cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vegetational designs for insect-habitat management

Insect habitats in anthropocentric ecosystems consist of crop plants or forest trees and the coexisting non-crop vegetation. The manipulation of the spatial and temporal arrangement of these plant communities can trigger direct or indirect effects on insect pest populations and their associated natural enemy complexes. In this article habitat management is viewed as a technique to design plant associations that support populations of natural enemies or that exert deterrent effects on herbivorous insects.
Polymorphism and subtyping in interface

RAPIDE is a programming language framework designed for the development of large, concurrent, real-time systems by prototyping. The framework consists of a type language and default executable, specification and architecture languages, along with associated programming tools. Interfaces are the central construct of the type system. This document describes RAPIDE interfaces, their expressiveness and their use as a typing construct.
Order-disorder in YBa2Cu3O7

Abstract We summarize here results of a fairly detailed study by high-resolution electron microscopy and electron diffraction of the high-temperature superconductor YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ . Data from the perfect structure for (100), (110), and (001) zones indicate that the material has an oxygen-deficient perovskite structure as previously reported from X-ray and neutron diffraction studies. In some cases planar defects along (001) directions were observed. A more important observation is the existence of a phase with disorder of the Y and Ba ion positions and of an additional amorphous phase. The perfectly ordered (defect-free) phase grows from the disordered material, and the planar defects are probably due to mechanical deformation during preparation of the material. These defects probably are not related to the superconducting properties, as recently suggested. The conclusions are consistent with the commonly encountered problems in the preparation of superconductors in high yields.
Dry deposition fluxes and mass size distributions of Pb, Cu, and Zn measured in southern Lake Michigan during AEOLOS

As part of the Atmospheric Exchange Over Lakes and Oceans Study (AEOLOS) the dry deposition fluxes and atmospheric size distributions (ASDs) of anthropogenic metals were measured over the southern basin of Lake Michigan. The measurements were made during winter, summer, and fall, concurrently, in Chicago, IL; over Lake Michigan onboard the U.S. EPA RV Lake Guardian; and in South Haven, MI. The flux of Pb, Cu, and Zn was substantially higher in Chicago than in either South Haven or over Lake Michigan. The average measured Pb, Cu, and Zn fluxes were 0.07, 0.06, and 0.20 mg/m 2 .day in Chicago; 0.003, 0.01, and 0.01 mg/m 2 .day over Lake Michigan; and 0.004, 0.007, and 0.004 mg/m 2 .day in South Haven. When the wind was from Chicago over the lake, the fluxes and concentrations measured over the lake were higher than when the wind was from other directions. In general, these anthropogenic metals had higher concentrations in the fine particle mode than in the coarse particle mode. Modeled and measured fluxes were in reasonable agreement. Coarse particles were found to be responsible for the majority of the flux at all locations.
Moderate-to-large injection and suction driven channel flows with expanding or contracting walls

We consider in this paper the incompressible laminar flow in a porous channel with expanding or contracting walls. While the head-end is closed by a compliant membrane, the downstream end is left unobstructed. For symmetric injection or suction along the uniformly expanding porous walls, the Navier-Stokes equations are reduced to a single, nonlinear, ordinary differential equation. The latter is obtained via similarity transformations in both time and space. The resulting equation is then solved both numerically and asymptotically, using perturbations in the crossflow Reynolds number R. Two separate approaches are presented for each of the injection and suction cases, respectively. For the large injection case, the governing equation is first integrated and the resulting third-order differential equation is solved using the method of variation of parameters. For the large suction case, the governing equation is first simplified near the wall and then solved using successive approximations. Results are then correlated and compared for variations in R and the dimensionless wall expansion rate α. For injection-induced flow, the asymptotic solution becomes more accurate when R/α is increased. Its deviation from the classic sinusoidal profile arising in nonexpanding channels becomes less significant with successive increases in R. For suction-induced flows, faster wall contractions increase the effective Reynolds number -(α + R), thus leading to more precise approximations. For the same absolute value of R, the suction-flow approximation tends to be the most accurate of the two and the least sensitive to variations in α. As - (α + R) is increased, the suction profile approaches the linear form anticipated in nonexpanding channels. By comparison with the injection-induced flow, suction is characterized by improved accuracy, sharper flow turning, and larger shear.
Unraveling Brucella Genomics and Pathogenesis in Immunocompromised IRF‐1−/− Mice

