cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Janus Illusion

A perceptual illusion, especially suitable for introductory psychology demonstrations, is described. The essence of the illusion is that an ordinary dime-store plastic mask, when facing 180" away from an observer, will nonetheless appear to face that observer. Moreover, as one moves left and right in the frontal plane, thereby changing the angle from which the mask is viewed, the mask generally appears to follow the moving observer. When the observer is stationary but the mask is rotated slowly, it will appear to oscillate. In addition to being fascinating in its own right, the illusion can be used to illustrate several important points, including that perception is still, as enunciated in the 19th century by Helmholtz, usefully conceptualized as hypothesis testing.
Higher aliphatic aldehyde polymers. VI. Poly(n‐nonaldehyde)

n-Decaldehyde (DA) was polymerized to crystalline poly(n-decaldehyde) (PDA) of reasonable molecular weight in methylcyclohexane (MCH) solvent with lithiumtert-butoxide (LTB) as the initiator under carefully controlled temperature conditions. The polyacetal structure ofPDA was established by IR and PMR spectroscopy as well as by the characteristic degradation of the polymer in the presence of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine.PDA had the dual melting behavior typical of aliphatic polyaldehydes with four or more side chain carbon atoms. The DSC scans of crystallinePDA in the first, or side chain, transition region showed as many as three endothermic peaks between 45 and 65°C. The X-ray diffraction pattern of crystalline PDA was similar to that which had been observed for other polyaldehydes but with a larger unit cell.PDA was extruded at 53°C in a capillary rheometer and gave a filament whose X-ray diffraction pattern indicated medium orientation effects.
The Friction Behavior of Individual Components of a Spark-Ignition Engine During Warm-Up

The research presented herein fills a void in the published literature through investigation of transient friction contributions by individual internal combustion engine components during simulated engine warm-up. Currently, engine manufacturers design internal combustion engines primarily for use at steady-state operating conditions with little design consideration for transient engine warm-up. Using the motoring torque waveform and cycle-averaged data of a spark-ignition internal combustion engine, the present work determined the friction behavior of individual engine component assemblies, including the valve train, pistons and connecting rods, oil pump, and crankshaft of a modern internal combustion engine. A common criticism of the standard motoring method is that the engine does not warm up, so lubricant temperature and viscosity does not model that of a fired engine. In the present study, the lubricant and coolant were warmed from 25 to 85°C. Observations were presented as to the effect of engine sp...
Using types for software verification

Traditional software verification algorithms work by using a combination of Floyd-Hoare Logics, Model Checking and Abstract Interpretation, to infer (and check) suitable program invariants. However, these techniques are problematic in the presence of complex (but ubiquitous) constructs like generic data structures, first-class functions.
Dissociation: Appearance and Meaning

Abstract Dissociation is discussed as a descriptive term for processes not directly accessible to observation but known by their consequences. Dissociative phenomena manifest themselves in what appears to be memory loss and behavioral change on a broad spectrum from normal to pathological, with dissociation proper being considered a distinct form of psychopathology of greater or lesser severity. Similarities and differences between dissociation and splitting are elaborated in relation to their maturational, developmental, and defensive aspects and functions. The theoretical background is presented as being part of psychoanalytic theory in general and object relations theory in particular. Issues pertaining to hypnosis are critically evaluated, with recognition that spontaneous autohypnotic states may occur. Phenomenology and diagnostic problems involved in dissociative states are included, and forensic issues are briefly touched on.
‘Naturally and by grace’: Maximus the Confessor on the operation of the will

Although Maximus' and Augustine's theologies of the will were shaped by very different polemical contexts, it is arguable that the two thinkers were interested in securing the same theological ground. In response to positions that treated the will as a reserve of human autonomy over against God, both thinkers sought to see the freedom of the will as a function of its integration into the natural order through grace. Maximus' concept of the natural will in particular functions as a means of challenging both divine determinism and human libertarianism as adequate accounts of the relationship between divine and human activity.
Armaments without War: An Analysis of Some Underlying Effects*

This study investigates whether arms races and unilateral military buildups enhance or dominish the chances for compromise, capitulation, or stalemate in militarized confrontations that end short of war. Correlates of War Project data are used to identify militarized confrontations and construct an index of military buildup intensity. Unilateral military buildups were found to be unrelated to any of the kinds of 'no war' outcomes. Arms races were strongly related to capitulation outcomes, while having a negative affinity with stalemate outcomes. Controls for different coding decisions and national capabilities did not alter the results reported. Arms races may increase the importance of bargaining resolve in a crisis, but they did not appear to be a contributing factor to that resolve.
Integration of Real-Time Pedestrian Performance Measures into Existing Infrastructure of Traffic Signal System:

