cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In situ tracer studies of solute transport across the sedimentwater interface at the Bermuda Time Series site

Abstract In situ tracer experiments have been utilized to assess the rates of transport of solutes across the sediment-water interface in the deep sea at the Bermuda Time Series site. The site lies some 83 km southeast of Bermuda, an environment considered to be representative of an oligotrophic gyre. Transport has been evaluated on the basis of release of NaBr into benthic chambers and determinations of Br losses from the chambers as well as Br − profiles and inventories in the sediments recovered in the chambers. The experiments provide no evidence of transport across the sediment-water interface in excess of that expected for diffusion alone. The sensitivity of our analysis to variations in transport rate places a limit on non-diffusive transport of ≤25% of diffusive transport.
Local- and field-scale stochastic-advective vertical solute transport in horizontally heterogeneous unsaturated soils

Description of field-scale solute transport in unsaturated soils is essential for assessing the degree of contamination, estimating fluxes past a control plane and for designing remedial measures. The flow field is usually described by numerical solution of the Richards equation followed by numerical solution of the advection-dispersion equation to describe contaminant movement. These numerical solutions are highly complex, and do not provide the insights that are possible from simpler analytical representations. In this study, analytical solutions at the local scale are developed to describe purely advective vertical transport of a conservative solute along the principle characteristic of the flow field. Local-scale model development is simplified by using a sharp-front approximation for water movement. These local solutions are then upscaled to field-scale solute transport by adopting a lognormally distributed horizontal hydraulic conductivity field to represent the natural heterogeneity observed in field soils. Analytical expressions are developed for the mean behavior of solute transport at the field scale. Comparisons with experimental observations find that trends of field-scale solute behavior are reasonably reproduced by the model. The accuracy of the proposed solution improves with increasing spatial variability in the hydraulic conductivity as revealed by further comparisons with numerical results of the Richards equation-based field-scale solute movement. In some cases, the sharp-front approximation may lead to anomalous field-scale behavior depending on the role of pre and postponded conditions in the field, and this limitation is discussed. The proposed method shows promise for describing field-scale solute movement in loamy sand and sandy loam soils.
Security problems and challenges in a machine learning-based hybrid big data processing network systems

The data source that produces data continuously in high volume and high velocity with large varieties of data types creates Big Data, and causes problems and challenges to Machine Learning (ML) techniques that help extract, analyze and visualize important information. To overcome these problems and challenges, we propose to make use of the hybrid networking model that consists of multiple components such as Hadoop distributed file system (HDFS), cloud storage system, security module and ML unit. Processing of Big Data in this networking environment with ML technique requires user interaction and additional storage hence some artificial delay between the arrivals of data domains through external storage can help HDFSto process the Big Data efficiently. To address this problem we suggest using public cloud for data storage which will induce meaningful time delay to the data while making use of its storage capability. However, the use of public cloud will lead to security vulnerability to the data transmission and storage. Therefore, we need some form of security algorithm that provides a flexible key-based encryption technique that can provide tradeoffs between time-delay, security strength and storage risks. In this paper we propose a model for using public cloud provider trust levels to select encryption types for data storage for use within a Big Data analytics network topology.
On the electrically thick monopole: Part I--Theoretical solution

A new integral equation is formulated for the current distribution of an electrically thick, cylindrical antenna which is driven by a voltage across a finite gap on an infinitely large ground plane. Compared to the conventional integral equation of Hallen, this equation has an additional source term which can be expressed in terms of both the radius of the antenna and the width of the gap. A numerical solution of the integral equation has also been obtained by a so-called "approximate product-integration technique" and the results have been compared with the experimental data of a monopole antenna driven by a coaxial transmission line over an infinitely large ground plane. When the circumference of the antenna is comparable to a free-space wavelength, the experiment verifies that the theoretical model with finite gap excitation describes the experimental situation more properly than either the conventional model of a delta-function excitation on both outside and inside surfaces of the antenna, or the King-Wu model of a delta-fanction excitation only on the outside surface.
Secession as a Human Right

If people are to have rights to themselves, then they must have the right to affiliate in sovereign entities composed of people who mutually agree to affiliate with one another. This requires that any individual or group has a right to secede from any sovereign entity. The article develops the idea that a right of secession is natural when rights to territory and other gifts of nature are regarded as belonging equally to all persons, and all persons have rights to themselves. The article also argues that a world that recognizes a right of secession is feasible.
Effects of temperature and surface contamination on D retention in ultrathin Li films on TZM

Abstract In this work, we investigate deuterium retention at the Mo–Li interface by studying thin Li films three monolayers thick on a TZM Mo alloy. Li films at temperatures between 315 and 460 K were exposed to a deuterium ion beam and D retention was measured using temperature programmed desorption. In the absence of oxygen, D is retained as LiD, and the relative amount of retained D decreases with increasing substrate temperature. In three-monolayer thick lithium oxide films, the amount of D retained was 2.5 times higher than the amount retained as LiD in the metallic Li film. However, oxygen reduces the thermal stability of D in the film, causing D2O and D2 to be released from the surface at temperatures 150–200 K below the LiD decomposition temperature. These results highlight the importance of maintaining a metallic Li layer for high D retention in Li films on TZM at elevated temperatures.
Parallel particle advection and FTLE computation for time-varying flow fields

