cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multigroup analysis of seasonal variation: assessing the homogeneity of multiple cyclically ordered multinomial distributions

A procedure is presented for the analysis of seasonal variation in multiple groups. The proposed method includes two tests. One is a multigroup test for seasonality that is capable of detecting simultaneously different seasonal variations in different groups. The other is a test for homogeneity of multiple multinomial distributions with cyclically ordered categories. These tests are obtained by a geometric approach that helps both to understand the statistical analyses and to communicate the results. Mathematical expressions are given to facilitate the data analysis, and two examples are presented. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic carbon isotope ratios in Quaternary cores from the Gulf of Mexico

All of the major deep-water sedimentary provinces of the Gulf of Mexico were sampled with 48 piston cores, representative of the late Quaternary. The amount (per cent) and δ5C13 of the organic carbon in the sediment was measured at intervals within each core. Graphs of δC13 versus depth for each core give an indication of the sedimentological history of the Gulf. They show the extent of terrestrial influence on the Gulf during the late Pleistocene. Changes in δC13 of up to 6.0%.(from ~ −19%.to −25%. vs NBS-20) were measured across the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary in cores from the abyssal plain. These changes are consistent with a model wherein varying amounts of land-derived organic carbon were transported to the Gulf basin during glacial periods. By comparing graphs for cores from different areas, it was concluded that the major parameter affecting the δC13 values of organic carbon from marine sediments is the relative amount of terrestrial material present in the sediment. The maximum possible effect of the Pleistocene-Holocene temperature change in the Gulf was determined to be ~1.0%, if such an effect occurs at all.
The relationship between growth phase and cyanogenesis inPseudomonas aeruginosa

In batch cultures ofPseudomonas aeruginosa, hydrogen cyanide is produced primarily during the transition between logarithmic and stationary phases. This transient response is due to the synthesis of the enzyme system of cyanogenesis during mid to late logorithmic and the inactivation of this system in early stationary phase. Although glycine, the metabolic precursor of cyanide, stimulates cyanogenesis, it is not necessary to incorporate this amino acid in the growth medium to produce elevated enzyme levels. Under conditions of iron limitation (1×10−6 M), phosphate limitation (0.1 mM), and excess phosphate (250 mM), the culture produces low levels of the cyanogenic enzyme system. Increasing the carbon and energy source,l-glutamate, prolongs cyanogenesis and postpones the inactivation of the cyanogenic enzyme system.
A novel sinc solution of the boundary integral form fortwo-dimensional bi-material elasticity problems

Abstract In this paper we illustrate a procedure for obtaining an approximate solution of the integral equation form of the two-dimensional Lame equation for a two-layer problem, based on collocation via use of Sinc approximation. The Sinc approach automatically concentrates points near corners of the boundary where the solution has singularities and yields exponential convergence. A model two-layer bi-material elasticity problem is numerically investigated here as an illustration of this novel approach.
Mapping of Pump Efficiency on the Pressure‐Flow Curve of a Centrifugal Blood Pump

: Because pump efficiency is closely related to heat generation and blood trauma in a centrifugal blood pump, it is quite important to study pump efficiencies in a variety of conditions. In the present study, pump efficiencies were mapped on the pressure head-flow rate curves of 4 different pumps; Bio Medicus Bio Pump (BP-80), Nikkiso (NK), Gyro C1E3, and Gyro PI601 (diameter of the impeller, NK: 50 mm, ClE3: 65 mm, and PI601: 50 mm). The mapping of pump efficiency revealed the following findings. First, the cone type (BP-80) has less pump efficiency than the impeller type (NK and ClE3); second, the miniaturization of the C1E3 to the PI601 has resulted in an increase in pump efficiency; and third, the diameter of the impeller may contribute to the pump efficiency of an impeller type pump. The mapping of the pump efficiency, as demonstrated in this study, is useful for the analysis of hydraulic pump performance in a wide range of clinically applied conditions.
Atomic bonding in amorphous hydrogenated silicon carbide alloys: A statistical thermodynamic approach.

