cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anion binding properties of the transferrins. Implications for function.

Abstract Background Since the transferrins have been defined by the highly cooperative binding of Fe 3+ and a carbonate anion to form an Fe–CO 3 –Tf ternary complex, the focus has been on synergistic anion binding. However, there are other types of anion binding with both apotransferrin and diferric transferrin that affect metal binding and release. Scope of review This review covers the binding of anions to the apoprotein, as well as the formation and structure of Fe–anion–transferrin ternary complexes. It also covers interactions between ferric transferrin and non-synergistic anions that appear to be important in vivo . General significance The interaction of anions with apotransferrin can alter the effective metal binding constants, which can affect the transport of metal ions in serum. These interactions also play a role in iron release under physiological conditions. Major conclusions Apotransferrin binds a variety of anions with no special selectivity for carbonate. The selectivity for carbonate as a synergistic anion is associated with the iron binding reaction. Conformational changes in the binding of the synergistic carbonate and competition from non-synergistic anions both play a role in intracellular iron release. Anion competition also occurs in serum and reduces the effective metal binding affinity of Tf. Lastly, anions bind to allosteric sites (KISAB sites) on diferric transferrin and alter the rates of iron release. The KISAB sites have not been well-characterized, but kinetic studies on iron release from mutant transferrins indicate that there are likely to be multiple KISAB sites for each lobe of transferrin. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Transferrins: Molecular mechanisms of iron transport and disorders.
The preparation of an immunoglobulin-amyloglucosidase conjugate and its quantitation by an enzyme-cycling assay☆

Abstract The production and characterization of covalent amyloglucosidase-antibody conjugates using anti-human serum albumin immunoglobulin G are described. The conjugation procedure is based on the periodate oxidation of carbohydrate moieties that are covalently linked to the enzyme, followed by Schiff's base formation with amino residues on IgG. An ultrasensitive enzyme cycling assay for glucose, the product of maltose cleavage by amyloglucosidase, was developed in order to increase the sensitivity of detecting the enzyme-antibody conjugate. The cycling assay, which allows the accurate measurement of glucose in the picomole range, involves an enzymatic conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate and then isomerization to fructose-6-phosphate. A futile cycle between fructose-6-phosphate and fructose-1,6-diphosphate results in accumulation of adenosine diphosphate at a rate proportional to the original glucose concentration. The rate was monitored by a spectrophotometric system involving pyruvate kinase, phospho(enol)pyruvate, lactate dehydrogenase, and diphosphopyridine nucleotide.
Imaging features of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, including a new finding: widening of the foramen ovale.

BackgroundIdiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a clinical disorder of unknown etiology manifesting with increased intracranial pressure in the absence of hydrocephalus, an underlying mass lesion, and demonstrating normal cerebrospinal fluid composition. IIH may exhibit several non-specific imaging findings including: an empty sella, posterior globe flattening, tortuosity of the optic nerve, and optic nerve sheath distention.PurposeTo introduce widening of the foramen ovale as a new imaging marker for IIH.Material and MethodsIIH is a syndrome which may exhibit several previously described non-specific imaging findings including: an empty sella, posterior globe flattening, tortuosity of the optic nerve, and optic nerve sheath distention. We hypothesize that chronically elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure can lead to osseous erosions and we propose widening of the foramen ovale as a new imaging marker for IIH.ResultsAverage foramen ovale sizes were increased in patients with IIH compared to contro...
Is the Method of Bold Conjectures and Attempted Refutations Justifiably the Method of Science

(a) Preliminary Considerations. (b) Propositions P and P0 vis-h-vis Qualitative Verisimilitude (i) Formal Considerations (ii) Can the Conjectures BF A, and EF ~ N, be Warranted by Popperian Corroborations or Only Inductivistically if At All? (iii) Conclusions. (c) Popper's Quantitative Theory of the Content and Verisimilitude of a Hypothesis, Prop. P #, and the Merits of Severe Tests. (i) Comparison of Vs. with vs. (ii) Popper's Probabilistic Measure of Content, and the Bearing of his Quantitative Concept of Content on his Reductio ad Absurdum Argument Against Probabilistic Inductivism. (iii) Can Popper's Quantitative Theory of Content and Vs. Give a Deductivistic Vindication of his Advocacy of Severe Tests?
Incremental repeated acquisition in the rat: acute effects of drugs.

