cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reexamining the possible benefits of visual crowding: dissociating crowding from ensemble percepts

Peripheral objects and their features become indistinct when closely surrounding but nonoverlapping objects are present. Most models suggest that this phenomenon, called crowding, reflects limitations of visual processing, but an intriguing idea is that it may be, in part, adaptive. Specifically, the mechanism generating crowding may simultaneously facilitate ensemble representations of features, leaving meaningful information about clusters of objects. In two experiments, we tested whether visual crowding and the perception of ensemble features share a common mechanism. Observers judged the orientation of a crowded bar, or the ensemble orientation of all bars in the upper and lower visual fields. While crowding was predictably stronger in the upper relative to the lower visual field, the ensemble percept did not vary between the visual fields. Featural averaging within the crowded region does not always scale with the resolution limit defined by crowding, suggesting that dissociable processes contribute to visual crowding and ensemble percepts.
Dimensions of Attitudes toward Women in the Military: Factor Analysis of the Women in the Military Scale:

Summary.-This study describes the factor structure of the Women in the Military Scale and compares scores obtained on 127 women surveyed approximately three years after the conclusion of the Gulf war with scores from 97 women surveyed during the war. Factor analysis yielded rhree primary factors reflecting equal competence of women and men in the military, having children in the context of military life, and family role and the place of women in combat. No difference in over-all scores was obtained between the two groups of women. The public discussion regarding the full inclusion of women in the armed services does not appear to have subsided since the Persian Gulf war. That conflict uncovered concern about women in the mditary, precipitating d_lscussion in Congress and in the press, and added a significant dimension to the continuing interest in issues of gender and equahty. Prior to the Persian Gulf conflict, there were no published scales specifically addressing the issue of attitudes toward women serving in the mStary. Wilcox (2) reported on responses to items extracted from the General Social Survey conducted by the National Opinion Research Center. That study indicated general support for the service of 'women in the mhtary on the basis of equality between genders but more limited support for women in combat roles. To facditate more pointed study of the issue of women's participation in the armed services, Hurrell and Lukens (1) developed a scale specifically directed to the topic, the Women in the Utary Scale. The scale was used in a study with a sample of college women at the time of the Persian Gulf war. Analysis indicated that the scale has acceptable psychometric properties and respondents supported the participation of women in the mditary on the basis of equahty between genders but, as Wilcox (2) reported, yielded less support for women in combat roles. Since the Persian Gulf conflict, several incidents have again focussed public attention on the role of women in the mihtary. There were cbsturbing reports of women as prisoners and casualties in the war, followed later by the Tadhook Affair involving sexual harassment of female naval personnel. More recently, the Defense Department expanded women's service options
Engaging in Violence on American Television: A Comparison of Child, Teen, and Adult Perpetrators

This study examines the perpetrators of violence on American television in terms of their chronological age. In particular, the content analysis compares the amount and nature of violence committed by child and teen characters to that committed by adult characters. The results suggest that younger perpetrators are depicted in several ways that pose risks for the child viewer. Compared to adult perpetrators, child perpetrators are more often portrayed as attractive, are less likely to be punished for aggression, and engage in violence that results in fewer negative consequences to their victims. In addition, these younger characters are disproportionately featured on the very programs and channels that are targeted to the child audience. The findings are discussed in terms of children's attention to, and social learning from different types of characters on television.
Scanning in atomic force microscopy

In this paper, we present an adaptive scanning approach for atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging. Our simulation results demonstrate that this new approach can achieve approximately one order of magnitude better scanning efficiency over current scanning method. The basic idea of our new approach is two-fold: the scan speed along the fast-scan axis is adaptive to the local curvature and slope in the fast-scan direction; the scan-line interval along the slow-scan axis is adaptive to curvature along the slow-scan direction.
Singularity Statistics in Quasi-1D Random Systems

