cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduced order computational methodology for damage detection in structures

This paper explores the feasibility of detecting damage within structures such as air foils by application of eddy current based techniques and reduced order modeling. To identify the geometry of a damage, an optimization algorithm is employed which requires solving the forward problem numerous times. Therefore, the forward algorithm must be solved with extremely fast and accurate solution methods. In constructing these forward methods, we employ reduced order Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) techniques. The POD technique is a method which creates an 'optimal' ordered basis in the sense that information captured in the first few basis elements is maximized. One then uses a fixed number (based on a quantitative formula for percentage energy captured) of the first few basis elements, called the reduced POD basis, in the forward algorithm. Since one uses only a small number of basis elements, one is able to create a fast forward algorithm that accurately represents the relevant information. In this paper, for illustrative purposes and proof-of-concept, we consider rectangular 'cracks' parameterized by a vector parameter q representing the length, thickness, depth, center, etc. of the damage. We attempt to recapture the parameters of a damage assuming we have access to the magnetic flux density B. Our analysis uses simulated data perturbed with normally distributed noise to represent corrupted experimental data. When recapturing the length and thickness of a damage using the component of the magnetic flux density orthogonal to the eddy current flow in the sample, the methods are shown to be efficient and robust even with data containing 10% relative noise.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test: Which Tables Should Be Used?

Massey (1951) provided tables for the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test of goodness of fir for any specified distribution function. He pointed out that more conservative values would be required for cases where the population distribution was derived from sample values. Lilliefors (1967) provided the corrections for tests of normality with a population of unknown mean and variance. Rosenthal (1968) pointed out the usefulness of these corrections and suggested, as an example, that on reevaluation of Harrington's (1967) report of p > .20, it should more appropriately be reported as p .10 and specifically pointed out the basis for use of the Massey tables in preference to a correction such as that of Lilliefors. The note emphasized a fundamental point in choice of critical values for this statistic which is reiterated here as a caution to others. Rosenthal suggests "failure to employ the critical values of D tabulated by Lilliefors can lead to serious errors of inference." On the contrary, there is a choice between the two cables depending on the hypothesis tested, and errors of inference atttach to the inappropriate choice. The Massey tables test against a completely specified distribution. The Harrington note followed the latter approach and concluded "for any specified normal distribution" consistent with "previous E-bias studies . . . D .lo)." Thar is, if the E-bias effect exists, then one can accept these data as a sample from a normal population. Using the Lilliefors tables, as Rosenthal suggests, poses the question of the probability of drawing these sample values from some totally unknown normal distribution. If the target population is unknown, that is if there is no basis for an hypothesis of E bias, this test is most appropriate, and one might do well to question the normality of the sample. In short, if one assumes the validity of reports of E bias, the Massey tables should be used. If one rejects the validity of these studies, Rosenthal's usage is appropriate.
Effects of solvent and counterion on ion pairing and observed charge states of diquaternary ammonium salts in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Two diquaternary ammonium chloride salts have been used to examine the roles of solvent and counterion in determination of the degree of ion pairing in solution and the resultant charge state distributions in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Three series of solvents, that is, alcohol, polar aprotic, and chlorinated solvents, have been employed to test the influence of solvent polarity and other parameters on the desorption behavior of diquaternary ammonium ions observed in ESI-MS. Solvents of higher polarity were found to yield gas-phase ions of higher charge states, in accordance with their reduced tendency toward ion pairing in solution. Counterion effects were investigated via the following approaches: (1) increase the diquaternary ammonium salt concentration; (2) increase the concentration of an external electrolyte that contained the common counterion Cl−; (3) replace Cl− with trifluoroacetate (TFAc−); (4) increase the concentration of an external electrolyte that contained TFAc−. These experiments indicate that variation of the specific counterion employed alters the degree of influence that the counterion exerts (via ion pairing) on electrospray ionization mass spectra. Increasing amounts of trifluoroacetate ions in a variety of solvent systems invariably led to a progressive shift of the observed ESI-MS charge states of diquaternary ammonium ions toward lower values.
Steroid modulation of the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor-linked chloride ionophore.

