cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison between Lotka-Volterra and Multivariate Autoregressive models of ecological interaction systems

O_LILotka-Volterra (LV) and Multivariate Autoregressive (MAR) models are computational frameworks with different mathematical structures that have both been proposed for the same purpose of extracting governing features of dynamic interactions among coexisting populations of different species from observed time series data. C_LIO_LIWe systematically compare the feasibility of the two modeling approaches, using four synthetically generated datasets and seven ecological datasets from the literature. C_LIO_LIThe overarching result is that LV models outperform MAR models in most cases and are generally superior for representing cases where the dependent variables deviate greatly from their steady states. A large dynamic range is particularly prevalent when the populations are highly abundant, change considerably over time, and exhibit a large signal-to-noise ratio. By contrast, MAR models are better suited for analyses of populations with low abundances and for investigations where the quantification of noise is important. C_LIO_LIWe conclude that the choice of either one or the other modeling framework should be guided by the specific goals of the analysis and the dynamic features of the data. C_LI Availability of algorithms usedhttps://github.com/LBSA-VoitLab/Comparison-Between-LV-and-MAR-Models-of-Ecological-Interaction-Systems
Learning presence and the reconceptualization of language and literacy teachers’ online professional development

Besides teaching the way they were taught, teachers teach the way they learned (Oleson & Hora, 2014). Thus, if the teachers are to be guided to teach online effectively, their learning experiences and the ways they learn online need to be understood. The study focuses on second/foreign language and literacy teachers’ (LLTs) “Learning Presence” (LP) as they engaged online to update their teaching expertise in a formal professional development program leading to a doctorate in education. Shea et al. (2014) defined LP as individuals’ self- and co-regulation of their behaviors in online environments in order to be effective learners. We undertook a qualitative research approach involving a content analysis of 9 weeks of online seminar discussions, a 27-question survey that corresponded to Shea et al.’s (2014) Learning Presence indicators and interviews with the LLTs. The findings demonstrated the nature of online engagement of the LLTs as teachers at the doctoral level including peer-to-peer and heterarchical learning. They also showcased LLTs LP patterns as they straddled and worked to achieve professionalization and professionalism goals. Finally, we reflected on the impact of the research’s findings in modifying three models of effective professional development (PD) programs, developed by Darling-Hammond et al.’s (2017) and by Richardson and Diaz Maggioli (2018) model for teachers in general and English language teachers respectively. Finally, we also looked at the impact of the findings on the Authors’ (2021) model that emerged from their two-year research on the informal PD of the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages.
A Cultural Theory of International Relations: The ancient world

This is aretē (excellence), the best possession that man can have, The noblest thing that a young man can endeavor to win. Tyrtaeus Honor is a great thing for the sake of which people will make every conceivable effort and face every conceivable danger. Xenophon Honor is clearly the greatest of external goods. Aristotle What else is an enemy but a perpetual opportunity for you to show your mettle and win glory? Camillus Classical Greece (480–325 BCE) is the first of my historical cases in which to demonstrate the power of the spirit and the central role it played in politics, foreign policy and international relations. It is an “easy” case because Greeks and modern-day scholars alike consider it a society in which honor was an important, if not the most important, value for the elite. The quote from Aristotle above expresses a belief that would have met little dissent from fifth- and fourth-century aristocrats, and a nod of agreement from citizens of other Greek city states. Although it is an “easy” case, it is a theoretically productive one because of the many differences between it and the Homeric ideal-type honor society. These differences, and the complexities to which they give rise, provide additional insights into the nature of honor societies, their tensions and the interaction between the spirit and other motives. The polis emerged in the archaic age (750–480 BCE), by which time Greeks already had a sense of common identity.
WE-AB-204-01: Performance Characterization of Regularized-Reconstruction Algorithm for 90Y PET/CT Images

Purpose: 9⁰Y PET/CT imaging and quantification have recently been suggested as an approach of treatment verification. However, due to low positron yield (32ppm), the 9⁰Y-PET/CT images are very noisy. Iterative reconstruction techniques that employ regularization, e.g. block sequential regularized expectation maximization (BSREM) algorithm (recently implemented on GE scanners – QClear™), has the potential to increase quantitative accuracy with lower noise penalty compared to OSEM. Our aim is to investigate the performance of RR algorithms in 9⁰Y PET/CT studies. Methods: A NEMA IEC phantom filled with 3GBq 9⁰YCl₂ (to simulate patient treatment) was imaged on GE-D690 for 1800s/bed. The sphere-to-background ratio of 7. The data were reconstructed using OSEM and BSREM with PSF modeling and TOF correction while varying the iterations (IT) from 1–6 with fixed 24subsets. For BSREM, the edge-preservation parameter (γ ) was 2 and the penalty-parameters (β) was varied 350–950. In all cases a post-reconstruction filter of 5.2mm (2pixel) transaxial and standard z-axis were used. Sphere average activity concentration (AC) and background standard deviation (SD) were then calculated from VOIs drawn in the spheres and background. Results: Increasing IT from 1to6, the %SD in OSEM increased from 30% to 80%, whereas %SD in BSREM images increased by <5% for all βs. BSREM with β=350 didn’t offer any improvement over OSEM (convergence of mean achieved at 2 IT, in this study). Increasing β from 350 to 950 reduced the AC accuracy of small spheres (<20mm) by 10% and noise from 40% to 20%, which resulted in CNR increase from 11 to 17. Conclusion: In count-limited studies such as 9⁰Y PET/CT, BSREM can be used to suppress image noise and increase CNR at the expense of a relatively small decrease of quantitative accuracy. The BSREM parameters need to be optimized for each study depending on the radionuclides and count densities. Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01CA13898 and was also partly supported by General Electric.
Identification of genes differentially expressed in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by differential display PCR.