Phase Singularities and their topological charges and screening are measured at the output surface of quasi-1D random systems. Statistics of singularities’ displacement with frequency shift for diffusive and strongly correlated waves are compared.
Determination of copper, cadmium and zinc by atomic absorption spectroscopy

Abstract A procedure for the direct determination of zinc, cadmium and copper in air and water has been developed. The possible interference effects of numerous anions and cations have been investigated. Few interferences were found, and these were eliminated by the addition of EDTA. The sensitivities found were 2 p.p.b. for cadmium, 8 p.p.b. for copper and 2 p.p.b. for zinc.
The synthesis and release of acetylcholine by depolarized hippocampal slices is increased by increased choline available in vitro prior to stimulation.

The objective of these experiments was to determine whether preincubating hippocampal slices with choline provides precursor that can be used during a subsequent incubation to support or enhance the synthesis of acetylcholine (ACh). Slices were preincubated for 60 min with 0, 10, 25, or 50 μM choline, washed, resuspended, and then incubated for 10 min in choline-free buffer containing 4.74 (Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate, KRB) or 25 mM KC1. The tissue contents of ACh and choline were determined prior to and after the preincubation, as well as after the incubation; the amounts of ACh and choline released were measured, and ACh synthesis was calculated. Preincubation in the absence of choline increased the tissue content of ACh to 242% of original levels; preincubation with 10 μM choline did not lead to a further increase, but preincubation with 25 or 50 μM choline increased the ACh content to 272% of original levels, significantly greater than that of slices preincubated with either 0 or 10 μM choline. When tissues were subsequently incubated for 10 min with either KRB or 25 μM KC1, ACh release from slices preincubated with 50 μM choline was greater than from slices preincubated with 0, 10, or 25 μM choline. Incubation of slices with KRB did not alter the tissue content of ACh, but when tissues were incubated with 25 mM KC1, the ACh content of slices preincubated with 0 or 10 μM choline decreased significantly, whereas that of slices preincubated with 25 or 50 μM choline did not. Although ACh synthesis by slices incubated with KRB did not differ significantly among groups, synthesis by slices incubated with 25 mM KC1 was significantly greater for tissues preincubated with 50 μM choline than for those preincubated with 0, 10, or 25 μM choline. Preincubation in the absence of choline decreased choline levels by 43%, whereas preincubation with 50 μM choline increased levels by 55%; choline levels were unaltered by preincubation with 10 μM choline. Following incubation with 25 mM KCl, the choline content of slices preincubated with 50 μM choline decreased by 0.59 nmol, whereas the content of slices preincubated with 10 μM choline decreased by 0.33 nmol, suggesting that the former used more of its tissue choline to support ACh synthesis; choline levels did not change in slices preincubated in the absence of choline. These results suggest that prior exposure of hippocampal slices to choline provides precursor that is used during a subsequent incubation with 25 mM KCl to support the synthesis of ACh.
An Invariance Principle for Random Traveling Waves in One Dimension

We consider solutions to a nonlinear reaction diffusion equation when the reaction term varies randomly with respect to the spatial coordinate. The nonlinearity is either the ignition nonlinearity or the bistable nonlinearity, under suitable restrictions on the size of the spatial fluctuations. It is known that the solution develops an interface which propagates with a well-defined speed in the large time limit. The main result of this article is a functional central limit theorem for the random interface position.
Mission Accomplished? Attention to performance during the Iraq war

Drawing from and extending research that proposes a socially embedded view of attention, we examine the influence that audiences’ legitimacy judgments have on decision makers’ attention to performance. Using data from speeches by Pentagon officials during the Iraq war, our empirical analyses yield three findings: (1) an audience’s favorable legitimacy judgments increase decision makers’ attention to performance; (2) decision makers are more likely to attend to performance when performance is strong than when performance is weak; (3) an audience’s favorable legitimacy judgments attenuate the tendency to give less attention to performance when performance is weak. Implications of these results for organizational research on attention, legitimacy, and performance feedback are discussed.
Interfacing wind energy conversion equipment with utility systems