Flow fields are an important product of scientific simulations. One popular flow visualization technique is particle advection, in which seeds are traced through the flow field. One use of these traces is to compute a powerful analysis tool called the Finite-Time Lyapunov Exponent (FTLE) field, but no existing particle tracing algorithms scale to the particle injection frequency required for high-resolution FTLE analysis. In this paper, a framework to trace the massive number of particles necessary for FTLE computation is presented. A new approach is explored, in which processes are divided into groups, and are responsible for mutually exclusive spans of time. This pipelining over time intervals reduces overall idle time of processes and decreases I/O overhead. Our parallel FTLE framework is capable of advecting hundreds of millions of particles at once, with performance scaling up to tens of thousands of processes.
Adaptive Control in Machining—A New Approach Based on the Physical Constraints of Tool Wear Mechanisms

An optimization procedure for adaptive control based on the physical constraints of the machining process is proposed. Three different modes of tool failure have been examined and constraints for each mode of failure identified accordingly. A mapping procedure has then been used to transform these constraints into a control variable space and obtain a “safe working range.” The optimum working conditions are determined in terms of the control variables (cutting speed and feed rate) based on a chosen performance index (metal removal rate, in this case). Also, further consideration of time-varying situations such as tool wear and engage-exit conditions can be included in this formulation. Several numerical examples are presented for the identification of the dominant modes of failure, in particular, experimental cases. The results are in good agreement with the experimental data available.
Thermo-mechanical fatigue modeling of advanced metal matrix composites in the presence of microstructural details

Abstract An analytical model developed for predicting the inelastic response of metal matrix composites subjected to axisymmetric loading is employed to investigate the behavior of SiCTi composites under thermo-mechanical fatigue loading. The model is based on the concentric cylinder assemblage consisting of arbitrary numbers of elastic or inelastic sublayers with isotropic, transversely isotropic, or orthotropic, temperature-dependent properties. In the present work, the inelastic response of the titanium matrix is modeled by the Bodner-Partom unified viscoplastic theory. These features of the model allow the investigation of microstructural effects (such as the layered morphology of the SCS-6 fiber, including the weak carbon coating, and matrix microstructure) and rate-dependent response of the matrix on the fatigue behavior. In this paper, we employ the predictions of the multiple concentric cylinder model to study the effects of the layered morphology of the SCS-6 SiC fiber and two-phase microstructure of the Ti-15-3 matrix on the response of a SiCTi composite under thermo-mechanical fatigue loading. It is shown that ignoring the microstructure can lead to significant errors in the predictions of the internal stress and inelastic strain distributions.
The genus Serenomyces on palms.

The concept of Serenomyces is revised and expanded. A key to the species now known, all on Palmae, is presented. A new species, S. californica, that develops on rachises of California fan palm is recognized. The genus is more aptly placed in the Phyllachorales than in the Ceratostomataceae because of the habit of the subepidermal ascomata in stromatic tissues and the centrum of thin-walled asci among delicate paraphyses.
Influence of precipitate microstructure on flow and forming properties of an aluminum alloy sheet

Abstract A 7075 aluminium alloy sheet was cold rolled, solution heat treated and artificially aged to underaged (UA) and overaged (OA) conditions. A careful fabrication and heat treatment procedure was followed in order to obtain UA and OA sheets having the same isotropic crystallographic texture and uniaxial yield strength. Hydraulic bulge tests, plane strain, and uniaxial tension tests were performed to characterize the mechanical behavior of these materials. The forming limit diagram (FLD) was also obtained for these two conditions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the precipitate microstructure, slip line patterns and fracture surfaces. Experimental observations showed that both macroscopic and microscopic responses of the materials to plastic deformation was strongly affected by the precipitate microstructure. FLDs were theoretically computed with the Marciniak and Kuczynski (MK) analysis, using the yield locus calculated with the Taylor/Bishop and Hill (TBH) theory for polycrystalline plasticity and the stress-strain curve corresponding to both UA and OA conditions. The predicted results were in good agreement with experiments for sheet in the OA condition, and they were not for the material in the UA condition. This was explained in terms of yield surface shape, consistent with the slip line characteristics, though differences in fracture behavior may contribute to these observations. The yield surface shape effect was emphasized since it provides, besides fracture, an alternate interpretation of failure mechanism near balanced biaxial tension, and since it can be described fairly well with a simple phenomenological description of plastic behavior.
Risk assessment of human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus in Taiwan