RNA arbitrarily-primed differential display PCR (RAP-PCR) was used to identify and isolate genes differentially expressed between attenuated (H37Ra) and virulent (H37Rv, Erdman) laboratory strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Using this method, cDNA fragments showing homology to three known mycobacterial genes and six putative novel genes in mycobacterial cosmid vectors were identified. Among the putative novel Mtb genes identified, we found: (1) gene MTV041.29, containing multiple tandem repetitive sequences and encoding a putative Gly-, Ala, Asn-rich protein (PPE family); (2) gene MTV004.03, containing the AT10S repetitive gene sequence; (3) gene MTV028.09, encoding a hypothetical protein of unknown function; (4) genes MTCY78.20,21, possibly encoding two hypothetical proteins of unknown function; (5) gene MTCY01A6.09, encoding a putative novel ferrodoxin dependent glutamate synthase; and (6) gene MTCY31.20, encoding a putative cyclohexanone monooxygenase. Using gene specific primers in a second differential display PCR and by RT-PCR amplification, novel genes 1, 2, 3 and 4 were shown to be differentially up-regulated in the attenuated Mtb strain H37Ra compared to H37Rv and Erdman strain. Overall, we demonstrated that RAP-PCR, as a first step, is a quick and sensitive method for the identification and isolation of novel genes expressed in Mtb. Because of limitations inherent to the lack of specificity of arbitrary primers in the RAP-PCR method, a second differential display PCR and RT-PCR amplification with gene-specific primers was necessary in order to confirm differential expression of the identified genes.
Localization of Antigenic Sites in the Primary Sequence of the Sendai Virus NP Protein

Monoclonal antibodies were used to localize five antigenic sites in the sequence of the Sendai virus NP gene. NP-specific peptides, expressed in Escherichia coli from the cloned gene served as antigens for blot analyses to determine the specificity of antibody binding. The antigenic sites were associated primarily with the C-terminal half of the protein.
The hippocampal-dentate complex in temporal lobe epilepsy. A Golgi study.

Summary The hippocampal-dentate complex of 11 patients operated for temporal lobe epilepsy was studied by variations of the Golgi method. A spectrum of changes in hippocampal pyramids and dentate granular cells was found, ranging from minor pathology along single dendrites to massive degenerative changes involving many neurons, and culminating in cell death. Loss of dendritic spines and development of nodules along dendritic shafts were the mildest pathological changes. That pathology could be highly localized and could vary in degree in the same patient suggests an ongoing process rather than one due to discrete cortical insult in early life. Resume On a etudie avec la methode de Golgi modifyee, le complexe hyppocampus-girus dentatus chez 11 sujets operes pour epilepsie temporale. On a trouve dans les cellules pyramidales de 1'hyppocampus et les cellules granuleuses du dentatus, differentes modifications pathologiques, qui pouvaient soit etre minimes au niveau des dendrites soit aller jusqu'a des lesions degeneratives massives interessant plusieurs neurones et aboutissant a la mort cellulaire. Les modifications les plus discretes consistaient en une perte des epines dendritiques, et dans L'apparition de nodules situes le long des troncs dendritiques. De telles leAsions pouvaient etre tres localisees et pouvaient avoir differents degrees chez le meme sujet, suggerant qu'il s'agissait d'un processus evolutif et pas d'une atteinte corticale discrete ayant eu lieu dans les premieres annees de vie. ZUSAMMEnfassung Der Hippokampus-Dentatus-Komplex von 11 Patienten, die wegen Temporal-lappen-Epilepsie operiert worden waren wurde mit der Golgimethode untersucht. Das Spektrum der Veranderungen in den Hippo kampus-Pyramiden und in den Granulazellen des Dentatus reichte von geringen Veranderungen entlang einzelner Dendriten bis zu massiven degenerativen Veranderungen vieler Neurone und Zelltod. Der Verlust dendritischer Spinae und Knoten entlang des Dendritenverlaufs waren die leichtesten pathologischen Veranderungen. Die pathologischen Veranderungen konnten streng lokalisiert sein und im Ausmass beim selben Patienten varaeren. Das deutet eher auf einen fortschreitenden Prozess als auf eine diskrete corticale Schadigung im friihen Lebensalter RESUMEN El complejo hlpocampo-dentado de 11 enfermos operados de epilepsia temporal fue estudiado con variaciones del metodo Golgi. Se encontro un espectro de alteraciones en las neuronas piramidales del hipocampo y en las celulas granulares del nucleo dentado, que se extendia desde minimas alteraciones en las dendritas a cambios degenerativos masivos afectando a multiples neuronas y culminando en muerte neuronal. Las alteraciones patologicas mas moderadas consistian en perdida de las espinas dendriticas y de los nodulos a lo largo de los cilindroejes. Los hallazgos patologicos podian localizarse en un mismo enfermo. Estos datos sugieren la existencia de un proceso progresivo mas que de un insulto cortical discreto en la infancia.
Effect of silica on iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalysts

ABSTRACT The effect of silica addition via coprecipitation and as a binder to a doubly promoted Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis iron catalyst (100 Fe/5 Cu/4.2 K) was studied. The catalysts (nominally 50 μm particles) were prepared by coprecipitation, followed by binder addition and spray drying at 250 °C in a 1 m diameter, 2 m tall spray dryer. The binder silica content was varied from 0 to 20 wt%. A catalyst with 12 wt% binder silica was found to have the highest attrition resistance. F-T reaction studies over 100 hours in a fixed-bed reactor showed that this catalyst maintained around 95% CO conversion with a methane selectivity of less than 7 wt% and a C 5 + selectivity of greater than 73 wt%. The effect of adding precipitated silica from 0 to 20 parts by weight (pbw) to this catalyst (containing 12 wt% binder silica) was also studied. Addition of precipitated silica was found to be detrimental to attrition resistance and resulted in increased methane and reduced wax formation.
Intracellular calcium and magnesium: critical determinants of excitotoxicity?

Publisher Summary Prior studies identified several forms of toxicity that could be associated with the activation of different subtypes of ionic glutamate receptors. The most rapidly induced form of injury occurred as the result of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation. NMDA mediated injury could be induced with agonist exposure lasting as little as five minutes, and is expressed in the form of loss of viability, a number of hours later. This form of injury could be completely prevented by omission of Ca 2+ from the media during agonist exposure. Activation of non-NMDA receptors also proved to be toxic to neurons, but kainate-induced injury, for example, usually requires a much longer agonist exposure to induce a lethal injury. To provide the link to ischemic injury in vivo , parallel experiments can be performed using oxygen and glucose deprivation to induce injury. This process kills neurons by a mechanism that is considerably slower than glutamate exposure, due to the time required to consume available metabolic substrates after ischemia induction. The recognition of the Ca 2+ -dependence of NMDA receptor-mediated injury is clearly a key step in the understanding of the mechanisms underlying this form of glutamate-induced neurotoxicity.
Arboriculture in the Mussau Islands, Bismarck Archipelago

The Mussau Islanders of the Bismarck Archipelago in northeastern Papua New Guinea cultivate 26 indigenous tree species both for food and non-food uses in tree gardens surrounding the villages. Several trees which volunteer in these arboriculture zones are also tended and encouraged. I present ethnobotanical information on methods of cultivation, how and when the trees are harvested, preparation and use. The tree crop zone has a random spatial distribution overall, but some species within the zone are aggregated spatially. This clumping is related to the restricted habitat requirements of certain species, as well as individual species ’ reproductive traits. Coconut is the most frequent species in the arboriculture zone and is randomly distributed. Vertical stratification is attributable to the presence of a distinct herb layer and a subcanopy stratum of maturePandanus spp. The stratification of some species pairs results from the deliberate planting of subcanopy trees next to canopy trees. The introduction of exotic garden species and the increasing availability of western packaged foods is changing the composition of traditional Mussau Islands tree gardens.
Seismic Motion, Lithospheric Structures, Earthquake and Volcanic Sources: The Keiiti Aki Volume

On March 16-18, 2000, the Department of Earth Science at the University of Southern California held a scientific meeting to honor the retirement of Professor Keiiti (Kei) Aki from academia. The meeting was attended by over 75 former students, postdoctoral fellows, close scientific associates and friends of Kei, representing universities, government agencies, and industry from the United States, Japan, China, France, New Zealand, England, Mexico, and Brazil. The scientific program consisted of 18 long review presentations and 12 additional short talks on theoretical and applied problems concerning earthquakes, faults, volcanoes, wave propagation, and engineering seismology. The 13 papers in this special volume are based on the long review talks given in the meeting and they provide examples of the broad range of topics that were pioneered, developed, and promoted by Aki over the last four decades.
In silico prototyping of wetlab experiments

The background, implementation, and graphical interface of the Cybermouse simulation-dynamic information system are outlined. It is believed that simulation-dynamic information systems are the next steps in managing complex information through semi-autonomous software. In particular, by making available simulation methods based on nonlinear, event-driven dynamics, such systems show emergent behaviors derived from self-organization and are therefore useful tools in education and research. >
Sleep-active cells in the cerebral cortex and their role in slow-wave activity

