cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
One-Hour Postoperative Parathyroid Hormone Levels Do Not Reliably Predict Hypocalcemia After Thyroidectomy.

Hypocalcemia is a well-known complication after total thyroidectomy. Studies have indicated that the presence of low postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels can predict hypocalcemia. However, definitive study designs are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine whether postoperative PTH alone can accurately predict postoperative biochemical hypocalcemia. Under IRB approval, a prospective study of 218 consecutive patients who underwent total or completion thyroidectomy by two surgeons between June 2014 and June 2016 was performed. Biochemical hypocalcemia was defined as ionized calcium 50% drop in PTH 1 h postoperatively from baseline were examined. Postoperative PTH 50% had a sensitivity of 63.4% (95% CI 53.2–72.7%) and a specificity of 72.5% (95% CI 62.5–81.0%). Across all PTH thresholds, the false-negative rate was 33.6–63.5% indicating that up to 64% of patients with a normal PTH level could have been discharged without appropriate calcium supplementation. The false-positive rate was 10.8–32.4% indicating that up to 32.4% of patients with low PTH could have been treated with calcium supplementation unnecessarily. Following total thyroidectomy, PTH levels are unreliable in predicting hypocalcemia. Additional prospective studies are needed to understand the true utility of PTH levels post-thyroidectomy.
Mutation analysis of adenomas and carcinomas of the colon: Early and late drivers.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for about 8% of all new cancer cases diagnosed in the US. We used whole exome sequence data from triplet samples (colon carcinoma, colon adenoma, and normal tissue) from 18 individuals to assess gene mutation rates. Of the 2 204 genes that were mutated, APC, TTN, TP53, KRAS, OBSCN, SOX9, PCDH17, SIGLEC10, MYH6, and BRD9 were consistent with genes being an early driver of carcinogenesis, in that they were mutated in multiple adenomas and multiple carcinomas. Fifty-two genes were mutated in ≥12.5% of microsatellite stable (MSS) carcinomas but not in any of the adenomas, in line with the profile of a late driver event involved in tumor progression. Thirty-eight genes were sequenced in a larger independent set of 148 carcinoma/normal tissue pairs to obtain more precise mutation frequencies. Eight of the genes, APC, TP53, ATM, CSMD3, LRP1B, RYR2, BIRC6, and MUC17, contained mutations in >20% of the carcinomas. Interestingly, mutations in four genes in addition to APC that are associated with dysregulation of Wnt signaling, were all classified as early driver events. Most of the genes that are commonly associated with colon cancer, including APC, TP53, and KRAS, were all classified as being early driver genes being mutated in both adenomas and carcinomas. Classifying genes as potential early and late driver events points to candidate genes that may help dissect pathways involved in both tumor initiation and progression.
Bend it like Dr Westwood

Mei-Mei Westwood, wannabe professional footballer, has found that top level women’s football complements her medical career
Energy absorption of andwiched honeycombs with facesheets under in-plane crushing

The in-plane crushing and energy absorption of sandwiched honeycomb cores with facesheets are examined through finite element simulations. Assuming no debonding between the facesheet and honeycomb core (which would be the case if manufacturing techniques such as brazing are used to produce very strong bonds between the facesheeet and the core), intracellular buckling mode for thin facesheets, and wrinkling mode for thick facesheets are observed. In the dimpling mode, deformation is governed by the core, honeycomb vertical cell walls do not deform, and the inclined wall deformation does not vary through the cell depth. In the wrinkling mode, deformation is governed by the facesheet, the vertical cell walls deform significantly, and the inclined cell wall deformation varies through the cell depth. Increasing cell angle increased Specific Energy Absorption (SEA) for honeycombs with thin facesheets. Decreasing vertical cell wall length increased SEA for honeycombs with thick facesheets. Increasing wall thickness and decreasing core depth increased SEA for honeycombs with thin and thick facesheets. With geometric changes, SEA increased ~3 times over the baseline onfigurations. For a given keel beam dimensions, using fewer rows of larger cells reduces the effective non-dimensional core-depth, thereby increasing the effect of the facesheet and the SEA significantly. The SEA of sandwiched honeycombs with facesheets in in-plane crushing appears to be competitive with, or better than, SEA honeycombs in out-of-plane crushing.
Morphological transformations during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis on a titania-supported cobalt catalyst

Abstract Deactivation mechanisms for a rhenium-promoted titania-supported cobalt catalyst are investigated during Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis. Bench-scale reactor tests, chemisorption studies, thermogravimetric analyses (TG), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used to probe environmental effects on catalytic activity. Bench-scale reactor studies show a steady decrease in activity with time. While a fraction of this loss can be recovered with a low temperature reduction (rejuvenation) inside the reactor, multiple data indicate this phenomenon is primarily attributable to water-induced oxidation of small cobalt particles. Data from long-term FT runs indicate the presence of three non-rejuvenable deactivation mechanisms: metal agglomeration, strong metal-support interaction (SMSI), and mixed metal oxide formation. High conversion studies implicate byproduct water in the agglomeration process, and ex-situ TEM data conclusively reveals that growth occurs via a coalescence mechanism. Combined kinetic and chemisorption studies reveal that SMSI results from the gradual buildup of titania decoration on the surface of the active cobalt and is exacerbated with multiple rejuvenation cycles. TGA data indicate that mixed metal oxide formation occurs in long-duration, pilot plant runs. In all cases, the aggregate of reactor kinetic, chemisorption, TG, and TEM results point to chemically-assisted deactivation phenomena attributable to the byproduct water.
Genetic Transformation of Candida albicans

