cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Validation of AJCC TNM staging for breast tumors diagnosed before 2004 in cancer registries.

American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Tumor (T), Nodal (N), and Metastatic (M) staging is commonly used in clinical practice for treatment decisions, yet before 2004, Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-affiliated cancer registries did not routinely include TNM staging defined by AJCC criteria, reporting instead SEER Summary Staging. We developed and validated an algorithm to determine AJCC TNM staging from Extent of Disease information for 17,133 female breast cancer cases diagnosed from 1988 to 2003 in the cancer registries of Kaiser Permanente Northern and Southern California. Test characteristics (percent agreement, Cohen’s kappa, sensitivity, specificity) were calculated to compare derived TNM with gold-standard TNM available in the registry. Agreement for TNM variables was excellent (range 0.91–1.00 for percent agreement and Cohen’s kappa). The sensitivity and specificity, respectively, of the algorithm for AJCC TNM Version 6 staging were as follows: Stage 0 (0.99, 1.00), Stage I (0.97, 0.98), Stage II (0.91, 0.96), Stage III (0.69, 0.99), and Stage IV (0.92, 1.00). Stage III had lower sensitivity due to reclassification of supraclavicular lymph node positivity from M1 (Stage IV) to N3 (Stage IIIC) in AJCC Version 6. Derived AJCC staging for breast tumors diagnosed before 2004 is feasible and accurate using cancer registry data.
Linear Eddy Modeling of Entrainment and Mixing in Stratus Clouds

Abstract Mixing of entrained air in stratus clouds is an important but poorly understood process. It is a crucial ingredient of cloud-top entrainment instability (CEI). CEI has been proposed as a breakup mechanism for stratus clouds. A recently developed model called the linear eddy model was used to simulate mixing of air entrained into stratus clouds. The linear eddy approach involves stochastic simulation on a one-dimensional domain with sufficient resolution to include all physically relevant length scales. In each realization, molecular diffusion is implemented explicitly, while a sequence of statistically independent “rearrangement events” represents the effect of turbulent eddies. Inertial range scaling is incorporated. The linear eddy model was used to simulate the mixing of one or more wisps of entrained air with a specified volume of cloud-topped boundary layer (CTBL) air. The volume was idealized to be a horizontal slab of fluid that travels from the top of the CTBL down to the surface in the d...
Electrolytic stimulation of denitrification in sand columns

Denitrification in two sand columns inoculated with a mixed culture of denitrifying microorganisms was stimulated when an electric current was passed using electrodes inserted within the columns. An average nitrogen removal efficiency of 49% was achieved at a current of 20 mA. Abiotic column experiments showed an average nitrogen removal efficiency of 20% at a current of 20 mA, indicating that the direct electrochemical reduction of nitrate on the cathode was occurring. Statistical analysis showed that at a 95% confidence level, the performance of the two columns with respect to the nitrogen removal efficiency was similar, the increase in nitrogen removal efficiency with an increase in passed current was significant and the difference in the performance between the abiotic and biologically active columns was significant. At a current of 20 mA, the 95% confidence interval for the contribution of biological activity to denitrification in the column is 18 to 69%.
DDT metabolized by Microorganisms from Lake Michigan

PERSISTENT chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides have been used throughout the world for the past two decades, and their residues or metabolites are accumulating in soil and water. There are several reports of microorganisms converting 1,1,1,trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) to 1,1,dichloro-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane (TDE)1–7. Other reports indicate that TDE is the principal product of DDT metabolism in aquatic environments8,9. There are, however, no reports of the metabolism of DDT by aquatic microorganisms in pure culture. Here we describe a study of the metabolism of DDT by microorganisms isolated from water and bottom silt of Lake Michigan and related water systems.
Dual-comb microwave photonic filtering with unprecedented 40-ns tuning speed

We present reconfigurable microwave photonic filtering with unprecedented 40 ns tuning speed based on dual electro-optically generated combs. The combs are derived from a single laser and are directly shaped for good filter selectivity.
Mass modelling of plum (Prunus domestica L.) fruit with some physical characteristics

Horticultural crops with similar weight and uniform shape are in high demand in terms of marketing value in the food sector. The knowledge on existing relationship between the mass, length, width, thickness, volume and projected areas of fruits is useful for proper design of grading machines. A part of this research was aimed to present some physical properties of plum fruit. In addition, in this study the mass of plum fruit was predicted using different physical characteristics in four models, including linear, quadratic, S-curve and power. According to the results, all properties considered in the current study were found to be statistically significant at the 1% probability level. The best and the worst models for predicting the mass of plum fruit were based on geometric mean diameter and length of the plum with determination coefficients of 0.803 and 0.125, respectively. At last, mass model of plum fruit based on first projected area from an economical standpoint is recommended.
Symplectic N and time reversal in frustrated magnetism