Rats lever pressed for food and learned new response sequences on three levers. At the beginning of each daily session, responses on only one of the levers produced food. After meeting criterion on one lever, the task was “incremented” so that sequential responses on two levers were required and so on up to five sequential responses. Each new required response was added in front of the previously performed sequence. Sequences of lever presses required to produce food changed each session. Following establishment of stable acquisition behavior, the acute effects of d-amphetamine (0.30–3.0 mg/kg), diazepam (0.125–4.0 mg/kg), morphine (0.30–10,0 mg/kg), pentobarbital (1.0–17.5 mg/kg), and chlorpromazine (0.10–3.0 mg/kg) were examined. All drugs decreased the number of response sequences completed in a dose-dependent fashion. Response rates generally decreased at or below those doses that caused an increase in errors. For d-amphetamine, the profound disruption of incremental repeated acquisition behavior was primarily due to drug-induced perserverative responding. Pentobarbital and chlorpromazine increased errors both when the sequence was incremented and within the sequence whereas diazepam only increased errors when the sequence was incremented. Morphine generally increased within sequence errors without affecting errors when the sequence was incremented.
Fluorometric determination of serine in blood

Abstract A simple and rapid technique for the quantitative determination of serine in blood is presented. The method involves the removal of glucose in the protein-free filtrate and the oxidation of serine by periodate to formaldehyde. The latter is determined fluorometrically. Recovery studies of serine added to blood or plasma samples have been satisfactory.
The Kyoto Protocol and Developing Countries

Abstract Under the Kyoto Protocol, the world's wealthier countries assumed binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement requires these countries to consider ways to minimize adverse effects on developing countries of these actions, transmitted through trade. Using a general equilibrium model of the world economy, we find that adverse effects fall mainly on energy-exporting countries, for some even greater than on countries that are assuming commitments. Removing existing fuel taxes and subsidies and using international permit trading would greatly reduce the adverse impacts and also reduce economic impacts on the countries taking on commitments. Another approach, preferential tariff reduction for developing countries, would benefit many developing countries, but would not target those most adversely affected. If instead, OECD countries directly compensated developing countries for losses, the required annual financial transfer would be on the order of $25 billion (1995 $US) in 2010.
Some tests of an approximate density functional for the ground-state kinetic energy of a fermion system

Any proposed approximation to the ground-state kinetic energy of a system of noninteracting fermions in terms of the particle density \ensuremath{\rho}(r) can be used to estimate the potential field v(r) that will give rise to a given \ensuremath{\rho}(r), or the \ensuremath{\rho}(r) that will result from placing a given number of particles in a given v(r). Comparison with exact quantum-mechanical calculations thus gives two possible types of tests for any proposed kinetic-energy functional. This paper reports such tests for a recently proposed nonlocal functional applicable to one-dimensional systems, comparing its predictions for several simple problems not only with the correct answers but also with the predictions of Thomas-Fermi and Thomas-Fermi-Weizs\"acker functionals, to which the new functional proves considerably superior. The comparisons yield useful insights on the virtues and defects of the new functional, and on the directions in which improvements should be sought. Particular attention is devoted to Friedel oscillations and shell structure. It is shown that functionals of the Thomas-Fermi-Weizs\"acker type can never predict multiple maxima in \ensuremath{\rho} if v has only a single minimum and no maxima; the new functional does not have this defect, though it yields density oscillations rather weaker than the exact quantum-mechanical calculations. A natural general inference from the present tests is that any satisfactory kinetic-energy functional must (as ours does) replace the entire Thomas-Fermi term by a nonlocal expression.
Westward-Propagating Synoptic-Scale Disturbances and the ITCZ

Abstract In an attempt to understand the dynamics of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), this study explores the extent to which the ITCZ is causally related to zonally propagating synoptic-scale disturbances. The ITCZ, measured by its mean convection, is represented by mean outgoing longwave radiation (OLR). Synoptic-scale disturbances, measured by their deep convective signals, are represented by the spectral power of the OLR that is significantly above its red-noise background. Time-mean spatial distributions as well as annual and interannual variability of the ITCZ are compared with those of synoptic-scale disturbances, which are dominated by westward-propagating signals. In general, they match each other well in their mean distributions and annual cycles. But, in detail, discrepancies between the two fields exist, some of them substantial. The maximum disturbance activity tends to be located at the polar side of the ITCZ. The seasonal cycles of the two share many similarities, but the variatio...
Ovarian volume and antral follicle counts as indicators of menopausal status.

