cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antisocial personality disorder, affect dysregulation and childhood abuse among incarcerated women

The aim of this study was to examine the role of affect dysregulation and childhood abuse in antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), using a sample of incarcerated women. Subjects for this study were 85 incarcerated women who were administered structured interviews to assess for ASPD, borderline personality disorder (BPD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), childhood trauma, and affect dysregulation. Using a series of logistic regressions, this study found that a greater degree of affect dysregulation--in particular, poor anger modulation--was significantly related to ASPD, controlling for BPD and PTSD in women prisoners. After controlling for BPD, recent self mutilation was not significantly related to ASPD. Likewise, a history of childhood abuse was not significantly associated with ASPD.
An Analysis of Selected Descriptive and Experimental Studies on Program Model Designs for Gifted Students for Potential use in Rural School Districts of Developing Countries

The purpose of this study was to analyse program model designs for gifted children and youth currently in use in the United States. From a meta-analysis of 100 descriptive and experimental studies conducted in the last 10 years trends and practices currently used in the United States were identified. Ten features of program design which included name and description: identification of students: funding: staffing: grades: ages and number of students: scheduling: delivery of services: role of parents: community and technology were examined. Further recommendations were derived for the implementation of similar programs and training of teachers for the gifted in developing countries specifically the provinces of Ciskei and Transkei, South Africa. Focus is provided on aspects of gifted programs in rural areas of the United States for those recommendations as the characteristics are more representative of those in developing countries.
Synthesis of 3-Alkyl-2-cyclopenten-2-ol-1-ones

A convenient synthesis of 3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-2-ol-1-one (IIIa), a constituent of coffee aroma and maple flavor, is described. Condensation of diethyl glutarate with diethyl oxalate in N, N-dimethylformamide gave diketodiester I ; methylation in methyl ethyl ketone or in acetonitrile in the presence of potassium carbonate produced doubly methylated compound IIa which was hydrolyzed and decarboxylated to afford IIIa by refluxing with concentrated hydrochloric acid in acetic acid. Other allied compounds were also synthesized.
Training behavior change agents: A conceptual review

A functional, ecobehavioral framework is suggested within which research on training can be organized. The framework includes an interactive model of behavioral service delivery that defines the function of and relationships among behavioral consultants, behavioral engineers, behavior managers, and clients. Research on training change agents can be organized around four major questions: (a) What problems must behavior change agents be able to solve? (b) What skills are most likely to lead to solutions to those problems? (c) What techniques should be used to teach those skills? (d) What procedures are most likely to assure generalization of those skills? The answers to these questions may vary systematically in relation to the function of the behavior change agent being studied.
The effect of non-linear diffusion on solid state amorphization in Ni-Hf: experiment and simulation

Solid state amorphization in the Ni-Hf system has been studied by measuring the reaction rate of terminal solutions with as-prepared amorphous alloys of various compositions. This methodology allows direct determination of the common-tangent compositions corresponding to metastable equilibrium. While good agreement with previously reported values was achieved for amorphous alloys in contact with Ni-rich terminal solution, the metastable equilibrium composition of amorphous alloys in contact with the Hf-rich terminal solution is in significant disagreement with previous reports. Analysis of the reaction rate data shows that the apparent diffusion coefficient increases dramatically with increasing initial Ni content in the amorphous layer. Numerical simulation of non-linear diffusion, including the effect of a moving phase boundary, is used to calculate composition profiles for a strongly composition dependent interdiffusion coefficient/)(C). These profiles provide a consistent explanation for the disagreement with previous interfacial composition measurements estimated in reacted elemental diffusion couples. By assuming a specific functional form of the interdiffusion coefficient /)(C), apparent values of/5 corresponding to the experimental samples are obtained and provide semiquantitative agreement.
Access(ing), habits, attitudes, and engagements: Re-thinking access as practice

Abstract Government efforts to universalize access have resulted in narrow constructions of access as ownership of technology. This article posits a more substantive dialogue of access, one that goes beyond connectivity issues, to consider how the “practice of access” influences technology-use, examining attitudes and ideas about communication and computing technologies. Looking at one effort to address the digital divide in a technology camp for middle school students, I argue that access is practice and that if we examine the “practice of access” in our classrooms and in our research, we look not at the technology but at the practices—what gets reinforced, valued, and rewarded by local communities. The “practice of access” is a more useful way of understanding how social and economic infrastructures mediate access. In this way, access is re-cast as a mutable practice that is influenced by real, everyday practices.
Predictive changes in ventricular interdependence.

