process, or after participants reported the completion of the imagination. Moreover, when pointing to multiple targets after a single imagination, later responses did not show improvement. These results cast doubt on the traditional imagination hypothesis and suggest re-interpretation of the angular disparity effects in perspective changes tasks.
Chapter 8 Molecular and Genetic Dissection of the Membrane Skeleton in Drosophila

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a molecular and genetic dissection of the membrane skeleton in polarized cells in Drosophila . An important principle to emerge from the erythrocyte model is that the lipid bilayer is fortified by a submembrane network of peripheral membrane proteins. These proteins, commonly referred to as the “membrane skeleton,” are essential for the normal shape and stability of the erythrocyte membrane. The membrane-skeleton proteins first described in the erythrocyte also have homologs associated with the plasma membrane (PM) of other cell types. Biochemical studies have revealed that these homologs participate in the same molecular interactions as their erythrocyte counterparts. However, technical limitations have prevented a direct electron microscopic (EM) analysis of the membrane skeleton in nonerythroid cells. Genetic studies of the nonerythroid membrane skeleton have also been lacking. Consequently, much of the conceptual framework for membrane-skeleton function is borrowed from the erythrocyte model.
FindSUMO: A PSSM-Based Method for Sumoylation Site Prediction

Post-translation modification by sumoylation is an important step in the regulation of many cellular processes. Existing programs predict sumoylation sites based on a consensus motif ( φ-K-X-E/D. However, ~23% of real SUMO sites do not match this motif, which makes prediction of sumoylation sites complicated. Here, we present a new method, FindSUMO, which predicts sumoylation sites using a position-specific scoring matrix. The comparison of FindSUMO with other two programs (SUMOsp and SUMOplot) indicates that FindSUMO accurately predicts sumoylation sites out of fewer total candidates and, in many cases, real sites with the highest scores. Overall, FindSUMO has at least the same performance as the other methods. While many improvements are expected, FindSUMO can also be applied to predict sumoylation sites that do not follow the consensus motif.
Transdermal microconduits by microscission for drug delivery and sample acquisition

Painless, rapid, controlled, minimally invasive molecular transport across human skin for drug delivery and analyte acquisition is of widespread interest. Creation of microconduits through the stratum corneum and epidermis is achieved by stochastic scissioning events localized to typically 250 μm diameter areas of human skin in vivo. Microscissioning is achieved by a limited flux of accelerated gas: 25 μm inert particles passing through the aperture in a mask held against the stratum corneum. The particles scize (cut) tissue, which is removed by the gas flow with the sensation of a gentle stream of air against the skin. The resulting microconduit is fully open and may be between 50 and 200 μm deep. In vivo adult human tests show that microconduits reduce the electrical impedance between two ECG electrodes from approximately 4,000 Ω to 500 Ω. Drug delivery has been demonstrated in vivo by applying lidocaine to a microconduit from a cotton swab. Sharp point probing demonstrated full anaesthesia around the site within three minutes. Topical application without the microconduit required approximately 1.5 hours. Approximately 180 μm deep microconduits in vivo yielded blood sample volumes of several μl, with a faint pricking sensation as blood enters tissue. Blood glucose measurements were taken with two commercial monitoring systems. Microconduits are invisible to the unaided eye, developing a slight erythematous macule that disappears over days. Microscissioned microconduits may provide a minimally invasive basis for delivery of any size molecule, and for extraction of interstitial fluid and blood samples. Such microconduits reduce through-skin electrical impedance, have controllable diameter and depth, are fully open and, after healing, no foreign bodies were visible using through-skin confocal microscopy. In subjects to date, microscissioning is painless and rapid.
Detecting Effects on Net Worth Is Nettlesome Work: Fragility in a Randomized Experiment with Individual Development Accounts

This article analyzes data from a randomized experiment on how matched-savings accounts affect the net worth of low-income people. We find that estimates are sensitive to probable data errors and to the handling of missing values. In contrast to the findings of Mills et al. 2008, some of the estimated impacts on net worth are large, both economically and statistically. We argue that the jury is still out on the impacts of Individual Development Accounts (IDA) on net worth, and we highlight that data quality and modeling assumptions are crucial even (or especially) for randomized experiments.
Pharmacology and clinical efficacy of ranitidine, a new H2-receptor antagonist

