We have used ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to observe englacial structural control upon the development of an esker formed during a high-magnitude outburst flood (jökulhlaup). The surge-type Skeiðarárjökull, an outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull ice cap, Iceland, is a frequent source of jökulhlaups. The rising-stage waters of the November 1996 jökulhlaup travelled through a dense network of interconnected fractures that perforated the margin of the glacier. Subsequent discharge focused upon a small number of conduit outlets. Recent ice-marginal retreat has exposed a large englacial esker associated with one of these outlets. We investigated structural controls on esker genesis in April 2006, by collecting >2.5km of GPR profiles on the glacier surface up-glacier of where the esker ridge has been exposed by meltout. In lines closest to the exposed esker ridge, we interpret areas of englacial horizons up to ~30m wide and ~10–15m high as an up-glacier continuation of the esker sediments. High-amplitude, dipping horizons define the base of esker materials across many lines. Similar dipping surfaces deeper in the profiles suggest that: (1) the dipping surfaces beneath the esker are englacial tephera bands; (2) floodwaters were initially discharged along structurally controlled englacial surfaces (tephra bands); (3) the rapid increase in discharge resulted in hydrofracturing; (4) establishment of preferential flow paths resulted in conduit development along the tephra bands due to localized excavation of surrounding glacier ice; and (5) sedimentation took place within the new accommodation space to form the englacial structure melting out to produce the esker.

Infrared images of the BN-KL region in Orion obtained with the Univ. of Rochester IR Array Camera on the Mees 0.6-m (2.5“/pixel) and the Kitt Peak 1.3-m telescopes (1”/pixel) are presented. These images demonstrate the utility of small telescopes for infrared studies of star formation regions.

In glacial environments particle-size analysis of moraines provides insights into clast origin, transport history, depositional mechanism and processes of reworking. Traditional methods for grain-size classification are labour-intensive, physically intrusive and are limited to patch-scale (1 m2) observation. We develop emerging, high-resolution ground- and unmanned aerial vehicle-based ‘Structure-from-Motion’ (UAV-SfM) photogrammetry to recover grain-size information across a moraine surface in the Heritage Range, Antarctica. SfM data products were benchmarked against equivalent datasets acquired using terrestrial laser scanning, and were found to be accurate to within 1.7 and 50 mm for patch- and site-scale modelling, respectively. Grain-size distributions were obtained through digital grain classification, or ‘photo-sieving’, of patch-scale SfM orthoimagery. Photo-sieved distributions were accurate to <2 mm compared to control distributions derived from dry-sieving. A relationship between patch-scale median grain size and the standard deviation of local surface elevations was applied to a site-scale UAV-SfM model to facilitate upscaling and the production of a spatially continuous map of the median grain size across a 0.3 km2 area of moraine. This highly automated workflow for site-scale sedimentological characterization eliminates much of the subjectivity associated with traditional methods and forms a sound basis for subsequent glaciological process interpretation and analysis.

Objectives: This study examines the selective, sustained, and executive attention abilities of very preterm (VPT) born children in relation to concurrent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of regional gray matter development at age 12 years. Methods: A regional cohort of 110 VPT (≤32 weeks gestation) and 113 full term (FT) born children were assessed at corrected age 12 years on the Test of Everyday Attention-Children. They also had a structural MRI scan that was subsequently analyzed using voxel-based morphometry to quantify regional between-group differences in cerebral gray matter development, which were then related to attention measures using multivariate methods. Results: VPT children obtained similar selective (p=.85), but poorer sustained (p=.02) and executive attention (p=.01) scores than FT children. VPT children were also characterized by reduced gray matter in the bilateral parietal, temporal, prefrontal and posterior cingulate cortices, bilateral thalami, and left hippocampus; and increased gray matter in the occipital and anterior cingulate cortices (family-wise error–corrected p<.05). Poorer sustained auditory attention was associated with increased gray matter in the anterior cingulate cortex (p=.04). Poor executive shifting attention was associated with reduced gray matter in the right superior temporal cortex (p=.04) and bilateral thalami (p=.05). Poorer executive divided attention was associated with reduced gray matter in the occipital (p=.001), posterior cingulate (p=.02), and left temporal (p=.01) cortices; and increased gray matter in the anterior cingulate cortex (p=.001). Conclusions: Disturbances in regional gray matter development appear to contribute, at least in part, to the poorer attentional performance of VPT children at school age. (JINS, 2017, 23, 539–550)

