cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drivers and interrelationships among multiple dimensions of rarity for freshwater fishes

Species can be rare or common in three different dimensions: geographic range size, habitat breadth, and local abundance. Understanding drivers of rarity are not only fundamentally interesting; it is also pertinent for their conservation. We addressed this challenge by analyzing the rarity of 292 native freshwater fishes occurring in ca. 3,500 independent stream reaches that span a broad environmental gradient across continental USA. Using phylogenetic regression and path analysis, we examined the concordance among the three rarity dimensions, and identified possible mechanisms by which species life-history, habitat affinities, and biogeography drive variation in rarity. Weak double extinction jeopardies were driven by weakly positive correlations between habitat breadth and local abundance, and between habitat breadth and geographic range size. However, a triple extinction jeopardy was averted as local abundance and range size were not positively linked in our study. This is because large-river and lacustrine habitat use mediated a trade-off between local abundance and range size. Large rivers and lacustrine habitats represent important dispersal pathways and refugia that enabled fishes to acquire wide ranges; however, species using these habitats are less abundant overall because they are less adapted to small lotic channels, which comprise the majority of stream habitats in the US. Life-history traits were key in governing the relationship between abundance and range size as large-river and lacustrine habitat use were driven by body size, egg size, and parental care. Our analysis contributes novel insights into mechanisms that underlie multiple dimensions of rarity in freshwater fish and informs the prioritization of multiply rare species for conservation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Do Investors Follow Directors

Using more than 30 million quarterly observations on investment funds, firms, and directors, we show that equity-ownership relationships between funds and directors comove when new firms appoint these directors. Funds follow directors from high operating performance and high valuation firms to low valuation firms, and these funds make larger new equity investments when they follow these directors. Relative to their other new equity investments, these funds earn abnormal returns the quarter after they follow directors. However, there is little evidence of long-term improvements at these firms. The strategy of following directors is profitable only in the short run.
Multimodal sparse and low-rank subspace clustering

Abstract In this paper, we propose multimodal extensions of the recently introduced sparse subspace clustering (SSC) and low-rank representation (LRR) based subspace clustering algorithms for clustering data lying in a union of subspaces. Given multimodal data, our method simultaneously clusters data in the individual modalities according to their subspaces. In our formulation, we exploit the self expressiveness property of each sample in its respective modality and enforce the common representation across the modalities. We modify our model so that it is robust to noise. Furthermore, we kernelize the proposed algorithms to handle nonlinearities in data. The optimization problems are solved efficiently using the alternative direction method of multiplier (ADMM). Experiments on face clustering indicate the proposed method performs favorably compared to state-of-the-art subspace clustering methods.
Amorphous boron nanorod as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries at room temperature

We report an amorphous boron nanorod anode material for lithium-ion batteries prepared through smelting non-toxic boron oxide in liquid lithium. Boron in theory can provide capacity as high as 3099 mA h g−1 by alloying with Li to form B4Li5. However, experimental studies of the boron anode have been rarely reported for room temperature lithium-ion batteries. Among the reported studies the electrochemical activity and cycling performance of the bulk crystalline boron anode material are poor at room temperature. In this work, we utilized an amorphous nanostructured one-dimensional (1D) boron material aiming at improving the electrochemical reactivity between boron and lithium ions at room temperature. The amorphous boron nanorod anode exhibited, at room temperature, a reversible capacity of 170 mA h g−1 at a current rate of 10 mA g−1 between 0.01 and 2 V. The anode also demonstrated good rate capability and cycling stability. The lithium storage mechanism was investigated by both sweep voltammetry measurements and galvanostatic intermittent titration techniques (GITTs). The sweep voltammetric analysis suggested that the contributions from lithium ion diffusion into boron and the capacitive process to the overall lithium charge storage are 57% and 43%, respectively. The results from GITT indicated that the discharge capacity at higher potentials (>∼0.2 V vs. Li/Li+) could be ascribed to a capacitive process and at lower potentials (<∼0.2 V vs. Li/Li+) to diffusion-controlled alloying reactions. Solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement further confirmed that the capacity is from electrochemical reactions between lithium ions and the amorphous boron nanorod. This work provides new insights into designing nanostructured boron materials for lithium-ion batteries.
V Rvisu: a tool for virtual reality based visualization of medical data

A large body of research is available on data visualization and many tools have been developed to visually comprehend large healthcare datasets. However, little attention has been paid to the area of visualization using virtual reality (VR). In order to fill this gap, we designed and developed a tool called V Rvisu to visualize large and complex medical datasets using VR. More specifically, our research focuses on creating 3D images of tumors from real-world medical datasets and displays them in a virtual reality environment in meaningful ways. The tool provides novel visualizations for medical practitioners to identify and analyze the change in shape of tumors.
Enhanced mechanical properties of additively manufactured bulk metallic glasses produced through laser foil printing from continuous sheetmetal feedstock

