cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Particle agglomeration and fuel decomposition in burning slurry droplets

Abstract In a burning slurry droplet the particles tend to agglomerate and produce large clusters which are difficult to burn. As a consequence, the combustion efficiency is drastically reduced. For such a droplet the nonlinear D2-t behavior associated with the formation of hard to burn agglomerates can be explained if the fuel decomposes on the surface of the particles. This paper deals with analysis and experiments with JP-10 and Diesel #2 slurries prepared with inert SiC and Al2O3 particles. It provides direct evidence of decomposed fuel residue on the surface of the particles heated by flame radiation. These decomposed fuel residues act as bonding agents and appear to be responsible for the observed agglomeration of particles in a slurry. Chemical analysis, scanning electron microscope photographs and finally micro-analysis by electron scattering clearly show the presence of decomposed fuel residue on the surface of the particles. Diesel #2 is decomposed relatively easily and therefore leaves a thicker deposit on SiC and forms larger agglomerates than the more stable JP-10. A surface reaction model with particles heated by flame radiation is able to describe the observed trend of the diameter history of the slurry fuel. Additional experiments with particles of lower emissivity (Al2O3) and radiation absorbing dye validate the theoretical model of the role of flame radiation in fuel decomposition and the formation of agglomerates in burning slurry droplets.
Frances: a tool for understanding code generation

Compiler and programming language implementation courses are integral parts of many computer science curricula. However, the range of topics necessary to teach in such a course are difficult for students to understand and time consuming to cover. In particular, code generation is a confusing topic for students unfamiliar with low level target languages. We present Frances, a tool for helping students understand code generation and low level languages. The key idea is to graphically illustrate the relationships between high level language constructs and low level (assembly) language code. By illustrating these relationships, we take advantage of the students existing understanding of some high level language. We have used Frances in a compiler design course and received highly positive feedback. Students conveyed to us that Frances significantly helped them to understand the concepts necessary to implement code generation in a compiler project.
Binary gratings with increased efficiency

Coupled-wave analysis is used to design binary gratings with high efficiencies (70-80%). The binary designs have grating periods greater than one wavelength but use subwavelength structures within each period in order to achieve high efficiency.
COPERNICUS: A multi-cycle optimization code for nuclear fuel based on parallel simulated annealing with mixing of states

COPERNICUS is the Studsvik code for performing nuclear fuel optimization over a multi-cycle planning horizon that provides for an implicit coupling between traditionally separate in-core and out-of-core fuel management decisions. These decisions include determination of: fresh fuel region size; sub-region enrichments and bundle designs; exposed fuel re-use; and core loading pattern. The COPERNICUS methodology is based on a parallel implementation of the Simulated Annealing optimization algorithm, modified by the technique of Mixing of States, that allows for deployment in a processor scalable environment. COPERNICUS utilizes the 3-D licensing grade code SIMULATE for evaluation of all core loading pattern constraints, such as those involving reactivity and thermal margin requirements. Results are presented for a transition cycle design that compares performance of multi-cycle optimization to successive, single cycle optimization with regard to reducing levelized fuel costs.
Periodic behavior in surface limited grain growth

Abstract A linearization of the partial differential equation describing surface limited grain growth has been used to examine the proposed spasmodic migration mechanism of Mullins. Stable periodic solutions are found exhibiting spatial oscillations which correspond with experimental observations of surface groove spacings. The model also predicts the general features expected from the grain boundary ‘pull out’ process described by Mullins.
The Paradox of Transforming Public Administration: Modernity Versus Postmodernity Arguments

Directing organizational change requires the ability to interpret—and reinterpret—the meanings customarily ascribed to crucial institutional values, norms, and events. If public managers are prepared to live with contradiction, conflict, and ambiguity, they can gain a new perspective on the complex social process of organizational change. An appreciation of the inherent tensions among crucial constructs in public administration—the binary opposition of bureaucracy and democracy, leadership and representation, policy making and implementation, centralization and decentralization, and the like—would allow administrators to determine if it is possible to reconcile tensions in particular instances. One element of contradiction in contemporary public administration is found in the debate concerning “modern” and “postmodern” perspectives of administrative practice, representing conflicting interpretations of substantive and normative aspects of institutional change. This study probes this issue at the intersect...
Frequency-dependent hopping conductivity in a static electric field in a random one-dimensional lattice.

