cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alternative approaches to flood mitigation: a case study of Bangladesh

Floods were by far the most damaging type of natural disasters during the 1990s, in terms of both human impacts and socio-economic losses. Vulnerability to flooding disasters around the world is almost always differentiated by the socio-economic conditions of different income groups in the disaster area. In general, the poorer the income group (or the country) the more vulnerable it is likely to be to the adverse impacts of floods. The article argues that Bangladesh is the world's most flood-prone developing country in terms of the relative socio-economic impacts of floods. While conventional flood control strategies tend to be based on structural engineering approaches—such as the construction of large-scale embankments, diversion canals and dams—this article argues that more emphasis should be given to alternative, non-structural measures. The main lesson from recent flooding disasters in Bangladesh is that, in the absence of expensive structural measures, many non-structural ones can go a long way towards reducing vulnerability to and mitigating the impacts of floods.
The impact of young children with externalizing behaviors on their families.

Compared the impact on families of young children with externalizing behaviors (e.g., hyperactive, aggressive; n = 22), autism (n = 20), or no significant problem behaviors (n = 22) on several measures of family functioning. Previous studies have found heightened stress and parental maladjustment in families with externalizing children. The present study expanded upon that literature by (1) including a clinical control group to determine the specific impact of externalizing problems, (2) focusing on preschool aged children, and (3) using a new measure to directly ascertain parents' perception of impact. Compared to parents with normally developing children, parents with externalizing children reported more negative impact on social life, more negative and less positive feelings about parenting, and higher child-related stress. Moreover, parents of externalizing children reported levels of impact and stress as high as those reported by parents of children with autism. On broader measures of parental and marital well-being, however, the three groups of families of preschoolers did not differ. The implications of these findings for intervention are discussed.
Effect of Alterations in Blood Sugar on Pituitary Growth Hormone Content in the Rat

Pituitary growth hormone (GH) content was estimated by the tibial epiphysial cartilage test in hypophysectomized rats. The intraperitoneal (ip) injection of 1 U/kg of regular insulin evoked a profound hypoglycemia. This was accompanied by a fall in the GH activity of the pituitary at 1 hr after injection of insulin. Pituitary GH had returned to normal levels at 3 and 7 hr after injection even though blood sugar was still low. By contrast the ip administration of hypertonic or isotonic glucose produced elevations in both blood sugar and pituitary GH. Injection of glucagon subcutaneously (sc) at a dose of 50 μg also elevated blood sugar and pituitary GH activity. Administration of α-2-Ddeoxyglucose at a dose which elevated blood glucose was followed by a fall in pituitary GH, whereas 50 μg of epinephrine in oil given intramuscularly (im) produced a fall in GH activity followed by a rise even though blood sugar was elevated throughout. It was concluded that alterations in available glucose influence the secr...
Structure – Molar Refraction Relationships of Alkylsilanes Using Molecular Connectivity

Correlation of molar refraction with the first order molecular connectivity index was found to be excellent for alkylsilanes of molecular formula SiCnH2n+4, which include tetraalkylsilanes, trialkylsilanes, dialkylsilanes, and monoalkylsilanes. The separate correlation of molar refraction with the first order molecular connectivity index for each of these four classes of alkylsilanes was also found to be excellent. Excellent correlations were also obtained using an empirically determined first order valence molecular connectivity index. It is shown that the first order molecular connectivity index gives more satisfactory predictions of molar refraction than does the empirically determined first order valence molecular connectivity index.
Interaction of batrachotoxinin-A benzoate with voltage-sensitive sodium channels: The effects of pH

The binding of labeled batrachotoxinin-A benzoate (BTX-B) to voltage-sensitive sodium channels in broken membrane preparations of mouse cerebral cortex has been measured as a function of the pH. Specific binding is negligible at pH <6.0, maximum at pH 8.5, and decreases again at pH 9.0. A major component of nonspecific binding, however, increases linearly in the pH range 7.0-9.0. The pK a of batrachotoxinin-A, an analogue of BTX-B, was found by titrimetric methods to be ≥8.2. Analysis of the data shows that at least part of the pH dependence of BTX-B binding is due to the titration of a sodium channel residue(s) associated in some way with the BTX-B recognition site. The possible involvement of a histidine residue is suggested.
What motivates REITs to pay cash versus other forms of payment in mergers and acquisitions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the payment of percentage cash from total payment in a REITs mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transaction.Design/methodology/approach – This study applies a heteroskedastic‐consistent regression model to analyze the relationship between the percentage of cash paid during M&A transactions and other determinants such as sources of funds, geographical proximity and percentage sought by acquirer.Findings – The results of empirical analysis show that REITs with internal corporate funds tend to pay larger percentage of cash versus other forms of payments within M&A deals. Moreover, geographical proximity and intra‐industry REITs M&A has no significant effect on the form of payment. And finally, the larger the percentage sought by the acquirer, the less percentage of cash paid in a REITs M&A deal.Practical implications – The paper mainly shows that internal funding is a significant factor in determining the percentage of cash versus stocks (or any other form of...
In vitro and ex vivo characterization of (−)-TZ659 as a ligand for imaging the vesicular acetylcholine transporter