Recent findings suggest that steroids with sedative-hypnotic properties interact specifically with the γ-aminobutyric acidA/benzodiazepine receptor-chloride ionophore complex (GBRC). They show positive heterotropic cooperativity by allosterically enhancing the binding of GABA agonists and the clinically useful benzodiazepines (BZs) to their respective recognition sites. These steroids have stringent structural requirements for activity at the GBRC, with the essential requirements for high potency being a 3α-hydroxyl group and a 5α-reduced A-ring. Some of these steroids are naturally occurring metabolites of progesterone and deoxycorticosterone and have nanomolar potencies as potentiators of chloride channel conductance. These 3α-hydroxylated, 5α-reduced steroids do not act through any known sites on the GBRC. Thus, the exact site and mechanism of action remain to be determined. Together with the observation that physiological levels of these metabolites are sufficient to influence the function of the GBRC, the evidence clearly suggests a role for these steroids in the normal regulation of brain excitability by potentiating the postsynaptic effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Pharmacological studies of the GBRC-active steroids show that they possess anxiolytic and anticonvylsan activities. The potential therapeutic application of these steriods in the treatment of mood disorders and catamenial exacerbation of seizures associated with the menstrual cycle is discussed. Collectively, the evidence from the studies of these steriods imply that another mechanism by which the endocrine system influences brain function has been identified. Its characterization will provide important insight into how steroids modulate brain excitability under normal and pathophysiological states.
Bioinvasive species and the preservation of cutthroat trout in the western United States: ecological, social, and economic issues

The cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) was the only endemic salmonid species across most of the western United States, and it has severely declined largely due to introduction and bioinvasion by non-native salmonid species. However, the ecological, social, and economic consequences of cutthroat trout declines and replacement by non-native salmonid species are relatively minor, and measurable affects on ecosystem function are rare. Restoration efforts for cutthroat trout involve removal or control of bioinvasive salmonid species, but such efforts are costly, ongoing, and resisted frequently by segments of society. Cutthroat trout declines are of little concern to much of the public because they are valued similarly to non-native salmonids, and non-native salmonid species frequently have higher recreational values. Due to the low values placed on cutthroat trout relative to non-native salmonid species, net economic benefits of preserving cutthroat trout are equal to or less than those for non-native salmonids. Cutthroat trout provide a classic case of the consequences of biological invasion; however, other native species are faced with similar issues. We suggest that management agencies establish realistic goals to preserve native species within the context of ecological, social, and economic issues. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Teaching Supportive Psychotherapy to Psychiatric Residents

"Mr. A" is a 45-year-old married teacher pursuing a doctorate in education at a local university. Although he completed the course work without difficulty, he feels "stuck" and unable to move ahead with his dissertation. In this setting, his chronic, low-grade depression has worsened and now includes profound feelings of humiliation, despair, and hopelessness, near-panic-like anxiety, insomnia, and trouble functioning at his teaching job. His wife urges him to get help after he begins to talk about an impulse to jump from their balcony. Mr. A went through a period of depression, heavy drinking, and narcotics addiction in his early 20s, after a sports-related injury forced him to drop out of college. He was referred to a psychiatrist but felt the psychotherapy had been "too openended" and "a waste of time and money." With his wife's support, he managed to stop drinking and using narcotics and has remained sober ever since. He went on to become a valued high school teacher and coach, receiving several medals for excellence in teaching. Later he was awarded a full scholarship to an Ivy League university, where he earned a master's degree in education. Asked about any other events in his life that may have contributed to his current depression, Mr. A mentions that his father was a heavy drinker who used to chase him around the house with a loaded gun when drunk. The father was diagnosed with cancer shortly after Mr. A started the doctoral program and died after a brief illness, during which Mr. A lived with and helped care for him. The second-year resident to whom Mr. A has been assigned admits to her supervisor that she is already having a "sinking feeling" about Mr. A. He says he is too depressed to talk about his future, much less make any important decisions about his life. He is also reporting debilitating side effects from the antidepressant she has prescribed and has warned her that he is "sensitive" to most drugs. The resident describes him as "not just stuck, but sticky-I feel like I'm wading in molasses." She finds herself wanting to end sessions early but tends to run late because of his last-minute reports of alarming physical symptoms or fleeting thoughts about "blowing his brains out." The resident has noticed that although Mr. A is relentless in his protestations of worthlessness, he likes to wear a sweatshirt from the Ivy League school he attended, and he enjoys acting as an auxiliary therapist in groups-"a pretty good one, too." The resident adds ruefully, "I guess he just needs support, but we haven't had that course yet. What do you suggest?".
On the Practice of Dichotomization of Quantitative Variables