Genetic transformation is the primary method of genetic manipulation of Candida albicans. The lack of a complete sexual cycle prevents application of classical genetic analyses. However, transformation permits introduction into the genome of a wide variety of defined mutations including deletions, insertions, and fusions. Although several methods of transformation are available, the lithium-cation-induced transformation method described here is the most commonly used.
Mn-induced Ferromagnetic Semiconducting Behavior with Linear Negative Magnetoresistance in Sr 4 (Ru 1-x Mn x ) 3 O 10 Single Crystals.

Triple-layered Sr4Ru3O10 is a unique ferromagnet with the central RuO6 layer behaving differently from two outer layers both crystallographically and magnetically. We report that the partial substitution of Ru by smaller Mn gives rise to modification in crystal structure, electronic and magnetic properties of Sr4(Ru1−xMnx)3O10. Through the single crystal X-ray diffraction refinement, we find that (Ru/Mn)O6 octahedral rotation is no longer detectable at x ≥ 0.23, leading to the tetragonal structure. The magnetization measurements indicate the ferromagnetic transition temperature TC decreases from 105 K for x = 0 to 30 K for x = 0.41, with the reduced magnetic moment as well. Remarkably, Mn doping results in the change of magnetic anisotropy from the easy c axis in x = 0 to the easy ab plane seen in x = 0.34 and 0.41. Such change also removes the ab-plane metamagnetic transition observed in x = 0. Furthermore, the electrical resistivity increases with increasing x showing semiconducting behavior with Δ ~ 10 meV for x = 0.34 and 30 meV for x = 0.41. Under applied magnetic field, the magnetoresistance exhibits negative and linear field dependence in all current and field configurations. These results clearly indicate Sr4(Ru1−xMnx)3O10 is a novel ferromagnetic semiconductor with exotic magnetotransport properties.
Copper Wire Bond Optimization for Power Devices

We report on bond pad damage for a smart power device using 50.8 µm (2 mil) diameter Pd-coated Cu wire. We show that the damage can be relatively subtle; the wire bonds on damaged structures have high pull and shear strength, but cracks in the underlying regions lead to metal extrusions that cause electrical shorts.
Nonrestorative sleep mediates eveningness and insomnia severity

Possessing an evening circadian preference is associated with greater subjective sleep disturbance. The present study sought to determine whether day-to-day restoration from sleep upon waking mediates the relation between eveningness and general insomnia symptomology, as well as whether this association occurs independently of quantitative sleep impairment. Late adolescent college students (N = 164) completed retrospective measures of chronotype and insomnia severity, as well as daily restorative sleep questionnaires and sleep diaries over a 2-week sampling period. Path analysis examined the direct effects of chronotype, restorative sleep, and nighttime sleep efficiency on insomnia symptomology, and the indirect effect of chronotype through restorative sleep. Chronotype’s indirect effect via restorative sleep accounted for 66.18% of its total effect on insomnia severity, and its non-significant direct path was thus discarded. The final specified path model displayed strong fit to the data and predicted insomnia severity from two pathways: greater eveningness via nonrestorative sleep as a mediator, and lower sleep efficiency. Lack of restoration from sleep upon waking is a potent mediator of the established relation between eveningness and self-reported insomnia severity. Future studies may generalize this finding to other populations, particularly those vulnerable to circadian phase delay or disruption.
Enhancing Secure Software Development Education Through Relevant Active Learning

While the mobile applications are increasing dramatically, the mobile security threat landscape is also growing explosively. The malicious malware may attack vulnerable mobile apps to get personal or enterprise confidential data anywhere and anytime. Most vulnerabilities should be addressed and fixed in the early stage of mobile software development. However, many development professionals lack the awareness of the importance of security vulnerability and the necessary secure knowledge and skills at the development stage. Also, secure software development is still a relatively weak area and is not well represented in most schools' computing curriculum. This poster addresses the needs and challenges of the lack of pedagogical materials and real world learning environment in Secure Mobile Software Development (SMSD) through effective, engaging, and investigative authentic learning approaches.
Reconstruction Considerations for the Posttraumatic, Benign Tumor, and Oncologic Patient