The loss of cholinergic neurons and synapses relates to the severity of dementia in several neurodegenerative pathologies; and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) provides a reliable biomarker of cholinergic function. We recently characterized and (11)C-labeled a new VAChT inhibitor, (-)-TZ659. Here we report the in vitro and ex vivo characterization of (-)-TZ659. A stably transfected PC12(A123.7) cell line which expresses human VAChT (hVAChT) was used for the in vitro binding characterization of (-)-[(3)H]TZ659. A saturated binding curve was obtained with Kd=1.97±0.30nM and Bmax=3240±145.9fmol/mg protein. In comparison, a PC12(A123.7) cell line that expresses mutant hVAChT showed decreased binding affinity (Kd=15.94±0.28nM). Competitive binding assays using a panel of other CNS ligands showed no inhibition of (-)-[(3)H]TZ659 binding. On the other hand, binding inhibitions were observed only using VAChT inhibitors (Ki=0.20-31.35nM). An in vitro assay using rat brain homogenates showed that (-)-[(3)H]TZ659 had higher binding in striatum than in cerebellum, with a target: non-target ratio>3.46. Even higher ex vivo striatum-to-cerebellum ratios (9.56±1.11) were observed using filtered homogenates of brain tissue after rats were injected intravenously with (-)-[(11)C]TZ659. Ex vivo autoradiography of (-)-[(11)C]TZ659 confirmed high striatal uptake, with a consistently high striatum-to-cerebellum ratio (2.99±0.44). In conclusion, (-)-TZ659 demonstrated high potency and good specificity for VAChT in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that (-)-[(11)C]TZ659 may be a promising PET tracer to image VAChT in the brain.
Factors Influencing the Recombinational Expansion and Spread of Telomeric Tandem Arrays in Kluyveromyces lactis

We have previously shown that DNA circles containing telomeric repeats and a marker gene can promote the recombinational elongation of telomeres in Kluyveromyces lactis by a mechanism proposed to involve rolling-circle DNA synthesis. Wild-type cells acquire a long tandem array at a single telomere, while telomerase deletion (ter1-delta) cells, acquire an array and also spread it to multiple telomeres. In this study, we further examine the factors that affect the formation and spread of telomeric tandem arrays. We show that a telomerase(+) strain with short telomeres and high levels of subtelomeric gene conversion can efficiently form and spread arrays, while a telomere fusion mutant is not efficient at either process. This indicates that an elevated level of gene conversion near telomeres is required for spreading but that growth senescence and a tendency to elongate telomeres in the absence of exogenously added circles are not. Surprisingly, telomeric repeats are frequently deleted from a transforming URA3-telomere circle at or prior to the time of array formation by a mechanism dependent upon the presence of subtelomeric DNA in the circle. We further show that in a ter1-delta strain, long tandem arrays can arise from telomeres initially containing a single-copy insert of the URA3-telomere sequence. However, the reduced rate of array formation in such strains suggests that single-copy inserts are not typical intermediates in arrays formed from URA3-telomere circles. Using heteroduplex circles, we have demonstrated that either strand of a URA3-telomere circle can be utilized to form telomeric tandem arrays. Consistent with this, we demonstrate that 100-nucleotide single-stranded telomeric circles of either strand can promote recombinational telomere elongation.
Tritium and 14C isotope effects using tracers of leucine and alpha-ketoisocaproate

To test if different leucine tracers behave in an indistinguishable manner and, by implication, that their metabolism is identical to that of natural leucine, we measured whole body leucine turnover in dogs and humans and fibrinogen synthesis in dogs by simultaneously infusing either [1-14C]leucine or [4,5-3H]leucine or [1-14C]alpha-ketoisocaproate (KIC) and [4,5-3H]KIC. Whole body leucine fluxes calculated from the plasma specific activity of the transaminated product of the infused tracer (reciprocal pool model) were lower (dogs by 5.7%; humans by 6.4%, both P < 0.02) when the plasma 3H specific activity compared to 14C specific activity were used with leucine tracers and were also lower (dogs by 4.4%, P < 0.02; humans by 8.6%, P < 0.06) using the KIC tracers. Using leucine or KIC tracers in dogs, the fractional rate of fibrinogen synthesis was 6.7% or 9.4% lower, respectively, (P < 0.02) using the 3H versus the 14C tracer. The apparently lower incorporation of 3H into protein was only in part accounted for by detritiation (2.1%, P = 0.05) of [3H]leucine during acid hydrolysis of proteins. These results suggest that in vivo and/or in vitro differential isotope effects are small (approximately 5%), but should be considered when dual isotopes infusions are employed to partition amino acid metabolism.
Smart microplates: photodiode within silicon pyramidal cavity for detecting bead-based chemiluminescence and AC characterization for RFID-type readout