Identifying the time-reversal symmetry of spins as a symplectic symmetry, we develop a large $N$ approximation for quantum magnetism that embraces both antiferromagnetism and ferromagnetism. In $\text{SU}(N)$, where $Ng2$, not all spins invert under time reversal, so we have introduced a large $N$ treatment that builds interactions exclusively out of the symplectic subgroup $[\text{SP}(N)]$ of time-reversing spins, a more stringent condition than the symplectic symmetry of previous $\text{SP}(N)$ large $N$ treatments. As a result, we obtain a mean-field theory that incorporates the energy cost of frustrated bonds. When applied to the frustrated square lattice, the ferromagnetic bonds restore the frustration dependence of the critical spin in the N\'eel phase and recover the correct frustration dependence of the finite temperature Ising transition.
Study on the performance of active front steering system

The performance of a steering system equipped with active front steering (AFS) device is investigated with the consideration of AFS intervention and a proposed dynamic model. Firstly, the kinematics and dynamics of AFS are illustrated based on the mechanism of AFS with planetary gear set and a detailed dynamic model. Furthermore, a basic control on the voltage of DC motor at AFS actuator is proposed. It is realized by a proportional controller that the input is the difference of desired steering ratio and a conventional gear ratio. Finally, two numerical simulations are carried out. One is on-center handling test to demonstrate the basic characteristics of AFS. The other simulation is to demonstrate the effects of vehicle speed, frequency of steering input and AFS intervention on steering system performance. It is shown that the proposed AFS dynamic model is capable to simulate dynamic performance of AFS. The effect of AFS intervention on turning efforts at hand steering wheel is inevitable and the turning comfort is deteriorated to some extent.
The concept map as a research and evaluation tool: Further evidence of validity

This study sought further evidence of the concurrent validity of concept mapping as a research and evaluation tool in science education. Specifically, the study examined the extent to which differences exist in the concept maps of advanced college biology majors (N = 25) and beginning nonmajors (N = 25) in the domain of mammals. Furthermore, it explored whether these differences are reflected in the way subjects assign class membership as revealed in a card sorting task. The results indicate that concept maps of biology majors are structurally more complex than those of nonmajors and that differences in the structural complexity and organizational patterns depicted in concept maps are reflected in the underlying dimensions used to assign class membership. Together, these findings suggest that the concept map provides a theoretically powerful and psychometrically sound tool for assessing conceptual change in experimental and classroom settings.
Industrial X-ray developments

Advances in the production of X-ray materials, techniques in the recording of X-ray results, and the opportunities for the electrical engineer in the field of industrial X-ray equipment are discussed in this review of an application of the rays whose powers were first observed by William Conrad Roentgen a half century ago.
Letter by Maytin and Epstein et al Regarding Article, “Complications Associated With Revision of Sprint Fidelis Leads: Report From the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society Device Advisory Committee”

To the Editor: Parkash et al1 report their experience with 468 revised advisory Fidelis leads. They observed a high complication rate with lead revision, ie, transvenous lead extraction (TLE) or abandonment. They report similar major complication rates but significantly higher minor complications with TLE. Although few leads were revised prophylactically, the authors state “this is the first study to systematically report on the complication rate that results from lead revision due to an advisory” and conclude that careful observation rather than routine revision of the Sprint Fidelis lead may be most appropriate. We feel this statement is not supported by this study. First, the majority of patients had absolute indications for lead revision (lead failure, infection, or cardiac transplantation); only 79 leads (16.9%) were revised prophylactically. Therefore, the study in no way was designed to look …
The European Court's political power

The European Court has emerged as one of the most powerful political institutions in the European Union and the most influential international court in existence. National courts are the linchpins of the European legal system, making European Court decisions enforceable and creating an independent power base for the European Court. This article examines why national courts agreed to take on a role enforcing European law supremacy against their own governments and why national politicians did not stop an institutional transformation of the European legal system which greatly compromised national sovereignty. Competition between lower and higher national courts, each trying to enhance their influence and authority vis‐a‐vis each other, explains how national legal interpretive barriers and high‐court ambivalence regarding the European Court's declaration of European Law Supremacy was overcome. Politicians proved unable to reverse national court acceptance of European law supremacy, and institutional rules ke...
High- and low-Am RE inclusion phases in a U-Np-Pu-Am-Zr alloy

Structural, microstructural, and microchemical data were collected from rare-earth inclusions in an as-cast U-Pu-Zr alloy with ~3 at% Am, 2% Np, and 9% rare-earth elements (La, Ce, Pr, and Nd). Two RE phases with different concentrations of Am were identified. The composition of high-Am RE inclusions is ~2-5 at% La, 15-20 % Ce, 5-10% Pr, 25-45% Nd, 1% Np, 5-10% Pu, and 10-20% Am. Some areas also have O, although this does not appear to be an essential part of the high-Am RE phase. The inclusions have a face-centered cubic structure with a lattice parameter a ~ 0.54 nm. The composition of the only low-Am RE inclusion studied in detail is ~~35-40 at% O, 40-45 % Nd, 1-2% Zr, 4-5% La, 9-10% Ce, and 6-7% Pr. This inclusion is an oxide with a crystal structure similar to the room-temperature structure of Nd2O3. Microstructural features suggest that oxidation occurred during casting, and that early crystallization of high-temperature oxides led to formation of two distinct RE phases.
A Multiplicative Model of Optimal CEO Incentives in Market Equilibrium