OBJECTIVE Recent studies suggest that ovarian volume and antral follicle numbers may be sensitive, specific, and early indicators of menopausal status. The accuracy of these markers, however, has not been compared directly to more traditional markers [age and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels]. Thus, the purpose of this study was to test whether ovarian volume and antral follicle counts are more sensitive and specific markers of menopausal status than age or FSH levels. DESIGN Premenopausal (n = 34) and postmenopausal (n = 25) women between 40 and 54 years old received a transvaginal ultrasound for determination of ovarian volume and antral follicle numbers, provided blood for measurement of FSH levels, and completed a questionnaire. FSH levels, age, ovarian volume, and antral follicle numbers were compared using t tests. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of each marker. RESULTS Postmenopausal women had significantly higher FSH levels (p < or = 0.0001), smaller ovarian volumes (p < or = 0.002), and fewer antral follicles (p < or = 0.002) than premenopausal women. Ovarian volume and antral follicle numbers had similar sensitivity (27.3-100%) and specificity (3.4-92.9%) in indicating postmenopausal status as FSH levels and age. CONCLUSION These data suggest that ovarian volume and antral follicle numbers may be useful indicators of menopausal status.
Accountability Expectations in an Intergovernmental Arena: The National Rural Development Partnership

This article explores the expectations and accountability relationships present in an intergovernmental experiment known as the National Rural Development Partnership (NRDP). As such, this study extends earlier analyses of accountability dynamics beyond the bounds of a single agency into the organizationally less tidy realm of intergovernmental relations. This research focuses on the unique expectations and accountability dynamics facing participants in the NRDP and identifies gaps between expectations at the corporate (agency) and individual levels and between arenas in the intergovernmental system. These gaps complicate the accountability dynamics for NRDP participants and contribute to the challenges of operating within the rural development policy arena. The NRDP is designed to emphasize the relationship between processes and substantive outcomes. It has developed a tendency to rely on professional and political accountability relationships that have little to do with formal responsibilities.
Pressure-Dependent Decomposition Kinetics of the Energetic Material HMX up to 3.6 GPa

The effect of pressure on the global thermal decomposition rate of the energetic material HMX was studied. HMX was precompressed in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) and heated at various rates. The parent species population was monitored as a function of time and temperature using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Global decomposition rates were determined by fitting the fraction reacted to the extended-Prout−Tompkins nucleation−growth model and the Friedman isoconversional method. The results of these experiments and analysis indicate that pressure accelerates the decomposition at low-to-moderate pressures (i.e., between ambient pressure and 0.1 GPa) and decelerates the decomposition at higher pressures. The decomposition acceleration is attributed to pressure-enhanced autocatalysis, whereas the deceleration at high pressures is attributed to pressure-inhibiting bond homolysis step(s), which would result in an increase in volume. These results indicate that both the β- and δ-polymorphs of HMX are...
A magnetic shield for large-bore, high field magnets.

An effective shield for the de fringing field produced by a large-bore, high field magnet intended for imaging and in vivo spectroscopy is presented. While limiting the extent of fringe fields, the shield has little effect on the homogeneity of the central field of the magnet. The effect of institutional safety policies as well as the exigencies of patient access in a hospital environment are emphasized as influences on the planning of an in vivo NMR installation.© 1985 Academic Press,Inc.
Complete genome sequence of Celery mosaic virus and its relationship to other members of the genus Potyvirus.

The complete genomic sequence of Celery mosaic virus (CeMV) was found to be 9999 nucleotides in length, excluding the 3′ poly(A) tail. The genome contains a single large open reading frame encoding a polyprotein of 3181 amino acids. Its genomic organization is typical of potyviruses and contains conserved motifs found in members of the genus Potyvirus. Pairwise comparison of the polyprotein sequences shows that CeMV shares 39.0-71.9% sequence identity with other members of the genus Potyvirus. Phylogenetic analysis based on the polyprotein sequences indicates that CeMV is most closely related to Apium virus Y, and together with Panax virus Y, the three viruses form a distinct clade.
The oxidative dehydrodimerization of propylene over BiSn oxide catalysts: III. Reduction and temperature-programmed reoxidation of the catalyst

Abstract A bismuth-tin oxide catalyst, which is active for the oxidative dehydrodimerization of propylene, was studied with the objective of characterizing its redox properties. The redox properties were investigated by kinetic methods and temperature-programmed reoxidation. The initial rate of reduction of the catalyst exhibited a first-order dependence on propylene partial pressure and an activation energy of 22 kcal/mol. The results of the temperature-programmed reoxidation investigation suggested a low-temperature reoxidation region and a high-temperature reoxidation region. The activation energy for the low-temperature reoxidation was 23 kcal/mol; the activation energy for the high-temperature reoxidation was 45 kcal/mol. Additional information regarding the physicochemical changes which occur in the catalyst in the two temperature regions was obtained from an examination of the catalyst by Auger and ESCA. The results obtained from these investigations suggested that the tin cations are more resistent to reduction than the bismuth cations. In addition, the low-temperature reoxidation appears to be associated with the transformation of Sn 0 to Sn 4+ and Bi 0 to possibly an intermediate oxidation state. The high-temperature reoxidation appears to be associated with the full reoxidation of Bi to Bi 3+ . The redox properties and the physicochemical changes also correlated with the mechanism suggested for the oxidative dehydrodimerization of propylene in the earlier studies.
The prospective natural history of cerebral venous malformations.