Ranitidine is a new histamine H2-receptor antagonist that includes a furan ring structure, whereas other H2-receptor antagonists include an imidazole ring. It is more potent than cimetidine in inhibiting gastric acid secretion and lacks cimetidine's anti-androgenic and hepatic microsomal enzyme inhibiting effects. In the recommended dosage of 150 mg twice daily, ranitidine is as effective as cimetidine in healing duodenal and gastric ulcers and has the advantages of less frequent dosing and fewer side effects. Ranitidine appears to be the drug of choice in the treatment of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome because of its increased potency and lesser effect on endocrine function compared to cimetidine.
Opinions and practice patterns of obstetricians-gynecologists in the United States regarding amniocentesis in twins.

Objective Accurate amniocentesis-related pregnancy loss (ARL) rates for twin gestations remains elusive because of varying ARL definitions in the literature. We examined how OB/GYNs define/counsel women carrying twins about ARL. Methods A random sample of 1000 American College of OB/GYN (ACOG) fellows and ACOG Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network (CARN) members were mailed surveys about their opinions/practice patterns regarding amniocentesis in twins. There were 208/400 (52%) CARN members and 166/600 (27%) ACOG fellows who returned the survey (37% response rate). Results Of respondents, 80.8% practiced general OB/GYN, and 9.1% practiced maternal fetal medicine. Of respondents, 72% discussed amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis. Of these, 91.7% discuss the risk of ARL; however, 47.4% do not quote an ARL rate. Of those who discuss ARL rates, 65% quote a rate greater than for singletons. Regarding monochorionic–diamniotic twins, 12.1% of respondents said the ARL rate was less, 39.6% said equal to, and 38.9% said greater than for dichorionic twins. Table 1 lists the most common clinical definitions/time intervals used to describe ARL. Conclusion Various definitions/ARL rates are used when counseling about ARL in twins. Further studies using a widely accepted definition of ARL are necessary to improve the counseling of women considering amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis in twins. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dawn of the quantum machines

Machines that will allow us to explore the boundary between the quantum and everyday worlds are upon us. What a super position to be in
Structure of polyacetylene–iodine complexes

We confirm the existence of a 15 A period in iodine‐doped polyacetylene and provide a new interpretation for this key feature as part of a general model for structural changes during iodine doping. The observed diffraction intensities for different samples suggest the existence of structures with two different types of dopant‐containing layers: layers obtained by complete replacement of polyacetylene chains by iodine columns (F layers) and layers obtained by replacement of every other polyacetylene chain by an iodine column (P layers). The F layers in the heavily doped complex alternate with dopant‐free layers of polyacetylene chains (U layers), corresponding to a (U F) n stacking sequence. The phase obtained at a lower dopant concentration, which provides the 15 A spacing, is attributed to a (U P U F) n stacking sequence. At still lower dopant concentrations, one obtains a (U P) n stacking sequence. This model, along with published Raman, Mossbauer, and photoelectron spectroscopy data, suggests that the ratio of I− 5 to I− 3 increases in going from P layers to F layers. Intense and monotonically decreasing, diffuse x‐ray scattering suggests that vacancies of size ∼3 A are present, probably in iodine columns. A diffuse reflection at 3.1 A, observed in all iodine‐doped samples, is due to an average iodine–iodine distance in disordered columnar arrays. On the other hand, ordered arrays of iodine columns in oriented samples give rise to sharp meridional reflections. All ten observed reflections (down to 1.17 A) in one sample could be indexed based on a 33.8 A repeat corresponding to (–I− 3–I− 5–I− 3–) n arrays. The observed diffraction pattern was calculated from this model without using any freely adjustable parameters.
Going Beyond Abuse: Maladaptive Patterns of Interaction in Abusing Mother-Infant Pairs

Twelve abusing and 12 control mother-infant pairs, matched for infant age, sex, race, and socioeconomic status were videotaped during free play. Standardized coding revealed differences in the quality of maternal stimulation: abusing mothers ignored more, initiated less play and did less verbal teaching. Abusing mothers differed emotionally also, demonstrating more negative behavior and less positive affect than control mothers. Abused infants complied less with their mothers' attempts to direct their play. These results demonstrate maladaptive patterns in both mother and infant beyond the abuse itself which reflect an interactive failure of continuing risk to the infant's cognitive and social development.
Relational Aggression and Friendship During Early Childhood: "I Won't Be Your Friend!"

