cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mathematics teacher preparation examined in an international context: learning from the Teacher Education and Development Study in Mathematics (TEDS-M) and beyond

This thematic issue contains a collection of papers that resulted from the recent Teacher Education and Development Study in Mathematics (TEDS-M), a study that is the first large-scale international comparative study on mathematics teacher preparation undertaken under the auspices of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). The significance of TEDS-M itself has been well articulated by different authors in this thematic issue. As the importance of teachers and teaching has been commonly acknowledged for the improvement of students’ achievement in school mathematics (e.g., Sowder 2007), it becomes apparent that we need to examine and understand possible influences of system policy and institutional practices on the outcomes of mathematics teacher preparation both within an education system (e.g., Wilson, Floden, and Ferrini-Mundy 2001) and in an international context (e.g., Leung and Li 2010). The contributions of this thematic issue build upon TEDS-M, including several reports of selected findings from that study. Moreover, this thematic issue goes above and beyond direct reporting of TEDS-M, and includes unique contributions with different natures. To make these contributions explicit, I will highlight some of them as follows.
A phylogenetic study of the African catfish family Mochokidae (Osteichthyes, Ostariophysi, Siluriformes), with a key to genera

ABSTRACT A hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships is presented for the African catfish family Mochokidae based on a maximum parsimony analysis of 93 morphological characters in 41 ingroup and 19 outgroup taxa. The analysis reveals that the Mochokidae are a monophyletic group and that Mochokus Joannis (1835), Mochokiella Howes (1980), Acanthocleithron Nichols and Griscom (1917) and Microsynodontis Boulenger (1903) are monophyletic and valid as distinct genera within the family. Synodontis Cuvier (1816) must include Hemisynodontis membranacea and Brachysynodontis batensoda to be monophyletic, which are reassigned to Synodontis herein. Chiloglanis Peters (1868) is rendered paraphyletic by nested placement of Atopochilus Sauvage (1879), Euchilichthys Boulenger (1900) and Atopodontus Friel and Vigliotta (2008), a new genus described separately in this volume. Euchilichthys is rendered paraphyletic by nested placement of Atopochilus savorgnani. The monophyly of Atopochilus could not be tested because only one...
Interrogating Boundaries and Acknowledging Fluidity: Shifting Identity Markers in Palestine/Israel

AbstractIn this article we problematize the taken-for-granted nature of the dichotomy between Palestinian and Israeli, or Arab and Jew by illustrating how these identity categories are referenced and navigated by Israelis and Palestinians (Arabs and Jews) in their daily life. Using examples from our observations and conversations with individuals in the region, we argue that while the categories of Jewish/Arab and Israel/Palestine serve as dichotomous organizing frameworks, the lived experiences of individuals reveal complexity, variability, and tensions in how these categories are navigated, negotiated, and inhabited. Rather than clear and natural categories, by attending to the specificity of how these categories are discussed and used in everyday life we highlight a middle ground questioning the firmness of this assumed dichotomy. We suggest that attending to the contingent and varied nature of this dichotomy can serve as a starting point to create more inclusive means to discuss identity in the region.
Abstract WMP13: The Predictive Value of Volumetric MRI Profiles in Stroke Patients Receiving IV tPA in the 3-Hour Time Window

Background: Recent studies have detected a population of acute ischemic stroke patients whose MRI profile is associated with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) when treated beyond 3 hours. This so-calle...
Structure of Ribosomal Dna in Anopheles albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann has been described as the principal vector of malaria over much of its range in Central America, the Caribbean islands, and South America. Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was cloned and characterized as a potential tool for studying the genetic variability of natural mosquito populations. The structure of the rDNA repeating unit was determined by restriction endonuclease mapping and hybridization analyses of genomic DNA from two laboratory colonies, four field populations, and 23 rDNA clones. The rDNA structure was similar to that observed in other Diptera in that it contained several hundred repeating units, each made up of a conserved ribosomal RNA coding region adjacent to a variable-length spacer region. By probing genomic DNA with spacer region subclones, we found that spacer regions varied in length within and among individual mosquitoes. Spacer length variability in individual mosquitoes was greater among different colonies and field populations than within colonies and populations. This finding suggests that rDNA spacer probes may be useful in analyzing the population structure of this medically important mosquito.
Variant Forms of Vanishing Aggregates of Minors of Axisymmetric Determinants

1. Vanishing aggregates of determinant minors have of late received considerable attention and are now becoming well known. From aggregates for axisymmetric determinants of the form given by Kronecker, * Muir,† or the present writer‡ we may get other forms, and it is the object of this paper to consider some of these new forms, and in particular to show that the general theorem given by Professor Nanson § is readily obtained from the vanishing aggregates of the type given by the present writer.
GLOBAL CHANGE | Upper Atmospheric Change

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 2, pp 910–915, © 2003 Elsevier Ltd.
Cofactor Assembly of Cytochrome bc 1 -b 6 f Complexes