Abstract Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly growing field aimed to produce high-performance net-shaped parts. Therefore, bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), known for their superlative mechanical properties, are of remarkable interest for integration with AM technology. In this study, we pioneer the utilization of commercially available BMG sheetmetal as feedstock for AM, using laser foil printing (LFP) technology. LFP and traditional casting were used to produce samples for four-point bending and Vickers hardness measurements to rigorously compare the mechanical performance of samples resulting from these two fabrication techniques. Through LFP, fully amorphous BMG samples with dimensions larger than the critical casting thickness of the same master alloy were successfully made, while exhibiting high yield strength and toughness in bending. This work exemplifies a potential method to fabricate high-value BMG commercial parts, like gears or mechanisms, where the parts are conventionally machined after printing, and greatly benefit from utilizing novel materials.
Why Not Read Petrus Alfonsi’s Disciplina clericalis in the British Literature Survey?

As part of the burgeoning recognition of the deficiencies of a monolingual British literature survey, Petrus Alfonsi’s Disciplina clericalis deserves a place in our syllabi, alongside more commonly taught Anglo–Latin works like Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain and Anglo–French works like Marie de France’s Lais. Several strands of evidence connect Petrus’s genre-bending Latin collection of Arabic moral tales and proverbs to medieval England. Although a native of Sepharad/al-Andalus, Petrus seems to have written Disciplina clericalis in the orbit of Henry I’s Norman court, and the work was well received in medieval England. Restoring Disciplina clericalis to its former place of prominence gives survey students a richer and more cosmopolitan perspective on early British literature.
Public Accounting in the United States from 1928 to 1951

Public accounting practice and the nature of the accounting profession itself has, in the years under consideration, been shaped by a series of external forces. The Great Depression stimulated codification and regulation of practice. Further refinements of auditing procedures were introduced in the wake of the McKesson & Robbins case. The basic question of who was authorized to practice received almost continuous attention, and was the subject of much legislation and some important legal action. World War II introduced new practices, added responsibilities, and certain difficulties. And finally, the emergence of a strong national organization provided the profession with a means for achieving internal consistency and the capacity for co-ordinated reaction to rapid external change.
Prognostic implications of diagnosing frailty and sarcopenia in vascular surgery practice.

Abstract Objective Frailty and sarcopenia are related but independent conditions commonly diagnosed in older patients that can be used to assess their ability to tolerate the stress of major vascular surgery. For surgical decision-making, however, it is important to know the prognostic implications associated with each of these conditions. The study was designed to assess the association of frailty and sarcopenia phenotypes with long-term survival of patients undergoing surgical and nonsurgical management of vascular disease. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients presenting to the vascular surgery clinic at an academic hospital between December 2015 and August 2017 who underwent prospective frailty assessment with the Clinical Frailty Scale and who had abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans performed within the preceding 12 months. A single axial CT image at the caudal end of the third lumbar vertebra was assessed to measure cross-sectional areas of skeletal muscle. Sarcopenia was defined by established criteria specific for male and female patients. After patients were stratified by frailty and sarcopenia diagnoses along with comorbidities, the association with all-cause mortality was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models. Results A total of 415 patients underwent both frailty and sarcopenia assessment, of whom 112 (27%) met sarcopenia criteria alone, 48 (12%) met only frailty criteria, and 56 (13%) met criteria for both phenotypes. There were 199 (48%) controls who met neither criterion. Vascular operations were performed in 167 (40%) patients after frailty and sarcopenia assessment, whereas 248 (60%) patients were managed nonoperatively with median (interquartile range) follow-up after CT imaging of 1.5 (1.1-2.2) years. Patients diagnosed with either phenotype were older (mean, 65 years vs 59 years; P Conclusions Frailty and sarcopenia overlap to varying degrees in patients presenting to vascular surgery clinics and can be used alone or in combination to predict long-term survival of older patients. However, our data indicate that it was only the diagnosis of frailty that was an independent predictor of mortality and had the strongest prognostic significance in patients undergoing both surgical and nonoperative management.
Public Ideas: Their Varieties and Careers:

In light of ongoing concerns about the relevance of scholarly activities, we ask, what are public ideas and how do they come to be? More specifically, how do journalists and other mediators between...
Effectiveness of foam disinfectants in reducing sink-drain gram-negative bacterial colonization.