Transportation system management requires balancing the needs of many users and multiple transportation modes. Historically, traffic engineers have relied on short-term engineering studies and intuition to manage traffic signal systems. The broad consensus in the traffic engineering community is that real-time performance measures would enable better operations. Motivation and means are presented to provide real-time pedestrian performance measures using existing controller and vehicle detection technology. Applicable pedestrian service models are identified, and procedures for collecting data for pedestrian performance measures are recommended. The resulting pedestrian performance measures can be presented in an easy-to-interpret visual format that provides a valuable tool for assessing and comparing pedestrian service. Pedestrian service may be compared at different crosswalks in the jurisdiction for prioritization purposes, or at the same crosswalk under different conditions. The proposed pedestrian performance measures may be used in conjunction with existing vehicle performance measures, resulting in an integrated approach to assessing the level of service for vehicles and pedestrians under different conditions and for different signal timing plans.
Capturing the effect of long low-temperature anneals on the sub-bandgap defect structure of CZTSSe

In this study, Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) thin films are subjected to long, low-temperature annealing treatments which have been suggested to bring the material through an “order/disorder” transition. The samples are then characterized by intensity-dependence photoluminescence measurements at low temperature. We observe that annealing the films at 150°C for 1 day causes a shift in the sub-band gap (Eg) states towards higher photon energies. One week of annealing appears to result in a similar electronic structure as 1 day of annealing, and therefore the measurements performed after 1 day roughly represents the equilibrium (kinetically-limited) defect structure for this temperature. Importantly, all samples measured in this study display strong recombination through deep states up to ~330 meV below the band gap. Therefore, while some improvements are observed to occur after long low-temperature annealing, we find that this approach does not fully remedy the band tailing states found to limit the Voc in CZTSSe thin film photovoltaics.
Probing Interactions Between Plant Virus Movement Proteins and Nucleic Acids

Most plant viruses move between plant cells with the help of their movement proteins (MPs). MPs are multifunctional proteins, and one of their functions is almost invariably binding to nucleic acids. Presumably, the MP-nucleic acid interaction is directly involved in formation of nucleoprotein complexes that function as intermediates in the cell-to-cell transport of many plant viruses. Thus, when studying a viral MP, it is important to determine whether or not it binds nucleic acids, and to characterize the hallmark parameters of such binding, i.e., preference for single- or double-stranded nucleic acids and binding cooperativity and sequence specificity. Here, we present two major experimental approaches, native gel mobility shift assay and ultra violet (UV) light cross-linking, for detection and characterization of MP binding to DNA and RNA molecules. We also describe protocols for purification of recombinant viral MPs over-expressed in bacteria and production of different DNA and RNA probes for these binding assays.
Coalition strategies in the climate negotiations: an analysis of mountain-related coalitions

This paper investigates the process of coalition formation for issue-specific coalitions. I use the Alliance of Small Island States and the Coalition for Rainforest Nations as case studies to inductively create a framework on coalition formation. This framework is tested against two coalitions, both advocating for mountain issues in the UN climate negotiations. These two coalitions differ in the type of coalition sought, the strategies deployed thus far, and the type of support they have received, including the role of non-state actors. The framework helps identify significant gaps in the efforts of the two coalitions, including capturing the most salient link between climate change and mountains, translating technical input into negotiating positions, and identifying the most appropriate form of the coalition and forum to pursue these interests. In doing so, this paper provides insights into the limits of linking issues to the climate change agenda (“climate bandwagoning”), issue proliferation and its implications for coalition management for actors like the Group of 77 and China, and the nature of multi-scalar interactions in regime complexes.
Digital Disks

Geometric properties of digital disks are discussed. An algorithm is presented that determines whether or not a given digital region is a digital disk.
The Re-Emergence of the Configurational Perspective: Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA)

In recent years, Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) developed by Charles Ragin has remarkably gained in popularity among management and strategy researchers. To showcase the power of the configurational perspective rooted in QCA, this symposium brings together five studies employing a set-theoretic approach. These studies examine configurations at multiple levels of analysis, ranging from the individual level to the firm level, to the firm in international context, with the number of observations ranging from hundreds to thousands of cases. Finally, the first four papers present substantive applications, while the fifth paper rounds off the symposium by focusing on methodological innovation focusing on longitudinal data analysis. Career Management in High-Performing Organizations: A Set-Theoretic Approach Presenter: Ans De Vos; U. of Antwerp/ Antwerp Management School Presenter: Bart Cambre; U. of Antwerp/ Antwerp Management School Reactions to Abusive Supervision: A Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative ...
Photometry and angles data for spacecraft relative navigation