Background: Perinatal stroke is the most common cause of hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Post-stroke plasticity is well studied in adults, but mechanisms in children are poorly understood. To better understand the relationship between functional connectivity and disability, we used rsfMRI to compare connectivity with sensorimotor dysfunction. Methods: Subjects with periventricular venous infarction were compared to controls. Resting-state BOLD signal was acquired on 3T MRI and analyzed using SPM12. Functional connectivity was computed between S1 and M1 of the left/non-lesioned and right/ lesioned hemisphere. Primary outcome was connectivity expressed as a Pearson correlation coefficient. Motor function was measured using the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), and Melbourne Assessment (MA). Proprioceptive function was measured using a robotic position matching task (VarXY). Results: Subjects included 17 PVI and 21 controls. AHA and MA in patients were negatively correlated with connectivity (increased connectivity=poorer performance). Correlations between AHA and connectivity between non-lesioned M1 to bilateral S1s were significant. VarXY in PVI was inversely correlated with connectivity (increased connectivity=improved performance), significantly between non-lesioned S1 and bilateral M1s. Control VarXY was positively correlated with connectivity between non-dominant S1 to bilateral M1s. Conclusions: We demonstrated significant correlations between connectivity and motor/sensory function in PVI patients. Greater insight into understanding reorganization of brain networks following perinatal stroke may facilitate personalized rehabilitation.

Spatial studies of the emission line regions in planetary nebulae (PN) can provide insight into the physical and chemical environments across the nebulae. In a collaborative effort by the coauthors, a K-band Fabry-Perot etalon has been coupled with an advanced 256 × 256 InSb focal plane array at the Wyoming Infrared Observatory 2.3m telescope. This system permits us to obtain spatially resolved, 0.24″/pixel, moderate spectral resolution (R ≈ 800), flux-density IR emission line images of astronomical sources. We obtained continuum-subtracted images of Br γ, HeI 2.06 μm, the 2-μm UIR features, and the 3.3 μm PAH dust feature in the PN NGC 6572, NGC 7027, and NGC 7662. One objective was to determine the spatial morphology of two unidentified emission lines, UIR1−2.199 μm, and UIR2−2.287 μm (Geballe et al. 1991). These UIR lines appear in the spectra of many PN (Hora et al. 1997) and in the Orion Nebula (Luhman & Rieke 1996). Geballe et al. suggested that the UIR lines are most likely forbidden transitions and showed that the parent ion ionization potential is ≈ 30–40 eV, while the ionization potential for the ions themselves is 40–60 eV. Here we directly compare the distribution of the UIR emitters to that of the gas (H+,He+) and dust (PAHs).

We report near-infrared spectroscopy of three Seyfert galaxies. Velocity resolved spectra covering low excitation-potential transitions of [Ar III] 8.991 µm, [S IV] 10.514 µm, and [Ne II] 12.813 µm were obtained using the facility mid-infrared array spectrometer (SpectroCam) of the Palomar Observatory Hale 5-m Telescope, and low-resolution spectra covering [Mg V] 5.608 µm, [Ar II] 6.985 µm, and [Ne VI] 7.642 µm were obtained using the faint-object spectrograph (HIFOGS) of the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO).

We find high contrast [Ar III] and [S IV] in each galaxy, and [Ne II] in NGC 1068 and NGC 4151 (12.8 µm data were not obtained on NGC 5506). The line profiles are well resolved. In NGC 1068 and NGC 4151, they are fit by singlecomponent Gaussians. However, in NGC 5506, evidence for a broad pedestal is seen in the [Ar III] and [S IV] spectra, similar to the broad Paβ component reported by Blanco et al. (1990) and Rix et al. (1990).

The Authors apply their experience, as former life assurance managers, to develop new methods of investment analysis of life assurance shares.

Monitoring the profitability, per unit of with profit premiums, shows how improving investment performance mitigates the adverse effect on bonuses and shareholders' earnings of the heavy new business needed to maintain the business in times of inflation. Studies of likely investment performance are made, in an attempt to forecast bonuses and dividends over the next 3 years. These methods are demonstrated practically, using the figures from the published accounts of five U.K. life offices from 1976 to 1978.

If more time and space had been available, the Authors would have liked to apply these methods to the analysis of Accounts and D.O.T. Returns of all significant U.K. life offices, proprietary, mutual and composite, that publish annual valuations. Life office managers would then be able to compare their own profitability, investment performance and bonus prospects with those of their principal competitors. In addition insurance brokers would be enabled to assess likely future results for prospective policyholders from competing life offices in a more reliable and rigorous way than is done at present, using merely historical bonus records.

The Authors have to admit that application of their techniques, although achieving considerable success with these varied objectives, is handicapped by the poor quality of life assurance Accounts and Returns. At present offices with a large group pensions component cannot be analysed, because the format of the D.O.T. Returns for this class of business is out of date and inadequate. They would like to see life office accounting methods improved, and they make some specific suggestions to this effect. In addition, detailed comments on the standard of presentation of the D.O.T. Returns are given in the Appendix, together with suggestions for improving these Returns.

We report on the preparation and characterization of crystalline bismuth oxide thin films via Biased Target Ion Beam Deposition method. A focused blue laser (405nm) is used to write an array of dots in the bismuth oxide thin film and demonstrate clear and circular recording marks in form of “bubbles” or “little volcanos” (FWHM ∼500nm). Results indicate excellent static recording characteristics, writing sensitivity and contrast. The recording mechanism is investigated and is believed to be related to laser-induced morphology change.