Associations between relational aggression and mutual, dyadic friendships during early childhood were assessed in the context of a year-long, short-term longitudinal study. Children's mutual friendships were determined via sociometric ratings and their relationally aggressive behavior among peers was assessed via naturalistic, free play observations. Generally, children who were more relationally aggressive had more mutual friends, although this relation differed by gender and time of assessment. Future work should include measures of friendship quality and investigate the role of relational aggression within friendship dyads.
Emission spectrum of californium.

The measured emission spectrum of Cf was compared with observations of the supernovas lC4l82 and NGCl003. No similarities were found. Wavelengths and relative intensities of the Cf line are presented in tabular form. (L.N.N.)
Studies on metabolism and identification of the causative agent in aspirin teratogenesis in rats

Pregnant Wistar rats treated orally at day 9, 10, or 11 with 250, 500, 750, or 1000 mg/kg aspirin showed a teratogenic dose-response relation at each treatment time, but a decreased overall embryonic susceptibility as treatment was applied later in gestation. The types of abnormalities produced generally correlated with the state of development at the time of treatment. Treatment of animals at day 9 with 510 mg/kg benzole acid and 2 hours later with 250 or 500 mg/kg aspirin caused a significant increase in percentage of malformations above effects observed after 250 or 500 mg/kg aspirin alone. Determination of free salicylate in embryos and maternal serum after treatment at day 11 with sodium salicylate with or without benzoic acid pretreatment indicated that benzoic acid significantly increased the concentration of salicylate in both embryos and serum 6 and 12 hours after salicylate treatment and throughout the observed period. Thin-layer chromatography of tissues from these animals revealed only salicylic acid in both embryos and maternal serum, thus implicating salicylic acid as the causative agent in aspirin teratogenesis.
The Effect of Intravenous Dexamethasone and Lidocaine on Propofol-Induced Vascular Pain: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background. The mechanism for pain associated with intravenous administration of propofol is believed to be related to the release of nitric oxide. We hypothesized that pain following propofol injection would be reduced by pretreatment with dexamethasone. Methods. One hundred fourteen female subjects received 5 mL of preservative-free saline, 0.5 mg·kg−1 of lignocaine hydrochloride 10 mg·mL−1 or 0.25 mg·kg−1 of dexamethasone, intravenously, following exsanguination and occlusion of the veins of the arm. This was followed by a 0.5 mg·kg−1 injection of propofol. Pain scores, facial grimacing, arm withdrawal, and vocalization were recorded prior to and at 15 and 30 seconds following the injection of propofol. Results. The incidence of moderate to severe pain following the injection of propofol was significantly decreased with both lidocaine and dexamethasone. Hand withdrawal was also significantly decreased in comparison to saline. Conclusion. Low dose dexamethasone is commonly used as an antiemetic, and, in larger doses, it has been demonstrated to provide prolonged postoperative analgesia. At higher analgesic doses, dexamethasone may also reduce pain associated with the injection of propofol. This effect is probably related to the effect of the steroid on nitric oxide production associated with intravenous propofol injection.
Two determinants with Fibonacci and Lucas entries

In this short note, we study two families of determinants the entries of which are linear functions of Fibonacci or Lucas numbers. The results are rather simple, and the two determinants only differ by a constant.
SPT is optimally competitive for uniprocessor flow