BACKGROUND Sink drainage systems are not amenable to standard methods of cleaning and disinfection. Disinfectants applied as a foam might enhance efficacy of drain decontamination due to greater persistence and increased penetration into sites harboring microorganisms. OBJECTIVE To examine the efficacy and persistence of foam-based products in reducing sink drain colonization with gram-negative bacilli. METHODS During a 5-month period, different methods for sink drain disinfection in patient rooms were evaluated in a hospital and its affiliated long-term care facility. We compared the efficacy of a single treatment with 4 different foam products in reducing the burden of gram-negative bacilli in the sink drain to a depth of 2.4 cm (1 inch) below the strainer. For the most effective product, the effectiveness of foam versus liquid-pouring applications, and the effectiveness of repeated foam treatments were evaluated. RESULTS A foam product containing 3.13% hydrogen peroxide and 0.05% peracetic acid was significantly more effective than the other 3 foam products. In comparison to pouring the hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid disinfectant, the foam application resulted in significantly reduced recovery of gram-negative bacilli on days 1, 2, and 3 after treatment with a return to baseline by day 7. With repeated treatments every 3 days, a progressive decrease in the bacterial load recovered from sink drains was achieved. CONCLUSIONS An easy-to-use foaming application of a hydrogen peroxide- and peracetic acid-based disinfectant suppressed sink-drain colonization for at least 3 days. Intermittent application of the foaming disinfectant could potentially reduce the risk for dissemination of pathogens from sink drains.
Co-Rumination Moderates the Relation between Emotional Competencies and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents: a Longitudinal Examination

Research suggests co-rumination during adolescence has developmental tradeoffs that result in elevated self-disclosure and intimacy between friends but also can be associated with increases in depression (Rose et al. 2007; Rose 2002). The current study further examined this paradox by assessing the role of emotional competencies in co-rumination as they predict depressive symptoms over a 2-year period. We tested whether co-rumination moderated the relation between emotional awareness and emotion regulation and depressive symptoms in reciprocated best friend dyads. At Time 1, 202 adolescents (101 same-sex best friend dyads; Mage = 12.68, 52.5% girls, 76.6% White, middle-class) reported on their emotional competencies (i.e., emotional awareness and perceptions of their friend’s anger and sadness regulation), and depressive symptoms as well as engaged in a discussion task where co-rumination was observed. Multilevel modeling (Actor-Partner Interdependence Modeling) was used to account for similarity within friend dyads. The results indicated that when girls engaged in high levels of co-rumination, poor emotional awareness was related to greater depressive symptoms in their friend. Regarding the analyses of emotion regulation, at high levels of co-rumination, Friend A’s perceptions of stronger anger regulation by Friend B predicted fewer depressive symptoms in Friend A. Stronger sadness regulation in Friend B at high levels of co-rumination predicted fewer depressive symptoms in Friend B. Our findings highlight the potentially adaptive nature of emotional competencies that may ameliorate the negative sequelae of co-rumination as adolescents are afforded the opportunity to discuss problems, better understand their emotions, skills that are then associated with fewer depressive symptoms over time.
Using TinkerPlots™ to develop tertiary students’ statistical thinking in a modeling-based introductory statistics class

This chapter describes the development of students’ thinking as they experienced an innovative introductory statistics curriculum that replaced traditional content and methods with an approach based on simulation and resampling. The methods employed in the curriculum were based on a framework for inference that had students specify a chance model, draw repeated samples of simulated data, create a distribution of summary measures, and use the distribution to evaluate a claim. Students used TinkerPlots™ software to resample simulated data from chance processes and models, as well as to explore the distribution of summary measures. The software incorporates many features of a ″Monte Carlo Workbench″ (see Biehler, 1997a) that allows students to visualize the entire modeling process. Problem solving interviews were conducted with five students after five weeks of the curriculum. These interviews revealed that students were beginning to develop an understanding of important concepts underlying the process of statistical inference. The results suggest that students are able to create and use appropriate chance models and simulations to draw statistical inferences after only a few weeks of instruction in an introductory course. The interviews also suggest that TinkerPlots™ provides students with a memorable, visual medium to support the development of their thinking and reasoning.
West Nile Virus-Associated Hospitalizations, California, 2004-2017.