This paper presents a unified theory of both the level and sensitivity of pay in competitive market equilibrium, by embedding a moral hazard problem into a talent assignment model. By considering multiplicative specifications for the CEO’s utility and production functions, we generate a number of different results from traditional additive models. First, both the CEO’s low fractional ownership (the Jensen–Murphy incentives measure) and its negative relationship with firm size can be quantitatively reconciled with optimal contracting, and thus need not reflect rent extraction. Second, the dollar change in wealth for a percentage change in firm value, divided by annual pay, is independent of firm size, and therefore a desirable empirical measure of incentives. Third, incentive pay is effective at solving agency problems with multiplicative impacts on firm value, such as strategy choice. However, additive issues such as perk consumption are best addressed through direct monitoring. (JEL D2, D3, G34, J3)
Improving Christian Worldview Pedagogy: Going Beyond Mere Christianity

Abstract The challenges of communicating a Christian worldview in higher education are considerable. Called to help students develop a Christian worldview, instructors must devise specific strategies for the transformation of student thinking. How does one do this? It requires, in part, rethinking our assumptions about the Christian worldview as a concept itself and our assumptions about our students. In what follows, I suggest that thinking about Christian worldview only as something unified and monolithic, without considering the influences of our denominational and institutional histories, can cause instructors to overlook their own and their students' interpretation of biblical principles, thereby affecting their ability to integrate them with the subject matter at hand. Secondly, I suggest that presenting a Christian worldview without dealing with the hodgepodge of worldviews students already possess may cause our efforts to fail. In short, making Christian worldview pedagogy more effective requires ...
Synthesis and Characterization of Eu-Doped Cadmium Selenide Nanocrystals

Substitution of Cd(II) sites by Eu ions in 5.0 nm ± 0.25 nm CdSe, Cd1-xEuxSe (x = 0−0.374), can be achieved by modification of a lyothermal, single source precursor method. The Eu guest ion occupies a tetrahedral lattice site as a Eu(III) defect ion based on analysis of the XPS and XAS data. XRD and XAS measurements show a linear contraction of the lattice parameters for increasing Eu(III) concentration consistent with statistical substitution at both core and surface sites in the lattice by a random ion displacement mechanism. On the basis of a Vegard's law analysis, the Eu(III) ion is substituted in the tetrahedral cationic lattice site without formation of vacancies or phase segregation of the Eu ion in the lattice.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) single crystals

Abstract Information about the structure and properties of bulk poly (vinylidence fluoride) PVF2 has been previously obtained in this laboratory from X-ray diffraction [1], NMR spectra [1], and dielectric constant measurements [2, 3]. Depending on sample preparation, one finds two different types of orthorhomic unit cells (Table 1). Type II appears in samples crystallized from the melt either isothermally or at slow cooling. Drawing of bulk material at 50°C yields phase I, whereas drawing at higher temperatures, between 120 and 160°C, yields a mixture of phase I and II. The structure of phase I has been determined from X-ray data and confirmed by NMR investigation of the dependence of second moment on the angle between magnetic field and the draw direction. A tentative orthorhomic unit cell was also proposed for phase II, but no direct check was available at that time. Leshchenko et al. [4] have suggested a monoclinic unit cell (Table 1) which does not agree with the data of phase I or II. In addition, Ga...
Instability of periodic BGK equilibria

A collisionless plasma is described by the Vlasov-Poisson equations. The BGK equilibria were proposed in 1957 as the simplest spatially-dependent equilibria. Since that time the question of their instability has been an important open problem. We prove that certain periodic BGK equilibria are unstable. ©1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The effects of chlorpromazine and pentobarbital on sustained attention in the rat.

The effects of chlorpromazine and pentobarbital were studied in rats trained on a conditioning schedule designed to measure sustained attention. This schedule is a modification of the continuous performance test used in studies with human subjects. Two independent measures of performance are obtained in this schedule: 1. errors resulting from a failure of the animal to respond to a relatively brief and infrequently appearing visual signal and 2. errors resulting from a response by the animal to an inappropriate but more frequently appearing visual signal. The former type of error is believed to be a measure of sustained attention, while the latter is believed to be a measure of discriminative-associative functioning.
The mechanism of arsenic pentafluoride doping of polyacetylene

Abstract Doping of polyacetylene with arsenic pentafluoride is found to involve oxidation of the polymer according to the mechanism: 2(CH)x + 3AsF5 → 2(CH)+x + 2AsF−6 + AsF3. The AsF−6 ions intercalate beteeen the polymer chains in a nonrandom fashion. Oxidation of the polymer is accompanied by replacement of the original interband transition in the visible by a featureless transition extending into the infrared. Treatment of the doped polyacetylene with ammonia destroys the enhanced conductivity and regenerates a visible spectrum similar to that of the undoped polymer but somewhat blue-shifted. Possible explanations are offered for these results in terms of the proposed mechanism of doping.
Autistic disorder and chromosome 15q11-q13: construction and analysis of a BAC/PAC contig.