This paper proposes a new approach for relative navigation of formation flying spacecraft. This approach utilizes azimuth and elevation angle information as well as light intensity data gathered from a photometric sensor to estimate the relative position and velocity between collaborating spacecraft. A basic measurement model simulates the deputy spacecraft as a simple sphere that only reflects light diffusely. An Unscented Kalman Filter is successfully used for state estimation and subsequently shows the initial proof of concept. This study motivates further investigation into the potential for using this new approach for inexpensive and reliable relative navigation systems.
Processing of cordierite and hexacelsian precursor powders through solution-polymerization route

Amorphous-type cordierite (2MgO⋅2Al2O3⋅5SiO2) and hexacelsian (BaO⋅Al2O3⋅2SiO2) precursor powders were prepared by a solution-polymerization route employing a Pechini resin or a PVA solution as a polymeric carrier. After calcination at 800°C for 1h under atmospheric conditions, the bulky precursors changed into very soft and porous powders. In case of the cordierite precursor prepared using PVA solution, the densification proceeded at lower temperature than in the case of the Pechini resin process. The densification was inhibited by the crystallization of amorphous silica in both cases and it was the reason for the coarse microstructure of the sintered cordierite. Sintered cordierite was closer to pure cordierite with low amount of amorphous-type cordierite phases as was observed in the case of the solution-polymerization route employing PVA solution. Hexacelsian precursor powder, which was prepared by the PVA solution process, was faster crystallized to hexacelsian and showed more sluggish reconstructive transformation behavior than the powder derived from the Pechini resin process.
Analyze the Problems of Express Collection Business and Countermeasures

With the rapid development of online shopping needs,many courier companies offer collection service for their customers,it brings much convenience and also a lot of problems for them.This paper expatiate the model and status of collection,mainly analyze the problems of express collection business,and explore the corresponding countermeasures in order to ensure the healthy development of Express collection business.
MY APPROACH to selecting patients for videoscopic cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD)

Ventricular tachycardia (VT), especially when the patient presents with multiple episodes (storm) or when it is sustained, is a life-threatening emergency and requires prompt diagnosis and management. Our initial approach to the patient with ventricular tachycardia involves the assessment of several clinical issues: If the patient is in sustained VT, the arrhythmia should be urgently controlled with cardioversion and antiarrhythmic medications; the clinical dictum of assuming any wide complex rhythm to be VT until proven otherwise is a safe bet. Once stability is achieved, we typically look at the following issues carefully:
Aero-optic Raman phase conjugate resonator

We demonstrate a Raman phase conjugate resonator (PCR) and apply it to high-speed intra-cavity aero-optic turbulence aberration correction, (250 m/s flow velocity and 18kHz acoustic drive frequency).
The Abstract Machine Model for Transaction-based System Control

Recent work applying statistical mechanics to economic modeling has demonstrated the effectiveness of using thermodynamic theory to address the complexities of large scale economic systems. Transaction-based control systems depend on the conjecture that when control of thermodynamic systems is based on price-mediated strategies (e.g., auctions, markets), the optimal allocation of resources in a market-based control system results in an emergent optimal control of the thermodynamic system. This paper proposes an abstract machine model as the necessary precursor for demonstrating this conjecture and establishes the dynamic laws as the basis for a special theory of emergence applied to the global behavior and control of complex adaptive systems. The abstract machine in a large system amounts to the analog of a particle in thermodynamic theory. The permit the establishment of a theory dynamic control of complex system behavior based on statistical mechanics. Thus we may be better able to engineer a few simple control laws for a very small number of devices types, which when deployed in very large numbers and operated as a system of many interacting markets yields the stable and optimal control of the thermodynamic system.
Heterogeneous expression of PD-L1 in pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma: Implications for assessment by small biopsy

Predicting response to checkpoint blockade therapy for lung cancer has largely focused on measuring programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on tumor cells. PD-L1 expression is geographically heterogeneous within many tumors, however, and we questioned whether small tissue samples, such as biopsies, might be sufficiently representative of PD-L1 expression for evaluating this marker in lung cancer tumors. To evaluate the extent of variability of PD-L1 expression in small tissue samples, and how that variability affects accuracy of overall assessment of PD-L1 in lung cancer, we scored immunohistochemical staining for PD-L1 in tissue microarray cores from a series of 79 squamous cell lung cancers and 71 pulmonary adenocarcinomas. Our study found substantial inconsistencies for the percentages of cells staining positive for PD-L1 among different tissue microarray cores in many cases of both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. This variable scoring was seen at both high levels and low levels of PD-L1 expression, and by further evaluation of cases with discordant results on full-face sections to assess geographic distribution of staining, we found that discordant results among different tissue microarray cores reflected geographic variation of PD-L1 expression in those tumors. Moreover, we found that as a result of heterogeneous expression, the sensitivity of a single small tissue sample can be as low as 85% for detecting PD-L1 expression at scoring thresholds commonly used in clinical practice. Based on these studies, we conclude that many cases of lung cancer could be inaccurately or variably scored for PD-L1 expression with a single biopsy sample. Accordingly, lung cancer patients can be inconsistently classified for PD-L1 expression status, particularly when a threshold for the percentage of positive cells is used to determine eligibility for checkpoint blockade therapy.
Older Adults Learning Computer Programming: Motivations, Frustrations, and Design Opportunities