Background West Nile virus (WNV) is the most commonly reported mosquito-borne disease in the United States. California reports more WNV disease than any other state. Methods We identified WNV-associated hospitalizations from 2004 through 2017 in California and estimated hospitalization incidence using California Patient Discharge Data. We described demographic, geographic, and clinical characteristics of WNV-hospitalizations, identified risk factors for in-hospital death, and tabulated hospitalization charges.Results: From 2004 through 2017, 3,109 Californians were hospitalized with WNV (median: 214 patients per year, range: 72 - 449). The majority were male (1,983; 63.8%) and ≥ 60 years old (1,766; 56.8%). The highest median annual hospitalization rate (0.88 hospitalizations / 100,000 persons) was in the Central Valley, followed by southern California (0.59 hospitalizations / 100,000 persons). Most patients (2,469; 79.4%) had ≥1 underlying condition, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or immunosuppression due to medications or disease. Median hospitalization length was 12 days (interquartile range: 6-23 days). During hospitalization, 1,317 (42%) patients had acute respiratory failure and/or sepsis/septic shock, 772 (24.8%) experienced acute kidney failure, and 470 (15.1%) had paralysis; 272 (8.8%) patients died. Nearly 47% (1,444) of patients were discharged for additional care. During these 14 years, $838,680,664 (mean $59.9 million / year) was charged for WNV hospitalizations, 73.9% through government payers, a median charge of $142,321 per patient. Conclusions WNV-associated hospitalizations were substantial and costly in California. Hospitalization incidence was higher in males, elderly persons, and patients with underlying conditions. WNV persists as a costly and severe public health threat to California residents.
Rasch and Forms of Validity Evidence

Throughout Advances in Rasch Analysis in the Human Sciences we have used the term “validity” with regard to Rasch techniques. Often we have considered content validity and construct validity. In this chapter, we discuss how Rasch techniques can be used to address a wide range of validity issues. For example, content validity, construct validity, predictive validity, concurrent validity, statistical validity, fit validity, and face validity.
The emergence of locally adaptive institutions: Insights from traditional social structures of East African pastoralists.

Abstract Humans inhabit the widest range of ecological and social niches of any mammal. Yet each ecological and social environment presents a set of challenges that we must solve in order to successfully inhabit it. We are able to do so by building institutions that can flexibly respond to changing circumstances. Institutions that solve adaptive challenges necessary for human sociality, such as how to resolve conflicts, find mates, and extract and distribute resources, are termed locally adaptive institutions. The design of locally adaptive institutions promotes coordination and cooperation among unrelated individuals, reflecting the constraints of the particular ecological and social challenges to which they are responsive. Institutions generally are enabled by a suite of social and psychological mechanisms, including norm compliance, self-interested design, selective imitation, and cultural group selection among others. The development of locally adaptive institutions are likely to be especially shaped by self-interested design in which agents are sensitive to the payoffs from various norms and choose to enforce and follow those which they anticipate to be most beneficial to themselves. Exogenous shocks, including the advent of material and cultural technologies, population pressures, or even group conflict can contribute to the modification of existing social institutions and the development of new social structures. Using several case examples from traditional east African pastoralist societies, I illustrate how ecological and social pressures shape the development of social norms that underlie locally adaptive social institutions and facilitate continued cooperation in the face of change at scales ranging from local to global.
Pediatric therapeutic drug monitoring, toxicology and pharmacogenomics

Abstract Various physiological differences lead to significant differences in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and toxicology between children and adults. These factors include differences in gastric pH, intestinal transit time, membrane permeability, liver maturity, first-pass metabolism, renal clearance, protein binding, protein concentration, and enzyme activities. These differences lead to significant variations in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics among children and adults. Understanding of these differences further requires understanding of pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic principles.
Nonlinear Analytical Approaches for Prediction of Alternans Mediated Cardiac Arrhythmias

Cardiac alternans, an alternation in the action potential duration (APD), is suggested to be a precursor to lethal tachyarrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, which in turn can lead to sudden cardiac death. Linear methods for detection of alternans onset and suppression have shown limited success, predominantly due to presence of cardiac memory wherein APD prediction at any instant purportedly requires the knowledge of multiple previous APDs and diastolic intervals (DIs) to successfully characterize the present cardiac state. Taking into account the non-linear relationship between the APDs and preceding DIs, the transition from steady state to alternans has been captured successfully using non-linear analytical methods including bifurcation theory, principal component analysis and chaos control techniques. This chapter presents an overview of non-linear analytical approaches utilized for predicting the onset of alternans that hold potential to translate into preclinical modalities capable of alternans detection and control, thereby preventing fatal tachyarrhythmias and transition to sudden cardiac death. We present a preclinical evaluation using high resolution optical mapping of two novel techniques based on bifurcation analysis and eigenvalue decomposition to predict the onset of alternans. Furthermore, we correlate the spatial evolution of alternans with bifurcation parameters and dominant eigenvalues, providing a potential marker for alternans estimation.
Approximated expressions for the coherent synchrotron radiation effect in various accelerator scenarios