We show that the Shortest Processing Time (SPT) algorithm is (Δ + 1)/2-competitive for nonpreemptive uniprocessor total flow time with release dates, where Δ is the ratio between the longest and shortest job lengths. This is best possible for a deterministic algorithm and improves on the (Δ + 1)-competitive ratio shown by Epstein and van Stee using different methods.
Solid Hydrogen: The Ideal Analog of an Antiferromagnet

A physically meaningful analogy is drawn between the ordering and dynamical behavior of molecular rotations in solid hydrogen and the ordering and dynamical behavior of magnetic spin systems. In solid hydrogen the magnitude J of the rotational angular momentum is a good quantum number. Molecules having J = 1 resemble spin one magnetic moments, whereas those with J = 0 are ``non‐magnetic.'' Solid solutions of these two species are analogs of magnetic alloys. The thermodynamic properties, in particular the order parameter, the specific heat, and the nuclear magnetic resonance properties are similar to those of magnetic systems. As for the dynamics, the small librations about the ground state are analogs of spin waves, and the interactions between the librational excitations are similar to, but larger than, the usual spin‐wave interactions. This circumstance enables the direct observation of the two‐libron spectrum and also leads to large anharmonic shifts in the single‐libron spectrum.
Differences and Trends in Antioxidant Dietary Intake in Smokers and Non-smokers, 1980–1992: The Minnesota Heart Survey

Abstract PURPOSE: Differences and secular trends in dietary antioxidant vitamin intake (vitamins E, C, and β-carotene) in current non-smokers, light smokers, and heavy smokers were examined as part of the Minnesota Heart Survey. METHODS: Three cross-sectional surveys were conducted in adults ages 25–74 years in 1980–82 N = 1682 , 1985–87 N = 2326 , and 1990–92 N = 2487 . Dietary information was obtained from a 24-hour dietary recall. Smoking was assessed through self-report. Intakes were adjusted for age, energy intake, body mass index, education level, and exercise level (vitamins E, C and β-carotene). RESULTS: Antioxidant vitamin intakes were significantly higher in non-smokers than in light (1–20 cig/day) and heavy smokers (>20 cig/day) when all three survey periods were combined. In men, mean vitamin E intake was 9.2 mg, 8.6 mg, and 7.8 mg for non-smokers, light smokers, and heavy smokers, respectively. Results were similar in men for β-carotene (non-smokers 1408 μg, light smokers 1287 μg, and heavy smokers 1064 μg), and vitamin C (non-smokers 81 mg, light smokers 67 mg, and heavy smokers 56 mg). Women had results of similar magnitude and direction. From 1980–92, secular trends in men showed non-significant increases from 1980–82 to 1990–92 in β-carotene (+6.1%), while decreases were observed in vitamins E (−1.1%) and C (−2.6%). In contrast, women had large decreases in all antioxidant vitamin intakes: vitamin E (−13%), vitamin C (−18.6%), and β-carotene (−16.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Light and heavy smokers had a significantly lower overall mean dietary antioxidant vitamin intake than non-smokers. Over the decade, antioxidant dietary intake remained relatively stable in men and decreased in women in Minneapolis-St. Paul, despite improvements in access to antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables.
Modular Thrust Subsystem Approaches to Solar Electric Propulsion Module Design

Three approaches are presented for packaging the elements of a 30-cm ion thruster subsystem into a modular thrust subsystem. The individual modules, when integrated into a conceptual solar electric propulsion module, are applicable to a multimission set of interplanetar y flights with the Space Shuttle/Interim Upper Stage as the launch vehicle. The emphasis is on the structural and thermal integration of the components into the modular thrust subsystems. Thermal control for the power-processing units is either by direct radiation through louvers in combination with heat pipes or an all heat-pipe system. The propeliant storage and feed system and thruster gimbal system concepts are presented. The three approaches are compared on the basis of mass, cost, testing, interfaces, simplicity, reliability, and maintainability.
A Statistical Thermodynamical Interpretation of Metabolism

