cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting Every Spike: A Model for the Responses of Visual Neurons

In the early visual system, neuronal responses can be extremely precise. Under a wide range of stimuli, cells in the retina and thalamus fire spikes very reproducibly, often with millisecond precision on subsequent stimulus repeats. Here we develop a mathematical description of the firing process that, given the recent visual input, accurately predicts the timing of individual spikes. The formalism is successful in matching the spike trains from retinal ganglion cells in salamander, rabbit, and cat, as well as from lateral geniculate nucleus neurons in cat. It adapts to many different response types, from very precise to highly variable. The accuracy of the model allows a compact description of how these neurons encode the visual stimulus.
THE BUSINESS OF RECONCILIATION: ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY IN POST-CONFLICT RWANDA

In post-conflict Rwanda trade and enterprise are leading to increased levels of co-operation among former enemies. Economic interaction is providing a cost-effective alternative to state-led reconciliation programmes as a mechanism for justice and healing. Governments seeking to provide effective transitional justice and reconciliation should therefore facilitate private-sector efforts by actively working to improve the institutional environment for doing business.
Virtual browser: a virtualized browser to sandbox third-party JavaScripts with enhanced security

Third party JavaScripts not only offer much richer features to the web and its applications but also introduce new threats. These scripts cannot be completely trusted and executed with the privileges given to host web sites. Due to incomplete virtualization and lack of tracking all the data flows, all existing approaches without native sandbox support can secure only a subset of third party JavaScripts, and they are vulnerable to attacks encoded in non-standard HTML/-JavaScript (browser quirks) as these approaches will parse third party JavaScripts independently at server side without considering client-side non-standard parsing quirks. At the same time, native sandboxes are vulnerable to attacks based on unknown native JavaScript engine bugs.In this paper, we propose Virtual Browser, a full browser-level virtualized environment within existing browsers for executing untrusted third party code. Our approach supports more complete JavaScript language features including those hard-to-secure functions, such as with and eval. Since Virtual Browser does not rely on native browser parsing behavior, there is no possibility of attacks being executed through browser quirks. Moreover, given the third-party Javascripts are running in Virtual Browser instead of native browsers, it is harder for the attackers to exploit unknown vulnerabilities in the native JavaScript engine. In our design, we first completely isolate Virtual Browser from the native browser components and then introduce communication by adding data flows carefully examined for security. The evaluation of the Virtual Browser prototype shows that our execution speed is the same as Microsoft Web Sandbox[5], a state of the art runtime web-level sandbox. In addition, Virtual Browser is more secure and supports more complete JavaScript for third party JavaScript development.
Oscillatory exchange of atoms between traps containing Bose condensates.

An oscillatory exchange of atoms governed by the phases of the ``macroscopic wave functions'' between two traps containing Bose condensates, as might be realized with laser cooling and trapping is predicted. The discussion exploits analogs from lasers and the Josephson junction.
Inexpensive methods for recruiting subjects to smoking cessation programs

Researchers in the area of smoking cessation have often been plagued with difficulties in securing adequate subject samples. The present investigation assessed the effectiveness of specific publicity techniques (e.g., standard news releases, taped public service announcements, posters, letters to employers) in recruiting subjects. Studies were conducted in a metropolitan area of approximately 250,000 residents and in a university community of approximately 40,000 residents. Results were extremely encouraging, with the greatest impact apparently resulting from new releases, letters to employers, and word of mouth.
Irreversible inactivation of mammalian Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases by 5, 10-secosteroids. Enzymatic oxidation of allenic alcohols to the corresponding allenic ketones

Abstract Novel 4,5-allenic 3β-hydroxy-5,10-secosteroids have been synthesized by sodium borohydride reduction of the corresponding conjugated allenic 3-oxo-5, 10-secosteroids. The secosteroid allenic alcohols are substrates for bovine adrenal and human placental Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, and the resulting electrophilic conjugated allenic ketones are shown to inactivate these dehydrogenases in a time-dependent manner. Inactivated enzyme did not recover activity after filtration through Sephadex G-25. In contrast, the secosteroid allenic alcohols were not oxidized at C-3 by the bacterial 3β(and 17β)-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from P. testosteroni , nor did the corresponding allenic ketones inactivate this enzyme when incubated directly.
Oculoauriculovertebral anomaly: segregation analysis.