We recently identified neurons in the cerebral cortex that become activated during sleep episodes with high slow-wave activity (SWA). The distinctive properties of these neurons are the ability to produce nitric oxide and their long-range projections within the cortex. In this review, we discuss how these characteristics of sleep-active cells could be relevant to SWA production in the cortex. We also discuss possible models of the role of nNOS cells in SWA production.
Behavioural Thermoregulation in the Freeze-Tolerant Arctic Caterpillar, Gynaephora Groenlandica

Larvae of the high arctic caterpillar, Gynaephora groenlandica (Wocke) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) spent most (60 %) of their time orienting towards the sun (i.e. basking) and only 20% feeding, primarily near midday. Larvae usually basked after feeding, then either fed again or moved to a new feeding site. Basking larvae reached their highest body temperatures (Tb) of ≊30°C (≊20°C in excess of the ambient temperature) when surrounded by snow on a calm day in the midday sun. Setae significantly decreased larval cooling rates. Maximal metabolic rates were attained in basking larvae, but at body temperatures below 10°C oxygen uptake was greatly reduced. Our studies indicate that G. groenlandica larvae are behaviourally adapted to utilize available solar radiation for growth and development.
Thymocyte development past the CD4(+)CD8(+) stage requires an active p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.

Activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is important for some T-cell functions, but its role in intrathymic development is unclear. To investigate the function of p38 MAPK during the late stages of thymocyte differentiation, pharmacologic and genetic manipulations were used to inhibit p38 MAPK activity in developing thymocytes. Ligation of the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) on either thymocytes or a thymocyte cell line resulted in p38 MAPK activation. Selective pharmacologic inhibition of p38 MAPK activity with the pyridinyl imidazole drug SB203580 severely impaired the development of mature CD4+ and CD8+ single positive (SP) thymocytes from their CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) precursors in fetal thymic organ culture (FTOC). Further, pharmacologic or genetic suppression of p38 MAPK activity, the latter achieved by overexpressing a catalytically inactive p38 MAPK, resulted in a blockade of the DP-to-SP transition of a thymocyte cell line in a novel in vitro differentiation assay. Taken together, these data constitute the first demonstration that p38 MAPK plays a critical role in the DP-to-SP differentiation of thymocytes during late intrathymic development.
Experimental Observations on Material Damping at Cryogenic Temperatures

This paper describes a unique experimental facility designed to measure damping of materials at cryogenic temperatures for the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) mission at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The test facility removes other sources of damping in the measurement by avoiding frictional interfaces, decoupling the test specimen from the support system, and by using a non-contacting measurement device. Damping data reported herein are obtained for materials (Aluminum, Aluminum/Terbium/Dysprosium, Titanium, Composites) vibrating in free-free bending modes with low strain levels (< 10(exp -6) ppm). The fundamental frequencies of material samples are ranged from 14 to 202 Hz. To provide the most beneficial data relevant to TPF-like precision optical space missions, the damping data are collected from room temperatures (around 293 K) to cryogenic temperatures (below 40 K) at unevenly-spaced intervals. More data points are collected over any region of interest. The test data shows a significant decrease in viscous damping at cryogenic temperatures. The cryogenic damping can be as low as 10(exp -4) %, but the amount of the damping decrease is a function of frequency and material. However, Titanium 15-3-3-3 shows a remarkable increase in damping at cryogenic temperatures. It demonstrates over one order of magnitude increase in damping in comparison to Aluminum 6061-T6. Given its other properties (e.g., good stiffness and low conductivity) this may prove itself to be a good candidate for the application on TPF. At room temperatures, the test data are correlated well with the damping predicted by the Zener theory. However, large discrepancies at cryogenic temperatures between the Zener theory and the test data are observed.
Oxidation of oligoglycosyl alditols during methylation catalyzed by sodium hydroxide and iodomethane in methyl sulfoxide

Abstract Certain artifacts in the glycosyl-linkage analysis of oligoglycosyl alditols were shown to be caused by oxidation of the alditol moieties when O -methylation was catalyzed by NaOH in Me 2 SO. The partially methylated alditol acetates derived from 1-[ 2 H]-cellobiitol that was O -methylated by this method were analyzed in detail to confirm this conclusion.
Seeing the Unseen: Cell Strain and Mechanosensing

Each year there are 1.5 million osteoporotic fractures in the United States with an annual direct cost of $12–18 billion, but these data underrepresent the full burden (1). While osteoporotic fractures seldom result in death, they can lead to a precipitous decline in health. Hip fracture, a common type of osteoporotic fracture, leaves 26% of patients disabled and requires nearly 20% of patients to enter a nursing home. Startlingly, ∼20% of hip fracture patients die within this first year (1). Maintenance of healthy bone is a result of a complex and not fully understood process; mechanical loading is a critical signal in bone metabolism, but a clear understanding of its influence remains elusive, particularly because visualizing cells in their native environment during loading is challenging.
Water and Bromide Recovery in Wick and Pan Lysimeters under Conventional and Zero Tillage