The free-energy model (FEM) previously developed for predicting the bonding in amorphous covalent alloys has been extended to include tetrahedra, the fundamental structural units in the a-${\mathrm{Si}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathit{y}}$${\mathrm{H}}_{\mathit{z}}$ alloys under consideration. It is proven that the tetrahedron probabilities P(i) can be obtained by randomly distributing, according to statistics, the bonds predicted by the FEM among the possible Si- and C-centered tetrahedra. The short-range order present in these alloys therefore corresponds, in general, to partial chemical ordering (CO) with a homogeneous dispersion of the bonds among the available tetrahedra. The nature of the CO predicted for these a-${\mathrm{Si}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathit{y}}$${\mathrm{H}}_{\mathit{z}}$ alloys is shown to vary with alloy composition. For example, Si-C bonds are favored over Si-Si and C-C bonds in stoichiometric alloys, Si-Si and C-H bonds are favored over Si-C and Si-H bonds in Si-rich alloys, while Si-C and C-H bonds are favored over C-C and Si-H bonds in C-rich alloys. Detailed predictions are presented for the bond fractions, tetrahedron probabilities, and tetrahedral and polymeric volume fractions in a-${\mathrm{Si}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{C}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$ alloys and also in a-${\mathrm{Si}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathit{y}}$${\mathrm{H}}_{\mathit{z}}$ alloys with both high H content and lower H content. In the high-H-content alloys, C is predicted to be present primarily in ${\mathrm{CH}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{CH}}_{3}$ units, in good agreement with experiment, and a significant polymeric component is predicted to be present. In the lower-H-content alloys, on the other hand, more Si-C bonds and a smaller polymeric component are predicted. It is therefore demonstrated that the H content plays a dominant role in controlling the optical and electronic properties of these technologically important alloys. The simplest way of improving the usefulness of these alloys is to lower the H content, thereby promoting the random bonding of C and H atoms in the amorphous Si network.
State Abstraction in Reinforcement Learning by Eliminating Useless Dimensions

Q-learning and other linear dynamic learning algorithms are subject to Bellman's curse of dimensionality for any realistic learning problem. This paper introduces a framework for satisficing state abstraction -- one that reduces state dimensionality, improving convergence and reducing computational and memory resources -- by eliminating useless state dimensions. Statistical parameters that are dependent on the state and Q-values identify the relevance of a given state space to a task space and allow state elements that contribute least to task learning to be discarded. Empirical results of applying state abstraction to a canonical single-agent path planning task and to a more difficult multi-agent foraging problem demonstrate utility of the proposed methods in improving learning convergence and performance in resource-constrained learning problems.
Five-Factor Model personality disorder prototypes in a community sample: Self- and informant-reports predicting interview-based DSM diagnoses

The need for an empirically validated, dimensional system of personality disorders is becoming increasingly apparent. While a number of systems have been investigated in this regard, the five-factor model of personality has demonstrated the ability to adequately capture personality pathology. In particular, the personality disorder prototypes developed by Lynam and Widiger (2001) have been tested in a number of samples. The goal of the present study is to extend this literature by validating the prototypes in a large, representative community sample of later middle-aged adults using both self and informant reports. We found that the prototypes largely work well in this age group. Schizoid, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic, and Avoidant personality disorders demonstrate good convergent validity, with a particularly strong pattern of discriminant validity for the latter four. Informant-reported prototypes show similar patterns to self reports for all analyses. This demonstrates that informants are not succumbing to halo representations of the participants, but are rather describing participants in nuanced ways. It is important that informant reports add significant predictive validity for Schizoid, Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic personality disorders. Implications of our results and directions for future research are discussed.
Interaction of T-2 toxin with bovine carrier erythrocytes: Effects on cell lysis, permeability, and entrapment

Abstract Hemolysis, morphological changes, binding, and effect on encapsulation of exogenous substances were used as a basis to study the interaction of the trichothecene mycotoxin, T-2 toxin, with erythrocytes. T-2 toxin did not cause hemolysis of bovine erythrocytes but readily hemolyzed rat erythrocytes. T-2 toxin interaction with bovine erythrocytes was minimal because T-2 toxin did not bind appreciably to the erythrocytes. Entrapment of T-2 toxin in carrier erythrocytes was independent of toxin concentration, and interaction of T-2 toxin with erythrocytes did not affect the entrapment of the markers sucrose or inulin. T-2 toxin rapidly diffuses from carrier erythrocytes with less than 20% remaining after 4 hr of incubation. Crosslinking of the erythrocyte membrane with glutaraldehyde prevents T-2 toxin efflux from carrier erythrocytes.
Coupon Redeemers: Are They Better Shoppers?

Previous studies report that coupon redeemers have both greater income and more education than nonredeemers. One explanation for this association is the efficiency hypothesis. This hypothesis holds that higher income/education households are better shoppers, and thus better able to take advantage of the discounts coupons offer. An alternative explanation is the preference/opportunities hypothesis. This hypothesis holds that higher income/education households are more apt to purchase the higher priced brands that offer coupons, and are likely, therefore, to redeem more coupons. Panel data on household purchases of paper towels are used to evaluate these two hypotheses. Evidence in support of both is found.
Evidence for a scaling solution in cosmic-string evolution.