The authors examine the practice of dichotomization of quantitative measures, wherein relationships among variables are examined after 1 or more variables have been converted to dichotomous variables by splitting the sample at some point on the scale(s) of measurement. A common form of dichotomization is the median split, where the independent variable is split at the median to form high and low groups, which are then compared with respect to their means on the dependent variable. The consequences of dichotomization for measurement and statistical analyses are illustrated and discussed. The use of dichotomization in practice is described, and justifications that are offered for such usage are examined. The authors present the case that dichotomization is rarely defensible and often will yield misleading results. We consider here some simple statistical procedures for studying relationships of one or more independent variables to one dependent variable, where all variables are quantitative in nature and are measured on meaningful numerical scales. Such measures are often referred to as individual-differences measures, meaning that observed values of such measures are interpretable as reflecting individual differences on the attribute of interest. It is of course straightforward to analyze such data using correlational methods. In the case of a single independent variable, one can use simple linear regression and/or obtain a simple correlation coefficient. In the case of multiple independent variables, one can use multiple regression, possibly including interaction terms. Such methods are routinely used in practice. However, another approach to analysis of such data is also rather widely used. Considering the case of one independent variable, many investigators begin by converting that variable into a dichotomous variable by splitting the scale at some point and designating individuals above and below that point as defining
Concurrent Analysis of Signal-Power Integrity and EMC for High-Speed Signaling Systems

A robust co-analysis approach for signal integrity, power integrity, and electromagnetic compatibility is successfully established and demonstrated through the investigation of several signal referencing configurations in double data rate (DDR) memory systems. The characterization of power noise coupling into signal channels for two configurations is presented. In addition, a new metric that quantifies the entire signaling system combining simultaneous switching noise and crosstalk is detailed. Finally, the radiated emissions from the power planes in the signalling system are reduced through the proper placement of decoupling capacitors.
A method for indirectly estimating gene-environment effect modification and power given only genotype frequency and odds ratio of environmental exposure

Both genes and environment are important determinants of disease. In this paper we model gene-environment effect modification on the odds ratio scale OR(GE|D) and show how to indirectly estimate the effect and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the simple case of no main genetic and environmental effects [i.e., $$ \hbox{ OR}(\hbox{G}\bar{\rm E}|\hbox{D}) = \hbox{OR}(\bar{\rm G}\hbox{E}|\hbox{D}) = 1 $$ ]. A statistic is presented to test the null hypothesis $$ \hbox{OR}(\hbox{GE}|\hbox{D})=1 $$ and to calculate corresponding power, given the odds ratio for environmental exposure $$ \hbox{ OR}(\hbox{E}|\hbox{D}) $$ and population genotype frequency (g). Direct extension of the above model provides a mathematical framework for estimating confidence bounds in more complex cases involving partial genetic and/or environmental effects.
A public health approach to pharmacogenomics and gene-based diagnostic tests

While the human genome project is likely to lead to fundamental changes in our understanding of disease causation and our ability to screen for disease predisposition and treatment responsiveness, the current healthcare system is not properly aligned to ensure the proper use of these advances. As the pace of genetic technology development increases and new pharmacogenetic drugs and gene-based diagnostic tests increasingly impact providers, patients, health plans, payers and employers, it will be crucial to develop an evidence-based framework by which to evaluate these new tests and treatments. In order to increase the level of evidence available and allow for informed decisions in the face of strong marketing and advocacy forces, the authors suggest the development of one (or more) large clinical networks with the purpose of systematically evaluating the clinical effectiveness of new genomic applications, including pharmaceuticals and gene-based diagnostic tests, in ‘real world’ settings.
IFS fractal interpolation for 2D and 3D visualization

Reconstruction is used frequently in visualization of one, two, and three--dimensional data. Data uncertainty is typically ignored, and a deficiency of many interpolation schemes is smoothing which may indicate features or characteristics of the data that are not there. In this paper I investigate the use of iterated function systems (IFS's) for interpolation. I show new derivations for fractal interpolation in two and three-dimensional scalar data, and new point and polytope rendering algorithms with tremendous speed advantages over ray tracing. The interpolations may be used to give an indication of the uncertainty of the data, statistically represent the data at a variety of scales, allow tunability from the data, and may allow more accurate data analysis.
Energetics in Homo erectus and other early hominins: The consequences of increased lower-limb length