Problem Brucellosis causes abortion in domestic animals and Malta fever in humans. Comparison of Brucella species genomes may reveal potential virulence mechanisms. Engineering bioluminescent Brucella would permit monitoring bacterial dissemination. Method of study Microarray of the B. melitensis genome allowed comparison of gene content from six Brucella species. Bioluminescent B. melitensis strains were developed using transposon mutagenesis permitting the study of pathogenic Brucella in mice. Monitoring bacterial dissemination as well as organ localization permits evaluating the role of genes and genomic islands in mutant bacteria. Results Comparative genomic analysis revealed 217 ORFs altered in five Brucella species and were often found in islands. Bioluminescent bacteria disseminated from the injection site to liver, spleen, inguinal lymph nodes, testes and submanibular region. Conclusions Genomic islands contribute to Brucella pathogenicity. Biophotonic imaging suggests that Brucella dissemination in mice parallels acute and chronic infections of humans.
An Algorithm for finding optimum path in networks

Abstract In this paper we present an O(¦V·log¦V) algorithm for finding an optimum path between two nodes in an edge-sparse network using a new approach. The method exploits the data structure and a simple breadth-first search process.
Cavity size distributions in high free volume glassy polymers by molecular simulation

Abstract Two very permeable polymers, poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP) and a random copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and 2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxole (TFE/BDD), have very similar and large fractional free volumes (FFV), but very different permeabilities. Using atomistic models, cavity size (free volume) distributions determined by a combination of molecular dynamic and Monte Carlo methods are consistent with the observation that PTMSP is more permeable than TFE/BDD. The average spherical cavity size in PTMSP is 11.2 A whereas it is only 8.2 A in TFE/BDD. These cavity size distributions determined by simulation are also consistent with free volume distributions determined by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy.
Speech in telephone openings: Emergent interaction v. routines

Telephone openings are of theoretical interest to discourse analysts in that they occur in speech only, and begin at definite moments. The present inquiry traces a sequential model of four routine slots in telephone openings. This model is tested against tape recorded and transcribed data in naturally‐occurring telephone openings. A distinct minority of telephone openings proceed precisely as the model might predict. However, routines do provide templates against which emergent usages are marked. The essay discusses implications for the nature of interaction, the cultural universality of the sequential model, and generalizability of these findings to other speech events.
Climate change and shifts in spring phenology of three horticultural woody perennials in northeastern USA

We evaluated spring phenology changes from 1965 to 2001 in northeastern USA utilizing a unique data set from 72 locations with genetically identical lilac plants (Syringa chinensis, clone “Red Rothomagensis”). We also utilized a previously validated lilac-honeysuckle “spring index” model to reconstruct a more complete record of first leaf date (FLD) and first flower date (FFD) for the region from historical weather data. In addition, we examined mid-bloom dates for apple (Malus domestica) and grape (Vitis vinifera) collected at several sites in the region during approximately the same time period. Almost all lilac sites with significant linear trends for FLD or FFD versus year had negative slopes (advanced development). Regression analysis of pooled data for the 72 sites indicated an advance of −0.092 day/year for FFD (P=0.003). The slope for FLD was also negative (−0.048 day/year), but not significant (P=0.234). The simulated data from the “spring index” model, which relies on local daily temperature records, indicated highly significant (P<0.001) negative slopes of −0.210 and −0.123 day/year for FLD and FFD, respectively. Data collected for apple and grape also indicated advance spring development, with slopes for mid-bloom date versus year of −0.20 day/year (P=0.01) and −0.146 (P=0.14), respectively. Collectively, these results indicate an advance in spring phenology ranging from 2 to 8 days for these woody perennials in northeastern USA for the period 1965 to 2001, qualitatively consistent with a warming trend, and consistent with phenology shifts reported for other mid- and high-latitude regions.
Rat brain hexokinase: location of the substrate nucleotide binding site in a structural domain at the C-terminus of the enzyme.

A glucose analog, N-(bromoacetyl)-D-glucosamine (GlcNBrAc), previously used to label the glucose binding sites of rat muscle Type II and bovine brain Type I hexokinases, also inactivates rat brain hexokinase (ATP:D-hexose 6-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.1) with pseudo-first-order kinetics. Inactivation occurs predominantly via a "specific" pathway involving formation of a complex between hexokinase and GlcNBrAc, but significant nonspecific (i.e., without prior complex formation) inactivation also occurs, and equations to describe this behavior are derived. Inactivation is dependent on deprotonation of a residue with an alkaline pKa, consistent with the modified residue being a sulfhydryl group as reported to be the case with the hexokinase of bovine brain. The affinity label modifies three residues (per molecule of enzyme) at indistinguishable rates, but only one of these residues appears to be critical for activity. Amino acid analysis of the modified enzyme indicates derivatization of three cysteine residues; there was no indication of modification of other residues potentially reactive with haloacetyl derivatives. Kinetic analysis and effects of protective ligands were consistent with location of the critical sulfhydryl at the glucose binding site. Peptide mapping techniques permitted localization of the critical residue, and thus the glucose binding site, in a 40-kDa domain at the C-terminus of the enzyme. This is the same domain recently shown to include the ATP binding site. Thus, catalytic function is assigned to the C-terminal domain of rat brain hexokinase.
Growing season total gaseous mercury (TGM) flux measurements over an Acer rubrum L. stand