Patients undergoing reconstructive maxillofacial surgery are subjected to a complicated and often arduous process and must therefore be carefully selected, considering all variables related to their specific disease process. Preoperative comorbidities can often be the main factor leading to poorer outcomes and should be optimized whenever possible. A wide variety of reconstructive options are available, and patient participation in procedure selection should be emphasized. Early operative intervention after traumatic injury can lead to decreased scarring and increased available reconstructive options. Many benign tumors tend to have a high recurrence rate after conservative treatments, and more aggressive resection may often be warranted. Head and neck cancer patients are often malnourished, and attention to perioperative care is crucial in this subset of patients. Cancer patients often require adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation treatment, further complicating the recovery process. Regardless of the cause for the defect, a rigorous preoperative evaluation and surgical planning process is necessary to determine the best surgical intervention and achieve the desired outcome for each individual patient.
Role of Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE and PPE Proteins in Pathogen-Host Interactions

This article reviews the discovery, structure, secretion, and role in microbial evolution and immuno-pathogenesis of a group of Mycobacterium tuberculosis acidic glycine rich proteins containing multiple copies of repetitive sequences. The classification of these into PE and PPE proteins is based on the presence of proline-glutamic acid (PE) or proline-proline-glutamic acid (PPE) residues at their N-terminal domains. The structural basis for their interactions in PE-PPE pairs and with mycobacterial protein family secretion systems (ESX or Type VII) is described. We also illustrate the role of these proteins in mycobacterial evolution and immuno-pathogenesis. The emergence of the various lineages and subfamilies of PE and PPE proteins and their ancestral counterparts are described in the context of the interactions of the pathogen with host cells and the elicitation of humoral and cellular immune responses.
Fluidity of Alloys Under High-Pressure Die Casting Conditions: Flow-Choking Mechanisms

Theories on fluidity of alloys based on the solidification mode are not satisfactory in describing fluidity of alloys under high-pressure die casting (HPDC) conditions. To understand the flow-choking mechanisms under HPDC conditions, microstructure in the fluidity test coupons made using a 125-ton HPDC machine was characterized. Pre-solidified dendrites (PSDs), or externally solidified crystals (ESCs), which were formed in the shot sleeve, were found in the runners as well as in the fluidity casting. Surprisingly, a large amount of PSDs are collected in the runner adjacent to the in-gate, forming a PSD core with a thin layer of PSD-less or PSD-free region near the surfaces of the runner due to Magnus effect. Analytical calculations were performed to estimate the pressure drop for molten aluminum flowing through the mushy PSD zone. The results indicate that the pressure drop is comparable to the maximum pressure that was used for injecting molten metal to fill the casting. When the pressure drop is equal to the pressure driving the mold filling, the metal ceases to flow. Thus, it is the PSDs that are responsible for the choking of mold filling either mechanically at the in-gate or providing a pressure drop high enough to resistant fluid flow.
Making Inquiry More Systemic

Abstract The quality and impact of educational inquiry, particularly in the field of educational design and technology, is said to be enhanced by it being systemic, or by the inquirer(s) taking a “systems approach.” But what does that mean? One can employ systematic methods and/or take into consideration the broader systems in which questions arise. More deeply, “systemic” implies the application of a range of systems concepts and principles. A set of such concepts that can be used to determine and enhance systemic qualities is identified. Examples of their application to popular methods such as instructional systems development, human performance technology, and design-based research are offered.
Newton?s second law, radiation reaction and type II Einstein?Maxwell fields

Considering perturbations of the Reissner?Nordstr?m metric while keeping the perturbations in the class of type II Einstein?Maxwell metrics, we perform a spherical harmonic expansion of all the variables up to the quadrupole term. This leads to rather surprising results. Referring to the source of the metric as a type II particle (analogous to referring to a Schwarzschild?Reissner?Nordstr?m or Kerr?Newman particle), we see immediately that the Bondi momentum of the particle takes the classical form of mass times velocity plus an electromagnetic radiation reaction term, while the Bondi mass loss equation becomes the classical gravitational and electromagnetic (electric and magnetic) dipole and quadrupole radiation. The Bondi momentum loss equation turns into Newton?s second law of motion containing the Abraham?Lorentz?Dirac radiation reaction force plus a momentum recoil (rocket) force, while the reality condition on the Bondi mass aspect yields the conservation of angular momentum. Two things must be pointed out: (1) these results, (equations of motion, etc) take place, not in the spacetime of the type II metric but in an auxiliary space referred to as -space, whose physical meaning is rather obscure and (2) this analysis of the type II field equations is a very special case of a similar analysis of the general asymptotically flat Einstein?Maxwell equations. Although the final results are similar (though not the same), the analysis uses different equations (specifically, the type II field equations) and is vastly simpler than the general case. Without a great deal of the technical structures needed in the general case, one can see rather easily where the basic results reside in the type II field equations.
A Conserved Motif in Intracellular Loop 1 Stabilizes the Outward-Facing Conformation of TmrAB.