Abstract Quantifying in situ solute transport through soils and the landscape has been widely acknowledged as important and yet challenging. The objective of this study was to evaluate water and bromide movement in no‐tilled (NT) and conventionally tilled (CT) corn using two different types of in situ lysimeters—pan and capillary wick—for single rainfall events. Four zero‐tension pan and four capillary‐wick lysimeters were installed 1.2 m deep on opposite sides of four soil pits. Two were under NT corn, and two were under CT corn. Bromide (Br) was either surface applied or applied with an initial 25 to 27 mm of irrigation (33 to 34 g Br m2). A total of 120 to 147 mm of irrigation was applied continuously at 8.8 mm h−1. Leachate was collected on 15 min intervals for 24 h and on greater intervals for up to 350 h. Lysimeter discharge and Br concentration were determined for each interval. After drainage began and until rainfall was discontinued, the water drainage rate was, on average, greater in NT (7.2 mm ...
Radar Backscatter from Mars: Properties of Rock-Strewn Surfaces

Abstract Rock-strewn surfaces are apparently common on Mars, and radar backscatter data offer the most direct means for remotely estimating their statistical properties. This paper examines the height statistics of power-law and exponential rock size-frequency distributions, and demonstrates the dependence of root-mean-square (rms) height on horizontal scale as a function of the distribution parameters. In general, strewn surfaces have an inherent variation in roughness for horizontal length scales below the maximum rock diameter. This leads to variations in radar echo power with wavelength, even when the differential diameter function has an inverse-cubed power-law form. Size-frequency data for a rock-strewn test site in Hawaii are consistent, over a specific range of horizontal scales, with a power-law distribution. An exponential form, while better describing the rapid decline in rock abundance above a certain size threshold, underestimates the population at the smaller scales most relevant to radar scattering. Rock sphericity statistics, often cited in descriptions of rocky areas, appear to be consistent with a Rayleigh distribution of major and minor axis diameters about any chosen mean value. Depolarized backscatter data for the test site at 5.7–68 cm are proportional to the rms height at the wavelength scale, mirroring a similar trend for continuous rough rocky surfaces. An empirical model relating rms height to depolarized backscatter coefficient appears to well describe the behavior of strewn surfaces. The polarized echoes are consistent with Mie scattering from surface rocks for a reasonable choice of dielectric properties, but the number of free parameters and the interaction of the scatterer and surface yields weak remote-sensing roughness or dielectric constraints. While depolarized backscatter data provide robust estimates of the rms height for continuous and discrete roughness populations, their use in Mars landing site planning is model-dependent. For single-wavelength data, we cannot uniquely determine the size-frequency distribution and the maximum rock diameter. Dual-wavelength observations, in the S- to P-band range, may better constrain the surface properties.
Market access for sale

Abstract This paper focuses on the links between foreign lobbying and preferential market access granted by the United States' government to exporters in the rest of the Americas. We first develop a simple framework based on Grossman and Helpman [Grossman, G., Helpman, E., 1994. Protection for sale. American Economic Review 84 (4) 833–850.] to explain how lobbying by foreign firms affects their preferential access to the United States market. We then estimate the model using data on tariff preferences and lobby contributions for the 34 countries in the region. Empirical results suggest that foreign lobbying is an important force behind preferential market access to the United States. The structural estimates indicate that the weight given to foreign lobby contributions in the United States' government objective function is five times higher than the weight granted to tariff revenue forgone due to preferences. Thus, our results indicate that market access is up for sale and foreign lobbies are buying it.
Homologous Down-Regulation of Luteinizing Hormone/Chorionic Gonadotropin Receptors by Increasing the Degradation of Receptor Transcripts in Human Uterine Endometrial Stromal Cells

We investigated the possible homologous down-regulation of LH/hCG receptors in human uterine endometrial stromal cells. The cells contained a major 4.3-kilobase (kb) and minor 3.6-kb, 2.4-kb, 1.8-kb, and 1.0-kb transcripts of receptors and an 80-kDa receptor protein that can bind [ 125 I]hCG. Culturing these cells with increasing concentrations of highly purified hCG resulted in a dose-dependent significant decrease in steady-state levels of all the receptor transcripts, the 80-kDa receptor protein, and [ 125 I]hCG binding as compared to the control values. The hCG effect was hormone specific and required the conformation of native hormone. The decrease in steady-state receptor transcript levels by hCG was not due to a decrease in the transcription rate of the LH/hCG receptor gene. It was rather due to a significant decrease in the half-life of receptor transcripts from 40.1 ± 12.4 h in the control to 13.3 ± 3.6 h after treatment. The homologous down-regulation observed in the present study may potentially explain low endometrial receptor levels in the postmenopausal human endometrium.
Insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Objective: To review the definition and prevalence of two insulin resistance (IR)-associated phenotypes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as the risk and nature of their simultaneous presentation. Design: Review of published literature. Result(s): Insulin resistance affects between 10% and 25% of the general population. Two common disorders frequently associated with IR are PCOS, affecting 4% to 6% of reproductive-aged women, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is observed in about 2% to 6% of similarly aged women. Overall, about 50% to 70% of women with PCOS and 80% to 100% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have variable degrees of IR. Insulin resistance and its secondary hyperinsulinemia appear to underlie many of the endocrine features of PCOS in a large proportion of such patients. The risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus among PCOS patients is 5- to 10-fold higher than normal. In turn, the risk of PCOS among reproductive-aged type 2 diabetes mellitus patients appears to be similarly increased. Conclusion(s): It remains to be determined whether PCOS and type 2 diabetes mellitus represent no more than different clinical manifestations of the same IR syndrome, with their phenotypic differences due to the presence or absence of a coincidental genetic defect at the level of the ovary or pancreas, respectively, or representing the result of etiologically different subtypes of IR syndromes.
Job Design An Administrator’s Guide to Supporting and Retaining Special Educators