Numerical simulations are used to study the most fundamental issue of cosmic-string evolution: the existence of a scaling solution. Strong evidence is found that a scaling solution does indeed exist. This justifies the main assumption on which the cosmic-string theories of galaxy formation is based. The main conclusion coincides with that of Albrecht and Turok (1985) but the results are not consistent with theirs. In fact, the results indicate that the details of string evolution are very different from the standard dogma.
Scan statistics for the online detection of locally anomalous subgraphs

We introduce a computationally scalable method for detecting small anomalous areas in a large, time-dependent computer network, motivated by the challenge of identifying intruders operating inside enterprise-sized computer networks. Time-series of communications between computers are used to detect anomalies, and are modeled using Markov models that capture the bursty, often human-caused behavior that dominates a large subset of the time-series. Anomalies in these time-series are common, and the network intrusions we seek involve coincident anomalies over multiple connected pairs of computers. We show empirically that each time-series is nearly always independent of the time-series of other pairs of communicating computers. This independence is used to build models of normal activity in local areas from the models of the individual time-series, and these local areas are designed to detect the types of intrusions we are interested in. We define a locality statistic calculated by testing for deviations from...
The Inverse Determination of Simple Generator Configurations from Equivalent Dipole and Multipole Information

Mathematical methods are described for approximating electrocardiographic behavior by a pair of current dipoles. The approximation fully accounts for all dipolar and quadripolar componenets of the equivalent cardiac generator and gives a least-squares fit of octapolar content. Components of still higher order are not included in the treatment.
On Self-Organizing Systems and Their Environments

1 I am somewhat hesitant to make the introductory remarks of my presentation, because I am afraid I may hurt the feelings of those who so generously sponsored this conference on self-organizing systems. On the other hand, I believe, I may have a suggestion on how to answer Dr. Weyl’s question which he asked in his pertinent and thought-provoking introduction:“What makes a self-organizing system?” Thus, I hope you will forgive me if I open my paper by presenting the following thesis: “There are no such things as self-organizing systems!” In the face of the title of this conference I have to give a rather strong proof of this thesis, a task which may not be at all too difficult, if there is not a secret purpose behind this meeting to promote a conspiracy to dispose of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. I shall now prove the non-existence of self-organizing systems by reductio ad absurdum of the assumption that there is such a thing as a self-organizing system. Assume a finite universe, U0, as small or as large as you wish (see Fig. 1a), which is enclosed in an adiabatic shell which separates this finite universe from any “meta-universe” in which it may be immersed. Assume, furthermore, that in this universe, U0, there is a closed surface which divides this universe into two mutually exclusive parts: the one part is completely occupied with a self-organizing system S0, while the other part we may call the environment E0 of this self-organizing system: S0 & E0 = U0. I may add that it is irrelevant whether we have our self-organizing system inside or outside the closed surface. However, in Fig. 1 the system is assumed to occupy the interior of the dividing surface. Undoubtedly, if this self-organizing system is permitted to do its job of organizing itself for a little while, its entropy must have decreased during this time:
Distributed power control in cellular radio systems

The capacity of cellular mobile radio systems can be increased by controlling the transmitter powers so as to balance the carrier to interference ratios at the receivers. A distributed algorithm for implementing such power control was proposed earlier for satellite systems by Meyerhoff (1974). The authors tighten the mathematical arguments and apply this scheme to cellular systems. The mobile units adjust their transmitter powers at discrete time instants. Specifically at each time instant the mobile multiplies its current power by a factor equal to a constant over its current carrier to interference ratio (CIR). So power is increased or decreased based on the value of the current CIR. After a number of such power adjustments all the mobiles converge to a common CIR. They also present numerical results which show that the above scheme has the potential to converge faster than the scheme proposed by J. Zander (see IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, vol.41, no.3, August 1992) for high CIR values. >
Effects of aging and caloric restriction on dentate gyrus synapses and glutamate receptor subunits.

Abstract Caloric restriction (CR) attenuates aging-related degenerative processes throughout the body. It is less clear, however, whether CR has a similar effect in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus, an area important for learning and memory processes that often are compromised in aging. In order to evaluate the effect of CR on synapses across lifespan, we quantified synapses stereologically in the middle molecular layer of the dentate gyrus (DG) of young, middle aged and old Fischer 344 × Brown Norway rats fed ad libitum (AL) or a CR diet from 4 months of age. The results indicate that synapses are maintained across lifespan in both AL and CR rats. In light of this stability, we addressed whether aging and CR influence neurotransmitter receptor levels by measuring subunits of NMDA (NR1, NR2A and NR2B) and AMPA (GluR1, GluR2) receptors in the DG of a second cohort of AL and CR rats across lifespan. The results reveal that the NR1 and GluR1 subunits decline with age in AL, but not CR rats. The absence of an aging-related decline in these subunits in CR rats, however, does not arise from increased levels in old CR rats. Instead, it is due to subunit decreases in young CR rats to levels that are sustained in CR rats throughout lifespan, but that are reached in AL rats only in old age.
The Art of Watching Out: Vigilance in Women who have Migraine Headaches

The author used grounded theory methodology to explore the process of vigilance in women who had migraine headaches. Twenty-two women were interviewed. The basic social problem identified for women with migraines was the need to maintain function when faced with unpredictable bouts of pain and associated distress. One way women maximized their function was through the exercise of vigilance. Vigilance in these women can be conceptualized as the art of watching out. Watching out, the core category, had four subprocesses: assigning meaning to what is, calculating the risk, staying ready, and monitoring the results. Conditions for watching out were owning the label and making the connections. Deciding what to do and acting to maximize function were consequences of vigilance.
Cold hardiness of southern-adapted blueberry (Vaccinium × hybrid) genotypes and the potential for their use in northern-adapted blueberry breeding

