cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Preservice Teachers about Adaptive Learning Programs in K-8 Mathematics Education

Adaptive learning programs are frequently used in the K-8 mathematics classroom. These programs provide instruction to students at the appropriate level of difficulty by presenting content, providing feedback, and allowing students to master skills before progressing. The purpose of the study was to seek to interpret how preservice teachers’ experiences influence their perceptions and plans to integrate adaptive learning programs in their future K-8 mathematics classroom. This was a qualitative study with 17 participants who were enrolled in an undergraduate teacher education program. Data was collected and analyzed from archived journals the participants completed as a part of their K-8 Math Methods course, a survey, and semi-structured interviews. The findings from this study indicate that the participating preservice teachers perceive adaptive learning programs to be beneficial for students, and they recognize they have many decisions to make regarding what adaptive learning programs are used and how they are integrated into the classroom. The study also found that the instruction the preservice teachers received in their K-8 Math Methods course played a critical role in making them aware of the features available and myriad of options available in adaptive learning programs.
Student perceptions of model-based estimating

The use of building information modeling (BIM) is well established in architecture, engineering and construction. However, previous studies note a lack of BIM expertise in academia, leading to slow...
Modeling and validation of a mm-wave shaped dielectric lens antenna

The modeling and validation of a 33 GHz shaped dielectric antenna design is investigated. The electromagnetic modeling was performed in both WIPL-D and FEKO, and was used to validate the antenna design prior to fabrication of the lens. It is shown that both WIPL-D and FEKO yield similarly accurate results as compared to measured far-field gain radiation patterns.
Structural transformations of highly porous nickel catalysts during ethanol conversion towards hydrogen

Abstract In this work, we report a liquid-phase reduction method to prepare porous non-supported amorphous nickel catalysts with high surface areas (65–250 m 2 /g). A highly crystalline face center cubic Ni (fcc-Ni) catalyst with 110 m 2 /g surface area was also prepared by frontal crystallization of the amorphous nickel catalyst. The catalytic activity and stability of these catalysts for ethanol decomposition was investigated at different time on stream (TOS) to understand structural transformations occurring at the early stages of catalyst activation-deactivation. Activity vs. TOS results obtained at 473 K show that on the amorphous catalysts the conversion increases from about 50% to 60–75% reaching a steady value at ∼30 h TOS, which remains constant during the observed 96 h of TOS. The fcc-Ni catalyst initially exhibits a higher conversion (∼85%), however, it quickly deactivates to a conversion in the similar range as the amorphous catalysts. It is also shown that BET surface areas of amorphous catalysts decreases during hydrogen pretreatment at 473 K due to crystallization, grain growth, and sintering. The structure of amorphous catalysts continuously refines to form a combination of fcc-Ni and hexagonal close-packed nickel (hpc-Ni) phases, as well as nickel carbide (Ni 3 C) and carbon layers that stabilize catalytic activity. The structure of the fcc-Ni catalyst remains unchanged during the 96 h TOS experiment indicating that carbon deposition might cause its initial deactivation. At 523 K, the amorphous catalyst shows 100% conversion, which remains constant during 96 h of TOS, while the fcc-Ni crystalline catalyst initially exhibits 95% conversion and then slowly deactivates to ∼80% at 96 h TOS. Thus at 523K the stabilized amorphous catalyst does not deactivate under the same TOS compared to the crystalline fcc-Ni catalyst, showing that the active sites on these catalysts are different. The findings of this work suggest that the liquid-phase reduction method can be used to prepare active and stable catalysts for reactions involving decomposition of alcohols and hydrocarbons to produce hydrogen.
Vortex Packets and the Structure of Wall Turbulence Extended Abstract

In the classical view of statistically homogeneous turbulence large-scale eddies break down into smaller eddies which break down into still smaller eddies, and so on, thereby creating a cascade of energy from large scale to small scales. The cascade concept is incontestable for homogeneous flow, but spatially inhomogeneous turbulence it must be modified to account for the flow of energy between different regions in space. Turbulent flow created by fluid moving over a smooth wall is intrinsically inhomogeneous with small scales being favored close to the wall and large scales favored farther away from the wall. Moreover it is known that most of the energy production occurs in the near-wall region, so that energy must flow from smaller eddies to larger eddies. Recent work on the structure wall turbulence leads to a mechanistic picture of the eddies in this flow and the means by which the energy cascade process is modified. First it was shown that the long-suspected hairpin-shaped eddy is, indeed, the structural building block of wall-turbulence. Second, a mechanism was found by which small hairpins form close to the wall an assemble into much larger packets of hairpins. The hairpin packets are capable of assembling into still larger structures, creating energy flow from small to large. One formed, the large scales may undergo instability resulting in energy cascade from large to small. The simple scenario provided by the hairpin vortex packet paradigm conceptually explains many puzzling and heretofore unexplained aspect of wall turbulence, and it offers a substantially different view of fundamental characteristics.
Retinal pigment epithelium-stromal interactions modulate hyaluronic acid deposition