Computer programming is a highly in-demand skill, but most learn-to-code initiatives and research target some of the youngest members of society: children and college students. We present the first known study of older adults learning computer programming. Using an online survey with 504 respondents aged 60 to 85 who are from 52 different countries, we discovered that older adults were motivated to learn to keep their brains challenged as they aged, to make up for missed opportunities during youth, to connect with younger family members, and to improve job prospects. They reported frustrations including a perceived decline in cognitive abilities, lack of opportunities to interact with tutors and peers, and trouble dealing with constantly-changing software technologies. Based on these findings, we propose a learner-centered design of techniques and tools for motivating older adults to learn programming and discuss broader societal implications of a future where more older adults have access to computer programming -- not merely computer literacy -- as a skill set.
Aligned fibers direct collective cell migration to engineer closing and nonclosing wound gaps

Cell emergence onto damaged or organized fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) is a crucial precursor to collective cell migration in wound closure and cancer metastasis, respectively. However, there is a fundamental gap in our quantitative understanding of the role of local ECM size and arrangement in cell emergence-based migration and local gap closure. Here, using ECM-mimicking nanofibers bridging cell monolayers, we describe a method to recapitulate and quantitatively describe these in vivo behaviors over multispatial (single cell to cell sheets) and temporal (minutes to weeks) scales. On fiber arrays with large interfiber spacing, cells emerge (invade) either singularly by breaking cell-cell junctions analogous to release of a stretched rubber band (recoil), or in groups of few cells (chains), whereas on closely spaced fibers, multiple chains emerge collectively. Advancing cells on fibers form cell streams, which support suspended cell sheets (SCS) of various sizes and curvatures. SCS converge to form local gaps that close based on both the gap size and shape. We document that cell stream spacing of 375 µm and larger hinders SCS advancement, thus providing abilities to engineer closing and nonclosing gaps. Altogether we highlight the importance of studying cell-fiber interactions and matrix structural remodeling in fundamental and translational cell biology.
Two novel approaches to visualizing internal and external anatomy of the cardiac cycle with a windowed virtual heart model

Presented are two novel approaches to visualizing both internal and external anatomy of the heart through the cardiac cycle. The first uses "windows" manually cut through each chamber of a virtual heart model. The use of windows allows for internal and external views simultaneously while showing the varying thickness of the ventricular walls through the cardiac cycle. Internal structures such as both semilunar valves, both AV valves, chordae tendineae, and papillary muscles are kept intact and can be visualized in motion. The second approach is a rigging and control system that allows for independent rotation directions for the base, midpoint and apex of each ventricle both internally and externally, allowing for a more accurate wringing motion.
Reliability and Validity of the Current Anxiety Level Measure

Professionals interested in assessing state anxiety (in the moment) levels before and after brief activity-based treatments would find limited evidence-based assessments. The purpose of this study ...
Palliative Care Providers' Practices Surrounding Psychological Distress Screening and Treatment: A National Survey.

Objective:To investigate how inpatient palliative care teams nationwide currently screen for and treat psychological distress.Methods:A web-based survey was sent to inpatient palliative care provid...
Restoring femoral offset is the most important technical factor in preventing total hip arthroplasty dislocation

Abstract Purpose Our aim was to determine if acetabular component position, femoral offset restoration, or leg-length equality is most important for total hip arthroplasty (THA) stability. Methods A matched case (n = 67)-control (n = 247) design and conditional logistic regression model were used to examine risk factors for dislocation in primary THA. Results When femoral offset was at least 3 mm greater than that of the contralateral hip, risk of dislocation was lower (p = 0.0192). Neither leg-length difference nor acetabular component abduction or version angle was associated with dislocation. Conclusions Our data suggest restoring femoral offset is the most important technical factor in preventing THA dislocation.
The Effects of the Insect Growth Regulators Methoxyfenozide and Pyriproxyfen and the Acaricide Bifenazate on Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Forager Survival