Twelve southern-adapted blueberry genotypes, both southern highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum L. introgressed with 2x V. darrowi Camp) and rabbiteye (V. ashei Reade), were evaluated for bud development using a morphological scale and for mid-winter cold hardiness using a shoot freezing assay. The winter of 2006-2007 was particularly warm producing higher bud development scores for several of the genotypes and an apparent decrease of cold hardiness. Significant differences in LT 50 values (treatments causing 50% bud mortality) were observed among the genotypes in both years, with a significant clone x year interaction. The greatest range in LT 50 values occurred in 2007, when values ranged from -11.9°C for 'Millennia' to - 25.5°C for 'Reveille', two southern highbush cultivars. Results suggest that germplasm selected in North Carolina might typically have sufficient cold hardiness to be used without concern as parental material in the development of blueberry germplasm with northern adaptation. Other more southern germplasm was generally less hardy and, if utilized as parental material, the resulting progeny would require greater scrutiny with regard to cold hardiness.
Bicyclo[2.1.0]Pentane

Bicyclo[2.1.0]pentane intermediate: diethyl 2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylate intermediate: diethyl 2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxylate intermediate: 2,3-diazabicyclo [2.2.1]hept-2-ene product: bicyclo[2.1.0]pentane Keywords: annulation, carbocyclic-[M,N]; cyclization, cycloaddition; cyclization, free radical-carbenoid/nitrenoid; elimination, miscellaneous; hydrolysis, miscellaneous; oxidation, NH–NH NN; reduction, CC HC–CH; reduction, CC HC–CH; ring contraction reactions; pyrolysis apparatus, for preparation of, bicyclo[2.1.0]pentane
Evaluation of risk factors for degenerative joint disease associated with hip dysplasia in German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers

Objective—To determine whether age, breed, sex, weight, or distraction index (DI) was associated with the risk that dogs of 4 common breeds (German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler) would have radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease (DJD) associated with hip dysplasia. Design—Cross-sectional prevalence study. Animals—15,742 dogs. Procedure—Hips of dogs were evaluated radiographically by use of the ventrodorsal hip-extended view, the compression view, and the distraction view. The ventrodorsal hip-extended view was examined to determine whether dogs had DJD. For each breed, a multiple logistic regression model incorporating age, sex, weight, and DI was created. For each breed, disease-susceptibility curves were produced, using all dogs, regardless of age, and dogs grouped on the basis of age. Results—Weight and DI were significant risk factors for DJD in all breeds. For German Shepherd Dogs, the risk of having DJD was 4.95 times the risk for dogs of the other 3 bre...
Food availability and population processes: severity of nutritional stress during reproduction predicts survival of long‐lived seabirds

Summary 1. Life-history theory predicts a trade-off between costs of current reproduction and future survival of individuals. Studies of short-lived animals in general support this prediction. However, the effect of nutritional stress during reproduction on survival of long-lived animals is poorly understood. 2. We examined the link between nutritional stress, fecundity and return to a breeding colony (hereafter ‘survival’) of black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) at two colonies with contrasting patterns in adult survival, fecundity, and numerical trends. 3. We tested the observational (at Duck and Gull Is., Cook Inlet, Northern Gulf of Alaska) and experimental (at Middleton I., Gulf of Alaska) relationships between variations in the secretion of the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT) and food abundance. Then, we examined the relationships between nutritional stress (as reflected in CORT), reproduction, and survival of individuals. 4. On average, CORT was higher in kittiwakes breeding on Duck I. (declining, low fecundity, high survival) compared to those breeding on Gull I. (increasing, high fecundity, low survival). 5. At both colonies, CORT was directly negatively correlated with food abundance quantified at sea. Experimental feeding of individuals ad libitum resulted in a reduction of CORT in birds breeding on Middleton I. These results suggest that CORT is a reliable measure of food availability and defines nutritional stress (stress) in kittiwakes. 6. On Gull I., where survival is low (86%), production of young declined as stress increased. On Duck I., where survival is high (93%), parents always failed in raising young, though they experienced a wide range of stress levels. 7. Survival of individuals is linked to their CORT levels during reproduction. High levels of CORT predicted disappearance of individuals from both colonies. 8. The results support the hypothesis that nutritional stress during reproduction affects both survival and reproduction in long-lived animals. However, even within a species the ways in which survival and reproduction trade-off against each other may vary among populations. Results suggest that reproductive consequences of nutritional stress might differ between declining and increasing populations, which should be tested. We conclude that severity of nutritional stress during reproduction is one of the major factors defining population processes in kittiwakes.
Unsteady Convective Diffusion with Interphase Mass Transfer