Abstract Relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) measurements of the total gaseous mercury (TGM) flux measurements were taken over a deciduous forest predominantly composed of Red Maple (Acer rubrum L.) during the growing season of 2004 and the second half of the growing season of 2005. The magnitudes of the flux estimates were in the range of published results from other micrometeorological mercury fluxes taken above a tall canopy and larger than estimates from flux chambers. The magnitude and direction of the flux were not static during the growing season. There was a significant trend (p
On the trade-off between remanufacturing and recycling

Motivated by interactions with two reverse-logistics firms, we analyse the trade-off between two product-recovery approaches: recycling and remanufacturing. We consider a manufacturer who produces and markets a product with the objective of maximising profit. A unit of the product consists of two modules: A and B. After recovery, Module A can be recycled to recover its raw material, which can then be used to produce new units of either module. A recovered Module B is remanufactured and can be used in a remanufactured unit. Under this setting, we investigate three options: 1 only recycling of Module A 2 only remanufacturing of Module B 3 recycling of Module A and remanufacturing of Module B. We provide a complete theoretical characterisation of the regions of optimality of each option. Useful insights are offered by examining the influence of the fraction of green consumers, the take-back fraction, and product design characteristics.
Marrow stromal osteoblast function on a poly(propylene fumarate)/β-tricalcium phosphate biodegradable orthopaedic composite

The objective of this study was to assess the osteoconductivity of a poly(propylene fumarate)/β-tricalcium phosphate (PPF/β-TCP) composite in vitro. We examined whether primary rat marrow stromal cells would attach, proliferate, and express differentiated osteoblastic function when seeded on PPF/β-TCP substrates. Attachment studies showed that a confluent monolayer of cells had adhered to the substrates within an 8 h time frame for marrow stromal cells seeded at confluent numbers. Proliferation and differentiated function of the cells were then investigated for a period of 4 weeks for an initial seeding density of 42 000 cells/cm2. Rapid proliferation during the first 24 h as determined by 3H-thymidine incorporation was mirrored by an initial rapid increase in total cell number by DNA assay. A lower proliferation rate and a gradual increase in cell number persisted for the remainder of the study, resulting in a final cell number of 128 000 cells/cm2. Differentiated cell function was assessed by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OC) production throughout the time course. Both markers of osteoblastic differentiation increased significantly over a 4-week period. By day 28, cells grown on PPF/β-TCP reached a maximal ALP activity of 11 (±1)×10−7 μmol/min/cell, while the OC production reached 40 (±1)×10−6 ng/cell. These data show that a PPF/β-TCP composite exhibits in vitro osteoconductivity similar to or better than that of control tissue culture polystyrene.
Light meson spectroscopy results from CLEO-c

Decays of charmonium and charmed mesons provide a suitable environment in which to study the properties of light quark states. Using the approximately 25 million ψ ( 2 S ) decays collected with the CLEO-c detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring we present a precision measurement of the η mass and branching fractions and studies of spectroscopy in hadronic χ c decay. Additionally we use 572 pb−1 of data collected at the ψ ( 3770 ) to perform an analysis of the resonant substructure in the D + → K − π + π + decay channel.
Conditionally inducible tau mice – designing a better mouse model of neurodegenerative diseases

Neuronal cell death underlies the majority of age-related human neurodegenerative disorders that culminate with salient and severe cognitive decline affecting patients' quality of life, identity and eventually leading to death. The identification of disease-causing genes in familial forms of neurodegenerative diseases enabled the development of genetic models closely replicating pathologies found in human central nervous system. These models dramatically precipitated our understanding of molecular events leading to neuronal death in many neurodegenerative disorders. Today's large range of cellular and animal models generate rapidly accumulating biochemical and neuropathological data on changes induced by mutated or dysfunctional proteins implicated in neuronal loss. Most of these models are complementary, although all have intrinsic limitations as well as specific advantages. Development of conditional transgenic mouse models in which a deleterious effect of a transgene can be regulated in a controlled way created new possibilities of addressing the basic mechanisms of neurodegeneration and provided a new angle for the development and testing of new therapeutic approaches.
Food and Feeding Behavior of the Shovelnose Sturgeon, Scaphirhynchus platorynchus, in the Unchannelized Missouri River, South Dakota