Abstract The ATP binding cassette (ABC) family of transporters moves small molecules (lipids, sugars, peptides, drugs, nutrients) across membranes in nearly all organisms. Transport activity requires conformational switching between inward-facing and outward-facing states driven by ATP-dependent dimerization of two nucleotide binding domains (NBDs). The mechanism that connects ATP binding and hydrolysis in the NBDs to conformational changes in a substrate binding site in the transmembrane domains (TMDs) is currently an outstanding question. Here we use sequence coevolution analyses together with biochemical characterization to investigate the role of a highly conserved region in intracellular loop 1 we define as the GRD motif in coordinating domain rearrangements in the heterodimeric peptide exporter from Thermus thermophilus, TmrAB. Mutations in the GRD motif alter ATPase activity as well as transport. Disulfide crosslinking, evolutionary trace, and evolutionary coupling analysis reveal that these effects are likely due to the destabilization of a network in which the GRD motif in TmrA bridges residues of the Q-loop, X-loop, and ABC motif in the NBDs to residues in the TmrAB peptide substrate binding site, thus providing an avenue for conformational coupling. We further find that disruption of this network in TmrA versus TmrB has different functional consequences, hinting at an intrinsic asymmetry in heterodimeric ABC transporters extending beyond that of the NBDs. These results support a mechanism in which the GRD motifs help coordinate a transition to an outward open conformation, and each half of the transporter likely plays a different role in the conformational cycle of TmrAB.
Assessing drug-cell and drug-tissue interactions through spectral FRET imaging

Structural complexity and heterogeneity may play critical roles in pathophysiology and therapeutic effect, at length scales ranging from subcellular (nm) to whole organ (cm). Here, we report on efforts to utilize a multidimensional spectral FRET imaging approach for visualization of the effects of pharmacologic treatments on tissues. We have developed a transgenic rat line expressing a cAMP FRET reporter for visualization of second messenger signaling in tissues in response to treatment and pathological conditions. When utilized with vascular and lung preparations, transgenic FRET tissues displayed the ability to elicit agonist-induced cAMP responses in single cells.
Reflux Control After Barrett’s Esophagus Ablation:

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is difficult to treat and carries a poor prognosis. Barrett’s esophagus, which develops from long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease, is the only known precurs...
Sperm competition, sexual selection and the diverse reproductive biology of Osteoglossiformes

Osteoglossiformes are an order of "bony tongue" fish considered the most primitive living order of teleosts. This review seeks to consolidate known hypotheses and identify gaps in the literature regarding the adaptive significance of diverse reproductive traits and behaviour of osteoglossiforms within the context of sperm competition and the wider lens of sexual selection. Many of the unusual traits observed in osteoglossiforms indicate low levels of sperm competition; most species have unpaired gonads, and mormyroids are the only known vertebrate species with aflagellate sperm. Several osteoglossiform families have reproductive anatomy associated with internal fertilization but perform external fertilization, which may be representative of the evolutionary transition from external to internal fertilization and putative trade-offs between sperm competition and the environment. They also employ every type of parental care seen in vertebrates. Geographically widespread and basally situated within teleosts, osteoglossiforms present an effective study system for understanding how sperm competition and sexual selection have shaped the evolution of teleost reproductive behaviour, sperm and gonad morphology, fertilization strategies, courtship and paternal care, and sexual conflict. The authors suggest that the patterns seen in osteoglossiform reproduction are a microcosm of teleost reproductive diversity, potentially signifying the genetic plasticity that contributed to the adaptive radiation of teleost fishes.
Theorizing Knowledge With Pláticas: Moving Toward Transformative Qualitative Inquiries:

In this article, we engaged in platicas to write about the methodology of platicas. We show the use of this method by theorizing the platicas. Our platicas helped us reveal how we have experienced ...
Characteristics of continuous in vitro lines of BALB/c and NZB B cells.

The normal heterogeneity of cells in the B lymphocyte lineage greatly complicates studies of the mechanisms involved in B cell maturation and function and of events that induce their neoplastic transformation. Until quite recently, the only homogeneous populations of B lineage cells available for these types of studies have been lymphomas and plasmacytomas with phenotypic and functional characteristics of normal B cells arrested at distinct maturational stages (1,2). Extrapolations of results obtained in these systems to normal B cells has been shown to be valid in many instances and, although they certainly have their limitations, transformed lines will continue to be useful for both phenotypic and genotypic characterizations of specific differentiative stages.
Relationships Between Community Behavior and Pathogenesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be isolated from soil, water, and the skin of healthy human beings. One of the many goals of this research has been to understand the key factors that allow P. aeruginosa to make this transition, in order to both combat and prevent infections. Much of this research has involved careful genetic and biochemical characterizations of the virulence factor in question. This chapter reviews some of P. aeruginosa virulence factors and the roles they are thought to play in pathogenesis. It is known that P. aeruginosa utilizes acyl-HSL quorum sensing to regulate virulence gene expression. The chapter reviews quorum sensing in this organism with an emphasis on quorum sensing-signal generation. In P. aeruginosa, quorum sensing has been shown to be involved in coordinating the community behavior required for the formation of these structures. The chapter addresses the role of biofilm formation in pathogenesis and its relationship to quorum sensing. The same study suggested that LasA protease might be vital for pathogenesis. Pyocyanin has also been implicated in impairing host defense mechanisms in chronic infection of the CF lung; however, the actual role pyocyanin plays in pathogenesis remains uncertain. P. aeruginosa is a formidable opportunistic human pathogen that possesses an arsenal of virulence factors. These factors are important for different aspects of pathogenesis, such as colonization and cytotoxicity.
Static Response of a Wire Rope