The theory of miscible dispersion is extended to interphase transport systems. As a specific example miscible dispersion in laminar flow in a tube in the presence of interfacial transport due to an irreversible first-order reaction at the wall is analysed by an exact procedure. A new exact dispersion model which accounts for dispersion with interphase transport is derived from first principles. The new concept of an ‘exchange coefficient’ arises naturally. This coefficient depends strongly on the rate of interfacial transport. Such transport also affects the convection and dispersion coefficients significantly. A general expression is derived which shows clearly the time-dependent nature of the coefficients in the dispersion model. The complete time-dependent expression for the exchange coefficient is obtained explicitly and is independent of the velocity distribution in the flow; however, it does depend on the initial solute distribution. Because of the complexity of the problem only asymptotic large-time evaluations are made for the convection and dispersion coefficients, but these are sufficient to give useful physical insight into the nature of the problem. When the rate of the wall reaction approaches zero the exchange coefficient also approaches zero and the other two coefficients approach their proper values in the absence of interfacial transport. At the other extreme of rapid wall reaction rates, the convection coefficient is more than 50 % larger than its value in the absence of interfacial transport and the dispersion coefficient is an order of magnitude smaller than that for zero interphase transport.
Superfund: Evaluating the Impact of Executive Order 12898

BackgroundThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) addresses uncontrolled and abandoned hazardous waste sites throughout the country. Sites that are perceived to be a significant threat to bo...
Cognitive security for personal devices

Humans should be able to think of computers as extensions of their body, as craftsmen do with their tools. Current security models, however, are too unlike those used in human minds-for example, computers authenticate users by challenging them to repeat a secret rather than by continually observing the many subtle cues offered by their appearance and behavior. We propose two lines of research that can be combined to produce cognitive security on computers and other personal devices: continuously deployed multi-modal biometrics and adjustably autonomous security.
How Currents on Different Sides of Substrates in Streams Affect Mechanisms of Benthic Algal Accumulation

Benthic diatom accumulation rates and diversity were monitored for 32 days in five habitats where current conditions were different. After 32 days, diatom abundance in a sheltered habitat where eddies occurred over substrates was over eight times the abundance in a habitat that was exposed directly to the main flow of the stream (about 30 cm/sec). Diatom immigration rates and species richness of diatom taxocenes were negatively related to exposure; whereas, diatom reproduction rates, death rates and relative abundances of the eight dominant diatom species were not related to the small differences in current velocity that occurred. During the 32-day colonization period diatom immigration rates increased, species richness of diatom taxocenes increased and evenness of species abundances decreased. Species composition of diatom taxocenes shifted from a numerical dominance by fast immigrators to dominance by fast reproducers during the 32-day colonization.
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CALCA) Is a Proangiogenic Growth Factor in the Human Placental Development

Recent studies have shown that homozygous knockout of gene for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CALCA) receptor component, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CALCRL), led to extreme hydrops fetalis and embryonic death, underlining the critical role of CALCA in embryonic development and fetal growth. The present study was designed to determine the cellular localization of CALCA and its receptor components, CALCRL and receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), at the human implantation site during early pregnancy; to assess whether CALCA regulates in vitro angiogenesis of human endothelial cells; and to examine whether CALCA can improve angiogenic imbalance in preeclamptic placental explants. Our studies demonstrated that both protein and mRNA for CALCA were expressed by the villous and extravillous trophoblasts and decidual cells in the first-trimester villous tissues. CALCA receptor components, CALCRL and RAMP1, were expressed by both villous and extravillous trophoblast cells, as well as vascular endothelial cells. CALCA induced both endothelial proliferation and migration in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and it promoted capillarylike tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on Matrigel. CALCA-induced angiogenesis of human endothelial cells was completely blocked by CALCA antagonist CALCA8–37. Further, conditioned medium from preeclamptic placental explants significantly inhibited HUVEC capillarylike tube formation compared with gestational age-matched controls, and conditioned medium from preeclamptic placental explants incubated with CALCA significantly improved capillarylike tube formation. We conclude that CALCA induces in vitro angiogenesis by stimulating endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and capillarylike tube formation; thus, CALCA at the human implantation site may constitute a potential autocrine or paracrine mechanism that could modify placental angiogenesis and neovascularization. angiogenesis, CALCA, decidua, placenta, trophoblast
LICHENS OF PINE HILL, A PERIDOTITE OUTCROP IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA

Abstract Despite a large body of work on the serpentine-substrate effect on vascular plants, little work has been undertaken to describe lichen communities growing on serpentine soils derived from peridotite and other ultramafic rocks. Most such work has been conducted in Europe and western North America. Only one study to date has examined the lichen flora of an ultramafic outcrop in eastern North America. The current paper examines the lichen flora of a peridotite outcrop from Deer Isle, Hancock County, Maine, U.S.A. The lichen flora is presented along with relevant ecological and geochemical data. Sixty-three species were found, comprising 35 genera. Two species, Buellia ocellata and Cladonia symphycarpia, are new reports for New England. Fuscopannaria praetermissa, Psorula rufonigra, and Spilonema revertens are new reports for Maine. Twenty species including one genus, Lobaria, are new reports for ultramafic soils worldwide. Buellia ocellata, P. rufonigra, and S. revertens are reported from several lo...
Physiological Radio Telemetry of Vertebrates