In this paper, we present analytic expressions for the coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR)-induced rms energy spread and the resulting emittance dilution due to three common scenarios in electron particle accelerators: An electron bunch transitioning into the steady-state regime while traversing a bending magnet with and without the effects of compression, and an electron bunch coasting into a subsequent drift section. The expressions are used to calculate the CSR-induced rms energy spread and emittance dilution for real bunch compressor systems: the first and second bunch compressors of the LCLS-II CuRF and LCLS-II-HE. The expressions are compared with simulations using elegant for various parameter scans.
Racial differences in patient-reported distress among women with endometrial cancer

Objectives: There are established racial disparities in mortality from endometrial cancer (EC). In addition, distress from cancer diagnosis and treatment is associated with lower compliance and more frequent use of emergency services. Differences in distress by race/ethnicity in EC have not been previously explored. Here we characterize the association between race/ethnicity, distress scores and stressors reported by patients on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer and Problem List (NCCN DT), and referral to support services in women with EC. Methods: Patients presenting to a single academic outpatient gynecologic oncology practice for initial evaluation of known EC from January 2013-May 2020 were included. The electronic health record was used to abstract demographics, NCCN DT scores, and stressor categories (physical, emotional, spiritual, practical, and family) from the initial encounter. At our institution, patients are referred to support services for an NCCN DT score ≥4. We excluded women who received prior cancer-directed therapy and those without an NCCN DT score recorded at their initial appointment. Summary statistics were tabulated for demographics. Mann-Whitney U tests were used for inter-group difference on continuous variables and 2-sample tests for equality of proportions were used for binary variables. Results: 412 non-Hispanic White (NHW, mean age 63) and 149 non-Hispanic Black (NHB, mean age 65) women were included in our analysis. More NHB women presented with high-grade EC (53.7%) vs NHW women (21.9%) and fewer NHB women were privately insured (32% vs 52%). Median distress scores were higher in NHW women compared to their NHB counterparts (4 vs. 2, p Conclusions: The NCCN DT, a widely used tool in cancer clinics, may fail to adequately measure distress in NHB women presenting with a diagnosis of EC, despite >30% more high risk histology cancers in this cohort. This phenomenon appears to be driven by the greater frequency of ‘0’ distress scores reported by NHB women. This difference leads to disparities in referral to additional support services, which may affect quality of care and quality of life. Additional research is needed to better understand how women of different races and ethnicities approach the NCCN DT.
Hip Resurfacing vs Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients Younger than 35 Years: A Comparison of Revision Rates and Patient-Reported Outcomes.

Abstract Background Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) are two treatment options for end-stage degenerative hip conditions. The objective of this single-center retrospective cohort study was to compare implant survival and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in young patients (≤35 years) who underwent HRA or THA. Methods All patients aged 35 years or younger who underwent HRA or THA with a single high-volume arthroplasty surgeon between 2004 and 2015 were reviewed. The sample included 33 THAs (26 patients) and 76 HRAs (65 patients). Five-year implant survival and minimum 2-year PROs were compared between patient cohorts. Results Three patients in the THA group (9%) were revised within 5 years for instability (n = 1), squeaking (n = 1), or squeaking with a ceramic liner fracture (n = 1). No patients who underwent HRA were revised. The University of California, Los Angeles, activity score, modified Harris Hip score, and Hip Dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores for Joint Replacement increased by 74%, 64%, and 49%, respectively, among all patients. Compared to the HRA cohort, patients who underwent THA had lower preoperative and postoperative University of California, Los Angeles, activity, modified Harris Hip score, and Hip Dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores for Joint Replacement scores, yet there were no differences in the absolute improvements in any of the three measures between the two groups. Conclusions Excellent functional outcomes were seen in young patients undergoing either HRA or THA. Although young patients undergoing THA started at lower preoperative baseline and postoperative PROs than patients undergoing HRA, both groups improved by an equal amount after surgery, suggesting that both HRA and THA afford a similar degree of potential improvement in a young population.
Student Reflections on a Study Abroad Course to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing

The authors lead a study abroad trip to Beijing, China during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Included are reflections from the students who participated. Throughout the visit, students had the opportunity to complete learning outside of the traditional classroom setting. In addition, various challenges were faced and overcome which also constituted a learning experience and was the cause of reflection. The country of China and all of its historical landmarks had a great impression on these students, especially the day that was spent at the Great Wall. Finally, being able to be at the Olympic Games was a life-changing experience, from the Opening Ceremony to the events that were attended. In all, it was a thoroughly worthwhile adventure and one that we hope to replicate every two years.
The Drosophila auditory system

