cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Security design against stealthy attacks on power system state estimation: A formal approach

Abstract State estimation is very important for securely, reliably, and efficiently maintaining a power grid. If state estimation is not protected, an attacker can compromise meters or communication systems and introduce false measurements, which can evade existing Bad Data Detection (BDD) algorithms and lead to incorrect state estimation. This kind of attack is stealthy and widely known as an Undetected False Data Injection (UFDI) attack. Attackers are limited by different attributes, in terms of knowledge, capabilities, resources, and attack targets, that are important to consider for realizing the potential attack vectors and, thereby, the security measures. In this paper, we present a formal framework for automatic synthesis of security architectures that will guard the grid against potential UFDI attacks on state estimation. In this approach, we first formalize UFDI attacks with respect to the grid topology, electrical properties, and different attack attributes. The solution to the model derives the attack vectors that exist in the formalized scenario. These attack vectors are considered by a second formal model, the security architecture synthesis model, to design the security measures (i.e., a set of measurements to be protected against false data injection). We enhance the performance of the security architecture synthesis mechanism by performing parallel and stepped execution of the formal models. We demonstrate the proposed mechanism through case studies and evaluate the performance of the proposed model by running experiments on different IEEE test systems.
Military occupational health surveillance program.

Abstract : Responses were received from 37 HSC medical treatment facilities (100%) regarding their occupational health surveillance programs. The occupational health programs are directed toward meeting the requirements for job specific medical surveillance of civilian employees. For active duty military personnel determined to be potentially exposed to occupational or job- related hazards, medical surveillance programs are limited, if available at all. An AMEDD health care delivery system which would provide for job specific medical surveillance of military personnel determined to be potentially exposed to occupational or job-related hazards would require more adequate staffing to provide the services. Identification of personnel at risk could be facilitated using guidelines for SSIs and MOSs with potential exposures to hazards. These medical surveillance guidelines are available from USAEHA. Additional requirements are determined by on site inspections and industrial hygiene hazards inventories.
Understanding Early Word Learning in Situated Artificial Agents

Neural network-based systems can now learn to locate the referents of words and phrases in images, answer questions about visual scenes, and execute symbolic instructions as first-person actors in partially-observable worlds. To achieve this so-called grounded language learning, models must overcome challenges that infants face when learning their first words. While it is notable that models with no meaningful prior knowledge overcome these obstacles, researchers currently lack a clear understanding of how they do so, a problem that we attempt to address in this paper. For maximum control and generality, we focus on a simple neural network-based language learning agent, trained via policy-gradient methods, which can interpret single-word instructions in a simulated 3D world. Whilst the goal is not to explicitly model infant word learning, we take inspiration from experimental paradigms in developmental psychology and apply some of these to the artificial agent, exploring the conditions under which established human biases and learning effects emerge. We further propose a novel method for visualising semantic representations in the agent.
Do All Rigid and Unbalanced Spines Present the Same Risk of Dislocation After Total Hip Arthroplasty? A Comparison Study Between Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis and History of Spinal Fusion.

Abstract Background Spines with ankylosis or with a history of lumbosacral fusions have been collectively classified as rigid and unbalanced, and associated with an increased rate of dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA). It remains unknown whether the cause of spinal arthrodesis influences the dislocation rate. Methods A retrospective study was conducted from January 2000 to December 2017, with an institutional review board's approval to identify 2 cohorts with a history of THA: one with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) involving the lumbosacral spine and another cohort with a history of lumbosacral spinal fusion (SF). A chart review was performed to collect demographic and surgical variables. Lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), acetabular anteversion, and inclination angle measurements were taken for each patient. Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves were constructed and multivariable Cox regression was performed for analysis. Results The AS and SF cohorts consisted of 142 and 135 patients, respectively. The SF group had a greater mean LLA (34.18°) than the AS group (21°). A total of 16 patients (11.85%) suffered from dislocation after primary elective THA in the SF group, whereas 4 patients (2.82%) in the AS group. After multivariable Cox regression analysis, increasing LLA and hips outside of the Lewinnek safe zone were found to be associated with a higher hazard of dislocation after THA. Conclusion We found that the degree of lumbar spine curvature is more associated with dislocation after THA than the history of SF itself; specifically, an increase in lumbar lordosis angle of 1o increases the probability of dislocation by 13% among AS and SF patients.
Light limitation regulates the response of autumn terrestrial carbon uptake to warming