Abstract The feeding habits of the shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) were investigated in the unchannelized Missouri River, South Dakota, between October 1971 and September 1972. The annual diet was dominated by aquatic arthropods, particularly larvae of the insect orders Trichoptera, Diptera, and Ephemeroptera. The annum feeding behavior was separated into three intervals: (1) the fall months, during which the fish extensively utilized the major components of the drift; (2) the winter period, characterized by exploitation of a greater diversity of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates; and (3) the late spring and summer interval, in which feeding was restricted to benthic foraging. Electivity values indicated opportunistic feeding activity. Shifts of feeding activity were influenced by timing and rates of discharge from the Lewis and Clark Reservoir located upriver. Changes in the elevation and velocity of the water mass appeared to affect the vulnerability of prey organisms.
Widespread delayed mixing in early to middle Cambrian marine shelfal settings

Abstract The radiation of burrowing metazoans in the early Phanerozoic dramatically altered the properties of marine sediment, an event commonly referred to as the “Cambrian substrate revolution” or “agronomic revolution.” The advent of infaunalization, and especially biogenically-mediated sediment mixing, profoundly impacted the development of Phanerozoic biogeochemical cycling, including nutrient fluxes, organic carbon burial, seafloor oxygenation and sediment ecology. However, the timing of the development of mixed seafloor sediment has, historically, not been well constrained. Mixing has been assumed, in the absence of data, to occur at the Precambrian–Cambrian boundary with the appearance of the index fossil and three-dimensional burrow Treptichnus pedum . Herein we present new ichnological, stratigraphic and taphonomic data suggesting that, although significant developments in infaunalization—paleobiologically complex animal–substrate interactions, particularly burrow construction—occurred during the early and middle Cambrian, mixing remained suppressed throughout this interval. We demonstrate, using a novel multi-proxy approach, that shelfal sediment in the earliest Cambrian was essentially unmixed. Moreover, our findings indicate that even as late as the middle Cambrian—30 million years after the Precambrian–Cambrian transition and well after the appearance of supposedly deposit-feeding trilobites—seafloor heterolithic shelfal sediment remained largely unmixed on a global scale. These findings challenge the current assumption that mixing occurred with the first appearance of three-dimensional burrows and hold important implications for the advent and development of modern-style biogeochemical cycling.
Morphologic Effects of Sulfur Mustard on a Human Skin Equivalent

AbstractTestskin, a commercially available human skin equivalent, was used as a model system to study the temporal morphologic effects of a single vesicating vapor dose of sulfur mustard (HD). Samples were exposed to 10 μl HD vapor for 8 min and harvested at 1, 3,6, 12, and 24 hr following exposure. Control samples not exposed to HD were harvested at 0 and 24 hr. Light and electron microscopic analysis revealed that the basal cell of the stratum germinativum was selectively affected beginning at 3-6 hr. These early basal cell changes included an apparent widening of intercellular spaces, a disabling of desmosomal attachments, rounding of cells, nuclear condensations and pyknosis, rearrangement of cytoplasmic tonofilaments to a perinuclear position, and perinuclear blebbing. At 12 and 24 hr, the cyto-pathologic changes progressed to cytoplasmic vacuolation, swollen endoplasmic reticulum, electron opacities, and necrosis, which now involved suprabasal cell layers as well. At the basement membrane zone, cell...
Effect of food availability on the acute toxicity of four chemicals to mysidopsis bahia (mysidacea) in static exposures

The effect of nutritionally deficient Artemia nauplii on the growth of the mysid, Mysidopsis bahia, were evaluated in static systems. When Artemia nauplii with or without highly unsaturated fatty acid 20:5 ω 3 were fed to 24‒h‒old M. bahia there was no difference in growth of mysids on either ration after 96 h of feeding. A study comparing amount of available food in static systems necessary for good survival and growth indicated that rations of 5, 10 or 30 Artemia per mysid per day (A/m/d) were different from 50, 70, 90 and 110 A/m/d as measured by dry weight. Static acute 96‒h tests were conducted with ≤24‒h‒old Mysidopsis bahia using either carbophenothion, cypermethrin, malathion, or 4‒(tert‒octyl)phenol. For each chemical, two replicate tests were conducted simultaneously with each of three rations of food provided. The rations chosen were 10 A/m/d, providing survival with minimal growth, a midpoint ration (60 A/m/d), and 110 A/m/d, clearly in excess of that necessary for good survival and growth. Only LC50s obtained in tests using 10 A/m/d were significantly different from other test results. These tests indicate that lack of food does adversely affect results of mysid static tests. In addition, excess food has the potential to reduce dissolved oxygen to nearly unacceptable concentrations.
Regulation of the gut microbiota by the mucosal immune system in mice