OBJECTIVE: A 10-year prospective clinical and magnetic resonance imaging study was undertaken to determine the natural history of venous malformations. We assessed the hemorrhage rate and morbidity associated with venous malformations of the brain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1986 to 1996, 80 patients with venous malformations were referred to the University of Pittsburgh multidisciplinary vascular malformation study group for evaluation. Observation was recommended for all patients. Follow-up clinical information was obtained from patients or their referring physicians through questionnaire or phone conversation. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients presented with neurological signs or symptoms that were thought to be related to the malformations (nine with headaches, four with seizures, three with sensory symptoms, three with motor deficits, two with trigeminal neuralgia, and one with an extrapyramidal disorder). Twenty-three patients presented with headaches that were not considered to be related to the malformations. The retrospective hemorrhage rate (from birth to study entry) was 0.61% (18 bleeds in 2,949 patient-years). Sixteen patients had sustained previous brain hemorrhage in the region of the venous malformations, two of whom had suffered subsequent hemorrhage. During the prospective follow-up period totaling 298 patient-years of clinical observation, two patients suffered hemorrhage (0.68% per year), but only one had a symptomatic bleed (0.34% per year). This patient had not hemorrhaged previously. One of these patients remained asymptomatic, whereas the second developed temporary worsening of facial paresthesias. No patient died as a result of the venous malformations. CONCLUSION: The hemorrhage rate of a patient with venous malformations is similar to the rates presented in previous reports for patients with cavernous malformations without previous symptomatic hemorrhage. We think that hemorrhage in a patient with venous malformations may be related to an underlying but not yet documented cavernous malformation. Because of the low risk for new neurological events, we advocate conservative management. The risks associated with surgical intervention greatly exceed the low risk of morbidity related to venous malformation hemorrhage.
Ecohydrological feedbacks between permafrost and vegetation dynamics

Abstract The presence of forest vegetation can aid in preserving the permafrost layer by maintaining lower soil temperatures via the accretion of an organic layer at the surface. This layer has a low bulk density and low thermal conductivity (due also to high evapotranspiration rates by forest vegetation), which insulates ice-rich permafrost. Forest removal can lead to significant increases in the summer soil temperature, which increases the thickness of the active layer (i.e., the surficial layer above permafrost which thaws during summer and freezes again in winter) and causes a rise in the active layer towards the surface. When vegetation is sensitive to saturated soil conditions, a rise in the active layer can lead to the conversion of forested areas to wetlands. In this manuscript, we develop a modeling framework to relate vegetation–permafrost feedbacks to the emergence of multiple stable ecosystem states. Factors related to soil temperature and hydrologic characteristics of the system were examined to see how they affect the location of the stable and unstable states. This model was also used to examine how an increase in precipitation would affect the temporal dynamics of the active layer and vegetation. Results show that the presence of forest vegetation can enhance the resilience of the system in that it is less prone to state shifts following a disturbance. Understanding these dynamics is important given, (i) the rapid rate at which these systems can shift between states, (ii) the projected climatic changes for forested areas underlain by permafrost and (iii) the high rates of forest loss in these areas.
Leveraging Cell-To-Cell Variability to Understand Signal Transduction Networks

Secreted ligands such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) regulate cell behavior by triggering series of intracellular signaling events. One striking aspect of the response to many ligands is its quantitative, or sometimes qualitative, cell-to-cell variability. We are leveraging the cell-to-cell variability in the response of cancer cells to TNF to better understand the system properties of the regulation of transcription by NF-κB.In response to TNF, intracellular signals promote relocalisation of NF-κB transcription factors from the cytoplasm to the nucleus where they promote transcription of inflammatory and stress-responsive genes. Because dysregulation of NF-κB is associated with chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmunity and cancer, one might expect the nuclear abundance of NF-κB to be tightly regulated. Instead, the amount of nuclear NF-κB varies considerably from cell to cell, even in the absence of stimulus. To resolve this paradox and determine how transcription-inducing signals are encoded, we quantified single-cell NF-κB translocation dynamics and transcriptional responses in the same cells. We found that TNF-induced transcription correlates best with fold-change in nuclear NF-κB, not absolute nuclear NF-κB abundance. This fold-change detection property suggests that the system encodes memory of its pre-ligand state. To complement our experimental approaches we use computational modeling and have found that an incoherent feed-forward loop, from competition for binding to κB motifs, can provide the required memory. A model with competition recapitulates the distinct patterns of transcription we observed experimentally for different NF-κB-dependent genes. Fold-change detection buffers against stochastic variation in signaling molecules and explains how cells tolerate variability in NF-κB abundance and localization. Overall, our approaches provide a framework for understanding how transcriptional networks interpret and act on dynamical signals in ligand-induced cellular responses.
Moving Forward with the Science and Practice of Evaluation Capacity Building (ECB): The Why, How, What, and Outcomes of ECB.