Global warming is projected to shift the phenology and increase the productivity of northern ecosystems1–6. Both changes will further feed back to climate through biophysical and biogeochemical processes and are critical for future prediction7,8. However, it remains unclear whether warming and the extended growing season, especially in autumn, would lead to increased net ecosystem carbon uptake9,10. Here we analyse satellite observations, field measurements and model simulations and show a prevalent radiation limitation on carbon uptake in northern ecosystems, especially in autumn. By comparing the start and end of the growing season estimated from vegetation indices and from solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (a proxy for gross primary production11,12 (GPP)), we find a greater change in greenness-based start and end of season than that from GPP, mostly caused by the radiation limitation on photosynthesis. This radiation limitation explains the contrasting responses of autumn net carbon exchanges to warming, using both eddy covariance measurements and model simulations from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5. Regions with weak radiation limitation benefit more from warming and enhanced vegetation greenness in autumn, where GPP increases can outweigh the warming-induced respiration carbon losses. With continued warming, radiation limitation will increase and exert a strong upper bound on northern ecosystems to act as carbon sinks. Phenological shifts due to warming extend the growing season for plants, with implications for ecosystem productivity. Carbon uptake through photosynthesis is limited by radiation, particularly in autumn, which explains contrasting regional responses of autumn carbon uptake to rising temperatures.
Did Delaware Really Kill Corporate Law? Shareholder Protection in a Post-Corwin World

Corwin v. KKR, one of many recent cases aiming to mitigate the “deal tax” in MA” in fact, the mainstream view among scholars is that Corwin is a setback in shareholder protection. This Article challenges such view and argues that shareholder protections in Revlon M&A deals have not suddenly vanished. First, Corwin applies only in the presence of certain preconditions: plaintiffs’ efforts have simply been re-channeled around them. Corwin has in fact expanded the breadth of litigation challenging lack of “full information.” Also, the requirement that shareholder approval be unco-erced is bound to pose a limit on certain director abuses in the sale process and in the adoption of deal protection devices. This Article reports of original empirical data on transactions post Corwin suggesting that not much has changed in deal-making: in other words, the decision has not opened the floodgates to bad process, possibly because deal planners anticipate the possibility that rival bids will arise, possibly because the preconditions to Corwin are taken very seriously (especially if coercion constrains ability to offer outrageous deal protection devices), and possibly because corporate planners adhere to norms and best practices and in the worst cases deal lawyers rein in their clients’ impulses.
Assessing the impact of unmeasured confounders for credible and reliable real-world evidence.

Purpose We review statistical methods for assessing the possible impact of bias due to unmeasured confounding in real world data analysis and provide detailed recommendations for choosing among the methods. Methods By updating an earlier systematic review, we summarize modern statistical best practices for evaluating and correcting for potential bias due to unmeasured confounding in estimating causal treatment effect from non-interventional studies. Results We suggest a hierarchical structure for assessing unmeasured confounding. First, for initial sensitivity analyses, we strongly recommend applying a recently developed method, the E-value, that is straightforward to apply and does not require prior knowledge or assumptions about the unmeasured confounder(s). When some such knowledge is available, the E-value could be supplemented by the rule-out or array method at this step. If these initial analyses suggest results may not be robust to unmeasured confounding, subsequent analyses could be conducted using more specialized statistical methods, which we categorize based on whether they require access to external data on the suspected unmeasured confounder(s), internal data, or no data. Other factors for choosing the subsequent sensitivity analysis methods are also introduced and discussed, including the types of unmeasured confounders and whether the subsequent sensitivity analysis is intended to provide a corrected causal treatment effect. Conclusion Various analytical methods have been proposed to address unmeasured confounding, but little research has discussed a structured approach to select appropriate methods in practice. In providing practical suggestions for choosing appropriate initial and, potentially, more specialized subsequent sensitivity analyses, we hope to facilitate the widespread reporting of such sensitivity analyses in non-interventional studies. The suggested approach also has the potential to inform pre-specification of sensitivity analyses before executing the analysis, and therefore increase the transparency and limit selective study reporting.
Fourier Subspace-Preserving Particle Filter: Theory and One-Dimensional Implementation

Particle filters are used to estimate and/or model evolving probability distributions associated with dynamic processes that are subjected to repeated, independent measurements. Particle filters lose accuracy over time because a growing proportion of particles' weights become negligible so that the number of effective particles decreases. This most common strategy to avoid this is resampling, which is computationally expensive. Another strategy is to employ flows to move particles to regions of higher probability. In this paper we present yet another strategy, which displaces particles in such a way as to preserve Fourier components of the distribution. One-dimensional simulations give promising results.
Pulmonary Embolism Complicated by Acute Limb Ischemia Managed by Surgical Pulmonary Embolectomy.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a manifestation of venous thromboembolic disease with potential serious and life-threatening complications. Management options for acute PE have drastically improved over the last 15 years with the introduction of multidisciplinary pulmonary embolism response teams throughout the world. We present the case of an 18-year-old woman diagnosed with acute PE complicated by near-complete occlusion of her left common femoral artery from a paradoxical embolus in the setting of patent foramen ovale (PFO), managed with surgical pulmonary embolectomy and surgical PFO repair.
MagnetIO: Passive yet Interactive Soft Haptic Patches Anywhere

