cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Frog-Boiling Attack: Limitations of Anomaly Detection for Secure Network Coordinate Systems

A network coordinate system assigns Euclidean “virtual” coordinates to every node in a network to allow easy estimation of network latency between pairs of nodes that have never contacted each other. These systems have been implemented in a variety of applications, most notably the popular Azureus/Vuze BitTorrent client. Zage and Nita-Rotaru (CCS 2007) and independently, Kaafar et al. (SIGCOMM 2007), demonstrated that several widely-cited network coordinate systems are prone to simple attacks, and proposed mechanisms to defeat these attacks using outlier detection to filter out adversarial inputs. We propose a new attack, Frog-Boiling, that defeats anomaly-detection based defenses in the context of network coordinate systems, and demonstrate empirically that Frog-Boiling is more disruptive than the previously known attacks. Our results suggest that a new approach is needed to solve this problem: outlier detection alone cannot be used to secure network coordinate systems.
Improving Career Decision Making With Adults: Use of Portfolios

This article provides a model for developing a career portfolio process for use with high school students and adults functioning in various types of learning endeavors as they seek credentials or licenses for various careers.
Effects of maternal antenatal glucocorticoid treatment on apoptosis in the ovine fetal cerebral cortex

We examined the effects of single and multiple maternal glucocorticoid courses on apoptosis in the cerebral cortices of ovine fetuses (CC). Ewes received single dexamethasone or placebo courses at 104-106 or 133-135 days or multiple courses between 76-78 and 104-106 days gestation. In the single-course groups, ewes received four 6 mg dexamethasone or placebo injections every 12 hr for 48 hr. Multiple-course groups received the same treatment once per week for 5 weeks. Neuronal and nonneuronal apoptotic cell numbers per square millimeter were determined with TUNEL and NeuN staining and with caspase-3 enzyme activity on CC tissues harvested at 106-108 (70%) or 135-137 (90%) days of gestation. Apoptotic cell numbers and caspase-3 activity were 50% lower (P < 0.02) after single placebo courses at 90% than 70% gestation; 90% of apoptotic cells were (P < 0.01) nonneuronal at both ages. Nonneuronal apoptotic cells and caspase-3 activity were 40% and 20% lower (P < 0.02) after single dexamethasone than placebo courses at 70%, but not 90%, gestation. Caspase-3 activity was 20% lower (P < 0.01) after multiple dexamethasone than placebo courses, but apoptotic cell number did not differ. We conclude that nonneuronal apoptosis represents the major form of apoptosis in the CC at both 70% and 90% of gestation. Apoptosis in nonneuronal cells decreases with maturity and after a single course of dexamethasone at 70%, but not at 90%, gestation and not after multiple courses at 70% gestation. We speculate that a single course of glucocorticoids exerts maturational changes on the rate of apoptosis in the cerebral cortex of preterm ovine fetuses.
SREBP-1 binds to multiple sites and transactivates the human ApoA-II promoter in vitro : SREBP-1 mutants defective in DNA binding or transcriptional activation repress ApoA-II promoter activity.

Abstract —Screening of an expression human liver cDNA library resulted in the isolation of several cDNA clones homologous to sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) that recognize the regulatory element AIIAB and AIIK of the human apoA-II promoter. DNaseI footprinting of the apoA-II promoter using SREBP-1 (1 to 460) expressed in bacteria identified 5 overall protected regions designated AIIAB (−64 to −48), AIICD (−178 to −154), AIIDE (−352 to −332), AIIHI (−594 to −574), and AIIK (−760 to −743). These regions contain inverted E-box palindromic or direct repeat motifs and bind SREBP-1 with different affinities. Transient cotransfection experiments in HepG2 cells showed that SREBP-1 transactivated the −911/29 apoA-II promoter 3.5-fold as well as truncated apoA-II promoter segments that contain 1, 2, 3, or 4 SREBP binding sites. Mutagenesis analysis showed that transactivation by SREBP was mainly affected by mutations in element AIIAB. Despite the strong transactivation of the apoA-II promoter by SREBP-1 we could not demonstrate significant changes on the endogenous apoA-II mRNA levels of HepG2 cells after cotransfection with SREBP-1 or in the presence or absence of cholesterol and 25-OH-cholesterol. An SREBP-1 mutant lacking the amino-terminal activation domain bound normally to its cognate sites and repressed the apoA-II promoter activity. Repression was also caused by specific amino acid substitutions of Leu, Val, or Gly for Lys359, which affected DNA binding. Repression by the DNA binding-deficient mutants was abolished by deletion of the amino-terminal activation domain (1 to 90) of SREBP-1. Overall, the findings suggest that the wild-type SREBP-1 can bind and transactivate efficiently the apoA-II promoter in cell culture. SREBP-1 mutants lacking the activation domain bind to their cognate sites and directly repress the apoA-II promoter whereas mutants defective in DNA binding indirectly repress the apoA-II promoter activity, possibly by a squelching mechanism.
Influence of genomics on adjuvant treatments for pre-invasive and invasive breast cancer.

