cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Irrelevant, overlooked, or lost? Trends in 20 years of uncited and low cited K-12 online learning articles

In this study, we analyzed a subset of uncited or low cited articles from the data reported in Arnesen, Hveem, Short, West, and Barbour (2019), who examined the trends in K-12 online learning articles from 1994 to 2016. We identified 62 articles that had 5 or fewer citations, and analyzed them for trends in authorship, publication outlets, dates of publication, and topics that could help explain their low citation numbers. We also analyzed topics to see what contribution they might have made and can still make to the field of K-12 online learning. We found that the majority of these articles had been published in many different, less well-known journals. We also found that these articles may have attracted fewer readers because they addressed topics that seemed to have a narrow focus, often outside of the United States. The articles were also authored by both well-known researchers in the field as well as a number of one-time authors. What we did not find were articles that were uninteresting, poorly researched, or irrelevant. Many of the articles described and discussed programs that grappled with and overcame some of the same challenges online learning still faces today: issues of interaction, community, technology, management, etc. Some of the early articles gave interesting insights into the history of K-12 online learning, especially as it involved rural learners and programs. Others addressed less mainstream but still interesting topics such as librarians in online learning, cross-border AP history classes, policies that helped or hindered the growth of online learning, and practical considerations of cost and access.
Patel lof emoral Rehabilitation

In this article, the development of physical potential of the patellofemoral joint and the extensor mechanism of the knee are discussed. An assumption will be made that careful history, physical examination, and any appropriate diagnostic tests have already been performed, and that the correct diagnosis has been made. Therapeutic exercise, both in general terms and as it specifically relates to the extensor mechanism of the knee, some biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint as they relate to rehabilitation, and, finally, a specific rehabilitation program for both the nonoperative and postoperative patellofemoral joints are discussed.
Methionine synthase supports tumor tetrahydrofolate pools

Mammalian cells require activated folates to generate nucleotides for growth and division. The most abundant circulating folate species is 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-methyl-THF), which is used to synthesize methionine from homocysteine via the cobalamin-dependent enzyme methionine synthase (MTR). Cobalamin deficiency traps folates as 5-methyl-THF. Here, we show using isotope tracing that methionine synthase is only a minor source of methionine in cell culture, tissues, or xenografted tumors. Instead, methionine synthase is required for cells to avoid folate trapping and assimilate 5-methyl-THF into other folate species. Under conditions of physiological extracellular folates, genetic MTR knockout in tumor cells leads to folate trapping, purine synthesis stalling, nucleotide depletion, and impaired growth in cell culture and as xenografts. These defects are rescued by free folate but not one-carbon unit supplementation. Thus, MTR plays a crucial role in liberating THF for use in one-carbon metabolism.
Turbulent boundary layer flow over two side-by-side wall-mounted cylinders: Wake characteristics and aerodynamic loads

The distinctive wake characteristics and aerodynamic loads of two side-by-side wall-mounted cylinders were experimentally studied under turbulent boundary layer flows with various gaps. Time-resolved particle image velocimetry was used to analyze the mean and unsteady wake features, whereas a high-resolution load cell was applied to measure the characteristics of lift and drag forces. The results show that the decrease in gap between two cylinders can effectively delay the wake recovery and suppress both the downwash and upwash flows near the top and bottom ends. Overall, with smaller gaps, the turbulence intensity near the top end becomes higher due to the stronger local velocity shear. The distribution of integral time scales indicates that the velocity fluctuations in the near wake region along the middle cylinder span are highly influenced by the local recirculation flows, whereas those near the top end are dominated by the mixing of boundary layer flows. By accounting the equivalent incoming velocity along the cylinder span, both lift and drag coefficient present a similar trend compared to the “infinite length” cylinder cases from previous works. Interestingly, different from cylinders with “infinite length,” no clear intermittency of aerodynamic loads was observed in the current work. This can be attributed to the suppression of two-dimensional vortex shedding due to the three-dimensional flow effects and strong background turbulence. The joint distribution of the lift and drag forces reveals that the lift fluctuations increase significantly with the growth of cylinder gaps, whereas that of drag force remains nearly constant.
Simulating Resonant Magnetization Reversals in Nanomagnets

Magnetization reversals in magnetic recording media are largely carried out by brute force: a field is applied opposite to the existing magnetization direction of some bit that has sufficient magnitude to nucleate a seed that then grows into an oppositely magnetized bit. The fields used are generally quite large, $\sim 10$ kG, requiring elaborate magnetic circuitry to keep the fields localized so they do not spill over onto neighboring bits. This situation is to be contrasted with the resonant magnetization reversals performed in NMR spin echo experiments in which r.f. fields of a few Gauss coherently reverse the magnetization in the presence of static fields of a few kG, by applying a so-called Pi pulse; two such pulses restores the original alignment.
Bilateral Cerebral Hyperperfusion Syndrome Following Carotid Artery Stenting in Stroke – A Case Report