Based on the balance of forces across the interventricular septum, we developed a theoretical analysis to explain how one ventricle can directly influence the filling characteristics of the other ventricle. The analysis indicated that the pressure and volume transfer were related to the relative compliances of the interventricular septum and ventricular free walls. The present study examined whether the theoretical analysis could be used to predict changes in ventricular interdependence caused by altering regional compliance. To examine this hypothesis, hearts were removed from 18 dogs and placed in cool cardioplegic solution. Balloons were inserted into each ventricle, and the left and right pressure (δP1, δPr) and volume (δV1, δVr) changes caused by changing the pressure and volume of the other ventricle were recorded. After the initial measurements, acute changes in left ventricular free wall compliance (n=6), septal compliance (n=6), and right ventricular free wall compliance (n=6) were induced by glutaraldehyde injections. As predicted by the theoretical analysis, decreasing left ventricular free wall compliance increased δP1/δPr, δP1/δVr, δPr/δV1, and δVr/δV1 significantly (P<0.05) by 89±15, 155±33, 282±65, and 112±22% (mean±SEM), respectively. Decreasing septal compliance decreases δP1/δPr, δV1/δPr, δV1/δVr, δPr/δP1, and δVr/δV1 significantly (P<0.05) by 48±7, 71±10, 69±14, 48±7, 62±8, and 57±13%, respectively. Decreasing right ventricular free wall compliance increased δP1/δVr, δV1/δVr, δPr/δP1, and δPr/δV1 significantly (P<0.05) by 97±25, 79±20, 57±18, and 59±23%, respectively. Furthermore, these alterations in ventricular coupling were predictable: The actual and predicted percentage changes in the transfer functions were in close agreement. The results of these studies show predictable alterations in the mechanical coupling between the ventricles following changes in right ventricular septal, and left ventricular free wall compliances.
Sonographically detected abnormalities of the umbilical cord.

Objectives: This study was undertaken as a retrospective chart review to evaluate the range of umbilical cord abnormalities detected by prenatal sonography, as well as the outcome and pathologic correlation. Methods: We identified 13 cases of umbilical cord abnormalities detected sonographically over a 46-month period. We evaluated the ultrasound appearance, size, location, and color Doppler characteristic in each case. Results: There were 4 instances of clear cysts on the umbilical cord, 8 with complex masses, and 1 with complete, cystic encasement of the cord throughout its length. The pathology included vascular abnormalities (hemangioma, hematoma, varicosity), edema of the umbilical cord with pseudocysts, and syncytial knots. There was 1 known karyotypic abnormality (trisomy 13). Twelve of the 13 newborns survived; the neonatal death occurred in the fetus with trisomy 13. Conclusion: The presence of umbilical cord abnormalities may represent a variety of pathologic entities. Clinical outcome is usually favorable.
Source contributions to the size and composition distribution of urban particulate air pollution

A mechanistic air quality model is developed that represents the atmospheric aerosol as a source-oriented external mixture of particles. A source-oriented external mixture is created when particles are released to the atmosphere from sources having distinctly different particle size and composition distributions. These particles evolve separately in the atmosphere while interacting with a common gas phase distribution of pollutants. The model represents advection, turbulent diffusion, gas-phase photochemistry, diffusion of reactants and products to and from the particles, aerosol thermodynamics, heterogeneous chemical reactions within fogs, and dry deposition. Calculations track individual particles from specific sources and then quantify the contribution which each source makes to the size and composition distribution of ambient suspended particulate matter at downwind receptor sites. Model results that simulate the August 28, 1987, episode of the Southern California Air Quality Study (SCAQS) experiments show that hygroscopic background particles advected into the Los Angeles area are transformed significantly by secondary chemical reactions in the urban atmosphere in a way that shapes the largest peak in the ambient fine particle (PM2.5) size distribution. Source contributions from more than 50 separate types of primary particle emissions sources also are revealed through a new technique for displaying model outputs. The air quality model is used to calculate the effects that alternative specific emissions control measures would have on air quality. Calculations show that a control plan which combines nearly all available emissions reduction techniques for gas- and particle-phase pollutants could have cut atmospheric fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations approximately in half at Claremont, CA, on August 28, 1987, in the absence of any other changes. Source tests are conducted to measure the size and chemical composition distribution of particles released from diesel vehicles, catalyst-equipped gasoline-powered vehicles, non-catalyst-equipped gasoline vehicles, meat cooking, wood burning, and cigarette smoke. These improved emissions data are combined with the air quality model, which then is used to determine the source origin of particulate matter in the Southern California atmosphere during field experiments conducted for purposes of model evaluation in September, 1996.
Clinical characteristics, timing of peak responses and safety aspects of two dosing regimens of the glucagon stimulation test in evaluating growth hormone and cortisol secretion in adults.