The equations developed in the previous sections will now be used to generate the solution for ropes with complex cross sections. Consideration will be given, at first, to a cross section consisting of one simple, straight, seven-wire strand surrounded by six seven-wire strands, which are preformed. Figure 4.1 shows such a cross section in which the outside strands are deformed into the helical shape they assume in the unloaded rope and are this shape under no external loads (preformed strands). Such a cross section is often used as a rope core in a more complex rope and as such is sometimes called an independent wire rope core (IWRC). The center strand will be called strand 1, an outside strand will be denoted strand 2.
ESOPHAGEAL ATRESIA AND TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULA. A SURVEY OF ITS MEMBERS BY THE SURGICAL SECTION OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS.

The members of the Surgical Section of the American Academy of Pedatrics were surveyed regarding their results in treating patients with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula for the five-year period ending January 1, 1963. Information on 1,058 patients was received. The data was processed with the aid of a computer and the results, not easily summarized, have been presented.
Molar Extinction Coefficient and Iron and Sulfide Content of Clostridial Ferredoxin

Abstract The molar extinction coefficient at 390 nm of Clostridium acidi-urici ferredoxin was determined by three independent methods: dry weight determination, amino acid analysis, and amino acid release by carboxypeptidase A treatment. The value of e390 based on the latter method is 30,600 m-1 cm-1. The content of iron was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the content of sulfide was determined from the amount of 35S-sulfide incorporated into ferredoxin in the reconstitution from apoferredoxin. Ferredoxin was found to contain 8 moles of both iron and sulfide.
LDV: Light-weight database virtualization

We present a light-weight database virtualization (LDV) system that allows users to share and re-execute applications that operate on a relational database (DB). Previous methods for sharing DB applications, such as companion websites and virtual machine images (VMIs), support neither easy and efficient re-execution nor the sharing of only a relevant DB subset. LDV addresses these issues by monitoring application execution, including DB operations, and using the resulting execution trace to create a lightweight re-executable package. A LDV package includes, in addition to the application, either the DB management system (DBMS) and relevant data or, if the DBMS and/or data cannot be shared, just the application-DBMS communications for replay during re-execution. We introduce a linked DB-operating system provenance model and show how to infer data dependencies based on temporal information about the DB operations performed by the application's process(es). We use this model to determine the DB subset that needs to be included in a package in order to enable re-execution. We compare LDV with other sharing methods in terms of package size, monitoring overhead, and re-execution overhead. We show that LDV packages are often more than an order of magnitude smaller than a VMI for the same application, and have negligible re-execution overhead.
Object Representation for Recognition-By-Alignment

We present an approach general enough to apply to recognition of complex rigid 3D objects from either a single intensity image or a single range image. Within the general paradigm of recognition by alignment, we address (1) definition and detection of primitives, (2) indexing to model hypotheses, (3) constructing view sphere models from sensed data, and (4) aligning model and sensed features for verification. The overall paradigm is not new, but rather fits within theory already espoused by Lowe and Ullman and many others: our position is therefore both a synthesis of and endorsement of much other work toward recognition of rigid free-form objects.
Developing and Testing a Scale to Measure Need for Drama

Abstract We developed and tested a novel scale to measure Need for Drama (NFD), a compound maladaptive personality trait in which people impulsively manipulate others from a position of perceived victimhood. We confirmed a three factor model of NFD consisting of interpersonal manipulation, impulsive outspokenness, and persistent perceived victimhood factors using Mechanical Turk and college student samples. The pattern of correlations between the NFD factors, dark-triad, attitudes toward gossip, and locus of control, suggest that NFD individuals can be characterized as manipulative, gossipy, and reactive. Correlations to Big-5 personality traits indicate NFD individuals are neurotic, lack conscientiousness, and are slightly more disagreeable. Tests of measurement invariance established that the factor structure and factor loadings of NFD are equivalent between men and women. Organizational, social, and personality researchers may find the NFD measure useful as a predictor of counterproductive workplace behaviors and other maladaptive interpersonal interactions. Future directions and limitations are discussed.
Using Laser Altimetry to Detect Topographic Change at Long Valley Caldera, California