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and is particularly prominent in various structures of the eye. Choroidal mesenchymal fibroblasts (CHM) and fetal retinal pigment epithelial (fRPE) cells were cultured individually and in cocultivation, as a paradigm for ocular stromal-epithelial interactions. Such interactions are thought to be a key mechanism for the modulation of the ECM and of HA deposition in the region of Bruch's membrane and related structures. In cocultivation, increased levels of HA production were observed, more than the sum of the two cell types grown individually. Conditioned medium from fRPE cultures placed over CHM cells was able to enhance production in such cells several-fold, demonstrating that cell-cell contact was not needed for this enhanced production. On the other hand, when conditioned medium from CHM fibroblasts was added to the fetal RPE cells, no increase in HA production was observed. A soluble HA-stimulating factor apparently released by fRPE cells in a paracrine manner enhanced HA production in CHM cells. The fRPE cell-conditioned media was unable to exert this effect on the fRPE cells themselves. The fRPE cells may lack the appropriate receptor. Alternatively, they may not have the biosynthetic machinery for augmented HA production.
A General Framework for Sensitivity-Based Optimal Control and State Estimation

Abstract New modelling and optimization platforms have enabled the creation of frameworks for solution strategies that are based on solving sequences of dynamic optimization problems. This study demonstrates the application of the Python-based Pyomo platform as a basis for formulating and solving Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) and Moving Horizon Estimation (MHE) problems, which enables fast on-line computations through large-scale nonlinear optimization and Nonlinear Programming (NLP) sensitivity. We describe these underlying approaches and sensitivity computations, and showcase the implementation of the framework with large DAE case studies including tray-by-tray distillation models and Bubbling Fluidized Bed Reactors (BFB).
Identification of PAmKate as a Red Photoactivatable Fluorescent Protein for Cryogenic Super-Resolution Imaging

Single-molecule super-resolution fluorescence microscopy conducted in vitrified samples at cryogenic temperatures offers enhanced localization precision due to reduced photobleaching rates, a chemical-free and rapid fixation method, and the potential of correlation with cryogenic electron microscopy. Achieving cryogenic super-resolution microscopy requires the ability to control the sparsity of emissive labels at cryogenic temperatures. Obtaining this control presents a key challenge for the development of this technique. In this work, we identify a red photoactivatable protein, PAmKate, which remains activatable at cryogenic temperatures. We characterize its activation as a function of temperature and find that activation is efficient at cryogenic and room temperatures. We perform cryogenic super-resolution experiments in situ, labeling PopZ, a protein known to assemble into a microdomain at the poles of the model bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. We find improved localization precision at cryogenic temp...
Imaging Mass Spectrometry Reveals Crosstalk between the Fallopian Tube and the Ovary that Drives Primary Metastasis of Ovarian Cancer.

High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women. New evidence suggests that HGSOC arises in the fallopian tube and then colonizes the ovary before spreading into the peritoneal space. Therefore, due to the proximity of this metastasis, an experimental design was optimized using imaging mass spectrometry to capture the spatial composition of small molecules uniquely expressed when fallopian-tube-derived tumor cells were grown in the microenvironment of the ovary as a model of primary metastasis. The observed mass-to-charge ratios (m/z's) that were induced specifically in coculture represent small molecules that may contribute to the metastasis of HGSOC selectively to the ovary. Human fallopian tube epithelial HGSOC and tumorigenic murine oviductal epithelial cells, but not normal cell types, repeatedly induced a signal from the ovary at m/z 170. This signal was identified as norepinephrine, which was confirmed to stimulate invasion of ovarian cancer cells lacking wild-type p53. These molecules may reveal pathways that contribute to metastasis and biological targets for therapeutic intervention to block ovarian metastasis of fallopian-tube-derived HGSOC. The developed mass spectrometry method can be adapted to other mammalian-based model systems for investigation of untargeted metabolomics that facilitate metastasis.
EXAMINING THE DIMENSIONS OF BIOLOGICAL AGE

Biological age is an expression of physical condition during the lifespan, capturing the heterogeneity among individuals at any given chronological age. Quantification of biological age has been accomplished in various ways. Taking an approach that considers integrated function as an emergent property of an aging system, we have employed a frailty/deficit index for this purpose. This index encapsulates the variation in patterns of aging across groups and across individuals as an intrinsic feature of the measure. It also facilitates the identification of underlying mechanisms. One of these is the increased energetic demand of maintenance of integrated function with declining health in the elderly, which supports the premises underpinning the construction of the index. This mechanism operates differently in males and females, which is associated with different mitochondrial functions. Another mechanism lies at the interface with the environment, the gut microbiome, which adjusts its complexity in parallel with its host.
Unclassified renal cell carcinoma: diagnostic difficulties and treatment modalities