Abstract Background Revascularization of the symptomatic carotid artery is performed with endarterectomy or stenting. Rarely, patients may develop cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) following revascularization. This usually occurs in the cerebral hemisphere ipsilateral to revascularized carotid stenosis. CHS rarely involves the contralateral hemisphere. Objective To present a case of CHS involving bilateral cerebral hemispheres following carotid artery stenting in acute ischemic stroke. Case description A 66-year-old woman presented with right side weakness and aphasia. National Institutes of Health stroke scale score was 27. CT angiogram/perfusion showed high grade left internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis, left middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, and increased time to peak in left MCA territory. She underwent mechanical thrombectomy with complete reperfusion. Left carotid artery stenting was performed for 85% cervical ICA stenosis with thrombus. She neurologically deteriorated and required intubation after the procedure. Follow-up CT perfusion at 18 hours after thrombectomy showed increased cerebral blood flow and early time to peak in bilateral MCA territories. CT head showed parenchymal hematoma in the left subcortical area with extension to the ventricle. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI on day 4 showed diffuse white matter hyperintensities in the entire right hemisphere, and left temporal and frontal lobes suggestive of vasogenic edema. Conclusion This case highlights bilateral cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome characterized by neurological worsening, imaging findings of parenchymal hemorrhage, vasogenic edema and increased cerebral blood flow without any new ischemic lesions. The involvement of bilateral hemispheres in the absence of significant contralateral carotid stenosis is unique in this case.
High-Dimensional Constrained Discrete Multi-objective Optimization Using Surrogates

This paper presents a multi-objective optimization algorithm for computationally expensive high-dimensional problems with ordinal discrete variables and many black-box constraints. The algorithm builds and maintains multiple surrogates to approximate each of the black-box objective and constraint functions. The surrogates are used to identify promising sample points for the function evaluations from a large number of trial solutions in the neighborhood of a current nondominated point. The proposed method is implemented using radial basis function (RBF) surrogates and is applied to the large-scale 3-car Mazda benchmark problem involving 222 discrete variables, 54 black-box inequality constraints and 2 objective functions using a simulation budget of only 15 times the number of decision variables. The proposed algorithm substantially outperforms an NSGA-II implementation for discrete variables and yields a remarkable improvement over an initial feasible design on the Mazda benchmark given the limited computational budget.
The Effectiveness of Contemporary Islamic Scholars in Tackling Pornography Addiction: A Case of Muslim Students in Britain

In the contemporary era, fatwas mostly contain derivative information from classical texts such as the Quran and Hadith. Fatwas are used to tackle pornography addiction while it may lack productivity in spreading innovative solutions among Muslim students. Failure to provide solid Islamic pornography rehabilitations and disfavouring to speak openly on pornography does not stop the prevalence of pornography among Muslim students. Therefore, the purpose is to explore the prevalence of pornography, its effect on Muslim students, and strategies to overcome pornography addiction. Through SPSS analysis, the numerical data shows that both Muslim male and female students view pornography regardless of its prohibitions. Some Muslim students are engaged in maladaptive behavior, affecting their spirituality, religion, and overall well-being (Ademola, 2017). The study, therefore, suggests alternative awareness programs to support Muslim students to overcome the struggles of pornographic addiction that is often too tempting to resist. Dealing with pornography per today's context perhaps will diminish the statistical rate of Muslim students watching pornography.
Predictive Solder Joint Reliability Modeling for Early Risk Assessment

The reliability of electronic product is a very important concern for customer and product users. These electronic packages are susceptible to solder joint failure arising from CTE mismatch and thermo-mechanical stresses during thermal cycling conditions. Hence, methods to improve and predict the service life of electronic packages are important challenges for on-going research on design for reliability. A robust and accurate life prediction model [1] is an effective engineering tool to accurately predict fatigue life of the package within a short time without resorting to perform expensive and time-consuming reliability life data collection. However, the life prediction accuracy of finite element simulation models is dependent on modeling assumptions, geometrical complexity, creep constitutive model of solder and fatigue life model calculation [2]–[8]. This paper examines how the accuracy of life prediction model is established by correlating the reliability test data with predicted SED (strain energy density) values in the simulation models (Fig. 2). The optimized life prediction model is verified with the measured reliability data of different packages for its accuracy. Given that solder joint failure is one of the major electrical failures during thermal cycling testing, it is imperative to establish an accurate life prediction model (Fig. 3) and understand how different package designs and material selection affect the solder joint integrity. Based on the finite element analysis, the resulting simulation findings will add insight in enhancing solder joint reliability against thermo-mechanical loading. Early risk assessment can also be performed to identify high-risk design which requires immediate attention as well as low-risk design which can be assessed to proceed with reduced qualification plan.
The Promise of Adjuvant Immunotherapy in Renal-Cell Carcinoma.