The first peak of human cases of influenza A (H7N9) virus infection from February to May followed by two cases in July 2013 and August 2013, accounting for 135 cases along with 47 deaths. A second ascent of cases started in October 2013 and surged to 102 cases including 11 deaths, which have been reported in four provinces of China (Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong), Hong Kong, and one travel-related case from Taiwan, as of January 24, 2014. Furthermore, compared to the past year’s peak, the age distribution in the second wave of cases does not tend to skew toward the elderly. To formulate appropriate prevention and control strategies for public health, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) assessed the risk associated with emergence of H7N9 virus and provided guidance for health care workers and the public. Information on characteristics of the H7N9 virus, attributes of the human population at risk, and epidemiology of the virus were systematically assessed. An internal expert meeting was held at Taiwan CDC to evaluate the assessment report.
Appeals to Justice in the Environmental Debate

Arguments over issues with environmental implications are increasingly salient in the public arena, and appeals to justice are made by both those who favor and those who oppose environmental regulations. But can justice really be claimed by each side with equal plausibility? The concept of justice can be defined in different ways, which may tend to favor one side or the other. Although there is a high degree of variability among the arguments presented, the environmental crisis seems most generally to pit justice for the individual, or microjustice, against justice for a larger group, or macrojustice. The present article examines the evidence for this, and reports the results of a study examining appeals to different principles of justice. Subjects were asked to evaluate arguments based on microjustice principles, such as procedural justice, or macrojustice principles, such as equality and responsibility, by each side of the environmental debate. Although pro-environmental arguments received stronger ratings overall, it was also found, as expected, that appeals based on procedural justice were relatively stronger when phrased in terms of an anti-environmental stance, and other arguments were relatively stronger for the pro-environmental position.
Severity of spousal and intimate partner abuse to pregnant Hispanic women

Abuse to pregnant women can result in complications to maternal and child health. This study assessed the severity of intimate male partner abuse to Hispanic pregnant women receiving prenatal care at an urban public health department. The mean age of the 329 pregnant, abused Hispanic women was 24 years. The women had an average of eight years of education, annual incomes of less than $10,000, and most spoke only Spanish. In all, 30 percent of the women had been threatened with death, 18 percent had been threatened with a knife or gun, 80 percent had been shaken or roughly handled, 71 percent pushed or shoved, and 64 percent slapped on the face and head. Pregnant, abused Hispanic women experience abuse of sufficient severity to pose a risk to maternal and child health. Prenatal care provides a window of opportunity for routine abuse assessment and counseling for low-income, Hispanic pregnant women.
Momentum-space representation in curved space

A non-Hermitian momentum-space representation of functions of a manifold (curved space) isomorphic to {ital R}{sup {ital n}} is constructed out of pure plane waves. We prove the covariance of the coordinate- and momentum-space representations. We give the momentum-space representation of the trace of operators. In interacting field theory this representation enables us to calculate the part of the effective action that encodes local properties of a general curved space. Thus the trace anomaly and the beta function can be evaluated. An explicit calculation is displayed at one loop for a scalar field coupled to gravity. In flat space the formalism applies to Cartesian and curvilinear coordinates. Application to the study of the stability of the vacuum of a field theory in curved space is possible.
Continuous Microindentation and Microscratch Measurements of Metal-Ceramic Adhesive strengths

To investigate the effect of heat-treatment on the adhesion of Pt thin films to NiO substrates, the strain energy release rate, interfacial fracture toughness and interfacial shear strength were determined from continuous microscratch and continuous microindentation experiments. Samples were prepared by sputtering Pt onto single crystals of NiO, followed by a heat-treatment at temperatures of 300, 500 and 800°C and an oxygen partial pressure of either 0.21 or 10-5 atm. Continuous microscratch tests were performed by driving a conical indenter with either a 1 or 5 μm tip radius simultaneously into and across the Pt film. From the magnitude of the critical load at the point of film delamination and the area of the delaminated piece of the thin film, the strain energy release rate (practical work of adhesion) and interfacial fracture toughness were calculated. The practical work of adhesion and interfacial fracture toughness increased from 0.2 J/m2 and 0.2 MPa√m, respectively, for as-sputtered samples to 4.6 J/m2 and 1 MPa√m for samples heat-treated at 500°C and 10-5 atm. Preliminary analysis of continuous microindentation results for Pt/NiO samples yielded interfacial shear strengths of 270 MPa for as-sputtered samples and 725 MPa for samples heat-treated at 500°C and 10-5 atm. While these values are in good agreement with those determined by other methods for metal-ceramic systems, there are sufficient differences in test method for a single system to require additional analysis of the proposed models.
Immune complexes in Sjögren's syndrome.

Sera from 48 patients with Sjogren's syndrome were examined for immune complexes by the Raji cell assay. There was no correlation between levels of immune complexes and the degree of lymphocytic infiltration of the labial salivary glands. Serum complement levels were normal. Five patients were serially followed during the development of pseudolymphoma or malignant lymphoma. Immune complex levels in 4 of the 5 patients were generally unchanged throughout the illness and did not parallel disease activity, rheumatoid factor, or SS-A and SS-B concentrations. Possible roles for immune complexes in Sjogren's syndrome are discussed.
Immunochemical evidence that the FITC-labeling site on Na+,K+-ATPase is not the ATP binding site.