The interest and effort in evaluation capacity building (ECB) continues to grow enormously among organizations, funders, and evaluators. Yet a research synthesis of the ECB literature (Labin, Duffy, Meyers, Wandersman, & Lesesne, 2012) revealed major limitations in the science and practice of ECB. This forum on ECB, which includes two past presidents of the American Evaluation Association, takes a hard look at the progress and challenges of ECB. Laura Leviton challenges funders, organizations, and evaluators to answer key What, When, and How questions about ECB. Tina Taylor-Ritzler and Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar describe the importance of linking the science and practice of ECB. Abe Wandersman describes research and practice on the Getting To Outcomes (GTO) results based approach to accountability; it is an example of connecting the Why, What, How, and Outcomes of ECB. In exploring the What of ECB, Susan Labin advances our thinking about measurement of ECB. In relation to the How of ECB, Hallie Preskill desc...
Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism and Spectrum Disorders in Children

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., text revision (American Psychiatric Association [APA] 2000), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), also known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) are neurodevelopmental syndromes that are characterized by pervasive impairments in social interaction and communication, as well as by stereotypic behaviors and restricted interests. They are typically first diagnosed in early childhood and range from severe to a milder form. Diagnostic categories under the ASD umbrella currently include Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger’s Disorder, Childhood Integrative Disorder, and Rett’s Disorder. As data from around the world accumulate nosologic controversies about the validity of those classifications persist. This special issue of the Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, which includes both comprehensive review papers as well as data based papers can be grouped into three categories: (1) identification and assessment of ASD core symptoms, (2) diagnosis and assessment of comorbidity in children with ASD, and (3) assessment of adaptive behavior (play skills and verbalizations) in children with ASD. The discussion on assessment, diagnosis, and prevalence of ASD core symptoms includes the papers by Saracino and Fombonne (Diagnostic and Assessment Issues in Autism Surveillance and Prevalence), Matson and Horowitz (Methods of Early Diagnosis and Tracking for Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified [PDDNOS]), and Matson and Sipes (Stability of Autism Spectrum Disorders Symptoms over Time). Saracino and Fombonne reviewed epidemiological research of ASD between 1966 and 2010. In light of the stunning increase in reported prevalence rates in most countries the authors conclude that J Dev Phys Disabil (2010) 22:313–315 DOI 10.1007/s10882-010-9208-y
Characterization of Polymeric Composite Films with MWCNT and Ag Nanoparticles

Using a solution casting technique, for sample preparation, pyroelectric multi-walled carbon nanotubes in polyvinylidene fluoride composite films have been fabricated, to allow the characterization of both the pyroelectric and dielectric properties of such composites. The properties measured include: (1) dielectric constants and (2) pyroelectric coefficient as a function of temperature. From the foregoing parameters, figures-of-merit, for infrared detection and thermal-vidicons, were calculated. The results indicated figures-of-merit of composite film were higher than pristine polyvinylidene fluoride films. Additionally, composite films, composed of pyroelectric Lithium tantalate [(LiTaO3), LT] ceramic particles and silver nanoparticles incorporated into polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene [PVDF-TrFE) 70/30 mol%] copolymer matrix, have been prepared. The results indicate that silver nanoparticles incorporated lithium tantalate:polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene composite films may have application for un-cooled infrared sensor.
ConfDiagnoser: an automated configuration error diagnosis tool for Java software

This paper presents ConfDiagnoser, an automated configuration error diagnosis tool for Java software. Conf-Diagnoser identifies the root cause of a configuration error - a single configuration option that can be changed to produce desired behavior. It uses static analysis, dynamic profiling, and statistical analysis to link the undesired behavior to specific configuration options. ConfDiagnoser differs from existing approaches in two key aspects: it does not require users to provide a testing oracle (to check whether the software functions correctly) and thus is fully-automated; and it can diagnose both crashing and non-crashing errors. We demonstrated ConfDiagnoser's accuracy and speed on 5 non-crashing configuration errors and 9 crashing configuration errors from 5 configurable software systems.
Probable PSD behaviour in the Rossville‐type diabase of Pennsylvania

Summary The magnetic domain structure of the Rossville and York Haventype Mesozoic diabases in Pennsylvania was investigated through the use of the demagnetization characteristics tests of NRM, ARM and saturation IRM. The Rossville-type diabase has a multidomained primary magnetic structure; the York Haven-type diabase is primarily single domained resulting from exsolution lamellae banding due to an abundance of Ti. Thus these diabase types are different magnetically as well as chemically and petrologically. A further examination of the demagnetization characteristics has revealed inconsistencies in the indicated multidomained structure of the Rossvilletype diabase. Four lines of evidence are presented that suggest that the Rossville domain structure, though not single domained, does not show truly multidomained remanence properties and may be displaying characteristics of a predominantly pseudo single domained material.
Vortex structure and dynamics in the near field of a coaxial jet