The honey bee (Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)) contributes an essential role in the U.S. economy by pollinating major agricultural crops including almond, which depends entirely on honey bee pollination for successful nut set. Almond orchards are often treated with pesticides to control a variety of pests and pathogens, particularly during bloom. While the effects to honey bee health of some insecticides, particularly neonicotinoids, have received attention recently, the impact of other types of insecticides on honey bee health is less clear. In this study, we examined the effects to honey bee forager survival of three non-neonicotinoid pesticides widely used during the 2014 California almond bloom. We collected foragers from a local apiary and exposed them to three pesticides at the label dose, or at doses ranging from 0.5 to 3 times the label dose rate. The selected pesticides included the insect growth regulators methoxyfenozide and pyriproxyfen, and the acaricide bifenazate. We simulated field exposure of honey bees to these pesticides during aerial application in almond orchards by using a wind tunnel and atomizer set up with a wind speed of 2.9 m/s. Experimental groups consisting of 30-40 foragers each were exposed to either untreated controls or pesticide-laden treatments and were monitored every 24 hr over a 10-d period. Our results revealed a significant negative effect of all pesticides tested on forager survival. Therefore, we suggest increased caution in the application of these pesticides in almond orchards or any agricultural crop during bloom to avoid colony health problems.
Simultaneous Measurement of Young’s Modulus and Shear Modulus at Low Temperatures

The thin-rod resonance technique for measuring elastic moduli has in the past been used in this laboratory [1] at high temperatures, and since it is desirable to make use of the same specimens for low-temperature measurements, the same technique was utilized in a cryostat. Since the times required for a sample to attain thermal equilibrium were longer at cryogenic temperatures and since problems involving dimensional stability and probe alignment were more easily solved than at higher temperatures, the system was ideally suited for automated data acquisition instrumentation.
A Smart Consumer-empowered Diabetes Education System (SCEDES): Integrating Human Wellbeing and Health Care in the Community Environment

Uncontrolled diabetes creates an increasing burden on individuals, their families, and the society in the United States. The expected total annual costs of diabetes, including both direct costs and the lost productivity, are expected to be 20% of the Gross Domestic Products by 2016. In this paper, a community-based infrastructure is proposed to provide consumers, both diabetics and pre-diabetics, with a Smart Consumer-empowered Diabetes Education System (SCEDES) that will not only build consumer self-efficacy but also promote their self-management, selflearning, and support from peers and health care professionals. The system architecture and key implementation features are addressed. Challenging issues and research directions are also discussed for further investigation.
Whose Life is it Anyway? Texas Public Policy and Contracts to Kill Embryonic Children

The Texas case of Roman v. Roman presents the question of whether contracts can bind couples to the destruction of their embryonic children absent any attempt at implantation. In 2006, the Texas Court of Appeals for the First District was asked to determine the fate of three frozen embryos conceived during marriage but whose implantation was blocked by their father’s refusal to consent to their transfer into their mother’s uterus. This Article describes the mother’s fight to preserve the lives of her embryonic children and argues that the Texas appellate court’s acceptance of ambiguous contractual terms created an unjust result that conflicted with the intentions of the mother at the time the embryos were to be discarded.Part I of this Article tells the story of Augusta and Randy Roman’s creation of embryonic children. This is followed by a brief history of the couple’s legal dispute regarding the disposition of the embryos in Part II. Part III examines the issues surrounding the use of contract law to resolve the issues presented in the case and concludes that the appellate court’s acceptance of contractual claims resulted from its misinterpretation of Texas statutes regarding assisted reproduction and its failure to consider strong public policies that are frustrated by agreements to discard human embryos. The Article concludes by considering possible jurisprudential consequences that might have resulted from a final decision setting aside the contractual claims and awarding the embryos to Augusta for implantation.
Nerve Growth Factor and Other Factors Acting on the Nervous System

The first studies relating to the nerve growth factor problem were done by Bueker1 in the late 1940s. It was known at that time that the peripheral “field” influenced, to some extent, the development of the nervous system innervating it. This concept arose through experiments in which, for example, the limbs of embryonic organisms were transplanted to new locations on the embryo or were removed altogether. The studies of Bueker were designed to simplify this field by replacing the limbs of chick embryos with pieces of tumor, since the tumor was thought to be a more homogeneous cellular population. The unexpected result was that when certain tumors were used, elements of the peripheral nervous system increased in size and complexity and grew toward and into the tumor.
Opportunistic Infections in Critical Care Units

The value of intensive care units for newborn infants, medical and pediatric patients, and surgical patients both during the immediate recovery period and following trauma has been amply demonstrated. Due to the critical nature of the illness and the need for frequent and virtually continuous attention by various categories of personnel, there is increased opportunity for transfer of infection between patients and from personnel to patients as well. The type of equipment employed—with frequent use of catheters, inhalation-therapy equipment, and various monitoring devices—also offers increased opportunities for nosocomial infection to develop. To further complicate the situation for the patient, these patients are often those with impaired host defense, due both to the underlying disease and to the antimicrobial or other forms of therapy employed. Due to these multiple problems and factors, relatively small numbers of organisms of comparatively low virulence often produce disastrous opportunistic infections.
New Observations on the Organization and Evolution of the Telencephalon of Actinopterygian Fishes