Weight-based (WB: 0.03 mg/kg) and fixed dose (FD: 1–1.5 mg) regimens of the glucagon stimulation test (GST) have been used to evaluate GH and cortisol secretion in children and adults, respectively. However, experience of the WB regimen in assessing GH and cortisol secretion in adults are limited. We describe a multicenter experience using WB and FD regimens in evaluating GH and cortisol secretion in adults suspected of GH deficiency and central adrenal insufficiency. Retrospective case series of GSTs (n = 515) performed at five tertiary centers. Peak and nadir glucose, and peak GH and peak cortisol responses occurred later with WB (mean dose: 2.77 mg) compared to FD (mean dose: 1.20 mg) regimens. Main side-effects were nausea and vomiting, particularly in younger females. Nausea was comparable but vomiting was more frequent in the WB regimen (WB: 10.0 % vs FD: 2.4 %; P < 0.05). Peak and nadir glucose, ΔGH, and peak and Δcortisol were higher in the WB regimen. In both regimens, age correlated negatively with peak cortisol levels, and body mass index (BMI), fasting, peak and nadir glucose correlated negatively with peak GH levels. WB and FD regimens can induce adult GH and cortisol secretion, but peak responses occur later in the WB regimen. Both regimens are relatively safe, and vomiting was more prevalent in the WB regimen. As age, BMI, and glucose tolerance negatively correlated with peak GH and cortisol levels, the WB regimen may be more effective than the FD regimen in older overweight glucose intolerant patients.
Input–Output Data Base for Analysis of Technological Change

Appropriate combination of theoretical analysis with factual observation has always played a crucial role in the development of empirical science. The advance of the so-called ‘systems approach’ accelerated by the introduction of powerful computers opens up the possibility of managing and utilizing efficiently larger and more detailed data bases, and consequently makes the need for compiling them particularly urgent.
WHAT GEORGE MEAD SHOULD HAVE SAID: EXPLORATION OF A PROBLEM OF INTERPRETATION*

Mead should have had something to say about the problem of interpretation that might be used in making an interpretation of his own work. This is but a small demand inasmuch as all writers give some assistance in the interpretation of their own work. However, I think Mead should have done more than that because, as I understand him, his supreme aim was to solve the problem of interpretation. An analysis of interpretations of Mead’s work shows that while on many aspects of it there is a high degree of agreement, on little of it is there complete agreement. Further, on some matters around which there is close consensus, there are a few highly divergent interpretations. One example is that of roletaking. The convergent interpretation is that role-taking is an exercise of the imagination wherein one imagines himself/herself to be in the position of the other. A divergent interpretation, given by but a few, is that role-taking is literally placing oneself in the role or attitude of the other. Hewitt, Scheff, and Turner are just three of the many who present role-taking as a mental endeavor. Hewitt (1979:86) says, “In its simplest and most obvious sense ‘role-taking’ refers to the imaginations people have of one another in terms of their relative ‘social location’.’’ Turner’s (1962:45) often cited view is that roletaking is “a person’s anticipation of the responses of others implicated with him in ongoing interaction.” Scheff (1967:35) is more detailed and explicit.
A cell culture-derived whole-virus H5N1 vaccine induces long-lasting cross-clade protective immunity in mice which is augmented by a homologous or heterologous booster vaccination.

Abstract Background Preparation for an H5N1 influenza pandemic in humans could include priming the population in the pre-pandemic period with a vaccine produced from an existing H5N1 vaccine strain, with the possibility of boosting with a pandemic virus vaccine when it becomes available. We investigated the longevity of the immune response after one or two priming immunizations with a whole-virus H5N1 vaccine and the extent to which this can be boosted by later immunization with either a homologous or heterologous vaccine. Methods Mice received one or two priming immunizations with a Vero cell culture-derived, whole-virus clade 1 H5N1 vaccine formulated to contain either 750 ng or 30 ng hemagglutinin. Six months after the first priming immunization, mice received either a booster immunization with the same clade 1 vaccine or a heterologous clade 2.1 vaccine, or buffer. Humoral and cellular immune responses were evaluated before and at regular intervals after immunizations. Three weeks after booster immunization, mice were challenged with a lethal dose of wild-type H5N1 virus from clades 1, 2.1 or 2.2 and survival was monitored for 14 days. Results One or two priming immunizations with the 750 ng or 30 ng HA formulations, respectively, induced H5N1-neutralizing antibody titers which were maintained for ≥6 months and provided long-term cross-clade protection against wild-type virus challenge. Both humoral and cellular immune responses were substantially increased by a booster immunization after 6 months. The broadest protective immunity was provided by an immunization regimen consisting of one or two priming immunizations with a clade 1 vaccine and a boosting immunization with a clade 2.1 vaccine. Conclusions These data support the concept that pre-pandemic vaccination can provide robust and long-lasting H5N1 immunity which could be effectively boosted by immunization either with another pre-pandemic vaccine or with the pandemic strain vaccine.
Weighted-fitting-based adaptive filtering of images