Cytochromes bc1 and b6f are enzyme complexes catalyzing essential electron transfer reactions in bacterial and organellar energy-transducing membranes. Electron transport relies on heme and Fe-S redox cofactors contained in the three catalytic subunits common to bc1 and b6f complexes: a b-type cytochrome (cytochrome b), a c-type cytochrome (cytochrome c1 or f) and a [2Fe-2S]-containing protein (Rieske). Maturation of the b-type and c-type cytochromes requires conversion of the subunit from the apoform to the holoform by the incorporation of two hemes (bL and bH) in cytochrome b of the bc1 complex, three hemes (bL, bH and ci) in cytochrome b6 of the b6f complex, and a single heme (c) in both cytochromes c1 and f. Assembly of heme c requires the formation of two thioether bonds at a CXXCH motif in cytochrome c1 and f on the p-side, and for ci, a single thioether bond in cytochrome b6 on the n-side of the membrane, respectively. It is not known how non-covalently bound hemes (bL and bH) are inserted into cytochrome b and b6, but covalent linkage of heme is known to be a catalyzed process. The chemistry of thioether linkage formation appears, on the surface, to be simple (i.e. addition of a sulfhydryl to the α carbon of the vinyl group of heme). However, experimental investigations in bacteria, mitochondria and plastids have revealed an unsuspected biochemical complexity for this process. At least six different pathways for thioether bond formation have been described. Four of these, System I, II, III (on the p-side) and IV (on the n-side), are defined by prototypical components and have been extensively studied.
Diamond color center based FM microwave demodulator

Nitrogen-vacancy centers, atomic-scale luminescent defects in diamond, are used to transduce frequency-modulated microwave signals to intensity-modulated fluorescence. Our work could lead to realization of radio receivers operating in extreme environments, including high temperature and pressure.
Cell cycle-dependent positive and negative functions of Fun30 chromatin remodeler in DNA damage response.

Abstract The evolutionally conserved Fun30 chromatin remodeler in Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been shown to contribute to cellular resistance to genotoxic stress inflicted by camptothecin (CPT), methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and hydroxyurea (HU). Fun30 aids in extensive DNA resection of DNA double stranded break (DSB) ends, which is thought to underlie its role in CPT-resistance. How Fun30 promotes MMS- or HU-resistance has not been resolved. Interestingly, we have recently found Fun30 to also play a negative role in cellular tolerance to MMS and HU in the absence of the Rad5-dependent DNA damage tolerance pathway. In this report, we show that Fun30 acts to down regulate Rad9-dependent DNA damage checkpoint triggered by CPT or MMS, but does not affect Rad9-independent intra-S phase replication checkpoint induced by MMS or HU. These results support the notion that Fun30 contributes to cellular response to DSBs by preventing excessive DNA damage checkpoint activation in addition to its role in facilitating DNA end resection. On the other hand, we present evidence suggesting that Fun30’s negative function in MMS- and HU-tolerance in the absence of Rad5 is not related to its regulation of checkpoint activity. Moreover, we find Fun30 to be cell cycle regulated with its abundance peaking in G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Importantly, we demonstrate that artificially restricting Fun30 expression to G2/M does not affect its positive or negative function in genotoxin-resistance, but confining Fun30 to S phase abolishes its functions. These results indicate that both positive and negative functions of Fun30 in DNA damage response occur mainly in G2/M phase.
Yoga and other meditative movement therapies to reduce chronic pain

Clinical question In adults with chronic pain, do yoga and other meditative movement therapies to improvement in chronic pain symptoms? Answer Yes. However, in each of the studies reviewed, yoga classes were included as part of the pain management regime, sometimes alone and sometimes in tandem with DVDs or audiotapes. We feel that no exercise therapy program should be undertaken without professional coaching from certified, registered and qualified instructors. Date answer was determined August 2014, June, 2015, August 2015. Level of evidence for the answer A. Search terms chronic pain, yoga, exercise therapy, meditative movement therapy. Inclusion criteria Adults; meta-analyses; systematic reviews; cohort studies; randomized controlled trials; practice guidelines; articles from 2010 to present. Exclusion criteria Children younger than 18 years of age, Pilates.
A Case for the Case Study: How and Why They Matter

In this special issue we have asked the contributors to make a case for the case study. The guest editors, Jeffrey Longhofer, Jerry Floersch and Eric Hartmann, intergrate ideas from across the disciplines to explore the complexties of case study methods and theory. In education, Gary Thomas explores the importance of ethnographic case studies in understanding the relationships among schools, teachers, and students. Lance Dodes and Josh Dodes use the case study to articulate a psychoanalytic approach to addiction. In policy and generalist practice, Nancy Cartwright and Jeremy Hardie elaborate a model for a case-by-case approach to prediction and the swampy ground prediction serves up to practitioners. Christian Salas and Oliver Turnbull persuasively write about the role of the case study in neuro-psychoanalysis and illustrate it with a case vignette. In political science, Sanford Schram argues for a bottom up and ethnographic approach to studying policy implementation by describing a case of a home ownership program in Philadelphia. Eric Hartman queers the case study by articulating its role in deconstructing normative explanations of sexuality. In applied psychology, Daniel Fishman describes a comprehensive applied psychology perspective on the paradigmatic case study. Richard Miller and Miriam Jaffe offer us important ways of thinking about writing the case study and the use of multi-media. Each contributor brings a unique perspective to the use of the case study in their field, yet they share practical and philosophical assumptions.
Research participation, trust, and fair compensation among people living with and without HIV in Florida.