Recent advances in the technology of multichannel radio telemetry have made possible the simultaneous measurement of several physiological parameters from free ranging or captive animals. Data obtained under natural conditions are essential to our understanding of the behavior, ecology and environmental physiology of any species. A subcarrier radio transmitter is described in detail. It operates on the 88–108 MHz broadcast band or in the 150 MHz VHF range. Subcarrier frequency is 1 KHz, facilitating the use of inexpensive portable receivers and cassette tape recorders. A magnetic switch and CMOS integrated circuitry are used to provide on/off switching of the surgically implanted radio transmitter. Problems requiring attention in the future include transmitter costs, improvement of ‘battery free’ transmitters, radio telemetry frequency band allocations and data analysis.
Sex-related differences in meprin-A, a membrane-bound mouse kidney proteinase.

To investigate the expression of meprin-A, a brush-border metalloproteinase in mouse tissues, immunohistochemical studies were conducted using a monoclonal antibody prepared against a purified form...
The Management of Late Andean Irrigation Systems on the North Coast of Peru

Documentary research combined with field study has made possible the reconstruction of the sociopolitical organization of the Late Prehispanic Chimu and Chimu-Inca polities of the North Coast of Peru. Many aspects of the management of the large-scale irrigation networks of the region are integrated into that organization. Rights to the water of a particular canal–and to the lands it watered–can be shown to have been vested in socio-political groups which occupied different hierarchical positions according the size of the canal. Maintenance, repair, and distribution of the water were carried out by these groups; there was no centralized state bureacracy to oversee hydraulic affairs. Understanding the organization of the canal system permits a series of hypotheses for the reconstruction of ancient territorial units and the organization of settlement patterns within them.
Strain-Induced Crystallization and Conformational Transition of Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) Films during Uniaxial Deformation Probed by Polarized Infrared Spectroscopy

The structure development during the drawing of PTT films immediately above the glass transition temperature at two different strain rates (8.33 × 10–3 and 8.33 × 10–4 s–1) has been investigated us...
Nanoporous nonwoven fibril-like morphology by cooperative self-assembly of poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ethyl acrylate)-block-polystyrene and phenolic resin.

Cooperative self-assembly of block copolymers with (in)organic precursors effectively generates ordered nanoporous films, but the porosity is typically limited by the need for a continuous (in)organic phase. Here, a network of homogeneous fibrous nanostructures (≈20 nm diameter cylinders) having high porosity (≈ 60%) is fabricated by cooperative self-assembly of a phenolic resin oligomer (resol) with a novel, nonfrustrated, ABC amphiphilic triblock copolymer template, poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ethyl acrylate)-block-polystyrene (PEO-b-PEA-b-PS), via a thermally induced self-assembly process. Due to the high glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PS segments, the self-assembly behavior is kinetically hindered as a result of competing effects associated with the ordering of the self-assembled system and the cross-linking of resol that suppresses segmental mobility. The balance in these competing processes reproducibly yields a disordered fibril network with a uniform fibril diameter. This nonequilibr...
3D Model for Atomic Sputtering of Heterogeneous Ceramic Compounds

The erosion of the channel wall in Hall effect thru sters (HETs) limits the maximum HET operating life time. HET channel wall materials are often binary composites of boron nitride and silica. The heterogeneity of the material drive s the development of complex surface features and roughness during the erosion process. To aid the understanding of the erosion processes, a three dimensional model of the atomic sputtering of a heterogeneous material is developed. The model investigates, through a ray-tracing technique and empirical models for the erosion rate of each phase, the interaction between ion beams and the underlying grain-level microstructure. Simulated erosion histo ries and surface profiles are compared with empirical data collected from the eroded channel wall of the AFRL/UM P5 HET. Simulated surface features and expected surface roughnesses for moderate ion incidence angles of 30˚ and 45˚ resemble those found through scanning electron microscopy and optical profilometry of the P5 channel wall. Predic ted rms roughnesses for 30˚ incidence are on the order of 7 µm, and rms roughnesses measured on the channel wall are 6±2.5 µm. The composition of the channel wall surface is investig ated via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and is comparable to prior work, but the reduction in the presence of BN with erosion is not adequately captured by this model.
Enhanced Planetary Surface EVA Mobility for Space Colonization