Abstract Autistic disorder (AD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 2–10/10,000 individuals. Chromosome 15q11–q13 has been implicated in the genetic etiology of AD based on (1) cytogenetic abnormalities; (2) increased recombination frequency in this region in AD versus non-AD families; (3) suggested linkage with markers D15S156, D15S219, and D15S217; and (4) evidence for significant association with polymorphisms in the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit B3 gene (GABRB3). To isolate the putative 15q11–q13 candidate AD gene, a genomic contig and physical map of the approximately 1.2-Mb region from the GABA receptor gene cluster to the OCA2 locus was generated. Twenty-one bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones, 32 P1-derived artificial chromosome (PAC) clones, and 2 P1 clones have been isolated using the markers D15S540, GABRB3, GABRA5, GABRG3, D15S822, and D15S217, as well as 34 novel markers developed from the end sequences of BAC/PAC clones. In contrast to previous findings, the markers D15S822 and D15S975 have been localized within the GABRG3 gene, which we have shown to be approximately 250 kb in size. Not I and numerous Eag I restriction enzyme cut sites were identified in this region. The BAC/PAC genomic contig can be utilized for the study of genomic structure and the identification and characterization of genes and their methylation status in this autism candidate gene region on human chromosome 15q11–q13.
The Effects of Digitization on Nonstationary Stochastic Signals with Applications to Pulsar Signal Baseband Recording

The process of digitizing a stochastic signal introduces systematic distortions into the resulting digitized data. Further processing of these data may result in the appearance of unwanted artifacts, especially when the input signal was generated by a nonstationary stochastic process. In this paper the magnitude of these distortions are calculated analytically and the results are applied to a specific example found in pulsar signal processing. A pulsar signal is an excellent example of a nonstationary stochastic process. When analyzing pulsar data, the effects of interstellar medium (ISM) dispersion must be removed by digitally filtering the received signal. The distortions introduced through the digitization process cause unwanted artifacts to appear in the final "dedispersed" signal. These artifacts are demonstrated using actual 2-bit (4-level) digitized data of the pulsar PSR B083345 (Vela). Techniques are introduced that simultaneously minimize these artifacts and maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of the digitized data. The distortion analysis and artifact removal techniques described in this paper hold for an arbitrary number of input digitization thresholds (i.e., number of bits). Also presented are tables of the optimum digitizer thresholds for both uniform and nonuniform input threshold digitizers.
Mechanistic study of direct electron transfer in bilirubin oxidase

Abstract The mechanism of direct electron transfer in multicopper oxidases is not well understood. In this work, the mechanism of oxygen reduction in Bilirubin oxidase (BOD) is analyzed using a rotating ring-disc electrode (RRDE). The glassy carbon disc potential was swept from 0.8 V to 0 V while the platinum ring potential was held at 0.8 V, resulting currents were measured. Minimal hydrogen peroxide evolution from BOD is detected on the Pt ring, independent of rotation rate. The electron transfer rate constant, ket, is calculated to be 1.14 × 10−3 cm/s. The number of electrons transferred per molecule of oxygen is calculated to be 3.92 electrons using Koutecky–Levich equation and 3.7 ± 0.2 electrons using mass/charge balance which corresponds to 7.5 ± 5% of oxygen reduction via the 2 electron pathway with a hydrogen peroxide intermediate. The 4 electron transfer mechanism is preferred because it is more efficient than the two electron mechanism.
Dielectric properties of (Sr1-xPbx)TiO3, SPT ceramics (x = 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15) and phase transition of SPT (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25 and 0.3)

Dielectric properties of (Sr1 - xPbx)TiO3-SPT (x = 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) and phase transitions of SPT (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30) ceramic samples are investigated. At 10 kHz relative permittivity of SPT(x = 0.05) has one maximum, SPT(x = 0.10) and SPT(x = 0.15) show the main relative permittivity peaks and the secondary peaks at lower temperatures. The primary dielectric constant peaks could be due to the phase transitions from the paraelectric to ferroelectric phases on cooling and the source of the secondary peaks is not clear. Lattice parameter vs. composition, x shows a linear relation and phase transition has also a linear relation to the composition.
Cell assembly sequences arising from spike threshold adaptation keep track of time in the hippocampus.