In this paper, a weighted-fitting-based adaptive method is proposed to smooth images. It is shown both theoretically and experimentally that the proposed method can preserve both edges and corners while it suppresses noise effectively. Compared to the multiresolution adaptive filtering which only adjusts its filter size, the new method can change both the filter size and the filter shape adaptively so that it can smooth complex images effectively. Compared to the recursive adaptive filtering which is computationally expensive and needs to determine the recursive number, the proposed method does not need any input parameter and is computationally efficient.
Translating the Diabetes Prevention Program Into an Urban Medically Underserved Community: A nonrandomized prospective intervention study

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if a community-based, modified DPP Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) intervention, for individuals with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), was effective in decreasing risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in an urban, medically underserved community; and subsequently to determine if improvements in clinical outcomes could be sustained in the short-term. Research Design and Methods: This non-randomized prospective intervention study utilized a one group design to test the effectiveness of a community-based GLB intervention. Residents from eleven targeted neighborhoods were screened for MetS (n=573) and took part in a 12 week GLB intervention (n=88) that addressed safe weight loss and physical activity. Results: A marked decline in weight (46.4% lost ≥ 5% and 26.1% lost ≥ 7%) was observed in individuals following completion of the intervention. 87.5% (28) and 66.7% (12) of these subjects sustained the 5% and 7% reduction, respectively, at the 6-month reassessment. Over 1/3 of the population (43.5%, n=30) experienced improvements in ≥ one component of MetS, and 73.3% (22) sustained this improvement at the 6-month reassessment. Additional improvements occurred in waist circumference (p Conclusions: Adults in an urban, medically underserved community can decrease their risk for T2D and CVD through participation in a GLB intervention and short-term sustainability is feasible. Future research will include long-term follow-up of these subjects.
Progress Monitoring Measures in Mathematics: A Review of the Literature

This review of literature on progress monitoring was designed to examine the full array of curriculumbased measures (CBMs) in mathematics for students from preschool to secondary schools. We organized the article around two primary concerns: the approach used to develop the measures (curriculum sampling or robust indicators) and the type of research necessary to establish the viability of the tasks. Our review addressed the technical adequacy of the measures as indicators of performance and progress, as well as teachers’ use of the measures to improve achievement. The largest number of studies has been conducted at the elementary level, with less work in early mathematics or at the secondary level. In general, the measures have acceptable levels of reliability; the criterion validity of mathematics CBMs appears to be lower than that for reading CBMs. One important finding that emerged was the relatively low degree of consensus on the best approach to use in developing mathematics CBMs. We discuss probable reasons for this, along with implications for practice and research.
Radial position sensing in a coplanar-grid high-pressure xenon gamma-ray spectrometer

This paper describes a technique for determining the interaction radius of a gamma ray within a cylindrical detector. This can be useful information for correcting pulse amplitudes and selecting events of interest. A theoretical expression for the event radius is derived based on anode signals, and simulations are compared with experimental results.
The Analytics Movement: Implications for Operations Research

The movement toward the increased use of analytics in organizations has generated much discussion by academics and professionals about the impacts and opportunities that analytics offers. Although operations research (OR) has been a driving force in applying quantitative and analytical models for organizational decision making, it is less clear how we as OR practitioners can take advantage of the surging interest in analytics to promote the OR profession and expand its reach. In this paper, we discuss the drivers of the analytics movement, an example of an analytics project, and the opportunities and implications for OR, i.e., the problem scope, models and methods, implementation issues, organizational role, professional skills, and education.
ALIMENTARY CANAL OF ADULT ACALYMMA VITTATA (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE): MORPHOLOGY AND POTENTIAL ROLE IN SURVIVAL OF ERWINIA TRACHEIPHILA (ENTEROBACTERIACEAE)

We describe the morphology of the alimentary canal in adult Acalymma vittata (F.), the vector of Erwinia tracheiphila (Smith) Bergey et al. emend. Hauben et al. (Enterobacteriaceae), the causal agent of bacterial wilt in cucurbits (Cucurbitaceae). The foregut includes a pre-oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus, and crop but lacks a well-developed proventriculus. The midgut occupies approximately 65% of the length of the gut, has distinctive ventricular crypts throughout its length, and is lined with a peritrophic membrane, but lacks caeca for harboring symbionts. The hindgut comprises the colon and rectum and four Malpighian tubules. The cuticular intima of both foregut and hindgut bears rows of spines and is thrown into numerous folds. Transmission electron microscopy showed bacteria resembling E. tracheiphila within the hindgut 1 and 30 d after the beetles fed on E. tracheiphila spread between cotyledons of cucumber, Cucumis sativus L. (Cucurbitaceae). Our observations suggest that the midgut is not appropriate for long-term retention of E. tracheiphila because of the absence of caeca and the presence of a peritrophic membrane. Temporary and long-term pathogen retention may be associated with rows of spines and numerous folds within the foregut and hindgut.
WiMax: Cross layer bandwidth allocation Strict Priority Based Adaptive Modulation and Coding