An improved photodiode integrated into a micromachined silicon pyramidal cavity, a part of an electronic taste chip, for the purpose of detecting bead-based chemiluminescent reactions is presented. In our earlier work [1], we demonstrated the fabrication of such a photodiode using ion implantation; unfortunately, a rather large dark current was observed. Additionally, we have introduced a concept of accessing a photodiode via an inductively coupled non-contact readout. The efforts discussed here emphasize key issues in the fabrication sequence that produce integrated photodiodes with significantly less dark current. We have also preformed AC characterization of the integrated photodiodes in order to allow the design of an optimized wireless, non-contact readout for detecting a chemiluminescent reaction.
Structure of the intramolecular human telomeric G-quadruplex in potassium solution: a novel adenine triple formation

We report the NMR solution structure of the intramolecular G-quadruplex formed in human telomeric DNA in K+. The hybrid-type telomeric G-quadruplex consists of three G-tetrads linked with mixed parallel–antiparallel G-strands, with the bottom two G-tetrads having the same G-arrangement (anti:anti:syn:anti) and the top G-tetrad having the reversed G-arrangement (syn:syn:anti:syn). The three TTA loop segments adopt different conformations, with the first TTA assuming a double-chain-reversal loop conformation, and the second and third TTA assuming lateral loop conformations. The NMR structure is very well defined, including the three TTA loops and the two flanking sequences at 5′- and 3′-ends. Our study indicates that the three loop regions interact with the core G-tetrads in a specific way that defines and stabilizes the unique human telomeric G-quadruplex structure in K+. Significantly, a novel adenine triple platform is formed with three naturally occurring adenine residues, A21, A3 and A9, capping the top tetrad of the hybrid-type telomeric G-quadruplex. This adenine triple is likely to play an important role in the formation of a stable human telomeric G-quadruplex structure in K+. The unique human telomeric G-quadruplex structure formed in K+ suggests that it can be specifically targeted for anticancer drug design.
After the Party, the After-Parties? The Effects of Communist Successor Parties on Economic Reform in Central and Eastern Europe

With the rise of globalisation and the diffusion of neoliberal economic reform throughout the world, the relevance of partisanship for economic reform has become the subject of much controversy. Se...
Flaxseed Oil Supplementation Does Not Affect Plasma Lipoprotein Concentration or Particle Size in Human Subjects

a-Linolenic acid (ALA) is a major dietary (n-3) fatty acid. Some clinical trials with ALA supplementation have shown reduced cardiovascular risk; however the specific cardioprotective mechanism is not known. We studied the effects of daily supplementation with ALA derived from flaxseed oil on concentrations of plasma LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, intermediate density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipid particle sizes. In a randomized double-blind trial, 56 participants were given 3 g/d of ALA from flaxseed oil in capsules (n ¼ 31) or olive oil containing placebo capsules (n ¼ 25) for 26 wk. Changes in plasma HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations did not differ between the 2 groups at 26 wk. The adjusted plasma total cholesterol concentration at 26 wk was 0.45 mmol/L higher in the flaxseed oil group (5.43 6 0.03 mmol/L) compared with the olive oil group (5.17 6 0.07 mmol/L) (P ¼ 0.026). ALA did not affect LDL, HDL, or IDL particle size; however, the concentrations of the large, less atherogenic LDL1 (P ¼ 0.058) and LDL2 (P ¼ 0.083) subfractions tended to be greater in the ALA group. In conclusion, ALA does not decrease CVD risk by altering lipoprotein particle size or plasma lipoprotein concentrations. J. Nutr. 136: 2844‐2848, 2006.
NASA's Microgravity Fluid Physics Strategic Research Roadmap

The Microgravity Fluid Physics Program at NASA has developed a substantial investigator base engaging a broad crosssection of the U.S. scientific community. As a result, it enjoys a rich history of many significant scientific achievements. The research supported by the program has produced many important findings that have been published in prestigious journals such as Science, Nature, Journal of Fluid Mechanics, Physics of Fluids, and many others. The focus of the program so far has primarily been on fundamental scientific studies. However, a recent shift in emphasis at NASA to develop advanced technologies to enable future exploration of space has provided motivation to add a strategic research component to the program. This has set into motion a year of intense planning within NASA including three workshops to solicit inputs from the external scientific community. The planning activities and the workshops have resulted in a prioritized list of strategic research issues along with a corresponding detailed roadmap specific to fluid physics. The results of these activities were provided to NASA s Office of Biological and Physical Research (OBPR) to support the development of the Enterprise Strategy document. This paper summarizes these results while showing how the planned research supports NASA s overall vision through OBPR s organizing questions.
The Dale E. McFarlin memorial lecture: The immunology of the multiple sclerosis lesion