Abstract The covalent labeling of the α subunit of lamb kidney Na + ,K + -ATPase by fluorescein 5′-isothiocyanate at Lys-501 has generally been assumed to occur at the ATP binding site. We have found that the peptide sequence 496 HLLVMKGAPER 506 serves as the antigenic determinant for monoclonal antibody M8-P1-A3. This antibody binds to both native and FITC-labeled enzyme and while this epitope undergoes ligand-induced changes these changes are not involved in either enzyme function or the E 1 ⇄ E 2 conformational changes monitored by FITC-fluorescence intensity.
Direct and indirect effects of a new disease of alcyonacean soft corals

Alcyonacean soft corals form major components of the biomass and biodiversity on many shallow Indo-Pacific reefs. In spite of the observed increase in marine diseases worldwide, disease has rarely been reported from this taxonomic group. Here, we describe a chronic tissue loss disease affecting soft corals of the genus Sinularia on reefs in Guam. The disease presents as a diffuse wrinkling of the otherwise smooth fingers, followed by tissue sloughing, necrosis, and disintegration. Until a cause has been confirmed, we propose the name Sinularia Tissue Loss Disease. This disease was first observed at low prevalence (<1 %) in 2001 affecting Sinularia polydactyla and it was later found in Sinularia maxima and the hybrid S. maxima x polydactyla. Disease prevalence is now significantly greater in the hybrid (11–12 %) than in either parent species (2–3 %). Histological examination of healthy and affected tissues of hybrid soft corals demonstrates a loss of structural integrity, increased densities of amoebocytes and inclusion of unidentified foreign eukaryotic cells that resemble oocysts, in the diseased tissues. The presence of disease is associated with reduced concentrations of cellular protein levels, although lipids and carbohydrates were unaffected. Results from a common garden transplant experiment indicate that disease also has an indirect effect on hybrid soft corals by increasing rates of butterflyfish predation over the levels found on healthy hybrids or on healthy and diseased parent species. Our results indicate that interactions between the parent and hybrid soft coral populations are more dynamic than previously reported. Loss of hybrid soft corals on already degraded back-reefs of Guam could have significant repercussions for these reef communities.
Bandwidth efficient coherent lidar based on phase-diversity detection

Bandwidth efficient coherent lidar based on phase-diversity detection is reported for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, which allows the doubling of bandwidth efficiency through the simultaneous utilization of the in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components. By maintaining RF phase continuity between linearly frequency-chirped I and Q components through digital signal processing, the range resolution of the lidar system can be improved.
Three year’s experience with the Stretta procedure: did it really make a difference?

Endoscopic treatment is merging as a new option for GERD treatment. Many modalities have been used with modest short-term success, but no long-term follow-ups have been published. We present our 3-yr experience at Vanderbilt University using endoscopic radiofrequency energy (Stretta procedure) for GERD treatment. Patients with follow-up >6 months were prospectively studied under IRB protocol. All were mailed SF-12 health status questionnaire and GERD specific quality-of-life (QOLRAD) questionnaires, queries about satisfaction with Stretta, and medication use. All were invited for 24-hour pH study. Eighty-six Stretta procedures were performed between 8/2000 and 7/2003 on 85 patients; all were outpatients, 89% under conscious sedation. Seventy-seven patients qualified for the study; 61 completed the survey, 24 returned for pH study. Follow-up was 26.2 +/- 7.5 months (6-36). All were on daily PPIs, with proven GERD by pH study or endoscopy. Mean preoperative acid exposure time was 7.8+/-2.6%, mean DeMeester score was 40.2+/-17.6. Postoperative mean acid exposure time was 5.1+/-3.3 (p=0.00l), DeMeester score was 29.5+/-20.5 (p=0.041). Normal postoperative acid exposure time (pH 50% decrease in PPI dose), and nonresponders (on >50% of original PPI dose, or had fundoplication). Response rate was 60% (39 patients), 8 nonresponders underwent fundoplication (12%). Satisfaction rate was 73%. Statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups in all measurements; SF-12 physical and mental score for responders were 45.5+/-10.2, and 52.6+/-7.8; and for nonresponders were 37.8+/-11.2 and 40.9+/-11.3 (p=0.012, p=0.000l), respectively. Statistically significant difference was also found between responders and nonresponders in postoperative acid exposure (4.5+/-3.34 vs 7.2+/-2.3, p=0.034), and DeMeester score (26.3+/-20.4 vs 39.7+/-20.2, p=0.05). Paired T test was used to compare pre- and postoperative acid exposure in each group; statistically significant difference was found only among responders: total reflux time was 7.50+/-2.3 preop and 4.5+/-3.34 postop (p=0.000l), whereas for nonresponders it was 8.6+/-3.7 and 7.2+/-2.3 (p=0.8), DeMeester scores pre- and postop among responders were 40.0+/-19.7 and 26.3+/-20.4, respectively (p=0.016), whereas for nonresponders it was 40.5+/-14.3 and 39.7+/-20.2 (p=0.79). Stretta is a safe modestly effective, totally endoscopic treatment for GERD. Symptomatic improvement when achieved is often associated with correlating improvement in distal acid exposure. This exposure normalizes in nearly half the treated patients.
Bone histology and microanatomy of Alamosaurus sanjuanensis (Sauropoda: Titanosauria) from the maastrichtian of Big Bend National Park, Texas