Over the past few decades, the classification system of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) variants has witnessed tremendous and ongoing refinement driven by genomic profiling and morphological correlation that have provided valuable insights into tumor biology and characterization of this heterogeneous subset of tumors. The importance of accurate classification cannot be understated given the downstream impact on treatment decisions, risk stratification, and need for genetic testing. While the morphologic heterogeneity across these tumors is increasingly being recognized, all non-clear-cell RCCs are commonly categorized under one therapeutic category with management strategies that largely derive from clear-cell RCCs. As research in metastatic RCC progresses, there is a growing focus on rare subtypes and unclassified tumors, which is rapidly changing the treatment paradigm for non-clear-cell RCC. This review focuses on the histomorphologic diagnostic challenges of unclassified RCCs discussing the utility of contemporary diagnostic tools. It further discusses the current state of knowledge and guidelines for management of this class of tumors.
Graphic Delhi: Narrating the Indian Emergency, 1975–1977 in Vishwajyoti Ghosh’s Delhi Calm

This paper examines the representation of the national Emergency (1975–1977) imposed by Indira Gandhi through the lens of Vishwajyoti Ghosh’s graphic novel Delhi Calm (2010). Declared on June 25, t...
Proceedings of the 2nd Workshop on Mobile Gaming

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 2015 ACM Workshop on Mobile Gaming -- MobiGames'15. In this second Mobile Gaming workshop, brings together practitioners as well as interested researchers to discuss the latest developments in this growing field. The mission of the workshop is to identify what has already been achieved, the challenges that lie ahead, and promising avenues forward. The call for papers attracted submissions from Asia, Canada, Europe, and the United States. Short Technical Papers Venue or Track Reviewed 8 Accepted 7 rate of 87% We also encourage attendees to attend the keynote. These valuable and insightful talk can and will guide us to a better understanding of the future: Mobile Gaming: The Road Ahead, Rajesh Balan (Singapore Management University).
PMC text mining subset in BioC: about three million full-text articles and growing.

Motivation Interest in text mining full-text biomedical research articles is growing. To facilitate automated processing of nearly 3 million full-text articles (in PubMed Central® Open Access and Author Manuscript subsets) and to improve interoperability, we convert these articles to BioC, a community-driven simple data structure in either XML or JavaScript Object Notation format for conveniently sharing text and annotations. Results The resultant articles can be downloaded via both File Transfer Protocol for bulk access and a Web API for updates or a more focused collection. Since the availability of the Web API in 2017, our BioC collection has been widely used by the research community. Availability and implementation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/research/bionlp/APIs/BioC-PMC/.
Leadership in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention : Insights from Long-Term Advocates

Leadership in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention blends the wisdom of numerous long-term professionals addressing drug and alcohol issues with helpful strategies and current science. Organized around the Pyramid of Success that emphasizes Competence, Confidence, and Commitment, this book offers practical and grounded approaches for better addressing substance abuse issues. Included are insights from 50 contributors, featuring professional perspectives from practitioners with decades of experience. While issues of substance abuse are not readily solved or cured, they can be better addressed – more effectively, more efficiently, and more appropriately. This timely resource offers a unique blend of science-based strategies and resourceful foundations for implementation. Designed for those working either directly or indirectly with problems associated with substance use disorders, this book will aid those in a wide variety of settings, whether in schools, communities, business, or government.
Biopolymer-Assisted Manufacturing of Aluminum–Copper Nanoparticle Composites with Enhanced Sinterability

Sintering is an essential step to obtain bulk components from aluminum powders, which enables powder metallurgy-based fabrication methods such as additive manufacturing technologies. Copper (Cu) ca...
Surgical Repair of a Neglected Patellar Tendon Rupture

Neglected ruptures of the patellar tendon are defined as ruptures presenting after at least six weeks and are often difficult to repair..
Pushing the limit on laminopathies.

Mutations in lamins in skeletal muscle cells have been shown to reduce nuclear stability, increase nuclear envelope rupture, and induce DNA damage and cell death. New research shows that limiting mechanical loads can rescue myofibre function and viability.
Postmortem Defamation in a Society Without Truth for the Living

Defamation law limits the private action for reputational injury to plaintiffs who are alive at the time of disparagement. In a novel reform proposal, Professor Don Herzog argues that we should extend defamation liability to disparaging statements about dead people. This Essay evaluates Herzog’s theory of postmortem reputational harm by focusing mainly on two counterarguments not addressed in his proposal: The first is that, since the election of President Trump, the modern political discourse has become so detached from the truth and callous about death that it is difficult to envision a moral obligation to protect postmortem reputational interests. The second distinguishes the consequentialist doctrine of testamentary intent from Herzog’s moral theory of postmortem defamation. This Review Essay concludes that, while society should indeed strive to recognize a moral obligation to protect decedents against reputational harm, we cannot do so without first restoring our commitments to truth-telling and respecting the solemnity of death.
Impact of Caregiving During Emerging Adulthood on Frequent Mental Distress, Smoking, and Drinking Behaviors: United States, 2015-2017.