We propose a new type of haptic actuator, which we call MagnetIO, that is comprised of two parts: one battery-powered voice-coil worn on the user's fingernail and any number of interactive soft patches that can be attached onto any surface (everyday objects, user's body, appliances, etc.). When the user's finger wearing our voice-coil contacts any of the interactive patches it detects its magnetic signature via magnetometer and vibrates the patch, adding haptic feedback to otherwise input-only interactions. To allow these passive patches to vibrate, we make them from silicone with regions doped with polarized neodymium powder, resulting in soft and stretchable magnets. This stretchable form-factor allows them to be wrapped to the user's body or everyday objects of various shapes. We demonstrate how these add haptic output to many situations, such as adding haptic buttons to the walls of one's home. In our technical evaluation, we demonstrate that our interactive patches can be excited across a wide range of frequencies (0-500 Hz) and can be tuned to resonate at specific frequencies based on the patch's geometry. Furthermore, we demonstrate that MagnetIO's vibration intensity is as powerful as a typical linear resonant actuator (LRA); yet, unlike these rigid actuators, our passive patches operate as springs with multiple modes of vibration, which enables a wider band around its resonant frequency than an equivalent LRA.
A Data-Driven Framework for Intention Prediction via Eye Movement With Applications to Assistive Systems

Fast and accurate human intention prediction can significantly advance the performance of assistive devices for patients with limited motor or communication abilities. Among available modalities, eye movement can be valuable for inferring the user’s intention, as it can be tracked non-invasively. However, existing limited studies in this domain do not provide the level of accuracy required for the reliable operation of assistive systems. By taking a data-driven approach, this paper presents a new framework that utilizes the spatial and temporal patterns of eye movement along with deep learning to predict the user’s intention. In the proposed framework, the spatial patterns of gaze are identified by clustering the gaze points based on their density over displayed images in order to find the regions of interest (ROIs). The temporal patterns of gaze are identified via hidden Markov models (HMMs) to find the transition sequence between ROIs. Transfer learning is utilized to identify the objects of interest in the displayed images. Finally, models are developed to predict the user’s intention after completing the task as well as at early stages of the task. The proposed framework is evaluated in an experiment involving predicting intended daily-life activities. Results indicate that an average classification accuracy of 97.42% is achieved, which is considerably higher than existing gaze-based intention prediction studies.
Neural dynamics underlying birdsong practice and performance.

Musical and athletic skills are learned and maintained through intensive practice to enable precise and reliable performance for an audience. Consequently, understanding such complex behaviours requires insight into how the brain functions during both practice and performance. Male zebra finches learn to produce courtship songs that are more varied when alone and more stereotyped in the presence of females1. These differences are thought to reflect song practice and performance, respectively2,3, providing a useful system in which to explore how neurons encode and regulate motor variability in these two states. Here we show that calcium signals in ensembles of spiny neurons (SNs) in the basal ganglia are highly variable relative to their cortical afferents during song practice. By contrast, SN calcium signals are strongly suppressed during female-directed performance, and optogenetically suppressing SNs during practice strongly reduces vocal variability. Unsupervised learning methods4,5 show that specific SN activity patterns map onto distinct song practice variants. Finally, we establish that noradrenergic signalling reduces vocal variability by directly suppressing SN activity. Thus, SN ensembles encode and drive vocal exploration during practice, and the noradrenergic suppression of SN activity promotes stereotyped and precise song performance for an audience. In male zebra finches, song practice and courtship song performance are associated with distinct patterns of neural activity in the basal ganglia, resulting in reduced vocal variability during performance.
Review of Rodent Models of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a polygenic neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 8-12% of children and >4% of adults. Environmental factors are believed to interact with genetic predispositions to increase susceptibility to ADHD. No existing rodent model captures all aspects of ADHD, but several show promise. The main genetic models are the spontaneous hypertensive rat, dopamine transporter knock-out (KO) mice, dopamine receptor subtype KO mice, Snap-25 KO mice, guanylyl cyclase-c KO mice, and latrophilin-3 KO mice and rats. Environmental factors thought to contribute to ADHD include ethanol, nicotine, PCBs, lead (Pb), ionizing irradiation, 6-hydroxydopamine, neonatal hypoxia, some pesticides, and organic pollutants. Model validation criteria are outlined, and current genetic models evaluated against these criteria. Future research should explore induced multiple gene KOs given that ADHD is polygenic and epigenetic contributions. Furthermore, genetic models should be combined with environmental agents to test for interactions.
Functions, Ordinals, Species*