Hippocampal neurons can display reliable and long-lasting sequences of transient firing patterns, even in the absence of changing external stimuli. We suggest that time-keeping is an important function of these sequences, and propose a network mechanism for their generation. We show that sequences of neuronal assemblies recorded from rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells can reliably predict elapsed time (15–20 s) during wheel running with a precision of 0.5 s. In addition, we demonstrate the generation of multiple reliable, long-lasting sequences in a recurrent network model. These sequences are generated in the presence of noisy, unstructured inputs to the network, mimicking stationary sensory input. Identical initial conditions generate similar sequences, whereas different initial conditions give rise to distinct sequences. The key ingredients responsible for sequence generation in the model are threshold-adaptation and a Mexican-hat-like pattern of connectivity among pyramidal cells. This pattern may arise from recurrent systems such as the hippocampal CA3 region or the entorhinal cortex. We hypothesize that mechanisms that evolved for spatial navigation also support tracking of elapsed time in behaviorally relevant contexts.
Are Celebrity-Heroes Effective Endorsers? Exploring the Link between Hero, Celebrity, and Advertising Response

In an exploratory approach, the study examines the relationship between hero and celebrity by reviewing key dimensions of the celebrity/hero debate: shallowness, flawed celebrity/hero, and narrowness of appeal. The cumulative findings of two studies suggest that attitudes toward celebrities in ads are most strongly influenced by attitude toward advertising in general and least by flawed celebrity/hero. The findings also indicate that the more shallow celebrities are perceived to be and the more narrow their appeal, the more negative the attitude. The research findings provide guidance for marketing practitioners as they develop endorsement strategies.
Livelihood Strategies and Nutritional Status of Grandparent Caregivers of AIDS Orphans in Nyando District, Kenya

Although the growing role of grandparents as primary caregivers of AIDS orphans in sub-Saharan Africa has been established by previous research, few scholars have undertaken studies to explore the experiences of older persons in this new role. In this study, I used qualitative research methods to examine livelihood strategies that influenced the nutritional status of grandparent caregivers, a population largely neglected in the literature on African livelihoods. In this article I highlight the agency of older persons by identifying responses that promote their livelihood resilience. My research was guided by the sustainable livelihoods framework and involved in-depth individual interviews with 30 grandparent caregivers selected based on their nutritional status. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were also conducted. Results indicate that the ability to mobilize new sources of labor for food production and new social networks to facilitate other forms of food entitlement are critical to ...
Assessment of Silicon Carbide Composites for Advanced Salt-Cooled Reactors

The Advanced High-Temperature Reactor (AHTR) is a new reactor concept that uses a liquid fluoride salt coolant and a solid high-temperature fuel. Several alternative fuel types are being considered for this reactor. One set of fuel options is the use of pin-type fuel assemblies with silicon carbide (SiC) cladding. This report provides (1) an initial viability assessment of using SiC as fuel cladding and other in-core components of the AHTR, (2) the current status of SiC technology, and (3) recommendations on the path forward. Based on the analysis of requirements, continuous SiC fiber-reinforced, chemically vapor-infiltrated SiC matrix (CVI SiC/SiC) composites are recommended as the primary option for further study on AHTR fuel cladding among various industrially available forms of SiC. Critical feasibility issues for the SiC-based AHTR fuel cladding are identified to be (1) corrosion of SiC in the candidate liquid salts, (2) high dose neutron radiation effects, (3) static fatigue failure of SiC/SiC, (4) long-term radiation effects including irradiation creep and radiation-enhanced static fatigue, and (5) fabrication technology of hermetic wall and sealing end caps. Considering the results of the issues analysis and the prospects of ongoing SiC research and development in other nuclear programs, recommendations on the path more » forward is provided in the order or priority as: (1) thermodynamic analysis and experimental examination of SiC corrosion in the candidate liquid salts, (2) assessment of long-term mechanical integrity issues using prototypical component sections, and (3) assessment of high dose radiation effects relevant to the anticipated operating condition. « less
Edge wave diffraction for flat plates

The tip excited edge wave and the associated interactions between the two adjacent corners of a flat plate are outlined using a more complete depiction of the corner effect. Radar cross section (RCS) calculations and time domain mechanism extraction are used to illustrate the edge wave contributions to the backscatter by knife-edged perfectly conducting plates. The corner diffraction is represented as the truncation effect of the physical optics and nonuniform component of the currents on the plate. Improvement has been observed in lower levels of the RCS, e.g., at off principal plane observation of flat plates, as illustrated by the backscattering of a 2 lambda square plate. >
System-Wide Dynamic Power Management for Portable Multimedia Devices

Energy reduction is critical to increase the mobility and battery life for today?s pervasive portable computing systems. At the same time, energy reduction must be subject to the real-time constraints and quality of service (QoS) requirements for multimedia applications running on many of these systems. This paper presents a novel run-time scheduling approach to reduce the system-wide energy consumption for such systems. In this paper, the multimedia applications are modeled using a popular weakly hard realtime model, i.e., the (m, k)-model. Our experimental results show that, by judiciously scheduling the real-time tasks and shutting down the processor and/or peripheral devices, our approach can lead to significant energy savings while guaranteeing the (m, k)-firm deadlines at the same time.
An Examination of Management's Regulatory Filing Choices Surrounding Restatements