ABSTRACT Bones of Alamosaurus sanjuanensis were collected from the Upper Cretaceous Javelina and Black Peaks formations in Big Bend National Park, Texas, for use in the first extensive histological study of a titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur. Samples include cervical, dorsal, and caudal vertebrae; ribs; a scapula; humeri; an ulna; a metacarpal; an ischium; femora; a tibia; fibulae; and a metatarsal, representing a minimum of twenty two individuals between 35% and 100% maximum length. In elements of less than 60% maximum length, cortical tissue is primarily reticular or plexiform fibro-lamellar, often with modulations. Resorption in some specimens appears to have proceeded as outwardly expanding bands. In larger specimens (70–79% maximum length), primary tissue is only visible interstitially as either fibro-lamellar or parallel-fibered with low vascularity and annuli. Secondary osteons are in many places linearly arranged. Haversian systems are so pervasive in many of the largest specimens (80–100% maximum ...
Dragma Hippomanicum VI: A new tragacanthoid Astragalus from Nevada and Idaho

Astragalus yoder-williamsii, related toA. (sect. Neonix)peckii Piper andA. mulfordae M. E. Jones but notably different in its dwarf cespitose habit of growth and pungent leaf-stalks, is described from Humboldt County, Nevada and Owyhee County, Idaho.
Interpretive criteria for CI-960 (AM-1091, PD127391) disk diffusion tests using 5-μg disks

Abstract CI-960, a new potent fluoroquinolone, was evaluated to develop disk diffusion susceptibility criteria for a 5-μg content disk. Preliminary interpretive zone diameter criteria were proposed for two possible susceptible breakpoint MICs (⩽1 and ⩽2 μ g/ml). Both sets of interpretive criteria performed well having 96.8%-98.4% absolute agreement and no false-susceptible errors. The more conservative ⩽1- μ g/ml breakpoint criteria had correlate zones of ⩾23 mm for susceptible and ⩽19 mm for resistant. These criteria produced no false resistance, whereas 0.7% of strains exhibited major errors at the ⩽2- μ g/ml breakpoint.
Validation of the Boussinesq equation for use in traction field determination

Cell traction force plays an important role in many biological processes. Several traction force microscopy methods have been developed to determine cell traction forces based on the Boussinesq solution. This approach, however, is rooted in a half-space assumption. The purpose of this study was to determine the error induced in the half-space assumption using a finite element method (FEM). It demonstrates that displacement error between the FEM and the Boussinesq equation can be used to measure the accuracy of the Boussinesq equation, although singularity exists in the loading point. For one concentrated force, significant difference between the FEM and the Boussinesq equation occurs in the whole field; this difference decreases with an increase in the plate thickness. However, in the case of the balanced forces, the offset of the balanced forces decreases the errors in the middle area. Overall, this study demonstrates that increasing the thickness of the polyacrylamide gel is important for reducing the error of the Boussinesq equation when determining the displacement field of the gel under loads.
Probabilistic System Reliability for a Turbine Engine Airfoil

A probabilistic assessment for an integrally bladed disk design is a system reliability problem where a failure in at least one blade constitutes a system failure. Turbine engine fan and compressor blade life is dominated by High Cycle Fatigue (HCF) which is initiated either by pure HCF or Foreign Object Damage (FOD). The system model includes frequency prediction, model stress variation, mistuning amplification, FOD effect, and random material capability. Although the analysis time for these submodels would have ruled out any sampling method as recently as two years ago, novel reduced order models have made this process tractable. A large system problem has more random variables than some probability integration methods can handle; this system has nearly 700 variables, 29 for each of the 24 blades. Sampling methods, such as the Latin Hypercube Sampling or Monte Carlo used in this analysis, can handle such large numbers of variables easily. Additionally, both methods construct a confidence interval around the most likely failure rate estimate. The results converge to the same statistic with equal confidence intervals for all analysis methods.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Multi-digit coordination during lifting a horizontally oriented object: synergies control with referent configurations