Abstract Introduction and aim Tribute to the improved quality of tumor marker studies all major national and international practice guidelines now recognized the potential clinical value of multivariate genomic prognostic tests. There are several diagnostic companies that offer these products for clinical use. This paper reviews recent trends in genomic prognostic testing in the clinic and briefly discusses future trends. Methods and results Published manuscripts on breast cancer biomarkers, genomic prognostic and predictive tests were reviewed along with abstracts and proceedings of major conferences to extract information on the clinical utility, cost-effectiveness and usage of molecular tests in the management of early stage breast cancers. Genomic test use has steadily increased over the past 5 years, approximately 30%, 13% and 1% of stage I, II and III ER-positive breast cancer breast cancers are tested. Among those who are tested, approximately, 25–30% of the time treatment recommendations change due to test results. Testing is associated with decreased use of chemotherapy overall, however in clinically low risk patients who are tested tend to receive chemotherapy more frequently than low risk patients who are untested. Almost all cost-effectiveness studies concluded that genomic testing is cost effective under a broad range of assumptions when used within current guidelines. Simple immunohistochemistry based assays when performed following a standard operating procedure and combined into a multivariate prognostic model, have the potential to substitute for genomic tests in the future. Discussion and conclusions Genomic testing, when available, is widely used to assist in adjuvant chemotherapy treatment recommendations for clinically intermediate risk (e.g. grade 2, stage I–II) ER-positive breast cancers.
Beta-carotene-induced enhancement of natural killer cell activity in elderly men: an investigation of the role of cytokines.

We showed previously that natural killer (NK) cell activity is significantly greater in elderly men supplemented with b-carotene than in those taking placebo. In an attempt to determine the mechanism of b-carotene's effect, we analyzed the production of NK cell-enhancing cytokines (interferon a, inter- feron g, and interleukin 12). Boston-area participants in the Physi- cians' Health Study (men aged 65-88 y; mean age, 73 y) who had been supplemented with b-carotene (50 mg on alternate days) for an average of 12 y were enrolled in a randomized, placebo-con- trolled, double-blind study. Elderly subjects taking b-carotene supplements had significantly greater plasma b-carotene concen- trations than those taking placebo. b-Carotene-supplemented elderly men had significantly greater NK cell activity than did elderly men receiving placebo. Percentages of NK cells (CD16 + CD56 + ) were not significantly different between the b- carotene and placebo groups. Production of interleukin 12, inter- feron a, or concanavalin A-stimulated interferon g by cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells was not significantly different between b-carotene-supplemented elderly and those taking place- bo. Our results indicate that b-carotene-induced enhancement of NK cell activity is not mediated by changes in percentages of CD16 + CD56 + NK cells nor through up-regulation of interleukin 12 or interferon a. Am J Clin Nutr 1998;68:164-70.
A survey of across-target bioactivity results of small molecules in PubChem

This work provides an analysis of across-target bioactivity results in the screening data deposited in PubChem. Two alternative approaches for grouping-related targets are used to examine a compound's across-target bioactivity. This analysis identifies compounds that are selectively active against groups of protein targets that are identical or similar in sequence. This analysis also identifies compounds that are bioactive across unrelated targets. Statistical distributions of compound' across-target selectivity provide a survey to evaluate target specificity of compounds by deriving and analyzing bioactivity profile across a wide range of biological targets for tested small molecules in PubChem. This work enables one to select target specific inhibitors, identify promiscuous compounds and better understand the biological mechanisms of target-small molecule interactions. Contact:ywang@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; bryant@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Signal Transductions Induced by Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Transforming Growth Factor-β in Normal Human Osteoblastic Cells

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) activates Ras/MAPK signaling in many cell types. Because TGF-β and BMP-2 exert similar effects, we examined if this signaling is stimulated by both factors and analyzed the relationship between this signaling and the Smads in osteoblasts. BMP-2 and TGF-β stimulated Ras, MAPK, and AP-1 activities. The DNA binding activities of c-Fos, FosB/ΔFosB, Fra-1, Fra-2, and JunB were up-regulated whereas JunD activity was decreased. c-Fos, FosB/ΔFosB, and JunB were associated with Smad4. The stimulation of AP-1 by BMP-2 and TGF-β was dependent on Smad signaling, and anti-Smad4 antibody interfered with AP-1 activity. Thus, BMP-2 and TGF-β activate both Ras/MAPK/AP-1 and Smad signaling in osteoblasts with Smads modulating AP-1 activity. To determine the roles of MAPK in BMP-2 and TGF-β function, we analyzed the effect of ERK and p38 inhibitors on the regulation of bone matrix protein expression and JunB and JunD levels by these two factors. ERK and p38 mediated TGF-β suppression of osteocalcin and JunD as well as stimulation of JunB. p38 was essential in BMP-2 up-regulation of type I collagen, fibronectin, osteopontin, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase activity whereas ERK mediated BMP-2 stimulation of fibronectin and osteopontin. Thus, ERK and p38 differentially mediate TGF-β and BMP-2 function in osteoblasts.
COMPLETE MODE SPECTRUM OF A GROUNDED DIELECTRIC SLAB WITH DOUBLE NEGATIVE METAMATERIALS