Renal-cell carcinoma is a common cancer in both men and women around the world. Although nephrectomy remains the standard care for patients with locally advanced renal-cell carcinoma, recurrence oc...
Single-nanoparticle spectroelectrochemistry studies enabled by localized surface plasmon resonance

This review describes recent progress of spectroelectrochemistry (SEC) analysis of single metallic nanoparticles (NPs) which have strong surface plasmon resonance properties. Dark-field scattering (DFS), photoluminescence (PL), and electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) are three commonly used optical methods to detect individual NPs and investigate their local redox activities in an electrochemical cell. These SEC methods are highly dependent on a strong light-scattering cross-section of plasmonic metals and their electrocatalytic characteristics. The surface chemistry and the catalyzed reaction mechanism of single NPs and their chemical transformations can be studied using these SEC methods. Recent progress in the experimental design and fundamental understanding of single-NP electrochemistry and catalyzed reactions using DFS, PL, and ECL is described along with selected examples from recent publications in this field. Perspectives on the challenges and possible solutions for these SEC methods and potential new directions are discussed.
The Fluid Field SLIP Model: Terrestrial-Aquatic Dynamic Legged Locomotion

This paper describes the development of a single reduced-order dynamic model that captures running on land, running while submerged, and for the first time swimming on the surface of water. By capturing the effect of fluid forces on both the body and the leg, the Spring-Loaded Inverted Pendulum (SLIP) model is extended to operate in amphibious and aquatic regimes. Three distinct stable motion patterns, or dog-paddle type gaits are identified when swimming at the air-water interface. The model shows that, for surfaces swimming, alteration of the leg stroke frequency and length produces gaits that are either smooth and efficient or are vertically oscillatory and exhibit rapid disturbance rejection. Furthermore, when the model is examined at the physical parameter values corresponding to dogs (specifically Labrador Retrievers), the animal-based control parameters demonstrate nearly optimal performance.
Evidence that pubertal status impacts kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin neurons in the gilt

Puberty onset is a complex physiological process which enables the capacity for reproduction through increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and subsequently luteinizing hormone (LH), secretion. While cells that coexpress kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) are believed to govern the timing of puberty, the degree to which KNDy neurons exist and are regulated by pubertal status remains to be determined in the gilt. Hypothalamic tissue from prepubertal and postpubertal, early follicular phase gilts was used to determine the expression of kisspeptin, NKB, and dynorphin within the ARC. Fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed that the majority (> 74%) of ARC neurons that express mRNA for kisspeptin coexpressed mRNA for NKB and dynorphin. There were fewer ARC cells that expressed mRNA for dynorphin in postpubertal gilts compared to prepubertal gilts (P < 0.05), but the number of ARC cells expressing mRNA for kisspeptin or NKB was not different between groups. Within KNDy neurons, mRNA abundance for kisspeptin, NKB, and dynorphin of postpubertal gilts was the same as, less than, and greater than, respectively, prepubertal gilts. Immunostaining for kisspeptin did not differ between prepubertal and postpubertal gilts, but there were fewer NKB immunoreactive fibers in postpubertal gilts compared to prepubertal gilts (P < 0.05). Together, these data reveal novel information about KNDy neurons in gilts and supports the idea that NKB and dynorphin play a role in puberty onset in the female pig.
Effect of Plastic Mulch Color on Tomato Production in High Tunnels

High tunnel production is increasing in Iowa as they provide protection from wind and frost and help extend the growing season. Although production aspects inside high tunnels are similar to field production, high tunnel environment is challenging especially when it comes to temperature management. During summer, temperatures rise fairly quickly in high tunnels and can detrimentally affect crop growth and development. It is not uncommon to see temperatures above 100o F inside high tunnels.
Non-gaussian non-hermitian random matrix theory: Phase transition and addition formalism

Abstract We apply the recently introduced method of hermitization to study in the large N limit non-hermitian random matrices that are drawn from a large class of circularly symmetric non-gaussian probability distributions, thus extending the recent gaussian non-hermitian literature. We develop the general formalism for calculating the Green function and averaged density of eigenvalues, which may be thought of as the non-hermitian analog of the method due to Brezin, ltzykson, Parisi and Zuber for analyzing hermitian non-gaussian random matrices. We obtain an explicit algebraic equation for the integrated density of eigenvalues. A somewhat surprising result of that equation is that the shape of the eigenvalue distribution in the complex plane is either a disk or an annulus. As a concrete example, we analyze the quartic ensemble and study the phase transition from a disk shaped eigenvalue distribution to an annular distribution. Finally, we apply the method of hermitization to develop the addition formalism for free non-hermitian random variables. We use this formalism to state and prove a non-abelian non-hermitian version of the central limit theorem.
U.S. homeland security and risk assessment

Abstract Risk is constitutive of homeland security policy in the United States, and the risk apparatus supports growing concentration of executive power, increased surveillance, and secrecy. For example, the Transportation Security Administration in the Department of Homeland Security employs risk assessment particularly against groups considered “other.” Using the work of mostly European scholars, especially the literatures about Foucault's governmentality and Beck's risk society, the paper combines theory with empirical work by governmental agencies on transparency, secrecy, and risk assessment methods used in the Department of Homeland Security, providing insight into the securitization of the American state. Risk is a means to futurize threats to the polity, to create the security imaginary, a fictionalization that creates a moral panic and a climate of fear in seeking to cope with uncertainty. With those limitations of risk in mind, we can question four important elements of risk in U.S. security practice: “connecting the dots”; the quantitative bases of risk assessment algorithms; how risk assessment tends to ignore the important if circular intentionality of terror; and the difficulties inherent in controlling populations by classification, especially other-ed populations. The paper concludes with suggestions about unmasking the uncertainty of risk assessment and enabling oversight of its practice by legislative, judicial, and public actors.
Transforaminal epidural steroid injection in the treatment of lumbosacral radicular pain caused by epidural lipomatosis: a case series and review.