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the proof theory of formal classical analysis, formulated as a two-sorted axiomatic theory with variables for natural numbers and number theoretic functions and the basic relations of equality and function evaluation. The analyses of the notion of free choice sequence in terms of which the continuous functions are defined have shown that the evident axioms for free choice sequences are unexpectedly weak ; in particular, for some formal theorems A, A’ cannot be derived from known axioms. The purpose of the present chapter is to summarize work in the past ten years on the proposal and to put the results in perspective by comparing them with other work on subsystems.
Urbanization, Markets, and Malnutrition in Rural Farm Households

Agricultural productivity growth accelerates urbanization by supplying food and labor to urban areas. Towns and cities may also grow for separate reasons, pulling food and resources out of rural ar...
The Investment Problem and Capital Budgeting

Corporate financial managers continually invest funds in assets and these assets produce income and cash flows that the company may then either reinvest in more assets or distribute to the owners of the company. Capital budgeting decisions involve the long-term commitment of a company's scarce resources in capital investments. These decisions play a prominent role in determining whether a company will be successful. The commitment of funds to a particular capital project can be enormous and may be irreversible. Whereas some capital budgeting decisions are routine decisions that do not change the course or risk of a company, there are strategic capital budgeting decisions that will either have an impact on the company's future market position in its current product lines or permit it to expand into a new product line in the future. Keywords: capital budgeting; project; capital investment; working capital owners' wealth maximization; project tracking; postcompletion audit; replacement projects; expansion projects; mandated projects; independent projects; mutually exclusive projects; contingent projects
Influence of brain conductivity on magnetoencephalographic simulations in realistic head models

The influence of brain tissue conductivity on magnetoencephalography (MEG) has been largely unknown. We compared the normal component of the magnetic field calculated at 61 detectors and the localization accuracy of 9 different realistic head finite element method (FEM) models containing various gray and white matter conductivities to the results obtained using a FEM realistic head model containing published baseline conductivity values. In the models containing altered conductivity values, the gray and white matter were varied, one at a time, between 10% and 200% of their baseline values and then varied simultaneously. Although changes in conductivity values for gray and for white matter individually altered the calculated magnetic fields and source localization accuracy only slightly, altering both gray and white matter conductivities simultaneously caused significant discrepancies in calculated results compared to the model with the baseline conductivity values. This study suggests that accurate gray and white matter conductivities may be important for MEG source localization in human brain.
Gamma Ray Observations during the August 1972 Solar Activity

During the solar activity period in August 1972, the UNH gamma ray monitor on the OSO-7 satellite measured gamma ray line and continuum fluxes of solar origin on at least two occasions; August 4 and 7. In this discussion we will review the experiment and the gamma ray line observations with a few brief remarks on interpretation. A more complete discussion on the relation of these observations to the solar flare problem will be presented at the COSPAR-Working Group on Solar Flares in Konstanz, Germany — May 30, 1973. The specific observations to be discussed here are measurements of gamma ray lines at 0.51 and 2.2 MeV during two of the largest optical solar flares. Evidence for lines at other energies will also be given.
Bursting out of the box: Outreach to the millennial generation through student services programs

Purpose – This article aims to summarize recent outreach efforts at The Washington State University Libraries. Taking outreach beyond the traditional library liaison relationship produced unexpected partnerships across campus with such diverse groups as New Student Programs and Residence Life.Design/methodology/approach – The Library Instruction Department at Washington State University was looking for areas where expanded efforts would be most beneficial to the majority of its students. Connection was resumed with liaison areas, which had been previously established, to bring a focus to student needs. Offices centered on student life, such as Residence Life and New Student Programs, were the focal point of these efforts.Findings – WSU's Library Instruction Department was welcomed as a partner program most everywhere it went. Consequently new areas of outreach have been established where none had existed previously and the library's reputation has been boosted campus‐wide.Practical implications – Results ...
Light-evoked contraction of the photosensitive iris of the frog

Smooth muscle cells of the frog iris sphincter contain rhodopsin and contract in response to light. The mechanism of light-evoked contraction was studied with particular attention paid to the role of calcium. The contractile proteins of the sphincter smooth muscle cell can be activated by an increase in intracellular calcium. Light-evoked contraction, however, is not accompanied by a measurable change in membrane potential and occurs in the absence of extracellular Na+ and/or Ca2+, as well as in the presence of isotonic KCI. Maximum light- evoked tension is reduced by exposure to Ca2+-free solutions containing EGTA and high K+ and is restored by incubation in solutions containing Ca2+. The restored response, which persists after return to Ca2+-free solution, depends on the concentration of Ca2+ in the incubating solution and on the duration of the incubation. The results support the conclusion that light produces contraction of the iris sphincter by causing the release of Ca2+ from an intracellular storage site.
Auguste Comte: The Muse's Tragic End