Abstract Technical interface issues between utility systems and solar technology devices are receiving increasing attention from government and industry. These issues arise from the intermittent power generation characteristics of solar systems, in contrast to most utility generation equipment. This paper explores the interface issues for wind energy systems, a solar technology likely to achieve early commercialization. Described are government- and industry-sponsored assessments of the impact of wind energy devices on industry operations, controls, and protective subsystems. The conclusions drawn indicate that: there does not appear to be any major technical interface problem in applying wind energy devices to utility power systems; current utility control and protection design methods are adequate for interfacing wind energy units with a utility system; and, the cost of control and protection for large (over 1 Mw) wind machines appears acceptable but may prove prohibitive for small machines. Several advanced technology options with the potential for reducing the costs for protection and control are also described, for both the wind machines and the utility system.
Increasing rates of emergency department visits for elderly patients in the United States, 1993 to 2003.

Study objective In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported increasing emergency department (ED) visit rates per 100 people. The greatest increase in visit rate was among individuals 65 years and older. Given that older ED visitors have longer lengths of stay in the ED, are more likely to be admitted, and compose a growing proportion of the American population, this finding could have a significant negative effect on ED crowding. The first step toward addressing this issue is a better understanding of the nature of these visits. Methods We performed trend analysis for persons aged 65 years and older using 1993 to 2003 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data, an annual national sample of visits to the EDs of nonfederal general and short-stay hospitals. SAS 9.1 computed population estimates and standard errors for number of ED visits. Annual census data were used to compute visit rates per 100 persons. A least-squares test for trend determined slopes and 95% confidence intervals. Results Visits for patients aged 65 to 74 years increased 34% during the study period. The visit rate for blacks increased 93% to 77 visits per 100 population, whereas the rate for whites increased 26% to 36 visits per 100. The admission rate did not change significantly during the study period. The number of visits at which 3 or more medications were prescribed increased 44%. The increased visits occurred primarily in the category of "other and undefined" diagnoses (90% increase). Conclusion If these trends continue, ED visits in the United States for the 65- to 74-year-old group could nearly double from 6.4 million visits to 11.7 million visits by 2013.
Experiments With Diamond-Turned Metal X-Ray Mirrors

It is noted that the primary advantages of diamond turning technology for the fabrication of X-ray telescope mirrors is in the smoothness of the finished surface and the control of the position of the cutter afforded by the precision slides and computer-assisted positioners which form the surface. The paper summarizes the Caltech work in attempting to make Wolter Type I telescope mirrors using the diamond turning facilities at the Oak Ridge Y-12 laboratory. Attention is given to such factors as the use of aluminum with copper plating and electroless nickel coating. It is found that although the diamond turning capability of the Y-12 lab is capable of making good X-ray mirror contours, there are problems in the process which have limited the accuracy achieved by this technique.
Frequency-domain upper bounds for signals on a multiconductor transmission line behind an aperture

This paper develops a technique for bounding the maximum voltages and currents at terminations of a muiticonductor transmission line (MTL) located behind an aperture-perforated conducting screen excited by an electromagnetic field in the frequency domain. The electromagnetic field is coupled through a small aperture as the excitation of a multiconductor transmission line behind the aperture. A model is presented in terms of external and internal sources which in turn create traveling waves on the multiconductor transmission line. These traveling waves transfer energy to the terminations. The energy at a termination is translated into voltages and currents from which the upper bounds are determined. These upper bounds are obtained using vector norms and associated matrix norms. The formulation is presented in the frequency domain to obtain useful upper bounds for analysis of multiconductor transmission line geometries with aperture excitation.
Where Are the Food Deserts? An Evaluation of Policy-Relevant Measures of Community Food Access in South Carolina