Previous studies of daily energy expenditure (DEE) in hominin fossils have estimated locomotor costs using a formula that was based on six species, all 18 kg or less in mass, including no primates, and that has a number of other problems when applied in an ecological context. It is well established that the energetic cost of human walking is lower than that of representative mammals, particularly for individuals with long lower limbs. The current study reevaluates the daily energy expenditures of a variety of hominin species using more appropriate approaches to estimating locomotor costs. To estimate DEE for primates, I relied on published data on body mass, day range, and the percentage of time spent in various activities. Based on those data, I calculated a value for nonlocomotor DEE. I then used a variant of a method that I have suggested elsewhere to calculate the daily cost due to locomotion (DEEL) and summed the two to calculate total DEE. The more up-to-date methods for calculating the cost of travel result in lower estimates of this aspect of the energy budget than seen in previous studies. Values obtained here for DEE in various representatives of Australopithecus are lower than reported previously by around 200 kcal/day. Taking into account the greater economy of human walking, particularly the effect of the longer lower limbs found in many later Homo species, also results in lowered estimates of DEE. Elongation of the lower limbs in H. erectus reduced relative travel costs nearly 50% in comparison to A.L. 288-1 (A. afarensis). The present method for calculating DEE indicates that female H. erectus DEE was 84% greater than that of female Australopithecus; this disparity is even larger than that suggested by previous workers.
20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid-induced vasoconstriction and inhibition of potassium current in cerebral vascular smooth muscle is dependent on activation of protein kinase C

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), a cytochrome P450 metabolite of arachidonic acid, is a potent vasoconstrictor, and has been implicated in the myogenic activation of renal and cerebral arteries. We examined the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the signal transduction pathway by which 20-HETE induces vasoconstriction and inhibition of whole-cell K+ current in cat cerebral vascular smooth muscle. 20-HETE induced a concentration-dependent constriction in isolated pressurized cat middle cerebral arteries (-29 +/- 8% at 1 microM). However, in the presence of an N-myristoylated PKC pseudosubstrate inhibitor peptide (MyrPsiPKC-I(19-27)), 20-HETE induced a concentration-dependent vasodilation (26 +/- 4% at 1 microM). In whole-cell voltage clamp studies, application of 20-HETE inhibited whole-cell K+ current recorded in cat cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells, an effect that was attenuated by MyrPsiPKC-I(19-27). Further evidence for the role of PKC activation in response to 20-HETE is the finding that 20-HETE increased the phosphorylation of myristoylated, alanine-rich PKC substrate in cultured cat cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells in a concentration- and PKC-dependent manner. These data provide evidence that PKC is an integral part of the signal transduction pathway by which 20-HETE elicits vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries and inhibition of whole-cell K+ current in cat cerebral vascular smooth muscle.
Min-area retiming on flexible circuit structures

In this paper, we present two techniques for improving min-area retiming that combine the actual register minimization with combinational optimization. First, we discuss an on-the-fly retiming approach based on a sequential AND/inverter/register graph. With this method, the circuit structure is sequentially compacted using a combination of register "dragging" and AND vertex hashing. Second, we present an extension of the classical retiming formulation that allows an optimal sharing of fan-in registers of AND clusters, similar to traditional fan-out register sharing. The combination of both techniques is capable of minimizing the circuit size beyond that possible with a standard Leiserson and Saxe retiming approach on a static netlist structure. Our work is primarily aimed at optimizing the performance of reachability-based verification methods. However, the presented techniques are equally applicable to sequential redundancy removal in technology-independent logic synthesis. A large set of experiments using benchmark and industrial circuits demonstrate the effectiveness of the described techniques.
Design of a CDMA-based wireless data transmitter for embedded sensing

Machine health monitoring is of critical importance to its safe and reliable operation. The emergence of wireless data transmission techniques has extended the scope of health monitoring to machine components and systems that are difficult to access or not suited for wired sensor data acquisition. This paper presents the design and prototype realization of a digital wireless data transmitter based on the code division multiple access technique. The design provides a generic solution for various applications in electronic instrumentation, measurement, and embedded sensing for machine condition monitoring and health diagnosis.
The new LEBT for the spallation neutron source power upgrade project

A magnetic 2-source LEBT is proposed for the Spallation Neutron Source Power Upgrade. It allows for switching between the two ion sources within less than an hour. The high-current H- beam is transported and injected into the RFQ. A transverse electric chopper at the entrance of the RFQ chops ~300 ns beam every ~1 mus. Beam envelope calculations show that the new LEBT is robust because it is capable of perfectly matching the beam into the RFQ for broad ranges of the parameters describing the input beam. Physics design of the individual elements of this new LEBT is also presented.
Batch Binary Edwards

This paper sets new software speed records for high-security Diffie-Hellman computations, specifically 251-bit elliptic-curve variable-base-point scalar multiplication. In one second of computation on a $200 Core 2 Quad Q6600 CPU, this paper's software performs 30000 251-bit scalar multiplications on the binary Edwards curve d(x + x 2 + y + y 2) = (x + x 2)(y + y 2) over the field ${\bf F}_2[t]/(t^{251}+t^7+t^4+t^2+1)$ where d = t 57 + t 54 + t 44 + 1. The paper's field-arithmetic techniques can be applied in much more generality but have a particularly efficient interaction with the completeness of addition formulas for binary Edwards curves.
Some aspects of aging in the lumbar spine