Development of a functional auditory system in Drosophila requires specification and differentiation of the chordotonal sensilla of Johnston's organ (JO) in the antenna, correct axonal targeting to the antennal mechanosensory and motor center in the brain, and synaptic connections to neurons in the downstream circuit. Chordotonal development in JO is functionally complicated by structural, molecular, and functional diversity that is not yet fully understood, and construction of the auditory neural circuitry is only beginning to unfold. Here, we describe our current understanding of developmental and molecular mechanisms that generate the exquisite functions of the Drosophila auditory system, emphasizing recent progress and highlighting important new questions arising from research on this remarkable sensory system.
On the power spectral density of digitally modulated signals and applications in code despreading

Two techniques for deriving the power spectral density (PSD) of digitally modulated signals are examined. Both concentrate on the autocorrelation function of modulated sequences, and one of them makes use of the discrete Fourier transform coefficients of this function. These methods provide general expression for PSDs which can be useful in a variety of situations; for example, in the case of the product pseudonoise (PN) codes with arbitrary modulating waveforms. Specific examples are given, where the dependence of the PSD on the relative shift between the two versions of a PN sequence is demonstrated. This could have implications on all systems which use the standard correlation operation (despreading) of PN codes and different pulse shapes. >
Camus: The Stranger

Preface Chronology 1. Contexts 2. The Stranger 3. Early Camus and Sartre 4. Camus and the Algerian War 5. Why and how we read The Stranger: a guide to further reading.
Soil decontamination at Rocky Flats

During the last few years, many articles have appeared in newspapers and journals concerning radioactive contamination around Rocky Flats.1,2 The amount of plutonium in the soil has been of particular interest. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement3 on Rocky Flats lists the yearly alpha releases from the Plant since it was opened in 1952. The largest release was from “contaminated oil leakage.” In 1958, a drum storage area was established on virgin ground just inside the present-day east gate to Rocky Flats. The drums contained cutting oil and carbon tetrachloride contaminated with plutonium and uranium cuttings from the machining of nuclear weapon components. Deterioration of and leakage from the drums was first observed in 1964. This leakage resulted in the soil being contaminated. In January of 1967, the last drums were added to the area. Shortly after this time, drum removal commenced and continued until all drums were removed by January 1968. The level of contamination in the soil was measured at this time. The results showed levels from 2,000 to 300,000 dpm/100 cm2 and penetration depths of 3 to 20 cm. In April of 1969, a gravel cover of approximately 15 cm was applied and by July the area had been covered with a 7.5 cm asphalt pad.
Programming with human computation

Amazon's Mechanical Turk provides a programmatically accessible micro-task market, allowing a program to hire human workers. This has opened the door to a rich field of research in human computation where programs orchestrate the efforts of humans to help solve problems. This thesis explores challenges that programmers face in this space: both technical challenges like managing high-latency, as well as psychological challenges like designing effective interfaces for human workers. We offer tools and experiments to overcome these challenges in an effort to help future researchers better understand and harness the power of human computation. The main tool this thesis offers is the crash-and-rerun programming model for managing high-latency tasks on MTurk, along with the TurKit toolkit which implements crash-and-rerun. TurKit provides a straightforward imperative programming environment where MTurk is abstracted as a function call. Based on our experience using TurKit, we propose a simple model of human computation algorithms involving creation and decision tasks. These tasks suggest two natural workflows: iterative and parallel, where iterative tasks build on each other and parallel tasks do not. We run a series of experiments comparing the merits of each workflow, where iteration appears to increase quality, but has limitations like reducing the variety of responses and getting stuck in local maxima. Next we build a larger system composed of several iterative and parallel workflows to solve a real world problem, that of transcribing medical forms, and report our experience. The thesis ends with a discussion of the current state-of-the-art of human computation, and suggests directions for future work. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Questions on the Quark Model: Panel Discussion

In atomic, nuclear, and particle physics, one often deals with complicated potentials where the analytic solution to the bound state wave functions is not known. One general approach to this problem is to diagonalize the Hamiltonian in a finite, i.e., truncated, model space. While this method is generally very good in determining the low-lying energy levels, it is not without problems. For example, an operator that is known to commute with the Hamiltonian may not, in the model space, actually commute with the Hamiltonian. To deal with this problem, one tries to find effective operators in the model space that do satisfy the properties of the operators in the untruncated space.
Analysis and evaluation in the production process and equipment area of the low-cost solar array project

The effect of solar cell metallization pattern design on solar cell performance and the costs and performance effects of different metallization processes are discussed. Definitive design rules for the front metallization pattern for large area solar cells are presented. Chemical and physical deposition processes for metallization are described and compared. An economic evaluation of the 6 principal metallization options is presented. Instructions for preparing Format A cost data for solar cell manufacturing processes from UPPC forms for input into the SAMIC computer program are presented.
Peptic-ulcer disease in the elderly