You were…the most eminent woman from the point of view of your heart, mind and even character whom universal history has heretofore presented to me. Comte, “Onzieme Confession annuelle,” October 12, 1856 HEALTH, FINANCIAL, FAMILY, AND FRIENDSHIP PROBLEMS As de Vaux labored on her book, she had to face myriad problems that would have proved daunting to any writer. She had to contend with the pressure from Comte to become more than a friend, though she told him frequently did that she not love him. She was disturbed not only by palpitations and fatigue but also by family fights. She loved her mother dearly for her selflessness but found her to be blind to what was going on around her. In de Vaux's eyes, Madame Marie was overly suspicious of Comte and excessively solicitous of Max. Comte, who found Max presumptuous, aggravated the problem by severely criticizing the work on the sciences that he was writing. Max would no longer speak to him. Given these tensions with Madame Marie and Max, Comte seemed intent on estranging de Vaux from her family. But she felt she owed them the “justice that is due to them” for taking care of her. Nevertheless, she increasingly relied on Comte to supplement their care. He lent her money to pay for heat and clothes, which allowed her to keep up with the fashion of the day.
Angle-resolved ion charge state distribution measurements in a vacuum arc plasma using time-of-flight mass spectroscopy

Summary form only given. In vacuum arc discharges the current is conducted through vapor evaporated from the cathode surface, creating very dense, highly ionized plasmas from any metallic or conducting solid. Vacuum arc sources are currently used for ground-based material deposition systems and to form very high energy, heavy ion beams for fusion applications. Space propulsion engines using vacuum arc sources can be operated efficiently with a range of propellant options that gives great flexibility in specific impulse. In addition, the efficiency of plasma production in these devices appears to be largely independent of scale because the metal vapor is ionized within a few microns of the cathode electron emission sites, so this approach is well-suited for micropropulsion. The ion charge state distribution influences the efficiency of these devices and the behavior of the plasma plume. In addition, this parameter provides considerable insight into the physics of plasma production in the emission site. Charge state distributions have been measured on the centerline of vacuum arc plasma accelerators, but there are no measurements of the angular distribution of charge state in the plume of vacuum arc discharges. A time-of-flight mass spectrometer has been developed to measure the distribution of charge states in the plumes of vacuum arc discharges as a function of angle, material and current. This paper describes the design and fabrication of the instrument and preliminary results of angle-resolved measurements of charge state distribution in titanium vacuum arcs.
SU-GG-I-165: Determination of Tissue Optical Properties in ALA-Mediated Head & Neck PDT

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to determine the optical properties(scattering and absorption coefficients)in vivo by interstitial measurements during H&N PDT.Methods and Matierals: We developed a model for quick and accurate determination of tissue optical properties(absorption coefficient ⌈a and transportscattering coefficient ⌈s') in semi‐infinite medium, which is theoretically suitable for determination of optical properties head and neck with ALA‐mediated PDT. We measured and determined the optical properties at the treatment wavelength. Measurements were performed before and after the delivery of the light treatment. The light detection device consists of two parallel light transmitting catheters placed 5mm apart. Diffuse light, from a 2mm cylindrical diffusing tip, is collected by an isotropic detector with a 0.5mm scattering bulb whose position is determined by a computer controlled step motor. The system automatically records and plots the light fluence rate per unit source power as a function of position. Results: The result is fitted with a diffusion equation to extrapolate ⌈a and ⌈s'. A theory based on light source on semi‐infinite medium has been developed to interpret the measured data. Another measurement was done using a fiber‐optic based probe. This probe was placed on the tissue surface, and white light was delivered to the tumor surface by one of its source fibers. The diffusely reflected white light was collected by a spectrograph and analyzed to determine the absorption and scatteringspectra of the tissue. Results from both methods were compared for accuracy. To test the ability of this algorithm to accurately recover the optical properties of the tissue, we made measurements in tissue simulating phantoms. Conclusion: We developed a model for quick and accurate determination of tissue optical properties in semi‐infinite medium, which is theoretically suitable for determination of optical properties head and neck PDT.
Epistemic levels in argument: An analysis of university oceanography students' use of evidence in writing.

The purpose of this paper is to examine university oceanography students' use of evidence in writing. Drawing from rhetorical studies of science writing and studies of argumentation in science education, a model for assessing students' arguments is proposed that considers the relative epistemic status of propositions comprising students' written texts. The study was conducted in an introductory university oceanography course in a large public university that utilized an interactive CD-ROM that provided geological data sets for student exploration of scientific questions. Student arguments were analyzed through a process of sorting propositions by epistemic level and identifying the explicit links within and across levels. These epistemic levels were defined by discipline-specific geological constructs from descriptions of data, to identification of features, to relational aspects of features, to theoretically formulated assertions. This form of argumentation analysis allowed for assessment of each student's writing on normative grounds and for comparisons across students' papers. Results show promise for the argumentation model as a methodological tool. The examination of epistemic status of knowledge claims provided ways of distinguishing the extent to which students adhered to the genre conventions specified by the task, i.e., providing evidentiary support for their argument concerning the theory of plate tectonics with real earth data. We draw on the findings to discuss ways argumentation theory can contribute to reform in science education. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed86:314–342, 2002; Published online in Wiley Interscience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/sce.10024
An analysis of spatial navigation in prenatally protein malnourished rats