Extravehicular activity (EVA), especially those EVAs performed on other planetary bodies, will play an integral role in future space exploration missions. However, the high joint torques in current space suits limit astronaut flexibility and mobility. These joint torques arise predominately from the change in pressurized volume associated with joint motion. In an attempt to reduce this torque while working within the framework of the current Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), a redesign of the restraint layer (the layer that restrains the pressure bladder) was created to minimize the pressurized volume. This was accomplished by utilizing the concept of lines of non-extension, which are lines along the body that do not stretch or contract with joint motion. Working with an industry partner, the David Clark Company Inc., an advanced mockup elbow joint (pressure bladder and restraint layer) was borrowed for baseline torque measurements. All tests were performed in a vacuum chamber at the MIT Man Vehicle Laboratory. Suit volume was filled in both baseline case and redesigned restraint layer case with a mannequin arm. Torques were measured from angles zero to 105 degrees. A comparison of torque measurements between the two restraint layers indicated that the new restraint layer did not lower elbow joint torque from the baseline; however, the torque was of similar magnitude to that of the baseline case. This finding, shown with a first iteration of a new restraint layer, shows that the lines of non-extension concept has merit and should be further pursued. A more indepth analysis of the concept is required to elucidate its merits in ultimately creating a more livable and workable environment for astronauts on EVAs.
Repair of complete common atrioventricular canal in infancy

Forty-three infants with common atrioventricular canal (CAVC) underwent repair before 24 months of age at Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Boston, between Jan. 1, 1975, and June 30, 1980. From 1975 to 1977, the operative mortality was 62% (8/13***); the late mortality was 7% (1/13). From 1978 to 1980, the operative mortality was 17% (5/30) and the late mortality, was 6% (2/30). Seventeen (63%) unselected patients of the 27 long-term survivors have undergone cardiac catheterization 10 to 19 months following the operation. Five (29%) had mitral regurgitation of either moderate (four) or severe (one) degree. One had a significant residual shunt. The pulmonary/systemic resistance ratio (Rp/Rg) remained the same or decreased after repair except in the patient with severe mitral regurgitation. Anatomic features which determine outcome of reparative procedures are (1) deficiency of atrioventricular valve tissue, (2) the presence of ventricular hypoplasia, (3) malalignment of the common atrioventricular valve (CAVV) with respect to the ventricles, (4) the presence of double-orifice mitral valve, (5) the presence of solitary left ventricular papillary muscle group, and, in our experience, (6) the presence of additional muscular ventricular septal defects (VSDs). Four of these six anatomic variables can now be evaluated pre operatively by axial angiography and subxiphoid two-dimensional echocardiography. However, the architecture of the CAW is extremely variable, so that the development of a “uniform approach” to valve reconstruction is impossible; mitral dysfunction is likely to remain the major cause of operative mortality and long-term morbidity.
Hereditary Considerations in Common Disorders

Progress being made in the delineation of the genetic basis of common disorders will have significant implications, not only for genetic counseling, but ultimately for prevention and therapy.
Autism Spectrum Disorder

This chapter identifies the biological underpinnings, phenomenology, assessment and medical treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Basic science has made great strides in identifying the brain pathology of autism at various levels of scrutiny. This chapter reviews genetic, molecular, histological, anatomical and epidemiological levels of the disorder. Also, new assessment technologies have come on line to provide greater clarity in what collection of observations should be called autism and what would not. Although interventions that alter the newly identified pathophysiological processes are yet to be formulated, approaches to treatment that fail to take into account the current scientific evidence of the causes of autism can and should be avoided. The chapter describes an orientation to autism from the perspective of the scientific literature to provide a foundation for clinical decision-making for the practitioner.
Measurements of pCO2 and pH from an autonomous surface vehicle in a coastal upwelling system

Anthropogenic input of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere and its uptake by the ocean with associated changes in ocean chemistry have created an urgent need to expand coverage of sea surface and atmospheric carbon dioxide observations. Conventional sampling platforms (e.g. ships and moorings) do not provide the spatial and temporal resolution needed to assess the effects of rapidly changing carbon dioxide conditions and are expensive to operate. Through a series of deployments beginning in March 2012, two versions of the Wave Glider autonomous surface vehicles from Liquid Robotics, Inc. have been instrumented with sensors to measure pH, partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) of the atmosphere and sea surface, and wind speed and direction, from which instantaneous sea-air fluxes of CO2 can be calculated. These deployments, most near Monterey Bay, California, were highly correlated with ΔpCO2 measurements obtained from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute's (MBARI) long-term mooring station M1, as well as from shipboard observations. In the central California upwelling system with highly variable pCO2 levels, the gliders captured large spatial gradients associated with upwelling fronts. Differences in sea surface pCO2 as large as 470 μatm over < 0.5 km were observed. Unlike traditional ship sampling methods, however, this new generation of sampling platforms is capable of continuous long-term (months) deployments at a fraction of the cost. The vehicles thus have the potential of filling important gaps in present understanding of the effects of global change on ocean chemistry.
Microscale Investigations of Soil Heterogeneity: Impacts on Zinc Retention and Uptake in Zinc-Contaminated Soils.