The benefits of commensal bacteria to the health of the host have been well documented, such as providing stimulation to potentiate host immune responses, generation of useful metabolites, and direct competition with pathogens. However, the ability of the host immune system to control the microbiota remains less well understood. Recent microbiota analyses in mouse models have revealed detailed structures and diversities of microbiota at different sites of the digestive tract in mouse populations. The contradictory findings of previous studies on the role of host immune responses in overall microbiota composition are likely attributable to the high β-diversity in mouse populations as well as technical limitations of the methods to analyze microbiota. The host employs multiple systems to strictly regulate their interactions with the microbiota. A spatial segregation between the host and microbiota is achieved with the mucosal epithelium, which is further fortified with a mucus layer on the luminal side and Paneth cells that produce antimicrobial peptides. When commensal bacteria or pathogens breach the epithelial barrier and translocate to peripheral tissues, the host immune system is activated to eliminate them. Defective segregation and tissue elimination of commensals result in exaggerated inflammatory responses and possibly death of the host. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of mouse microbiota, its common features with human microbiota, the technologies utilized to analyze microbiota, and finally the challenges faced to delineate the role of host immune responses in the composition of the luminal microbiota.
N-acetylcysteine does not prevent hepatorenal ischaemia–reperfusion injury in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation

Background. Glutathione (GSH) acts as a free radical scavenger that may be helpful in preventing reperfusion injury. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) replenishes GSH stores. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of NAC in improving liver graft performance and reducing the incidence of post-operative acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods. Our study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 100 patients; 50 received placebo and 50 received a loading dose of 140 mg/kg of intravenous (IV) NAC over 1 h followed by 70 mg/kg IV repeated every 4 h for a total of 12 doses. Both groups were followed up for 1 year post-orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). We recorded liver function tests, renal function tests, graft survival, patient survival, plasma GSH and duration of hospital and ICU stay. In addition to serum creatinine (SCr) levels, we analysed cystatin C and beta-trace as independent measures of glomerular filtration. All clinical data were recorded daily for the first week after the surgery, then on Days 14, 21, 30, 90 and 180 and at the end of the first year. Results. IV NAC did not affect survival, graft function or risk of AKI. However, GSH levelswere highly variablewith only 50% of patients receiving NAC exhibiting increased levels and fewer patients developed AKI when GSH levels were increased. Additional risk factors for AKI in the posttransplant period were female gender (P = 0.05), increased baseline serum bilirubin (P = 0.004) and increased baseline SCr levels (P = 0.02). Conclusions. IV NAC was not effective in reducing renal or hepatic injury in the setting of liver transplantation. The dose and duration of NAC used, though higher than most renal protection studies, may have been ineffective for raising GSH levels in some patients.
Flexible- and Rigid-Wing Micro Air Vehicle: Lift and Drag Comparison

Introduction M INIATURIZATION of unmanned air vehicles in military applications leading toward the so-called micro air vehicles (MAV) has introduced considerable challenges in aerodynamic efficiency, handling and control. The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, Munitions Directorate, Flight Vehicles Integration Branch developed a MAV with a flexible wing for U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Teams. The flexible wings can be folded, allowing storage of the MAV in a compact tube.
Corrosion and Fretting of a Modular Hip System: A Retrieval Analysis of 60 Rejuvenate Stems

Femoral stems with dual-taper modularity were introduced to allow independent control of length, offset, and version. Corrosion and fretting related to micromotion at the neck-stem junction are thought to stimulate an adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR). Analysis of 60 consecutively retrieved modular-neck stem implants (Rejuvenate, Stryker) revised primarily for ALTR was done to determine the variables influencing corrosion and fretting patterns at the neck-stem interface. Taper damage evaluation was performed with stereomicrocopic analysis with two observers. Evidence of fretting and corrosion was seen at the neck-stem taper in all implants, including three implants revised for periprosthetic fractures within four weeks of the index surgery indicating that this process starts early. Femoral stems paired with the long overall neck lengths had significantly higher corrosion scores. Correlation of the corrosion severity at particular locations with the length of implantation suggests that the neck-stem junction experiences cyclic cantilever bending in vivo. The positive correlation between the length of implantation and fretting/corrosion scores bodes poorly for patients who still have this implant. Scanning electron microscopy on a subset of specimens was also performed to evaluate the black corrosion material. We strongly urge frequent follow-up exams for every patient with this particular modular hip stem.
AlInAs/GaInAs HEMTs and HBTs for high speed circuits

High electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) fabricated in the AlInAs-GaInAs epitaxial material system are described. The unique material and electronic properties of these ternary semiconductors provide extreme high frequency performance. Fundamental device designs for both the HEMT and HBT are presented with performance data. The implementation of these devices in small-scale circuits, ring oscillators, and dividers is demonstrated. >
Energy Harvesting and Wireless Energy Transmission for Embedded SHM Sensor Nodes