The properties of a grounded dielectric slab with double negative (DNG) metamaterials are investigated in this paper. Dramatically different dispersion curves of evanescent surface modes (electromagnetic fields exponentially decay both in air and inside the slab) are observed. They are highly dependent on the medium parameters. As the counterpart of the improper complex leaky modes in a double positive (DPS) medium, the complex modes in a DNG medium are proved to be exclusively proper. They have exponentially decaying fields in the air region and are termed complex surface modes. It is found that there are an infinite number of complex surface modes and they cannot be suppressed. The Poynting vectors of complex surface modes are studied and it is proved that their integrals along the transverse direction are simply zero. The complete mode spectrum of the dielectric slab for both DPS and DNG media are tabled and compared. Surface wave suppression is discussed and its necessary and sufficient conditions are presented.
Free and open source development practices in the game community

The free and open source software (FOSS) approach lets community of like-minded participants develop software systems and related artifacts that are shared freely instead of offered as closed-source commercial products. Free (as in freedom) software and open source are closely related but slightly different approaches and licensing schemes for developing publicly shared software. FOSS development communities don't seem to adopt modern software engineering processes. FOSS communities develop software that's extremely valuable, generally reliable, globally distributed, made available for acquisition at little or no cost, and readily used in its community. Free and open source software development practices gives rise to new view of how complex software systems can be constructed, deployed, and evolved. They rely on lean electronic communication media, virtual project management, and version management mechanisms to coordinate globally dispersed development efforts. These FOSS processes offer new directions for developing complex software systems. We look at the FOSS computer game community to provide examples of common development processes and practices.
Sexual reproduction and the evolution of microbial pathogens.

Three common systemic human fungal pathogens — Cryptococcus neoformans , Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus — have retained all the machinery to engage in sexual reproduction, and yet their populations are often clonal with limited evidence for recombination. Striking parallels have emerged with four protozoan parasites that infect humans: Toxoplasma gondii , Trypanosoma brucei , Trypanosoma cruzi and Plasmodium falciparum . Limiting sexual reproduction appears to be a common virulence strategy, enabling generation of clonal populations well adapted to host and environmental niches, yet retaining the ability to engage in sexual or parasexual reproduction and respond to selective pressure. Continued investigation of the sexual nature of microbial pathogens should facilitate both laboratory investigation and an understanding of the complex interplay between pathogens, hosts, vectors, and their environments.
Motor Fault Diagnosis Based on the Vibration Signal Testing and Analysis

Motor’s abnormal vibration signal includes its fault information, effective testing and analysis of its vibration signal is the key to realize motor fault diagnosis. Vibration testing and analysis system was put up to realize the acquisition, display, analysis, storage and replay of vibration signal by using NI-WLS9234 Data Acquisition Card in this paper. Call the analysis function of wavelet in MATLAB to realize vibration signal combined time-frequency analysis by MATLAB Script node in Lab VIEW. The experimental results show that this system has the advantages of convenient operation, high reliability, complete function and good expansibility by using the designed system in three-phase induction motor rotor unbalance fault diagnosis.
Team-based learning: Application in undergraduate baccalaureate nursing education

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of Team-based Learning (TBL) in an undergraduate nursing course with regard to the outcomes of academic performance (Health Education Systems Incorporated [HESI ® ] Management exam) and self-reported measures of critical thinking, leadership and management skills, overall course ratings, accountability to learning, preference for lecture or TBL, and learner satisfaction with TBL. Methods: In a quantitative, quasi-experimental post-test study, 221 undergraduate senior nursing students participated in the TBL course or a traditional instructor-led control course. In both courses, academic performance was measured by the HESI ® Management scores; critical thinking, leadership and management skills, and overall course experience were measured using an online survey. In the TBL course, accountability to learning, preference for lecture or TBL, and learner satisfaction was measured with the Team-Based Learning Student Assessment Instrument. Results: When compared to lecture, TBL learners scored significantly higher on the HESI ® Management exam and reported significantly higher critical thinking, leadership and management skills and better overall course experience ratings ( p ≤ .01). TBL learners reported moderate to high levels of accountability, higher preference for TBL than lecture, and satisfaction with TBL. Total scores indicated moderate to high levels of favorable experiences with TBL. Conclusions: Results indicate TBL is an acceptable and efficacious instructional strategy in undergraduate nursing students. To control for extraneous factors and limit confounding, future research should evaluate the impact of TBL via a randomized control trial.
Final results of a phase I trial of sorafenib and bevacizumab in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC).