Several recent US policies target spatial access to healthier food retailers. We evaluated 2 measures of community food access developed by 2 different agencies using a 2009 food environment validation study in South Carolina as a reference. Whereas the US Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service’s (USDA ERS) measure designated 22.5% of census tracts as food deserts, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) measure designated 29.0% as non-healthier retail tracts; 71% of tracts were designated consistently between USDA ERS and CDC. Our findings suggest a need for greater harmonization of these measures of community food access.
Size and selectivity of gap junction channels formed from different connexins

Gap junction channels have long been viewed as static structures containing a large-diameter, aqueous pore. This pore has a high permeability to hydrophilic molecules of approximately 900 daltons in molecular weight and a weak ionic selectivity. The evidence leading to these conclusions is reviewed in the context of more recent observations primarily coming from unitary channel recordings from transfected connexin channels expressed in communication-deficient cell lines. What is emerging is a more diverse view of connexin-specific gap junction channel structure and function where electrical conductance, ionic selectivity, and dye permeability vary by one full order of magnitude or more. furthermore, the often held contention that channel conductance and ionic or molecular selectivity are inversely proportional is refuted by recent evidence from five distinct connexin channels. The molecular basis for this diversity of channel function remains to be identified for the connexin family of gap junction proteins.
The bias II feedback system: Understanding and improving stability in NbN HEB Terahertz receivers

Terahertz NbN heterodyne hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixer receivers currently provide the lowest receiver noise temperatures from about 1.2 THz to 5 THz. However, it has been well documented that these receivers are less stable, as quantified by the Allan variance, than other THz receivers (SIS and Schottky barrier diode mixers). In this paper we directly address the intermediate frequency (IF) stability of (HEB) receivers by designing and implementing a feedback system to stabilize the bias of the HEB device. We report a continuum Allan time of at least 20 seconds for a THz NbN HEB receiver.
DO HOSTILITY AND NEUROTICISM CONFOUND ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN PERCEIVED DISCRIMINATION AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS

Abstract A growing body of research links perceived discrimination to psychological distress, yet recent reviews of this literature suggest that the subjectivity inherent in reports of discrimination is an important methodological consideration. Specifically, personality characteristics may predispose individuals to psychological distress and also affect whether discrimination is perceived, thereby spuriously inflating associations between discrimination and mental health. The present study examined this possibility. Gay and bisexual men (N = 250) completed self–report measures of perceived discrimination, depressive symptoms, hostility, and neuroticism. Perceived discrimination was positively associated with depressive symptoms. Hostility and neuroticism were both significant confounders of this relation, together accounting for 42% of the observed association between discrimination and depression. Discrimination remained a significant predictor of depressive symptoms even after controlling for hostility...
Occipital nerve stimulation for refractory headache in the Chiari malformation population.

BACKGROUND Chronic occipital and suboccipital headache is a common symptom in patients with Chiari I malformation. These headaches may persist despite appropriate surgical treatment of the underlying pathology via suboccipital decompression, duraplasty, and cerebrospinal fluid diversion. Occipital nerve stimulation has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a variety of occipital headache/pain syndromes. OBJECTIVE To review retrospectively our experience with occipital nerve stimulation in patients with a primary diagnosis of Chiari malformation and a history of chronic occipital pain intractable to medical and surgical therapies. METHODS We present a retrospective analysis of our series of 22 patients with Chiari malformation and persistent occipital headaches who underwent occipital neurostimulator trials and, after successful trials, permanent stimulator placement. A trial was considered successful with >50% pain relief as assessed with a standard Visual Analog Scale score. Patients with a successful trial underwent permanent placement approximately 1 to 2 weeks later. Patients were assessed postoperatively for pain relief via the Visual Analog Scale. RESULTS Sixty-eight percent of patients (15 of 22) had a successful stimulator trial and proceeded to permanent implantation. Of those implanted, 87% (13 of 15) reported continued pain relief at a mean follow-up of 18.9 months (range, 6-51 months). Device-related complications requiring additional surgeries occurred in 40% of patients. CONCLUSION Occipital stimulation may provide significant long-term pain relief in selected Chiari I malformation patients with persistent occipital pain. Larger and longer-term studies are needed to further define appropriate patient selection criteria and to refine the surgical technique to minimize device-related complications.
Theory theory to the Max