In this article, we present experimental investigations using energy harvesting and wireless energy transmission to power wireless structural health monitoring sensor nodes. The goal of this study is to develop sensing systems that can be permanently embedded within a host structure without the need for an on-board power source. With this approach the required energy will be harvested from the ambient environment, or periodically delivered by a radio-frequency energy source to supplement conventional harvesting approaches. This approach combines several transducer types to harvest energy from multiple sources, providing a more robust solution that does not rely on a single energy source. Both piezoelectric and thermoelectric transducers are considered as energy harvesters to extract the ambient energy commonly available on civil structures such as bridges. Methods of increasing the efficiency, energy storage medium, target applications and the integrated use of energy harvesting sources with wireless ener...
Reading in Context: The Interpretation of Personal Reference in Ancient Maya Hieroglyphic Texts

The interpretation of deixis in language is heavily context-dependent. In spoken language, the addressee(s) have the context of an utterance to aid in its interpretation. In writing, however, language can become separated from both its creator and the context of its creation. This article investigates the use of certain deictics—first and second person markers—in ancient Maya hieroglyphics (circa AD 250–900). The temporal and cultural gap that separates modern language scholars from the creators of these texts means that much of the larger cultural context in which these texts would have been interpreted has been lost. An analysis of the way in which first and second person reference was framed and deployed in Maya hieroglyphs, even when identifying the intended referent proves impossible, provides insights concerning how people recontextualize textual language and how the authors of these texts adapted the form of their messages in response to the modality used.
An Overview of Advanced Elastomeric Seal Development and Testing Capabilities at NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA is developing advanced space-rated elastomeric seals to support future space exploration missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon, near Earth asteroids, and other destinations. This includes seals for a new docking system and vehicle hatches. These seals must exhibit extremely low leak rates to ensure that astronauts have sufficient breathable air for extended missions. Seal compression loads must be below prescribed limits so as not to overload the mechanisms that compress them, and seal adhesion forces must be low to allow the sealed interface to be separated when required (e.g., during undocking or hatch opening). NASA Glenn Research Center has developed a number of unique test fixtures to measure the leak rates and compression and adhesion loads of candidate seal designs under simulated thermal, vacuum, and engagement conditions. Tests can be performed on fullscale seals with diameters on the order of 50 in., subscale seals that are about 12 in. in diameter, and smaller specimens such as O-rings. Test conditions include temperatures ranging from -238 to 662degF (-150 to 350degC), operational pressure gradients, and seal-on-seal or seal-on-flange mating configurations. Nominal and off-nominal conditions (e.g., incomplete seal compression) can also be simulated. This paper describes the main design features and capabilities of each type of test apparatus and provides an overview of advanced seal development activities at NASA Glenn.
Machiavelli, humanistic empiricism and marketing research

Machiavelli is often dismissed as an amoral (or even immoral) advocate of a “dog‐eat‐dog” world. In reality, his contribution is much more complicated than that. Machiavelli, above all else, was a humanistic empiricist who, instead of making unwarranted assumptions about human behavior, applied the empirical method combined with a humanistic vision in order to analyze people and their actions on their own terms. By doing so, he advocated a method of analysis that, in recent decades, has emerged as a vital technique of marketing research. By keeping Machiavelli’s contribution in mind, marketing researchers can most effectively perform empirical analysis that, while being objective, recognizes the distinctiveness of human beings and their behavior.
Two States in the Holy Land?: International Recognition and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

How do states decide to extend or withhold international recognition in cases of contested sovereignty? We focus on how religion shapes the incentives of states in making this decision, both at the domestic level through religious institutions and at the international level through religious affinities. States with transnational religious ties to the contested territory are more likely to extend recognition. At the domestic level, states that heavily regulate religion are less likely to extend international recognition. We test these conjectures, and examine others in the literature, with two new data sets on the international recognition of both Palestine and Israel and voting on the United Nations resolution to admit Palestine as a non-member state observer, combined with global data on religious regulation and religious affinities. In cases of contested sovereignty, the results provide support for these two mechanisms through which religion shapes foreign policy decisions about international recognition.
Island Endemism, Morphological Stasis, and Possible Cryptic Speciation in Two Coral Reef, Commensal Leucothoid Amphipod Species Throughout Florida and the Caribbean

Coral reefs are believed to be one of the most diverse ecosystems, but the true magnitude of their biodiversity and patterns of endemism is uncertain. This uncertainty stems partly from the relative paucity of investigations on the small, difficult to collect taxa (cryptofauna) that may make up the majority of reef biodiversity and require specialized expertise for morphological identification. To assess the extent of diversity in some of the reef micro-cryptofauna, we analyzed 414 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene from 556 individuals representing two brooding amphipod species (Leu- cothoe ashleyae and Leucothoe kensleyi). These amphipods are commensal inside the branching vase sponge Callyspongia vaginalis, and were sampled throughout Florida and the Caribbean. Phylogenetic analyses revealed 11 deeply divergent, strongly supported lineages (seven L. ashleyae and four L. kensleyi) each with very narrow geographic ranges. The level of intraspecific lineage divergence for both morphospecies was among the highest reported for any marine crustacean (12.4-26.0% uncorrected), and exceeded that of congeners from nine diverse amphipod families, as well as the patristic genetic distance suggested as a threshold for crustacean species delineation. These findings suggest a his- tory of cryptic speciation within each morphospecies, concomitant with a pronounced period of morphological stasis involving each of the morphotypes. The observation of multiple, highly divergent, evolutionary significant units, each endemic to Florida and Caribbean island locations, supports the emerging view that coral reef biodiversity, especially in the cryptofaunal component, is likely vastly underestimated.
Orientation Order Analysis of Spherical Four-Bar Mechanisms