The frequency-dependent electrical conductivity is studied in a nearest-neighbor-hopping linear lattice with disordered site energies and barrier heights in the presence of a uniform static electric field, allowing for detailed balance between random rates. Exact expressions are obtained for the conductivity for both high and low frequencies. The results reduce to those obtained by previous authors in the absence of site-energy disorder. However, the latter is found to alter the character of the frequency dependence of the conductivity significantly at low frequencies. In this case the conductivity is expanded as sigma( ) = sigma0+isigma1 -sigma2 S -isigma3 T+.... We find that sigma1 is nonvanishing only if both site energies and barrier heights are disordered and that sigma2 is positive when the fluctuations in site energies are small compared with the thermal energy but becomes negative in the opposite regime. The ac response is found to vanish (i.e., sigma( ) = 0 for not =0) in the absence of disorder in barrier heights.
The development of a predictive method for the estimation of flux through polydimethylsiloxane membranes. II. Derivation of a diffusion parameter and its application to multisubstituted benzenes

Abstract A substituent diffusion parameter, Y , was obtained from experimental diffusion data of a series of monosubstituted benzenes. This additive, constitutive parameter was correlated with the flux of 24 multisubstituted benzene derivatives consisting of ortho , meta and para disubstituted and several trisubstituted compounds. The correlation was significantly improved by the use of an indicator variable signifying the presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding in some of the ortho compounds. The ability of the two models to predict flux was tested by application to a series of 20 benzene derivatives which were not part of the model data set.
Black-Latino Political Relationships: Policy Voting in the U.S. House of Representatives

Political relations between racial/ethnic groups in America have (a) been commonly examined in terms of the degree of “cooperation” or “conflict” and (b) have most frequently been studied in the arena of urban politics; this has been especially so in the case of Hispanics/Latinos and African Americans. This article represents the first effort to pose and to systematically assess the question of inter—minority group relations in Congress by examining roll call behavior in the U.S. House of Representatives. Using Black and Latino interest group ratings and associated roll call votes from the 104th to 108th Congresses as indicators of Black and Latino interests, we show that Black representatives have voting records very supportive of the most salient concerns of Latinos and that Latino representatives have voting records at least modestly supportive of the most salient concerns of Blacks. At minimum, the findings suggest that Black and Latino representatives support the “other” group at the same level (or h...
Role of Graphite Oxide (GO) and Polyaniline (PANI) in NO2 Reduction on GO-PANI Composites

Graphite oxide−polyaniline (GO-PANI) composites were obtained by mixing graphite oxide with a polyaniline salt. The extent of surface reduction of the GO and polyanline (emeraldine) was increased b...
Mechanism and kinetics of the silane decomposition in the presence of acetylene and in the presence of olefins

Kinetic data and product studies are reported for the silane pyrolysis in the presence of olefins and acetylene. The kinetics of silane loss in the presence of acetylene was found to be identical to the initial gas phase silane decomposition step (SiH4 + M → SiH2 + H2 + M) when corrected for pressure fall-off effects. This result and the absence of methane or ethane from the pyrolysis of SiH4 in the presence of 1-butene or 1-pentene demonstrate that silyl radicals and H atoms are not involved in silane-olefin or silane-acetylene reactions. Qualitative aspects and kinetic data from the SiH4 pyrolysis in the presence of propylene are in accord with propylsilane formation via propylsilylene formed by silylene addition to propylene.
Determination of Steady State Gas Turbine Operation

Repeatable measurement of engine performance requires the system to be near steady state. A technique is presented to assess how close engine operation is to steady state. It estimates the rate of change of the assessed parameter across the sample time and provides an associated confidence interval. This allows a minimum amount of test time to characterize performance and provides consistent criteria to assess steady state.The technique can either be used online to determine when to take a steady state point or to find the optimal sample from a given data set. To make the technique feasible during testing a recursive method is developed to minimize the computational time.The technique is demonstrated on known functions with random noise to benchmark its capabilities. This is followed by a demonstration on test data from a small turbo jet engine operated in an altitude facility, a turboprop on an outdoor test stand and an after-burning turbofan in an indoor test cell.Copyright © 2012 by Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada
Proactive task scheduling and stealing in master-slave based load balancing for parallel contingency analysis

Abstract With increasing emphasis on analyzing N − k contingencies, use of parallel resources has become imperative. Parallelization imposes the requirement of load-balancing for achieving high resource usage efficiency. Conventional static allocation based scheduling techniques fail to achieve load balancing. To address this limitation, master-slave scheduling (MSS) has been used; however, in MSS, after task completion, slave processors wait for the next task to arrive leading to idle-wait. In the case of contention at master, the idle-wait could become significant and degrade the performance of the MSS algorithm. We present a technique to combine the advantage of proactive task scheduling and stealing with the simplicity of MSS. We refer to it as PTMSS. In PTMSS, master proactively queues an extra task at the slave processor, such that on completion of a task, the next task is immediately started. Further, when master runs out of the tasks, it steals a queued task from one slave and allocates to another slave which has completed its tasks. Simulation experiments have been conducted on a large power system with 13,029 buses and thousands of contingencies have been analyzed. The results show that PTMSS performs better than conventional MSS and also offers significant computational gains over serial execution.
Magneto-excitations in the rotating two-dimensional electron gas