We present results from an experimental and numerical investigation into the structure of vortex patterns and the dynamics of their interactions for the incompressible flow in the near field of a round coaxial jet issuing into a quiescent ambient fluid. A two-colour planar laser-induced-fluorescence technique is used to document the flow field via still photographs and cine sequences over a limited range of parameters. We examine the effects of varying the velocity ratio as well as the absolute velocities of the two coaxial streams for equal densities and for a single area ratio. Results show that a variety of widely differing near-field vortex patterns can arise, with very different interaction dynamics, which can depend both on the velocity ratio and on the absolute velocities of the two streams. The observed vortex structures and their dynamics are interpreted in terms of the instability of the initially cylindrical and concentric vorticity layers separating each of the fluid streams, and their subsequent rollup to form wake-like or shear-layer-like vortices. Our results show that in addition to the velocity jump across each of these vorticity layers, an accounting of the layer thicknesses and the wake defect within each layer can be essential to understanding the resulting near-field structure that occurs. Ensuing dynamical interactions between the vortices formed from each layer can produce a strong coupling between the development of the two layers. These resulting vortex structures and interaction dynamics are also seen to produce widely differing mixing patterns in the jet near field.
Phase behaviour in the berkelium-oxygen system

Abstract This work describes a high temperature X-ray diffraction study of the BkOx system under equilibrium conditions. The observed phase behavior is shown to be compatible with previous oxygen-dissociation pressure measurements and a phase diagram is suggested, composed in essence of two widely nonstoichiometric phases: σ(bcc) for 1.5 Bk ⪅1.70 and α(fcc) for ∼1.78 Bk .
Robust and Cost-Effective Architecture Design for Smart Grid Communications: A Multi-stage Middleware Deployment Approach

Wide-area monitoring, protection and control (WAMPAC) plays a critical role in smart grid, for protection against possible contingencies, by using the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. However, a general consensus is that such a hierarchical system can be highly vulnerable to component (i.e., nodes and links) failures, calling for a robust and cost-effective communication system for smart grid. To this end, we consider a middleware approach to leverage the existing commercial communication infrastructure with abun- dant connectivity. In this approach, a natural question is how to use the middleware to cohesively "glue" the power grid and the commercial communication infrastructure together, in order to enhance robustness and cost-effectiveness. We tackle this problem while taking into consideration the multi-stage deployment of power devices and their redundant connections. We show that this problem can be cast as a minimum-cost middleware design under incremental deployment—an "online" problem where the input is provided gradually due to the incremental deployment. We design a randomized "online" algorithm, and show that it achieves the order-optimal average competitive ratio. Simulation results demonstrate the performance of our proposed algorithm, compared to the optimal offline solution. I. INTRODUCTION Existing power grids are now entering a new era of transfor- mation, driven by today's pressing needs such as cost-effective power generation, higher usage of renewable energy sources and two-way flows of electricity and information. Such a transformation of power grids is expected to put forth smart grid, which will enable electricity provisioning in a cleaner, safer, and more reliable and economical way. To accomplish such innovations, the major challenge lies in the reliability and security. This requires smart grid to be equipped with a wide- area monitoring, protection, and control (WAMPAC) system. A WAMPAC system makes use of system-wide information, collected over a wide geographic area, and communications in order to perform fast decision-making and switching actions for the system stability and protection (1). WAMPAC is playing an increasingly critical role in power systems for their reliable operation and protection from possible contingencies. Traditionally, the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system has been used to monitor and control the power grid. The SCADA system is a star network, where each substation is directly connected to a control center, and operates in a centralized fashion, i.e., the control center gathers
The Politics of Pain and Its Impact on Pain Medicine

As pain specialists, we are often the last resort for patients who have endured months, sometimes years, of pain. Despite the help that can be offered, doctors, patients, and families fail to seek or offer treatment for the most agonizing conditions. The federal government's efforts to curb drug abuse, however well intended, has further complicated the treatment of pain, particularly with the use of opioids. Regardless of where each of us falls in the debate over opioids for chronic pain, few would disagree that the regulatory and legal environment is changing. How did we get here? Several medical, social, and political trends have converged to create a perfect storm of controversy and confusion. In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have developed more varied pain relievers. Simultaneously, some of these new, potent medications have been diverted to a growing black market. A change has subsequently emerged in street abuse of opioids, and we have seen rising rates of prescription-drug abuse. In direct discussions between the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) and the Office of the Nation Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), it is clear that this trend now appears to be leveling off, and even the ONDCP does not know how this increase in prescription-drug abuse relates to rates of overall drug abuse. They, and therefore we, simply do not have the data. We all must not only acknowledge the prescription-drug abuse problem, but also recognize that that this is likely, at least in part, a redistribution of abuse of nonprescription to prescription drugs. Thus, targeting prescribers and hoping that they will prescribe less likely abused drugs, as was suggested in the March …
Erosional furrows formed during the lateral blast at Mount St. Helens, May 18, 1980