Seventy-four families of probands with oculoauriculovertebral anomaly were evaluated, including 116 parents and 195 off-spring. Relatives were examined to identify ear malformations, mandibular anomalies, and other craniofacial abnormalities. For segregation analysis using POINTER, selection of the sample was consistent with single as-certainment. Different population liabilities were used for probands and relatives, because affection was narrowly defined for probands and broadly defined for relatives. The hypothesis of no genetic transmission was rejected. The evidence favored autosomal dominant inheritance; recessive and polygenic models were not distinguishable. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Organized crime, political transitions and state formation in post-Soviet Eurasia

Organized crime, political transitions and state formation in post-Soviet Eurasia, by Alexander Kupatadze, New York, Palgrave Macmillan, 2012, 272 pp., $90.00 (hbk), ISBN 0230299806 Alexander Kupat...
Stability of naturally bounded nonlinear systems

Liapunov's direct method is used to obtain regions of asymptotic stability for nonlinear systems with natural boundaries. In some cases this leads to larger stable regions of interest than if the bounds had been neglected. With account taken of the natural boundaries, a design method is formulated to find controller gains that give stable responses for anticipated disturbances. To compare the stability effects of different controllers and their gains, the change in the shape of the Liapunov function must be considered as well as the change in size of the region in which its time derivative is negative definite. Neglect of changes in the shape of the Liapunov function has led to misleading conclusions in previous work.
Event-based text visual analytics

We present an event-based approach for solving a directed sensemaking task in which we combine powerful information foraging tools with intuitive synthesis spaces to solve the VAST Challenge 2014 Mini-Challenge 1. A combination of student-created and commericially available software are used to solve various aspects of the scenario. In addition to applying entitiy extraction and topic modelling, we enable the user to explore a large dataset using multi-model semantic interaction, which infers analytical reasoning from user actions to augment the data spatialization and determine what information should be presented and suggested to the user. Additionally, we visualize extracted topics using Tableau to construct a timeline of events surrounding the questions posed by the challenge.
On Being ‘Frank’ about Terrorism

Andre Gunder Frank's work on the global economy, social movements and his own experiences reflect critical issues related to the state and terror. He understood all too well the insidious, yet symbiotic relationship between the state and terror. Frank views politics and terror as a manipulation, a corrupt act of states, powerful elites, groups and organizations that have the resources to enforce their version of political and social reality. Similar to former US President Eisenhower, Frank bemoaned the power of the military post-industrial complex for its organized and systematic capability to legitimize and institutionalize terrorism. Frank was sensitive to how certain acts by states, typically referred to as counter-terrorism, enable them to shape the political agenda not only within countries but also in international affairs. Perhaps a more fruitful path of action, as implied by Frank's research and by the ‘blowback’ consequences of the state of terror, is to work on changing the social, economic and ...
Review article: tegaserod for chronic constipation

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions with limited effective treatment options. Tegaserod, a 5-HT4 receptor agonist has demonstrated efficacy in relieving constipation-related symptoms in patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. This paper reviews two recent reports that have evaluated the efficacy and safety of tegaserod in patients with chronic constipation. Two double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials have been reported; one in Europe and Asia (E2301) the other in North and South America (E2302). After a 2-week baseline period, patients were randomized to treatment with tegaserod 2 mg b.d., tegaserod 6 mg b.d. or placebo for 12 weeks. Two thousand, six hundred and twelve patients were randomized, the majority were white females. In both studies, responder rates during weeks 1-4 were significantly greater in the tegaserod groups compared with placebo. A similar trend was seen over weeks 1-12. Statistically significant improvements over placebo were seen across the majority of secondary efficacy variables. Tegaserod was safe with no consistent differences in the frequency of adverse events among the various groups. In conclusion, treatment of chronic constipation with tegaserod was associated with significant improvement in bowel frequency as well as other constipation symptoms. Tegaserod was also well tolerated in this patient population.
Metabolism in Non-ischemic Myocardium during Coronary Artery Occlusion and Reperfusion

Blood flow and metabolism in non-ischemic myocardium were studied at baseline and during occlusion and reperfusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery in closed chest dogs using positron emission tomography. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) and oxygen consumption (MVO2) in non-ischemic tissue were each increased by 28% relative to the rate pressure product during occlusion, consistent with increased work to compensate for the dyskinetic segment. MVO2 in non-ischemic sectors remained elevated relative to the rate pressure product early (1-2 h) post-reperfusion, 21% above baseline, but subsequently normalized. When sectors with normal blood flow during occlusion were divided into sectors adjacent to and remote from the risk zone, MBF in the 2 sector groups was similar at all times, but metabolic differences were found. MVO2 was depressed by 15% in adjacent relative to remote sectors 1 day post-reperfusion, with a concomitant 62% increase in glucose metabolic rate; relative increases in glucose metabolism were found only when glucose metabolism was low in remote myocardium, suggesting a decreased suppressibility of glucose metabolism in adjacent myocardium. The kinetics of (1-11C] palmitate were also altered in adjacent sectors, consistent with a small increase in esterification relative to oxidation of long chain fatty acids. Thus, sectors adjacent to ischemic segments show metabolic changes similar to those seen in reversibly injured post-ischemic tissue, despite normal blood flow during occlusion.
Regional Climate Model Simulation of U.S.–Mexico Summer Precipitation Using the Optimal Ensemble of Two Cumulus Parameterizations