Florida has the second highest number of newly diagnosed cases of HIV in the United States. Sociodemographic representation that is reflective of the population is essential in developing evidence ...
Amyloid-PET in sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy: A diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis.

Objective: To perform a meta-analysis synthesizing evidence of the value and accuracy of amyloid-PET in diagnosing patients with sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Methods: In a PubMed systematic literature search, we identified all case-control studies with extractable data relevant for the sensitivity and specificity of amyloid-PET positivity in symptomatic patients with CAA (cases) vs healthy participants or patients with spontaneous deep intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (control groups). Using a hierarchical (multilevel) logistic regression model, we calculated pooled diagnostic test accuracy. Results: Seven studies, including 106 patients with CAA (>90% with probable CAA) and 151 controls, were eligible and included in the meta-analysis. The studies were of moderate to high quality and varied in several methodological aspects, including definition of PET-positive and PET-negative cases and relevant cutoffs. The sensitivity of amyloid-PET for CAA diagnosis ranged from 60% to 91% and the specificity from 56% to 90%. The overall pooled sensitivity was 79% (95% confidence interval [CI] 62–89) and specificity was 78% (95% CI 67–86) for CAA diagnosis. A predefined subgroup analysis of studies restricted to symptomatic patients presenting with lobar ICH CAA (n = 58 vs 86 controls) resulted in 79% sensitivity (95% CI 61–90%) and 84% specificity (95% CI 65–93%). In prespecified bivariate diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis of 2 studies using 18F-florbetapir-PET, the sensitivity for CAA-ICH diagnosis was 90% (95% CI 76–100%) and specificity was 88% (95% CI 74–100%). Conclusions: Amyloid-PET appears to have moderate to good diagnostic accuracy in differentiating patients with probable CAA from cognitively normal healthy controls or patients with deep ICH. Given that amyloid-PET labels both cerebrovascular and parenchymal amyloid, a negative scan might be useful to rule out CAA in the appropriate clinical setting.
Challenges in and Solutions to Deep Learning Network Acoustic Modeling in Speech Recognition Products at Microsoft

Deep learning (DL) network acoustic modeling has been widely deployed in real-world speech recognition products and services that benefit millions of users. In addition to the general modeling research that academics work on, there are special constraints and challenges that the industry has to face, e.g., the run-time constraint on system deployment, robustness to variations such as the acoustic environment, accents, lack of manual transcription, etc. For large-scale automatic speech recognition applications, this chapter briefly describes selected developments and investigations at Microsoft to make deep learning networks more effective in a production environment, including reducing run-time cost with singular-value-decomposition-based training, improving the accuracy of small-size deep neural networks (DNNs) with teacher–student training, the use of a small amount of parameters for speaker adaptation of acoustic models, improving the robustness to the acoustic environment with variable-component DNN modeling, improving the robustness to accent/dialect with model adaptation and accent-dependent modeling, introducing time and frequency invariance with time–frequency long short-term memory recurrent neural networks, exploring the generalization capability to unseen data with maximum margin sequence training, the use of unsupervised data to improve speech recognition accuracy, and increasing language capability by reusing speech-training material across languages. The outcome has enabled the deployment of DL acoustic models across Microsoft server and client product lines including Windows 10 desktop/laptop/phones, XBOX, and skype speech-to-speech translation.
A cephalopod-inspired combustion powered hydro-jet engine using soft actuators

Abstract Combustion in soft and compliant materials may enable new methods for underwater locomotion. Inspired by the motion of the soft bodied cephalopods, we developed a combustion-powered hydro-jet engine (CPHJE) using an expandable silicone bladder. The CPHJE used high energy density methane combustion to expand a silicone bladder and accelerate water into a hydro-jet that propelled the CPHJE. Cephalopods demonstrate the epitome of underwater soft robot capabilities. Their use of hydrojetting as a mode of high-speed underwater motion resembles high-power combustion events. This paper describes a soft combustion engine that propels a ∼ 0.7 kg body, with hydrodynamic surfaces in the likeness of an ellipsoid shaped squid, at instantaneous velocities of at least 0.8 m s−1 and single-pulse average velocities of 0.1 m s−1. High-speed videography informs a model for the CPHJE’s motion in time; the imaging also reveals that the hydrojetting generates a ring vortex. Tracking of this vortex results in an estimate that the working fluid is ejected in excess of 6.7 m s−1. We demonstrate the CPHJE motion is both repeatable and able to produce multiple actuations with the same bladder. These results demonstrate a new method of underwater propulsion using combustion in soft and compliant bladders.
A new method of source and reservoir rock pyrolysis to determine the boiling point distribution of petroleum in rock samples