Long Valley caldera, California, is a site of extensive volcanism, persistent seismicity, and uplift of a resurgent dome, currently at a rate of approximately 3 cm/year. Airborne laser altimetry was used to determine the surface topography of the region in 1993. A repeat mission occurred in 1995. Three different laser altimeters were flown, dubbed ATLAS, SLICER and RASCAL. Data processing consists of the combination of the aircraft trajectory and attitude data with the laser range, the determination of an atmospheric delay, laser pulse timing errors, laser system biases, and data geolocation to obtain the position of the laser spot on the ground. Results showed that using the ATLAS and SLICER instruments, the elevation of an overflown lake is determined to precisions of 3.3 cm and 2.9 cm from altitudes of 500 m and 3 km above the ground, and approximately 10 cm using the RASCAL instrument from 500 m above ground. Comparison with tide gauge data showed the laser measurements are able to resolve centimeter-level changes in the lake elevation over time. Repeat pass analysis of tracks over flat surfaces indicate no systematic biases affect the measurement procedure of the ATLAS and SLICER instruments. Comparison of GPS and laser-derived elevations of easily-identifiable features in the caldera confirm the horizontal accuracy of the measurement is within the diameter of the laser footprint, and vertical accuracy is within the error inherent in the measurement. Crossover analysis shows that the standard error of the means at track intersection points within the caldera and dome (i.e., where zero and close to the maximum amount of uplift is expected) are about 1 cm, indicating elevation change at the 3 cm/year level should be detectable. We demonstrate one of the powerful advantages of scanning laser altimetry over other remote sensing techniques; the straightforward creation of precise digital elevation maps of overflown terrain. Initial comparison of the 1993-1995 data indicates uplift occurred, but filtering is required to remove vegetation effects. Although research continues to utilize the full potential of laser altimetry data, the results constitute a successful demonstration that the technique may be used to perform geodetic monitoring of surface topographic change.
Geometry, microstructures, and magnetic fabrics of kink bands in the Darrington Phyllite, northwestern Washington, USA: Processes within fixed-hinge kinking

Abstract Field, thin section, and magnetic fabric analyses of monoclinal, contractional kink bands in the Darrington Phyllite of northwestern Washington, USA, provide evidence of kinematic evolution and microstructural processes during kinking. Relationships among internal, external, and rotation angles of kink bands suggest that rotation was a primary mechanism of kinking, and a significant number of kink bands deviate from the “ideal” kink band geometry (equal internal and external kink angles). Dilation spaces (voids) filled with unrecrystallized quartz and/or calcite inside kink bands and along the boundaries are commonly observed in kink bands with unequal kink angles. Evidence for localized interlayer slip inside kink bands includes mica grains protruding into the hinge voids and stair-step geometry of the voids. Interlayer slip allowed for rotation of the internal foliation during kinking. Pressure solution is not ubiquitous inside kink bands from the study area; however, significant pressure solution is associated with “locked” kink bands (equal kink angles). A new approach using the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) shows that the magnetic fabric and susceptibility inside the kink bands differ more from the outside fabric than can be explained by simple rotation of the outside fabric into the kink attitudes. Combined, our observations suggest that fixed-hinge kinking operated at this location, and that veining, interlayer slip, and pressure solution were the dominant deformation mechanisms.
Effects of carbon dioxide on peak mode isotachophoresis: Simultaneous preconcentration and separation

We present a method that achieves simultaneous preconcentration and separation of analytes using peak-mode isotachophoresis with a single step injection in simple, off-the-shelf microchannels or capillaries. We leverage ions resulting from dissolved atmospheric carbon dioxide to weakly disrupt isotachophoretic preconcentration and induce separation of analyte species. We experimentally study the region between the leading and trailing electrolytes, and individually identify the carbonate and carbamate zones that result from the hydration and carbamation reaction of dissolved atmospheric carbon dioxide, respectively. The width of these zones and the gradient regions between them grow with time and create an electric field gradient that causes analytes to separate. Using this assay, we achieve focusing and separation of a 25 bp DNA ladder in a straight, 34 microm wide microchannel in a single loading step. As a demonstration of the fractionation capabilities of the assay, we show simultaneous preconcentration and separation of a DNA ladder from two proteins, GFP and allophycocyanin.
The length of vesicular stomatitis virus particles dictates a need for actin assembly during clathrin-dependent endocytosis.

Microbial pathogens exploit the clathrin endocytic machinery to enter host cells. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), an enveloped virus with bullet-shaped virions that measure 70×200 nm, enters cells by clathrin-dependent endocytosis. We showed previously that VSV particles exceed the capacity of typical clathrin-coated vesicles and instead enter through endocytic carriers that acquire a partial clathrin coat and require local actin filament assembly to complete vesicle budding and internalization. To understand why the actin system is required for VSV uptake, we compared the internalization mechanisms of VSV and its shorter (75 nm long) defective interfering particle, DI-T. By imaging the uptake of individual particles into live cells, we found that, as with parental virions, DI-T enters via the clathrin endocytic pathway. Unlike VSV, DI-T internalization occurs through complete clathrin-coated vesicles and does not require actin polymerization. Since VSV and DI-T particles display similar surface densities of the same attachment glycoprotein, we conclude that the physical properties of the particle dictate whether a virus-containing clathrin pit engages the actin system. We suggest that the elongated shape of a VSV particle prevents full enclosure by the clathrin coat and that stalling of coat assembly triggers recruitment of the actin machinery to finish the internalization process. Since some enveloped viruses have pleomorphic particle shapes and sizes, our work suggests that they may use altered modes of endocytic uptake. More generally, our findings show the importance of cargo geometry for specifying cellular entry modes, even when the receptor recognition properties of a ligand are maintained.
Thermal emission areas of heated neutron star polar caps