Abstract The fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5)-based regional climate model (CMM5) simulations of U.S.–Mexico summer precipitation are quite sensitive to the choice of Grell or Kain–Fritsch convective parameterization. An ensemble based on these two parameterizations provides superior performance because distinct regions exist where each scheme complementarily captures certain observed signals. For the interannual anomaly, the ensemble provides the most significant improvement over the Rockies, Great Plains, and North American monsoon region. For the climate mean, the ensemble has the greatest impact on skill over the southeast United States and North American monsoon region, where CMM5 biases associated with the individual schemes are of opposite sign. Results are very sensitive to the specific methods used to generate the ensemble. While equal weighting of individual solutions provides a more skillful result overall, considerable further improvement is achieved wh...
Efficacy of esophageal impedance/pH monitoring in patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease, on and off therapy.

Background & Aims Intraluminal impedance monitoring has given new dimensions to the diagnosis of reflux disease. However, there is no defined algorithm for evaluating refractory reflux symptoms. We studied whether combined impedance/pH monitoring in patients on therapy can predict acid reflux in patients off therapy and whether testing should be carried out when patients are on or off therapy. Methods Thirty-nine adults (mean age, 50 years; 24 female) with refractory reflux symptoms were evaluated by impedance/pH monitoring while on therapy, followed by wireless pH monitoring while off therapy. Non–acid reflux events in patients on therapy were correlated with acid reflux parameters studied off therapy. In addition, the likelihood of test abnormalities on and off therapy was determined. Results In 25 of 39 patients (64%) on therapy, impedance testing was normal, with a median of 69 events (interquartile, 63.0–78.0). The percentage of time at pH P = .026). Conclusions Abnormal impedance in patients on therapy predicts acid reflux in patients off therapy. In patients with refractory reflux, combined impedance/pH monitoring might provide the single best strategy for evaluation of reflux symptoms.
Privacy Perceptions of an Aware Home with Visual Sensing Devices

Homes that can collaborate with their residents rather than simply provide shelter are becoming a reality. These homes such as Georgia Tech's “Aware Home” can potentially provide support to residents. Older adults in particular may benefit from the supports provided by these Aware Homes if they utilize the technologies they offer. The purpose of this study is to explore the privacy concerns that older adults may have about a home equipped with a visual sensing device. Using a structured interview approach we propose to investigate how variables such as the type of images the home captures and the physical and mental health of the residents of the home may affect privacy concerns. Findings from scenario-based structured interviews will be used to better understand the characteristics of these variables and how they relate to privacy concerns about visual sensing devices. Such data are critical for a model of home-based privacy concerns, for better design of home based visual sensing systems, and for provid...
Normalizations for periodogram-based unit root tests

We explore a periodogram-based unit root test that is invariant to nonzero means and invariant to nuisance parameters in the error series. We present modifications to account for trends and deterministic seasonal components.
The human newborn's sucking behavior for sweet fluids as a function of birthweight and maternal weight*

The paper presents previously unpublished data related to the study of Engen, Lipsitt, and Peck (1974) . It assesses the effects of infant birthweight and mother's pregnant weight on a newborn's responsiveness to sweet fluids. Heavy mothers tended to give birth to heavy infants, but even when this correlation was partialed out, it was observed that heavy babies sucked at faster rates for a sugar solution than did light babies.
“The Most Blatant of All Our American Myths”: Masculinity, Male Bonding, and the Wilderness in Sinclair Lewis's Mantrap:

This essay explores the representation of masculinity in Sinclair Lewis's novel Mantrap. Of particular interest are changing definitions of masculinity and male friendship at the turn of the 20th c...
EFFECTS OF PERFORMANCE CONTEXT ON PROCESSING SPEED AND PERFORMANCE RATINGS

The present study demonstrated that the presence of evaluatively polarized context performances not only produces contrast and halo effects on judgments of a target performance, but also causes judgments to be made much faster. Processing speed and positive halo were highly correlated, supporting the notion that halo in performance ratings results from raters' recall and use of a single, general impression. Furthermore, regression analyses demonstrated that processing speed mediates the relationship between context and halo. The relationship between these findings, halo, processing speed, and general impressions, as well as implications for performance appraisals, are discussed.
Technology evaluation center assessment synopsis: full-field digital mammography.