Peptic-ulcer disease causes significant morbidity and mortality in the elderly. It frequently presents in an atypical manner and is associated with a high incidence of complications. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori increases with age and can have an important role in the development of ulcers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also contribute to the increased incidence of ulcers and the development of complications in the elderly. Although management of ulcer disease in the elderly is similar to that in the younger population, consideration must be given to the potential for increased incidence of side effects and medication interactions. When endoscopy and surgery are performed there should be an appreciation for the risks associated with concurrent illnesses that can accompany advanced age.
Albert Hirschman's Hiding Hand

Albert Hirschman argued that planners in underdeveloped nations often benefit from what he called the Hiding Hand, which hides, and thus makes planners unable to anticipate, serious obstacles to development projects. The Hiding Hand turns out to be benevolent, because once the obstacles arise, human creativity, which is also unanticipated, comes to the rescue. Planners would not have authorized the relevant projects if the Hiding Hand had not hidden the obstacles, but fortunately, unanticipated solutions often emerge. This brief essay, the foreword to a new Brookings Press edition of Hirschman’s Development Projects Observed, explores the relationship between Hirschman’s Hiding Hand and behavioral findings involving unrealistic optimism and the planning fallacy. It also discusses the relationship between behavioral economics and Hirschman’s preferred approach, which did not involve identification of testable hypotheses, but instead narrative descriptions of surprising social mechanisms. It also notes that the Benevolent Hiding Hand has an evil sibling, the Malevolent Hiding Hand.
Power relationships in marriage and the prevention of AIDS

This paper's object is to discuss the interfaces between the prevention of AIDS and affective-sexual relationships and power in marriage. The subject matter is interpreted in light of the foucaultian thinking of power, and emerged from previous research. The fidelity pact assumed by the man as a commitment to himself and to his wife, contributes to the consideration that the hypothesis of sexual contamination is remote. However, even though distant, the possibility of contracting aids provokes a certain insecurity in the man, who feels dependent on his partner's behavior with regard to this issue.
Re-emphasizing the concept of adequacy of intraoperative assessment of the axillary sentinel lymph nodes for identifying nodal positivity during breast cancer surgery.

Background Although sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a standard of care for the evaluation of the axillary lymph nodes during breast cancer surgery, a substantial degree of variation exists among individual surgeons as to what represents an adequate assessment. The aim of the current study was to assess when metastatic disease was first identified within consecutively harvested SLN candidates for invasive breast cancers demonstrating a positive SLN.
Transfer region of a Bacteroides conjugative transposon contains regulatory as well as structural genes.

Conjugative transposons (CTns) are integrated elements that excise themselves from the chromosome to form a circular transfer intermediate that is transferred by conjugation to a recipient. In an earlier paper, the excision step was shown to be regulated by tetracycline and to be dependent on the regulatory gene, rteC. In this paper, we report that genes involved in conjugal transfer are also regulated by tetracycline but that regulation is more complex. Genes contained within a 20-kbp region that is sufficient for conjugal transfer were disrupted by single crossover integration events. Most of the disruptions abolished transfer of the CTn. None of them abolished excision. Antibodies to two of the proteins encoded in this region (TraG and TraN) were obtained and used to show that production of these proteins was dependent on tetracycline stimulation. Both TraG and TraN were membrane proteins. A surprising finding was that a disruption in the gene traQ increased transfer of CTnERL over 100-fold. Thus, TraQ may be a repressor protein that controls expression of transfer genes. If so, TraQ is not the only protein that controls expression of transfer genes because production of TraG and TraN in the traQ disruption mutant was still dependent on tetracycline stimulation.
Concentration, size distribution, and dry deposition rate of particle-associated metals in the Los Angeles region

Daily averaged atmospheric concentrations and dry deposition fluxes of particulate metals were measured seasonally at six urban sites and one non-urban coastal site in the Los Angeles region using a conventional total suspended particulate matter (TSP) filter, surrogate surface deposition plates, and a Noll Rotary Impactor (NRI), which provides information about particle size distribution in four size ranges above 6 μm. With the exception of the non-urban site, particulate metal concentrations and deposition fluxes were remarkably uniform spatially and temporally. At all sites there were significant metal concentrations on particles greater than 10 μm, a commonly used upper limit for many air quality monitoring studies, and these large particles were estimated to be responsible for most of the deposited mass of metals. Annual averaged values of deposition rates measured with a surrogate surface were in good agreement with values estimated using theoretical deposition velocities in conjunction with measured size-segregated particle concentrations. Image analysis of particles deposited on NRI stage A, which collects all particles greater than 6 μm, indicated nighttime metal concentrations and deposition at the non-urban coastal site was higher than in the day time due to offshore advection of urban air associated with the diurnal land breeze. Measured enrichments of crustal elements and metals were correlated, indicating efficient mixing of natural and anthropogenic material from different sources, hypothesized to be the result of cyclical resuspension and deposition of dust by moving vehicles and wind.
Environmental and intraspecific dimorphism effects on the stable isotope composition of deep-sea benthic foraminifera from the Southern Gulf of California, Mexico

