الاثنين، 26 أغسطس 2013

Robots, Traffic Spikes and Resolved Availability Issues

 


Robots, Traffic Spikes and Resolved Availability Issues

Some people apparently have nothing better to do…

Starting slightly before midnight eastern on the morning of August 26th, 2013, FeedBlitz saw a marked increase in automated junk form submissions, to the point where at times this activity was responsible for more than 30x (that’s not a typo: thirty times) more activity on feedblitz.com than all other requests combined.  Although the service more or less held up, there were some brief availability problems while we were fathoming what was happening, adding more servers to the mix and then finally mitigating the traffic to eliminate the junk clogging up our servers.  I’m sorry if you were or your subscribers were affected.

The traffic was fully automated and referred to FeedBlitz from exactly one site, an old but fundamentally inactive client. I do not believe that FeedBlitz itself was being targeted per se. Rather, since we were linked to by that site’s archives using our forms, the software robots threw junk our way as part of making their presence felt on the client site in question.  I do think these robots are attempting to make life difficult for that site, although why the writers of such crapware feel that petty online vandalism is ever going to do anything to further their goals, I don’t know.

Regardless, again, apologies if you were affected in the wee small hours by our unexpected and unwelcome visitors. The mischief has been managed and all is working properly now. Menwhile, however, there are some folks on the team needing to catch up on their sleep…

        

 

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ScienceDaily: Top News

ScienceDaily: Top News


Researchers find essential brain circuit in visual development

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:18 PM PDT

A study in mice reveals an elegant circuit within the developing visual system that helps dictate how the eyes connect to the brain. The research has implications for treating amblyopia, a vision disorder that occurs when the brain ignores one eye in favor of the other.

New tool enhances the search for genetic mutations

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:18 PM PDT

Scientists have developed a new software tool known as DeNovoGear, which uses statistical probabilities to help identify mutations and more accurately pinpoint their source and their possible significance for health.

Researchers discover how inhibitory neurons behave during critical periods of learning

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:18 PM PDT

We've all heard the saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." For years, neuroscientists have struggled to understand how the microcircuitry of the brain makes learning easier for the young, and more difficult for the old. New findings show how one component of the brain's circuitry -- inhibitory neurons -- behave during critical periods of learning.

Scientists analyze the effects of ocean acidification on marine species

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:17 PM PDT

Ocean acidification (OA) could change the ecosystems of our seas even by the end of this century. Biologists have assessed the extent of this ominous change. They compiled and analyzed all available data on the reaction of marine animals to OA. While the majority of investigated species are affected, the respective impacts are very specific.

Ocean fish acquire more mercury at depth

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:17 PM PDT

Mercury accumulation in the ocean fish we eat tends to take place at deeper depths, in part because of photochemical reactions that break down organic mercury in well-lit surface waters, according to new research. More of this accessible organic mercury is also being generated in deeper waters.

Cocaine use linked to new brain structures: Possible mechanism for drug-seeking behavior in humans identified

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:17 PM PDT

Mice given cocaine showed rapid growth in new brain structures associated with learning and memory, according to a research team. The findings suggest a way in which drug use may lead to drug-seeking behavior that fosters continued drug use, according to the scientists.

Epilepsy drug dosage linked to specific birth defects

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:17 PM PDT

New medical research has given pregnant women with epilepsy new hope of reducing their chance of having a baby with physical birth defects.

Combination of two imaging techniques allows new insights into brain function

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

The ability to measure brain functions non-invasively is important both for clinical diagnoses and research in neurology and psychology. Two main imaging techniques are used: positron emission tomography (PET), which reveals metabolic processes in the brain; and activity of different brain regions is measured on the basis of the cells' oxygen consumption by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A direct comparison of PET and MRI measurements was previously difficult because each had to be performed in a separate machine. Scientists have now successfully combined both methods.

Rattling ions limit heat flow in materials used to reduce carbon emissions

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

A new study has found a way to suppress the thermal conductivity in sodium cobaltate so that it can be used to harvest waste energy.

Potential molecular defense against Huntington's disease

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

Huntington's disease experts have discovered that glutathione peroxidase activity improves symptoms in models of the neurodegenerative disorder.

Key protein accelerates diabetes in two ways

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

The same protein tells beta cells in the pancreas to stop making insulin and then to self-destruct as diabetes worsens, according to a new study.

How the brain remembers pleasure: Implications for addiction

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

Key details of the way nerve cells in the brain remember pleasure are revealed in a new study. The molecular events that form such "reward memories" appear to differ from those created by drug addiction, despite the popular theory that addiction hijacks normal reward pathways.

