cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DisARM: Mitigating Buffer Overflow Attacks on Embedded Devices

Security of embedded devices today is a critical requirement for the Internet of Things (IoT) as these devices will access sensitive information such as social security numbers and health records. This makes these devices a lucrative target for attacks exploiting vulnerabilities to inject malicious code or reuse existing code to alter the execution of their software. Existing defense techniques have major drawbacks such as requiring source code or symbolic debugging information, and high overhead, limiting their applicability. In this paper we propose a novel defense technique, DisARM, that protects against both code-injection and code-reuse based buffer overflow attacks by breaking the ability for attackers to manipulate the return address of a function. Our approach operates on arbitrary executable binaries and thus does not require compiler support. In addition it does not require user interactions and can thus be automatically applied. Our experimental results show that our approach incurs low overhead and significantly increases the level of security against both code-injection and code-reuse based attacks.
COMPARISON OF SOIL INSECTICIDE APPLICATION METHODS IN A CONSERVATION TILLAGE SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING CORN WIREWORMS ON FIELD CORN, 1999

COMPARISON OF SOIL INSECTICIDE APPLICATION METHODS IN A CONSERVATION TILLAGE SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING CORN WIREWORMS ON FIELD CORN, 1999: This study was conducted at the Mountain Branch Experiment Station, Blairsville, GA, to evaluate the efficacy of various methods of applying soil insecticides for the control of corn wireworms. Each treatment was applied to the two middle rows of 25-ft long, 4-row plots. A RCB design with four replications was used. One untreated check was included in each replication. Seed was planted on 19 May using a four row Cole no-till planter. Granular insecticides were applied at planting using three methods: a 7-inch band application, a 7-inch T-band application, and precision placement of insecticide onto the planted hill using a jab planter for seed placement and a bazooka for insecticide application. All insecticide rates are specified as lb (AI)/acre based on 38-inch rows. On 4 Jun, 20 plants were selected at random in untreated rows and examined for insect injury and the presence of larvae. All plants had wireworm injury and 7 plants had late instar corn wireworm larvae present in the soil nearby. On 8 Jun, 26 Jun, and 19 Jul, wireworm plant damage ratings were assessed for wireworm damage by surveying all of the plants in the two middle rows of each plot for feeding holes, tillered plants, and severely stunted plants. The total number of damaged and undamaged plants was recorded. The middle two rows of each plot were mechanically harvested on 26 Oct using a Hage small plot one row combine. Whole kernel corn was weighed in lb in the field to determine yield.
Social-emotional behaviours in Taiwanese pre-schools

Based on observations in ten pre-schools in Taipei in 1982, social-emotional behaviours are described within the categories of teacher-child interactions, display of emotions, self-esteem behaviours, responsibility behaviours and children’s peer interactions. Positive behaviours greatly predominate. Compliance is high yet children show few signs of tension, stress or severe constraint. They appear to be interested in and enjoying most activities.
Abstract 4907: Knockdown of MMP-9 inhibits radiation-induced invasive phenotype, angiogenesis and tumor growth in glioma cancer stem cells.

Gliomas contain a small number of treatment-resistant glioma stem cells (GSCs). It is thought that tumor regrowth or recurrence originates from GSCs, thus rendering GSCs an attractive target for novel treatment approaches. GSCs are also resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and a low dose of ionizing radiation can induce stem cell-like properties in heterogeneous cancer cells. In the present study, an isolated glioma stem cell population exhibited a significant differential expression of MMP-9 and a low dose of irradiation enhanced MMP-9 expression levels. Transfection of GSCs with pMMP-9-Si inhibited radiation-induced MMP-9 activity and protein levels as well as cell proliferation. The sphere de-differentiating and invasive ability of GSCs were also reduced in MMP-9 knockdown cells when compared with mock and pSV controls. MMP-9 knockdown led to the induction of apoptotic cell death as determined by FACS and TUNEL analyses, and caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. pMMP-9-Si transfection also inhibited radiation-induced angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo in GSCs. Further, pMMP-9-Si treatment inhibited pre-established glioma tumor growth in an intracranial model. In addition, GSC xenograft tissue sections from mice that were treated with MMP-9 siRNA showed reduced expression of VEGF and the angiogenic marker, CD31. Indeed, TUNEL analysis of tumor sections collected from the combination group of pMMP-9-Si and irradiation revealed more apoptotic cells. These results validate the usefulness of targeting MMP-9 and provide a novel perspective in the treatment of the cancer stem cell population with its higher resistance to radiotherapy. Citation Format: Chandramu Chetty, Shivani Ponnala, Meena Gujrati, Jasti S. Rao. Knockdown of MMP-9 inhibits radiation-induced invasive phenotype, angiogenesis and tumor growth in glioma cancer stem cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4907. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4907
Changes in Postpartum Insulin Requirements for Patients with Well-Controlled Type 1 Diabetes.