Abstract This paper presents a new method of source and reservoir rock pyrolysis used to understand the boiling point distribution of petroleum in rock samples. Experiments and simulations of the new incremental S1 method were performed on a range of rock types and API gravities (Black oil 50). Comparison of the results from experiments and simulations are presented. The boiling point distribution results from the new incremental method can be used to infer the carbon number distribution of oil present in rock samples. However, the boiling point distribution data from the incremental S1 method is not adequate to determine the API Gravity of oil present in rock samples. Refractive index (RI) and density of oil have a straight line correlation. The boiling point distribution data from the Incremental S1 can be used in conjunction with the refractive index data to predict the composition of oil present in rock samples.
Exclusive intermediation in unobservable networks

Abstract In many markets, clients engage repeatedly but infrequently in mutually beneficial, trust-intensive interactions with an agent (e.g., markets with investors and entrepreneurs, borrowers and lenders, experience goods, and short-term apartment rentals). To study the role of intermediaries in such markets, we develop a new model of partially observable trust networks, and characterize networks that are robust to variations in market participants' beliefs with respect to the network structure. We show that in all robust networks, intermediaries who have exclusivity over a large enough number of interaction opportunities are essential to overcome incentive problems that would otherwise shut down the market. We argue our methodology could be applied more generally to the study of network games in which individuals can eliminate links, and thus offers an alternative to the often-made assumption that all individuals perfectly observe the network.
International journal of audiology reviewer contact information.

This is the fourth edition of Speaks’ Introduction to Sound: Acoustics for the Hearing and Speech Sciences, 4th edition. Its target, as in the previous three editions, is the student in speech, lan...
Security, privacy, and ethical concerns on human radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants: poster

This report discusses the security, privacy, and ethical concerns on human RFID-implants. Emerging technologies are being developed to help with convenience for everyday people, but these conveniences can pose security and privacy threats. The uses of technology being implanted in humans without the proper assessment could cause a new wave of security flaws. This study will review how human RFID microchip implants will impact and effect security, privacy, and ethical concerns associated with the new initiative for RFID implants to be used on human beings in everyday activities.
Identification of Optimum Meteorological Conditions for EDM via Potential Refractivity

Initially, the concepts of conservative meteorological parameters and thermal stability are presented. Potential refractivity is introduced and its relation to refractivity is given for both light ...
Greater roadrunner (geococcyx californianus) predation on juvenile quail in the rolling plains ecoregion of texas

We observed an instance of a greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) capturing a juvenile quail in Mitchell County, Texas, on 7 July 2017. Despite very limited documentation of such events, the potential of roadrunners as predators of quail has long been suspected and requires further investigation.
Robust estimation with many instruments

Abstract Linear instrumental variables models are widely used in empirical work, but often associated with low estimator precision. This paper proposes an estimator that is robust to outliers and shows that the estimator is minimax optimal in a class of estimators that includes the limited maximum likelihood estimator (LIML). Intuitively, this optimal robust estimator combines LIML with Winsorization of the structural residuals and the Winsorization leads to improved precision under thick-tailed error distributions. Consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimator are established under many instruments asymptotics and a consistent variance estimator which allows for asymptotically valid inference is provided.
Bidirectional mode-locked all-normal dispersion fiber laser (Conference Presentation)

We experimentally demonstrate the first bidirectional all-normal dispersion (ANDi) fiber laser. Single-pulse bidirectional mode-locking was established at 36 MHz and stably maintained for hours. Both directions showed broad spectra of more than 20 nm (10 dB) while the shapes were slightly different. The repetition rate in both directions can be tuned from 100 Hz to 150 Hz by changing the pump power. More significantly, the pulse energies in both directions were larger than 2 nJ and more than 20 nJ can be potentially achieved. Therefore, our laser represents a promising solution for compact dual-comb nonlinear spectroscopy.
To FinTech and Beyond

FinTech is about the introduction of new technologies into the financial sector, and it is now revolutionizing the financial industry. In 2017, when research in this area was not active in the academic community in finance, the editorial team of the Review of Financial Studies decided to launch a competition among scholars to develop research proposals focused on this topic. This special issue is the final outcome of this process. In this introductory article, we describe the recent FinTech phenomenon and the novel editorial protocol employed for this special issue following a Registered Reports format. We discuss what we learned from the submitted proposals about the field of FinTech and what proposals we selected to be completed and ultimately come out in this special issue. We also provide several observations that can hopefully help guide research in the emerging area of FinTech in the future.
Exam Room Culture

If the minds of patients could be read, one would likely discover thoughts related to the culture of the clinical environment. “Do I belong here?” “Will I be judged?” “Is it safe to be honest?” We ...
Between Strong and Weak Securitization: A Comparative Study of Russian and Turkish Approaches to Migration from Central Asia