Background Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) can cause radicular pain due to spinal nerve root impingement. While SEL decompression surgery can provide symptom relief, these patients are often poor surgical candidates due to elevated BMI or immunosuppression. Transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) has been attempted as an alternative treatment for patients with SEL who are unable to tolerate conservative medical treatment. To date, only two such cases have been reported in the literature. Objectives We report three additional cases of radicular pain associated with SEL, review the current literature on this condition, and describe the risks and benefits of using TFESI to treat radicular pain due to SEL. Methods We measured changes on the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and pain disability index (PDI) from presentation to 1-5 weeks after treatment with sequential TFESIs. Results Pain VAS scores improved by 50-75% and PDI scores improved 13-44 points. Conclusions This case series suggests that TFESI can provide modest short-term symptom relief of lumbosacral radicular pain and improvement in disability caused by SEL. Further study of non-operative management of SEL is warranted, given the high risk associated with surgery in this population.
Chapter 9 Biogenesis and Cell Surface Distribution of Acetylcholine Receptors Stably Expressed in Fibroblasts

Publisher Summary The ligand-gated family of receptor channels consists of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). Several stable cell lines have been established that express functional cell surface Torpedo AChRs using two different gene transfer methods: calcium phosphate-DNA-mediated cotransfection and viral infection. Muscle and neuronal AChR subunit genes and complementary DNA (cDNAs) have been isolated from a number of species. The AChR isolated from Torpedo californica electric organ are chosen for work for several reasons: (1) it is the most extensively studied and best characterized AChR, (2) it is the one for which the most structural information is available, and (3) many tools are available for its analysis, including the libraries of monoclonal antibodies containing subunit- and conformation-specific antibodies. Using cotransfection, viral infection, or a combination of the two techniques, cell lines expressing one, two, three, or four different AChR subunits are established. Having cell lines expressing individual subunits has been of great use in analyzing biosynthesis, posttranslational processing, transport, and whether subunits form stable self-associations. In cell lines expressing all four subunits, fully functional, cell surface AChRs are expressed that can be easily analyzed using biochemical, pharmacological, immunological, or electrophysiological techniques.
Cortical synchronization mechanism for “pop-out” of salient image contours

We present a model based on long-range intra-cortical connections which computes the salience of contours in a visual scene. The model accounts for a number of psycho-physical and physiological results on contour salience, and provides a mechanism for several of the Gestalt laws of perceptual organization. In the model, cells lying on smooth contours facilitate each other, and strongly facilitated cells enter a “bursting” model. Horizontal connections allow bursting cells to synchronize, and perceptual salience is defined by the level of synchronized activity. In particular, we propose that the intrinsic properties of synchronization account for the increased salience of smooth, closed contours
CO luminosity functions for far-infrared- and B-band-selected galaxies and the first estimate for Omega(H I+H2)

We derive a nonparametric CO luminosity function using an FIR- and an optical B-band-selected sample of the galaxies included in the FCRAO Extragalactic CO Survey. The FIR-selected sample is defined using the IRAS bright galaxy samples (BGS; IRAS 60 μm flux density ≥5.24 Jy). Although our CO sample is not complete, the normalization using the BGS reproduces the IRAS 60 μm luminosity function in excellent agreement with those found in the literature. Similarly, a B-band-selected sample defined using the Revised Shapley-Ames catalog is used to derive a CO luminosity function for a comparison. A Schechter function describes both the derived CO luminosity functions reasonably well. Adopting the standard CO-to-H2 conversion factor, we derive a molecular gas density of ρ = (3.1 ± 1.2) × 107 h M☉ Mpc-3 for the local volume. Combining with the measurements of the local H I mass density and the helium contribution, we estimate that the total mass density of cold neutral gas in the local universe is Ωgas = (4.3 ± 1.1) × 10-4 h-1, which is about 20% of the total stellar mass density Ω*.
Abstract W P263: Rapidly Resolving Symptoms..Stop the Race! No Symptoms, No Alteplase!