Objectives. To examine associations between caregiving mental or behavioral health outcomes among emerging US adults, defined as persons aged 18 to 25 years.Methods. The study sample included emerg...
Ischemic Preconditioning-Mediated Signaling Pathways Leading to Tolerance Against Cerebral Ischemia

Cerebral ischemia, most notably in the form of stroke, is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality resulting in long-term disability in the USA. Approximately 800,000 strokes occur each year in the USA, and 87 % of all strokes in the world are caused by embolism, thrombosis, or systemic hemorrhage/hypoperfusion, all of which are a form of cerebral ischemia (Roger et al. 2011). The medical cost for the treatment of stroke in the USA was estimated to be $25 billion in 2007 (Roger et al. 2011). Due to this great burden, a fundamental understanding of cerebral ischemia and the inciting cellular dysfunction is imperative for the development of new therapies to combat this growing epidemic.
MEANINGS AND IMPACTS OF CONFEDERATE MONUMENTS IN THE U.S. SOUTH

How do citizens interpret contentious symbols that pervade their community? And what downstream effects does state protection of these symbols have on how citizens of different backgrounds feel they belong in their community? We approach these questions through the lens of race and Confederate monuments in the American South. We rely on two original surveys to illustrate 1) the symbolic meanings Americans attach to these monuments and 2) how state protection of them impacts residents’ feelings of belonging. We find that perceptions of Confederate monuments vary by race: White U.S. residents are drastically less likely to perceive them as symbolic of racial injustice than are Black U.S. residents. Further, state protection of Confederate monuments leads to a diminished sense of belonging among Blacks, while leaving Whites unaffected. This research moves beyond scholarship examining simple support for or opposition toward contentious symbols, developing a deeper understanding of what meaning those symbols can hold for individuals and what their impacts are on individuals’ feelings of belonging and engagement in their communities.
S-Box Design

Substitution boxes are central to symmetric ciphers. Many introductory cryptography books do not provide adequate coverage of this topic, in many cases no coverage at all. This is unfortunate, as s-boxes provide the primary source of nonlinearity in many symmetric ciphers. For this reason, it is important for the student of cryptography to have at least a basic knowldge of s-box design. In this chapter, we examine how s-boxes are designed, and we look at the DES s-boxes as well as the Rijndael s-box. This provides the reader with a working knowledge of s-box design.
Estimation of pore size distribution and permeability of shaly sands from induced polarization time spectra

Induced polarization decay curves contain much information, which consist of many exponential decay components. The singular value decomposition method makes it possible to transform induced polarization decay data into relaxation time spectra. The appropriate number of relaxation arrangement points in relaxation data inversion ranges from 32 to 64 The induced polarization relaxation time spectrum can be used to quantitatively estimate the pore size distribution of shaly sands saturated with the NaCl brine. Combining the average induced polarization relaxation time constant with the porosity can markedly improve the accuracy of determining the permeability over using total porosity from core measurements.
HDXplore: Automated Blackbox Testing of Brain-Inspired Hyperdimensional Computing

Inspired by the way human brain works, the emerging hyperdimensional computing (HDC) is getting more and more attention. HDC is an emerging computing scheme based on the working mechanism of brain that computes with deep and abstract patterns of neural activity instead of actual numbers. Compared with traditional ML algorithms such as DNN, HDC is more memory-centric, granting it advantages such as relatively smaller model size, less computation cost, and one-shot learning, making it a promising candidate in low-cost computing platforms. However, the robustness of HDC models have not been systematically studied. In this paper, we systematically expose the unexpected or incorrect behaviors of HDC models by developing HDXplore, a blackbox differential testing-based framework. We leverage multiple HDC models with similar functionality as crossreferencing oracles to avoid manual checking or labeling the original input. We also propose different perturbation mechanisms in HDXplore. HDXplore automatically finds thousands of incorrect corner case behaviors of the HDC model. We propose two retraining mechanisms and using the corner cases generated by HDXplore to retrain the HDC model, we can improve the model accuracy by up to 9%.
Report of a Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Positive Newborn after Delivery Despite Negative SARS-CoV-2 Testing on Both Parents

We present a case of a term infant born to an asymptomatic mother at a community hospital who required transfer to a local neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) immediately after birth for respiratory distress. The infant was tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at 24 hours of life by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing due to the absence of prenatal maternal COVID-19 testing and was found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 at that time. A second RT-PCR test was obtained on the infant on day of life (DOL) 4 and was also positive, confirming an accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 disease in the infant. Both the mother and father remained asymptomatic and concomitantly tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 on two separate occasions. The infant subsequently clinically improved and was discharged without any complications. This case raises the potential concern for two unreported newborn issues related to COVID-19. First, the potential unreliability of negative maternal COVID-19 testing surrounding the time of delivery as it relates to routine newborn testing and isolation needs, and second, if the negative material testing was accurate, this raises the concern for a potential case of nosocomial COVID-19 infection within the first 24 hours of life.
Fusion proteins form onco-condensates.