The metabolic network of a cell can be decomposed into discrete elementary modes that contribute, each with a certain probability, to the overall flux through the metabolism. These modes are cell function supporting, fundamental pathways that represent permissible ‘quantum’ states of the metabolism. For the case that cellular regulatory mechanisms for pathway fluxes evolved in an unbiased way, we demonstrate theoretically that the usage probabilities of individual elementary modes are distributed according to Boltzmann’s distribution law such that the rate of entropy production is maximized. Such distribution can be observed experimentally in highly evolved metabolic networks. Therefore, cell function has a natural tendency to operate at a maximum rate of entropy generation using preferentially efficient pathways with small reaction entropies. Ultimately, evolution of metabolic networks appears to be driven by forces that can be quantified by the distance of the current metabolic state from the state of maximum entropy generation that represents the unbiased, most probable selection of fundamental pathway choices.
The teachers/practitioners corner the effects of indexing ARMA series using the consumer price index

The authors demonstrate that indexing a time series with an ARMA representation using the Consumer Price Index does not materially alter the ARMA form of the model. They further demonstrate that the forecasting error of the indexed series and of the product of the forecasts of the index and the time series are, for practical purpose, the same. Simulation results are reported for five model classes.
Ionization mechanisms near three-photon resonances in Xe-Ar and Xe-Kr mixtures

Unfocused linear polarized laser light is used to explore ionization mechanisms in the region near three-photon resonances in Xe. In Xe-Ar and Xe-Kr mixtures at elevated concentrations, processes involving dimer absorption of third-harmonic photons are shown to play an important role in determining ionization yields, and a method for using the observed ionization to measure vacuum ultraviolet absorption is described.
Rotational polygon containment and minimum enclosure using only robust 2D constructions

Abstract An algorithm and a robust floating point implementation is given for rotational polygon containment: given polygons P1,P2,P3,…,Pk and a container polygon C, find rotations and translations for the k polygons that place them into the container without overlapping. A version of the algorithm and implementation also solves rotational minimum enclosure: given a class C of container polygons, find a container C∈ C of minimum area for which containment has a solution. The minimum enclosure is approximate: it bounds the minimum area between (1−e)A and A. Experiments indicate that finding the minimum enclosure is practical for k=2,3 but not larger unless optimality is sacrificed or angles ranges are limited (although these solutions can still be useful). Important applications for these algorithm to industrial problems are discussed. The paper also gives practical algorithms and numerical techniques for robustly calculating polygon set intersection, Minkowski sum, and range intersection: the intersection of a polygon with itself as it rotates through a range of angles. In particular, it introduces nearest pair rounding, which allows all these calculations to be carried out in rounded floating point arithmetic.
A Systematic Review of Neuroimaging for Cerebral Palsy

The American Academy of Neurology now recommends that all cases of cerebral palsy of unknown origin undergo neuroimaging. Controversy surrounds this recommendation because of concerns about the adequacy of the supporting evidence. This article reviews the evidence provided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) imaging studies in cerebral palsy and discusses the potential benefits of imaging, techniques in current use, and future directions, with a focus on improving etiologic understanding. Most (83%) children with cerebral palsy have abnormal neuroradiological findings, with white matter damage the most common abnormality. Combined gray and white matter abnormalities are more common among children with hemiplegia; isolated white matter abnormalities are more common with bilateral spasticity or athetosis, and with ataxia; isolated gray matter damage is the least common finding. About 10% of cerebral palsy is attributable to brain malformations, and 17% of cerebral palsy cases have no abnormality detectable by conventional MR or CT imaging. Although neuroimaging studies have increased our understanding of the abnormalities in brain development in cerebral palsy, they are less informative than they might be because of 4 common problems: (1) inappropriate assignment of etiology to morphologic findings, (2) inconsistent descriptions of radiologic findings, (3) uncertain relationship of pathologic findings to brain insult timing estimates, and (4) study designs that are not based on generalizable samples. Neuroimaging is not necessarily required for diagnosis of cerebral palsy because the disorder is based on clinical findings. The principal contribution of imaging is to the understanding of etiology and pathogenesis, including ruling in or out conditions that may have implications for genetic counseling, such as malformations. In the future, as more sophisticated imaging procedures are applied to cerebral palsy, specific morphologic findings may be linked to etiologic events or exposures, thus leading to potential pathways for prevention.
Risk Factors for Popliteal and Carotid Wall Thicknesses In the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