The beginning of Damonon's votive slab, which was found by Leake in the Monastery of the Holy Forty ("Αγιοι Τεσσαράκοντα or Σαράντα) and is now in the Sparta Museum, is one of the best known and oftenest discussed of early Laconian inscriptions.

The following are the chief references. Leake, Travels in the Morea, ii. 521 and Plate 71 (end of vol. iii.). A better copy, Dressel and Milchhöfer, Ath. Mitt. ii. 318. Facsimile in Roehl, I.G.A. 79 and Imagines2 x. n. 16, p. 28 ; Fick, Bezz. Beiträdge, iii. 121 ff.; Collitz-Bechtel, iii. 4416 ; Roberts, Introd. to Gk. Epigr. i. n. 264 ; Tod, Sparta Mus. Cat. n. 440. (Other references, none of them of much importance, are given by Tod and Roehl, ll. c.)

The presence of 10 virulence genes was examined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 365 European O157 and non-O157 Escherichia coli isolates associated with verotoxin production. Strain-specific PCR data were analysed using hierarchical clustering. The resulting dendrogram clearly separated O157 from non-O157 strains. The former clustered typical high-risk seropathotype (SPT) A strains from all regions, including Sweden and Spain, which were homogenous by Cramer's V statistic, and strains with less typical O157 features mostly from Hungary. The non-O157 strains divided into a high-risk SPTB harbouring O26, O111 and O103 strains, a group pathogenic to pigs, and a group with few virulence genes other than for verotoxin. The data demonstrate SPT designation and selected PCR separated verotoxigenic E. coli of high and low risk to humans; although more virulence genes or pulsed-field gel electrophoresis will need to be included to separate high-risk strains further for epidemiological tracing.

Excavations at Tinney's Lane, Sherborne in 2002 uncovered extensive evidence for Late Bronze Age settlement and pottery production, dating from a short time period probably within the 12th or 11th century cal bc. Well-preserved deposits of burnt stone, broken vessels, and burnt sherds, together with resulting debris redeposited in associated pits, were accompanied by a series of post-hole structures interpreted as round-houses and four-post settings. Environmental evidence in the form of charcoal, charred plant remains, and molluscs has provided important information concerning sources of fuel and water for pottery production as well as allowing a reconstruction of the local vegetation. Finds of fired clay, metal, stone, shale, flint, and bone include items from distant sources, informing topics such as site status and exchange, and include many categories of tools and equipment that would have been used within the pottery-making processes. Analysis of the spatial distribution of these finds amongst the structures and surviving layers of burning has allowed the definition of a series of industrial activity areas, each comprising one or more round-houses, a four-post structure, bonfire bases or pits used for firing, and other pits with specific related functions. Altogether the site has provided some of the best evidence for pottery production within prehistoric Britain.

V- and I-band observations were taken over 9 months to study the RR Lyrae population in the metal-poor diffuse globular cluster NGC 6101. We identify one new variable, which is either a potential long-period red giant variable or eclipsing binary, and recover all previously identified RR Lyraes. One previously studied RR Lyrae is reclassified as an RRc type, while two period estimations have been significantly refined. We confirm that NGC6101 is Oosterhoff type II with a high ratio of n(c)/n(ab + c) = 0.833 with a very long mean RRab period of 0.86 d. By using theoretical RRLyrae period-luminosity-metallicity relations, we use our V- and I-band RR Lyrae data to gain an independent estimate of the reddening towards this cluster of E(B − V) = 0.15 ± 0.04 and derive a distance of 12.8 ± 0.8 kpc. The majority of the work in this study was undertaken by upper secondary school students involved in the Space to Grow astronomy education project in Australia.

Imputation of moderate-density genotypes from low-density panels is of increasing interest in genomic selection, because it can dramatically reduce genotyping costs. Several imputation software packages have been developed, but they vary in imputation accuracy, and imputed genotypes may be inconsistent among methods. An AdaBoost-like approach is proposed to combine imputation results from several independent software packages, i.e. Beagle(v3.3), IMPUTE(v2.0), fastPHASE(v1.4), AlphaImpute, findhap(v2) and Fimpute(v2), with each package serving as a basic classifier in an ensemble-based system. The ensemble-based method computes weights sequentially for all classifiers, and combines results from component methods via weighted majority ‘voting’ to determine unknown genotypes. The data included 3078 registered Angus cattle, each genotyped with the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip. SNP genotypes on three chromosomes (BTA1, BTA16 and BTA28) were used to compare imputation accuracy among methods, and the application involved the imputation of 50K genotypes covering 29 chromosomes based on a set of 5K genotypes. Beagle and Fimpute had the greatest accuracy among the six imputation packages, which ranged from 0·8677 to 0·9858. The proposed ensemble method was better than any of these packages, but the sequence of independent classifiers in the voting scheme affected imputation accuracy. The ensemble systems yielding the best imputation accuracies were those that had Beagle as first classifier, followed by one or two methods that utilized pedigree information. A salient feature of the proposed ensemble method is that it can solve imputation inconsistencies among different imputation methods, hence leading to a more reliable system for imputing genotypes relative to independent methods.