Objective To compare postpartum with preconception insulin doses in well-controlled (HbA 1c ≤ 7.4%) type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to characterize differences in postpartum insulin dosing based on infant feeding. Study Design The primary outcome in this retrospective cohort was the change in total daily insulin (TDI) from preconception to postpartum. Insulin administration (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion [CSII] vs. multiple daily injections [MDI]), HbA 1c , body mass index (BMI), and infant feeding were abstracted. Results We identified 44 women with T1DM and HbA 1c ≤ 7.4%. Preconception mean BMI was 24.6 ± 3.6 kg/m 2 and median (interquartile range [IQR]) HbA 1c was 6.4 (6.0–6.9)%. Of these, 73% used CSII and 27% used MDI. Additionally, 80% of patients reported exclusive breastfeeding, 7% were exclusively formula feeding, and 13% used both breast milk and formula. Median (IQR) preconception TDI was 0.64 (0.49–0.69) U/kg/day, and postpartum: 0.39 (0.30–0.50) U/kg/day. Postpartum TDI was 34% lower than preconception TDI ( p = 0.02). There was no difference in the postpartum TDI in patients who were breast versus formula feeding or when comparing CSII with MDI. Conclusion There was a significant decrease in the TDI required postpartum when compared with preconception. Dosages do not seem to be impacted by administration route or breastfeeding. These findings warrant consideration when dosing postpartum insulin in patients with T1DM.
Document Image Quality Assessment Using Discriminative Sparse Representation

The goal of document image quality assessment (DIQA) is to build a computational model which can predict the degree of degradation for document images. Based on the estimated quality scores, the immediate feedback can be provided by document processing and analysis systems, which helps to maintain, organize, recognize and retrieve the information from document images. Recently, the bag-of-visual-words (BoV) based approaches have gained increasing attention from researchers to fulfill the task of quality assessment, but how to use BoV to represent images more accurately is still a challenging problem. In this paper, we propose to utilize a sparse representation based method to estimate document image's quality with respect to the OCR capability. Unlike the conventional sparse representation approaches, we introduce the target quality scores into the training phase of sparse representation. The proposed method improves the discriminability of the system and ensures the obtained codebook is more suitable for our assessment task. The experimental results on a public dataset show that the proposed method outperforms other hand-crafted and BoV based DIQA approaches.
First-Generation Sociology Majors:

First-generation immigrants studying as sociology majors see excellent employment outcomes.
The Influence of Social Environment on Morbidity, Mortality, and Reproductive Success in Free-Ranging Cercopithecine Primates

An understanding of the consequences of the socioeconomic gradient is paramount to addressing public health concerns. It has been well documented in Westernized societies that there is an association between low socioeconomic status (SES) and increased risk of adverse health outcomes; however, it is unknown whether the predominant cause of the health gradient is differences in lifestyle risk factors or psychophysiological responses to one’s social environment or both. Studying free-ranging cercopithecine primates provides a unique opportunity to study the effects of social environment on health. This review details effects of SES and other attributes of social environment on morbidity, mortality, and reproductive success in several of the best-studied free-ranging cercopithecine primate species—including olive baboons (Papio anubis), yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus), chacma baboons (Papio ursinus), cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis), and rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). In these species, animals that occupy a low social status tend to be hypercortisolemic, slower to recover from injury and illness, experience increased mortality rates, and have decreased reproductive success. Rank effects seem to be most pronounced during times when allocation of resources—including food, water, and spacial positioning—became priorities such as for reproducing or surviving environmental threats. The development of strong and consistent social bonds may partially offset adverse health outcomes associated with low dominance rank and was found to independently predict survivorship. Overall, studies in free-ranging cercopithecine primates suggest that social environment, including psychophysiological stressors, influence the social inequalities observed in human health.
AMPA receptors: Molecular biology and pharmacology

Glutamate receptors are subdivided into metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors. AMPA receptors are a class of ionotropic glutamate receptors, composed of GluA1-GluA4 subunits. AMPA receptors are present both postsynaptically and presynaptically. AMPA receptors assemble as tetramers and are present as dimers of dimers. AMPA receptor subunits are formed as the consequence of differential RNA editing. The GluA2 subunit undergoes RNA editing at the Q/R site. AMPA receptors possess agonists, competitive antagonists, non competitive antagonists, positive allosteric modulators and pore blocking molecules that act on the receptors to produce an effect. AMPA receptor trafficking plays a role in synaptic plasticity.
Marine plastic debris emits a keystone infochemical for olfactory foraging seabirds