Abstract Developing rats were either malnourished or adequately nourished during the prenatal period by feeding their dams diets of low (6% casein) or adequate (25% casein) protein content 5 weeks prior to mating and throughout pregnancy. All pups received adequate nutrition from the day of birth onwards. Male offspring were tested in one of two spatial navigation tests in the Morris water tank. In proximal-cue tests (postnatal days 16–20), the position of a platform, which provided a means to escape from swimming, was denoted by an obvious visual cue located directly on the platform. In distal-cue tests (postnatal days 20–27 and adult ages, days 70–71 and days 220–221), the escape platform was submerged below the surface of the water so that the rats were required to use extramaze visual cues to guide them to the platform. Neither proximal-cue nor distal-cue navigation was significantly impaired in the prenatally malnourished rats relative to controls, at any of the ages tested.
Prostaglandin F2α produced by rabbit renal slices is not a metabolite of prostaglandin E2

Abstract Slices of rabbit renal medulla and rabbit renal papilla were incubated with a mixture of [1- 14 C]-arachidonic acid and [5,6,8,9,11,12,14,15- 3 H]-arachidonic acid. In both tissues, comparison of the isotope ratios of the radioactive products with the isotope ratio of the added arachidonic indicated that: (a) there was no discernable isotope effect in the biosynthesis of prostaglandin E 2 ; (b) prostaglandin F 2 α was formed by reduction of prostaglandin H 2 and not by reduction of prostaglandin E 2 ; and (c) most of the radioactive product arose from arachidonic acid that had been incorporated into the tissue and not from the direct action of cyclooxygenase on arachidonic acid in the medium.
Male Inexpressiveness and Relationships

Empirical support for the concept of the inexpressive male is reviewed and theoretical explanations for male inexpressiveness are presented. In addition, implications of male inexpressiveness for relationships are considered. The argument is advanced that in much of the research an overly simplistic view of male inexpressiveness has been taken. Suggestions are offered for future research including the need to consider male inexpressiveness as a communicative process which is influenced by individual choices, affected by situational variables and best understood within the context of social interaction.
Twin studies of dietary behaviors: why we eat when we do.

In July, 1990, my twin sister, Anne, and I were invited to enroll in Georgia State University's (GSU) Twins Weight, Intake and Nutrition Study. The project, directed by Dr. John M. de Castro from GSU's Neuropsychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Program, is a comprehensive investigation of factors affecting food intake (de Castro, 2000, 2001a; de Castro & Plunkett, 2001). I was familiar with this work, having visited GSU's Psychology Department several years earlier. Knowing the difficulties of attracting DZ twin volunteers, I offered the research services of my sister and myself in the event of future studies. In this article the author discusses how the study by de Castro brings a multi-facted approach to the complex questions surrounding food intake in humans.
Protein synthesis as a function of depth in slices of rat hippocampus.

Abstract Physiologically viable slices of rat hippocampus were incubated in radiolabeled valine, then cut into 20 μm serial sections to evaluate the profile of protein synthesis through the depth of the slice. Maximum radiolabel incorporation was observed near the center of the slice, while at the upper (gas interface) and lower (liquid interface) surfaces radiolabel incorporation per section was reduced by about 30% and 90%, respectively. The results suggest that in properly slices damage due to slicing may be less important to cell viability than are limits on oxygen diffusion into the tissue.
Toxicity of monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of cancer.

M ONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES (MoAbs) have enormous potential for cancer therapy. ‘-I3 MoAbs may be used alone as cytotoxic agents or conjugated to radioisotopes, toxins, or chemotherapeutic drugs. They may be used in conjunction with other immunobiologic agents or in vitro to remove tumor cells from bone marrow before autologous transplantation. Unconjugated MoAbs may be used alone to attack tumor cells directly, and this requires that the patient’s immune system play a role in this therapy; for example, by the activation of complement in complement-dependent cytotoxicity the MoAb and complement interact to produce direct target cell lysis. Alternately, the MoAb, binding to the target cell, may act as an immunologic signal to mononuclear cells (effector cells) that destroy the target cell. The coating of tumor cells by antibody (Ab), called opsonization, results in phagocytosis by the reticuloendothelial system (RES). Early work in hematopoietic and lymphoproliferative diseases14-” revealed that MoAbs will bind to circulating target cells and that these cells are removed in the RES. Transient clinical responses have been seen in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia with antihuman T-cell antibodies. The clinical responses were brief because of antigenic modulation, the production of endogenous human antimouse antibodies (HAMA), and limited cytotoxic effects outside the bloodstream. In solid tumors, MoAb alone as therapy has been tried mainly in melanoma and gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. lgez3 MoAb binding to solid tumors as well as increased macrophage activity in the tumor vicinity have been described elsewhere.** It appears that antigenic modulation is less common in solid tumors. In these early studies, limited or negative responses were seen in melanoma and in GI tumors. Antigenic modulation is a decrease in the density of target antigen (Ag) on the cell surface, such that MoAb is no longer able to bind.24 Electron microscopy and autoradiography have shown that modulation is often the result of internalization of the Ab-Ag complex. Modulation can occur within
Magnetic field effects in the cooperative Jahn-Teller system TbVO4