Full-field digital mammography (FFDM) is proposed as an alternative to screen-film mammography (SFM). The ability to separate and optimize the acquisition, storage, and display of images may allow greater visualization of breast cancers at equal or lower radiation doses, especially in younger women and those with denser breasts. This is a synopsis of a systematic review by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center. This updated systematic review primarily incorporated the results of the ACR Imaging Network® Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST), which provided results on 42,760 asymptomatic women who underwent both FFDM and SFM and showed with reasonable certainty that there was no difference in the accuracy of the 2 modalities for asymptomatic women in general, with some advantages of FFDM in certain subgroups. There were no strong, new studies on the use of digital mammography compared with film mammography in a diagnostic population. However, the DMIST results indicated that tumors detected by FFDM, but not by SFM, were likely to be invasive carcinomas or medium-grade to high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ. On the basis of the suppositions that these are the cancers of greatest interest and the ones more likely to be found in a diagnostic population and that the diagnostic population may be younger on average than the screening population, it was concluded that there is sufficient evidence to support the use of FFDM for diagnostic purposes.
Bilateral ovarian autoamputation in an infant.

A case of bilateral ovarian autoamputation in an asymptomatic infant is presented. Cystic lesions were detected within the abdomen of the fetus during antenatal ultrasound scan (USS). USS performed shortly after birth showed a single lesion thought to be a duplication cyst, but at laparotomy 2 free floating cysts representing the ovaries were discovered. A review of the natural history of neonatal ovarian cysts and the management is given.
Boundary Layer Receptivity due to Roughness and Freestream Sound for Supersonic Flows over Axisymmetric Cones

The receptivity of supersonic boundary layers due to the interaction of a two-dimensional acoustic wave with a three-dimensional roughness is numerically investigated over a 5-degree sharp tipped straight cone at a free stream Mach number of 3.5 and a high Reynolds number of 10(exp 6)/inch. Both the steady and unsteady solutions are obtained by solving the full Navier-Stokes equations using the fifth-order accurate weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) scheme for spatial discretization and using third-order total-variation-diminishing (TVD) Runge-Kutta scheme for temporal integration. The simulations are performed with different roughness heights and roughness locations. The steady computations with the roughness reveal that the perturbations induced by the roughness remain very close to the wall and do not penetrate to the outer part of the boundary layer. The effects of the roughness persist for about 10 boundary layer thicknesses downstream of each element. The unsteady simulation shows the generation of unstable three-dimensional first mode disturbances within a short distance from the roughness. However, the amplitudes of the instability waves are very small near the neutral point, on the order of 10(exp -4) compared to the free stream disturbances. The receptivity coefficients due to the roughness elements located very close to the tip are one order of magnitude smaller than those due to the roughness elements located closer to the neutral point.
Relationship maintenance and biases on the line bisection task: Attractive alternatives, asymmetrical cortical activity, and approach–avoidance motivation

Abstract People in long-term romantic relationships possess relationship maintenance mechanisms designed to protect against the temptation of desirable relationship alternatives. The current research examined the link between relationship maintenance mechanisms and an index of neurologically based approach/avoidance motivation. Participants completed a line bisection task that yields measures of asymmetric activity in the right and left frontal cortices; such activity is thought to reflect people's level of approach/avoidance motivation. Compared to single participants, participants in committed relationships displayed relatively less left visual field bias on the line bisection task (indicative of greater left frontal cortical activation and greater cognitive avoidance motivation) in response to available, attractive opposite-sex targets. Decreased left visual field bias was particularly pronounced among individuals with moderate levels of relationship commitment — those expected to display the highest levels of relationship maintenance. These findings provide insight into perceptual, motivational, and neurological processes that may help people avoid tempting relationship alternatives.
Simple models for trace element fractionation during melt segregation

Abstract A dynamical calculation for melt segregation from a deformable matrix is used as a framework for studying chemical fractionation during melting and melt migration. The chemical aspects of the problem are modelled in terms of modal melting and local diffusive equilibrium, allowing for the use of unchanging distribution coefficients. The chemical properties of the melt segregated is a synthetic data set that is used to test how well simple equations for perfect equilibrium partial melt and perfect fractional partial melt recover the actual degree of melting and original source composition. The general conclusion is that either equation does quite well (to within a factor generally less than 2) even when the physical situation is quite different from that required for deriving these simple relations between degree of melting, distribution coefficient and magma composition. In terms of the apparent source composition as inferred from the properties of the segregated melt, the typical result is to find a source enriched in the more incompatible elements, which could easily be misinterpreted as requiring metasomatic alteration.
Activation patterns of murine B cells after oral administration of an encapsulated soluble antigen