I measured the bodies of vertebrae L3 and L4 of 338 skeletons from the Terry collection in the Smithsonian Institution, including Blacks and Whites, males and females, aged from 20 to 90 years. Transverse breadths of the upper and lower endplates (excluding osteophytes) and minimum transverse breadths all increase with age. In general, the greater broadening occurs in the endplates, but the middle of the body also broadens to such a degree that there is no demonstrable increase in vertebral "flaring" with age. In males, posterior body height decreases relative to anterior height, so that the lumbar bodies become more wedge-shaped with age but females show essentially no change. Anterior height decreases in proportion to minimum breadth, so that the lumbar bodies become relatively lower and broader, and this change is significantly correlated with age in all groups. Midbody height decreases relative to anterior height, so that Nordin's biconcavity index is reduced with age. The increase in biconcavity remains evident even when average anterior-posterior height is used to calculate the index. At all age levels a high percentage of individuals have biconcavity indices of 80% or less, indicating that Nordin's standard of normality for this index, established from measurement on radiographs of the living, should be revised downward for use in evaluating osteoporosis in skeletal populations.
Sex Trafficking: Examining Links to Prostitution and the Routine Activity Theory

Sex trafficking is often a concern in international communities. However, sex trafficking victims do not always cross international boarders; these victims can be trafficked within their own countries. The purpose of the study is to examine the perceptions of law enforcement agents experienced in investigations of prostitution and sex trafficking incidents. Qualitative data were collected by interviewing law enforcement agents along the east coast region of the United States. An analysis of the interview data uncovered a series of themes which include desire for money, drug activity, lack of awareness, and varying tolerance levels. The research results were applied to the framework of routine activity theory (Cohen &Felson, 1979). It was found that the three elements (motivated offenders, suitable targets, and absence of a capable guardian) of the theory were well applied to describe sex trafficking activity. Important future research implications as well as policy implications were discussed.
On class-based isolation of UDP, short-lived and long-lived TCP flows

The congestion control mechanisms of TCP make it vulnerable in an environment where flows with different congestion-sensitivity compete for scarce resources. With the increasing amount of unresponsive UDP traffic in today's Internet, new mechanisms are needed to enforce fairness in the core of the network. We propose a scalable Diffserv-like architecture, where flows with different characteristics are classified into separate service queues at the routers. Such class-based isolation provides protection so that flows with different characteristics do not negatively impact one another. We examine different aspects of UDP and TCP interaction and possible gains from segregating UDP and TCP into different classes. We also investigate the utility of further segregating TCP flows into two classes, which are class of short and class of long flows. Results are obtained analytically for both tail-drop and random early drop (RED) routers. Class-based isolation have the following salient features: (1) better fairness, (2) improved predictability for all kinds of flows, (3) lower transmission delay for delay-sensitive flows, and (4) better control over quality of service (QoS) of a particular traffic type.
Is there dissociation of perceptual and motor responses to figural illusions

Open-loop reaching for locations within figural illusions was measured in three experiments. The experiments differed with respect to whether subjects were provided a visible target toward which to direct their reaching or were required to form a mental representation of the intended target. In the first experiment, subjects' reaching errors for vertices of a Muller-Lyer figure were similar to those for a nonillusory control stimulus. In experiment 2, subjects' errors while reaching to the imaginary bisector of the Judd illusion were consistent with the presence of an illusion of bisector location. However, when a bisector line was added to the Judd figure, reaching errors were similar to those obtained with a control figure. In experiment 3, subjects' open-loop reaching at the perceived midpoint of a triangle was biased toward its illusory perceptual midpoint. When a mark was placed at the midpoint between a vertex and the opposite side, reaching errors were similar to those obtained with a control figur...
Hypoxia-induced Nucleophosmin Protects Cell Death through Inhibition of p53

Nucleophosmin (NPM) is a multifunctional protein that is overexpressed in actively proliferating cells and cancer cells. Here we report that this proliferation-promoting protein is strongly induced in response to hypoxia in human normal and cancer cells. Up-regulation of NPM is hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)-dependent. The NPM promoter encodes a functional HIF-1-responsive element that can be activated by hypoxia or forced expression of HIF-1α. Suppression of NPM expression by small interfering RNA targeting NPM increases hypoxia-induced apoptosis, whereas overexpression of NPM protects against hypoxic cell death of wild-type but not p53-null cells. Moreover, NPM inhibits hypoxia-induced p53 phosphorylation at Ser-15 and interacts with p53 in hypoxic cells. Thus, this study not only demonstrates hypoxia regulation of a proliferation-promoting protein but also suggests that hypoxia-driven cancer progression may require increased expression of NPM to suppress p53 activation and maintain cell survival.
Alignment between balance confidence and fall risk in later life: Has over-confidence been overlooked?