A19 Background We performed a Phase I/II trial of combination sorafenib (S) and bevacizumab (B) to inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway at the level of both ligand and receptor as well as platelet derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR) signaling in patients (pts) with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC). Methods Patients with measurable mRCC, adequate organ function, and PS 0-1 were eligible. Cohorts of 6 pts were enrolled at 3 sites to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose limiting toxicity (DLT) of the combination. B was administered IV q 14 days (Q2W) and S by mouth daily (PO) on 28 day cycles. Response and toxicity were assessed at the end of 2 cycles. Dosing began with S at 200mg PO BID and B at 5 mg/kg Q2W (level I) and doses for subsequent cohorts were modified according to observed toxicities. High dose pyridoxine was administered in some later cohorts in an attempt to ameliorate toxicities. Results Demographics: A total of 48 pts were enrolled in the phase I trial, with all completing their first response evaluation. Median age: 61 years (range: 35-83); M/F: 40/8; PS: 0/1= 32/16; 41 clear cell, 3 papillary, 2 chromophobe, 2 sarcomatoid, 41 had prior nephrectomy; 6 prior IFN and 9 prior IL-2. Toxicity/DLT/MTD/RPTD: Dose-limiting toxicities consisted of grade 3 hand-foot syndrome, grade 3 anorexia, grade 3 decreased performance status and grade 3 hypertension. Additional toxicities included weight loss, stomatitis, gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer, proteinuria, rash and fatigue. Dose levels -I (B 3mg/kg S 200 mg QD) and IA (B 5 mg/kg, S 200 mg QD) were well tolerated by all 12 pts. Dose level IA (B 5 mg/kg, S 200 mg QD) was well tolerated by all six pts for multiple cycles and was thus recommended as the MTD/RPTD. The addition of pyridoxine did not protect from toxicity. Antitumor effects: 46/48 pts were evaluable for response. 21 of 46 (46%) had RECIST defined PR, including both patients with sarcomatoid RCC. An additional 23 pts had SD, 1 developed PD and 1 died from disease progression prior to initial evaluation. 41/46 (89%) pts experienced some tumor shrinkage ranging from 5 - 80% from baseline. Conclusions B plus S has impressive antitumor activity in mRCC and can be administered safely at doses of B 5 mg/kg q 2 wks and S 200 mg QD. B appears to increase known S-related toxicities, especially HFS, anorexia, hypertension and fatigue. Late onset GERD/peptic ulcer emerged as a novel toxicity in several patients. Despite these toxicities, patients treated at the MTD were able to receive multiple cycles of therapy with no dose reductions. Only 4/48 patients overall discontinued therapy due to toxicities. We recently opened a Phase II trial of this regimen, which will incorporate PK studies for S to help determine the mechanism underlying apparent enhancement of S-related toxicity. In addition, this combination will be taken forward into an ECOG-sponsored, multi-arm Phase II trial (BEST trial) of combination regimens. Supported by U01 CA099177 and CTEP-NCI.
Consumer Transactions in the U.S. And Canada

This paper analyzes key developments in consumer protection law in the U.S. and Canada in the mid-1990s. Important changes the the Fair Credit Reporting Act, banking law (Smiley v. Citibank), telemarketing, harmonizing laws in Canadian provinces, and other developments are analyzed.
Leisure Science

While it might seem otherwise to most individuals, we live in an age of leisure as much as we live in an age of information or industry or globalization.
Abstract 2895: Effects of supplemental calcium and vitamin D3on serum growth factors in sporadic colorectal adenoma patients in a randomized clinical trial

Fluctuations in energy homeostasis via perturbation of the intricate balance between nutritional intake, physical/energy expenditure, and genetics are thought to play a role in risk for colorectal neoplasms. Nutritional supplementation with calcium and vitamin D 3 may ameliorate risk for colorectal neoplasms and help lead to the development of treatable, non-invasive biomarkers of risk for the disease. Basic science findings indicate that calcium and vitamin D affect the expression of growth factors, such as Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1), but there have been no reports of investigations on the effects of calcium and vitamin D 3 on growth factors in humans. We investigated the effects of calcium 2.0 g and/or vitamin D 3 800 I.U. daily over six months on serum levels of IGF-1 and Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein (IGFBP-3) in a pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2×2 factorial chemoprevention trial (n = 88) in sporadic colorectal adenoma patients. In the calcium relative to the placebo group, both IGF-1 (p = 0.08) and IGFBP-3 levels (p = 0.03) increased by 10%, whereas there was no evidence for treatment effects in the vitamin D 3 group. In the calcium plus vitamin D 3 relative to the placebo group, IGF-1 increased by 9% (p = 0.12) but there was no evidence for a change in IGFBP-3. These findings tentatively suggest that dietary supplementation with calcium and/or vitamin D 3 may affect signal transduction pathways mediating the release of growth factors into the systemic circulation in humans and provide support for developing treatable, non-invasive biomarkers of risk for colorectal neoplasms. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2895.
Hydrogen peroxide stimulates sodium-potassium pump activity in cultured pulmonary arterial endothelial cells