Background: Research has shown that one-third of patients not treated with thrombolytic therapy due to minor or rapidly improving symptoms have poor outcomes that are considered disabling. The purpose of this study was to determine if opportunities were missed to treat with Alteplase. Research Question: What is the outcome of patients arriving to the emergency room with symptoms of an ischemic stroke not treated with Alteplase because of rapidly improving symptoms? Method: A retrospective analysis of patients between January 2012 and February 2013 with ischemic stroke or TIA, whose ICD-9 coding at discharge is in alignment with the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. STK 4 from the Joint Commission was used to define the population. Patients with documentation from the physician stating that no Alteplase was given due to rapidly resolving symptoms were included. Magnetic resonance imaging and National Institute of Health scores were used along with clinical symptoms to diagnose potential stroke. Results: Of 47 patients reviewed, 34% had positive imaging and were coded with an ischemic stroke code and 66% had negative imaging and were coded with a transient ischemic attack code. Of the 34% with positive imaging, 38% were discharged to home with home health for therapy follow-up. Of the 66% with negative imaging, 19% were discharged home with home health for therapy follow-up. Of the 47 patients, 6% had a National Institute of Health stroke scale score of 1-3 with positive imaging and 4% had a score of 4 or greater with positive imaging.13% had a score of 0 on admit and 0 on discharge with positive imaging. Conclusion: We found a third of patients who did not receive Alteplase due to rapidly resolving symptoms did have a stroke and several required therapy services after discharge for residual deficits that were potentially disabling. In addition, the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale was not consistently beneficial in diagnosing acute stroke for patients with normal or low scores who were ultimately diagnosed with stroke.
Updating the FORECAST formative evaluation approach and some implications for ameliorating theory failure, implementation failure, and evaluation failure

Historically, there has been considerable variability in how formative evaluation has been conceptualized and practiced. FORmative Evaluation Consultation And Systems Technique (FORECAST) is a formative evaluation approach that develops a set of models and processes that can be used across settings and times, while allowing for local adaptations and innovations. FORECAST integrates specific models and tools to improve limitations in program theory, implementation, and evaluation. In the period since its initial use in a federally funded community prevention project in the early 1990s, evaluators have incorporated important formative evaluation innovations into FORECAST, including the integration of feedback loops and proximal outcome evaluation. In addition, FORECAST has been applied in a randomized community research trial. In this article, we describe updates to FORECAST and the implications of FORECAST for ameliorating failures in program theory, implementation, and evaluation.
Short-distance symmetries, the axial anomaly, and the conformal group

We discuss symmetry at small distances, focusing in particular on the implementation of the conformal group. In the framework of a theory which generates strong interactions from a non-Abelian gauge group, we show that the existence of the axial anomaly - which determines the amplitude for $pi$$sup 0$ $Yields$ 2$gamma$ - as well as the nonrenormalization theorem for this anomaly are consequences of conformal symmetry. (AIP)
Charge Generation and Transport in CdSe Semiconductor Quantum Dot Solids

We demonstrate photoconductivity and conductivity in three-dimensional close-packed solids of colloidal CdSe quantum dots. We observe quantum dot size and surface passivation dependent photoconductivity that can be qualitatively understood by considering the energy required in order to overcome the Coulomb energy of the initial electron-hole pair. Our results suggest that surface ligands that promote initial separation of the electron and hole reduce the electric field required for the onset of the photocurrent. The dark conductance is much smaller than the photoconductance. Hysteretic behaviour and extremely long-lived current transients are observed in the dark current that are suggestive of Coulomb-glass behaviour.
Dynamic Adjustment in a Numerically Simulated Mesoscale Convective System: Impact of the Velocity Field

Abstract An identical twin methodology is applied to a three-dimensional cloud model to study the dynamics of adjustment in deep convective storms. The principal goal is to diagnose how mass and velocity fields mutually adjust in order to better understand the relative information content (value) of observations, the physical interdependency among variables, and to help in the design of dynamically consistent analyses to ensure smooth startup of numerical prediction models. Using a control simulation (“truth” or “nature” run) of an idealized long-lived bow echo convective system, a series of adjustment experiments is created by resetting, in various combinations, the horizontal and vertical velocity components of the control run to their undisturbed base state values during the mature stage of storm system evolution. The integrations then are continued for comparison against the control. This strategy represents a methodology for studying transient response to an impulsive perturbation in a manner concept...
A kinetic study on the structural and functional roles of lanthana in iron-based high temperature water–gas shift catalysts

Abstract The structural and functional roles of varying amounts of lanthana in co-precipitated high temperature Fe2O3/Cr2O3/CuO water–gas shift catalysts were studied at 1 atm and 350–425 °C temperature range. Addition of 0.5 wt% of lanthana enhanced the reducibility of the catalyst, increased its surface area and its WGS activity from 24 to 31 mmol CO/(gcat min), and reduced the deactivation rate at 400 °C from 23% to 11% relative to a similar catalyst with no lanthana. XRD results suggested that 0.5 wt% of lanthana stabilized the iron–chromium cubic spinel structure most efficiently under the operating conditions; however, further additions appeared to disrupt the spinel structure and degrade the performance of the catalysts. The power-law and Langmuir–Hinshelwood models provided much better fits to the rate data than either the redox or the Eley–Rideal models, suggesting that the reaction tends to follow an adsorptive mechanism. The CO adsorption equilibrium constant was largest for the catalyst with 0.5 wt% lanthana, indicating that the addition of lanthana might facilitate CO adsorption. Water inhibited the reaction as it strongly adsorbed on the catalyst surface.
Assessment of the role of an omega loop of cholesterol oxidase: a truncated loop mutant has altered substrate specificity.