Observed hot spots on neutron stars are often associated with polar caps heated by the backflow of energetic electrons or positrons from accelerators on bundles of open magnetic field lines. Three effects are discussed that may be relevant to formation of hot spots and their areas. (1) The area of a polar cap is proportional to the ratio of the star’s surface dipole field to the local field at the polar cap. Because the field is coupled to the evolving spin of the superfluid core of the star, this ratio can depend on the stellar spin and its history. (2) The hot emission area may appear smaller to a distant observer when emitted X-rays propagate through electron-positron plasma created in the magnetosphere. The X-rays then change their energy spectrum because of cyclotron resonant scattering by pairs. (3) Hot spots may form on the star’s surface as a result of crust motions that are driven by the pull of core flux tubes pinned to the crust. Such motions twist the footprints of closed magnetic loops of the magnetosphere and induce an electric current in the loop, which will heat those footprints.
Thermal properties of Li4/3Ti5/3O4/LiMn2O4 cell

Abstract The thermal properties of Li 4/3 Ti 5/3 O 4 and Li 1+ x Mn 2 O 4 electrodes were investigated by isothermal micro-calorimetry (IMC). The 150-mAh g −1 capacity of a Li/Li 4/3 Ti 5/3 O 4 half cell was obtained through the voltage plateau that occurs at 1.55 V during the phase transition from spinel to rock salt. Extra capacity below 1.0 V was attributed to the generation of a new phase. The small and constant entropy change of Li 4/3 Ti 5/3 O 4 during the spinel/rock-salt phase transition indicated its good thermal stability. Accelerated rate calorimetry confirmed that Li 4/3 Ti 5/3 O 4 has better thermal characteristics than graphite. The IMC results for a Li/Li 1+ x Mn 2 O 4 half cell indicated less heat variation due to the suppression of the order/disorder change by lithium doping. The heat profiles of the Li 4/3 Ti 5/3 O 4 /Li 1+ x Mn 2 O 4 full cell indicated less heat generation compared with a mesocarbon-microbead graphite/Li 1+ x Mn 2 O 4 cell.
Consulting The Reference Book

debunks two widely held views, one about singular thought and one about singular reference. It throws cold water over the common view, stemming from Russell but usually endorsed in forms weaker than Russell’s, that thinking about an object requires some sort of acquaintance with it. And it thoroughly undermines the popular view that proper names and demonstratives, in contrast to definite and indefinite descriptions, are essentially or “paradigmatically” referring expressions. Although John Hawthorne and David Manley do not develop a positive view on singular thought beyond a few scattered suggestions about “mental object-representations,” they do offer a detailed, systematic, and unified semantic account of these four types of noun phrases that covers their respective uses, referential and otherwise, in surprisingly similar ways. With
High Resolution Results from the LBL 55-Meter SGM at SSRL Near the K-Edge of Carbon and Nitrogen

The performance of a 55-meter Spherical Grating Monochromator (SGM) is described. A resolution of 60 meV has been achieved at 400eV, inferred from the linewidths of the nitrogen 1s-π* resonance. A photon flux of 4 × 1010 photons/s has been observed at 440eV (and with 0.5 eV resolution). An initial experiment has studied the core-shell resonances of gas-phase ethylene, C2H4. Vibrational fine structure was resolved both for the carbon 1s-π* and carbon 1s-Rydberg excitations. Comparison with the vibrational frequencies of ground state ethylene implies that the ν1 (C-H stretch) and ν2 (C-C stretch) or ν3 (H-C-H bend) are excited. It is suggested that the lower Rydberg orbitals, 3s and 3pσ, have molecular, anti-bonding character.
TiQi: answering unstructured natural language trace queries

Software traceability is a required element in the development and certification of safety-critical software systems. However, trace links, which are created at significant cost and effort, are often underutilized in practice due primarily to the fact that project stakeholders often lack the skills needed to formulate complex trace queries. To mitigate this problem, we present a solution which transforms spoken or written natural language queries into structured query language (SQL). TiQi includes a general database query mechanism and a domain-specific model populated with trace query concepts, project-specific terminology, token disambiguators, and query transformation rules. We report results from four different experiments exploring user preferences for natural language queries, accuracy of the generated trace queries, efficacy of the underlying disambiguators, and stability of the trace query concepts. Experiments are conducted against two different datasets and show that users have a preference for written NL queries. Queries were transformed at accuracy rates ranging from 47 to 93 %.
Astronomical Camera Using A High-Performance Indium Antimonide Linear Array