The authors evaluated risk factors potentially associated with the development of popliteal artery atherosclerosis in a population-based study and compared them with factors linked to carotid wall intimal-medial thickness. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study is a longitudinal investigation of cardiovascular disease in 15,800 individuals. The present analyses are based on the baseline popliteal and carotid ultrasonography examination in 10,002 subjects conducted in 1987-1989. After adjustment for covariates, both carotid and popliteal intimal-medial thicknesses were strongly associated with male sex and age (p < 0.01), having a graded relation with increasing quartiles of plasma total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol and with plasma triglycerides (women only for popliteal) (p < 0.01). An inverse correlation was noted between plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol and carotid (p < 0.01) and popliteal (women only) (p < 0.05) intimal-medial thicknesses. Cigarette use (p < 0.01), a history of diabetes mellitus (p < 0.01), alcohol use, elevated systolic pressures (p < 0.01), and fibrinogen levels (p < 0.01) were directly associated with both popliteal and carotid intimal-medial thicknesses. Although menopause was associated with thickened carotid (p < 0.01) and popliteal (p < 0.05) intimal-medial thicknesses, hormone replacement therapy was associated with thinner carotid walls only (p < 0.05). Although there were some differences, many of the classical risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease were also related to early thickening of both the popliteal and the carotid artery walls.
A comparison of protein synthesis by liver parenchymal cells isolated from Fischer F344 rats of various ages.

Rates of protein synthesis by intact liver parenchymal cells isolated from male Fischer F344 rats ranging in age from 2.5 to 30 months were determined by measuring the incorporation of [3H]valine into acid-insoluble material and the specific activity of the extracellular valine. The rate of protein synthesis decreased 44% from 2.5 to 18 months and then increased slightly (18%) from 18 to 30 months. There was no dramatic change in the types of proteins synthesized by isolated liver parenchymal cells isolated from 2- or 18-month-old rats as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The ribosomal-transit time by liver parenchymal cells isolated from 18-month-old rats was 60% higher than the ribosomal-transit time of liver parenchymal cells isolated from 4-month-old rats. The fidelity of protein synthesis by parenchymal cells isolated from 4- and 18-month old rats was compared by measuring the incorporation of p-fluorophenyl-alanine (an analogue of phenylalanine) into acid-insoluble material. Although protein synthesis decreased significantly from 4 to 18 months, the fidelity of protein synthesis remained constant.
Effects of products of activated leukocytes (lymphokines and monokines) on the growth of malignant trophoblast cells in vitro

Abstract Supernatants from activated leukocyte cultures and individual lymphokines and monokines were added to cultures of JEG-3 human gestational choriocarcinoma cells in vitro, and effects on cell proliferation were measured. Activated leukocyte culture supernatants, recombinant γ-interferon, tumor necrosis factor, and colony-stimulating factor significantly inhibited JEG-3 proliferation. In contrast, high doses of both interleukin 1 and 2 stimulated JEG-3 proliferation. Low doses of B cell growth factor stimulated JEG-3 proliferation, whereas the highest dose was inhibitory. Further understanding of the effects of lymphokines and monokines on trophoblastic growth may provide important insights into immunologic mechanisms affecting early pregnancy development and tumor-host interactions in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.
Organic solutes and the recovery of a bog stream from chronic acidification