The function of an active site loop (70−90) of cholesterol oxidase has been ascertained by deleting five contiguous residues (79−83) from the tip of the loop. From the crystal structure of the wild-type enzyme, it appears that this truncation will not significantly perturb the structure of the rest of the enzyme. The UV/vis and CD spectra of the mutant confirm that the enzyme is properly folded with FAD bound. The mutant enzyme still transfers 2H from the 4β-carbon of the intermediate, cholest-5-en-3-one, to the 6β-carbon of the product, cholest-4-en-3-one, during isomerization. The kcat/Km of the mutant is increased 6-fold with dehydroepiandrosterone as substrate. Thus, the enzyme is still catalytically active after deletion of the five loop-tip residues. With micellar cholesterol, the kcat/Km of the mutant is decreased 170-fold relative to wild type. This suggests that the tip of the loop is necessary for packing with the “tail” of cholesterol and is responsible for substrate specificity at C17. Increas...
Generalized linear model selection using R2

Abstract The problem of model selection in generalized linear models amounts to selecting a subset of useful covariates from a set of possible covariates and choosing a link function from a set of possible link functions. A model selection procedure based on a modified R 2 statistic is proposed. Like in linear models, R 2 statistics in generalized linear models are used to quantify the proportion of variance in the response explained by covariates. Model selection using R 2 statistics is natural for investigators who are familiar with the use of R 2 statistics. The modified R 2 statistic is obtained by introducing an extra penalty term on the complexity of the candidate model. Under weak conditions, the proposed procedure is shown to be consistent in the sense that with probability tending to one (as the sample size increases) the selected model equals the optimal model between the response and covariates. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed procedure in finite sample applications.
Overview of renal bone disease: causes of treatment failure, clinical observations, the changing pattern of bone lesions, and future therapeutic approach.

Divalent ions, metabolism abnormalities, and hyperparathyroid bone disease noted in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) develop early in the course of renal insufficiency. In the last two decades, therapy has focused mostly in treating the bone lesion as well as controlling the secondary hyperparathyroidism. However, recent large epidemiologic studies have highlighted the importance of both hyperphosphatemia and an increase in the calcium burden as major factors leading to the high mortality rate of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients [1–3]. Furthermore, a recent study strongly suggests the high mortality rate may be due to an increase in cardiac events [4]. In the present manuscript, the causes for the failure of the original therapeutic goals will be discussed first; the changing pattern in the bone lesions will be assessed second; and third, future therapeutic approaches will be explored, with special emphasis in early therapy and avoiding the cardiovascular abnormalities recently noted in CKD patients.
The in vitro restriction of the replicative form of W.T. and mutant fd phage DNA.

Abstract Tritium- and 32 P-labeled replicative form DNA of wild-type and restriction-site mutants of the male specific phage fd were used as substrates for purified Escherichia coli B restriction endonuclease and the products of the reaction were analyzed by zonal centrifugation. The products of the endonuclease-treated unmodified wild-type RF DNA were found to be two fragments about one-third and two-thirds the size of the genome. The product of the endonuclease-treated unmodified RF DNA of mutants partially resistant to in vivo restriction was a single linear molecule. The unmodified RF of phage mutants totally resistant to in vivo restriction was undegraded by the E. coli B restriction endonuclease. These observations confirm the hypothesis of Arber and Kuhnlein (1967) that the wild-type phage genome has two sites (each of which consists of a limited sequence of base pairs), sensitive to the E. coli B restriction endonuclease and mutational alteration of one or both sites results in mutants either partially or completely resistant to E. coli B restriction. All of the seven independently altered sites were found to be insensitive to both steps of the restriction endonuclease attack; i.e., no single strand phosphodiester bond cleavages were detected. However, by using nitrocellulose membrane filters to measure the interaction of the B restriction endonuclease with fd RF DNA, we found that one of the mutant RF formed measurable amounts of enzyme-substrate complexes. In one other case no measurable complexes were formed between the endonuclease and a mutant restriction site. This suggests that the restriction endonuclease relies on the proper sequence of base pairs for recognition (formation of enzymesubstrate complex) and for the enzymatic cleavage of phosphodiester bonds.
Beyond O. J.: Examining Race Relations in the Workplace

Public events frequently occur that raise issues about race relations in the workplace. This article describes a diversity exercise centered on a classroom skit about reactions to a highly publicized event, the O. J. Simpson murder trial. The skit may be adapted for future use to examine three issues: (a) how members of different races and cultures communicate in the workplace, (b) what needs to happen for these communications to have a positive rather than a negative affect on race relations, and (c) how critical public events may become tools for learning about workplace relationships between people of different races and cultures.
Sol-gel synthesis of silicalite/γ-alumina granules

Spherical silicalite/γ-Al2O3 composite granules of about 2 mm in diameter were prepared by a sol−gel process from a mixture of the stable boehmite and silicalite sols. The stable silicalite sol was prepared by a hydrothermal method. Silicalite/γ-Al2O3 composite granules with a zeolite content of up to 70 wt % were formed by the sol−gel “oil-drop” process in which a paraffin oil and ammonia solution were used as the media to facilitate shape forming and consolidation of the gel structure. The sol−gel-derived silicalite/γ-Al2O3 granules have a pore structure reassembling that of a mixture of silicalite and γ-Al2O3 powders. The crush strength of the sol−gel-derived silicalite granules is about six times that of a similar commercial silicalite granule. In addition, the sol−gel-derived silicalite/γ-Al2O3 granules exhibit better sorption properties for SO2 at a lower SO2 partial pressure than pure silicalite powder.
Synthesis of a new photoaffinity probe, 5-azido-[32P]UDPxylose, by UDPglucuronate carboxylyase from wheat germ.