The effects of a rigid rotation on the two-dimensional electron gas are studied. For very large wavelengths the lower branch of magneto-excitations has the dispersion relation E_(k)≈[ℏΓ(ℏΓ + νe 2|k|)]1/2, where v is the filling factor and Γ the angular speed of rotation. The result holds independently of the presence of a solid phase (Wigner lattice) on the gas.
Reduction of cerebral perfusion precedes rise of intracranial pressure in rats with ischemic fulminant liver failure

In fulminant liver failure, brain edema may progress to intracranial hypertension. However, the rise in intracranial pressure is a late event in this sequence. We investigated the relationship between cerebral perfusion and development of intracranial hypertension in a well-characterized model of fulminant liver failure, the rat subjected to hepatic devascularization (n = 11). In addition, we examined the effects of hyperglycemia on the development of brain edema because high blood glucose level can exacerbate other forms of brain edema, as seen in stroke. Intracranial pressure was continuously monitored with a cisterna magna catheter; relative changes in blood flow were continuously assessed with a Doppler flow probe on the internal carotid artery. Cerebral perfusion decreased by 62%, with the greatest reduction before the onset of increased intracranial pressure. Intracranial pressure did not change until 2 hr before death, at which time it increased exponentially. Brain water in fulminant liver failure rats was significantly increased compared with that in controls. Hyperglycemia (200 to 220 mg/dI) had no effect on time elapsed until loss of corneal reflex, percentage of brain water, maximal intracranial pressure or pattern of change in cerebral perfusion compared with euglycemia (80 to 100 mg/dI). Sham-operated animals showed no changes in measured parameters. We conclude that a linear reduction in cerebral perfusion precedes the rise of intracranial pressure in this model, a decrease that may reflect changes in brain metabolic activity at the time that brain edema develops. Carotid blood flow monitoring may be a useful noninvasive tool for the detection of cerebral events in fulminant liver failure. (HEPATOLOGY 1993;17:1117–1121.)
Heavy ion irradiation and the vortex-glass description of the mixed state in YBa2Cu3O7 epitaxial films

Abstract We report the behavior of the Ohmic resistivity and the current-dependent dissipation in the mixed state of YBa2Cu3O7 films irradiated with 300 MeV gold ions. The transport in both irradiated and unirradiated states of the samples agrees with the model of a second order phase transition to a vortex glass state. While the zero-field critical temperature and current are reduced by the irradiation, the vortex-glass description of the mixed state remains unchanged up to a dosage of ∼9 × 1010 ions/cm2. These results indicate that in these high Jc films the vortex dynamics is controlled by pinning centers distributed at a length scale much shorter than the gold-ion induced defects.
Wireless investor: Canadian income trusts

When a company generates profit but does not have growth prospect, an alternative is to invest in investments that offer high yields. One of these investment options is the Canadian income trust. It is a legal and efficient business structures that are established and operate under all applicable federal and provincial laws. They have the same accountability and transparency mechanisms as traditional corporate structures and are subject to regulation by both the Toronto Stock Exchange and Canadian securities regulators
Functional Analysis of the DNA-Stimulated ATPase Domain of Yeast SWI2/SNF2

The yeast SWI2/SNF2 polypeptide is a subunit of the SWI/SNF protein complex that is required for many transcriptional activators to function in a chromatin context. SWI2 is believed to be the founding member of a new subfamily of DNA-stimulated ATPases/DNA helicases that includes proteins that function in DNA repair (RAD5, RAD16, ERCC6), recombination (RAD54), transcription (MOT1, ISWI, brm, BRG1, hBRM) and cell cycle control (STH1). We have created a set of 16 mutations within the SWI2 ATPase domain and have analyzed the functional consequences of these mutations in vivo. We have identified residues within each of the seven ATPase motifs that are required for SWI2 function. We have also identified crucial residues that are interspersed between the known ATPase motifs. In contrast, we identify other highly conserved residues that appear to be dispensable for SWI2 function. We also find that single amino acid changes in ATPase motifs IV and VI lead to a dominant negative phenotype. None of the 12 SWI2 mutations that disrupt SWI2 activity in vivo alter the assembly of the SWI/SNF complex. These studies provide an invaluable framework for biochemical analysis of the SWI2 ATPase and for functional analysis of other SWI2 family members.
Entity oriented search and exploration for cultural heritage collections: the EU cultura project

In this paper we describe an entity oriented search and exploration system that we are developing for the EU Cultura project.
Differential Toxicity of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in C57BL/6J Mice Congenic at the Ah Locus