Falls in later life have long been identified as an important public health problem worthy of investigation and intervention because they are preventable and are associated with excess disability and mortality. Interventions to prevent falls in older people have focused on physiological risk factors and psychological risk factors. Fear of falling is the most extensively studied and targeted psychological risk factor for falls. Less is known about the extent to which older adults might express higher balance confidence despite being at known high fall risk based on fall history. The present study examined older adults' self-reported balance confidence in the context of known fall risk, and determined the degree of alignment between their balance confidence and known fall risk. Based on this alignment, older adults were classified as timid (lower balance confidence and lower fall risk), congruent (lower confidence and higher risk, or higher confidence and lower risk), or over-confident (higher confidence an...
Parent-Adolescent Sexual Communication and Adolescent Safer Sex Behavior A Meta-Analysis

Importance Parent-adolescent sexual communication has received considerable attention as a factor that can positively affect safer sex behavior among youth; however, the evidence linking such communication to youth contraceptive and condom use has not been empirically synthesized. Objectives To examine the effect of parent-adolescent sexual communication on safer sex behavior among youth and explore potential moderators of this association. Data Sources A systematic search of studies published from database inception through June 30, 2014, using the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Communication & Mass Media Complete databases and relevant review articles yielded 5098 studies, of which 52 studies with 25 314 adolescents met the study eligibility criteria. Analysis was conducted from July 1, 2014, to July 27, 2015. Study Selection Studies were included if they sampled adolescents (mean sample age ≤18 years), included an adolescent report of sexual communication with one or both parents, measured safer sex behavior, and were published in English. Data Extraction and Synthesis Correlation coefficients ( r ) and 95% CIs were computed from studies and meta-analyzed using random-effects models. Main Outcomes and Measures Safer sex behavior, including use of contraceptives or condoms. Results Fifty-two articles, including 71 independent effects representing more than 3 decades of research on 25 314 adolescents (weighted mean age, 15.2 years) were synthesized. Across studies, there was a significant weighted mean effect ( r = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.08-0.13) linking parent-adolescent sexual communication with safer sex behavior, which was statistically heterogeneous ( Q = 203.50, P I 2 = 65.60). Moderation analyses revealed larger effects for communication with girls ( r = 0.12) than boys ( r = 0.04) and among youth who discussed sex with their mothers ( r = 0.14) compared with their fathers ( r = 0.03). Effects did not differ for contraceptive vs condom use or among longitudinal vs cross-sectional studies, indicating that parent sexual communication had a similar effect across study designs and outcomes. Several methodological issues were identified in the literature; future studies can improve on these issues by measuring parent-adolescent communication with robust, multi-item measures, clearly specifying the target parent, and applying multimethod longitudinal designs. Conclusions and Relevance Sexual communication with parents, particularly mothers, plays a small protective role in safer sex behavior among adolescents; this protective effect is more pronounced for girls than boys. We discuss the implications for practice and make suggestions for future research on parent-adolescent sexual communication.
Epitaxial Superconductors on Rolling-Assisted-Biaxially-Textured-Substrates (RABiTS)

An overview of the fabrication of epitaxial, high-Jc, biaxially aligned YBCO thick films on Rolling-assisted-biaxially-textured-substrates (RABiTS) is provided. The RABiTS technique utilizes standard thermomechanical processing to obtain long lengths of flexible, biaxially oriented substrates with smooth surfaces (rms ∼20 nm). The strong biaxial texture of the metal (in-plane 5–7◦ FWHM) is conferred to the superconductor by deposition of intermediate metal and/or oxide layers which serve both as a chemical as well as a structural buffer. Epitaxial YBCO films have been grown using a variety of techniques on RABiTSTM with critical current densities exceeding 106 A/cm2 at 77 K in self-field and have field dependences similar to that of epitaxial films on single crystal ceramic substrates. The texture of the base metal has been achieved in kilometer lengths and scaleable techniques are being pursued to deposit the epitaxial multilayers. Deposited conductors made using this technique offer a potential route for the fabrication of long lengths of high Jc wire capable of carrying high currents in high magnetic fields and at elevated temperatures.
A Review of: “Scripting the Black Masculine Body: Identify, Discourse, and Racial Popular Media, by Ronald L. Jackson II.”