Metal contaminants in soils can persist for millennia, causing lasting negative impacts on local ecosystems. Long-term contaminant bioavailability is related to soil pH and to the strength and stability of solid-phase associations. We combined physical density separation with synchrotron-based microspectroscopy to reduce solid-phase complexity and to study Zn speciation in field-contaminated soils. We also investigated Zn uptake in two Zn-hyperaccumulating ecotypes of (Ganges and Prayon). Soils were either moderately contaminated (500-800 mg Zn kg via contaminated biosolids application) or grossly enriched (26,000 mg Zn kg via geogenic enrichment). Soils were separated using sodium polytungstate into three fractions: light fraction (LF) ( 2.8 g cm). Approximately 45% of the total Zn was associated with MF in biosolids-contaminated soils. From these data, we infer redistribution to the MF after biosolids application because Zn in biosolids is principally associated with HF and LF. Our results suggest that increasing proportions of HF-associated Zn in soils may be related to greater relative Zn removal by Zn hyperaccumulating plants. Using density fractions enabled assessment of Zn speciation on a microscale despite incomplete fractionation. Analyzing both density fractions and whole soils revealed certain phases (e.g., ZnS, Zn coprecipitated with Fe oxides) that were not obvious in all analyses, indicating multiple views of the same soils enable a more complete understanding of Zn speciation.
Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project

The Kittitas County Commission opposed the wind power project due to local citizen opposition that feared the 350–410 feet tall turbines would obstruct the scenic beauty of the landscape, drive property values down, and lead to adverse wildlife impacts. However, regardless of local opposition to the proposed project, then Governor Gregoire supported the development of the wind park citing the 2006 citizen initiative establishing that 15% of all electricity used by major utilities comes from renewable sources by 2020. The Washington Facility Site Evaluation Council also supported the development of the wind farm and ultimately decided to overrule the county commission and local opposition groups. The case for development was based on environmental considerations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, even if there were some local externalities.
Fast Broadband Modeling of Traces Connecting Vias in Printed Circuit Boards Using Broadband Green’s Function Method

In this paper, the broadband Green’s function with low wavenumber extraction (BBGFL) is applied to modeling of traces connecting vias in arbitrarily shaped power/ground planes of printed circuit boards (PCBs). The proposed modeling method is a hybrid technique based on mode decomposition: BBGFL is used to fast compute the vias in power/ground planes, MoM is used to calculate the impedance matrix of the traces, and a physical circuit model is then applied to combine the vias and traces in the power/ground planes. The present method is compared to the method of moments (MoM) and the commercial tool HFSS. Results show that the results of the present technique are in good agreement with MoM and HFSS on the radiated emissions from PCBs. BBGFL is several hundred times faster than HFSS in CPU time for broadband simulations. The technique provides a fast broadband solution for system-level modeling of high-speed interconnects with vias and traces in electronic design automation design and applications.
Abstract 317: The Role of Age in Adult Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Referred for Coronary Revascularization: Insights from Methodological Differences when Modeling a Continuous Variable

Background: Prior cardiovascular studies have often dichotomized the continuous variable age at a certain pre-specified cutoff which is thought to lead to a loss of information. Methods: To further...
The role of ocean fluxes and radiative forcings in determining tropical rainfall shifts in RCP8.5 simulations

We use Coupled Model Intercomparison Project global climate models forced with the RCP8.5 scenario to attribute tropical precipitation shifts under global warming scenarios and changes in cross-equatorial atmosphere heat transport (c-eq AHT) to changes in ocean and radiative fluxes. We find the models tend to agree on the sign of c-eq AHT and change in precipitation asymmetry induced by each forcing, but not the magnitude. The ice-albedo feedback and aerosol emission reduction lead to the NH warming, but this is countered by a reduction to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation northward heat transport and increased longwave leading to the multi-model mean change in precipitation asymmetry being approximately zero. None of the forcings considered, including aerosol clean-up, can account for more than 20% of the multi-model mean change in c-eq AHT alone
Health-care provider challenges to the identification of human trafficking in health-care settings: A qualitative study

This study explored health-care providers’ perspectives on practitioner-related factors that can challenge their ability to identify adult victims of labor and sex trafficking seeking medical atten...
Towards a wearable hand exoskeleton with embedded synergies

Numerous hand exoskeletons have been proposed in the literature with the aim of assisting or rehabilitating victims of stroke, brain/spinal cord injury, or other causes of hand paralysis. In this paper a new 3D printed soft hand exoskeleton, HEXOES (Hand Exoskeleton with Embedded Synergies), is introduced and mechanically characterized. Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal/interphalangeal (PIP/IP) joints had measured maximum flexion angles of 53.7 ± 16.9° and 39.9 ± 13.4°, respectively; and maximum MCP and PIP angular velocities of 94.5 ± 41.9 degrees/s and 74.6 ± 67.3 degrees/s, respectively. These estimates indicate that the mechanical design has range of motion and angular velocity characteristics that meet the requirements for synergy-based control. When coupled with the proposed control loop, HEXOES can be used in the future as a test-bed for synergy-based clinical hand rehabilitation.