Abstract The acute toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) was examined in male C57BL 6J mice differing only at the Ah locus. Wild type mice ( Ah b b ; “ b b ” ) were treated once with 0, 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400 μg TCDD/kg po while congenic mice ( Ah d d ; “ d d ” ) received a single dose of 0, 400, 800, 1600, 2400, and 3200 μg TCDD/kg. Mice were checked daily, weighed twice a week, and those that survived, killed 35 days post-treatment. The LD50 values were 159 and 3351 μg/kg for b b and d d mice, respectively. Mean time to death was 22 days and was independent of dose and genotype. Decrease in body weight gain was noted in both strains 5 days after treatment and occurred at doses ≥ 100 μg/kg in b b mice and 1600 μg/kg in d d mice. Dose-related increases in liver weight (both absolute and relative to body weight) and decreases in thymus, spleen, testes, and epididymal fat pad weights were observed at 8–24-fold higher doses in d d than in b b mice. A dose-related increase in segmented neutrophils was observed in both strains. Serum chemistry values indicated that 8–24× greater doses of TCDD were needed to elevate sorbitol dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, and 5′-nucleotidase and to decrease total and esterified cholesterol in d d than in b b mice. Few effects were seen on total bile acids, serum triglycerides, glucose, or nonesterified cholesterol. In the liver, hepatocellular cytomegaly, fatty change, and bile duct hyperplasia occurred in both strains in a dose-related manner, as did thymic and splenic atrophy. Necrosis of germinal epithelium in the testes and edema in the stomach submucosa occurred at acutely toxic doses. These lesions also occurred at doses 8–24× greater in d d than in b b mice. Thus, the spectrum of toxicity is independent of the allele at the Ah locus, but the relative dose needed to bring about various acute responses is approximately 8–24× greater in congenic mice homozygous for the “d” allele than for the wild type animals carrying two copies of the “b” gene.
A unified framework for multi-level analysis of distributed learning

Learning and knowledge creation is often distributed across multiple media and sites in networked environments. Traces of such activity may be fragmented across multiple logs and may not match analytic needs. As a result, the coherence of distributed interaction and emergent phenomena are analytically cloaked. Understanding distributed learning and knowledge creation requires multi-level analysis of the situated accomplishments of individuals and small groups and of how this local activity gives rise to larger phenomena in a network. We have developed an abstract transcript representation that provides a unified analytic artifact of distributed activity, and an analytic hierarchy that supports multiple levels of analysis. Log files are abstracted to directed graphs that record observed relationships (contingencies) between events, which may be interpreted as evidence of interaction and other influences between actors. Contingency graphs are further abstracted to two-mode directed graphs that record how associations between actors are mediated by digital artifacts and summarize sequential patterns of interaction. Transitive closure of these associograms creates sociograms, to which existing network analytic techniques may be applied, yielding aggregate results that can then be interpreted by reference to the other levels of analysis. We discuss how the analytic hierarchy bridges between levels of analysis and theory.
Oxidative Autoactivation of Latent Collagenase by Human Neutrophils

The pathological destruction of collagen plays a key role in the development of inflammatory disease states affecting every organ system in the human body. Neutrophils localized at inflammatory sites can potentially degrade collagen by releasing a metalloenzyme, collagenase, which is stored in a latent inactive form. Triggered human neutrophils were shown to release and simultaneously activate their latent collagenase. The activation of the latent enzyme was coupled to an oxidative process that required the generation of a highly reactive oxygen metabolite, hypochlorous acid. Oxidative regulation of latent collagenase activity may be important in the pathogenesis of connective tissue damage in vivo.
Production of Water-Soluble or Dispersible Pills by the Drop Method

Abstract Preparation of pills by the drop method provides a dosage form of very uniform weight. This method, previously limited to fatty materials, can be applied to water- soluble or dispersible substances. The effect on pill weight of variations in orifice dimensions, liquid level, drip rate, and temperature of melt was determined. These must be maintained constant to provide pills of uniform weight. Water-soluble pills containing sodium phenobarbital were prepared in which variation in weight did not exceed 2 per cent. Pharmaceutical applications of this procedure warrant further study.
Auditory event-related potentials associated with perceptual reversals of bistable pitch motion.

Previous event-related potential (ERP) experiments have consistently identified two components associated with perceptual transitions of bistable visual stimuli, the "reversal negativity" (RN) and the "late positive complex" (LPC). The RN (~200ms post-stimulus, bilateral occipital-parietal distribution) is thought to reflect transitions between neural representations that form the moment-to-moment contents of conscious perception, while the LPC (~400ms, central-parietal) is considered an index of post-perceptual processing related to accessing and reporting one’s percept. To explore the generality of these components across sensory modalities, the present experiment utilized a novel bistable auditory stimulus. Pairs of complex tones with ambiguous pitch relationships were presented sequentially while subjects reported whether they perceived the tone pairs as ascending or descending in pitch. ERPs elicited by the tones were compared according to whether perceived pitch motion changed direction or remained the same across successive trials. An auditory RN component (aRN) was evident at ~170ms post-stimulus over bilateral fronto-central scalp locations. An auditory LPC component (aLPC) was evident at subsequent latencies (~350ms, fronto-central distribution). These two components may be auditory analogs of the visual RN and LPC, suggesting functionally equivalent but anatomically distinct processes in auditory versus visual bistable perception.
Restricted production of interleukin 4 by activated human T cells

Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is secreted by activated T cells and pleiotropically modulates both B- and T-lymphocyte function. In murine helper (CD4+) T-cell clones IL-4 production appears to be regulated independently of interferon gamma and interleukin 2. To determine whether production of these lymphokines is also differentially regulated in uncloned human T cells, we studied lymphokine production by normal human peripheral T cells and T-cell subsets after in vitro polyclonal activation. After maximal induction of lymphokine expression, IL-4 mRNA was detectable in less than 5% of CD4+ and 1-2% of unfractionated T cells, whereas approximately 33% and 60% of CD4+ cells expressed detectable mRNA for interferon gamma and interleukin 2, respectively. This finding correlated with dramatically lower production of IL-4 mRNA and protein than of interferon gamma and interleukin 2 by peripheral blood and tonsillar T cells. The helper-inducer (CD4+ CD45R-) T-cell subset, which significantly enhances in vitro immunoglobulin production, accounted for the preponderance of IL-4 mRNA accumulation and protein production by CD4+ T cells; nevertheless, cells with detectable IL-4 mRNA constituted less than 10% of the CD4+ CD45R- subset. Limitation of IL-4 production to a comparatively small population of normal human T cells could selectively regulate the effects of this lymphokine in T-cell-mediated immune responses; such selective regulation may be a fundamental mechanism for restricting the potentially pleiotropic effects of certain lymphokines to appropriate responder cells.
A dual pathway for the transmission of spongiform encephalopathy disease

Abstract The nature of the infective process in the transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (SE) diseases has been a longstanding problem — in particular, whether the causative agents are (unusual) nucleic-acid-mediated viruses, or replicating non-nucleic acid molecules such as protein. Although there is much (conflicting) evidence supporting both views, it does not seem to have been considered that many of the outstanding problems could be resolved if both mechanisms are operating — either separately or together — i.e. that there is a dual, but interconnected, pathway leading to disease development. It is suggested that this is in fact the case, and the implications are discussed.
The clonal and population structure of a rare endemic plant, Wyethia reticulata (Asteraceae): allozyme and RAPD analysis

Genetic structure arises when limited gene flow between populations favours the development of distinct arrays of genetic characters within each population. Determining the spatial scale at which this differentiation occurs is critical to our understanding of population biology and microevolution of species. The genetic structure and spatial pattern of genetic variation in an endemic, clonal perennial, Wyethia reticulata E. Greene, was investigated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and allozyme alleles. Large stands (250–360 m2) were found to contain few genetic individuals. Despite the small population sizes and endemism of the species, W. reticulata was highly diverse genetically, with most of the variation (75–81%) distributed within populations. A population structure in full agreement with spatially defined populations was achieved only by combining RAPD and allozyme markers. Analysis using both types of markers appeared to provide estimates of genetic similarity between individuals that were most consistent with empirical data on plant distributions. We postulated that large, long-lived clones dominated genetic relationships within populations but also provided opportunities for gene flow between populations on a longer time scale. The two marker types yielded different estimates of between-individual similarity and revealed disparate patterns of population structure. This result will arise because allozymes and random DNA segments have dissimilar evolutionary dynamics with respect to mutation and selection.
1489 APPARENT INCREASE IN NUMBER OF GLOMERULI (NG) DURING NORMAL AND COMPENSATORY RENAL GROWTH

The question of whether new nephrons are formed during postnatal renal development continues to be actively debated, but remains unresolved. Guinea pigs were uninephrectomized (N) or sham-operated (S) at birth or at 12 wks of age. 3 wks later, NG was determined by counting India ink (I)-containing glomeruli in acid digests of kidneys after in vivo arterial perfusion with I. Additional glomeruli not identified with I were revealed by Camco (C) counterstaining. The percent of NG(I) in the inner compared with outer cortex did not differ in 3 wk S and N groups. Conclusions: At least 12% of glomeruli are not identifiable by I in the first 3 wks of life, while 98% contain detectable I in adulthood. An apparent increase in NG during maturation may therefore result from altered perfusion in a subpopulation of glomeruli rather than from de novo formation of nephrons, and takes place throughout the cortex. This process is accelerated by N in early development, but is unaffected by N in adulthood.
STUDIES ON THE SUPRARENAL CORTEX : I. CORTICAL SUPRARENAL INSUFFICIENCY AND THE ACTION OF THE CORTICAL HORMONE UPON THE NORMAL AND SUPRARENALECTOMIZED DOG.