Explanation for strange magnetic behavior at semiconductor interfaces

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

Researchers report the first-ever theoretical explanation for some strange semiconductor behavior that was discovered in 2004.

Strongest clues to date for causes of schizophrenia

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

A new genome-wide association study estimates the number of different places in the human genome that are involved in schizophrenia. In particular, the study identifies 22 locations, including 13 that are newly discovered, that are believed to play a role in causing schizophrenia.

Novel way gene controls stem cell self-renewal

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

Stem cell scientists have discovered the gene GATA3 has a role in how blood stem cells renew themselves, a finding that advances the quest to expand these cells in the lab for clinical use in bone marrow transplantation, a procedure that saves thousands of lives every year.

Scientists pinpoint 105 additional genetic errors that cause cystic fibrosis

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

Of the over 1,900 errors already reported in the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF), it is unclear how many of them actually contribute to the inherited disease. Now a team of researchers reports significant headway in figuring out which mutations are benign and which are deleterious, accounting for 95 percent of the variations found in patients with CF.

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News


Researchers find essential brain circuit in visual development

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:18 PM PDT

A study in mice reveals an elegant circuit within the developing visual system that helps dictate how the eyes connect to the brain. The research has implications for treating amblyopia, a vision disorder that occurs when the brain ignores one eye in favor of the other.

New tool enhances the search for genetic mutations

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:18 PM PDT

Scientists have developed a new software tool known as DeNovoGear, which uses statistical probabilities to help identify mutations and more accurately pinpoint their source and their possible significance for health.

Researchers discover how inhibitory neurons behave during critical periods of learning

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:18 PM PDT

We've all heard the saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." For years, neuroscientists have struggled to understand how the microcircuitry of the brain makes learning easier for the young, and more difficult for the old. New findings show how one component of the brain's circuitry -- inhibitory neurons -- behave during critical periods of learning.

Cocaine use linked to new brain structures: Possible mechanism for drug-seeking behavior in humans identified

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:17 PM PDT

Mice given cocaine showed rapid growth in new brain structures associated with learning and memory, according to a research team. The findings suggest a way in which drug use may lead to drug-seeking behavior that fosters continued drug use, according to the scientists.

Epilepsy drug dosage linked to specific birth defects

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:17 PM PDT

New medical research has given pregnant women with epilepsy new hope of reducing their chance of having a baby with physical birth defects.

Potential molecular defense against Huntington's disease

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

Huntington's disease experts have discovered that glutathione peroxidase activity improves symptoms in models of the neurodegenerative disorder.

Key protein accelerates diabetes in two ways

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

The same protein tells beta cells in the pancreas to stop making insulin and then to self-destruct as diabetes worsens, according to a new study.

How the brain remembers pleasure: Implications for addiction

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

Key details of the way nerve cells in the brain remember pleasure are revealed in a new study. The molecular events that form such "reward memories" appear to differ from those created by drug addiction, despite the popular theory that addiction hijacks normal reward pathways.

Strongest clues to date for causes of schizophrenia

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

A new genome-wide association study estimates the number of different places in the human genome that are involved in schizophrenia. In particular, the study identifies 22 locations, including 13 that are newly discovered, that are believed to play a role in causing schizophrenia.

Novel way gene controls stem cell self-renewal

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

Stem cell scientists have discovered the gene GATA3 has a role in how blood stem cells renew themselves, a finding that advances the quest to expand these cells in the lab for clinical use in bone marrow transplantation, a procedure that saves thousands of lives every year.

Scientists pinpoint 105 additional genetic errors that cause cystic fibrosis

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 02:15 PM PDT

Of the over 1,900 errors already reported in the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF), it is unclear how many of them actually contribute to the inherited disease. Now a team of researchers reports significant headway in figuring out which mutations are benign and which are deleterious, accounting for 95 percent of the variations found in patients with CF.

[International Games Day @ your library] Game write-up: Freedom - The Underground Railroad

Hi!

We just wanted to let you know that International Games Day @ your library has
posted a new item, 'Game write-up: Freedom - The Underground Railroad'

Hi folks! This write-up of a new historical game (designed by a fellow library
successfully Kickstarted last month) was submitted for this month's game genre
write-up, but it sounds so interesting that I've decided to post it separately
so it doesn't get lost.

Name: Freedom - The Underground Railroad
Publisher: Academy Games
Number of Players: 1 to [...]

You can view this latest post at
http://igd.ala.org/2013/08/26/game-write-up-freedom-the-underground-railroad/

You received this email because you asked to be notified when new updates are
posted.

Game on,
Phil Minchin
ALA's International Games Day @ your library initiative