In this paper, we present a novel methodology for orientation order analysis of spherical RR dyads. The methodology is a spherical generalization of the recent works of Myszka, Murray, and Schmiedeler for assessing position order of planar RR dyads. The objective of the methodology is to determine if a prescribed fixed axis location for a spherical RR dyad will result in the dyad guiding a moving rigid-body through a set of finitely separated spherical orientations in the desired order (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). The planar propeller methodology of Myszka, Murray, and Schmiedeler is extended to yield a spherical hoop methodology. The result is a useful tool to determine if a given spherical RR dyad will guide a moving body through a set of prescribed orientations in the desired order. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of the hoop method for order analysis of spherical RR dyads in two case studies. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4004898]
Pegged or keeled glenoid component use: Which is it?

With variation in glenoid design focused mainly on the backside interface of the component with the glenoid bone, keeled and pegged glenoid components have become the basis for most implants. Keeled implants offer a single, deep anchor for the component, while pegged implants offer stability with less bone removal. There is a trend in multiple studies for decreased radiolucent lines, decreased loosening, and decreased revision rates with pegged components. In-line pegs confer several advantages over out-of-line pegs. Advancements in cementing techniques and glenoid preparation have improved longevity for all types of glenoid implants.
The Role of the Fashion System in Fashion Change: A Response to the Kaiser, Nagasawa and Hutton Model:

This paper, written in response to the model of fashion change proposed by Kaiser, Nagasawa and Hutton, suggests that industry is the more powerful change agent in the fashion system than the consumer. Technology and globalization of markets have contributed to the homogeneity of consumer goods in the global marketplace, leaving the consumer limited choice. A conceptual model is used to illustrate the interaction between the role of technology in distribution and fashion change.
Nonlinear degenerate parabolic equations for Baouendi–Grushin operators

In this paper, we shall investigate the nonexistence of positive solutions for the following nonlinear parabolic partial differential equations: and Here, Ω is a Carnot–Caratheodory metric ball in RN and V ∈ L1loc(Ω). The critical exponents m * and p * are found, and the nonexistence results are proved for m * ≤ m < 1 and p * ≤ p < 2. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Point-of-use water treatment and diarrhoea reduction in the emergency context: an effectiveness trial in Liberia.

Summary Communicable diseases are of particular concern in conflict and disaster-affected populations that reside in camp settings. In the acute emergency phase, diarrhoeal diseases have accounted for more than 40% of deaths among camp residents. Clear limitations exist in current water treatment technologies, and few products are capable of treating turbid water. We describe the findings of a 12-week effectiveness study of point-of-use water treatment with a flocculant‐disinfectant among 400 households in camps for displaced populations in Monrovia, Liberia. In intervention households, point-of-use water treatment with the flocculant‐disinfectant plus improved storage reduced diarrhoea incidence by 90% and prevalence by 83%, when compared with control households with improved water storage alone. Among the intervention group, residual chlorine levels met or exceeded Sphere standards in 85% (95% CI: 83.1‐86.8) of observations with a 95% compliance rate.
The Influence of Sea Ice on Ocean Heat Uptake in Response to Increasing CO2

Two significant changes in ocean heat uptake that occur in the vicinity of sea ice cover in response to increasing CO2 are investigated with Community Climate System Model version 3 (CCSM3): a deep warming below 500 m and extending down several kilometers in the Southern Ocean and warming in a 200-m layer just below the surface in the Arctic Ocean. Ocean heat uptake caused by sea ice retreat is isolated by running the model with the sea ice albedo reduced artificially alone. This integration has a climate response with strong ocean heat uptake in the Southern Ocean and modest ocean heat uptake in the subsurface Arctic Ocean. The Arctic Ocean warming results from enhanced ocean heat transport from the northern North Atlantic. At the time of CO2 doubling, about 1/3 of the heat transport anomaly results from advection of anomalously warm water and 2/3 results from strengthened inflow. At the same time the overturning circulation is strengthened in the northern North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Wind stress changes cannot explain the circulation changes, which instead appear related to strengthened convection along the Siberian shelves. Deep ocean warming in the Southern Ocean is initiated by weakened convection, which is mainly a result of surface freshening through altered sea ice and ocean freshwater transport. Below about 500 m, changes in convection reduce the vertical and meridional temperature gradients in the Southern Ocean, which significantly reduce isopycnal diffusion of heat upward around Antarctica. The geometry of the sea ice cover and its influence on convection have a strong influence on ocean temperature gradients, making sea ice an important player in deep ocean heat uptake in the Southern Ocean.
Fertilization Changes Seagrass Community Structure but not Blue Carbon Storage: Results from a 30-Year Field Experiment