Nearly horizontal, quasi-periodic erosional features of 7-m average transverse wavelength and of order 100-m length occur in scattered locations from 3.5 to 9 km from the crater at Mount St. Helens under deposits of the lateral blast of May 18, 1980. We attribute the erosional features to scouring by longitudinal vortices resulting from flow instabilities induced by complex topography, namely, by streamline curvature in regions of reattachment downstream of sheltered regions, and by the cross-flow component of flow subparallel to ridge crests. The diameter of the vortices and their transverse spacing, inferred from the distance between furrows, are taken to be of the order of the boundary layer thickness. The inferred boundary layer thickness (≈14 m at 9 km from the source of the blast) is consistent with the running length from the mountain to the furrow locations. By using knowledge of ablation patterns on bodies and lofting of dust in high-speed flow, we are able to infer some features of the flow field within the blast. Within the furrows the erosion rate was of the order of 9 kg m^(−2) s^(−1), about 4 times greater than that expected from laboratory data obtained in flow free of longitudinal vortices. The orientation of furrows induced by the cross-flow instability can be used to measure the upwash angle and estimate the flow Mach number: at the central ridge of Spirit Lake the Mach number is inferred to have been about 2.5, and the flow velocity approximately 235 m/s. The similarities and differences between the furrows reported here and channels observed at other volcanoes are discussed.
Synthesis of 10-Spirocyclopropyl-9-methylene-9,10-dihydroanthracene by a Novel Alcohol Dehydration Procedure

Abstract Though there exists a wide variety of methods for the preparation of olefins from alcohols, there are few which allow this conversion under basic conditions at moderate temperatures. We required such a reaction for the preparation of 10-spirocyclopropyl-9-methylene-9, 10-dihydroanthracene (1) since the compound was expected to undergo facile thermal and acid catalyzed rearrangement (Scheme I) from experience with related compounds2,3,4 and by analogy to the chemistry of other ‘blocked’ aromatic systems. 5
Novel nanostructures in microalloyed Pr-Fe-B nanocomposite permanent magnets

Abstract Microalloying of Pr–Fe–B nanocomposite permanent magnets with refractory metals have resulted in the development of very fine two-phase nanostructures. Energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy has been used to characterize the phase and chemistry distributions in the nanostructures. With Hf and Ti additions, α -Fe and Pr 2 Fe 14 B form as discrete phases, forming a granular nanocomposite. However, with Nb additions grains with a discrete chemical segregation pattern were formed. The grain interiors were found to be poor in Fe and rich in Pr, while the grain shells were found to be poor in Pr and rich in Fe, Co and B. An increased coercivity was attributed to this unique structure.
Discourse Characteristics of Writing and Speaking Task Types on the TOEFL iBT ® Test: A Lexico-Grammatical Analysis

One of the major innovations of the TOEFL iBT® test is the incorporation of integrated tasks complementing the independent tasks to which examinees respond. In addition, examinees must produce discourse in both modes (speech and writing). The validity argument for the TOEFL iBT includes the claim that examinees vary their discourse in accordance with these considerations as they become more proficient in their academic language skills (the explanation inference). To provide evidence in support of this warrant, we undertake a comprehensive lexico-grammatical description of the discourse produced in response to integrated versus independent tasks, across the spoken and written modes, by test takers from different score levels. Discourse descriptions at several linguistic levels are provided, including vocabulary profiles, collocational patterns, the use of extended lexical bundles, distinctive lexico-grammatical features, and a multidimensional (MD) analysis that describes the overall patterns of linguistic variation. In sum, we undertake a comprehensive linguistic analysis of the discourse of TOEFL iBT responses, interpreting observed linguistic patterns of variation relative to three parameters that are relevant in the TOEFL iBT context: mode, task type, and score level of test takers.
Process Evaluation of an Integrated Health Promotion/Occupational Health Model in WellWorks-2

Disparities in chronic disease risk by occupation call for new approaches to health promotion. WellWorks-2 was a randomized, controlled study comparing the effectiveness of a health promotion/occupational health program (HP/OHS) with a standard intervention (HP). Interventions in both studies were based on the same theoretical foundations. Results from process evaluation revealed that a similar number of activities were offered in both conditions and that in the HP/OHS condition there were higher levels of worker participation using three measures: mean participation per activity (HP: 14.2% vs. HP/OHS: 21.2%), mean minutes of worker exposure to the intervention/site (HP: 14.9 vs. HP/OHS: 33.3), and overall mean participation per site (HP: 34.4% vs. HP/ OHS: 45.8%). There were a greater number of contacts with management (HP: 8.8 vs. HP/OHS: 24.9) in the HP/ OHS condition. Addressing occupational health may have contributed to higher levels of worker and management participation and smoking cessation among blue-collar workers.
Using advancements in cable-trapping to overcome barriers to furbearer management in the United States.