In this chapter, I analyze the Russian and Turkish approaches to migration from Central Asia. In addition to mapping out major types of migration from Central Asia to Russia and Turkey, I ask: What type of political and security approaches have Russia and Turkey developed in response to migration from Central Asia? Why has Russia prioritized securitization, in contrast to Turkey’s accommodationist policy? How have securitization and accommodation taken place in these two countries? In answering these questions, I utilize securitization theory. I begin by examining the process of securitization of migration in Russia by looking at discursive and non-discursive practices that contributed to construction of Central Asian migrants as a threat. Then I discuss the motives behind securitization by looking at contextual factors located at domestic and regional level. Later, I discuss Turkey’s approach to migration from Central Asia, while comparing it to Russian approach in the process. I examine, again, both discursive and non-discursive practices that contributed to the mainly accommodationist Turkish approach, while discussing the recent changes in such practices following terrorist attacks involving Central Asian citizens. The final part looks at contextual factors that influence accommodation and securitization, demonstrating the complex dynamics behind recent changes in Turkish approach toward Central Asian migrants. I conclude by summarizing the argument and offering future avenues of research.
Prognostic Value and Peripheral Immunologic Correlates of Early FDG PET Response Imaging in a Phase II Trial of Risk-Adaptive Chemoradiation for Unresectable NSCLC.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) We hypothesized that FDG PET imaging during chemoradiation for unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is prognostic for survival, and that PET response is correlated with systemic immune response to treatment, as characterized by peripheral immunologic correlates and tumor PD-L1 status. A prognostic test that could predict patient outcome would help better select patients who need additional therapies, and spare toxicity in patients who do not. MATERIALS/METHODS A total of 45 patients with AJCCv7 stage IIB-IIIB NSCLC enrolled on the phase II FLARE-RT trial and received platinum-doublet chemotherapy concurrent with 6 weeks of radiation (NCT02773238). FDG PET imaging was performed prior to treatment start and after 24 Gy of radiation (week 3). PET response status was prospectively defined by multifactor radiomics. PET responders received 60 Gy in 30 fractions, while non-responders received concomitant boosts to 74 Gy in 30 fractions. 22/45 patients received durvalumab post-chemoradiation. Peripheral blood was drawn synchronously with PET imaging, from which germline DNA sequencing, T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing, and plasma cytokines analysis were performed. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and locoregional control (LRC) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier. Unsupervised learning of germline DNA sequencing SNP genotypes was performed with hierarchical clustering and summarized with cumulative frequency distributions of rank ordered SNPs. Genotype associations to OS, PFS, and PET response status were characterized by logistic regression with Firth penalization for estimating odds ratios (OR). TCR diversity metric trends were estimated by Spearman rank correlation and pairwise changes by Wilcoxon signed rank testing. TCR diversity metric associations to OS and PFS were assessed by Permutation testing of Harrell's c-index. RESULTS Median follow-up was 18.8 months, 1-year OS 82%, 1-year PFS 53%, and 1-year LRC 88%. Higher mid-treatment PET total lesion glycolysis was detrimental to OS (1-yr 87% vs. 63%, P 50%) classified as PET responders and 4/5 patients with negative PD-L1 TPS (< 1%) classified as PET non-responders. Germline DNA alterations in immunologic pathways had an outsized effect on OS and PET response; of the top 30 SNPs ranked by association with PET response status (P < 0.016), a plurality (13/30) came from immunologic pathways. Higher TCR richness, higher clone distribution slope, and smaller decline in clone distribution slope was associated with improved OS (P = 0.018-0.05); clone distribution slope was correlated with PET response (P = 0.031). CONCLUSION Mid-chemoradiation PET imaging is prognostic for survival; PET response may be linked to tumor and peripheral immunologic biomarkers.
Psychosocial Stressors in Space and in Space Analogs

With the occupation of the International Space Station (ISS) and plans being discussed for sending expeditions to Mars and other Solar System bodies, humans are committing themselves to a continuing presence in space. Such missions will be many months to years long, and the notion of establishing permanent colonies is being considered. But these plans offer a number of challenges. This chapter will review some of these challenges, with particular reference to long-duration manned space missions.
OPG Treatment Prevents Bone Loss During Lactation But Does Not Affect Milk Production or Maternal Calcium Metabolism

Lactation is associated with increased bone turnover and rapid bone loss, which liberates skeletal calcium used for milk production. Previous studies suggested that an increase in the skeletal expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ligand (RANKL) coupled with a decrease in osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels likely triggered bone loss during lactation. In this study, we treated lactating mice with recombinant OPG to determine whether bone loss during lactation was dependent on RANKL signaling and whether resorption of the maternal skeleton was required to support milk production. OPG treatment lowered bone resorption rates and completely prevented bone loss during lactation but, surprisingly, did not decrease osteoclast numbers. In contrast, OPG was quite effective at lowering osteoblast numbers and inhibiting bone formation in lactating mice. Furthermore, treatment with OPG during lactation prevented the usual anabolic response associated with reversal of lactational bone loss after weaning. Preventing bone loss had no appreciable effect on milk production, milk calcium levels, or maternal calcium homeostasis when mice were on a standard diet. However, when dietary calcium was restricted, treatment with OPG caused maternal hypocalcemia, maternal death, and decreased milk production. These studies demonstrate that RANKL signaling is a requirement for bone loss during lactation, and suggest that osteoclast activity may be required to increase osteoblast numbers during lactation in preparation for the recovery of bone mass after weaning. These data also demonstrate that maternal bone loss is not absolutely required to supply calcium for milk production unless dietary calcium intake is inadequate.
Performance comparison of nebulizer designs: constant-output, breath-enhanced, and dosimetric.