Oral administration of soluble protein antigen, ovalbumin (OVA), encapsulated by an acid-resistant acrylic polymer, induced a strong immune response in BDF1 mice. Mice fed the encapsulated OVA showed activation of antigen-specific IgA, IgG and IgG1 isotype antibody-secreting cells which migrated to various lymphoid tissues via the common mucosal immune system traffic pathway. The highest number of antigen-specific antibody secreting cells was found in the Peyer's patches isolated from the upper segment of the small intestine, with their numbers declining along the length of the intestinal tract. Oral administration of this product suggests activation of lymphocytes exhibiting Th2 phenotype as shown by OVA-specific IgA and IgG1 isotype antibody responses. In conclusion, we demonstrated that oral administration of encapsulated soluble protein, in the absence of adjuvant, can activate the murine common mucosal immune system.
Polarization Of Marine Light Fields And Animal Orientation

Animals in the sea absorb, scatter, reflect, emit and sense underwater light. Large well developed eyes in most long range marine migrators suggest its navigational importance. Submarine light polarization may provide species that perceive it with a kind of sun compass even in deep water. Laboratory evidence has been found for compass card-like orientation to e-vector direction by both fishes and crustaceans.
Accuracy of ultrasound in the detection of inflow stenosis of arteriovenous fistulae: results of a prospective study.

While vascular ultrasound (US) has been highlighted to detect vascular access stenosis, its accuracy in the identification of inflow stenosis (IS) (anastomosis and/or juxta-anastomotic area) compared with the gold standard (angiography) has not been evaluated. One hundred three consecutive fistulae referred for interventions were included in this study. Preprocedure US of inflow segment was performed. Angiography from the feeding artery to the right atrium was then conducted. US comparison to angiography in the detection of IS (anastomosis and/or juxta-anastomotic area) was evaluated. Additionally, comparison of US to angiography in the assessment of juxta-anastomotic and anastomotic stenosis was reported separately. Data from 103 patients were available for analysis. Overall, US was negative for IS in 52 cases. Of these, 47 did not show a lesion on angiography. Only five cases demonstrated a stenosis on angiography. Fifty-one cases had IS by US, 50 were confirmed by angiography while one case did not show a lesion on angiography. Consequently, US had a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 98%, and positive and negative predictive values were 98% and 90%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, negative, and positive predictive values for juxta-anastomotic and anastomotic lesions evaluated separately were 92%, 98%, 92%, 98% and 79%, 100%, 95%, 100%, respectively. Linear regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between US and angiography for anastomotic (r2 = 0.71, p < 0.0001; slope = 0.63 ± 0.098 and intercept = 24 ± 6) and juxta-anastomotic stenosis (r2 = 0.71, p < 0.0001; slope = 0.68 ± 0.060 and intercept = 23 ± 4). These results reveal that US has a high degree of accuracy in the detection of IS.
An experimental study of the circular-polarized elliptical printed-circuit antenna

Elliptical-shaped printed-circuit antennas were fabricated with varying eccentricities, and their impedance and radiation patterns were measured. Special attention was devoted to investigating the design criteria which produced the best circular polarization.
The Use of Professional Disclosure in Rehabilitation Counseling.

The importance of adequate professional disclosure has recently received increased attention in the counseling and psychology literature. Despite this trend, the rehabilitation counseling professional literature contains little information about the prevalence and manner in which this practice is used within rehabilitation counseling. This article reviews the relevant literature and discusses its implications for rehabilitation counselors. The authors discuss the use and content of disclosure forms and practices, including the degree to which mental health professionals actually use such forms and reasons for nonuse. Clinical and research needs regarding professional disclosure within rehabilitation counseling are also discussed.
"Fix the Women": An Intervention into an Organizational Conflict Based on Parallel Process Thinking

This article discusses an intervention into an organizational conflict expressed by fighting between two women in a troubled unit of a state hospital. After gathering data through observations and interviews with the staff, the authors prepared a diagnosis and intervention based on parallel process thinking, which postulates that conflict in one part of a system may surface elsewhere, sometimes in a different form that disguises its source. The women's hostility was thought to be actually fueled by feelings of competitiveness among the three senior men in the unit. An intervention using a microcosm group methodology was conducted, which resulted in the women's repairing their relationship and other improvements in the unit's morale and performance. The authors conclude that parallel process thinking, and methods of diagnosis and intervention based on its tenets, have relevance for managing human behavior in all arenas.
Superconductor — semiconductor hybrid transistors

Abstract Many types of active superconducting devices have been proposed over the years. Of these, there are a few transistor-like devices that make use of semiconductor layers in such a way that the semiconductor is an intrinsic part of the device, not merely a tunnel barrier or a substrate. This paper presents an overview of such superconductor-semiconductor hybrid devices, including past and present work and future prospects. Physics of device operation, I – V characteristics, modelling considerations, potential performance, possible uses and comparisons with conventional devices are described. In particular, the potential improvements that may be obtained by using high T c superconductors in such devices are discussed.
Small-molecule Klotho enhancers as novel treatment of neurodegeneration