Natural organic acids are important in the acid-base chemistry of many natural waters. However, field studies suggest that the degree of acid neutralization provided by natural organic acids is small, even in organic-rich waters. We added sulfuric acid and sodium bicarbonate separately to a bog stream in the Czech Republic to evaluate the role of organic acids in the acidification and subsequent recovery of brown waters subjected to chronically high acid deposition. Despite naturally high organic acid concentrations (dissolved organic carbon [DOC] concentration, 48.9 mg L -1 ; total carboxyl group concentration [C T ], 344 μequiv L -1 ; organic acid anion concentration [RCOO-], 176 μequiv L -1 ), only 10% of the added acid and base were neutralized by the protonation or deprotonation of carboxylic functional groups. Approximately 80% of the acid and base additions remained unbuffered. Release of aluminum and basic cations to solution accounted for the remainder of the added acid and base. A Gaussian model of organic acid dissociation, fitted to our experimental results, explained the variations in RCOO- and the minimal buffering offered by organic solutes. Sulfate and hydrogen ion (H + ) concentrations at the study site declined sharply (ca. 50%) in 1992-1996, but DOC, C T , and RCOO- were unchanged. Our experimental and monitoring results suggest that organic acids are not likely to hinder significantly the recovery of brown water streams in the region from chronic anthropogenic acidification).
Serum syndecan-1 for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: a negative study

Purpose: No tumor marker has been shown to be useful in screening for pancreatic cancer. CA 19–9 is a widely used serological marker for pancreatic cancer, however, its role in screening and establishing the diagnosis of early stage disease is limited. Recently, syndecan-1 has been shown to be overexpressed early in pancreatic carcinogenesis. This transmembrane heparan sulfate-bearing proteoglycan can regulate adhesion, migration, and growth factor activity, processes critical to the early metastatic potential of pancreatic cancer. Syndecan-1 is frequently shed into the blood from malignant tissues. Indeed, serological assessment of this cell surface proteoglycan has been shown to be a useful marker in the diagnosis/prognosis in lung cancer and myeloma. Therefore, we hypothesized that serum syndecan-1 levels would be an accurate marker for pancreatic cancer.
Membrane Diffusion of Tethered DPPC and Tethered PIP3-Bound Protein Systems

We have used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the diffusion of tethered proteins in lipid bilayers. Coarse-grained (CG) models of DPPC dimers were simulated in a DPPC bilayer with the MARTINI model, and single-lipid diffusion constants compared to those obtained for dimers at various tether lengths. The ratio of diffusion constants matches well with both experimental results and theoretical predictions of a simple bead model. CG models of pleckstrin homology domain (PH) bound to a lipid with a PIP3 (phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate) head group were then constructed and compared for the monomer, tethered dimer, and tethered trimer cases.
The tunnel effect, Gibson's perception theory, and reflective seeing

Subjects can have continuous visual experience of an object's movement across a display though the movement's middle phase takes place behind an opaque screen. The present article considers explanatory issues pertaining to this so-called, tunnel effect, with special reference to Gibson' s perception theory and the visual activity that I have been calling reflective seeing. Among the issues discussed are the following. (a) In the tunnel experiments, I suggest, there occur both persisting perception, as Michotte held, and persistence perception, as Gibson held. The subjects pick up stimulus information that allows visually experiencing the object's going out of sight at one edge of the screen and coming back into sight at another edge of the screen; the subjects have visual experience of the continued existence and movement of the object while it is out of sight. Moreover, persistence of perceptual experience is involved: when the object goes out of sight, the subjects' visual experience of its movement goes on. (b) I also argue that the tunnel effect is a phenomenon of both straightforward and reflective seeing. Adopting a phenomenal attitude, as one does when reporting one's perceptual experience, one still sees movement taking place on the other side of the screen, as one does in straightforward seeing. However, whereas straightforward seeing does not give inner awareness of visual experience, the subjects in the tunnel experiments report visually experiencing the object's movement while also visually experiencing the opaque screen in front of it as opaque. I argue that these reports, and those about the object's going out of and coming back into sight, must be based on the kind of visual experience that is part and product of reflective seeing.
Weathering effects on the magnetic properties of the Milledgeville granite, Georgia

Abstract One of the major problems in paleomagnetic sampling of granites in the southeastern United States is finding fresh outcrop. Since most outcrops are weathered to some extent, it is important to quantify the effect of weathering on the magnetic properties of individual samples. The Lake Sinclair dam site near Milledgeville, Georgia, was chosen for this study, where a very fresh, stable granite outcrops in the excavated spillway. Lying immediately above is the weathered equivalent. Drilled samples were obtained from fresh and weathered portions at one outcrop, and the remanent and induced magnetizations measured. With AF demagnetization, it was possible to obtain the stable remanent directions, exhibited by fresh samples, from all weathered samples. The induced and remanent magnetic behavior can be explained by maghemitization during weathering and the development of a secondary low oxidation magnetic phase and the reduction in domain size of primary magnetite.
Folate and 10-Formyltetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase in Human and Rat Retina: Relation to Methanol Toxicity☆