Abstract Effects of a magnetic field on the behaviors of TbVO 4 which shows a cooperative Jahn-Teller phase transition have been investigated. The possibility that the system will return to the undistorted phase at low temperatures in a magnetic field is considered. We show that because of the weak coupling of the system to the magnetic field applied along the c -axis, the magnetic field required to see the transition of the crystal back to the undistorted phase is impractically high. Diluting the crystal with nonmagnetic ions is then a plausible approach in the study of this novel behavior of the system. We have also calculated the effects of a magnetic field applied in the basal plane and shown that the crystal would remain distorted for all temperatures except the cases when the field is applied along the crystallographic axes. Finally, we consider the effects of a magnetic field on the temperature behavior of the specific heat and show that the Schottky anomaly which occurs at a very low temperature (∼1°K) will be shifted to a higher temperature by applying a magnetic field.
Development of spot weld failure parameters for full vehicle crash modelling

AbstractA cost and time effective process was developed to create spot weld failure parameters for crash models implemented in LS-DYNA. The process includes a design of experiment (DOE) approach for coordinating data collection, welding and testing, finite element modelling, statistical analysis, validation, and implementation. The DOE approach was used to coordinate testing of a reduced set of samples over a large range of material strengths and gauges. This testing included cross-tension, lap shea, and coach peel type evaluations. Computer models for each metal combination and sample geometry were developed to obtain normalised tensile, shear and bending stress at the incidence of weld failure. These normalised loads were then regressed to extend these results to all possible material combinations within the DOE space. These results were then used to estimate the spot weld failure parameters for all the stack-ups of interest. A set of multiweld T-section samples were then welded, physically tested and c...
Prognosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma: demographic, clinical, and pathologic predictors of survival in 1252 cases.

BACKGROUND. Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare cancer. There is a relative paucity of data over the last decade with regard to the prognosis of these patients. Therefore, the authors used the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry to update what to their knowledge is one of the largest series of patients with MTC reported to date. METHODS. All patients with a diagnosis of MTC with active follow-up in the SEER database from 1973 to 2002 were included. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to assess the associations between demographic, clinical, and pathologic characteristics of patients and survival. RESULTS. A total of 1252 patients with MTC were identified over 29 years of follow-up. In all, 87% of patients were white and 60% were female, with a mean age of 50 years. Although many variables were significant on univariate analysis, SEER stage and age at diagnosis were found to be the strongest predictors of survival in the multivariate analysis. Prognosis was poor in patients with advanced disease (hazards ratio [HR], 4.47), or those age >65 years (HR, 6.55). Patients who underwent surgery fared better than those who did not. Overall, 51% of patients had less than the currently recommended treatment guidelines for MTC. Adjuvant radiation therapy was found to be independently associated with a decreased survival (HR, 1.65). CONCLUSIONS. Stage of disease and age at diagnosis were found to be the strongest predictors of survival for patients with MTC. To the authors' knowledge there has been no change in stage at diagnosis or asignificant improvement in survival noted over the last 30 years. Many patients underwent surgery that was deemed less than optimal for stage of disease. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Biodegradable microspheres containing a colchicine analogue inhibit DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND Smooth muscle cell proliferation plays a major role in the genesis of restenosis after angioplasty or vascular injury. Local application of agents capable of modulating vascular responses, including smooth muscle cell proliferation, has been achieved, but difficulty in maintaining active levels locally has been a factor limiting the efficacy of such approaches. One strategy to maintain adequate levels is the local delivery of microspheres that release active agents over sustained time periods. METHODS AND RESULTS We incorporated a colchicine analogue into biodegradable microspheres composed of a lactic acid/glycolic acid copolymer and characterized their drug release behavior as well as their effects on bovine aortic smooth muscle cells (BASMCs) in culture. Drug release was evaluated by spectrophotometric assay. Drug effects on DNA synthesis were measured by thymidine incorporation after addition of serum to subconfluent cells synchronized by serum withdrawal as well as in asynchronous cell populations. Polymeric microspheres incorporating 10% to 17% drug by weight and averaging 6 microns in size were found to release the colchicine analog in buffered saline solutions over more than several weeks. Drug-loaded particles inhibited DNA synthesis completely, with EC50 values ranging from 0.001 to 0.005 g% (wt/wt). Morphological changes suggesting microtubule depolymerization were observed after drug particle treatment, with similar EC50 values. Microspheres allowed to contact the cell surface demonstrated effects similar to those seen with microspheres suspended in the nutrient medium by porous polycarbonate filters, at EC50 values approximately fivefold lower. In contrast, control microspheres composed only of polymer with no incorporated active drug demonstrated no observable toxicity to BASMCs and CONCLUSIONS Biodegradable microspheres were fashioned that release a colchicine analogue and inhibit DNA synthesis in smooth muscle cells. Drug-loaded polymeric particles are candidates for local delivery at sites of arterial injury to decrease restenosis.
Static contributions to the persistence length of DNA and dynamic contributions to DNA curvature