Abstract We studied the influence of microhabitat, organic matter flux, and metabolism on the stable oxygen and carbon isotope composition of live (Rose Bengal stained) and dead (empty tests) dimorphic generations (microspheric/sexual and megalospheric/asexual) of deep-sea benthic foraminifera from the southern Gulf of California. Despite the range of environmental conditions that exists between the investigated sites, the distribution and live abundance of dimorphic generations of Bolivina subadvena Cushman and B. argentea Cushman were similar: in every site, each dimorphic generation displayed the same relative depth distribution. Maximum abundance of megalospheric B. argentea was observed between 0 and 2 mm, whereas the microspheric generation of this species is most abundant at depths between 1 and 3 mm. For B. subadvena, megalospheric individuals concentrated at the organic-rich boundary layer (0–1 mm), while individuals of the microspheric generation were most abundant deeper in the sediment (4 and 6 mm). Different specific responses to carbon rain variability were indicate by the variation in the proportions of dimorphic generation and by the consistently lighter δ13C and δ18O values observed in B. subadvena compared to B. argentea. Indicating that B. subadvena populations are being maintain, largely, through asexual reproduction (megalospheric generation), which requires high metabolic rates that account for a larger incorporation of metabolic CO2 into their tests. The comparison of isotopic measurements from three size classes (125, 150 and 250 µm) in dimorphic generations of B. subadvena showed that isotopic fractionation related to ontogeny is small compared to the variation due to dimorphism, illustrating the potential use of the isotopic signals of these two species in the reconstruction of past organic matter fluxes, if the species life strategies are considered.
The question of the completeness of the natural orbitals with nonzero occupation numbers for atoms and molecules

The completeness of the natural orbitals with nonzero occupation numbers is examined for several model Hamiltonians and for the helium atom. It is demonstrated that whether the occupied natural orbitals form complete sets depends on the nature of the electron-electron interaction in the model Hamiltonian. Discrepancies in the extant proofs of the exactness and inexactness of the extended Koopmans' theorem are resolved.
Ecosystem management: A comparison of greater yellowstone and georges bank

Ecosystem management links human activities with the functioning of natural environments over large spatial and temporal scales. Our examination of Greater Yellowstone and Georges Bank shows similarities exist between human uses, administrative characteristics, and some biophysical features. Each region faces growing pressures to replace traditional extractive uses with more sustainable extractive or noncommodity uses coupled with concern about endangered species. Ecosystem management as a set of practical guidelines for making decisions under evolving expectations is far from complete, and it embodies new demands on individuals and institutions. In each system these challenges are considered relative to: the public's symbolic understanding of the management challenge, ecosystem management ambiguities, information availability, information use, administrative setting, and learning capabilities of governance organizations Progress in making ecosystem management operational may occur as refinements in content and approach make it an increasingly attractive option for resource users, the public, and government officials.
Protection of goats against peste des petits ruminants with a vaccinia virus double recombinant expressing the F and H genes of rinderpest virus

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a viral disease of goats and sheep characterized by necrotizing and erosive stomatitis, enteritis and pneumonia. The causative agent, PPRV, is a member of the family Paramyxoviridae and the genus Morbillivirus. Other members of the genus include rinderpest (RPV), measles, canine distemper and phocid distemper viruses. PPR has a very high rate of morbidity and mortality, and effective control of this disease is of economic importance in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Currently, there is no safe and effective vaccine available against the disease. The tissue culture rinderpest vaccine (TCRV) protects small ruminants against severe disease; there are, however, clinical problems associated with vaccination. This laboratory has recently developed several effective vaccinia virus recombinant vaccines for rinderpest. These vaccines are easy to administer, inexpensive to produce and heat-stable. Goats were vaccinated with a vaccinia virus double recombinant expressing the haemagglutinin and fusion genes of RPV. Although vaccinated animals developed antibodies (neutralizing and ELISA) to RPV, and not to PPRV, they were completely protected against challenge inoculation with virulent PPRV. This would indicate that protection is most probably due to cell-mediated immunity. Use of the rinderpest double recombinant vaccinia virus in areas of the world where PPRV is endemic would aid in the control and eradication of PPR.