Scheduling is a fundamental component in resource (bandwidth and power) management in NG wireless networks and plays the main role in providing QoS requirements such as delay, throughput and packet loss for different classes of service in 802.16d networks. In this paper we propose a novel scheduling algorithm Strict Priority Based Adaptive modulation and Coding (SP_AMC_Based) that can grantee QoS between different connections belong to different users by the means of cross layer design between MAC and PHY layers in the process of bandwidth allocation to the contrary of most existing protocols that are base solely on MAC layer. Without loss of generality, the protocol serves a number of users with different connections (flows) that have different QoS requirements. The scheduler considers user current channel condition, connection QoS requirement and packet delay to select a user to be scheduled. The proposed scheduling algorithm is investigated through simulation and performance comparison with WFQ[1] scheduler. The results show a better performance of the proposed scheduler compared with WFQ algorithm.
PLACING GENDER IN THE HEART OF MFT MASTERS PROGRAMS: TEACHING A GENDER SENSITIVE SYSTEMIC VIEW

This paper describes a masters level course that teaches the systemic underpinnings of the field while also addressing the feminist critique of the ideas. The goal of the course is for students to understand and adopt a gender sensitive systemic view. Students then have a systemic/gender yardstick to use as they study and evaluate MFT theories, observe client interaction, and practice.
Manager Decisions Based on Communication Facilitated in Focus Groups

Critical to decision making at all levels of management is the rapid accessing of pertinent information. Acquiring relevant information is often highly problematic. In this article we explicate management's use of focus groups for facilitating communication, which allows for the gathering of decision-making information. Whereas a variety of groups actually operate to make administrative decisions, focus groups provide management with valuable data from which to make decisions. Our examination initially considers both the types of information that expedite decision making and the controversy surrounding alternative approaches to accessing these data. Types of focus groups are then differentiated, based on the scientific perspective. Illustrating the facilitation of communication among group participants, we describe focus group investigations across three different organizations. Our discussion concludes by reconsidering the facilitation of communication in focus groups and the accessing of data pertinent ...
What Do People Talk About? Drivers of Immediate and Ongoing Word-of-Mouth

Word-of-mouth has impacts on diffusion and sales, but why are certain products talked about more than others, both right after consumers first experience them and in the months that follow? This paper examines how product characteristics shape immediate and ongoing WOM. The authors use a hierarchical model (simultaneously reflecting underlying differences across people and products) to analyze a unique dataset of everyday conversations for over 300 different products. They also conduct both a large field experiment across various cities and a controlled laboratory experiment with real conversations. Results indicate that more interesting products get more immediate WOM, but contrary to intuition, do not receive more ongoing WOM over a multi-month period or overall. Products that are cued more by the environment, however, or are more publicly visible, receive more WOM both right away as well as over time. Additional analyses demonstrate which promotional giveaways in WOM marketing campaigns are associated with increased WOM. Overall, the findings shed light on psychological drivers of word-of-mouth and provide insight into designing more effective WOM campaigns.
Biochemistry and Physiology of Serotonergic Transmission

The sections in this article are: 1 Serotonin Biosynthesis 1.1 Introductory Overview 1.2 Decarboxylation 1.3 Hydroxylation 2 Regulation of Serotonin Biosynthesis 2.1 Introductory Overview 2.2 Availability of Precursor Tryptophan 2.3 Feedback Control of Serotonin Biosynthesis 2.4 Inhibition of Tryptophan Hydroxylase: Serotonin Depletion 2.5 Chlorinated Amphetamines 3 Serotonin Metabolism 3.1 Introductory Overview 3.2 Oxidative Deamination 3.3 Conjugation 3.4 O-Sulfation 3.5 N- and O-Methylation 3.6 Inactivation of Circulating Serotonin 3.7 Pineal Gland 4 Uptake of Serotonin 4.1 Introductory Overview 4.2 Specific Uptake 4.3 Inhibition of Serotonin Uptake 5 Localization of Serotonin 5.1 Methodological Considerations 5.2 Identification of Monoamines 5.3 Serotonin Neurons 5.4 Regeneration of Serotonin Neurons 6 Molluscs 7 Serotonin Receptors, Antagonists, and Synaptic Effects 7.1 Myenteric Plexus 7.2 Ponto-Geniculo-Occipital Waves 7.3 Serotonin Receptor Isolation 8 Conclusion
Preferences, Knowledge, and Citizen Probability Assessments of the Terrorism Risk of Nuclear Power