The Osteichthyes comprise at least three groups of bony fishes which are generally believed to share a common ancestor: the Crossopterygii, the Dipnoi, and the Actinopterygii. The intergroup relationships have long been disputed by paleontologists, and there is no consensus at the present time. It is usually argued either that the Crossopterygii and the Dipnoi are more closely related to one another than either is to the Actinopterygii (Romer, 1966; Gardiner, 1973) or that the three have been distinct groups since their earliest appearance (Schaeffer, 1969; Miles in Moy-Thomas, 1971). Jarvik (1968), however, has favored a closer affinity between the Crossopterygii and the Actinopterygii than between either of these groups and the Dipnoi.
The EU’s maritime operations and the future of European Security: learning from operations Atalanta and Sophia

The study of maritime operations has generally been neglected in a European Security and Defense Policy debate that often focuses on political will, bureaucratic incoherence, and military interoperability. Nonetheless, maritime operations have played an increasingly important role in the last decade and deserve deeper analysis. First, they provide a valuable optic for identifying a dynamic change in policy priorities over time. Second, they suggest the conditions under which the EU can and cannot fulfill the Brussels leadership’s avowed role as a “global player.” Finally, they also illustrate the EU’s presiding tensions when it comes to external challenges: between rhetoric and behavior, institutionally with NATO, and of the shifting political priorities among national governments. In this article, we compare the EU’s two major maritime operations. The first, Atalanta, is a counter-piracy multilateral operation in cooperation with NATO and non-EU states off the Somali coast. The second, Sophia, has evolved from search and rescue to thwarting migrant flows in the Mediterranean. Among several conclusions, we suggest that the evolution of maritime operations demonstrates an increasing gap—between the EU’s rhetoric of having a global strategy and its regional operational security focus.
CEIVE: Combating Caller ID Spoofing on 4G Mobile Phones Via Callee-Only Inference and Verification

Caller ID spoofing forges the authentic caller identity, thus making the call appear to originate from another user. This seemingly simple attack technique has been used in the growing telephony frauds and scam calls, resulting in substantial monetary loss and victim complaints. Unfortunately, caller ID spoofing is easy to launch, yet hard to defend; no effective and practical defense solutions are in place to date. In this paper, we propose CEIVE (Callee-only inference and verification), an effective and practical defense against caller ID spoofing. It is a victim callee only solution without requiring additional infrastructure support or changes on telephony systems. We formulate the design as an inference and verification problem. Given an incoming call, CEIVE leverages a callback session and its associated call signaling observed at the phone to infer the call state of the other party. It further compares with the anticipated call state, thus quickly verifying whether the incoming call comes from the originating number. We exploit the standardized call signaling messages to extract useful features, and devise call-specific verification and learning to handle diversity and extensibility. We implement CEIVE on Android phones and test it with all top four US mobile carriers, one landline and two small carriers. It shows 100% accuracy in almost all tested spoofing scenarios except one special, targeted attack case.
Dimerization energetics of curli fiber subunits CsgA and CsgB

Curli fibers are functional amyloids that exhibit strong adhesion and robust self-assembly as biofilm structural components; however, the binding energetics and mechanical properties of wild-type curli are not well understood. To address this, we present dimer structures made up of the major and minor curli subunits (CsgA and CsgB), perform free energy calculations to obtain absolute binding energies, and estimate the Young’s modulus and persistence length of curli fibers. Equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations are used to evaluate nonbonded interactions. Binding energies are most favorable for CsgB–CsgA, while CsgA–CsgA dimers have a higher binding energy than CsgB–CsgB despite possessing less favorable nonbonded interaction energies. Decomposing each potential of mean force of separation indicated that solvent effects positively impact CsgA–CsgA binding but not CsgB–CsgB and CsgB–CsgA. Charged residues and conserved polar residues were also notable contributors to attractive nonbonded interactions, underlining their importance in dimer assembly. Our findings elucidate sequence effects on binding energy contributions and establish theoretical limits for the elasticity, persistence length, and strength of curli fibers.
Regulation of inner nuclear membrane associated protein degradation

The nucleus is enclosed by a double-membrane structure, the nuclear envelope, which separates the nucleoplasm from the cytoplasm. The outer nuclear membrane is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), whereas the inner nuclear membrane (INM) is a specialized compartment with a unique proteome. In order to ensure compartmental homeostasis, INM-associated degradation (INMAD) is required for both protein quality control and regulated proteolysis of INM proteins. INMAD shares similarities with ER-associated degradation (ERAD). The mechanism of ERAD is well characterized, whereas the INMAD pathway requires further definition. Here we review the three different branches of INMAD, mediated by their respective E3 ubiquitin ligases: Doa10, Asi1-3, and APC/C. We clarify the distinction between ERAD and INMAD, their substrate recognition signals, and the subsequent processing by their respective degradation machineries. We also discuss the significance of cell-cycle and developmental regulation of protein clearance at the INM, and its relationship to human disease.
Special Session on Spin-Polarized Vacuum Tunneling