ABSTRACT: A restatement suggests the existence of managerial errors and internal control weaknesses within the company. Disclosures of restatements highlight ineffective management and control systems such that management might act strategically in disclosing restatement and choose less transparent options. There are, however, external forces that likely encourage management to provide more transparent restatement disclosures, despite the fact that managerial ineffectiveness will be publicized. We examine the association between company and restatement characteristics and management's restatement filing choices to provide insight into external economic forces driving the choice. We document that more transparent filing is positively associated with the materiality of the restatement, an SEC investigation, the reporting of material internal control weaknesses, and leverage, and negatively associated with a CEO change. We also find that restatements filed via 8-Ks and via 10-K/As, after the SEC rule clarifi...
Parametric Amplification and Back-Action Noise Squeezing by a Qubit-Coupled Nanoresonator

We demonstrate the parametric amplification and noise squeezing of nanomechanical motion utilizing dispersive coupling to a Cooper-pair box qubit. By modulating the qubit bias and resulting mechanical resonance shift, we achieve gain of 30 dB and noise squeezing of 4 dB. This qubit-mediated effect is 3000 times more effective than that resulting from the weak nonlinearity of capacitance to a nearby electrode. This technique may be used to prepare nanomechanical squeezed states.
Paracas Art and Architecture: Object and Context In South Coastal Peru

Paracas Art and Architecture: Object and Context In South Coastal Peru. Anne Paul (editor). Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 1990. 170 pp. $48.50 (cloth). ISBN 0–8061–2230–7.
Mining evolving customer-product relationships in multi-dimensional space

Previous work on mining transactional database has focused primarily on mining frequent Itemsets, association rules, and sequential patterns. However, interesting relationships between customers and items, especially their evolution with time, have not been studied thoroughly. In this paper, we propose a Gaussian transformation-based regression model that captures time-variant relationships between customers and products. Moreover, since it is interesting to discover such relationships in a multi-dimensional space, an efficient method has been developed to compute multi-dimensional aggregates of such curves in a data cube environment. Our experimental results have demonstrated the promise of the approach.
Genetics of female mate discrimination of heterospecific males in Nasonia (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae)

Despite its importance to mating system evolution, sexual selection and reproductive isolation, little is known about the genetic basis of female mate choice. We studied the behavioural and genetic basis of interspecific mate discrimination in Nasonia wasps, using two strains of N. longicornis (LCa and LId) that differ in female acceptance of males from the sibling species N. vitripennis. Both strains showed low acceptance (%2%) of N. vitripennis males in the first courtship, but acceptance by LId females subsequently increased (11% by the second and 15% by the third courtship), whereas acceptance by LCa females remained low (%2%). After 2 h of exposure to a N. vitripennis male, 59% of LId females mated compared with only 8% of LCa females. Interstrain cross F1 females showed significantly higher acceptance of N. vitripennis males than either parental strain in the first courtship (15–29%) and after 2 h (79–82%). A genetic analysis of acceptance at 2 h revealed three major quantitative trait loci (QTL). For each major QTL, the allele that increased female mate acceptance was dominant. The QTL with the largest effect accounted for half the strain difference, and was confirmed by additional crosses. This QTL was involved in the females’ continued reluctance to mate with N. vitripennis males during multiple courtships. Results are discussed in terms of the behavioural and genetic architecture of female mate discrimination and possible implications to the evolution of courtship, mating systems and reproductive isolation.
Size and shape recognition using measurement statistics and random 3D reference structures

Three dimensional (3D) reference structures segment source spaces based on whether particular source locations are visible or invisible to the sensor. A lensless 3D reference structure based imaging system measures projections of this source space on a sensor array. We derive and experimentally verify a model to predict the statistics of the measured projections for a simple 2D object. We show that the statistics of the measurement can yield an accurate estimate of the size of the object without ever forming a physical image. Further, we conjecture that the measured statistics can be used to determine the shape of 3D objects and present preliminary experimental measurements for 3D shape recognition.
Helping undergraduate engineering students discover their interests (and reduce their fear of research)

In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on undergraduate research. High tech companies need research to keep them competitive. This paper addresses the issue of getting engineering and computer science students interested in focused engineering and computer science areas so they are excited about these topics and want to learn more by doing research in that area. Our method is to encourage the student to research and write an interest paper as a first step to writing a proposal to seek and do organized research. In order to evaluate this approach, a survey was completed by 57 students in an Academic Success and Professional Development class who were assigned the writing of an interest paper in engineering or computer science. Results show that the assignment was successful for some students in leading them to an area of research in which they were interested and in other cases learning that they were not that interested in a particular area. Other students found a second interest. In this assignment, some students used an engineering data base for the first time.
Elements of Justice: The Limits of Desert