Oxidant injury to pulmonary vascular endothelium is an important factor in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury. Oxidant injury to other cell types has been reported to alter the function of Na-K-...
Detyrosinated microtubules buckle and bear load in contracting cardiomyocytes

The microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton can transmit mechanical signals and resist compression in contracting cardiomyocytes. How MTs perform these roles remains unclear because of difficulties in observing MTs during the rapid contractile cycle. Here, we used high spatial and temporal resolution imaging to characterize MT behavior in beating mouse myocytes. MTs deformed under contractile load into sinusoidal buckles, a behavior dependent on posttranslational "detyrosination" of α-tubulin. Detyrosinated MTs associated with desmin at force-generating sarcomeres. When detyrosination was reduced, MTs uncoupled from sarcomeres and buckled less during contraction, which allowed sarcomeres to shorten and stretch with less resistance. Conversely, increased detyrosination promoted MT buckling, stiffened the myocyte, and correlated with impaired function in cardiomyopathy. Thus, detyrosinated MTs represent tunable, compression-resistant elements that may impair cardiac function in disease.
STUDY ON ON-LINE MONITORING SYSTEM FOR COGENERATION UNITS IN SHANDONG PROVINCE

The main standards and norms used in developing the on-line monitoring system for cogeneration units in shandong province as well as the composition and features of system structure,hardware,and software have been presented.In aspect of hardware,the system construction and features of thermoelectric data aquisition terminal LN 2000-RTU have been described,and the use of remote I/O in ordinary twisted-pair for LN 2000-RTU,and three acquisition methods of dedicated acquisition unit for cogeneration being put forward.In aspect of software,two calculation methods using the dynamic model,namely deducing method and inverse-deducing method,have been described,and the advantages and inadequacies of them being compared.For calculation of boiler efficiency using inverse-deducing method through thermodynamic model,the occurred error has been analysed in great detail,and two fitting formulae for calculating boiler efficiency by using the least square method being presented.
Discussion on development planning for Anhui Electric Power Grid

With the rapid load increase of Anhui Electric Power Grid and the implementation of "Anhui-to-east power transfer" strategy,optimization of its 500 kV grid and the reasonable layering and zoning of the grid have become the emphases of the "12th-Five-Year" plan for Anhui Electric Power Grid.The development planning of Anhui 500 kV grid and the evolvement trend of local grid planning were discussed,and the methods for bettering power planning were also illuminated.
Assessment of quality of life by patient and spouse during antihypertensive therapy with atenolol and nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system.

To evaluate differences in efficacy, safety, and quality of life, 394 male patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension were randomized to receive 20 weeks of either atenolol or nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) in a multicenter double-blind trial. A four-week placebo washout was followed by 8 weeks of titration and 12 weeks of maintenance therapy. Quality-of-life evaluation included clinical assessments by the patient and parallel take-home assessments by patient and spouse. Blood pressure was controlled equally in both groups. The total incidence of adverse reactions was similar in both groups, but a greater percentage of nifedipine GITS patients withdrew due to peripheral edema. Patients completing 20 weeks of therapy demonstrated a more favorable quality-of-life profile (P less than .05) for nifedipine GITS over atenolol in psychosocial (P less than .01), well-being (P less than .05), general affect (P less than .05), emotional ties (P less than .01), emotional control (P less than .05), vitality (P less than .05), and leisure (P less than .05) scores. Treatment differences were particularly pronounced for patients over 50 years of age and were not fully detectable until after 14 weeks of therapy. Deterioration in quality of life was associated with withdrawal. Spouses of younger patients receiving atenolol reported deterioration in sexual satisfaction as compared to spouses of patients taking nifedipine GITS (P less than .02). Thus age, length of trial, and third-party observation are important factors in quality-of-life assessment. Comparison of adverse reactions provides an incomplete measure of how well a drug is tolerated. In contrast, findings indicate that even subtle CNS-mediated effects on mood and well-being can be detected by quality-of-life evaluation.
Effects of Immediate Feedback Using Bug-in-Ear With Paraeducators Working With Students With Autism:

In today’s autistic-support classrooms, paraeducators are tasked with working with our neediest students yet report that they are unprepared for their roles despite attempts at training. The specia...
Verification of User-Reported Context Claims with Context Correlation Model