How does the American public assess risk when it comes to national security issues? This paper addresses this question by analyzing variation in citizen probability assessments of the terrorism risk of nuclear power plants. Drawing on the literature on how motivated reasoning, selective information processing, and domain-specific knowledge influence public opinion, we argue that heterogeneous issue preferences and knowledge of nuclear energy and homeland security have important explanatory power. Using original data from a unique 2009 national survey in the United States, we show that Americans are divided in their probability assessments of the terrorism risk of nuclear power plants. Consistent with our theoretical expectations, individuals who support using nuclear power to meet rising energy demands, who are generally less concerned with terrorism, or who are more knowledgeable about terrorism and nuclear security tend to provide lower assessments of the likelihood that nuclear power plants increase terrorist attacks, and vice versa. The findings have implications for the literature on public opinion, risk assessment, energy policy and planning, and homeland security.
A Biotic Game Design Project for Integrated Life Science and Engineering Education

Engaging, hands-on design experiences are key for formal and informal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Robotic and video game design challenges have been particularly effective in stimulating student interest, but equivalent experiences for the life sciences are not as developed. Here we present the concept of a "biotic game design project" to motivate student learning at the interface of life sciences and device engineering (as part of a cornerstone bioengineering devices course). We provide all course material and also present efforts in adapting the project's complexity to serve other time frames, age groups, learning focuses, and budgets. Students self-reported that they found the biotic game project fun and motivating, resulting in increased effort. Hence this type of design project could generate excitement and educational impact similar to robotics and video games.
Probability and Coherence Justification

L'A. defend la these selon laquelle la justification des croyances empiriques par la coherence, developpee par L. BonJour dans son ouvrage intitule «The structure of empirical knowledge» (1985), ne peut se faire sans recours a une certaine forme de fondationnalisme. Examinant la nature de l'observation, ainsi que l'exemple des temoins emprunte a C. I. Lewis, dans l'argumentation de BonJour, l'A. montre que le probleme de la justification fondationnelle releve de la theorie de la probabilite en ce qui concerne la fiabilite et la credibilite des temoignages
Mixture of measurement errors and their impact on parameter inferences

A mixture measurement error model built upon skew normal distributions and normal distributions is developed to evaluate various impacts of measurement errors to parameter inferences in logistic regressions. Data generated from survey questionnaires are usually error contaminated. We consider two types of errors: person-specific bias and random errors. Person-specific bias is modelled using skew normal distribution, and the distribution of random errors is described by a normal distribution. Intensive simulations are conducted to evaluate the contribution of each component in the mixture to outcomes of interest. The proposed method is then applied to a questionnaire data set generated from a neural tube defect study. Simulation results and real data application indicate that ignoring measurement errors or misspecifying measurement error components can both produce misleading results, especially when measurement errors are actually skew distributed. The inferred parameters can be attenuated or inflated dep...
Mapping strategy for automatic design of systolic arrays

A mapping strategy for automatic design of systolic arrays is presented. Algorithms are specified in terms of data dependency and identity, and implementations are specified in terms of data propagation and sequence behavior. By establishing a relation between data propagation and sequence, an optimal mapping strategy is formulated as a problem of finding an integer solution of a set of linear equations. This approach provides a uniform framework to design a variety of systolic arrays. An automatic design program and some design examples are presented. >
Technology assessment and insertion for the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN)

The DISN will evolve with new capabilities being added based on requirements and availability of technologies. The identification and transition of technologies from the research and development communities, including service laboratories, industry, and academia, to the acquisition managers require an approved process that defines the methodology and assigns responsibilities. The main purpose of this paper is to present and discuss the strategy for technology insertion into DISN. In order to accomplish this, a management process for technology insertion has been defined which addresses three key issues to insure that the programmatic/cost and technical risks are minimized. The principal driver for technology insertion is the identification of candidate technologies that are in concert with the approved DISN architecture which have the potential to enhance the capabilities of the DISN in meeting the needs of the warfighters/customers in a cost effective way. >
Adaptive sampling with the ensemble transform Kalman filter. Part I: Theoretical aspects