We explored digit coordination during the acceleration phase of a quick lifting movement of a hand-held horizontal object. We tested three hypotheses related to: (1) the scaling of mechanical variables produced by the hand with changes in the external load, torque, and moment of inertia; (2) changes in the safety margin for the thumb with both the loading conditions and acceleration; and (3) changes in the indices of synergies. The subjects held a horizontal handle with a prismatic grasp (the thumb acted on top of the handle) and performed series of “very quick” lifting movements to a visual target. Multi-digit synergies were quantified as co-variation indices among elemental variables (forces and moments produced by individual digits). The resultant force scaled with the external load but not torque, while the grip force scaled with the external torque but not load. The safety margin dropped with an increase in acceleration; it also showed changes with the external torque and moment of inertia. Total moment of force was primarily produced by the tangential forces (over 80 %) across all movement phases and loading conditions. The index and little fingers produced close to zero moment with their normal forces, while the middle and ring fingers produced consistent moments due to the reproducible shifts of their centers of pressure. Synergy indices at the upper level of the assumed hierarchy (the task is shared between the thumb and virtual finger—an imagined digit with the action equal to that of the four fingers combined) did not drop with acceleration for the three force vector components and one of the moment vector components. They did drop with acceleration at the lower level (virtual finger action is shared among the four fingers). There was a trade-off between synergy indices computed at the two levels for the three force vector components, but not for the moment of force components. We confirmed specialization of different fingers with respect to different task components in quick manipulation tasks. The findings have implications for hypotheses on the control of voluntary movements involving redundant sets of effectors. Within the referent configuration hypothesis, components of a referent configuration may be adjusted to task mechanical characteristics using simple scaling rules. The neural organization of multi-digit synergies in a hierarchal system is able to selectively protect synergies related to stabilization of some performance variables from detrimental effects of the rate of change of those variables. A large number of apparently redundant elemental variables are not the source of additional computational problems but may be beneficial, allowing the central nervous system to facilitate synergies at both levels of the hierarchy.
Analytical auditing and risk analysis in government

The subjects of risk assessment and analytical auditing are recent important developments in the general area of auditing; they are also subjects that are equally important to the general function of government financial management. First focuses on analytical auditing because it directs attention to situations where analysis indicates that there are unusual, unexplained relationships that should receive attention. Next, determines the degree of importance of the indicated aspects, the process of risk analysis.
Prospects and implementation of Non-DVFS dynamic thermal management techniques

Non-DVFS dynamic thermal management (DTM) techniques like fetch-throttling, rename-throttling and registerfile occupancy-throttling have some favorable features compared to dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) technique for the potential use in multi-core chip designs. This paper presents an approach to implement these non-DVFS techniques in a processor architecture. This analysis and implementation provides a way to evaluate the performance of these DTM techniques in multi-core chips and resolve some implementation restrictions. The combination of CPU and memory bound workloads are used to simulate the proposed implementation. The observations are verified by using RTL level simulations in Verilog for power estimation and fuctionality check.
Computer-assisted tomography of the kidney

Computer-assisted tomography (CT) is frequently employed as the initial imaging study for evaluation of the kidney. CT is ideally suited to evaluate the anatomy of the retroperitoneum. Density determinations also allow one to differentiate between fluid, soft tissue and calcium. This article is an overview of the CT findings one might expect of the normal and abnormal kidney. Topics discussed include renal masses, infection, calculus disease, renal transplantation, renal trauma, as well as normal variations and common congenital abnormalities.
Transient peak membrane potential in a liquid membrane system generated by pH jump: Non-linear response to perturbation

Abstract The effect of a sudden pH perturbation on the transitional state of the membrane potential of a cation-exchange model liquid membrane was investigated. A liquid membrane with a mobile ion-carrier was formed in a Teflon filter by impregnating it with stearic acid-doped 1-octanol. The membrane potential was generated by a pH gradient across the membrane in the presence of potassium at identical concentrations in both the external and internal solutions. The effect of a sudden pH perturbation on the membrane potential was studied by a pH jump in the external solution, keeping the potassium concentration constant. The transition of the membrane potential was not monotonic; it displayed a sharp peak, before the membrane potential slowly relaxed to a new steady state. The absolute value of the transient peak potential exceeded the steady state potential by about 10 to 100 mV, and was a function of the coexisting potassium ion activity. The response of the peak potential to the potassium ion was almost perfectly Nernstian; the slope of the membrane potential versus the logarithm of the potassium activity was 58.0 mV, in agreement with the theoretical value of 57.8 mV. It is assumed that membrane potentials are composed of the diffusion potential within the membrane and the phase boundary potentials at the interfaces. Presumably, the response time of the outer phase boundary potential to the pH perturbation is faster than the response time of the diffusion potential and the inner phase boundary potential. At the peak membrane potential, the generated outer phase boundary potential must be of such a magnitude that it apparently satisfies the equilibrium Nernst equation.
"If it's worth my time, i will make the time": school-based providers' decision-making about participating in an evidence-based psychotherapy consultation program.