Context-aware services nowadays offer incentive to user-reported context information , which inevitably solicits malicious users to cheat by submitting fabricated context claims. Conventional countermeasures based on Trusted Computing Base typically focus on particular context of interest, while disregarding the availability of various types of context information and the intrinsic correlation among them. In this work we propose a context claim verification scheme that interrogates correlated contexts of multiple dimensions to corroborate or contradict the reported context. Specifically, it first learns and models the context correlation with a Bayesian Multinet. Given a claim consisting of reported context and witnessing evidence, the scheme performs Bayesian inference with the evidence to verify the reported context. The verification process is light-weight, and can be applied to arbitrary types of context with a single model learnt. Evaluations on Reality Mining dataset and synthetic dataset validates choice of Multinet for data modeling, and demonstrate the feasibility of our scheme in context verification.
A Monte Carlo volumetric-ray-casting estimator for global fluence tallies on GPUs

Abstract A Monte Carlo fluence estimator has been designed to take advantage of the computational power of graphical processing units (GPUs). This new estimator, termed the volumetric-ray-casting estimator, is an extension of the expectation estimator. It can be used as a replacement of the track-length estimator for the estimation of global fluence. Calculations for this estimator are performed on the GPU while the Monte Carlo random walk is performed on the central processing unit (CPU). This method lowers the implementation cost for GPU acceleration of existing Monte Carlo particle transport codes as there is little modification of the particle history logic flow. Three test problems have been evaluated to assess the performance of the volumetric-ray-casting estimator for neutron transport on GPU hardware in comparison to the standard track-length estimator on CPU hardware. Evaluation of neutron transport through air in a criticality accident scenario showed that the volumetric-ray-casting estimator achieved 23 times the performance of the track-length estimator using a single core CPU paired with a GPU and 15 times the performance of the track-length estimator using an eight core CPU paired with a GPU. Simulation of a pressurized water reactor fuel assembly showed that the performance improvement was 6 times within the fuel and 7 times within the control rods using an eight core CPU paired with a single GPU.
Video games as a distributed computing resource

Volunteer computing is a successful and cost effective computational grid implementation that allows researchers to access idle computing power from volunteer users. One critical challenge volunteer computing grids currently face is finding ways to maintain and expand the volunteer community as the percentage of active users currently trends downwards. Researchers have explored means beyond the traditional approaches of credit and low-intensity utility software in an effort to expand the reach of their volunteer computing grids. Efforts ranging from money to education, to actively involving users in the scientific process have shown success to varying degrees. Video games are growing at a rapid pace, with an estimated 2.1 billion people playing in 2016. For games to be successful, they need to successfully engage the user, enticing users to invest time and money in the gaming ecosystem. The authors explore the potential of games to expand the reach of volunteer computing, including providing a brief history of how games and gaming technology have been used to this point. They propose a game-based volunteer computing system plugin technology that allows sharing of computational resources while users play. The authors then perform some theoretical calculations to determine the potential additive computing power generated. This system allows researchers and developers to interface with the games directly, including tying in game rewards to outside game volunteered computing power. Leveraging the engagement already generated games and the creativity and expertise of game developers may provide a means of expanding the volunteer computing user base.
Fault isolation on marginal failures using dummy signals

Today's complex integrated circuits demand tight process control in manufacturing. In this paper, several case studies due to slight process deviation resulting in yield loss from marginal leakage failure were presented. While conventional fault isolation approach relies on the localization of exclusive laser induced or photon emission hotspot to highlight the defect location and pays little attention on intrinsic or dummy signals which are observable on reference units, the case studies described presented a different perspective of analyzing the slight difference in these dummy signals together with layout and circuit understanding to identify these subtle defects in the absence of exclusive hotspots.
Public Accountability vs. Secret Laws: Can They Coexist?: A Cryptographic Proposal

"Our Laws are not generally known; they are kept secret by the small group of nobles who rule us. We are convinced that these ancient laws are scrupulously administered; nevertheless it is an extremely painful thing to be ruled by laws that one does not know."--Franz Kafka, Parables and Paradoxes. Post 9/11, journalists, scholars and activists have pointed out that it secret laws - a body of law whose details and sometime mere existence is classified as top secret - were on the rise in all three branches of the US government due to growing national security concerns. Amid heated current debates on governmental wishes for exceptional access to encrypted digital data, one of the key issues is: which mechanisms can be put in place to ensure that government agencies follow agreed-upon rules in a manner which does not compromise national security objectives? This promises to be especially challenging when the rules, according to which access to encrypted data is granted, may themselves be secret. In this work we show how the use of cryptographic protocols, and in particular, the idea of zero knowledge proofs can ensure accountability and transperancy of the government in this extraordinary, seemingly deadlocked, setting. We propose an efficient record-keeping infrastructure with versatile publicly verifiable audits that preserve (information-theoretic) privacy of record contents as well as of the rules by which the records are attested to abide. Our protocol is based on existing blockchain and cryptographic tools including commitments and zero-knowledge SNARKs, and satisfies the properties of indelibility (i.e., no back-dating), perfect data privacy, public auditability of secret data with secret laws, accountable deletion, and succinctness. We also propose a variant scheme where entities can be required to pay fees based on record contents (e.g., for violating regulations) while still preserving privacy. Our scheme can be directly instantiated on the Ethereum blockchain (and a simplified version with weaker guarantees can be instantiated with Bitcoin).
Venues Where Male Sex Workers Meet Partners: The Emergence of Gay Hookup Apps and Web Sites.