1. The methods used in the operation and care of suprarenalectomized dogs are given. 2. The effect of injections of the cortical hormone upon normal and suprarenalectomized dogs is described. 3. Symptoms and chemical studies of suprarenal insufficiency in the dog, following extract withdrawal are described, together with the effects produced by its readministration. 4. The phenomena associated with experimental suprarenal insufficiency are contrasted with those seen in patients with Addison's disease. The identity of the acute symptoms with those of "shock" is pointed out.
Does Walking Speed Mediate the Association Between Visual Impairment and Self-Report of Mobility Disability? The Salisbury Eye Evaluation Study

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether performance speeds mediate the association between visual impairment and self-reported mobility disability over an 8-year period. DESIGN: Longitudinal analysis. SETTING: Salisbury, Maryland. PARTICIPANTS: Salisbury Eye Evaluation Study participants aged 65 and older (N = 2,520). MEASUREMENTS: Visual impairment was defined as best-corrected visual acuity worse than 20/40 in the betterseeing eye or visual field less than 20°. Self-reported mobility disability on three tasks was assessed: walking up stairs, walking down stairs, and walking 150 feet. Performance speed on three similar tasks was measured: walking up steps (steps/s), walking down steps (steps/s), and walking 4 m (m/s). RESULTS: For each year of observation, the odds of reporting mobility disability was significantly greater for participants who were visually impaired (VI) than for those who were not (NVI) (odds ratio (OR) difficulty walking up steps = 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.32– 1.89; OR difficulty walking down steps = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.59–2.28; OR difficulty walking 150 feet = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.77–2.51). Once performance speed on a similar mobility task was included in the models, VI participants were no longer more likely to report mobility disability than those who were NVI (OR difficulty walking up steps = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.65–1.11; OR difficulty walking down steps = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.74–1.24; OR difficulty walking 150 feet = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.98–1.50). CONCLUSION: Slower performance speed in VI individuals largely accounted for the difference in the odds of reporting mobility disability, suggesting that VI older adults walk slower and are therefore more likely to report mobility disability than those who are NVI. Improving mobility performance in older adults with visual impairment may minimize the perception of mobility disability. J Am Geriatr Soc 62:1540–1545, 2014.
Injection of cells and monoclonal antibodies into mice: comparison of tail vein and retroorbital routes

Organ distribution and blood concentration profiles were compared following injection of mice with radiolabeled test agents via the lateral tail vein or retroorbital venous sinus. Monoclonal antibodies directed against B16 melanoma of C57BL/6 origin were labeled with iodine-125. Thymocytes from BALB/c mice and B16 melanoma cells were labeled with technetium-99m sodium pertechnetate (Na 99mTcO4). Animals were injected with 5 microCI of iodinated antibody, 5 X 10(5) syngeneic thymocytes, 2.5 X 10(5) melanoma cells, or 10 microCi Na 99mTcO4 in 0.2 ml saline via either route. In non-tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice radiolabeled monoclonal antibody was found primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and blood. Na 99mTcO4 localized in the gastrointestinal tract, 99mTc-labeled thymocytes in the spleen and liver, and 99mTc-labeled B16 melanoma cells in the liver and lungs. Pharmacokinetic analysis of blood samples taken 4, 8, and 12 min following injection of the labeled agents suggested that the iodinated antibody had less vascular permeability than Na 99mTcO4 and that thymocytes and B16 melanoma cells were trapped in the pulmonary vasculature as they passed through the lungs. It is noteworthy that no biologically significant differences in organ distribution patterns or blood decay profiles were found between lateral tail vein and retroorbital routes. The data clearly indicate that these routes can be used interchangeably with one another for intravenous injections.
Is it necessary to identify molecular defects in primary immunodeficiency disease

The identification of the molecular bases of more than 130 primary immunodeficiency diseases has prompted the use of mutation analysis in the diagnostic approach to these patients. Here we discuss the importance of and the limitations associated with molecular diagnosis of these disorders and emphasize the need that mutation analysis be accompanied by appropriate evidence that the identified genetic defect has pathologic consequences on RNA/protein expression and function.
Association of bactericidal activity of genital tract secretions with Escherichia coli colonization in pregnancy

Objective Genital tract secretions exhibit bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli . We hypothesized that this defense may be modulated during pregnancy. Study Design Secretions were collected by vaginal swab from 70 pregnant women (35-37 weeks' gestation) and 35 nonpregnant controls. We mixed E coli with swab eluants or control buffer and colonies enumerated to measure bactericidal activity. Cytokines, chemokines, and antimicrobial peptides were quantified by multiplex or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Pregnant women had significantly greater bactericidal activity, higher concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, and lower levels of beta defensins compared to controls. Seven (10%) pregnant and 8 (23%) nonpregnant women were vaginally colonized with E coli ; colonization was inversely associated with bactericidal activity. Conclusion The soluble mucosal immune environment is altered in pregnancy. We speculate that the observed changes may protect against colonization and ascending infection and could provide a biomarker to identify pregnant women at risk for infectious complications including preterm birth.
Examining Elementary Social Studies Marginalization: A Multilevel Model

Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), a multilevel model (Hierarchical Linear Model) was developed to examine the association of teacher/classroom and state level indicators on reported elementary social studies instructional time. Findings indicated that state testing policy was a significant predictor of elementary teachers’ reported time spent on social studies instruction. Teachers’ perceptions of workplace autonomy and grade level were also associated with increased time on social studies. Conversely, teacher credentials, classroom socioeconomic contexts, and test design were not substantially associated with social studies instructional time. This study suggests that state policy mandates, grade-specific curricular organization, and teacher disposition have a substantial impact on the prioritization of social studies in US elementary schools.
WebDAV-based hypertext annotation and trail system

We introduce a WebDAV-based Hypertext Annotation and Trail System (HATS). HATS provides annotation editing, deleting, searching, and sharing using server side WebDAV capabilities. It supports hyper-trail storage and examination. The paper describes the HATS architecture and WebDAV annotation schema. We compare HATS with existing web annotation systems, and discuss the advantages of using WebDAV as an annotation server.
Value of microvascular surgery in academic oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Purpose The specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery has witnessed a large trend of inclusion of maxillofacial oncology and microvascular reconstructive surgery within its scope of practice in recent years. The purpose of this report is to describe the authors' experience with a very active oncologic and microvascular reconstructive surgical service within an academic oral and maxillofacial surgical program at a large university teaching hospital. Materials and Methods The operative log from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011, of 325 operations devoted to head and neck oncology and reconstruction was examined. Thirty-nine patients (group A) received a pedicled flap for head and neck reconstruction. Sixty-three patients (group B) received a microvascular free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction. Financial records of 20 consecutive patients who underwent simultaneous ablative and reconstructive procedures in each group were then reviewed for total hospital charges, including direct (surgical fees) and indirect (hospital stay, operating room expenses, and ancillary services) charges, and length of stay. Results Total hospital charges and direct surgical fees, were higher for the microvascular reconstruction group (group B). Length of hospital stay was not statistically different between the two groups. Conclusions Microvascular reconstructive surgery performed within an academic oral and maxillofacial surgical program has many financial and intangible benefits within a medical center.
Separation-Like Similarity Solutions on Two-Dimensional Moving Walls

it may be recognized that the closer a plate deflection comes to a sine wave, the smaller the edge effect error and thus the greater the accuracy achieved. This is borne out by the results of Table 1 where it may be seen that the larger discrepancies occur for the compressive forces, where the plate deflection tends to deviate from a sine wave, than for tensile forces, where the plate tends to behave more and more like a membrane, the exact shape for which is a pure sine wave. Figure 1, which shows the variation in frequency with in-plane load for the isotropic plate (computed using the edge effect method and the series solution), further illustrates this trend. For completeness, Table 2 shows the buckling loads obtained using the edge effect method for the various cases of orthotropy and, in the case of the isotropic plate, shows the accurate value presented by Taylor. The accuracy of the method for buckling problems is somewhat poorer than that for natural frequency calculations for plates subject to zero or tensile in-plane forces. But, since the method is believed to always yield a lower bound for single plates (which is not necessarily the case for plate systems), the results still have utility. ASME, Journal of Applied Mechanics, Vol. 38, No. 3, Sept. 1971 pp. 699-700. 5 Taylor, G. I., "The Buckling Load for a Rectangular Plate with Four Clamped Edges," Zeitschrift fur Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik, Vol. 13, 1933, p. 147.
Conversion of DNA methyltransferases into azidonucleosidyl transferases via synthetic cofactors

Aziridine-based cofactor mimics have been synthesized and are shown to undergo methyltransferase-dependent DNA alkylation. Notably, each cofactor mimic possesses an azide functionality, to which can be attached an assortment of unnatural groups following methyltransferase-dependent DNA delivery. DNA duplexes modified with these cofactor mimics are capable of undergoing the Staudinger ligation with phosphines tethered to biological functionalities following enzymatic modification. This methodology provides a new tool by which to selectively modify DNA in a methyltransferase-dependent way. The conversion of biological methyltransferases into azidonucleosidyl transferases demonstrated here also holds tremendous promise as a means of identifying, as yet, unknown substrates of methylation.
What Does Love Mean? Exploring Network Culture in Two Network Settings.