This study evaluated influences on school-based clinicians’ decision-making surrounding participation in a modular psychotherapy training and consultation program lasting one academic year. Clinicians were recruited from three participation groups: those who never engaged, those who engaged and then discontinued, and those who participated fully. Qualitative interviews explored influences on initial and continued participation, as well as differences in decision-making by participation group, knowledge about evidence-based practices, and attitudes toward evidence-based practices. Eight major themes were identified: time, practice utility, intervention/training content, training process, attitudes toward training, social influences, commitment to training, and expectations. Some themes were discussed universally across all comparison groups, while others varied in frequency or content. Recommendations for increasing participation are presented, based on the findings.
The distribution of meteoric 36Cl/Cl in the United States: a comparison of models

The natural distribution of 36Cl/Cl in groundwater across the continental United States has recently been reported by Davis et al. (2003). In this paper, the large-scale processes and atmospheric sources of 36Cl and chloride responsible for controlling the observed 36Cl/Cl distribution are discussed. The dominant process that affects 36Cl/Cl in meteoric groundwater at the continental scale is the fallout of stable chloride from the atmosphere, which is mainly derived from oceanic sources. Atmospheric circulation transports marine chloride to the continental interior, where distance from the coast, topography, and wind patterns define the chloride distribution. The only major deviation from this pattern is observed in northern Utah and southern Idaho where it is inferred that a continental source of chloride exists in the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. In contrast to previous studies, the atmospheric flux of 36Cl to the land surface was found to be approximately constant over the United States, without a strong correlation between local 36Cl fallout and annual precipitation. However, the correlation between these variables was significantly improved (R 2=0.15 to R 2=0.55) when data from the southeastern USA, which presumably have lower than average atmospheric 36Cl concentrations, were excluded. The total mean flux of 36Cl over the continental United States and total global mean flux of 36Cl are calculated to be 30.5±7.0 and 19.6±4.5 atoms m−2 s−1, respectively. The 36Cl/Cl distribution calculated by Bentley et al. (1986) underestimates the magnitude and variability observed for the measured 36Cl/Cl distribution across the continental United States. The model proposed by Hainsworth (1994) provides the best overall fit to the observed 36Cl/Cl distribution in this study. A process-oriented model by Phillips (2000) generally overestimates 36Cl/Cl in most parts of the country and has several significant local departures from the empirical data.
Verification of endotracheal tube placement with colorimetric end-tidal CO2 detection

Study objective: To determine the ability of a disposable colorimetric CO 2 detector to accurately confirm or refute endotracheal tube placement. Design: Two hundred fifty prospective emergency intubations. Setting: Emergency intubations performed in the emergency department, helicopter, and prehospital ground environment. Type of participants: Intubations were performed by emergency medicine residents, paramedics, and flight nurses. Interventions: The FEE™ CO 2 detector was applied after 250 emergency intubations. Notation of color change indicating intratracheal placement was recorded in each case. Confirmation or refutation of the detector's results was determined subsequently through traditional methods. Results: The sensitivity for confirmation of endotracheal intubation in the 137 patients with a palpable pulse was 100%. However, only 76 of 103 patients (sensitivity, 72%) in cardiac arrest had endotracheal incubation confirmed by color change. The device was uniformly specific for tracheal intubation in 73 arrested patients in whom a color change was noted (100%). There was one instance (of a total of seven misintubations) in which a positive color change was noted, but the tube was not intratracheal (specificity, 86%). Overall sensitivity for tracheal intubation was 88% (95% confidence limits; range, 0.83 to 0.92), and specificity for tracheal intubation was 92% (95% confidence limits; range, 0.62 to 0.99). Conclusion: The FEF™ colorimetric detector reliably detects intratracheal placement in the nonarrested patient. Its use in prolonged cardiac arrest merits further study.
On the Sociobiology of Some Hermaphroditic Serranid Fishes, the Hamlets, in Puerto Rico

Three species of hamlets, Hypoplectrus chlorurus, H. unicolor, and H. puella (Pisces: Serranidae) were observed underwater off the west coast of Puerto Rico. They are predaceous fishes, feeding on small benthic organisms, and live in close association with the coral reef. Hamlets are highly aggressive and defend large territories, excluding their own and all other species of hamlets. They are synchronous hermaphrodites. In spawning, which occurs around sunset, one member of the pair ascends, the other joins it, each clasps the nape of the other with its tail, and gametes are released. Little color change occurs, but the black marking before the eye of H. unicolor fades when fixing on prey, proving it is not used as a sighting line. The all-black nominal species H. nigricans spawns with the yellow-tailed H. chlorurus, and is regarded here as a synonym of H. chlorurus.
Small intestinal submucosa as a large diameter vascular graft in the dog