A spectrum of high-risk leukemias is caused by recurrent chromosomal translocations that result in the expression of fusion proteins. In a recent article in Nature, it has been demonstrated that the oncogenic properties of one such fusion, NUP98–HOXA9, are linked to its ability to self-associate and function through aberrantly phase-separated “onco-condensates.”
Real-time analysis of intraoperative delays and variations in intraoperative workflow with level of experience of the primary surgeon in small animal surgery.

OBJECTIVE To describe the causes of intraoperative delays and the changes in delays and surgical workflow with the level of training of the primary surgeon. STUDY DESIGN Prospective observational study. SAMPLE POPULATION Seventy-three small animal surgical procedures performed at an academic teaching institution between January 17, 2018 and April 10, 2018. METHODS Procedures (trainee = 37, faculty = 36) totaling 103.2 h were observed and video recorded. Operative time was allocated to the surgical approach, exploration, exposure, intervention, and closure phases. Suballocations were made to specific tasks within these categories (such as cutting or hemostasis). Intraoperative delays and reasons were recorded. Differences in use of time between trainee and faculty surgeons were analyzed. RESULTS Delays constituted 9.2% (±4.4) of the operative time, of which 6.5%(±3.6) were surgeon controlled and 2.6% (±2.7) were non-surgeon controlled. Surgeons preparing instrumentation outside of the operative field and retrieval of equipment from supply areas were the greatest contributors to delays. Intraoperative delays did not increase when the trainee was placed in the primary surgeon role (P = .78). During the approach faculty surgeons spent proportionally less time on hemostasis (P = .02), and during closure they spent less time suturing (P = .03) than trainees. CONCLUSION Trainee surgeons did not have greater intraoperative delays. Delays were created when surgeons prepared their own instrumentation. Workflow differed between experts and trainees. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Advancing a trainee surgeon into the primary role is unlikely to increase intraoperative delays, which can be reduced by the inclusion of trained scrub technicians. A focus on efficient hemostasis and fluidity when suturing may improve operative efficiency for surgical trainees.
The Extension Service as Key Mechanism for Research and Services Delivery for Prevention of Mental Health Disorders in Rural Areas

The extension service associated with each state's land grant institution is an important resource for both programming and conducting research for the prevention of mental health disorders. This paper briefly outlines the history and structure of the extention service and gives examples of relevant programming across the country related to mental health. Although this programming is relevant to both rural and urban settings, this paper focuses on prevention programs and research in rural areas. Next is a description of extension's potential contributions to the prevention research process at each step of the Institute of Medicine's Preventive Intervention Research Cycle, followed by an illustration of an effective partnership between a research team and extension. Some of the ways in which extension can assist in the research process include doing local needs assessment and determining prevalence rates of a particular problem, reviewing literature on risk and protective factors, providing input on particular communities' needs and characteristics, and becoming a trusted link between local citizens and the research community. The article concludes with barriers to such an effective partnership and ways of reducing those hindrances.
Uses of Information about Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with AIDS and Cancer

The term “health-related quality of life” (HRQL) generally refers to aspects of people’s lives that are important to them and that are directly related to, or affected by, their health or medical treatment (l–5). HRQL is related to the more general concept of “quality of life”, but is less inclusive (6–9). Thus, when we talk about measuring quality of life in medical studies, we usually are referring to factors that can be directly affected by the way care is provided.
Projective Joint Invariants for Matching Curves in Camera Networks

A novel method is presented for distributed matching of curves across widely varying viewpoints. The fundamental projective joint-invariants for curves in the real projective space are the volume cross ratios. A curve in m-dimensional projective space is represented by a signature manifold comprising n-point projective joint invariants, where n is at least m+2. The signature manifold can be used to establish equivalence of two curves in projective space. However, without correspondence information, matching signature manifolds is a computational challenge. Our approach in this chapter is to first establish best possible correspondence between two curves using sections of the invariant signature manifold and then perform a simple test for equivalence. This allows fast computation and matching while keeping the descriptors compact. The correspondence and equivalence of curves is established independently at each camera node. Experimental results with simulated as well as real data are provided.
The Impossibility of Full Carry Markets

The theories for the existence of futures markets, that of supply of storage, and normal backwardation, allow for the possibility of the relationship between futures and spot being at full carry under certain conditions (very high level of inventories for the former, and net short hedging equaling net long hedging in the latter). Using arbitrage arguments, it is shown that a market at full carry provides a free option to the cash and carry trader. The assumption of arbitrage free markets rules out the possibility of the existence of a free option. Since this option will be priced in the spread between the spot and futures prices, efficient markets preclude the existence of a full carry market. Regression and cointegration tests are used to show that the futures-spot relationship includes an option component.
Absorption of near-fields through hyperbolic metamaterials with finite thickness