T hesis : Conceptions of desert respond to people as active agents. Conceptions of entitlement respond to people as separate agents. WHOSE PERFORMANCE IS IT? Did Wilt Chamberlain do justice to the potential given to him by luck of the draw in the natural lottery? One possible answer is that whether he did justice to his potential is no one else's business. Wilt is not indebted to anyone for his natural assets. He did not borrow his talent from a common pool. No account is out of balance merely by virtue of Wilt having characteristics that make him Wilt. Still, even if it is no one else's business whether Wilt does justice to his potential, the fact remains that one way or another, Wilt will do, or fail to do, justice to it. Part of our reason for thinking it is Wilt rather than you or me who deserves credit for the excellence of Wilt's performance is that, as David Miller puts it, “the performance is entirely his.” Note: The issue is not whether the performance is Wilt's rather than the Big Bang's; the issue is whether the performance is Wilt's rather than some other person's. The question of whether to credit Wilt for his performance is never a question of whether Wilt caused himself to have his character and talent. Instead, the question is whether the character, talent, or other desert-making inputs are, after all, Wilt's, rather than some other person's.
McTaggart, Change and Real Tense: A Critical Notice of Hugh Mellor’s Real Time II

McTaggart put his finger on the respective weaknesses of the A and B theories of time: the B theory apparently cannot account for the possibility of change; the A theory is apparently inconsistent. Since McTaggart, A and B theorists have attempted to shore up the weaknesses of their respective views and to attack the weaknesses of their opponent’s views.
Uretero-Fallopian Tube Fistula Secondary to Laparoscopic Fulguration of Pelvic Endometriosis

AbstractUreteral injuries during laparoscopic surgery have been documented. We present a case of the diagnosis and management of a uretero-fallopian tube fistula after laparoscopic laser fulguration of pelvic endometriosis.
Pairwise comparison-based objective score for automated skill assessment of segments in a surgical task

Current methods for manual evaluation of surgical skill yield a global score for the entire task. The global score does not inform surgical trainees about where in the task they need to improve. We developed and evaluated a framework to automatically generate an objective score for assessing skill in maneuvers (circumscribed segments) within a surgical task. We used an existing video and kinematic data set (with manual annotation for maneuvers) of a suturing and knot-tying task performed by 18 surgeons on a bench-top model using a da Vinci® Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., CA). We collected crowd annotations of preferences, for which of the maneuver in a presented pair appeared to have been performed with greater skill and their confidence in the annotation. We trained a classifier to automatically predict preferences using quantitative metrics of time and motion. We generated an objective percentile score for skill assessment by comparing each maneuver sample to all remaining samples in the data set. Accuracy of the classifier for assigning a preference to pairs of maneuvers was at least 80.06% against a single individual (with a larger training data set) and at least 68.0% against each of the seven individuals (with a smaller training data set). Our reliability analyses indicate that automated preference annotations by the classifier are consistent with those by the seven individuals. Trial-level scores computed from maneuver-level scores generated using our framework were moderately correlated with global rating scores assigned by an experienced surgeon (Spearman correlation = 0.47; P-value < 0.0001).
Islam in Congressional Discourse: Normalization and Securitization

While a growing literature examines the effect of religious affiliation and salience on legislative decision making, very little work has focused specifically on rhetoric about Islam in Congress. This paper uses senate speech data from the Congressional Record in the 106th Congress (1999-2000) and the 111th Congress (2009-2010) to examine congressional rhetoric about Islam among U.S. senators. These two periods are compared to consider (1) overall patterns in congressional discourse on Islam, (2) the impact of the September 11th attacks on congressional discourse about Islam, and (3) the effects of partisanship on normalized, securitized, positive, and negative representations of Islam. The paper ultimately argues that despite some important post-9/11 evolutions in senate rhetoric pertaining to Islam, several persistent themes merit scrutiny. This study deepens our understanding of the role of religion in American politics by assessing trends in the representation of Islam in congressional debates about U.S. foreign policy, national security, and domestic issues. Theoretically, the paper engages the Copenhagen School to consider the application of the securitization framework to congressional discourse on Islam.
The Chemical Interaction of Disilane on Ge(100)

The room temperature chemisorption of disilane on Ge(100) and subsequent reaction at elevated temperatures was investigated by core level photoemission spectroscopy. At room temperature Si2H6 chemisorbs dissociatively on Ge(100) forming a surface populated largely by Si-H groups. Annealing the sample to 300°C effectively reduces the Si-H species to elemental Si. An additional anneal to 580°C promotes the diffusion of Si into the bulk and restores the Ge surface to an atomically clean state.
Hallervorden Spatz disease. Its pathogenesis and place among the axonal dystrophies.