Special education teacher attrition has numerous negative impacts for students and schools. Administrators play an essential role in supporting special educators, but they seldom receive adequate p...
Induced Changes in the Mitotic Activity of Hemocytes of the Large Milkweed Bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus

Circulating hemocytes of Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas) are known to exhibit a measurable amount of mitotic activity. The mitotic index was employed as the criterion of response to various treatments involving factors which might affect this activity. Bleeding, injury, and adrenaline were found to increase the mitotic activity; these effects were seen during the 48th to 72nd hour of the fifthnymphal stadium. Cobalt gamma radiation blocked mitotic activity at the metaphase stage. Equivocal results were obtained from experiments with 2 carcinogenic agents, but definite morphological changes were noted in blood cells exposed to them.
A redescription of Entamoeba histolytica Schaudinn,1903 (emended Walker,1911) separating it from Entamoeba dispar Brumpt,1925

. Explaining the low incidence of invasive disease (10%) in humans infected with Entamoeba histolytica has occupied the attention of generations of both clinical and nonclinical investigators. One possible explanation would be the existence of two morphologically identical species—one an invasive pathogen, the other noninvasive. This was first proposed by Brumpt in 1925, but his explanation was virtually ignored until 1978 when the first of several publications appeared suggesting that E. histolytica did indeed consist of two species. We have reexamined Brumpt's claim in light of recent biochemical, immunological and genetic studies and conclude that the data derived from these investigations provide unequivocal evidence supporting his hypothesis. With this in mind, we redescribe the invasive parasite retaining the name Entamoeba histolytica Schaudinn, 1903 (Emended Walker, 1911), and set it apart from the noninvasive parasite described by Brumpt, Entamoeba dispar Brumpt, 1925.
Characterizations of n-connected and n-line connected graphs

Abstract The following two theorems are proved: (1) A graph G with at least n + 1 points, n ≥ 2, is n-connected if and only if for each set S of n distinct points of G and for each two point subset T of S there is a cycle of G that contains the points of T and avoids the points of S − T. (2) A graph G with at least n + 1 lines, n ≥ 2, with no isolated points is n-line connected if and only if for each set S of n distinct lines of G and for each two line subset T of S there is a circuit of G that contains the lines of T and avoids the lines of S − T.
The Dirac Vector Model in Complex Spectra

Dirac has shown that the secular problem presented by the permutation degeneracy is formally equivalent to a problem in vector coupling for which the Hamiltonian function is $\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma}{K}_{\mathrm{ij}}(1+4{\mathrm{s}}_{i}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\mathrm{s}}_{j})$ where ${\mathrm{s}}_{i}$, ${\mathrm{s}}_{j}$ are respectively the spin vectors of orbits $i$, $j$ and ${K}_{\mathrm{ij}}$ is the exchange integral which connects $i$ and $j$. The vector model can be used in place of Slater's determinantal wave functions to calculate atomic spectral terms, provided one still retains much of Slater's powerful method of diagonal sums. The configuration ${d}^{3}$ is treated as an example. Configurations of the form $s{a}^{k}$ ($a=p, d, f\ensuremath{\cdots}$; $0lkl4{l}_{a}+2$) are particularly amenable to the vector model, as it enables us immediately to write down the energy of $s{a}^{k}$ if that of ${a}^{k}$ is known. One thus finds that the two states $S={S}_{k}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\frac{1}{2}$ built upon a given configuration ${S}_{k}$, ${L}_{k}$ of the core ${a}^{k}$ should have a separation proportional to ${S}_{k}+\frac{1}{2}$ and independent of ${L}_{k}$. Experimentally, this prediction is confirmed only roughly, like the interval relations found by Slater, because perturbations by other configurations are neglected. Various applications to molecular spectra are given. The Heitler-Rumer theory of valence, which neglects directional effects, has a particularly simple interpretation in terms of the vector model.In configurations of the form ${p}^{n}$ both spin-orbit and electrostatic energy can be calculated by the vector model without use of the invariance of diagonal sums. For this particular configuration the Pauli principle is equivalent to a constraint $2{\mathrm{s}}_{i}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\mathrm{s}}_{j}=\ensuremath{-}{({1}_{i}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{1}_{j})}^{2}\ensuremath{-}({1}_{i}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{1}_{j})+\frac{1}{2}$ connecting the relative orientations of spin and of angular momentum vectors.
Chlorpyrifos: Hazard assessment based on a review of the effects of short-term and long-term exposure in animals and humans