L'A. developpe quelques reflexions sur la theorie de Gopnik et Meltzoff, selon laquelle le developpement des theories abstraites chez l'enfant commence des la naissance. Il pose un regard critique sur la conception evolutionniste des processus en jeu dans le developpement cognitif
Dengue Virus Infection Mediated by DC-SIGN

DC-SIGN (dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin) is a pattern recognition receptor which binds to the mannose or fucose structures present on a variety of pathogens and stimulates diverse immune responses. DC-SIGN forms nanodomains on cell surfaces which are entry portals for viruses including HIV, Ebola, dengue and hepatitis C. In particular, dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection and has become a rapidly growing global health threat. Many reports have shown that ectopically expressed DC-SIGN enhances productive dengue infection in different human cell types; however, detailed molecular-level studies on interactions between DC-SIGN membrane assemblies and dengue virus (DENV) at the initial binding and internalization stages are lacking. By employing immunostaining, confocal imaging, super-resolution direct stochastical optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) and flow cytometry assays, we show that cell surface DC-SIGN nanodomains are sufficient to capture the small sized DENV ( 50 nm), leading to efficient virus internalization and productive infection of the host cells. At the initial binding stage, DENV is highly colocalized with cell surface DC-SIGN domains. Internalization of DENV was observed within a few minutes after incubating DENV with cells expressing DC-SIGN, and massive viral particle synthesis was observed at 24h after infection. In contrast, no virus replication was observed on control cells even after 72h of incubating with DENV. The results indicate that DC-SIGN capturing of DENV leads to rapid internalization of the viruses and productive infection thereafter. Furthermore, superresolution dSTORM shows that a single DC-SIGN nanodomain is sufficient to capture single DENV particles. Supported by NIH GM 41402 and NIAID RO1-AI107731.
Phase-field simulation of void migration in a temperature gradient

A phase-field model simulating vacancy diffusion in a solid with a strong vacancy mobility inhomogeneity is presented. The model is used to study void migration via bulk and surface diffusion in a temperature gradient. The simulations demonstrate that voids migrate up the temperature gradient, and the migration velocity varies inversely with the void size, in agreement with theory. It is also shown that the current model has the capability to investigate the effects of surface diffusion, temperature gradient and vacancy concentration on the void migration velocity. An interesting potential application of the model is to study the kinetics of void migration and the formation of a central hole in nuclear fuels.
Creativity support: information discovery and exploratory search

We are developing support for creativity in learning through information discovery and exploratory search. Users engage in creative tasks, such as inventing new products and services. The system supports evolving information needs. It gathers and presents relevant information visually using images and text. Users are able to search, browse, and explore results from multiple queries and interact with information elements by manipulating design and expressing interest. A field study was conducted to evaluate the system in an undergraduate class. The results demonstrated the efficacy of our system for developing creative ideas. Exposure to diverse information in visual and interactive forms is shown to support students engaged in invention tasks.
Demonstration of a thick holographic Stokesmeter

A holographic Stokesmeter has the potential to be useful in high-speed polarization imaging applications. Highly polarization-sensitive gratings are an important component for this device. Using two sets of multiplexed gratings, we measured the Stokes parameters for three different polarization states of an input beam. These measured values compared well to values measured using the quarter-wave plate/linear polarizer method. This establishes the feasibility of such a Stokesmeter in its original configuration. We demonstrate further the basic mechanism behind a compact architecture for this device, requiring only a single substrate and a single imaging system, and describe a spectrally scanned polarimetric imaging system.
APL: The language of science and management