Harvest of furbearers through trapping has been challenged by anti-trapping organizations for centuries, with organizational goals often including prohibition of all forms of trapping. Challenges to trapping may also include dissention among state wildlife agencies, pro-hunting organizations, and pro-trapping organizations. Despite recent efforts by anti-trapping organizations and occasional dissention among consumptive-use groups, national trends in snaring regulations included less restrictive regulations through time. This positive trend may offer opportunities for state wildlife agencies and pro-trapping organizations to enhance the public image of trapping, increase recruitment of trappers, and reverse the increasing trend of wildlife damage and associated costs. We offer support and suggestions to state wildlife agencies and pro-trapping organizations to help achieve these goals, with their partnership likely having a synergistic effect. Although we attempt to illuminate approaches for increasing support for trapping within the constraints of the cultural norms of the United States, we hope our approaches are useful to and promote dialogue in other jurisdictions experiencing similar problems.
Studying Actinide Correlations in Solution using High-Energy X-ray Scattering

High energy x-ray scattering (HEXS) is becoming a valuable tool for quantifying actinide coordination environments in solution. The technique is described with and exemplified by a study on Th speciation. A comparison of data from two samples with pHs of 0 and 3.4 show differences in the Th structural environment that can be attributed to Th colloid formation at the higher pH. A further comparison of the HEXS data from the colloidal sample with Th L3-edge EXAFS data on the same sample clearly demonstrates the advantage of the scattering data when looking for correlations at second-near neighbor or longer distances.
Experimentation in the 21st Century: The Importance of External Validity

Much of the consumer behavior literature is devored to what has been referred to as theory applications (TA) research in which the main focus is on laboratory experiments with student subjects and high internal validity. In this articlee, the author argues that external validity concerns should be given more attention, particulary in TA research. Three recommendations are made for implementing these concerns: (1) consumer behavior articles should be required to have a section indicating how increased levels of external validity can be obtained with other studies, (2) “joint ventures” between consumer behavior and marketing science researchers can be profitable and should be encouraged, and (3) analyses of electronic scanner panel data or other secondary data can be used to generate higher levels of external validity. Three examples are given from the marketing literature of how findings from experiments and scanner data can be combined to advance a stream of research.
Liver transplant patients have a risk of progression similar to that of sporadic patients with branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) have malignant potential and can progress from low- to high-grade dysplasia to invasive adenocarcinoma. The management of patients with IPMNs is dependent on their risk of malignant progression, with surgical resection recommended for patients with branch-duct IPMN (BD-IPMN) who develop high-risk features. There is increasing evidence that liver transplant (LT) patients are at increased risk of extrahepatic malignancy. However, there are few data regarding the risk of progression of BD-IPMNs in LT recipients. The aim of this study was to determine whether LT recipients with BD-IPMNs are at higher risk of developing high-risk features than patients with BD-IPMNs who did not receive a transplant. Consecutive patients who underwent an LT with BD-IPMNs were included. Patients with BD-IPMNs with no history of immunosuppression were used as controls. Progression of the BD-IPMNs was defined as development of a high-risk feature (jaundice, dilated main pancreatic duct, mural nodule, cytology suspicious or diagnostic for malignancy, cyst diameter ≥3 cm). Twenty-three LT patients with BD-IPMN were compared with 274 control patients. The median length of follow-up was 53.7 and 24.0 months in LT and control groups, respectively. Four (17.4%) LT patients and 45 (16.4%) controls developed high-risk features (P = 0.99). In multivariate analysis, progression of BD-IPMNs was associated with age at diagnosis but not with LT. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of developing high-risk features between the LT and the control groups. Liver Transpl 20:1462-1467, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Virtuous Subjects: A Critical Analysis of the Affective Substance of Social Studies Education.

Abstract This essay invites social studies educators to consider critical theoretical insights related to affect, emotions, and feelings from what has been termed “the affective turn” in social sciences and humanities scholarship. Developments in theorizing affect and recent research in social studies education are related to affective elements of social studies. Two specific affects—pride and shame—are considered within specific contexts of teaching civics and teaching history. The affective dimensions of social studies education require critical reflection and analysis to understand the complex nature of affect in social studies education.