Ocular toxicity, a well-recognized outcome of methanol poisoning in humans, correlates with formate accumulation in blood following the ingestion of methanol. Rodents, however, are a species known to be resistant to the toxicity of formate. The present study was designed to determine whether components of folate-dependent formate oxidation, e.g., folate and 10-CHO-H4-folate dehydrogenase (10-FDH), exist in retina and whether differences in these components might explain species-determined susceptibility to methanol intoxication. Total folate levels were determined in human and rat retinal tissues and were found to be much lower than the levels in liver. However, folate levels in human retina were only 14% of those determined in rat retina. Western blot analysis was used to quantify the amount of cytosolic and mitochondrial 10-FDH in retinal tissues. Results of these studies showed that comparable amounts of this enzyme were present in both cellular compartments in each species. However, the amount of 10-FDH in human retina was approximately three times the amount found in rat retina. In order to determine the cell type(s) within the retina that contained 10-FDH, immunohistochemical staining for 10-FDH was carried out. Confocal microscopic image analysis of human and rat retinae showed colocalization of 10-FDH primarily with Muller cell protein markers [glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin, and carbonic anhydrase]. Therefore, 10-FDH was found to be preferentially localized in this cell type. Since Muller cells appear to represent the target for formate-induced ocular toxicity, our data suggest that formate oxidation reactions might serve two roles, first a protective role and then a role in methanol-induced toxicity in Muller cells.
Party politics, religion and elections in Western democracies

In the field of the comparative study of religion and politics, much has been written about Christian Democracy but rather little about the religious cleavage, which according to most studies of the party family underlies it. This paper addresses the issues of the characteristics of the religious cleavage in Western democracies in the transition from the twentieth to the twenty-first century and the role of religious parties. Beginning with a critical review of the concepts of secularization and cleavage politics the argument is advanced that the religious cleavage remains a force in party politics and voting behaviour, yet is undergoing a change in light of cultural and political differentiation processes. There are signs that denominational voting decreases in most Western democracies; at the same time, differences between religiously oriented and secular voters, though also slightly declining, remain rather robust at a higher level than denominational voting. A new element is added by the growing importance of non-Christian minorities in most of these countries. These developments have profound consequences for the position and identity of Christian Democracy and other confessionally oriented parties.
Cytoplasmic homology between Aegilops muticaBoiss. and Ae. ovata L.

Triticum aestivum L. em Thell. (2n=42; AABBDD), and T. durumDesf. (2n=28; AABB) genomes were substituted into the cytoplasms of Aegilops muticaBoiss. (2n=14; MtMt), Ae. heldreichiiHolzm. (2n=14; MM), Ae. uniaristataVis. (2n=14; MuMu), and Ae. ovata L. (2n=28; CuCuMoMo), to identify the M-genome diploid cytoplasm donor of Ae. ovata. Substitution of the T. durum genome into Ae. uniaristata cytoplasm resulted in a large proportion of shriveled inviable seeds. A few plump viable seeds were obtained all of which produced male-sterile plants having one univalent or telocentric chromosome from Ae. uniaristata. The T. aestivum plants having Ae. uniaristata or Ae. mutica cytoplasms were fertile. However, Ae. mutica was similar to Ae. ovata in the induction of delayed maturity and tall robust growth habit to the T. durum and T. aestivum plants. Cytoplasms of the other C- and M-genome diploids Ae. umbellulataZhuk. (2n=14; CuCu) and, Ae. heldreichii (2n=14; MM) earlier had been shown to differ from that of Ae. ovata. Therefore, Ae. mutica is the most likely cytoplasm and M-genome donor to Ae. ovata.