We use spectral theory to analyze the radiation of elementary dipoles located close to homogeneous hyperbolic metamaterials (HMs) with finite thickness, focusing on the effect of losses in the HM. We show that for loss tangents (due to anisotropy) smaller than or equal to 10-1 the effect of the HM on dipole radiation is twofold: first, it induces an enhancement in the emitted power; second, most of this power is directed toward the HM itself. Then, we investigate the power scattered by a plasmonic nanosphere under plane wave incidence on top of a realistic multilayered HM with finite thickness. The multilayered HM, when homogenized, exhibits loss tangents of the same order of our previous analysis. We finally report that the multilayered HM enhances the nanosphere's scattered power, which is mainly directed toward the multilayered HM, in agreement with results relative to impressed dipoles.
Granular-bed filtration assisted by filter-cake formation: 1. Exploiting a new mode of soil failure for renewal of filtration surfaces in a panel bed

Abstract A new mode of soil failure can renew filtration surfaces in a bed of granular solid held in place by louvers mounted to provide a tall, narrow “panel bed” filter. A sharp “reverse” puff of gas (or pulse of a liquid), at sufficient intensity and not too long duration, produces a body movement of the solid capable of causing it to spill in a substantially uniform amount from each fluid-entry surface of the bed's face. The new phenomenon places the panel bed in contention to filter dirt from a gas (or from a liquid) wherein an accumulated filter cake becomes the primary locus for dust capture, by a sieving mechanism.
Paget’s Disease

Common condition (5% of older population) but frequently asymptomatic Abnormal bone turnover results in remodelling of bone shape and size Bony pelvis, femur and skull most frequently affected Radiographs demonstrate altered bone architecture, bone sclerosis and disorganised trabecular structure Although many cases asymptomatic, may cause bone pain. Increased risk of fracture and nerve, cord or brain compression. Osteosarcoma (0.1%) is a rare complication
Body-composition differences between African American and white women: relation to resting energy requirements

Background: Body composition differs between African American (AA) and white women, and the resting metabolic rate (RMR) is likely to be lower in AA women than in white women. Objective: We tested 2 hypotheses: that AA women have a greater proportion of low-metabolic-rate skeletal muscle (SM) and bone than do white women and that between-race musculoskeletal differences are a function of body weight. Design: Hypothesis 1 was tested by comparing SM, bone, adipose tissue, and high-metabolic-rate residual mass across 22 pairs of matched AA and white women. Magnetic resonance imaging and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were used to partition weight into 4 components, and RMR was both calculated from tissue-organ mass and measured. Hypothesis 2 was evaluated by measuring SM, bone, fat, and residual mass in 521 AA and white women with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry alone. Results: Hypothesis 1: AA women had greater SM (x SD group difference: 1.52 2.48 kg; P 0.01) and musculoskeletal mass (1.72 2.66 kg; P 0.01) than did white women. RMR calculated from body composition and measured RMR did not differ; RMR estimated by both approaches tended to be lower (160 kJ/d) in AA women than in white women. Hypothesis 2: SM was significantly correlated with weight, height, age, and race weight interaction; greater SM in the AA women was a function of body weight. Conclusions: Lower RMRs in AA women than in white women are related to corresponding differences in the proportions of heatproducing tissues and organs, and these race-related body-composition differences increase as a function of body weight. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;79:780 – 6.
The binding of porphyrin cytochrome c to yeast cytochrome c peroxidase. A fluorescence study of the number of sites and their sensitivity to salt.

1. Porphyrin c, the iron-free derivative of cytochrome c, is a reasonably good model for cytochrome c binding to cytochrome c peroxidase (CcP). It binds with the same stoichiometry but only one-quarter as tightly as cytochrome c. 2. CcP (resting, FeIII) and CcP · CN can both bind up to two molecules of porphyrin c. The binding of the first porphyrin c is tight (Kd= 1 × 10−9 M, pH 6, ionic strength μ= 0, 4°C) and results in quenching of the porphyrin c fluorescence. The binding is sensitive to ionic strength. The binding of the second porphyrin c is looser (Kd unknown) and does not result in quenching of the porphyrin fluorescence. The binding of porphyrin c to the cyano form and the resting forms of CcP cannot be distinguished by our methods. 3. ES is the first acceptor of electrons from c(II) and can bind at least two molecules of porphyrin c. The binding of the first porphyrin c is extremely tight, results in substantial quenching and is insensitive to ionic strength. The binding of porphyrin c to the loose site (Kd= 2 × 10−9 M, pH 6, 4°C, μ= 0) results, unlike the resting and cyano forms, in quenching of fluorescence of the second porphyrin c. The binding of the second porphyrin c to ES is sensitive to ionic strength. 4. The calculated distances between porphyrin c and the hemes of CcP(FeIII) and ES are approximately 2.5 nm.
Encryption and incrimination: The evolving status of encrypted drives