A suboptimal Kalman filter called the ensemble transform Kalman filter (ET KF) is introduced. Like other Kalman filters, it provides a framework for assimilating observations and also for estimating the effect of observations on forecast error covariance. It differs from other ensemble Kalman filters in that it uses ensemble transformation and a normalization to rapidly obtain the prediction error covariance matrix associated with a particular deployment of observational resources. This rapidity enables it to quickly assess the ability of a large number of future feasible sequences of observational networks to reduce forecast error variance. The ET KF was used by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction in the Winter Storm Reconnaissance missions of 1999 and 2000 to determine where aircraft should deploy dropwindsondes in order to improve 24‐72-h forecasts over the continental United States. The ET KF may be applied to any well-constructed set of ensemble perturbations. The ET KF technique supercedes the ensemble transform (ET) targeting technique of Bishop and Toth. In the ET targeting formulation, the means by which observations reduced forecast error variance was not expressed mathematically. The mathematical representation of this process provided by the ET KF enables such things as the evaluation of the reduction in forecast error variance associated with individual flight tracks and assessments of the value of targeted observations that are distributed over significant time intervals. It also enables a serial targeting methodology whereby one can identify optimal observing sites given the location and error statistics of other observations. This allows the network designer to nonredundantly position targeted observations. Serial targeting can also be used to greatly reduce the computations required to identify optimal target sites. For these theoretical and practical reasons, the ET KF technique is more useful than the ET technique. The methodology is illustrated with observation system simulation experiments involving a barotropic numerical model of tropical cyclonelike vortices. These include preliminary empirical tests of ET KF predictions using ET KF, 3DVAR, and hybrid data assimilation schemes—the results of which look promising. To concisely describe the future feasible sequences of observations considered in adaptive sampling problems, an extension to Ide et al.’s unified notation for data assimilation is suggested.
Numerical Prediction of Hurricane Opal

Abstract The main theme of this paper is on the intensity forecast of a hurricane (Opal) and interpretation of factors contributing toward it. The paper illustrates the results of assimilation and prediction for Hurricane Opal of 1995 from a very high-resolution global model. The assimilation makes use of a detailed physical initialization that vastly improves the nowcasting skill of rainfall and the model-based outgoing longwave radiation. Some of the interesting aspects of Hurricane Opal’s history occurred between 1200 UTC 1 October 1995 and 1200 UTC 5 October 1995. During this period the storm made landfall over the Florida panhandle. The storm reached maximum wind speed of over 130 kt on 4 October 1995. The intensity issue of Opal has drawn much attention. Issues such as the potential vorticity impact from a middle-latitude trough, the angular momentum of the lower-tropospheric inflow layer, the warm ocean temperature anomalies of the northern Gulf of Mexico, and the possible role of mesoconvective co...
How expectation works: psychologic and physiologic pathways.

Although expectation has been the most widely studied of the mechanisms that drive the placebo effect, we still don’t know how it works. We don’t know how the thought that one will respond to a substance in a certain way is converted to symptom relief, intoxication, or airway resistance; the pathway between expectation of a response and the response itself remains uncharted. Nonetheless, in the last decade, brain-imaging studies have begun to uncover this pathway. This paper reviews both long-standing psychologic concepts about the underpinnings of expectation and some of the contemporary brain imaging research, which shows that when expectation alleviates depression, produces pain relief or improves parkinsonian symptoms, these effects come with relevant changes in brain activity and chemistry. These findings oblige us to reevaluate some of the traditional common sense notions of how expectation brings about its effects and how placebos work.
The Effects of Emotional States and Traits on Time Perception

Models of time perception share an element of scalar expectancy theory known as the internal clock, containing specific mechanisms by which the brain is able to experience time passing and function effectively. A debate exists about whether to treat factors that influence these internal clock mechanisms (e.g., emotion, personality, executive functions, and related neurophysiological components) as arousal- or attentional-based factors. This study investigated behavioral and neurophysiological responses to an affective time perception Go/NoGo task, taking into account the behavioral inhibition (BIS) and behavioral activation systems (BASs), which are components of reinforcement sensitivity theory. After completion of self-report inventories assessing personality traits, electroencephalogram (EEG/ERP) and behavioral recordings of 32 women and 13 men recruited from introductory psychology classes were completed during an affective time perception Go/NoGo task. This task required participants to respond (Go) and inhibit (NoGo) to positive and negative affective visual stimuli of various durations in comparison to a standard duration. Higher BAS scores (especially BAS Drive) were associated with overestimation bias scores for positive stimuli, while BIS scores were not correlated with overestimation bias scores. Furthermore, higher BIS Total scores were associated with higher N2d amplitudes during positive stimulus presentation for 280 ms, while higher BAS Total scores were associated with higher N2d amplitudes during negative stimuli presentation for 910 ms. Findings are discussed in terms of arousal-based models of time perception, and suggestions for future research are considered.
The protective properties of milk and colostrum in non-human species.

Newborn mammals emerge from the clean, stable and sterile uterus into a world where they are immediately exposed to an enormous variety of microorganisms. If they are to survive, newborns therefore must be able to control microbial invasion. The immune system, however, may not be ready for this defensive role. In mammals with a short gestation period such as the marsupials, the immune system may not have developed fully. In mammals with a long gestation period such as the domestic herbivores, although the immune system is structurally complete at birth, it cannot function fully for several weeks. The complete development of immune capability depends on antigenic stimulation. The development of adequate numbers of antigen-sensitive lymphocytes depends on clonal selection and antigen-driven cell multiplication. The first immune responses mounted by a newborn animal must be primary responses with a prolonged lag period and low concentrations of antibodies produced. Thus newborn mammals are highly vulnerable to microbial invasion for the first few weeks of life and unless immunological assistance is provided, they may be killed by microorganisms that present little threat to an adult. This “immunological assistance” is provided by antibodies and other proteins transferred from the mother to her offspring through the placenta and/or by antibodies and lymphocytes transferred through colostrum and milk.
The Perpetration and Prevention of Cybercrimes