Plastic debris is ingested by hundreds of species of organisms, from zooplankton to baleen whales, but how such a diversity of consumers can mistake plastic for their natural prey is largely unknown. The sensory mechanisms underlying plastic detection and consumption have rarely been examined within the context of sensory signals driving marine food web dynamics. We demonstrate experimentally that marine-seasoned microplastics produce a dimethyl sulfide (DMS) signature that is also a keystone odorant for natural trophic interactions. We further demonstrate a positive relationship between DMS responsiveness and plastic ingestion frequency using procellariiform seabirds as a model taxonomic group. Together, these results suggest that plastic debris emits the scent of a marine infochemical, creating an olfactory trap for susceptible marine wildlife.
Transcriptional regulators dictate innate lymphoid cell fates

Research on innate lymphoid cells (ILC) has recently been a fast paced topic of immunological research. As ILCs are able to produce signature Th cytokine, ILCs have garnered considerable attention and have been described to represent the innate counterpart of the CD4+ T helper (Th) cells. The development and function of ILCs are precisely regulated by a network of crucial transcription factors, which are also involved in the development or differentiation of conventional natural killer (cNK) cells and T cells. In this review, we will summarize the key transcriptional regulators and their functions through each phases of ILC development. With the phase of ILC lineage commitment, we will focus in particular on the roles of the transcription regulators Id2 and GATA-3, which in collaboration with other transcriptional factors, are critically involved in the generation of ILC fate determined progenitors. Once an ILC lineage has been established, several other transcription factors are required for the specification and functional regulation of distinct mature ILC subsets. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the interactions and regulatory mechanisms mediated by these transcription factors will help us to further understand how ILCs exert their helper-like functions and bridge the innate and adaptive immunity.
A Novel Flow Cytometric Annexin A5 Competition Assay for the Diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome.

Abstract Annexin A5 (A5) is a potent anticoagulant protein that crystallizes over phospholipid surfaces, shielding them from availability for coagulation enzyme reactions. The antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune thrombophilia that is marked by the presence of antibodies against phospholipid-binding proteins and the paradoxical lupus anticoagulant phenomenon. aPL antibodies can promote coagulation by interfering with the crystallization of A5, thereby increasing the exposure of blood to thrombogenic anionic phospholipids. Since a flow cytometric assay for aPL measuring A5 binding to frozen thawed platelets was previously reported, we investigated whether phosphatidylserine-bound polystyrene beads could provide a robust platform for the assay. Beads were incubated with sera from patients with the aPL syndrome and from non-aPL controls. Fluorescence-tagged A5 was added and samples were analyzed by flow cytometry. Similarly treated beads were also used in coagulation assays to determine whether A5 anticoagulant function was also inhibited. Control sera permitted fluorescent labeling of nearly all beads. In contrast, sera from aPL syndrome patients produced a major population of unlabeled beads, sometimes accompanied by a minor population of labeled beads. 7 of 13 confirmed aPL syndrome patients, and 7 of 12 anticardiolipin antibody positive patients, demonstrated reduced A5 binding in this assay, while 10 of 10 healthy blood donor controls did not. Dilution of the aPL sera resulted in progressive increase of A5 binding. Reduction of A5 binding appeared to correlate with reduced A5 anticoagulant activity (r=0.42, n=33, p=.01). This assay shows promise for investigating the effects of aPL antibodies on A5 binding and for the clinical diagnosis of the aPL syndrome. Download : Download high-res image (186KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure Download : Download high-res image (184KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure
A departure for returning to sabha: a study of koan practice of silence

This paper deals with koan practice of silence through analyzing the Korean Zen Buddhist film, Why Has Boddhidharma Left for the East? (Bae, Yong-Kyun, Why Has Bodhidharma Left for the East? 1989). This paper follows Kibong's path along with the Buddha's journey of 1) departure, 2) journey in the middle way, and 3) returning with a particular focus on koan practice of silence as the transformative element of enlightenment. Analyzing silence throughout the film, this paper studies the Seon Buddhist lifestyle in an aesthetic way and finds a philosophical understanding of interdependency of samsara and nirvana. Silence is a crucial element of koan. Koan is, indeed, not to be answered, but to be practiced through one's life.
Forensic Fractography of Bone: A New Approach to Skeletal Trauma Analysis

Fractography is the study of fracture surface morphology, and it can be used to assess a material’s mechanical properties as well as to determine the underlying mechanisms leading to material failure. Fracture surfaces reveal information about fracture initiation and propagation in bone, yet little consideration has been given to bone fracture surfaces in forensic contexts. Moreover, the science of fractography has never been applied to bone in forensic anthropological contexts. Here we test the application of principles of fractography to the analysis of fractured femoral cortical bone to assess the utility of fractography in the forensic analysis of skeletal trauma. We find that features, which we term bone mirror, arrest ridges, bone hackle, wake features, and cantilever curl, can be used to reliably determine the point of fracture nucleation and direction of fracture propagation. These features can generally be seen with the unaided eye and are further enhanced using oblique lighting, contrast medium application, and low-power microscopy. This approach is reliable and can be easily and inexpensively applied in forensic anthropological examinations. KEYWORDS: forensic anthropology, fractography, bone, trauma analysis
A new method to calculate unsteady particle kinematics and drag coefficient in a subsonic post-shock flow