An editorial is presented which addresses what the authors refer to as the dating hookup mobile apps and Web sites that are used by men who have sex with men (MSM), and it mentions the article "Venue-Mediated Weak Ties in Multiplex HIV Transmission Risk Networks Among Drug-Using Male Sex Workers and Associates" by K. Fujimoto and others which appears in a 2015 issue of the journal. The relationship between sex work and technology is assessed.
Y-balance test performance and BMI are associated with ankle sprain injury in collegiate male athletes.

Abstract Objectives To determine if static balance, dynamic balance, ankle range of motion, body mass index (BMI), or history of an ankle sprain were associated with ankle sprain injuries within male and female collegiate athletes. Design Prospective cohort. Methods Three hundred and eighty-four male (age = 19.79 ± 1.80 years, height = 178.02 ± 10.39 cm, mass = 85.71 ± 17.59 kg) and one hundred and sixty seven female (age = 19.80 ± 1.52 years, height = 165.61 ± 7.08 cm, mass = 66.16 ± 10.53 kg) collegiate athletes involved in a variety of sports at a NCAA Division II or NAIA institution participated. Baseline measures of the Y-Balance (YBT), modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS), weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT), BMI, and history of ankle sprain were recorded. Participants were followed prospectively for two years and incidence of ankle sprain injury was documented. The average of the WBLT, mBESS, and YBT measures were used for analysis. Male and female participants were analyzed separately. Mann–Whitney U tests were utilized to identify variables which may be significantly associated with ankle sprain injury for logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 59 (38 males and 21 females) individuals sustained an ankle sprain during the follow up period. The binary logistic regression revealed BMI (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.069; X2 = 12.89; p Conclusions Male collegiate athletes with greater BMI and lesser YBT anterior reach were at a greater risk of sustaining an ankle sprain injury.
Prevalence of Pain Diagnoses and Burden of Pain Among Active Duty Soldiers, FY2012.

Introduction Soldiers are at risk for acute and chronic pain due to the mental and physical challenges of military duties and ongoing training for force readiness. With the burden of pain on any individual attributable across pain sources, a broad perspective that goes beyond prior characterizations of pain is important. We aim to further the understanding of pain's effects among non-deployed active duty soldiers and the Military Health System (MHS), by describing prevalence of 10 painful conditions, reported pain levels, duration of pain and impact of pain on military duty limitations. Methods Data are from the MHS Data Repository including outpatient MHS direct care encounters, claims for outpatient purchased care from civilian providers, and vital records, for all soldiers continuously enrolled in TRICARE and not deployed in FY 2012. Ten pain-related diagnostic categories were conceptually derived for this analysis and identified using ICD-9-CM diagnostic codes. We report the FY 2012 prevalence at the soldier-level (N = 297,120) for each pain category as a primary diagnosis, as well as in any diagnostic position, and at the soldier-level for reported pain level, duration, and military duty limitations. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained prior to analyses. Results Overall, 63% of soldiers had at least one pain diagnosis and 59% had a primary pain diagnosis during FY 2012. Back and neck pain (22%), non-traumatic joint disorders (28%), and other musculoskeletal pain (30%) were the most frequent categories for primary diagnosis. Nearly two-thirds of soldiers had a primary pain diagnosis in more than one category, and 23% in four or more categories. Moderate or severe pain levels were reported at least once during the year by 55% of soldiers who had a primary pain diagnosis. In the subsample of soldiers with primary pain in the first quarter, duration and chronicity of pain diagnoses varied by pain category: the back and neck pain category was the most common for both persistent pain occurring in each quarter of FY 2012 (23%) and chronic pain lasting for at least 3 mo (62%). In most pain categories, the majority of soldiers were released without duty limitations. Conclusion These data provide a deeper understanding of pain diagnoses and burden of pain among active duty soldiers. A substantial proportion of soldiers with pain diagnoses were seen for pain self-reported as only mild, or that did not result in significant restrictions in military duty limitations. However, given the prevalence of multiple pain diagnoses and common reports of moderate or severe pain and long duration, complex interventions may be required to minimize the effect of pain on force readiness. This encounters-based analysis is likely an underestimate of presence of pain, and does not include contextual factors that could better describe the true effect of pain among this population.
Food insecurity is associated with maternal depression and child pervasive developmental symptoms in low-income Latino households