This review surveys the structural terrain of the multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion from the standpoint of its immunologic responsiveness. Similarities in lymphocyte trafficking patterns are noted between MS and its laboratory model, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), and in both conditions, the inflammatory response is selective for the central nervous system (CNS). While adhesion molecules abound during the genesis of the MS lesion, none has yet been found that is unusual to this condition and, indeed, many occur in other neurodegenerative states in which inflammation is not a component of the lesion. Cytokines are effective regulators of lymphocyte traffic and adhesion events and most can be located in MS lesions. Of these, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) occurs in abundance. Together with its known affinity to effect myelin and oligodendrocyte destruction and to up-regulate adhesion molecule expression, the presence of TNF-alpha renders it an important player in lesion pathogenesis. Demyelination is described as a rapid lytic event, perhaps involving cytokines and immunoglobulin, and structural similarities are common in the patterns seen in MS and EAE. Oligodendrocytes survive the initial stages of lesion formation. Moreover, they are now known to proliferate and elaborate new myelin at the same time as myelin is being degraded. This paradoxical reparatory scenario is apparently a transient event although rims of remyelination persist about the margins of chronic lesions. The speculation is reiterated that the demise of the oligodendrocyte in MS may occur late in lesion formation and may be in part related to the expression of heat shock proteins (specifically, members of the hsp 60 family), potent stimulators of T-cell receptor-gamma delta T cells that have been claimed to have cytolytic activity and that have been located in chronic active MS lesions. In sum, while no single immune system molecule can be assigned as unusual to the CNS in MS, and while there appears to be nothing unique about the manner in which the CNS responds to the inflammation, the true uniqueness of the situation in MS is probably related to the many, normally sequestered, specific antigens within the myelin sheath and the biology of the myelinating cell, the oligodendrocyte.
Elevated catecholamines and hepatic artery vasospasm in porcine small-for-size liver graft.

Background Elevated levels of norepinephrine (NE) have been reported in recipients of small-for-size liver (SFS) grafts in the perioperative period. The aim of the study is to test the hypothesis that although circulating catecholamines are elevated in recipients of SFS grafts, they are not the primary agents responsible for the hepatic artery (HA) vasospasm. Methods Female porcine recipients receiving a 20% ( n = 10) partial liver graft were compared with a control group, using 60% partial liver transplanted grafts ( n = 9). Hepatic blood flow (PVF, HAF) and levels of plasma catecholamines (epinephrine and NE) were measured at designated time points through postoperative day (POD) 7. Phentolamine (PA), an α-adrenergic blocker, was administered at doses of 1 to 112.5 ug/kg/min through an indwelling HA to the recipients of 20% group on POD1 ( n = 5). Results In the 20% group following reperfusion, HA vasospasm was found at 10, 60, and 90 min, and persisted on POD 3 and POD 7. Plasma NE levels increased after reperfusion in 20% and 60% groups and peaked at 6 h with 10- to 13-fold increased levels compared with baseline. In the 20% group, NE levels remained elevated up to POD 7. PA infusion at low (1–10 ug/kg/min) and high (12.5–112.5 ug/kg/min) doses did not reverse the reduced HAF observed in 20% group recipients. Conclusion Elevated serum NE does not appear to be the primary factor mediating HA vasospasm in the porcine SFS graft.
The vibrational characteristics of a twelve-storey steel frame building

The Ralph M. Parsons World Headquarters building, a twelve-storey steel frame structure, was subjected to a series of forced vibration tests. The natural frequencies, three-dimensional mode shapes and damping coefficients of nine modes of vibration were determined. Other features of this investigation included the study of non-linearities associated with increasing levels of response, detailed measurements of the deformation of the first floor and the ground surrounding the structure, and measurements of strain in one of the columns of the structure during forced excitation. The dynamic characteristics of the building determined by these tests are compared to those predicted by a finite element model of the structure. The properties of primarily translational modes are predicted reasonably well, but adequate prediction of torsional motions is not obtained. The comparison between measured and predicted strains suggests that estimates of stress determined from finite element analyses of buildings might be within 25 per cent of those experienced by the structure for a known excitation.
Transport of charged samples in fluidic channels with large zeta potentials.

In this article, we present an analysis on the transport of charged samples through micro- and nanofluidic channels with large zeta potentials (|ζ| > (kBT)/e). Using the Method of Moments formulation, the diffusion-convection equation has been solved to evaluate the mean velocity and the dispersion of analyte bands in a parallel-plate device under electrokinetically- and pressure-driven flow conditions. The effect of electromigration induced by the lateral electric field within the Debye layer has been quantified in our work using a Peclet number (Pet) based on the characteristic electrophoretic velocity of the solute molecules in the transverse direction. It has been shown that while the effects of transverse electromigration on analyte transport only depends on the product Petζ* for |ζ*| = (eζ)/kBT << 1, both these parameters independently affect the flow of charged species in large zeta potential systems. For a given value of Petζ*, the mean velocity and the slug dispersivity can vary by as much as an order of magnitude in going from a small zeta potential system (|ζ*| << 1) to a channel with |ζ*| = 4.
Shake-up as a mechanism for vacuum-ultraviolet lasers