We introduce a new method (piecewise integrated dynamics equation fit, PIDEF) that uses the particle dynamics equation to determine unsteady kinematics and drag coefficient (C D) for a particle in subsonic post-shock flow. The uncertainty of this method is assessed based on simulated trajectories for both quasi-steady and unsteady flow conditions. Traditional piecewise polynomial fitting (PPF) shows high sensitivity to measurement error and the function used to describe C D, creating high levels of relative error (1) when applied to unsteady shock-accelerated flows. The PIDEF method provides reduced uncertainty in calculations of unsteady acceleration and drag coefficient for both quasi-steady and unsteady flows. This makes PIDEF a preferable method over PPF for complex flows where the temporal response of C D is unknown. We apply PIDEF to experimental measurements of particle trajectories from 8-pulse particle tracking and determine the effect of incident Mach number on relaxation kinematics and drag coefficient of micron-sized particles.
Evaluation of Estimation Methods for Shear Fatigue Properties and Correlations with Uniaxial Fatigue Properties for Steels and Titanium Alloys

The goal of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of different methods in correlating uniaxial fatigue properties to shear fatigue properties, as well as finding a reliable estimation method which is able to predict the shear fatigue behavior of steels and titanium alloys from their monotonic properties. In order to do so, axial monotonic as well as axial and torsion fatigue tests were performed on two types of steel and a Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The results of these tests along with test results of 23 types of carbon steel, Inconel 718, and three types of titanium alloys commonly used in the industry were analyzed. It was found that von Mises and maximum principal strain criteria were able to effectively correlate uniaxial fatigue properties to shear fatigue properties for ductile and brittle behaving materials, respectively. Also, it was observed that for steels and Inconel 718 obtaining shear fatigue properties from uniaxial fatigue properties which are in turn calculated from Roessle-Fatemi estimation method resulted in reasonable estimations when compared to experimentally obtained uniaxial fatigue properties. Furthermore, a modification was made to the Roessle-Fatemi hardness method in order to adjust it to fatigue behavior of titanium alloys. The modified method, which was derived from uniaxial fatigue properties of titanium alloys with Brinell hardness between 240 and 353 proved to be accurate in predicting the shear fatigue behaviors.
Conservative Management of Suspected Bladder Rupture After Augmentation Enterocystoplasty

Bladder rupture after augmentation enterocystoplasty is a potentially life-threatening condition. We reviewed our experience with 13 patients who presented to our institution with 15 episodes of sudden onset of abdominal pain and rebound tenderness, and were diagnosed on clinical grounds to have peritonitis secondary to a suspected bladder augmentation rupture. (Three patients had had similar episodes treated previously elsewhere with abdominal exploration and repair of an augmentation rupture.) These episodes were initially managed with hospitalization, bladder drainage with an indwelling catheter, intravenous antibiotics and serial abdominal examinations. Cystogram and/or computerized tomography was diagnostic in only 3 of 7 cases in which it was performed. In 13 of 15 instances signs and symptoms of peritonitis quickly resolved, and intermittent catheterization was resumed after a mean of 12 days. In the remaining 2 patients delayed surgical repair of a bladder rupture was done in 1, and exploration and repair of an incarcerated internal hernia were done in 1. Although prompt abdominal exploration is the gold standard for suspected bladder augmentation rupture, treatment of peritonitis as bladder rupture in patients with a bladder augmentation by nonoperative techniques was successful in 87% of episodes.
An Advanced Numerical Model of Gear Tooth Loading from Backlash and Profile Errors

This study demonstrates the early transient dynamic loading on teeth within a fixed-axis gear transmission arising from backlash and geometric manufacturing errors by utilizing a non-linear multi-body dynamics software model. Selection of the non-linear contact parameters such as the stiffness, force exponent, damping, and friction coefficients are presented for a practical transmission. Backlash between gear teeth which is essential to provide better lubrication on tooth surfaces and to eliminate interference is included as a defect and a necessary part of transmission design. Torsional vibration is shown to cause teeth separation and double-sided impacts in unloaded and lightly loaded gearing drives. Vibration and impact force distinctions between backlash and combinations of transmission errors are demonstrated under different initial velocities and load conditions. Additionally, the loading dynamics of a crank-slider mechanism with two-stage gear driving train is analyzed. The backlash and manufacturing errors in the first stage of the gear train are distinct from those of the second stage. By analyzing the signal at a location between the two stages, the mutually affected impact forces are observed from different gear pairs, a phenomenon not observed from single pair of gears.
Incentives to Manage Earnings to Avoid Earnings Decreases and Losses: Evidence from Quarterly Earnings