APL (A Programming Language) has been in use at the Space Department of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) for scientific problem solving. APL was a very attractive alternative to the slow, expensive and often unavailable pool of scientific programmers, and became the language of choice for a variety of scientific projects. APL was not considered to be suitable for solving business and management related problems or for building end-user applications.A critical need for modern management tools, the availability of experienced APL Programmer/Analysts, and the introduction at JHU/APL of APL Application Development Programming Productivity (ADPP) tools, resulted in management decision to explore the potential of APL for developing end-user applications.The two business (management) oriented applications which have been developed have resulted in management's acceptance of APL as an end-user application development language in addition to its traditional role in science and engineering.The rationale for choosing APL to develop end-user business applications and a short description of some of the ADPP tools and applications developed are the subject of this paper.
Gastroesophageal reflux and eustachian tube dysfunction in an animal model.

Objective: To explore the possible relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and eustachian tube dysfunction in an animal model. Study Design: Randomized trial. Methods: Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into two groups, the control (phosphate-buffered saline, n = 10) and experimental (hydrochloric acid [HCl]/pepsin, n = 10) groups. All rats underwent an operation to implant a polyethylene tube into the posterior nasopharynx, through which phosphate-buffered solution or simulated gastric juice (0.5 mg/mL pepsin in 0.01 HCl) was infused at a rate of 0.1 mL/h for 20 minutes three times a day for 7 days. Passive opening pressure (POP), passive closing pressure (PCP), active clearance of positive pressure (ACPP) and active clearance of negative pressure (ACNP) were measured before catheter implantation, on postoperative day 5, and after days 1, 3, 5, and 7 of infusion. Mucociliary clearance time (MCCT) was measured after day 7 of infusion. Statistical analysis used a two-way analysis of variance (POP, PCP, ACPP, and ACNP) and MannWhitney rank sum test (MCCT). Results: Significant increases in POP (P = .004), PCP (P <.001), ACPP (P <.001), ACNP (P <.001), and MCCT (P <.001) were demonstrated in the HCL/pepsin group compared with the control group. No significant difference was seen between preoperative and postoperative values. Conclusions: Nasopharyngeal exposure to simulated gastric juice causes eustachian tube dysfunction in rats. Specifically, middle ear pressure regulation and mucociliary clearance of middle ear contents were disabled. These results support recent reports in the literature linking nasopharyngeal reflux to eustachian tube dysfunction and secondary development of otitis media.
Cystic lesions of the adrenal gland: our experience over the last 20 years