We show how electron shake-up, as it occurs during core photoionization, may produce population inversion in the vacuum ultraviolet. Calculations for Li show the possibility of lasers at 165.3 and 113.2 nm.
Global and Targeted Lipid Analysis of Gemmata obscuriglobus Reveals the Presence of Lipopolysaccharide, a Signature of the Classical Gram-Negative Outer Membrane

ABSTRACT Planctomycete bacteria possess many unusual cellular properties, contributing to a cell plan long considered to be unique among the bacteria. However, data from recent studies are more consistent with a modified Gram-negative cell plan. A key feature of the Gram-negative plan is the presence of an outer membrane (OM), for which lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a signature molecule. Despite genomic evidence for an OM in planctomycetes, no biochemical verification has been reported. We attempted to detect and characterize LPS in the planctomycete Gemmata obscuriglobus . We obtained direct evidence for LPS and lipid A using electrophoresis and differential staining. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) compositional analysis of LPS extracts identified eight different 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-HOFAs), 2-keto 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonic acid (Kdo), glucosamine, and hexose and heptose sugars, a chemical profile unique to Gram-negative LPS. Combined with molecular/structural information collected from matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) MS analysis of putative intact lipid A, these data led us to propose a heterogeneous hexa-acylated lipid A structure (multiple-lipid A species). We also confirmed previous reports of G. obscuriglobus whole-cell fatty acid (FA) and sterol compositions and detected a novel polyunsaturated FA (PUFA). Our confirmation of LPS, and by implication an OM, in G. obscuriglobus raises the possibility that other planctomycetes possess an OM. The pursuit of this question, together with studies of the structural connections between planctomycete LPS and peptidoglycans, will shed more light on what appears to be a planctomycete variation on the Gram-negative cell plan. IMPORTANCE Bacterial species are classified as Gram positive or negative based on their cell envelope structure. For 25 years, the envelope of planctomycete bacteria has been considered a unique exception, as it lacks peptidoglycan and an outer membrane (OM). However, the very recent detection of peptidoglycan in planctomycete species has provided evidence for a more conventional cell wall and raised questions about other elements of the cell envelope. Here, we report direct evidence of lipopolysaccharide in the planctomycete G. obscuriglobus , suggesting the presence of an OM and supporting the proposal that the planctomycete cell envelope is an extension of the canonical Gram-negative plan. This interpretation features a convoluted cytoplasmic membrane and expanded periplasmic space, the functions of which provide an intriguing avenue for future investigation.
Suetonius the Ventriloquist

This chapter surveys Suetonius’ prose style, particularly his tendency to include the emperors’ own words in verbatim quotation. The metaphor of the ‘ventriloquist’ is apt for Suetonius, who frequently uses his biographical subject’s own language to display their character. This method is in direct contrast with the custom of Roman historians, especially Tacitus, who rewrites the original material in his sources, including speeches, to fit with the overall tone and texture of his own history. Suetonius permits the diction and rhythm of other writers to intrude in his biographies, but he does this for useful effect, and is not devoid of his own signatures of style and authorial voice. Suetonius’ prose is redeemed as more artful than in previous estimations, which have often found it to be plain and monotonous.
An Explanation Of Financial Analysis Using The FASBs Preliminary Views On Financial Statement Presentation

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a discussion paper entitled “Preliminary Views on Financial Statement Presentation” on October 16, 2008, in which they presented a new format for the primary financial statements. The proposed statements are segmented into functional activities of the entity on a net-asset basis. The Board’s objectives are to present a cohesive set of financial statements that are useful in predicting future cash flows and assessing liquidity and financial flexibility. This paper describes the proposed statements, examines the application of financial ratios, and assesses the extent to which the Board’s objectives are satisfied.
Optimal Sizing and Configurations of the Control Surfaces for Active Aeroelastic Control

In this paper, simultaneous computation of control gains and optimal sizing of control surface parameters is considered such that the flutter boundary is extended by controlling the targeted flutter modes of interest without influencing the other modes of the aeroelastic structure. The design of such active aeroelastic control (AAC) is realized purely based on the available transfer functions and during optimization process the performance of the controller serves as dynamic constraints. This research describes the development of the solution strategy for such an AAC control and optimization of wing configurations having multiple leading and trailing edge control surfaces. A unique control gain is obtained for a given flight envelop. A multivariable optimization strategy is developed for obtaining the optimal parameters (size and location) associated with the control surfaces, which satisfy the static (sizing) and dynamic (flutter) constraints. The performance of the controlled system is highlighted with numerical examples and optimal configurations of the control surfaces, on a wing plan form, are presented.
Returns to Teacher Experience: Student Achievement and Motivation in Middle School

AbstractWe use rich longitudinally matched administrative data on students and teachers in North Carolina to examine the patterns of differential effectiveness by teachers’ years of experience. The...
Statistical Applications of the Mortality Table

We omit several numerical examples given by King of the uses of the life table, which concern populations at various ages, annuity payments, and the effects of immigration on observed death rates. The article introduces the life table in modern notation.
Shifting sand and muddy water: Historic cartography and river migration as factors in locating steamboat wrecks on the far upper Missouri River