This paper develops a model which shows how higher marginal benefits of earnings management in the vicinity of zero can lead to avoidance of earnings decreases and losses like that reported in Burgstahler and Dichev (1997) for annual earnings. In addition, two types of related empirical evidence are presented. First, for quarterly earnings where incentives and costs of earnings management are expected to differ, cross-sectional distributions of reported earnings show evidence of earnings management to avoid earnings decreases (both relative to the immediately preceding quarter and relative to the corresponding fiscal quarter in the previous year, though evidence of the latter is stronger) and to avoid losses (both for individual quarters and for cumulative year-to-date earnings). Second, evidence is presented consistent with the key assumption of the model that the marginal benefit of earnings management is higher in the vicinity of zero. Specifically, it is shown that the net probability of equity and debt rating improvements (the probability of ratings upgrades less the probability of rating downgrades) increases in the vicinity of zero changes and zero levels of earnings.
Silencing of the Bells: Relaxation Theory Part One

Ahh, relaxation. Say it slowly, and the word itself conjures calming images—a hammock in the sun, a cool breeze at the beach, or a mug of hot chocolate on a snowy day. No matter how you like to wind down after a tough week or stressful semester, relaxation is about releasing pent up energy and returning to a lower energy state that you think of as normal.
Introduction to Uncertainty Quantification and Predictive Science

This chapter covers the landscape of predictive science and uncertainty quantification. Beginning with a discussion of the limits of knowledge and prediction, we discuss the processes of verification and validation as a means to understand how a computer simulation can be known to be solving the equations that it claims to (this is verification) and whether those equations are the correct ones to solve (this is validation). A discussion of the intricacies of verification and validation including the necessity of having experiments particularly designed for validation follows. We then transition to define the task of uncertainty quantification. The concept of a quantity of interest is defined, and the use of uncertainty information to answer questions regarding safety and design is presented.
Single-channel Hadamard gate by exploiting frequency conversion of single-photon Raman scattering in chiral quantum nanophotonics

To enhance the spatial utility of typical two-port Hadamard gate, we propose a novel single-channel scheme through frequency conversion in Λ-atom-mediated single-photon Raman scattering process in chiral quantum nanophotonics. We demonstrate faithful and efficient gate operations, and quantitatively analyze gate performance. Moreover, by manipulating photon-emitter coupling and frequency detuning, it is confirmed that an arbitrary unitary single-qubit operations are achieved in the presented configuration, including most representative single-qubit Hadamard, X, Z, S, and T gates. Due to the advent of directional emission techniques, the chiral condition is readily experimentally feasible. In addition, we further propose an alternative N-type atom architecture to perform Hadamard operations that are enabled by hyperfine structure in the strong-coupling regime.
Assessment of Critical Feeding Tube Malpositions on Radiographs Using Deep Learning

Assess the efficacy of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) in detection of critical enteric feeding tube malpositions on radiographs. 5475 de-identified HIPAA compliant frontal view chest and abdominal radiographs were obtained, consisting of 174 x-rays of bronchial insertions and 5301 non-critical radiographs, including normal course, normal chest, and normal abdominal x-rays. The ground-truth classification for enteric feeding tube placement was performed by two board-certified radiologists. Untrained and pretrained deep convolutional neural network models for Inception V3, ResNet50, and DenseNet 121 were each employed. The radiographs were fed into each deep convolutional neural network, which included untrained and pretrained models. The Tensorflow framework was used for Inception V3, ResNet50, and DenseNet. Images were split into training (4745), validation (630), and test (100). Both real-time and preprocessing image augmentation strategies were performed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) on the test data were used to assess the models. Statistical differences among the AUCs were obtained. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The pretrained Inception V3, which had an AUC of 0.87 (95 CI; 0.80–0.94), performed statistically significantly better (p < .001) than the untrained Inception V3, with an AUC of 0.60 (95 CI; 0.52–0.68). The pretrained Inception V3 also had the highest AUC overall, as compared with ResNet50 and DenseNet121, with AUC values ranging from 0.82 to 0.85. Each pretrained network outperformed its untrained counterpart. (p < 0.05). Deep learning demonstrates promise in differentiating critical vs. non-critical placement with an AUC of 0.87. Pretrained networks outperformed untrained ones in all cases. DCNNs may allow for more rapid identification and communication of critical feeding tube malpositions.
Surrogate modelling to enable structural assessment of collision between vertical concrete dry casks

Vertical concrete dry casks, used for interim storage of spent nuclear fuel, are susceptible to large horizontal displacements caused by lateral loads. This study explores the collision between adj...
Column carbon dioxide and water vapor measurements by an airborne triple-pulse integrated path differential absorption lidar: novel lidar technologies and techniques with path to space