Long molecules of DNA have the statistical properties of a worm-like coil. Deviations from linearity occur both because of small dynamic bends induced by thermal motion and from a random distribution of static bends. The latter originate in the different conformations of each of the possible base pair sequences. In this paper a statistical theory of the persistence length of DNA is developed which includes both static and dynamic effects for each base pair sequence, as well as the sequence-dependent correlations of bending angles. The result applies to a generic DNA, i.e., the average over an ensemble of all possible sequences. The theory is also applied to the generation of the average properties of curved DNAs by an analytic method that includes dynamic averaging as well as correlated bends. These results provide information which supplements that obtained by others using Monte Carlo methods. The additivity relation 1/P = 1/P(S) + 1/P(d) proposed by Trifonov et al., where P is the persistence length and P(S) and P(d) are the persistence lengths arising from purely static and dynamic effects, respectively, has been verified to be accurate to better than 0.5%. This is true for both a simplified model and one that includes a complete set of static bends at all base pair sequences.
CMOS-compatible photodetector fabricated on thick SOI having deep implanted electrodes

Planar, interdigitated pin photodiodes with varying implanted electrode depths have been fabricated on 2 µm-thick silicon-on-insulator substrates using a conventional CMOS platform technology. The bandwidth at 850 nm wavelength was found to achieve an optimum of 4 GHz with an electrode depth of 1 µm.
THE EFFECTS OF ADA INHIBITION ON B CELL DIFFERENTIATION IN THE RAT.: 9

We have examined the stage or stages of rat B cell development in vivo which are preferentially affected by an induced ADA deficient state. In normal rats two populations of B cells (surface and lymph node - sIg+, Thyl+ and slg+, Thyl−. Lymphocytes which bear both sIg and Thyl antigen are among the least mature members of the B lymphocyte lineage in the rat. In normal 4- to 5-week-old rats given daily i.p. injections of the ADA inhibitor, DCF, plus deoxyadenosine there was an approximate 2-fold reduction in total B cells in spleen and lymph node and virtually all remaining B cells were Thyl+; in saline- or deoxyadenosine-treated rats approximately 40-50% of B cells were Thyl+. Similarly, in irradiated rats that were given daily injections to induce an ADA deficient state the regeneration of Thyl− B cells was blocked. Virtually identical results were obtained when EHNA was substituted for DCF and when adenosine was injected instead of deoxyadenosine. We have compared the ADA specific activities in purified populations of Thyl− and Thyl+ B cells and found that Thyl− B cells had 2- to 3-fold higher ADA activity. Thus, in contrast to the T lymphocyte lineage in which immature thymocytes were preferentially affected, an induced ADA deficient state specifically affected mature B lymphocytes. (Supported by NIH grants HD-17061 and HD-00554)
The structure of paper coatings: an update

Article de synthese: consolidation de la structure, structure poreuse des couchages, relations structure-proprietes, facteurs affectant la structure des couchages, caracterisation
A Psychoeducational Support Group for Serious Mental Illness

The formation, structure, and goals of an open-ended psychoeducational support group for people with serious and persistent mental illnesses are described, differentiating psychoeducation from psychotherapy, and professional from peer-led support groups. Major goals are to provide education for illness management and help members combat social isolation, redeem self-esteem and hope, and improve their life situation. Three case vignettes indicate the power of the group to influence members to overcome fears, accept employment consistent with their level of disability, and improve their lives. Realistic issues regarding self-disclosure are discussed.
Pepper‐spray and penguins

Zeynep Tufekci reflects on the causes and consequences of Turkey's Gezi protests, a thoroughly modern movement sparked by social media but ultimately limited by a lack of organisation and infrastructure.