EDITOR'S SUMMARY Individuals use encryption to safeguard many valid and legal applications but also to hide illegal activity. Several legal cases have drawn the limits of self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment regarding providing passwords to access illegal information content, such as child pornography. The cases illustrate that certain knowledge of evidence amounts to a compelling need for access and that a subpoena for hard drive contents is more likely to succeed than requiring a witness to provide a password. Since known documents are not legally protected and biometric data can be compelled as evidence, there is no reason that known digital documents, biometric passwords, and by extension, alphanumeric passwords should not be compelled. Considering precedent and legal doctrine, individuals should resist giving law enforcement any passwords and be wary of sharing them. The question of encryption in criminal cases is under scrutiny and warrants citizens' concern.
A simple optimization technique for reducing mutual coupling between two coupled antennas

Proximate antennas such as in a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) system suffer from poor isolation and low efficiency. In this paper, a simple optimization technique to reduce mutual coupling between two closely coupled antennas is proposed. By introducing a connection line between the two ports, it is shown that the coupling can be substantially reduced. The proposed technique is relatively simple and easy in implementation.
Determination of the dipole moment of H3N-SO3 in the gas phase

Abstract The dipole moment of the partially bonded molecule H 3 N–SO 3 has been measured by microwave spectroscopy in the gas phase. The value obtained, 6.204(11) D, is over 4 times the sum of the individual monomer moments. The results are discussed in the context of recent speculations as to the complex's role in the nucleation of atmospheric aerosols.
Dynamic kinetic resolution during iron carbonyl promoted [6+2] ene-type reactions

Abstract Intramolecular coupling of cyclohexadiene–Fe(CO)3 complexes with pendant alkenes, to form spirolactams, proceed with excellent stereocontrol, using chiral amide substrates that lead to dynamic kinetic resolution.
Differing patterns of wheal and flare skin reactivity in patients allergic to the penicillins

We compared the immediate wheal and flare skin test reactivity to major and minor antigenic determinants from penicillin G, ampicillin, and methicillin in 240 patients. In 57 patients with positive skin tests to one or another of these drugs, a marked variability in the patterns of reactivity was noted. Among the major determinants, 24 patients reacted to only one drug, 5 to all three drugs, and 8 to two of the drugs. Among the minor determinants, 20 patients reacted to only one drug, 5 to all three drugs, and 9 reacted to two drugs. These results show that a positive skin test to one penicillin drug is not necessarily associated with positive reactions to all the penicillin drugs, indicating that skin test reagents to semisynthetic penicillins as well as to penicillin G may be useful.
Catalytic behavior of transition metal oxide in graphite gasification by oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide

Vanadium oxide is used as a model transition metal-oxide catalyst for the gasification of graphite by O2 H2O, and CO2. The following catalyst actions on the graphite basal plane are common in all three reactions: deep layer channeling, monolayer channeling, edge recession, and widening monolayer channeling. The steady-state oxidation states of vanadium in the reactions with CO2 and H2O are, respectively, V3O5 and V2O3 under the reaction conditions. The rate-limiting step in all channeling actions (for all three gasification reactions) is the oxidation on the surface of the metal oxide to increase the oxygen activity. Oxygen then diffuses through the nonstoichiometric metal-oxide particle to reach the carbon active sites where gasification takes place. (However, based on the channeling and TGA rate data, the catalyst surface oxidation is the rate-limiting step; the subsequent steps of diffusion of oxygen anion and CC bond breakage steps are not rate-limiting.) This mechanism can explain the fact that transition metal oxides are the most active catalysts for the C + O2 reaction but are only weakly active for the C + H2O and C + CO2 reactions. The origin of the phenomenon of the widening monolayer channels is attributed to the anisotropy of the catalyzed reactivities of two adjacent zigzag edges of graphite.
Reversing the Initial Phase Polarity in Biphasic Shocks: Is the Polarity Benefit Reproducible?

The effect of initial phase polarity (IPP) reversal using biphasic shocks on DFT at the time of implantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillator and the reproducibility of this effect during predischarge testing was evaluated in a randomized fashion. Twenty-two patients with ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation (VF) who received either the Medtronic 7219D (7 patients), 7219C (12 patients), 7223 (1 patient), or CPI Ventak MINI (2 patients) were studied. The DFT was determined in a randomized fashion at implantation and during predischarge testing using a binary search protocol. Initial shock was delivered at 12 J. If successful, subsequent shock was delivered at 6 J, following which the shock was incremented or decremented by 3 J depending upon the success. The DFT for right ventricular (RV)- and RV + IPP was 10.9 +/- 4.1 J and 11.1 +/- 4.0 J, respectively, at implant (P = ns) and 9.7 +/- 4.3 J and 8.4 +/- 6 J, respectively, (P = ns) at predischarge testing. Of the six patients who had better DFT with RV + at implantation, only one patient maintained the benefit during predischarge testing. The differences observed in IPP in individual patients may not be demonstrable during repeated testing. These findings may have implications on how these devices should be programmed.
Adsorption isotherms and heat capacity of 4He adsorbed on MgO smoke

Abstract Adsorption isotherms at temperatures of 4.23, 3.97, and 3.76 K, and heat capacity measurements for three coverages in the range between 1.0
Creatine kinase activity in normal and hypertrophied rabbit urinary bladder tissue (following partial outlet obstruction).