The enzyme, UDPglucuronic acid carboxylyase (EC 4.1.1.33, was extensively purified from wheat germ, and was used to convert 5-azido-[32P]UDPglucuronic acid to 5-a~ido-[~~P]UDPxylose, for use as a new photoaffinity probe. The carboxylyase was purified approximately 1200-fold using conventional methods, and the enzyme preparation, at the final stage of purification, was stable to storage at -20°C for at least 9 months with little or no loss of activity. The partially purified carboxylyase catalyzed the conversion of 5-azido- [32P]UDPglucuronic acid to 5-a~ido-[~~P]UDPxylose in good yield, and the UDPxylose probe was purified by ion-exchange chromatography, and characterized. The newly synthesized photoaffinity analog, 5-a~ido-[~~P]UDPxylose, should be a valuable tool in the purification of various xylosyltransferases.
Plasmonics in the ultraviolet with the poor metals Al, Ga, In, Sn, Tl, Pb, and Bi

We discuss how the poor metals Al, Ga, In, Sn, Tl, Pb, and Bi can be used for plasmonics in the near to far ultraviolet (UV) range, similar to the noble metals Ag and Au in the visible (Vis) range. We first discuss the empirical dielectric functions of the poor metals, contrasting them with Ag and Au, and also fitting them to a Drude and multiple Lorentz oscillator form. Using Mie theory, we then compare the optical responses of spherical poor metal nanoparticles to noble metal ones. Finally, nanoparticle dimers are studied using a vectorial finite element method. We show how the poor metals exhibit large electric field enhancements in the UV, comparable to Au in the Vis, which makes them particularly attractive for sensing applications, such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
Pericardial agenesis and focal aplasia cutis in tetrasomy 12p (Pallister‐Killian syndrome)

We report a stillborn female infant with multiple internal and external anatomic abnormalities and mosaicism for isochromosome 12p. These abnormalities included webbed neck, low-set ears, lower jaw tooth bud, left simian crease, shield chest, focal aplasia cutis, diaphragmatic hernia, hypoplastic lungs, agenesis of pericardium, and Meckel's diverticulum. Karyotypic analysis on cord blood lymphocytes showed 10% mosaicism of 46,XX/47,XX, + i(12p), and analysis of skin fibroblasts showed 50% mosaicism for the same karyotype. The parental karyotypes were normal. There are many reported cases describing the anomalies seen in isochromosome 12p. None of these cases, however, have displayed pericardial agenesis or aplasia cutis. The clinical and cytogenetic features of Pallister-Killian syndrome are reviewed.
Interstrain variation in the deoxynucleotide composition of : nucleotide composition of

The deoxynucleotide (dNMP) composition of ten strains of C. neoformans was analysed by 32P-labelling and two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography. This technique is very sensitive for detecting rare deoxynucleotide adducts and analogues (minor bases) in DNA. The results indicate considerable variation among strains in DNA nucleotide composition.
Atomic-Beam studies of nuclear properties of some rare-earth isotopes

A study has been made of the nuclear spins $I$ and hyperfine structures of several radioactive isotopes in the rare-earth region. The nuclear-spin determinations are ${\mathrm{Pr}}^{143}(I=\frac{7}{2})$, ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{149}(I=\frac{5}{2})$, ${\mathrm{Tb}}^{161}(I=\frac{3}{2})$, ${\mathrm{Ho}}^{161}(I=\frac{7}{2})$, and ${\mathrm{Er}}^{165}(I=\frac{5}{2})$. The measured hyperfine constants are: for ${\mathrm{Er}}^{171}$, $|A|=197.0(2.9)$ Mc/sec, $|B|=3646(106)$ Mc/sec, $\frac{B}{A}g0$; and for ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{171}$, $|A|=372.1(5.9)$ Mc/sec; and the moments inferred from them are: for ${\mathrm{Er}}^{171}$, $|{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{I}|=0.70(5)$ nm, and for ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{171}$, $|{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{I}|=0.227(5)$ nm. A discussion of these values in terms of the various nuclear models is included.
On the smallest number with a given number of divisors