Steamboating on the Missouri River began in 1819 and, by 1860 Fort Benton, Montana Territory was established as the world’s innermost port. Between 1819 and the mid-1920s more than 1,000 vessels were lost and subsequently forgotten on the Missouri River. Missouri River migration is investigated as a primary factor in predicting, locating, and assessing inland river wreck sites today. The study examines three historic river surveys conducted in 1867, 1874, and from 1892 to 1897, plus modern aerial photography for clues suggesting the location of steamboat wreck sites and information useful in predicting site conditions and site formation processes prior to archaeological disturbance.
Synthesis and characterization of Gd-doped magnetite nanoparticles

Abstract Synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles has attracted increasing interest due to their importance in biomedical and technological applications. Tunable magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles to meet specific requirements will greatly expand the spectrum of applications. Tremendous efforts have been devoted to studying and controlling the size, shape and magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles. Here we investigate gadolinium (Gd) doping to influence the growth process as well as magnetic properties of magnetite nanocrystals via a simple co-precipitation method under mild conditions in aqueous media. Gd doping was found to affect the growth process leading to synthesis of controllable particle sizes under the conditions tested (0–10 at% Gd3+). Typically, undoped and 5 at% Gd-doped magnetite nanoparticles were found to have crystal sizes of about 18 and 44 nm, respectively, supported by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Our results showed that Gd-doped nanoparticles retained the magnetite crystal structure, with Gd3+ randomly incorporated in the crystal lattice, probably in the octahedral sites. The composition of 5 at% Gd-doped magnetite was Fe(3−x)GdxO4 (x=0.085±0.002), as determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. 5 at% Gd-doped nanoparticles exhibited ferrimagnetic properties with small coercivity (~65 Oe) and slightly decreased magnetization at 260 K in contrast to the undoped, superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles. Templation by the bacterial biomineralization protein Mms6 did not appear to affect the growth of the Gd-doped magnetite particles synthesized by this method.
Cyber attacks, detection and protection in smart grid state estimation

This paper reviews the types of cyber attacks in state estimation as well as detection and protection schemes. Recent studies show that adversaries can not only generate attack vectors, which can bypass the conventional detector, but can also optimize the attack vector to compromise least number of sensors. We examined four types of attack in state estimation process. Then, we examined least effort false data injection attack on how to find the optimal attack vector. Based on the analysis, we implement χ2 detector and Euclidean distance detector to detect attacks. We propose an effective way to protect power system sensors. The case studies are based on a 5-bus system and IEEE-14 bus system. It shows that least effort attack can make most significant deviation of state estimation by compromising least number of sensors. χ2 detector can detect random data injection, bad data injection and DoS attack. However, false data injection can bypass conventional statistical detector, such as χ2 detector. Euclidean distance detector can detect false data injection.
Response to Letter to the Editor on "The Impact of Imaging Modality on the Measurement of Coronal Plane Alignment After Total Knee Arthroplasty".

The optimal coronal alignment following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become an area of increased debate. Sources of variability amongst investigations include the radiographic technique used for both preoperative surgical planning and postoperative alignment assessments. This study’s purpose was to assess the impact of the imaging modality used on the measurement of coronal plane alignment following TKA.
Financial crises and the politics of adjustment and reform

This chapter is a critical survey of the literature on international financial crises and their consequences for national politics, with a focus on national-level policy choices and political outcomes. After distinguishing conceptually among adjustment, reform, and political change as three broad families of political consequences to financial crises, it reviews three broad analytical approaches to the study of post-crisis political outcomes. Interest-based approaches center on the specific economic consequences of different kinds of financial crises, and look to policy outcomes as a consequence of the interaction between distributional pressures and national political-economic profiles. Institutional approaches address the ways in which institutions mediate the articulation of interest group pressures. Ideational approaches emphasize the constitutive power of ideas in making sense of financial crises. The concluding section identifies several promising areas for future research, highlighting in particular the importance of international context for conditioning the effects of international financial crises on domestic politics. It also highlights some general methodological problems with studying the highly complex economic and political consequences of financial crises.
Detecting Cross-lingual Semantic Similarity Using Parallel PropBanks.