The objective of this study was to investigate associations between household food insecurity, maternal clinical depression, and child behavior problems in low-income Latino households. Data were collected from a cohort of 168 children and their Latina mothers recruited prenatally at two San Francisco hospitals from 2006 to 2007. Food insecurity at year four was associated with increased odds of maternal clinical depression at years four to five (adjusted OR 1.22, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.43). Food insecurity at year four was associated with child pervasive developmental problems at year five (B=0.21, p=0.041) in adjusted models. The association between food insecurity at year four and oppositional defiant problems at year five was partially mediated (28.7% mediation, p=0.046) by maternal clinical depression in years four and five. Our results suggest that household food insecurity is associated with greater maternal depression, and both food insecurity and maternal depression uniquely predict certain types of child behavior problems. Assessing for and addressing household food insecurity may be beneficial additions to psychosocial interventions targeting maternal and child mental health.
Comparison of Quasi Bang-Bang and Sliding Mode Controls for a DC Shunt Motor with Time Delay

We propose a hybrid fuzzy-linear controller for a nonlinearterminal voltage-controlled DC motor. The nonlinearity includes theeffect of magnetization saturation and a nonlinear fan load. The inputto the proposed Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) is an 'aggregate' errorbetween the required and the actual rpm and its time derivatives. TheFLC is designed to approximate a bang-bang controller and itscoefficients are chosen as a tradeoff between short rise time, smallsteady-state errors, and control chattering. The FLC performance wascompared to that of a well-known design; namely a sliding modecontroller with a boundary layer. Although the FLC design procedure iseasier, the performance of the two controllers are quite similar.Unfortunately, the FLC design was not robust enough to counter theeffect of large time delays introduced by the power electronicsinterface.
Safety Nets for the Poor: A Missing International Dimension?

Considerable attention has been given to the appropriate extent and form of safety nets for the poor in developing countries (see Chapter 3 of this volume). However, the literature on this subject has focused almost exclusively on domestic institutional arrangements which may protect the poor from adverse shocks. A question that has received insufficient consideration is whether international institutions and instruments can play a useful role in helping poor countries (and poor persons in poor countries) cope better with the shocks that they experience. That is the question addressed in this chapter.
Work–Family Balance

This article defines work–family balance, and describes the prevalence and the social and economic shifts that contribute to the widespread interest in the topic. It situates work–family balance in the broader stress literature, outlines pivotal gaps in existing research, and suggests areas for future research.
On the Usefulness of the Direct Method Cash Flow Statement

Using a sample of firms that present direct method operating cash flows in their cash flow statements, this research examines the usefulness of direct method cash flow information. The research reports findings in four areas: (1) superior relative ability of past period direct method cash flow data over indirect method cash flow data to predict future operating cash flows; (2) superior relative ability of past period gross cash receipts and payments over net cash received (paid) to predict future operating cash flows; (3) presence of measurement error when estimating direct method operating cash flows indirectly from income statement and balance sheet information; and (4) greater relative ability of past cash flows to predict future operating cash flows, over earnings and other accrual information, although predictions are better when cash flow, and earnings and accrual information, are used together. Our findings suggest that financial statement users not privy to direct method operating cash flow information are at a disadvantage to those that have access to that information. Moreover, misallocation of resources can result when indirect method cash flow information biases decisions in unknown ways. We believe that the FASB should require, or intensive financial statement users demand, that reporting entities supply direct method operating cash flow information.
The Origin of Non-Germ Cell Tumour Elements within Germ Cell Tumours and Midline Tumours of Uncertain Histogenesis

Publisher Summary The chapter analyzes the origin of nongerm cell tumor elements within germ cell tumors and midline tumors of uncertain histogenesis. The chapter presents a summary of findings demonstrating the use of conventional and molecular cytogenetic methods to detect i(12p) in tumors of uncertain histogenesis and in nongerminal cell types found coexisting with GCT. Twenty-eight fresh tumor specimens were obtained from 28 patients referred for management of midline tumors of uncertain origin, where previous biopsies had failed to establish a specific diagnosis. Specimens were evaluated by routine histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy, and conventional and/or molecular cytogenetic methods. In addition, using cytogenetic techniques, four neoplasms that had developed in patients with known GCTs were analyzed. Two cases involved acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL); one case involved an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma with a coexistent primary mediastinal NSGCT and one case presented with a small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and a testicular NSGCT. Seven patients with i(12p)-positive tumors were treated with cisplatin-based therapy; this resulted in five complete (CR) and one partial response (PR) and three long-term survivors. In contrast, in 17 patients without a GCT-related cytogenetic marker, CDDP-based chemotherapy resulted in only two PR (p=.009) and no long-term survivors.
Teaching Public Financial Management: An Integrated Approach to a Critical Subject.

This article presents an integrated approach to teaching a graduate-level public financial management course. It stresses the importance of fundamental budgeting proficiencies (e.g., cost allocatio...