A case of slowly progressive and probably familial chorea is presented. The patient's accidental death permitted a precocious postmortem examination. Neuropathological changes were confined to the globus pallidus, substantia nigra and corpus Luysii. Profound alterations of axonal morphology were seen in these regions, unaccompanied by visible alterations in the cell bodies or significant tissue reaction. A modest increase of iron-containing and lipo-pigments was microscopically present.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment of Recurrent Pediatric Headache

Continuity of care with a clinician who has established a therapeutic alliance is the most important aspect of recurrent pediatric headache management. The provider should assume a concerned and supportive manner that promotes self-esteem and self-mastery and control. Patient and family efforts to reduce functional disability and return to normal activities should be strongly reinforced. Treatment regimens should be reviewed for side effects, compliance, and perceived efficacy. Behavioral techniques should be reviewed in detail with opportunities for the clinician to "trouble shoot" any difficulties encountered by the patient. Periods of potentially increased stress (eg, transitions or loss) should be anticipated and managed prospectively. The clinician should periodically reassess possible psychosocial issues and make appropriate mental health referrals. In the long run, regular follow-up by the primary care clinician remains the most important factor in the successful management of recurrent pediatric headache.
Occupational Health Surveillance and Incidence Status of Pneumoconiosis in Dust-exposed Workers in Xiamen City

[Objective]To understand the occupational health surveillance of dust-exposed workers and characteristics of pneumoconiosis in Xiamen city. [Methods]A retrospective study was performed on the annual statistical reports of occupational health,results data of occupational health physical examination during 2006-2010,and diagnostic data of pneumoconiosis before 2006. [Results]In 2010,the total exposure rate among workers exposed to dust in 197 enterprises was 10.42%,and the total rate of occupational health examination was 88.79%.There was significance difference in constitution of examination rate among enterprises in different scales(P0.01).During 2006-2010,the rates of occupational health examination were over 80%,and the detection rate of pneumoconiosis was 0.90%~2.54%.Pneumoconiosis is a major occupational disease in this city,the average working year and age of onset shortened significantly,and the main diseases were silicosis and welding pneumoconiosis. [Conclusion]The standardized occupational health surveillance for dust-exposed workers has been established in Xiamen city.Pneumoconiosis is still a major occupational disease in Xiamen city.The prevalence of pneumoconiosis is serious in small and medium-sized enterprises.The patients tend to be younger,and the working year of onset shortens significantly.
Consumers’ Conspicuousness and its Underlying Traits

Conspicuous consumption is the behavior whereby individual displays wealth through extensive leisure activities and luxury expenditure on consumption and service (Veblen 1898; Trigg 2001; Griskevicius et al. 2007). The tendency to display wealth is no typical only to consumers in developed countries, but also in developing countries. The phenomena of conspicuous consumption are even more prominent in the society where cultural and social categories are diffused and the environment undergoes rapid changes. Wealth and exhibition of possession become important for the society members to communicate themselves (McCracken 1988). In the emerging countries, such as China, the demand growth for luxury products has attracted many global luxury brands producer to execute the opportunity (Chu 2012). Globally, in 2009, the growth was contracted, however, in 2010 the market for luxury goods were estimated to reach $222.9 billion, a 10% growth from the prior year and is predicted to reach $307.3 billion by 2015 (KPMG 2011).
Negative Diagnostik. Perspektiven einer Antithetik des gesellschaftlichen Wandels

Zeit- und gegenwartsdiagnostische Beschreibungen sozialer Prozesse proklamieren generalisierende, hoch abstrakte sowie bisweilen pauschalisierende gesellschaftliche Entwicklungen. Aufgrund ihres Verallgemeinerungsgrades einerseits und ihrer uber fachwissenschaftliche Grenzen hinausgehenden Zielgruppe geraten sie schnell in Verruf, eher feuilletonistische Soziologisierungen anstelle fundierter Analysen zu bieten. Gleichwohl ist ihre Wirkung infolge hoher massenmedialer Aufmerksamkeit gros. Da die Interaktion zwischen Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft im Fall der Zeit- und Gegenwartsdiagnostik selbst Aufschluss uber die Entwicklung gesellschaftlichen Wissens bietet, lohnt es sich, diese weit ausgreifenden Prozessdiagnosen im Hinblick auf die ihnen zuteilwerdende Kritik zu untersuchen. Wenn man sich mit der Antithetik soziologischer Prozessdiagnosen befasst, sind nicht nur Einsichten bezuglich der Konstruktion publikumswirksamer Argumente zu erwarten, sondern vor allem auch unerwartete Einsichten uber die Prozesstheorie selbst.
Ibrutinib-induced acute liver failure.

Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM) is a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma characterized by monocloncal IgM gammopathy and bone marrow infiltration [1]. First-line treatment has traditionally consisted o...
Decimation and Interpolation

The chapter discusses the process of decimation and interpolation in a signal processing system. Implementation is done using a finite impulse response (FIR) filter, which allows reducing and increasing the sample rate. The frequency domain view of decimation and interpolation is explained. It also discusses situations of high oversampling of a signal, resampling of noninteger value, and the interpolation effects. It concludes with explanation of resampling by a noninteger rate.