The 2-micron wavelength region is suitable for atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) measurements due to the existence of distinct absorption features for the gas at this wavelength region [1]. For more than 20 years, researchers at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) have developed several high-energy and high repetition rate 2-micron pulsed lasers [2]. Currently, LaRC team is engaged in designing, developing and demonstrating a triple-pulsed 2-micron direct detection Integrated Path Differential Absorption (IPDA) lidar to measure the weighted-average column dry-air mixing ratios of carbon dioxide (XCO2) and water vapor (XH2O) from an airborne platform [1, 3-5]. This novel technique allows measurement of the two most dominant greenhouse gases, simultaneously and independently, using a single instrument. This paper will provide status and details of the development of this airborne 2-micron triple-pulse IPDA lidar. The presented work will focus on the advancement of critical IPDA lidar components. Updates on the state-of-the-art triple-pulse laser transmitter will be presented including the status of seed laser locking, wavelength control, receiver and detector upgrades, laser packaging and lidar integration. Future plans for IPDA lidar ground integration, testing and flight validation will also be discussed. This work enables new Earth observation measurements, while reducing risk, cost, size, volume, mass and development time of required instruments.
CHAPTER TEN – Pregnancy

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the process of pregnancy or gestation, during which the mother supports a developing human to a stage at which it can exist in the outside world. Pregnancy is the condition in which a developing human is nurtured within the uterus that begins at conception and lasts for about 266 days. There are presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy. Pregnancy tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin in a woman's urine or blood that can utilize bioassay, immunoassay, or radioimmunoassay. A woman is pregnant if she misses her first menstrual period. The embryo forms three primary germ layers, which gives rise to all adult tissues. Pregnancy brings about physiological changes and psychological adjustments in the future mother as well as remarkable development and growth of the fetus. The internal relationship between the mother and the fetus terminates in childbirth. Embryonic and fetal development is complex and is accompanied by the growth and development of all adult organ systems. Many fetal organ systems are functional early in development. Some maternal complications of pregnancy include toxemia, diabetes mellitus, placenta previa, ectopic pregnancy, hydatidiform moles, septic pregnancy, and maternal hemorrhage.
Using Deming's Cycle for Improvement in a Course: A Case Study

The boundaries between accounting and technology is becoming fuzzier as accounting companies are becoming consulting companies. Digital economies are changing business models and companies that do not adept can become obsolete very fast. Even professional organizations are recommending using technology to modernize, automate and expedite accounting discipline. Therefore, it is necessary to train personnel to become competent in both technology and accounting. Universities are fulfilling this requirement by offering courses such as Accounting Information Systems, data analytics, big data, etc. This article uses Deming's PlanDoCheckAct (PDCA) cycle for longitudinal assessment and improvement of the AIS course. Instead of re-inventing the wheel, instructors can learn from our experience. This article would be useful for instructors trying different and emerging approaches. In addition, this article would be useful for instructors trying to engage students and to train them for future challenges.
Mechanisms of Congenital Malformations in Pregnancies with Pre-existing Diabetes

Fetuses of diabetic mothers are at increased risk for congenital malformations. Research in recent decades using animal and embryonic stem cell models has revealed many embryonic developmental processes that are disturbed by maternal diabetes. The aim of this review is to give clinicians a better understanding of the reasons for rigorous glycemic control in early pregnancy, and to provide background to guide future research. Mouse models of diabetic pregnancy have revealed mechanisms for altered expression of tissue-specific genes that lead to malformations that are more common in diabetic pregnancies, such as neural tube defects (NTDs) and congenital heart defects (CHDs), and how altered gene expression causes apoptosis that leads to malformations. Embryos express the glucose transporter, GLUT2, which confers susceptibility to malformation, due to high rates of glucose uptake during maternal hyperglycemia and subsequent oxidative stress; however, the teleological function of GLUT2 for mammalian embryos may be to transport the amino sugar glucosamine (GlcN) from maternal circulation to be used as substrate for glycosylation reactions and to promote embryo cell growth. Malformations in diabetic pregnancy may be not only due to excess glucose uptake but also due to insufficient GlcN uptake. Avoiding maternal hyperglycemia during early pregnancy should prevent excess glucose uptake via GLUT2 into embryo cells, and also permit sufficient GLUT2-mediated GlcN uptake.
Chemical rescue of mutant proteins in living cells by naturally occurring small molecules