The majority of neurodegenerative diseases have an important age component, and thus, understanding the molecular changes that occur during normal aging of the brain is of utmost relevance. In search for the basis of the age-related cognitive decline found in humans, monkeys and rodents, we study the rhesus monkey. Surprisingly, there is no loss of neurons in aged monkey brains. However, we reported white matter and myelin abnormalities in aged monkeys, similar to those observed in Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis patients. In a microarray analysis comparing young and old monkey white matter, we discovered that Klotho is downregulated in the aged brain. We then asked whether there is a connection between the age-related cognitive decline, myelin abnormalities and Klotho downregulation. If such a connection is found, compounds that upregulate Klotho expression could become of therapeutic interest for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, and perhaps even Alzheimer’s disease.
Quasi-distributed white light fiber optic strain sensor

Abstract Development and characteristics of a quasi-distributed intrinsic fiber optic strain sensor based on white light interferometry is described. The research presented here describes the development of a new optical fiber sensor system for measurement of structural strains based on white light interferometry. Individual segments of single mode optical fibers are linked in series and a scanning white light interferometer provides for distributed sensing of strain signals from various locations in the structure. The system can be configured for automatic compensation of drift due to environmental effects, i.e. temperature. The experimental results demonstrate the linearity of the system and the capability for distributed sensing of strains.
Investigating Treatment Outcomes Across OCD Symptom Dimensions in a Clinical Sample of OCD Patients

Despite the heterogeneous nature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), many self-report assessments do not adequately capture the clinical picture presenting within each symptom dimension, particularly unacceptable thoughts (UTs). In addition, obsessions and ordering/arranging compulsions are often underrepresented in samples of treatment outcome studies for OCD. Such methodological discrepancies may obscure research findings comparing treatment outcomes across OCD symptom dimensions. This study aimed to improve upon previous research by investigating treatment outcomes across OCD symptom dimensions using the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, which offers a more comprehensive assessment of UTs. The study included a primarily residential sample of 134 OCD patients. Results indicated that there were no significant differences in treatment outcomes across symptom dimensions. However, the severity of UTs remained significantly greater than other symptom dimensions at both admission and discharge. Thus...
High performance computing on the Cray T3E and IBM SP2 systems with the parallel version of GAUSSIAN 94

Abstract Benchmark tests were performed to study the efficiency of parallel computations on a Cray T3E 1200 and IBM SP2 systems with the parallel version of commercial quantum chemistry set of programs GAUSSIAN 94. Representative molecular systems (a complex between nitrobenzene and the hydrated surface of clay minerals, a complex of guanosine phosphate with a hydrated magnesium cation, and a fullerene molecule) have been investigated. These species represent the systems of current interest in the fields of environmental, biological, and material science as well as general chemistry. Our benchmark tests were designed to investigate a performance of a popular Hartree–Fock (HF) and DFT/B3LYP levels of theory with the STO-2G, STO-3G, 3-21G*, 4-31G, 6-31G, and 6-31G(d) basis sets. The wallclock time and efficiency of parallelization for links 502 and 703 were studied.
Accountability Through Action Research: Research Methods for Practitioners

This article summarizes how outcome research methodologies can be incorporated into counseling practice in many settings. Performing an outcome study can assist counselors in evaluating their own effectiveness. In addition, more field-based studies can contribute to the empirical knowledge base. An overview of the steps involved in an outcome or evaluative study is discussed, and a summary is provided of instruments and techniques for research in mental health counseling, career counseling, and school counseling.
Prognostic utility of locus of control in treatment of agoraphobia

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to examine the prognostic utility of the Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control Scale with agoraphobics undergoing behavioral and pharmacological treatments. Fifty subjects meeting DSM-III criteria for agoraphobia, completed the instrument at pre- and post-assessments. Despite marked pre-post improvements, the scale was found to be lacking in discriminative power and clinical sensitivity to detect these changes. However, the scale was found to have utility as a prognostic index of post-treatment levels of improvement, with ‘externality’ being strongly associated with improvement. These findings and related issues are discussed.
Historical Archeology, Dialectical Marxism, and “C.F.U.G. Studies”