(This session was organized to address the numerous questions that arose at the end of the lecture by N. Garcia, when he reported on an experimental observation of vacuum tunneling of spin-polarized electrons with the scanning tunneling microscope,1 on the Cr(001) surface. Participants included N. Garcia, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, R. Gambino, IBM, T. J. Watson Research Ctr., F. Meier, ETA Zurich-Festkorperphysik, R. Victora, Eastman Kodak Research Labs, and K. Ounadjela, University of Strasbourg. K. Hathaway, Naval Surface Warfare Ctr., MD served as chairman for the session and assembled these contributions from the participants.)
Transurethral Removal of Perforated Intrauterine Device

Video Objective To describe the management of a perforated IUD into the bladder, with removal of a fractured arm via a transurethral approach. Setting 36yo G1P1 with expired ParaGard IUD in place who experienced spontaneous detachment of the IUD strings with attempted removal in the office. Pelvic ultrasound showed evidence of one IUD arm perforating the bladder, which was also confirmed on office cystoscopy. She was scheduled to undergo attempted hysteroscopic IUD removal, but also consented for laparoscopy as she desired a permanent sterilization procedure. Interventions Cystoscopy was first performed, confirming one arm of the IUD perforating the bladder dome. Laparoscopy was performed, noting the incidental finding of the second IUD arm perforating the uterine fundus. Adhesions between the fundus, bladder dome, and omentum were noted. Hysteroscopy was performed in attempt to remove the IUD while under laparoscopic guidance. With traction on the IUD body, the IUD was partially removed, but one of the arms was noted to have fractured off. Laparoscopically, it was evident the arm perforating the fundus remained in situ. While attempting to remove the fractured arm via laparoscopy, the arm spontaneously retracted into the myometrium. Bilateral salpingectomy was performed for permanent sterilization. The bladder adhesion was divided and the cystotomy from the perforated arm was repaired. Repeat hysteroscopy was performed but the fractured arm was not visualized. Repeat cystoscopy revealed the fractured arm free within the bladder. The arm was removed transurethrally with a cystoscopic grasper. Conclusion When planning surgery to remove a perforated IUD, a surgeon must consider and be prepared to perform multiple approaches for removal in the event of IUD fracture.
Tension Pneumothorax Following Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia.

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is one of the most common causes of respiratory failure in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, for which the mortality rate is approximately 10%. Spontaneous pneumothorax as a presentation of PJP has been reported with rising frequency, but tension pneumothorax as a presentation of PJP is rare. We reported a case of a middle-aged male with HIV infection who presented to our hospital with acute worsening shortness of breath and was later diagnosed with tension pneumothorax due to PJP. Physicians should suspect pneumothorax in patients with a clinical presentation of PJP who show rapid progressive respiratory deterioration.
Emergency preparedness: Online resources

After the April 2007 mass shooting at Virginia Tech, universities across the country realized the need to take a much more proactive role in promoting emergency preparedness across all constituencies on their campuses. Emergency awareness, preparation, and response could no longer remain solely the responsibility of first responders. As a direct result of the Virginia Tech tragedy, many universities across the country launched efforts to train their students, faculty, and staff in multiple aspects of preparedness—from responding to medical emergencies to preparing for severe weather events, from extinguishing small fires to responding to an active shooter.
1 The Assessment Process

The psychological assessment process begins with information input, which consists of collecting assessment data of appropriate kinds and in sufficient amounts to address referral questions in meaningful and useful ways. The collection of assessment information involves formulating the purposes an assessment is intended to serve; selecting the assessment methods to be used; and attending to examiner, respondent, and data management issues that can influence the findings that are obtained. The process continues with information evaluation, which consists of interpreting assessment data in a manner that provides accurate descriptions of respondents' psychological characteristics and behavioral tendencies. Adequate interpretation includes consideration of the basis on which inferences are drawn, the possible effects on the findings of malingering or defensiveness, and how best to integrate data from diverse sources. The assessment process concludes with information output, which consists of preparing and communicating conclusions and recommendations that respond to referral questions. These conclusions and recommendations should take account of possible sources of bias, relevant base rates, value judgments that affect the implications of cutting- scores, and the cultural background and social context of the person being evaluated. Psychological assessment is thus a complex process in which broad perspectives and attention to interacting variables provide necessary guidelines for effective research designs and practical applications. Keywords: assessment; assessment process; psychological assessment; testing
17 – Postictal State