Abstract Intracellular proteins function in a complex milieu wherein small molecules influence protein folding and act as essential cofactors for enzymatic reactions. Thus protein function depends not only on amino acid sequence but also on the concentrations of such molecules, which are subject to wide variation between organisms, metabolic states, and environmental conditions. We previously found evidence that exogenous guanidine reverses the phenotypes of specific budding yeast septin mutants by binding to a WT septin at the former site of an Arg side chain that was lost during fungal evolution. Here we used a combination of targeted and unbiased approaches to look for other cases of “chemical rescue” by naturally occurring small molecules. We report in vivo rescue of hundreds of yeast mutants representing a variety of genes, including likely examples of Arg or Lys side chain replacement by the guanidinium ion. Failed rescue of targeted mutants highlight features required for rescue, as well as key differences between the in vitro and in vivo environments. Some non-Arg mutants rescued by guanidine likely result from “off-target” effects on specific cellular processes in WT cells. Molecules isosteric to guanidine and known to influence protein folding had a range of effects, from essentially none for urea, to rescue of a few mutants by DMSO. Strikingly, the osmolyte trimethylamine-N-oxide rescued ∼20% of the mutants we tested, likely reflecting combinations of direct and indirect effects on mutant protein function. Our findings illustrate the potential of natural small molecules as therapeutic interventions and drivers of evolution.
Apolipoprotein A-I modulates HDL particle size in the absence of apolipoprotein A-II

Abstract Human high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are a complex mixture of structurally related nanoparticles that perform distinct physiological functions. We previously showed that human HDL containing apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1) but not apolipoprotein A-II (APOA2), designated LpA-I, is composed primarily of two discretely sized populations. Here, we isolated these particles directly from human plasma by antibody affinity chromatography, separated them by high-resolution size-exclusion chromatography and performed a deep molecular characterization of each species. The large and small LpA-I populations were spherical with mean diameters of 109 A and 91 A, respectively. Unexpectedly, isotope dilution MS/MS with [15N]-APOA1 in concert with quantitation of particle concentration by calibrated ion mobility analysis demonstrated that the large particles contained fewer APOA1 molecules than the small particles; the stoichiometries were 3.0 and 3.7 molecules of APOA1 per particle, respectively. MS/MS experiments showed that the protein cargo of large LpA-I particles was more diverse. Human HDL and isolated particles containing both APOA1 and APOA2 exhibit a much wider range and variation of particle sizes than LpA-I, indicating that APOA2 is likely the major contributor to HDL size heterogeneity. We propose a ratchet model based on the trefoil structure of APOA1 whereby the helical cage maintaining particle structure has two “settings”—large and small—that accounts for these findings. This understanding of the determinants of HDL particle size and protein cargo distribution serves as a basis for determining the roles of HDL subpopulations in metabolism and disease states.
Stable isotopes provide insight into sources and cycling of N compounds in the Sacramento-san Joaquin Delta, California, USA

Abstract River deltas and their diverse array of aquatic environments are increasingly impacted by anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen (N). These inputs can alter the N biogeochemistry of these systems and promote undesirable phenomena including harmful algae blooms and invasive aquatic macrophytes. To examine N sources and biogeochemical processes in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, a river delta located in central California, USA, that is fed primarily by the Sacramento River, we utilized a multi-tracer approach that measured N species concentrations and stable isotope values monthly from April 2011 to November 2012 in samples collected from the channelized mainstem of the Sacramento River, two channelized distributaries of the Sacramento River, and the Cache Slough Complex, a network of Sacramento River tributaries and shallow water wetland habitat. We found that the Sacramento River and its channelized distributaries received N primarily in the form of NH4+ from treated wastewater effluent and that NH4+ was lost rapidly while NO3− was gained more slowly during subsequent downstream transit, driven by an array of biogeochemical processes whose identities could be constrained via examination of stable isotope values. The Cache Slough Complex, which was characterized by lower net flows and higher water residence times than the Sacramento River and its distributaries, received variable inputs of low conductivity water elevated in NH4+ from the Sacramento River and higher conductivity water elevated in NO3− from landward tributaries. Deviations from expected conservative mixing of these sources were spatially variable but broadly indicative of local inputs of treated wastewater effluent NO3−, conversion of Sacramento River NH4+ to NO3− via nitrification, uptake of NH4+ and NO3− by phytoplankton, and remineralization of organic N. These findings highlight both the diversity in N dynamics in anthropogenically impacted river delta environments and the utility of a multi-tracer approach in constraining these processes in such complex systems.
Spectral broadening of Kerr frequency combs generated from a normal dispersion silicon nitride microresonator

We demonstrate a scheme to broaden the bandwidth of the Kerr frequency comb generated through mode interaction in a silicon nitride microresonator with normal dispersion. The broadened comb has a bandwidth of over 5 THz and can be compressed to the bandwidth limited time profile via dispersive fiber propagation.
On the μ control of uncertain manipulator arms

The robust control of uncertain manipulator arm systems is treated using feedback linearization to geneate an uncertain linear model and applying H∞/μ control synthesis and analysis to design a controller for robust performance. A simple method for inverting an uncertain mass matrix. The presented theory is successfully applied to the uncertain nonlinear system of an inverted pendulum on a cart.
SPECIAL INTERESTS AND FINANCIAL LIBERALIZATION: THE CASE OF MEXICO