The development and current status of InSb line arrays for astronomy are reviewed. Instrument concepts are currently being developed for an infrared instrument for NASA's Space Telescope which would use such detectors for both spectroscopy and imaging. Preliminary performance measurements are given for a simple pushbroom camera, using a 128-element line array, designed for operation on the 24-inch Cassegrain telescope at the JPL Table Mountain Observatory. The design and construction of the camera are described.
Nonlinear behavior of magnetoconductance in two- dimensional electron gas

Abstract Hot electron effect of the transverse magnetoconductance in Si MOSFET and GaAs/AlGaAs in Corbino geometry are investigated. The effect was measured in terms of differential conductance in the presence of DC bias. It is shown that the SdH oscillations undergo unusual changes due to electron heating. As DC bias increases, the SdH oscillations in differential conductance reverses the phase between magnetic levels. For constant carrier concentration, the phase reversal occurs first at low DC bias. As the dc bias increases, more phase reversal occurs at higher magnetic field. The data reminisces the interlevel electronic specific heat expected between magnetic levels and will be discussed in the light of hot electron delocalization of localized state and interlevel electronic excitation in this regime.
Citizenship under Surveillance: Dealing with the Digital Age

The world is not sliding, but galloping into a new transnational dystopia … The Internet, our greatest tool of emancipation, has been transformed into the most dangerous facilitator of totalitarianism we have ever seen. The Internet is a threat to human civilization.
Parental leave policies, intra-household time allocations and children’s human capital

This paper uses a general equilibrium model of marriage and divorce to assess how public policies on parental leave and leave benefits affect intra-household decision making, family structure, intergenerational mobility, and the distribution of income. The benchmark economy is calibrated to US data to replicate some characteristics relevant to the interaction between the marriage and labor markets. The effects of unpaid leave, paid leave benefits, and mandated leave on human capital investment, distribution of income, and welfare are then analyzed.
Spatial resolution and count rate capacity of a positron camera: Some experimental and theoretical considerations

Abstract A positron camera consisting of two coaxially opposed scintillation cameras with 13 3 8 × 1 2 in . NaI(Tl) crystals was used for some basic experimental measurements on the partition of count rate between the photopeak and non-photopeak parts of the energy spectrum and between the coincident and non-coincident fractions. The measurements were done with a point source in air and with a volume source in a scattering medium, and are expressed as percentages of the total count rate in one detector. A theoretical basis for the results of the point source measurement is presented and compared with the experimental data. Experimental data on spatial adn spectral resolution of the detector are also given. Some fundamental theoretical considerations on the count rate capacity of such a positron camera are presented based on the measured count rate partition, on the time constant of NaI(Tl) and on the resolving time of the electronic circuitry. The useful count rates which may be expected in a realistic in vivo application are discussed.
Five-year survival after cryoablation of stage I non-small cell lung cancer in medically inoperable patients.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate retrospectively the long-term survival of patients with early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with cryoablation. Materials and Methods Cryoablation was performed on 47 T1N0M0 NSCLCs in 45 consecutive patients between 2006 and January 2011. All ablative procedures were performed with 16-gauge or 13-gauge cryoprobes. The number of probes used was determined by the size and geometry of the tumor. Local and regional recurrence rates were monitored. Complications were assessed by the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) classification system. Results The 5-year survival rate was 67.8% ± 15.3, the cancer-specific survival rate at 5 years was 56.6% ± 16.5, and the 5-year progression-free survival rate was 87.9% ± 9. The probe per unit tumor diameter was 1.4 probes/cm. In eight patients, 16-gauge cryoprobes were used. Two cases were performed with a single needle. The remaining cases were performed with 13-gauge cryoprobes except for one case in which both probe sizes were used. The combined local and regional recurrence rate was 36.2%. Major complications occurred in 6.4% of patients, including two cases of hemoptysis and a prolonged placement of a chest tube requiring mechanical sclerosis in one patient. There were no deaths in the first 30 days after treatment. Conclusions Cryoablation is associated with a good overall long-term survival with minimally significant complications. Cryoablation is a potentially curative, viable therapeutic option for patients with stage I NSCLC who are deemed medically inoperable.
The debate on size and productivity in developed and developing countries

Abstract The long-debated issue, whether large farms are more productive and efficient than small farms, has important implications for agricultural development policy in developing and developed countries. The known studies on land size, productivity, and economic efficiency in labor-intensive developing countries, particularly in Asia, and land-extensive developed countries, like North America and Australia, are analyzed to investigate their importance to economic development.
Speciation and Crystal Chemistry of Iron(III) Chloride Hydrolyzed in the Presence of SiO4 Ligands. 3. Semilocal Scale Structure of the Aggregates

A series of fresh and 7 day aged Fe−Si samples have been investigated at the semilocal scale by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). All the scattering curves are typical of amorphous aggregates. The subunits of the precipitates could not be determined precisely. However, the trend derived from SAXS modeling indicates that almost all the Fe is within subunits smaller than 7.5 A. The high fractal dimension (Df) values of the aggregates ranging from about 2.0 to 2.7 are attributed to the presence of Si ligands. However, the value of Df as a function of pH and Si concentration varies linearly with the polymerization state of iron.