This paper suggests a method for detecting cross-lingual semantic similarity using parallel PropBanks. We begin by improving word alignments for verb predicates generated by GIZA++ by using information available in parallel PropBanks. We applied the Kuhn-Munkres method to measure predicate-argument matching and improved verb predicate alignments by an F-score of 12.6%. Using the enhanced word alignments we checked the set of target verbs aligned to a specific source verb for semantic consistency. For a set of English verbs aligned to a Chinese verb, we checked if the English verbs belong to the same semantic class using an existing lexical database, WordNet. For a set of Chinese verbs aligned to an English verb we manually checked semantic similarity between the Chinese verbs within a set. Our results show that the verb sets we generated have a high correlation with semantic classes. This could potentially lead to an automatic technique for generating semantic classes for verbs.
Solubility of Poly(Tetrafluoroethylene) and its Copolymers

Owing to the exceedingly small intermolecular forces in perfluoropolymers, their solubility is dominated by entropy effects. Enthalpic interactions almost always decrease solubility because they tend to favor solvent-solvent mixing. Solution melting and crystallization temperatures have been observed to decrease with lower solvent molar volume, lower undiluted polymer melting point, cyclic perfluorocarbons, low solvent polarity, low pressure, and low polymer concentration. Maximizing solvent density by increasing pressure or solvent MW favors solubility by increasing the LCST temperature. Solution stability also increases with polymer concentration.
Effects of pressure on the vibrational, structural and electronic properties of C60 powder and thin films

We present results from a study of the vibrational, structural, and electronic properties of C60 powder and thin films. Raman spectroscopy and diamond anvil cell have been used to study pressure dependence of the Raman active modes of C60 powder. The material undergoes structural phase transition between 9 and 15 GPa. Some of the Raman modes soften, while others harden with increasing pressure. Thin films of C60 and La-doped C60 have also been studied by using Raman scattering, x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and uv photoemission spectroscopy. Whereas the powder and La-doped C60 films exhibit fcc crystalline structure, the C60 film appears disordered. Further, we observe a significant difference in the electronic valence bands of the doped and undoped films.
Tryptophan Hydroxylase Regulation Drug-Induced Modifications that Alter Serotonin Neuronal Function

Tryptophan hydroxylase is the initial and rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin. A variety of drugs are known to diminish the function of this enzyme, and possibly cause damage to serotonin neurons. These include the substituted amphetamines methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, as well as L-DOPA, the most common therapy for Parkinsons Disease. In view of the important role for dopamine in the effects of these drugs on tryptophan hydroxylase and on serotonin neurons, we tested whether dopamine could alter the activity of this important enzyme. We found that dopamine-derived quinones, but not dopamine, inactivate tryptophan hydroxylase and convert the protein to a redox-cycling quinoprotein. This posttranslational modification of tryptophan hydroxylase could play a role in the drug-induced reduction in serotonin synthesis.
Introduction: The Social Ecology of Disadvantage for Mexican Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Focusing on shopkeepers in Latino/a neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Dolores Trevizo and Mary Lopez reveal how neighborhood poverty relative to other stratification variables (including racial segregation and gender) affects the business performance of Mexican immigrant entrepreneurs. Their survey of Mexican shopkeepers in 20 immigrant neighborhoods demonstrates that less poor and more multiethnic communities offer better business opportunities than do the highly impoverished and racially segregated Mexican neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Their findings not only contribute to the scholarship of concentrated disadvantage that emphasizes the long-term consequences of neighborhood deprivation, but reveal previously overlooked aspects of microclass, as well as “legal capital,” advantages. The authors argue that even poor Mexican immigrants whose class backgrounds in Mexico imparted an entrepreneurial disposition can achieve a modicum of business success in the right (US) neighborhood context, and the more quickly they build legal capital, the better their outcomes. While they show that the local place characteristics of neighborhoods both reflect and reproduce class and racial inequalities, they also demonstrate that the diversity of experiences among Mexican immigrants living within the spatial boundaries of these communities also matters to their economic mobility. In sum, race, gender, legal status, and poverty affect individuals, but do so according to the ways that they are nested in space and time.
Evaluation of continuum stress in atomistic simulation

Publisher Summary One of the key issues of multiscale and mechanical modeling is related to the developing definitions for continuum variables that are calculable within an atomic system. The instantaneous atomic contributions to these averages do not have the same physical interpretation as the corresponding “point-wise” continuum quantities. A classic example is the Cauchy or true stress and the ensemble stress defined by the virial theorem (VT). The chapter compares stress for atomistic systems as described by the virial theorem to obtain results using an expression for the Cauchy stress derived by R.J. Hardy. As a function of increasing cutoff radius for the stress analysis volume, the Hardy description of stress displays a convergence to values expected from continuum theory than volume averages of the local virial stress. Furthermore, the behavior of Hardy's expression near a free surface is consistent with the mechanical definition for stress. The analysis has shown that the definition for Cauchy stress in an atomic system developed by Hardy does a better job than the expression based on the virial theorem. The results also indicate that the fluctuations in stress for systems at finite temperature are larger in magnitude than at zero temperature.
Probabilistic Partial Causation and a Gap in the Criminal Law

Cases in which a person merely contributes to the probability of harmful events such as death cannot be properly handled in the criminal law as it currently exists. These cases provide another kind of case (in addition to overdetermination cases) demonstrating that factual causation should not be understood in terms of but-for causation. They also imply that the corpus of substantive law is incomplete.
Predictors of long-distance race performance in master runners