Complicity theory has become a valuable tool for researchers exploring the social and symbolic complexities of contexts, in which difference and identity are constrained and contested. Ronald Jacks...
Methane C-H Bond Activation by ``Naked'' Alkali Metal Imidyl and Alkaline Earth Metal Imide Complexes. The Role of Ligand Spin and Nucleophilicity

High accuracy correlation consistent Composite Approach (ccCA) calculations have been used to investigate methane C–H bond activation with alkali metal imidyl and alkaline earth metal imide complex...
Further Examining Berry’s Model The Applicability of Latent Profile Analysis to Acculturation

This study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify acculturation profiles. A three-profile solution fit the data best, and comparisons on demographic and psychosocial outcomes as a function ...
Observation of forward stimulated Brillouin scattering in a standard highly-nonlinear fiber

We observe forward stimulated Brillouin scattering (FSBS) in a standard highly-nonlinear optical fiber a numerous acoustic resonance frequencies that occur between ~30 MHz to beyond the detection limit of 1.5 GHz.
Review of “Essentials of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Second Edition,“ by Williams W. Campbell

Essentials of Electrodiagnostic Medicine was written by a physician for residents, fellows, and practitioners, as mentioned in the preface. The book is a practical read for those who have completed...
Retroperfusion of the heart with a solution of glucose, insulin, and potassium during anoxic arrest

Retroperfusion of the coronary circulation with a solution containing glucose, insulin, and potassium was evaluated experimentally during anoxic cardiac arrest under normothermic conditions. The solution was composed of approximately 2 L. of 5 per cent dextrose in water, containing insulin (100 μ per liter) and potassium chloride (20 mEq. per liter), and was buffered with sodium bicarbonate. Gravity perfusion of the coronary circulation during 30 minutes of arrest resulted in greater perfusion of the Thebesian-sinusoidal system than the capillary system, as indicated by a right ventricular-coronary artery effluent ratio of 3:1. Significant utilization of glucose was observed with capillary perfusion but not with Thebesian-sinusoidal perfusion. Cardiac function was significantly better in the group with retroperfusion than in a control group, which had no perfusion, as evidenced by cardiac output, left ventricular contractility, and cardiac rhythm. The present study corroborrates previous observations, which suggested that the availability of glucose as an energy substrate during cardiac anoxia offers a protective effect upon the heart. This study also demonstrates that retroperfusion through the coronary sinus during anoxia is one technique of supplying energy substrate.
What are We Doing Wrong

In an effort to ensure a brighter future, many American parents spend an inordinate amount of time, money and energy in the attempt to give their children the best possible education, often beginning at the preschool level. The methods by which these zealous mothers and fathers endeavour to procure the best spots in the finest schools have changed dramatically over the past two decades, a result of the renewed emphasis on the correlation between primary education and future success in the workplace. While the nexus between today’s kindergarten, tomorrow’s career and a lifetime of happiness may be difficult to gauge, the intense conviction in this process has become a predictable mindset of the modern parent, and is based upon the fear that any compromise now will inevitably result in failure down the road.
Veteran Preferences Regarding Wireless Management of Positive Airway Pressure for Obstructive Sleep Apnea at a Tertiary Health-Care System.

BACKGROUND: Timely monitoring of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) therapy can be a challenge amid conflicting pressures of rising patient volume and shortage of sleep medicine providers. Positive airway pressure (PAP) devices with wireless modem technology have the potential to improve patient access to care and streamline work load, yet little is known about patient attitudes toward telehealth integration among veterans with sleep apnea. As part of a larger quality improvement initiative at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, we elicited veterans' preferences toward modem versus traditional PAP data download, including patient attitudes and factors affecting those preferences. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous survey of veterans without previous CPAP experience presenting for initial device setup and training at VA Puget Sound PAP clinics. Surveys assessed subject demographics, PAP download preferences (modem vs mail), and Likert-type scale ratings of importance placed on factors including convenience and information privacy. Using multinomial logistic regression, we examined the association between convenience rating and download preference, adjusting for information privacy rating, age, and commute time. RESULTS: Of 444 surveys analyzed, respondents were primarily male with a mean age of 52 y. Most respondents reported taking ≥ 30 min to commute to the PAP clinic. Convenience was rated as the most important factor affecting download preferences. Veteran preferences regarding PAP download method were mixed, with 47% preferring modem, 38% preferring memory card mail-in, and 15% undecided. A higher rating of convenience was significantly associated with modem preference, both before and after adjustment for information privacy rating, commute time, and veteran age (adjusted relative risk ratio 1.67, P < .001, 95% CI 1.40–1.99). CONCLUSIONS: PAP data download preferences were mixed among new veteran users. Veterans placed a high value on the potentially competing concerns of convenience and information privacy. Veterans preferring modem factored convenience as important in their decision making, independent of privacy concerns.
Intrinsically Bayesian Robust Kalman Filter: An Innovation Process Approach