The urinary bladder depends on intracellular ATP to support a number of essential intracellular processes including contraction. The concentration of ATP is maintained by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, cytosolic glycolysis and the cytosolic activity of creatine kinase, the enzyme that catalysis the rapid transfer of a phosphate from creatine phosphate (CP) to ADP resulting in the formation of ATP.
Study of Equilibrium Properties of Cr(III)/Polyacrylamide Gels by Swelling Measurement and Equilibrium Dialysis

Discussion autour des problemes de gonflement et de synerese des gels avec le temps, en particulier au contact de saumures. La stabilite a long terme du gel est etudiee en fonction de la composition chimique et de la densite de reticulation, afin de tenter une quantification des phenomenes de gonflement et de synerese. L'efficacite de l'agent reticulant a former le reseau de gel (qui sert a reduire la permeabilite reelle apres balayage et ainsi a pousser le fluide vers des zones moins permeables) semble plutot reduite
Influence of Subsurface Hybrid Material Growth on the Mechanical Properties of Atomic Layer Deposited Thin Films on Polymers

The mechanical properties of atomic layer deposition (ALD) coatings play a key role in their long-term use as encapsulation barriers for organic-based, flexible, electronic devices. Nano-indentation characteristics and flexure testing of nanometer-scale alumina on polyamide 6 (PA6) films are investigated to determine the influence of a sub-surface hybrid layer formed during the ALD process. This hybrid layer is observed to affect the mechanical performance of the thin films, in particular at lower processing temperatures. This work has important consequences on how ALD materials need to be applied and evaluated on polymers for application as encapsulation barrier layers.
The pentad of cruft: A taxonomy of rhetoric used by Wikipedia editors based on the dramatism of Kenneth Burke

It is widely understood that negotiation and debate among editors is key to the Wikipedia’s system of governance. However, the role of rhetoric, the construction and application of argument, in this process is less well understood. In this paper, I attempt to move our understanding of the role of rhetoric on Wikipedia forward by proposing a taxonomy of rhetoric derived from Kenneth Burke’s dramatism. The proposed taxonomy will classify arguments first by the dominant ratio of elements from Burke’s pentad present in the argument (scene–act, act–agent, etc.), then by the vocabulary employed to make the argument (what Burke called the terministic screen), then by the scope of terms used. I then demonstrate how this taxonomy might be developed to describe the rhetoric of the Wikipedia community by employing it to classify a sample of arguments drawn from Wikipedia’s Articles for Deletion (AfD) process. Further development and application of the taxonomy proposed here could help us refine our understanding of how and why Wikipedia editors develop and deploy certain arguments, and which sorts of arguments have the most success in swaying Wikipedian debates.
Genetic and non-genetic determinants of raltegravir penetration into cerebrospinal fluid: a single arm pharmacokinetic study.

Background Antiretroviral drugs vary in their central nervous system penetration, with better penetration possibly conferring neurocognitive benefit during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) therapy. The efflux transporter gene ABCB1 is expressed in the blood-brain barrier, and an ABCB1 variant (3435C → T) has been reported to affect ABCB1 expression. The integrase inhibitor raltegravir is a substrate for ABCB1. We examined whether ABCB1 3435C → T affects raltegravir disposition into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and explored associations with polymorphisms in other membrane transporter genes expressed in the blood-brain barrier. Methods Forty healthy, HIV-negative adults of European descent (20 homozygous for ABCB1 3435 C/C, 20 homozygous for 3435 T/T, each group divided equally between males and females) were given raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 7 days. With the final dose, plasma was collected for pharmacokinetic analysis at 9 timepoints over 12 hours, and CSF collected 4 hours post dose. Results The 4-hour CSF concentration correlated more strongly with 2-hour (r(2)=0.76, P=1.12 x 10(-11)) than 4-hour (r(2)=0.47, P=6.89 x 10(-6)) single timepoint plasma concentration, and correlated strongly with partial plasma area-under-the-curve values (AUC0-4h r(2)=0.86, P=5.15 x 10(-16)). There was no significant association between ABCB1 3435C → T and ratios of CSF-to-plasma AUC or concentration (p>0.05 for each comparison). In exploratory analyses, CSF-to-plasma ratios were not associated with 276 polymorphisms across 16 membrane transporter genes. Conclusions Among HIV-negative adults, CSF raltegravir concentrations do not differ by ABCB1 3435C → T genotype but strongly correlate with plasma exposure. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00729924 http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00729924.