Abstract Analyses of potential dietary exposure to chlorpyrifos residues were conducted by the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). Potential acute dietary ingestion of chlorpyrifos for all labelled uses was based on the 95th percentile of user-day exposures. Margins of safety (MOSs) for potential acute dietary exposure to chlorpyrifos residues were based on a no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for cholinergic signs in a human study, and ranged from 52 to 205 for all population subgroups. MOSS for potential chronic dietary exposure to chlorpyrifos residues were based on a NOEL for inhibition of brain cholinesterase activity in rats and dogs, and ranged from 2198 to 8065 for all population subgroups. The limitations on toxicity, consumption and residue data are discussed, with the assumptions necessitated by those limitations.
Evolution of the Favorable Pressure Gradient Turbulent Boundary Layer Towards a Quasi-Laminar State (Invited)

The development of a favorable pressure gradient (FPG) turbulent boundary layer that undergoes quasilaminarization is studied by means of equilibrium similarity of the equations of motion and considering experimental data. Traditionally, favorable pressure gradients have been characterized using the acceleration parameter, K = U2 1 dU1 dx . It is shown that this parameter does not suce as a condition to predict quasilaminarization. The pressure parameter, given by = U1 d dx dU1 dx , is found to possess distinct values which are dependent on the o w conditions. Two quadrants are found to describe FPG o ws: Quadrant I describes turbulent FPG o ws and Quadrant II describes quasi-laminar o ws. Experimental measurements of the o w eld and the skin friction obtained by Warnack and Fernholz [2] are used as well as other experiments. Furthermore, a reduction of the component of the Reynolds stress is observed due to the imposed pressure gradient. The shape of the prole remains the same until a quasi-laminar state is reached where the prole no longer shows high values of the stress close to the wall. At this point, a pressure parameter, , value of 0.47 is reached. The component is entirely killed by the external pressure gradient impending quasi-laminarization. The Reynolds shear stress component, , survives due to the contribution of the streamwise component. The skin friction suddenly decreases due to the imposed pressure gradient. A percent in reduction of 57 % and a value for the pressure parameter of 0.47 is matched when this phenomenon occurs. The production term is nearly zero for very strong favorable pressure gradient o ws. The turbulent boundary layer subject to FPG is found to reach a quasi-laminar state but never reaches a fully laminar state.
Adenomatous polyposis coli truncation alters cytoskeletal structure and microtubule stability in early intestinal tumorigenesis.

Partial loss of function of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) protein by truncation of its carboxy (C)-terminus is an early factor in the development of many sporadic colorectal cancers. In the C57BL/6J Min/+ (Min/+) mouse, an animal with a germline mutation of Apc, we found that APC truncation was associated with reduced enterocyte migration and loss of association and membrane expression of adherens junction proteins. We hypothesized that these defects were related to changes in cytoskeletal function resulting from truncation of the APC C-terminus, which contains microtubule binding regions, as well as putative sites for indirect actin binding. We investigated this further by determining whether APC truncation produced in vivo changes in actin cytoskeletal structure and microtubule stability. The actin cytoskeleton of histologically normal enterocytes from Min/+mice was compared to that of Apc+/+(wild-type) mice by confocal indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. We found a significant loss of actin localization at the apical plasma membrane in Min/ + enterocytes. In addition, immunoblotting revealed increased levels of both unstable Tyr-tubulin and+ -tubulin turnover in Min/+enterocytes, indicating an alteration in microtubule dynamics. These studies suggest that loss of actin localization and changes in microtubule dynamics may be dominant negative effects of truncated APC. These changes are consistent with the defects in enterocyte migration and junctional complex formation observed in the Min/+ model of early APC-associated colorectal tumorigenesis.
Efficacy of granulocyte transfusions for neutropenia-related infections: retrospective analysis of predictive factors.

Background The transfusion of G-CSF-primed granulocytes (GTX) might represent an important treatment option for neutropenia-related infections unresponsive to conventional antimicrobial therapies and to recombinant hematopoietic growth factors. However, few studies to date have identified the factors that can predict clinical outcome and the patient populations who are likely to benefit most from GTX The primary endpoint of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of GTX in 22 patients with hematological malignancies who developed neutropenia-related bacterial and fungal infections that were unresponsive to appropriate antimicrobial therapies. Methods Peripheral blood granulocytes were collected by continuous-flow leukapheresis from HLA-identical siblings after priming with G-CSF. The response to GTX was classified as favorable’ if clinical symptoms and signs of infection resolved or ‘unfavorable’ if clinical symptoms and signs of infection were unchanged or worsened. Control of infection at Day 30 after the enrollment in the GTX program was considered as the outcome variable in multiple regression analysis. Results Two patients died of infection before receiving the granulocyte concentrates. Bacterial infections (mono microbial or mixed bacteremias) were documented in 11 patients, whereas fungal infections (fungemia or focal fungal infections) were diagnosed in seven patients. In two patients, no infecting agent could be isolated (clinical infection). Control of infection at Day 30 after the first GTX was achieved in 10 out of 20 assessable patients. Overall, 54% of patients with bacterial infections had a favorable response, compared with 57% of patients with fungal infections. No differences in terms of survival were found when comparing patients with bacterial and those with fungal infections at a median follow-up of 90 days from the first GTX In univariate analysis, disease status before GTX, e.g., complete or partial remission, and spontaneous recovery of the neutrophil count were significantly associated with control of infection. When multivariate regression models were formed, the recovery of 0.5 × 10 9 /L PMN was the only parameter that significantly and independently correlated with a favorable response to GTX. Discussion GTX can be used to successfully treat bacterial as well as fungal infections in severely neutropenic patients when administered early after the onset of febrile neutropenia in patients with remission of the underlying disease and who are likely to recover marrow function.
Highly correlated electron behavior in NpCu5−x(Pd,Ni)x—a contrast to UCu5−x(Pd,Ni)x