INTRODUCTION: Design differences among pneumatically powered, small-volume nebulizers affect drug disposition (percentage of the dose delivered to the patient, lost to deposition in the equipment, and lost via exhalation to ambient air) and thus affect drug availability and efficacy. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate in vitro the dose disposition with 5 nebulizer models, of 3 types (constant-output, breath-enhanced, and dosimetric), using simulated normal, adult breathing. METHODS: We compared 5 nebulizer models: 2 constant-output (Misty-Neb and SideStream), 1 breath-enhanced (Pari LCD), and 2 dosimetric (Circulaire and AeroEclipse). Each nebulizer was filled with a 3-mL unit-dose of albuterol sulfate and powered by oxygen at 8 L/min. The nebulizers were connected to an induction throat, connected to a breathing simulator. We measured (1) inhaled drug (subdivided into mass deposited in the induction throat and mass deposited in the filter at the distal end of the induction throat), (2) exhaled drug (lost to the ambient air), (3) drug lost to deposition in the apparatus, and (4) drug left in the unit-dose bottle. The duration of nebulization (until sputter) was measured with a stopwatch. All drug amounts were analyzed via spectrophotometry and expressed as a percentage of the total dose. RESULTS: The mean ± SD inhaled drug percentages were: Misty-Neb 17.2 ± 0.4%, SideStream 15.8 ± 2.8%, Pari LCD 15.2 ± 4.2%, Circulaire 8.7 ± 1.0%, and AeroEclipse 38.7 ± 1.3%. The mean ± SD percentages of drug lost to the ambient air were: Misty-Neb 26.8 ± 0.7%, SideStream 17.3 ± 0.4%, Pari LCD 18.3 ± 0.8%, Circulaire 12.3 ± 0.8%, and AeroEclipse 6.6 ± 3.3%. The mean ± SD percentages of drug lost to deposition in the apparatus were: Misty-Neb 52.3 ± 0.6%, SideStream 63.4 ± 3.0%, Pari LCD 62.5 ± 4.0%, Circulaire 75.8 ± 0.5%, and AeroEclipse 51.0 ± 2.1%. Duration of nebulization was shortest with the Circulaire and longest with the AeroEclipse (p CONCLUSIONS: The nebulizers we tested differ significantly in overall drug disposition. The dosimetric AeroEclipse provided the largest inhaled drug mass and the lowest loss to ambient air, with the test conditions we used.
Metastable charge-transfer state of californium(iii) compounds.

Among a series of anomalous physical and chemical properties of Cf(III) compounds revealed by recent investigations, the present work addresses the characteristics of the optical spectra of An(HDPA)3·H2O (An = Am, Cm, and Cf), especially the broadband photoluminescence from Cf(HDPA)3·H2O induced by ligand-to-metal charge transfer (CT). As a result of strong ion–ligand interactions and the relative ease of reducing Cf(III) to Cf(II), a CT transition occurs at low energy (<3 eV) via the formation of a metastable Cf(II) state. It is shown that the systematic trend in CT transitions of the lanthanide series is not paralleled by actinide elements lighter than Cf(III), and californium represents a turning point in the periodicity of the actinide series. Analyses and modeling of the temperature-dependent luminescence dynamics indicate that the metastable Cf(II) charge-transfer state undergoes radiative and non-radiative relaxations. Broadening of the CT transition arises from strong vibronic coupling and hole–charge interactions in the valence band. The non-radiative relaxation of the metastable CT state results from a competition between phonon-relaxation and thermal tunneling that populates the excited states of Cf(III).
Hematologic parameters, atherosclerotic progression, and prognosis in patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (from the Post CABG Trial).

Although inflammatory markers and anemia have both been associated with prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease, their relation with atherosclerotic progression in patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is unknown. A total of 1,273 patients enrolled in the Post CABG Trial who had undergone CABG 1 to 11 years before entry were studied. Subjects were randomly assigned to lovastatin in low or high doses and low-dose warfarin or placebo in a factorial design. Subjects underwent coronary angiography at baseline and after a mean follow-up of 4.3 years. White blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin, and platelets were measured at baseline in all subjects. Graft progression was defined as a decrease ≥0.6 mm in lumen diameter at the site of greatest change at follow-up. During follow-up, 195 subjects sustained a clinical event and 857 grafts developed significant worsening. Risk of clinical events tended to be greater with higher WBC counts, with hazard ratios for ascending quartiles of 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9 to 2.2), 1.6 (95% CI 1.0 to 2.6), and 1.6 (95% CI 1.0 to 2.7). WBC count also tended to be associated with significant atherosclerotic progression, particularly in subjects assigned to placebo rather than warfarin (p interaction = 0.04). There was no association of hemoglobin or platelet count with risk of clinical events or graft progression, but few trial subjects were anemic. In conclusion, WBC count is associated with a graded increase in cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery bypass grafts.
Frege’s Cardinals as Concept-correlates