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that the postictal state is an ambiguous and poorly understood phenomenon. The means by which the various pathophysiological mechanisms produce differing postictal manifestations are still unknown. The postictal state encompasses lethargy, confusion, psychosis, sleep, and coma. There are patients who have a profoundly disturbed postictal recovery during which they display a delirious confusing state and at times, the reaction may appear violent, during which time the patient may become hypervigilant. This chapter also emphasizes the fact that the duration of a psychosis can last a few days or even continue for up to 3 months. Occasionally patients with complex partial seizures may experience periods of aimless wandering that may represent a prolonged postictal automatism. It is often difficult to distinguish postictal confusion versus an impairment of comprehension. Rarely episodic amnesia may be the presenting complaint resulting in a diagnostic dilemma. Some patients with prolonged confusional states may actually represent cases of nonconvulsive status. There are cases of more prolonged periods of postictal confusion that last for several days, up to 4–10 days.
EOM-CC methods with approximate triple excitations applied to core excitation and ionisation energies

A number of iterative and perturbative approximations to the full equation-of-motion coupled cluster method with single, double, and triple excitations (EOM-CCSDT) are evaluated in the context of c...
Role of FOXM1 in vascular smooth muscle cell survival and neointima formation following vascular injury.

Abstract Background Accelerated smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation is the primary cause of intimal hyperplasia (IH) following vascular interventions. Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) is considered a proliferation-associated transcription factor. However, the presence and role of FOXM1 in IH following vascular injury have not been determined. Objective We examined the expression of FOXM1 in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries and investigated the effect of FOXM1 inhibition in SMCs and on the development of IH. Methods and results FOXM1 was detected by immunofluorescent staining in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries where we observed an upregulation at day 7, 14, and 28 compared to uninjured controls. Immunofluorescence staining revealed FOXM1 coincided with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). FOXM1 was also detectable in human carotid plaque samples. Western blot showed an upregulation of FOXM1 protein in serum-stimulated SMCs. Inhibition of FOXM1 using siRNA or chemical inhibition led to the induction of apoptosis as measured by flow cytometry and western blot for cleaved caspase 3. Perturbations in survival signaling were measured by western blot following FOXM1 inhibition, which showed a decrease in phosphorylated AKT and β-catenin. The chemical inhibitor thiostrepton was delivered by intraperitoneal injection in rats that underwent balloon injury and led to reduced intimal thickening compared to DMSO controls. Conclusions FOXM1 is an important molecular mediator of IH that contributes to the proliferation and survival of SMCs following vascular injury.
Evidence-based surgical hypothesis: Partial heart transplantation can deliver growing valve implants for congenital cardiac surgery.

Abstract Children undergoing congenital cardiac surgery often outgrow the valve implants. These children are thus committed to morbid reoperations for successive exchanges of the vavular implants that they have outgrown. Therefore the holy grail of congenital cardiac surgery is a valve implant that grows with the recipient child. Preserved homografts routinely are used as valve implants, but they do not grow as the child grows because they lose viability during preservation. In contrast, pulmonary autografts and pediatric heart transplants grow with the recipient children. Similarly, partial heart transplantation can deliver growing valve implants for congenital cardiac surgery. Temporary immune suppression would only be needed until the partial heart transplant can be exchanged for an adult-sized prosthetic valve in the grown child.
Is safe space safe? Being gay and college faculty across religious moral communities

Prior research on the effect of religion on prejudicial attitudes against sexual minorities has looked into how religion may influence public attitudes towards homosexual behaviours, gay marriage, ...
Scheduling Real-Time Information-Update Flows for the Optimal Confidence in Estimation

This paper considers a wireless network where multiple flows are delivering status updates about their respective information sources. An end-user aims to make accurate real-time estimations about the status of each information source using its received packets. As the accuracy of estimation is most impacted by events in the recent past, we propose to measure the Confidence-in-Estimation by the number of timely deliveries in a window of the recent past, and say that a flow suffers from a Loss-of-Confidence (LoC) if this number is insufficient for the end user to make a reliable estimation with small confidence intervals. We then study the problem of minimizing the system-wide LoC in wireless networks where each flow has a different requirement and link quality. We show that the problem of minimizing the system-wide LoC requires the control of the temporal variance of timely deliveries for each flow. This feature makes our problem significantly different from other optimization problems that only involve the average of control variables. Surprisingly, we show that there exists a simple online scheduling algorithm that is near-optimal. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithm is significantly better than other state-of-the-art policies. The practical value of this work is further evaluated by a case study of the real-time estimation problem of linear Gaussian processes, where we show that, under the optimal estimate algorithm, our scheduling policy results in better estimate accuracy, both in terms of the average mean square error and 95-percentile of mean square error, than other policies, including one that aims to optimize Age-of-Information, another performance metric for the application of real-time estimation.