Peak aerobic power (V O2peak) and parameters related to training are associated with long-distance running performance in master athletes. Running economy (RE) predicts performance in younger runners, but its relationship to racing ability in older athletes is unclear. Allometrically scaled RE (alloV O2; ml kg-0.66 min-1), energy cost (EC; kcal kg-1 km-1), and percent of V O2peak (%V O2peak) required in a submaximal bout represent RE more accurately than V O2 does. The VDOT score, estimating V O2peak and RE, can be used to compare races of different distances. Purpose: To determine predictors of temperature-converted VDOT in master runners training for a long-distance race (10-26.2 mi). Methods: Twenty-three master runners (age 57±9 years; eight females) performed treadmill marathon-intensity-effort (MIE) and V O2peak tests within four weeks of their goal race. The MIE occurred at 88% of predicted maximum heart rate, which corresponds to estimated marathon intensity. Participants completed online training-history surveys. Forward stepwise multiple linear regression was used to find key predictors of VDOT. The alpha level for significance was 0.05. Results: Converted VDOT was significantly associated with 3-year peak weekly training distance (3YP) (r = 0.454, p = 0.039), V O2peak (r = 0.845, p = 0.000), alloV O2 (r = 0.623, p = 0.005), and EC (r = -0.528, p = 0.018). The best-fitting model included V O2peak and 3YP (r = 0.898). Conclusion: Physiological and training factors are related to race performance in master runners. The best predictors of VDOT are V O2peak and 3YP. Training to enhance these variables may improve distance-running performance in masters.
Attitudes toward legalization of marijuana in the United States, 1986-2016: Changes in determinants of public opinion

Abstract Background Based on recent research in political science, which has conceptualized political party affiliation as a form of social identity, the present study examined political ideology, party affiliation, and associated control measures as determinants of attitudes toward marijuana legalization. The research, which examined attitudes at 16 points in time across a 30-year period, anticipated an increasingly important role for party affiliation, given increased partisanship in the United States. Methods Drawing on data gathered in the General Social Survey, the study used binary logistic regression analysis to test the explanatory effects of ideology, affiliation and control measures on support for marijuana legalization. Results As anticipated, political ideology showed significance as an explanatory measure across the 30-year period, but party affiliation did not become a consistent, statistically controlled determinant until 2004, when Republicans began to express significantly less support than Democrats and Independents. In terms of demographic control measures, the study found males and younger respondents to express greater support for legalization. In recent periods of study, White and Black respondents expressed greater support than minorities apart from African Americans, while education level and region of the country showed sporadic explanatory significance. Conclusion While political ideology, conceived as a form of personal identity, predicted attitudes toward marijuana legalization across 30 years of analysis, party affiliation, conceived as a form of group identity, became a consistently significant predictor in the 21st century. This finding suggests increases in partisanship and group identity, which in turn suggest potential increases in the politicization of drug policy. The article concludes with limitations and recommendations for future research.
Comparison of Hospitals Affiliated With PPS-Exempt Cancer Centers, Other Hospitals Affiliated With NCI-Designated Cancer Centers, and Other Hospitals That Provide Cancer Care.

Importance Congress has exempted 11 specialized cancer centers in the United States from the Prospective Payment System (PPS). These centers are also exempt from reporting many of the process-of-care and outcome measures to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that are required for hospitals in the PPS. It is not known how hospitals affiliated with PPS-exempt cancer centers differ from other hospitals affiliated with National Cancer Institute cancer centers (NCI-CCs) or other US hospitals that provide cancer care. Objective To examine differences between hospitals affiliated with PPS-exempt cancer centers, other hospitals affiliated with NCI-CCs, and other hospitals that provide cancer care on metrics that could be used in public reporting. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study compared hospital characteristics and cancer-related services using data from the American Hospital Association Annual Survey and US News Best Hospitals rankings. With a 100% sample of Medicare beneficiaries who underwent 1 of 9 cancer operations (brain tumor resection, colorectal resection, cystectomy, esophagectomy, gastrectomy, liver resection, lung resection, pancreatic resection, prostatectomy) from January 1, 2011, to May 31, 2015, we used hierarchical logistic regression methods to compare differences in 18 postoperative outcomes. Data analysis was conducted from February 2018 to August 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures This study evaluated hospital characteristics, including cancer-specific services, patient comorbidity burden, and cancer surgery postoperative outcomes, from PPS-exempt cancer centers, NCI-affiliated cancer centers, and other US hospitals that provide cancer care. Results Hospitals affiliated with PPS-exempt cancer centers (n = 15) and NCI-CCs (n = 54) were similar in hospital characteristics, basic cancer-related services, and patient comorbidity burden. Compared with NCI-CCs, PPS-exempt cancer centers had significantly higher US News reputation scores (mean [SD], 17.5 [24.0] vs 2.6 [4.8];P Conclusions and Relevance Hospitals affiliated with PPS-exempt cancer centers and NCI-CCs had generally similar hospital characteristics, patient comorbidity burden, and cancer surgery outcomes. These findings raise questions about why some cancer centers are designated as PPS-exempt and why most hospitals are not required to publicly report cancer-specific quality metrics.