In his Grundgesetze, Frege hints that prior to his theory that cardinal numbers are objects (courses-of-values) he had an “almost completed” manuscript on cardinals. Taking this early theory to have been an account of cardinals as second-level functions, this paper works out the significance of the fact that Frege’s cardinal numbers (as objects) is a theory of concept-correlates. Frege held that, where n>2, there is a one–one correlation between each n-level function and an n−1 level function, and a one–one correlation between each first-level function and an object (a course-of-values of the function). Applied to cardinals, the correlation offers new answers to some perplexing features of Frege’s philosophy. It is shown that within Frege’s concept-script, a generalized form of Hume’s Principle is equivalent to Russell’s Principle of Abstraction – a principle Russell employed to demonstrate the inadequacy of definition by abstraction. Accordingly, Frege’s rejection of definition of cardinal number by Hume’s Principle parallels Russell’s objection to definition by abstraction. Frege’s correlation thesis reveals that he has a way of meeting the structuralist challenge (later revived by Benacerraf, 1965) that it is arithmetic, and not a privileged progression of objects, that matters to the finite cardinals.
Possible observation of the orbital in 96249Cm

Abstract The position of the K 17 2 shell orbital plays a significant role in determining the shell correction energy and hence the stability of the superheavy elements. A deformed component of this orbital, 1 2 + [880] , comes down in energy with increasing prolate deformation, and is expected to have an excitation energy of less than 2 MeV in nuclei with N = 153. We have performed the reaction 248Cm(4He,3He) using 98.5-MeV alpha particles from the IUCF cyclotron to populate high-l states in 249Cm. this reaction preferentially excites high-l states because of the angular momentum mismatch. The emerging 3He ions were momentum analyzed with the K600 magnetic spectrometer. Spectra were measured at θcm = 4.1°, 6.1°, 10.2°, 12.2°, and 16.2° The spectrometer was calibrated with the 208Pb(4He,3He) and 232Th(4He,3He) reactions at the same incident energy. Three strong peaks were identified in the 248Cm(4He,3He) spectrum and these have been given tentative assignments: 593 keV, 15 2 11 2 − [725] ; 1560 keV and 1898 keV, 17 2 1 2 + [880] , 15 2 13 2 − [716] . Our data do not distinguish between the 17 2 + and 15 2 − assignments.
Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of commercial mints

Commercial peppermint (P) (Mentha × piperita L. ev. Black Mitcham), native spearmint (NS) (M. spicata L.) and Scotch spearmint (SS) (M. × gracillis Sole cv Baker) petioles and orange mint (OM) (M. citrata Ehrh.) leaf disks were cocultivated with a number of Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains. P, SS and OM initiated tumor-like callus tissue on growth regulator-free MS medium after cocultivation with strain A281, a hypervirulent agropine strain containing Ti plasmid pTiBo542. Callus did not initiate from explants cocultivated with strain C58, a virulent nopaline strain; with A 136, a plasmidless strain, or from uninoculated controls. A281-derived callus was maintained on growth regulator-free medium in the absence of antibiotics for up to two years with no bacterial outgrowth. No shoots regenerated from any of the tumors on regeneration medium. Five of seven OM callus lines assayed gave a positive signal for agropine. DNA extracted from OM tumor tissue hybridized to a DNA probe specific to the T-DNA region of pTi plasmid. Genomic Southern analysis of DNA from tumors of P and SS indicated that one to a few copies of the T-DNA integrated into the mint chromosomes. PCR amplification of genomic DNA with primers specific for one of the T-DNA encoded genes yielded fragments that, when analyzed by restriction enzyme mapping and on Southern blots, corresponded to the cytokinin biosynthesis gene ipt. These results demonstrate transformation of three species of mint and the potential for using A. tumefaciens to transfer economically important genes into commercial mint cultivars.
Telling the Truth About Big Tobacco

When I cared for my first lung cancer patient, over 25 years ago, I didn't know that prior to the industrial production of cigarettes, lung cancer was so rare that most clinicians never saw a case ...
Inappropriate activation of androgen receptor by relaxin via Β-catenin pathway

We have previously demonstrated that human H2-relaxin can mediate androgen-independent growth of LNCaP through a mechanism that involves the activation of the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway. The goal of the current study is to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which H2-relaxin causes activation of the AR pathway. Our data indicate that there is cross-talk between AR and components of the Wnt signaling pathway. Addition of H2-relaxin to LNCaP cells resulted in increased phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) with subsequent cytoplasmic accumulation of beta-catenin. Immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemical studies demonstrated that the stabilized beta-catenin formed a complex with AR, which was then translocated into the nucleus. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis determined that the AR/beta-catenin complex binds to the proximal region of the prostate-specific antigen promoter. Inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, using LY294002, prevented both H2-relaxin-mediated phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3beta and translocation of beta-catenin/AR into the nucleus. Knockdown of beta-catenin levels using a beta-catenin-specific small interfering RNA inhibited H2-relaxin-induced AR activity. The combined data demonstrate that PI3K/Akt and components of the Wnt pathway can facilitate H2-relaxin-mediated activation of the AR pathway.
Deep vein obstruction and leg swelling caused by femoral ganglion