In many contemporary engineering problems, model uncertainty is inherent because accurate system identification is virtually impossible owing to system complexity or lack of data on account of availability, time, or cost. The situation can be treated by assuming that the true model belongs to an uncertainty class of models. In this context, an intrinsically Bayesian robust (IBR) filter is one that is optimal relative to the cost function (in the classical sense) and the prior distribution over the uncertainty class (in the Bayesian sense). IBR filters have previously been found for both Wiener and granulometric morphological filtering. In this paper, we derive the IBR Kalman filter that performs optimally relative to an uncertainty class of state-space models. Introducing the notion of Bayesian innovation process and the Bayesian orthogonality principle, we show how the problem of designing an IBR Kalman filter can be reduced to a recursive system similar to the classical Kalman recursive equations, except with “effective” counterparts, such as the effective Kalman gain matrix. After deriving the recursive IBR Kalman equations for discrete time, we use the limiting method to obtain the IBR Kalman–Bucy equations for continuous time. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of the proposed framework for two real world problems: sensor networks and gene regulatory network inference.
Relationships between social isolation, neighborhood poverty, and cancer mortality in a population-based study of US adults.

Background Social isolation is an important determinant of all-cause mortality, with evidence suggesting an association with cancer-specific mortality as well. In this study, we examined the associations between social isolation and neighborhood poverty (independently and jointly) on cancer mortality in a population-based sample of US adults. Methods Using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III; 1988–1994), NHANES III Linked Mortality File (through 2011) and 1990 Census, we estimated the relationship between social isolation and high neighborhood poverty and time-to-cancer death using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. We examined the associations of each factor independently and explored the multiplicative and additive interaction effects on cancer mortality risk and also analyzed these associations by sex. Results Among 16 044 US adults with 17–23 years of follow-up, there were 1133 cancer deaths. Social isolation (HR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01–1.54) and high neighborhood poverty (HR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.08–1.60) were associated with increased risk of cancer mortality adjusting for age, sex, and race/ethnicity; in sex-specific estimates this increase in risk was evident among females only (HR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.04–1.86). These associations were attenuated upon further adjustment for socioeconomic status. There was no evidence of joint effects of social isolation and high neighborhood poverty on cancer mortality overall or in the sex-stratified models. Conclusions These findings suggest that social isolation and higher neighborhood poverty are independently associated with increased risk of cancer mortality, although there is no evidence to support our a priori hypothesis of a joint effect.
Wavelet-Based Identification of Linear Discrete-Time Systems

Abstract Discrete-time linear time-varying systems are modeled by discrete-time wavelets. System identification using the output error method is studied. The output of the unknown system is in general corrupted by noise. The minimum mean square error, minimum cumulative mean square error and least squares are considered. The optimal system model parameters are found. Conditions are derived that provide consistency to the optimal parameters obtained by the least squares approach. It is shown that due to the good time-frequency localization of wavelets, parameter estimates are robust to narrow-band noise and/or impulse noise.
The Role of Stressful Life Events and Cultural Factors on Criminal Thinking Among African American Women Involved in the Criminal Justice System

African American women are positioned at the intersection of multiple disadvantaged statuses and disproportionately impacted by criminal justice policies, as evinced by their increased likelihood of incarceration. Yet, they continue to be overlooked in mainstream criminological research. Using data from 418 African American women in the B-WISE (Black Women in a Study of Epidemics) project, the current study investigates the relationship between several prominent stressors occurring in five social contexts and criminal thinking as a coping strategy. Findings indicate that criminal thinking may be one maladaptive coping mechanism to manage stressors, such as gendered racism, financial stress, and network loss, that occur across these multiple social contexts for African American women in prison and on probation. Spirituality, on the other hand, seems to operate as a buffer. Implications for practice include promoting programs that strengthen a sense of collective identity in the community, as well as hiring more African American women who could provide additional culturally-competent behavioral health services in criminal justice professions.
Strange metal from local quantum chaos

How to make a model of a non-Fermi-liquid metal with efficient current dissipation is a long-standing problem. Results from holographic duality suggest a framework where local critical fermionic degrees of freedom provide both a source of decoherence for the Landau quasiparticle, and a sink for its momentum. This leads us to study a Kondo lattice type model with SYK models in place of the spin impurities. We find evidence for a stable phase at intermediate couplings.