In studying capitalism in general, Marx declares it his chief aim “to lay bare its law of motion”; and his main way of proceeding is to begin with its present state, and then move backwards into the past by uncovering its necessary preconditions, especially within the mode of production (asking essentially—what had to have happened earlier for the present to appear and function as it does?). After which, he reverses himself, and, starting with where he arrived in the past, he re-examines the same conditions and events—using whatever evidence is available—as they evolved up to the present. Finally, with the help of the contradictory tendencies (often referred to as “laws”) that are brought into view by combining these two steps, Marx projects in broad outline where capitalism seems to be heading. Human beings, divided into social classes, come into this analysis—as both causes and effects—every step along the way. The present article examines what the discipline of archeology can contribute to this project.
Dynamically Differentiated Multipath Security in Fixed Bandwidth Networks

Networks can be secured using a secure quality of service approach in which a sender disperses data along multiple secure paths. In this secure multipath approach, a portion of the data from the sender is transmitted over each path on fixed bandwidth networks, and the receiver assembles the data fragments that arrive. The research presented explores the effects of cloud infrastructure attack scenarios, and gauges the threat levels along each path. Optimal sampling and compression via compressed sensing is employed in order to minimize the possibility of dropped packets and missed attacks. The probability of the presence of specific attack signatures along each network path is determined using statistical learning techniques. Path information assurance levels are derived using these probabilities and encryption strengths are dynamically increased along those paths found to be most vulnerable. As compared to statically employed path encryption schemes, the devised methods in this research significantly increase data throughput on fixed bandwidth networks.
The significance of fractional crystallization in the petrogenesis of Apollo 17 Type A and B high-Ti basalts

Whole-rock and mineral analyses of 26 'new' type A and B Apollo 17 basalts are reported. The petrography and mineral chemistry of these basalts are similar to previously reported Apollo 17 basalts. However, these 'new' whole-rock data extend the compositional ranges of previously reported type A and B basalts and require the division of the type B basalts into type B1 and B2 varieties. These three types display similar trends when both major and trace elements are plotted against a fractionation index of Cr/La ratio. Major element compositions of basalts from all three types fall on olivine + Ti oxide control lines. This study demonstrates that Apollo 17 type A, B1, and B2 basalts have a relatively simple petrogenesis, with the only postmagma-generation process being fractional crystallization.
The Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Regulation in Adolescent Obesity

Although low GH levels are commonly seen in obese adults and children, the effects of obesity on the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)/IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) system have not been established. As GH and IGF-I normally increase during adolescence, we investigated the effects of obesity on circulating total and free IGF-I levels and IGFBP-1, -2, and -3 in 19 obese adolescents [14 +/- 1 yr old; body mass index (BMI), 34 +/- 3], 20 lean adolescents (14 +/- 1 yr old; BMI, 23 +/- 0.5), and 10 lean adults (22 +/- 0.7 yr; BMI, 22 +/- 0.7). Fasting plasma insulin levels were significantly greater in obese adolescents than in either lean group, whereas circulating IGFBP-1 levels were suppressed in an inverse relationship to basal insulin (r = -0.49; P < 0.01). Low IGFBP-1 levels were associated with normal to increased free IGF-I levels in obese adolescents, even though total IGF-I values were lower than those in lean adolescents. Basal GH and IGFBP-3 levels were also lower in obese vs. lean adolescents. Basal IGFBP-1 levels were markedly reduced in obese adolescents (14 +/- 3 ng/mL) vs. those in adolescents and adults. No further suppression of IGFBP-1 levels was observed in the obese group during a two-step 8 and 40 mU/m2 insulin clamp. In contrast, IGFBP-1 levels were promptly lowered in lean adults. Basal IGFBP-2 levels were significantly lower in both groups of adolescents vs. lean adults (P < 0.05), and IGFBP-2 levels did not change during euglycemic hyperinsulinemia. These data suggest that the compensatory hyperinsulinemia that characterizes adolescent obesity chronically suppresses levels of IGFBP-1, and low IGFBP-1 concentrations may serve to increase the bioavailability of free IGF-I, which may, in turn, contribute to lower circulating GH, total IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 concentrations.
Discriminative stimulus effects of pentobarbital in rhesus monkeys: Tests of stimulus generalization and duration of action

Rhesus monkeys were trained to emit 20 or 30 consecutive responses on one lever following an IM injection of pentobarbital (10 or 18 mg/kg) and the same number of consecutive responses on another lever following an injection of saline. The required number of correct consecutive responses in both cases resulted in food delivery. When responding was reliably under the control of the presession injection, the ability of a variety of other compounds to produce pentobarbital-appropriate responding was examined. Diazepam, clobazam, methohexital, pentobarbital, and phenobarbital, given 10 or 20 min before the session, produced dose-related pentobarbital-appropriate responding in each monkey. Ethylketazocine and dextromethorphan produced responding primarily on the saline-appropriate lever, whereas codeine, cyclazocine, dextrorphan and ketamine resulted in responding that was, on the average, intermediate between that appropriate for pentobarbital and that appropriate for saline. When tested at various times after their injection, methohexital (3.2 mg/kg) and pentobarbital (10 mg/kg) produced pentobarbital-appropriate responding within 10 min. Barbital (56 mg/kg) resulted in pentobarbital-appropriate responding only if at least 1 h intervened between the injection and the experimental session. The discriminative effects of methohexital, pentobarbital, and barbital lasted approximately 20–60, 120–240, and 480–720 min, respectively. The time-course of the discriminative stimulus effects of barbiturates in the rhesus monkey appears to parallel closely other pharmacological actions of these compounds.
Review: diet and exercise counseling improve intermediate health outcomes in persons with CV risk factors.