For a natural number \(n\), let \(A(n)\) denote the smallest natural number that has exactly \(n\) divisors. Let \(p_{1}p_{2}\ldots p_{k}\) be the prime decomposition of \(n\) where the primes are given in decreasing order and the factors are not necessarily distinct. If \(q_{1},\ldots ,q_{k}\) denote the first \(k\) primes and \(A(n)=q_{1}^{p_{1}-1}\ldots q_{k}^{p_{k}-1}\), we say that \(n\) is ordinary. If \(n\) is not ordinary, we say it is extraordinary. In Brown (2006), it was shown that almost all numbers are ordinary and if \(E_{x}\) denotes the set of extraordinary numbers less than or equal to a positive real number \(x\), \(|E_{x}|=o\left( \frac{x}{2^{(\log (\log x))^{\delta }}}\right) \) for any \(\displaystyle 0<\delta <1/2\). In what follows, we will prove that \(\displaystyle |E_x|=\frac{x}{\log x}e^{\Psi (x)}\) where \(\displaystyle \Psi (x)\sim \frac{1}{2\log 2}\frac{\log _{(3)}^2x}{\log _{(4)}x}\) and \(\displaystyle \log _{(r)}x\) denotes the \(r\)-times iterated natural logarithm. We make use of the Prime Number Theorem as well as estimates of the size of sets where the number of total prime factors or distinct prime factors is fixed.
Some Observations on Conductivity and Flocculation in Bismuth Subnitrate Suspensions

AbstractBismuth subnitrate suspensions from 2 to 6% solids were flocculated with monobasic potassium phosphate. Their conductivity appeared to follow colloid theory as judged by the linear relationship observed between the suspension conductivity and the supernatant conductivity. However, no correlation was observed between this relationship and flocculation behavior. An alternate plotting technique revealed a correlation between flocculation and conductivity. The onset of flocculation as determined by sediment heights and optical microscopy was observed to coincide with a discontinuity in a conductivity versus electrolyte concentration plot. For bismuth subnitrate suspensions prepared with either potassium or aluminum chloride there was observed a gradual change in the state of aggregation from nonflocculated to flocculated on aging. This change was correlated with changes in the suspension conductivity and was interpreted on the basis of a hydrolysis of bismuth subnitrate catalyzed by chloride ions. Pre...
Polyurethane Rigid Foam Derived from Reduced Sweet Whey Permeate

Low-pressure propoxylation of reduced whey permeate (RWP) with different water contents (12.7 and 33.4%) under alkaline conditions afforded polyether polyols (PEP) which have been characterized by their 1H-NMR, HPLC, hydroxyl number, viscosity, unsaturation content, and alpha color. The results were compared with those from lactitol- and sucrose-based polyether polyols (LPEP and SPEP, respectively). Compared with LPEP and SPEP, polyether polyols from reduced whey permeate (RWP-PEP) showed relatively higher hydroxyl number, lower viscosity, and a similar degree of unsaturation. RWP-PEP was generally darker in color. In addition, polyurethane rigid foams (PURFs) from RWP-PEP, LPEP, and commercial sucrose−glycerin-based polyols (Voranol-PEP) were prepared and characterized. All PURFs made from RWP-PEP have low densities (from 28 to 29 kg/m3) and high closed cell contents (>73%). Compressive strength ranged from 13 to 17 kg × 1000/m2 at 10% deformation. These foams have similar thermal stability as the commer...
Pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic analysis of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in patients with severe sepsis

Objective We aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drotrecogin alfa (activated) (recombinant human activated protein C) in patients with severe sepsis. Methods Patients (N = 1690) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial received a 96-hour infusion of placebo (n = 840) or drotrecogin alfa (activated) (n = 850), 24 μg · kg−1 · h−1. Plasma samples from 680 patients were collected for pharmacokinetic assessment. Pharmacodynamic effects on activated partial thromboplastin time, D-dimer, protein C, and interleukin 6 were analyzed by drotrecogin alfa (activated) steady-state plasma concentration (Css) quartile. Results Transient endogenous activated protein C concentrations above 10 ng/mL were observed in 11 placebo-treated patients (3.3%). In drotrecogin alfa (activated)-treated patients, the median Css was 44.9 ng/mL and the median plasma clearance (CLp) was 40.1 L/h. Css was reached within 2 hours after the infusion was started. Plasma concentrations were below the assay quantitation limit of 10 ng/mL within 2 hours after the infusion was stopped in 92% of patients. CLp increased with increasing body weight, so infusion rates should be based on predose body weight. Mean CLp associated with age, sex, or baseline hepatic or renal function differed by less than 30% from the mean CLp in all patients and resided within the interquartile range of CLp in all patients. Dose adjustment is not required on the basis of these factors alone or in combination. No correlation was detected between Css quartile and bleeding risk or the magnitudes of effect on biomarkers of coagulopathy (D-dimers and protein C) and inflammation (interleukin 6). Conclusions Plasma concentrations of drotrecogin alfa (activated) attain steady state rapidly after the infusion is started and decline rapidly after the infusion is stopped. The infusion rate should be based on predose body weight and not on any other demographic or baseline clinical covariate. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2002) 72, 391–402; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2002.128148
A network model for incompressible two‐fluid flow and its numerical solution

In this paper we consider an incompressible version of the two-fluid network model proposed by Porsching (Nu. Methods Part. Diff. Eq., 1, 295–313 [1985]). The system of equations governing the model is a mixed system of differential and algebraic equations (DAEs). These DAEs are then recast, through proper transformation, into a system of ordinary differential equations on a submanifold of ℝn, for which uniqueness, existence, and stability theorems are proved. Numerical simulations are presented.