Autogenous saphenous vein and synthetic materials, such as Dacron and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, have been used extensively as vascular grafts with moderate success. Improved success rates for vascular graft surgery may be possible if superior graft material was available. We tested the use of autogenous small intestinal submucosa (SIS) as a large diameter (10 mm) vascular graft in the infrarenal aorta of 12 dogs. One dog died with graft thrombosis within 48 hr of surgery. Nine dogs were sacrificed at various times during a 52-week post-surgical period and showed patent grafts without infection, thrombosis, intimal hyperplasia, or adverse effects upon blood pressure. There was no ultrastructural evidence of endothelial cell growth on the luminal surface of the SIS graft which was composed of a dense, non-thrombogenic, organized collagenous connective tissue. The SIS material was approximately one order of magnitude less elastic than natural aorta and showed an immediate dilatation of approximately 18% after exposure to the systemic blood pressure. However, there was no progressive dilatation during the 52-week postsurgical period. Two dogs remain alive at 8 and 52 weeks post-surgery with patent grafts as determined by positive contrast radiography and Doppler studies. We conclude that autogenous small intestinal submucosa can be successfully used as a large diameter arterial graft in the dog and is worthy of further investigation.
Bovine placental prolactin-related hormones

The bovine placenta, like that of rodents and primates, synthesizes members of the PRL/GH gene family, which may assist the pituitary hormones or perform unique functions during pregnancy. Bovine placental lactogen (bPL) potentially may act through.three receptors: as an agonist or partial antagonist at the PRL and GH receptors, and via an apparently specific receptor in the endometrium. A large distinct subfamily of diverse primary structure, including bovine PRL-related protein I (bPRP-I), evidently does not act via these receptors. Advances in our understanding of hormone-receptor interactions for this gene family have provided new tools to study the role of these hormones in the successful pregnancy.
sonic depth-finding on the Carnegie, Cruise VII

During the summer of 1927 while the non-magnetic vessel Carnegie as being overhauled prior to the beginning of her Cruise VII, sonic depth-finding equipment loaned by the United States Navy Department was installed. This equipment was of a type well suited for deep-sea sounding and consequently fitted the needs of the Carnegie. A Fessenden type of oscillator having a 30-inch steel diaphragm was located in the keel below the after part of the engine-room. This oscillator, which was the source of sound of 540-cycle frequency, was actuated electromagnetically, being supplied with alternating current of 540-cycle frequency at 180 volts and direct-current at 115 volts. A 5-kilowatt remote controlled motor-generator set for the alternating-current supply was located in the tool-room just off the engine-room on the port side; the control panel was located in the engine-room near the forward end. Six Navy hydrophones, any three of which could be used at one time, were located along the port garboard strake below the chart-room.
Elemental mapping and quantitative analysis of Cu, Zn, and Fe in rat brain sections by laser ablation ICP-MS

This report details the application of laser ablation quadrupole ICP-MS for the (multi)elemental mapping of 100-μm-thick sections of rat brain. The laser spot size used was 60 μm, and the laser scan speed was 120 μm s−1. The analysis was relatively rapid, allowing mapping of a whole brain thin section (≈1 cm2) in about 2 h. Furthermore, the method was amenable to multi-element data collection including the physiologically important elements P and S and afforded sub μg g−1 detection limits for the important trace elements Cu and Zn. Calibrations were performed with pressed pellets of biological certified reference materials, and the elemental distributions and concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Fe were determined in whole rat brain sections. The distributions and concentration ranges for these elements were consistent with previous studies and demonstrate the utility of this technique for rapid mapping of brain thin sections.
Chromosomal mutations and chromosome loss measured in a new human-hamster hybrid cell line, ALC: studies with colcemid, ultraviolet irradiation, and 137Cs gamma-rays

Small mutations, megabase deletions, and aneuploidy are involved in carcinogenesis and genetic defects, so it is important to be able to quantify these mutations and understand mechanisms of their creation. We have previously quantified a spectrum of mutations, including megabase deletions, in human chromosome 11, the sole human chromosome in a hamster-human hybrid cell line AL. S1- mutants have lost expression of a human cell surface antigen, S1, which is encoded by the M1C1 gene at 11p13 so that mutants can be detected via a complement-mediated cytotoxicity assay in which S1+ cells are killed and S1- cells survive. But loss of genes located on the tip of the short arm of 11 (11p15.5) is lethal to the AL hybrid, so that mutants that have lost the entire chromosome 11 die and escape detection. To circumvent this, we fused AL with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to produce a new hybrid, ALC, in which the requirement for maintaining 11p15.5 is relieved, allowing us to detect mutations events involving loss of 11p15.5. We evaluated the usefulness of this hybrid by conducting mutagenesis studies with colcemid, 137Cs gamma-radiation and UV 254 nm light. Colcemid induced 1000 more S1- mutants per unit dose in ALC than in AL; the increase for UV 254 nm light was only two-fold; and the increase for 137Cs gamma-rays was 12-fold. The increase in S1- mutant fraction in ALC cells treated with colcemid and 137Cs gamma-rays were largely due to chromosome loss and 11p deletions often containing a breakpoint within the centromeric region.