Financial liberalization is often believed to enhance economic growth. Yet in many cases a few powerful incumbents seem to capture most of the gains from the reform. In this paper, I construct a model with endogenous formation of special interest groups that could reap most of the benefits of financial liberalization. In particular, these groups lobby to limit entry by other firms, while taking advantage of improved borrowing opportunities. I then use the model to study the Mexican financial liberalization of 1988. Analysis of firm-level panel data on manufacturing plants reveals patterns suggested by the model. Specifically, large firms in more concentrated or more corrupt sectors benefit more from liberalization. In addition, domestically owned firms gain more than firms with foreign ownership. I also propose a new way to measure corruption at the industry level based on the Mexican 10% profit sharing rule. FINANCIAL LIBERALIZATION is often viewed as an important tool for fostering economic growth. Yet many financial system reforms have had limited success. Some, in fact, have been followed by severe economic crises. In this paper, I construct a model with endogenous formation of special interest groups (SIGs) that undermine financial liberalization. In particular, these groups lobby to limit entry by other firms, while taking advantage of improved borrowing opportunities. I then use the model to study the Mexican financial liberalization of 1988. Analysis of firm-level panel data on manufacturing plants reveals patterns suggested by the model. Specifically, large firms in more concentrated or more ‘‘corrupt’’ sectors benefit more from liberalization. In addition, domestically owned firms gain more than firms with foreign ownership. I also propose a new way to measure corruption at the industry level based on the Mexican 10% profit sharing rule. The theoretical part of this paper considers a static one-period economy populated by a continuum of unit mass of individuals with identical preferences over a set of specialized
Social Cognition and Perception

Social cognition consists of the psychological processes through which individuals construct a meaningful understanding of their social environment. A key assumption of this approach is that it is the perceiver's subjective construal of the social world—rather than the objective circumstances—that controls much of human behavior. However, subjective understandings often emerge quite rapidly and automatically, with little effort or intention on the perceiver's part. We review the core processes through which these subjective understandings are constructed and used. In particular, we examine the roles of commonsense reasoning processes, automatic inferences based on appearance and behavior cues, egocentric projection, and stereotyping in constructing social impressions. We also review theoretical approaches that situate person perception in various contexts of social interdependence and interpersonal relationships. We conclude by considering some of the ways in which ostensibly basic processes of social cognition are shaped by cultural conditioning, producing cross-cultural variations in the nature of person perception. Keywords: automaticity; person perception; projection; social categorization
Mutagenicity studies of ambient airborne particles: II. Comparison of extraction methods

Organic materials were extracted with acetone from airborne particles by shaking, soxhletion and sonication for varying durations. 4-h, 1-h and 1/8-min extractions by shaking, soxhletion and sonication, respectively gave maximum his+ revertants with the Ames Salmonella/microsome assay. In a comparative study of extraction methods, sonication gave the highest and soxhletion the lowest mutagenic response. It appears that sonication with acetone is the best procedure for the extraction of mutagens from airborne particles as shown by Ames assay and Arar assay systems in Salmonella typhimurium.
Nonlinear Scattering Theory

Scattering theory compares the behavior in the distant future and past of a system evolving in time. It is called nonlinear if the system evolves in a nonlinear fashion. Consider a one-parameter group of operators on some linear space X: $$ U(t)U(s) = U(t + s);U(o) = I $$ -∞ <t, s <+∞. We think of U(t)f as representing the state at time t beginning with a state f e X at time zero. We are interested in the behavior of U(t)f as t → ±∞ and in the relationship between the behavior at +∞ and at −∞.
Evaluating a Visual Navigation System for a Digital Library

In this paper we investigate a general purpose interactive information organization system. The system organizes documents by placing them into 1-, 2-, or 3-dimensional space based on their similarity and a spring-embedding algorithm. We begin by designing a method for estimating the quality of the organization when it is applied to a set of documents returned in response to a query. We show how the relevant documents tend to clump with each other in space. We proceed by presenting a method for measuring the amount of structure in the organization and we explain how this knowledge can be used to refine the system. We also show that increasing the dimensionality of the organization generally improves its quality. We introduce two methods for modifying the organization based on the information obtained from the user and show how such feedback improves the organization. All the analysis is done off-line without direct user intervention.
Molecular and genetic analysis of the yeast early meiotic recombination genes REC102 and REC107/MER2.

Abstract By selecting for mutations which could rescue the meiotic lethality of a rad52 spo13 strain, we isolated several new Rec genes required relatively early in the meiotic recombination process. This paper presents data to confirm that two of them, REC102 and REC107, are general, meiosis-specific recombination genes that have no detectable role during mitosis. Sequence analysis and genetic complementation indicate that REC107 is identical to the MER2 gene. No sequences related to REC102 have been found in the GenBank or EMBL collections. REC102 is expressed only in meiosis, prior to the reductional division, at about the time that genetic recombination occurs. Examination of the REC102 sequence indicates the presence of several sequences which may play a role in the regulation of its expression; however, the URS1 sequence commonly found in genes expressed early in meiosis is not present.