Seagrass ecosystems are attracting attention as potentially important tools for carbon (C) sequestration, comparable to those terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems already incorporated into climate change mitigation frameworks. Despite the relatively low C stocks in living biomass, the soil organic carbon pools beneath seagrass meadows can be substantial. We tested the relationship between soil C storage and seagrass community biomass, productivity, and species composition by revisiting meadows experimentally altered by 30 years of consistent nutrient fertilization provided by roosting birds. While the benthos beneath experimental perches has maintained dense, Halodule wrightii-dominated communities compared to the sparse Thalassia testudinum-dominated communities at control sites, there were no significant differences in soil organic carbon stocks in the top 15 cm. Although there were differences in δ13C of the dominant seagrass species at control and treatment sites, there was no difference in soil δ13C between treatments. Averages for soil organic carbon content (2.57 ± 0.08 %) and δ13C (−12.0 ± 0.3 ‰) were comparable to global averages for seagrass ecosystems; however, our findings question the relevance of local-scale seagrass species composition or density to soil organic carbon pools in some environmental contexts.
The Distributed Esteemed Endorser Review: A Novel Approach to Participant Assessment in MOOCs

One of the most challenging aspects of developing a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is designing an accurate method to effectively assess participant knowledge and skills. The Distributed Esteemed Endorser Review (DEER) approach has been developed as an alternative for those MOOCs where traditional approaches to assessment are not appropriate. In DEER, course projects are certified in-person by an "Esteemed Endorser", an individual who is typically senior in rank to the student, but is not necessarily an expert in the course content. Not only does DEER provide a means to certify that course goals have been met, it also provides MOOC participants with the opportunity to share information about what they have learned with others at the local level.
Amniotic fluid volume as a risk factor in preterm premature rupture of the membranes

During a prospective study evaluating the expectant management of preterm (26 to 34 weeks) premature rupture of membranes (PROM), the authors compared maternal and neonatal outcome of 17 patients with a marked reduction in amniotic fluid volume with 22 subjects having identifiable pockets of amniotic fluid after membrane rupture. The results demonstrated no significant differences in maternal age, gravidity, cervical dilatation, incidence of labor on admission, use of tocolytics, steroid usage, interval from membrane rupture to delivery, or cesarean section rate. The gestational age at which PROM occurred (31.4 +/- 1.9 versus 29.8 +/- 2.2 weeks) was significantly (P less than .05) more advanced in the adequate fluid patients when compared with the reduced fluid group. Clinical amnionitis was a far more common occurrence in the reduced fluid patients when compared with the adequate fluid group (47 versus 14%, respectively, P less than .05) as was postpartum endometritis (59 versus 18%, P less than .05). The incidence of overt neonatal sepsis was similar between the adequate fluid (14%) and reduced fluid (18%) patients. These results suggest that when a marked reduction in amniotic fluid after PROM is identified, patients are at a three-times greater risk for antepartum amnionitis and postpartum endometritis.
Auditor Information Foraging Behavior

ABSTRACT: In this study, we examine how information foraging by auditors affects audit evidence collection in two distinct contexts, and show how a small change to audit methodology mitigates the potentially harmful effects of foraging. Information Foraging Theory explains how, while navigating an information environment, individuals learn to acquire information through personally experiencing the costs incurred and the values obtained from information. Consistent with the theory, we find that auditors react to the immediately felt costs of information collection (e.g., time and effort) at the expense of a more global consideration of information value (i.e., auditors collect lower-quality audit evidence). However, foraging behavior is moderated by removing the personal cost to the individual auditor (identifying audit evidence for another member of the audit team to collect), further demonstrating that these personally felt costs influence auditor choices in a way that reduces the quality of information ...
Silicon surrogates of the real world

How much of our view of the world relies on computer simulation? Depending on your profession, the fraction could be small or large. However, for almost everyone, that fraction is increasing every day. But wait a minute! Is that popular adage "Garbage in, garbage out" not as true today as when it was first used to describe the logical basis of a computer? Logic, after all, is time invariant. So why then are our views and actions increasingly influenced by computers? Are we simply succumbing to the computer? Who has not felt like a slave to the computerized instructions of the departmental photo-copier every time it stops working?