We present a case of a rare ganglion cyst originating from the hip joint and compressing the common femoral vein producing signs and symptoms that mimicked a deep vein thrombosis. Excision of the mass promptly restored normal venous return. This condition has not been previously reported in the English-language medical literature.
Application of ‘Landsat’ data to resource management

Over the past few years, a great deal of interest has been focused on the use of remote sensing for resource management. This paper examines one of the most useful systems — Landsat. Included in this paper is a discussion of this remote-sensing technology, its application and its future as a tool for resources planning and management.
A systematic angle-resolved photoelectron study of π orbitals in unsaturated organic molecules

Abstract The angular distribution parameter β has been determined for the π orbitals of 1,1-dichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, propylene, 1-butene, isobutylene, cis-2-butene, trans-2-butene, 1,3-butadiene, cyclopentene, methylacetylene and furan in the photon energy range 10–30 eV using dispersed polarized synchrotron radiation. The energy dependence of β in the photoelectron energy range 2–10 eV was found to be similar for all the π orbitais investigated. The potential use of the energy dependence of β as an aid in making molecular-orbital assignments is discussed. Resonance photoionization features similar to those observed for the π orbitals of acetylene, ethylene and benzene were found in many of the π orbitals of the molecules investigated herein. Possible explanations for these resonance features are discussed.
Preparing for Disaster: An Examination of Public Health Emergency Information on Local TV Web Sites:

This study provides a nationwide examination of public health emergency information on local television Web sites, analyzing 293 news stories that focused on all aspects of a potential emergency, including preparedness, response, and recovery. Data revealed that public health emergency information was present on nearly all (96%) of the sites examined. These stories most frequently contained general disaster information, or information about weather-related disasters and health pandemics.Few stories linked consumers to additional information on other Web pages (24%) or included a video component (27%). There were significant differences between large and small media markets regarding specific public health emergency content.
The acquisition of taste aversions in humans

Abstract A written questionnaire or an interview was given to 517 undergraduates concerning their acquisition of illness-induced (taste) aversions to foods and drinks. The subjects reported 415 aversions, with 65% of the subjects reporting at least one aversion. The aversions were more likely to be reported as having been formed through forward rather than simultaneous or backward conditioning, and long-delay learning was frequent. The aversions usually formed to the taste of the foods, rather than the appearance or other aspects of the foods. Extinction appeared more effective in decreasing the aversions than did forgetting. The illness responsible for the aversion's forming was usually attributed to the subsequently aversive food, but for 21% of the reported aversions subjects were sure that something else had caused their illness. Aversions were more likely to have formed to relatively less familiar and less preferred foods. Aversions were also more likely to form between the ages of 13 and 20. Generalization of the aversions to similar foods occurred in 29% of the cases. Approximately one fourth of the aversions were to alcoholic beverages. Finally, instances of aversions forming without food or drink consumption and instances of observational learning were reported. The data were quite similar to laboratory taste aversion data collected using other species and can help in optimizing taste aversion treatments of eating and drinking disorders. Taste aversions among humans are frequent and strong.
Thermally-induced order-order transition of DNA-cationic surfactant complexes.

Polyanionic DNA interacts with cationic amphiphiles to form electrostatic complexes exhibiting rich self-assembled structures. This type of complex has been considered as a nonviral carrier in gene...
Provenience analysis of pottery from Fijian hillforts: preliminary implications for exchange within the archipelago

Surface finds of pottery from hillforts in the Yasawas Islands were examined by neutron activation analysis (NAA) and by petrographic analysis. The NAA results show that pottery from the Yasawas falls into at least three distinct compositional groups. Petrographic comparison and a pilot study by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) shows pottery from the lower Singatoka valley to have a composition similar to a group of Yasawas pottery, indicating exchange between the two areas. The evidence for pottery exchange is consistent with dialect similarity evidence that Western Fiji evolved as a separate sphere of interaction from the rest of Fiji.
Pyrolytic sources of hydrocarbons from biomass

Abstract This paper reports progress of the Renewable Resources Research Laboratory on the conversion of biomass to olefins. Research on the depolymerization of cellulose supports the initiation/competitive reaction scheme first proposed independently by Arsenau and Broido, but indicates rate laws characterized by somewhat higher apparent activation energies than those reported by Bradbury et al. Research on the decomposition of the model compound glycerol in supercritical water evidences two major pathways. At lower temperatures, a heterolytic acid catalyzed, carbonium ion mechanism results in the formation of acrolein by the elimination of water from glycerol. At higher temperatures, homolytic cleavage of CC bonds results in the preferential formation of acetaldehyde.