A major problem facing e-business is its vulnerability to cybercrime. Cybercrime includes any criminal activity committed on the Internet, such as phishing, spoofing, botnet, and denial of service attacks that cause e-business websites to lose money. This article describes how some common cybercrimes are perpetrated and provides examples of some companies affected. In addition, some guidance is offered on preventing crimes. Understanding types of cybercrime and basic prevention techniques will benefit internal auditors, as they can help evaluate whether a company has adequate defenses against cybercrime.
Sandia fracture challenge 2: Sandia California's modeling approach

The second Sandia Fracture Challenge illustrates that predicting the ductile fracture of Ti-6Al-4V subjected to moderate and elevated rates of loading requires thermomechanical coupling, elasto-thermo-poro-viscoplastic constitutive models with the physics of anisotropy and regularized numerical methods for crack initiation and propagation. We detail our initial approach with an emphasis on iterative calibration and systematically increasing complexity to accommodate anisotropy in the context of an isotropic material model. Blind predictions illustrate strengths and weaknesses of our initial approach. We then revisit our findings to illustrate the importance of including anisotropy in the failure process. Mesh-independent solutions of continuum damage models having both isotropic and anisotropic yields surfaces are obtained through nonlocality and localization elements.
Role of serial EUS-guided FNA on pancreatic cystic neoplasms: a retrospective analysis of repeat carcinoembryonic antigen measurements

Background and Aims Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) often need interval surveillance, including repeat EUS, but the role of repeat FNA with fluid analysis is poorly defined. The aim of this analysis is to evaluate the potential clinical significance of serial carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) measurements by EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) in the surveillance for PCNs. Patients Patients who underwent EUS-FNA for PCNs were studied retrospectively. EUS-FNA findings were compared between index and prior procedures among patients who underwent repeat EUS-FNA. Results A total of 400 patients with PCNs underwent EUS-FNA. Eighty-seven of those patients had prior EUS-FNA with cyst fluid analysis. Patients with repeat FNA were significantly more likely to have multiple cysts (57% vs 41%; P = .008), multilocular cysts (75% vs 62%; P = .042), connection to pancreatic duct (33% vs 18%; P = .005), and higher initial CEA levels (94.8 vs 25.6 ng/mL; P = .003) compared with patients who had only a single FNA. A comparison of prior and index FNAs did not show significant differences in EUS or cyst fluid analysis findings. After log transformation, the association between CEA level at prior and index FNA was moderate (R 2 = 0.626; P Conclusions Repeat surveillance EUS-FNA resulted in stable CEA levels in the majority of patients, with spurious fluctuations of CEA in approximately 20% of patients. These data call into question any clinical significance attributed to an isolated interval rise in CEA level, especially in light of a stable EUS examination.
Quantitative Determination of Activity of Streptococcal Fibrinolysin

A survey of the literature indicates that very few quantitative studies have been made on streptococcal fibrinolysin. The majority of attempts which have been made have involved serial dilutions of cultures or culture-filtrates which were incorporated in fibrin clots and in this way tested for lytic activity. Van Deventer1 proposed as a unit of fibrinolysin that amount causing dissolution of a plasma fibrin clot at the end of 24 hours. Fraser and Madison2 used essentially the same technic with the substitution of fibrin prepared from freshly-prepared fibrinogen and thrombin solutions. Later, Madison and Taranik3 attempted a still further standardization of the test. In this procedure, the highest dilution causing lysis at the end of 2 hours contained one unit of fibrinolytic activity.Massell, Mote and Jones4 in an extensive study of antifibrinolysins devised a method for measuring the amount of antifibrinolysin present in a serum, based on their belief that fibrinolysin is quantitatively neutralized by an...
Characterization of magnesium-induced contractions in detergent-skinned swine carotid media.

Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation of the 20-kDa smooth muscle myosin light chain (MLC) results in high shortening velocities and rapid stress development. The stress maintained after a re...
A comparison of training approaches for discriminative segmental models.

Segmental models such as segmental conditional random fields have had some recent success in lattice rescoring for speech recognition. They provide a flexible framework for incorporating a wide range of features across different levels of units, such as phones and words. However, such models have mainly been trained by maximizing conditional likelihood, which may not be the best proxy for the task loss of speech recognition. In addition, there has been little work on designing cost functions as surrogates for the word error rate. In this paper, we investigate various losses and introduce a new cost function for training segmental models. We compare lattice rescoring results for multiple tasks and also study the impact of several choices required when optimizing these losses.