Source Citation Lin JS, O’Connor E, Evans CV, et al. Behavioral counseling to promote a healthy lifestyle in persons with cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Se...
The problem isn't attribution: it's multi-stage attacks

As a result of increasing spam, DDoS attacks, cybercrime, and data exfiltration from corporate and government sites, there have been multiple calls for an Internet architecture that enables better network attribution at the packet layer. The intent is for a mechanism that links a packet to some packet level personally identifiable information (PLPII). But cyberattacks and cyberexploitations are more different than they are the same. One result of these distinctions is that packet-level attribution is neither as useful nor as necessary as it would appear.In this paper we discuss why network-level personal attribution is of limited forensic value. We analyze the different types of Internet-based attacks, and observe the role that currently available alternatives to attribution already play in deterrence and prosecution. We focus on the particular character of multi-stage network attacks, in which machine A penetrates and "takes over" machine B, which then does the same to machine C, etc. We consider how these types of attacks might be traced, and observe that any technical contribution can only be contemplated in the larger regulatory context of various legal jurisdictions. Finally we examine the costs of PLPII mechanisms.
Clinical assessment of peri-implant tissues in patients with varying severity of chronic periodontitis.

Purpose: This retrospective study assessed the health of peri-implant tissues in patients with varying severity of chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Sixty-one subjects aged 44 to 70 years (median age 58 years) were recruited. Based on severity of periodontitis, 31 subjects were classified as having severe generalized chronic periodontitis, and the remaining 30 subjects had mild or no periodontitis. Social and medical histories were obtained from each patient. A comprehensive periodontal examination included: plaque index, gingival index, bleeding index, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and radiographic bone loss. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact and chi-square tests for categorical variables, and t-test for continuous variables. Results: There was a statistically significant greater loss of attachment (p < .05) around implants in the group with severe periodontitis compared to the no/mild periodontitis group. Conclusion: Because of the greater loss of clinical attachment around implants placed in patients with generalized severe chronic periodontitis, close monitoring of these patients is suggested to prevent both development of peri-implantitis and recurrence of periodontal infection.
Housing experiences of former foster youth: How do they fare in comparison to other youth?

Abstract Research indicates that foster youth tend to fare poorly in a number of domains in the transition to adulthood, and the shift to independent living may be particularly challenging. However, it is unclear whether negative housing outcomes are attributable to foster care history or if they are due to other risk factors. This study uses data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 to compare housing outcomes for foster youth to a matched sample of youth who share similar risk factors and to an unmatched sample. Results indicate that foster youth struggle more in the transition to independent living in comparison to both groups, showing higher rates of homelessness, less housing stability, poorer neighborhood quality, and more reliance on public housing assistance. The paper explores how factors related to foster care and confounding risk factors that tend to have higher prevalence among foster youth may contribute to these outcomes.
This, too, shall pass—like a kidney stone: a possible path to prophylaxis of nephrolithiasis? Focus on “Cholinergic signaling inhibits oxalate transport by human intestinal T84 cells”

nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) has a lifetime prevalence in the developed world of ∼5% in females, and up to 12% in males, with recurrence in 50% of cases. Normal human urine is supersaturated with respect to the calcium oxalate ion pair, and roughly two thirds of kidney stones are composed
Priming under Fire: Reverse Causality and the Classic Media Priming Hypothesis

This study reevaluates the classic “media priming” hypothesis, which argues that, when news coverage raises an issue’s salience, voters align their overall evaluation of the president with their assessment of him on that issue. Conventional studies typically show greater correspondence between issue approval and overall approval among individuals exposed to issue-related news. Although this is taken as evidence of media priming, this phenomenon is also consistent with another explanation. Precisely the opposite, the “projection” hypothesis argues that voters exposed to issue news align their approval of the president on that issue with their prior approval of his overall performance. Existing studies cannot rule out this alternative, so we conduct a survey experiment to evaluate the priming and projection hypotheses jointly. Despite recent evidence in support of projection, we show that the causal arrow runs from issue approval to overall approval (media priming), not the reverse (projection).