Meaning matters in the way people form social ties. Adopting an unconventional analytic technique - the Galois lattice analysis - I show how network researchers can uncover relational meanings using conventional research techniques (i.e., closed-ended network surveys). Galois lattice analysis also inspires new ways of conceptualizing relational meanings in terms of the duality ofpersons and relationships, that is, how actors' understandings of each other as persons define the understandings of their relationships with them, and vice versa. The co-constitution of these dualistic meanings thus defines a "network culture." Comparing two communal settings in which the meaning of "love" is constructed, I demonstrate that different network cultures produce different meaning structures that guide how actors relate to one another, resulting in different degrees of group stability. Social network researchers often speak of networks in terms of their structures, as configurations of social relationships or ties constructed by social participants. Due to different methodological constraints (e.g., those of closed-ended survey questions), the meanings of social ties are often inadequately understood. Frequently, analysts assume that the meaning of a relationship (e.g., friendship) is self-evident. What people really mean by the word "friend" is thereby bracketed as a fixed meaning; meanwhile, analysis goes on to focus on friendship networks as patterns of meaningfully unified ties. Although it is certainly plausible to think of all network members sharing a common understanding of social relationships within groups, this assumption is more problematic when we try to address comparisons across different network settings. In a different group context, "friendship" may mean one thing in one group and something else in another. It is therefore necessary for social network researchers to examine not only the structural configuration of ties (i.e., network properties) but also the meaning structures of different groups. We must ask how culture affects the ways in which people relate to one another and how these culturally configured relationships bring forth certain social outcomes (Fine and Kleinman 1983). Culture exists in many forms. Depending on researchers' theoretical orientations, they may concentrate on material productions, ideology, beliefs, typifications, practices, and so on (Sewell 1999). Focusing on what people really mean by having this or that relationship with some persons taps into the subjective aspect of culture (Wuthnow and Witten 1988:54). These meanings and their structures also link culture to cognition (DiMaggio 1997). Recently, network researchers have shown increased interest in the cognitive aspects of social networks by examining the difference between the social networks in the minds of network actors and the
International officials and the standard of diplomatic privilege

Historically international privileges and immunities, namely those bestowed on international functionaries, have influenced and become entwined with their diplomatic counterparts. Developments in diplomatic privileges and immunities have affected the immunities accorded international persons because ‘diplomatic’ privilege is still used to define the privileges granted to some international officials. The abuses of and problems raised by international privileges and immunities have been examined by the International Law Commission, which moved to expand them, and the Council of Europe, which moved to contract them. The UN Conference on Representation of States in their Relations with International Organizations, convoked in 1975, ultimately failed to draft a convention acceptable to hosts because the issue had become entangled in so many different agendas.
A novel detector for 2D ion detection in low-pressure gas and its applications

A detector array for single-ion registration was developed and studied. The detector array was operated with various working gases, including propane, air, and water vapor at low gas pressure (a few mbar) in a limited Geiger mode, providing single ion sensitivity. The patterned detector structure, comprising sub-millimeter hole diameter, millimeter pitch, ground and 2D readout electrodes, were manufactured using standard PCB technology. A glass cathode was utilized to allow the limited discharge mode of operation. Essentially, the new detector is a combination of a hole-type micro-pattern detector and a resistive plate counter operating at reverse polarity in a low pressure gas. It was demonstrated that the unique combined properties of these well established individual detectors in the low pressure gas environment allows for single ion registration through ion-impact induced discharge confined inside an individual cell (hole) of the detector array. Possible applications of the new ion detector in gas chromatography - mass spectrometry and track structure imaging for radiation protection and hadron therapy are briefly discussed.
Multi-scale characterization of white matter tract geometry.

The geometry of white matter tracts is of increased interest for a variety of neuroscientific investigations, as it is a feature reflective of normal neurodevelopment and disease factors that may affect it. In this paper, we introduce a novel method for computing multi-scale fibre tract shape and geometry based on the differential geometry of curve sets. By measuring the variation of a curve’s tangent vector at a given point in all directions orthogonal to the curve, we obtain a 2D “dispersion distribution function” at that point. That is, we compute a function on the unit circle which describes fibre dispersion, or fanning, along each direction on the circle. Our formulation is then easily incorporated into a continuous scale-space framework. We illustrate our method on different fibre tracts and apply it to a population study on hemispheric lateralization in healthy controls. We conclude with directions for future work.
Conventional Breeding for Secondary Products

Historical aspects of research on the biochemistry of secondary products were reviewed by Schwarze (1) and updated by Mothes (2) in the Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology. According to Mothes the term secondary probably originated in lectures by noted German scientists during the latter part of the eighteenth century. Interest and research in plant biochemistry increased in the early part of this century and scientists have suggested several ways to distinguish between primary and secondary products. However, a review of the research information clearly indicates that mutually exclusive criteria for classifying metabolites into two categories cannot be given. Nevertheless, the terms primary and secondary, used in the broad sense, are widely understood and have provided a valuable basis for communications in plant biochemistry.