We report the low-temperature specific heats of NpCu 5-x Pd x (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5), the "plus one f-electron" analogs to the well-studied non-Fermi liquid (nFl) system UCu 5-x Pd x . The Np materials were shown to form in the same AuBe 5 structure type as the U pseudobinary alloys. A number of differences between the Np and U materials are found. The magnetic transition at 15 K in the U system is evidently suppressed to lower temperatures in the Np analog, and the low-temperature C/T values are strongly enhanced in the NpCu 5-x Pd x (x = 1.0 and 1.5) alloys vs. their U counterparts. Finally, NpCu 4 Ni appears to show non-Fermi liquid behavior similar to that of the NpCu 5-x Pd x system, just as UCu 4 Ni is quite similar to UCu 4 Pd in its nFl behavior.
Computed tomographic diagnosis of pancreatic pseudoaneurysm

Hemorrhagic complications of pancreatic pseudocysts are potentially life threatening. This case, definitively diagnosed by bolus CT study, demonstrated pseudoaneurysm formation within a pancreatic pseudocyst.
Effect of pre-adsorbed proteins on attachment, proliferation, and function of endothelial cells.

As certain proteins control cell adhesion, it has been hoped that cell transplantation and tissue engineering could be augmented by pre-adsorption of specific proteins to biological or synthetic surfaces. The questions that remain, however, are whether such proteins can affect cell production as well as adhesion, and if so, whether in a protein-specific manner. We examined the adhesion and the biochemical secretion of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) discs coated with fibronectin (Fn), laminin (Ln), or gelatin. The three coating proteins nonspecifically promote sub-confluent and post-confluent endothelial cell production of total protein up to 2.5-fold of the reference value. Total soluble glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production slightly increased with the different coatings only at low cell density. In contrast, Ln and Fn, not gelatin, drastically enhanced post-confluent BAEC production of prostaglandin (PGI2). However, antibody-blockage of the α5 integrin, constituent of the Fn receptor in BAEC, appeared to inhibit the upregulation of PGI2 production observed on Fn-coated surfaces. The results indicate that the cell adhesion mediators used as coating agents dictate cell biological production as well as adhesion and proliferation. J. Cell. Physiol. 191: 155–161, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Nature and origin of nonresonant microwave response in ESR measurements of YBa2Cu3O7−δ

Abstract The nonresonant microwave response observed in the ESR measurements of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ was studied as a function of various ESR parameters. Its nonresonant nature was confirmed by an experiment and a theoretical calculation of the ESR-transition probabilities for parallel and vertical microwave polarizations. Field modulation dependence revealed that it was composed of two components: one is proportional to the modulation amplitude ( H m ) and has the same polarity upon the sweep reversal of DC magnetic field. The other is only observed during sweep. It has opposite polarity and is proportional to H m only in a narrow H m range. Their reference-phase dependences indicated that both components were mainly out-of-phase microwave responses. The theoretical analysis of these behaviors and the modulation scheme implied that the two components were microwave responses to the static and dynamic magnetizations trapped in the bulk and at intergranular Josephson junctions, respectively, providing a method for the separation of the two kinds of trapped magnetization.
Outcomes of 6906 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in the era of drug-eluting stents: report of the DEScover Registry.

Background— The DEScover Registry was designed to characterize patients selected for drug-eluting stents (DES) in routine clinical practice and their outcomes in the United States. Methods and Resu...
Fulfilment of intention and desire in children's judgements of emotion for sociomoral events

This study investigated whether children appreciate that enacting an intention can emotionally affect an agent separately from whether the agent's desire is fulfilled. Children ages 5-11 years and adults heard several vignettes about an agent who intended to take another child's toy in which the agent's intention was either enacted or blocked and desire was fulfilled or unfulfilled. The effect of intention on judgements of the agent's emotion varied according to desire fulfilment and age. Overall, participants judged that an agent who acted intentionally to fulfil a desire felt happier than an agent whose intention was blocked. When the agent's desire was unfulfilled, the effect of enacting an intention varied by age. Five- to 6-year-olds judged that acting intentionally could decrease the negative emotion associated with an unfulfilled desire. The findings show relatively early appreciation of intentionality in children's judgements of emotion. Happy victimizer attributions decreased between 5 and 8 years, but attributions of positive emotion to transgressors did not vary by intentionality. The relationships between intentionality, agency, and emotion are discussed.