Cystic lesions of the adrenal gland are uncommon, often presenting with nonspecific clinical and radiologic findings, and are thus underrecognized. They are occasionally associated with malignant neoplasms, which can greatly mimic benign lesions and carry detrimental clinical consequences if misdiagnosed. Here we present our 20-year experience (1992-2012) with these lesions at an academic medical center. Among more than 4500 adrenal gland specimens, 31 cases of adrenal lesions with a predominant cystic component were identified in 30 patients with an age range of 34 to 86 years (median, 55.5 years) and a male/female ratio of 13:17. Macroscopic descriptions, available histologic and immunostain slides, and available radiologic records were reviewed for all included cases. Radiologic studies and gross examination correlated well, and hemorrhage (26 cases; 84%) and encapsulation (25 cases; 81%) appeared to be nonspecific radiologic/gross features shared across histologic subtypes. Microscopic review identified 12 cases (39%) of pseudocysts, 2 cases (6%) of endothelium-derived cysts, and 17 cases (55%) of epithelium-derived cysts. Among these 31 cystic adrenal lesions, 2 cases (6%) were malignant neoplasms (1 epithelioid angiosarcoma, 1 adrenocortical carcinoma). Radiologic impression and histopathologic diagnosis were concordant in 11 (73%) of the 15 cases for which radiologic records were available. This study represents the second largest case series to date on cystic adrenal lesions and presents a comprehensive review on their demographic, clinical, radiologic, and gross and microscopic pathologic features, as well as their differential diagnoses.
Diagnosing Dysglycemia in Adolescents With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Purpose Screening for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is recommended for adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Whether glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) can be used for screening in this patient population is unknown. We sought to determine the utility of HbA1c and 2-hour OGTT for diagnosing dysglycemia in adolescents with PCOS. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of 68 adolescents with PCOS seen in the Boston Children's Hospital Division of Adolescent Medicine between 2008 and 2011 and not known to have diabetes. Prevalence of dysglycemia (impaired fasting glucose, IGT, increased risk for diabetes, or diabetes mellitus as diagnosed by fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour OGTT, and/or HbA1c) and sensitivity and specificity of HbA1c for diagnosing dysglycemia compared with OGTT were assessed. Results Twenty-four participants had abnormal glucose testing, including one participant (1.5%) who met criteria for diabetes mellitus and 23 participants (34%) who met criteria for impaired fasting glucose/IGT/prediabetes. More patients were identified as having dysglycemia by HbA1c than OGTT. Compared with OGTT, HbA1c had a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 69% for diagnosing dysglycemia. Conclusions In adolescents with PCOS, HbA1c had moderate sensitivity and specificity for detecting dysglycemia compared with OGTT. Clinicians should be aware that both tests have benefits and limitations, and the optimal test for follow-up requires further study.
Some preliminary observations on the behavior of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) under seminatural conditions

Small groups of Mongolian gerbils were released into an empty room so as to simulate free-ranging conditions and to study social patterns. While there was no tendency to maintain identifiable subgroups, the adult males positioned themselves into what appeared to be a dominance hierarchy. Dominant males initiated most of the fighting and were the only ones ever observed to mark objects in the room. In terms of sexual behavior, competition among males was completely absent, and multiple males were observed to copulate in sequence with any receptive female. Dominant males, however, were never observed to participate in sexual activities or to aggress against copulating subordinates. In general, males showed a much higher incidence of aggressive behavior and more footstomping than females. Footstomping episodes were most frequent during sexual activity and seemed to alert other members of the group.
Characterization of Endocrine Events During the Periestrous Period in Sheep After Estrous Synchronization with Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) Device

The Controlled Internal Drug Releasing (CIDR) device is an intravaginal pessary containing progesterone (P4) designed for synchronizing estrus in ruminants. To date, there has been little information available on the timing, duration, and quality of the follicular phase after CIDR removal and how those characteristics compare with natural periovulatory endocrine events. The present communication relates the results of methods we used to characterize the endocrine events that followed CIDR synchronization. Breeding-season ewes were given an injection (10 mg) of Lutalyse (PGF2 alpha), and then studied during three consecutive estrous cycles, beginning in the luteal phase after the estrus induced by PGF2 alpha. Cycle 1 estrus was synchronized with 1 CIDR (Type G) inserted for 8 d beginning 10 d after PGF2 alpha. Cycles 2 and 3 were synchronized with two CIDRs for 8 d beginning 10 d after previous CIDR removal. Cycle 1 estrous behavior and serum gonadotropins showed a follicular phase (the interval from CIDR withdrawal to gonadotropin surge [surge] peak) of 38.2 +/- 1.5 hr. Two CIDRs lengthened the interval to 46.2 +/- 1.5 hr (P < 0.0001). At CIDR removal, circulating P4 concentrations were higher in ewes treated with two CIDRs (5.1 +/- 0.3 and 6.4 +/- 0.4 ng/mL in Cycles 2 and 3 vs. 2.7 +/- 0.3 ng/mL in Cycle 1), whereas estradiol concentrations were higher in the 1 CIDR cycle (3.3 +/- 0.5 pg/mL in Cycle 1 vs. 0.5 +/- 0.1, and 0.7 +/- 0.2 pg/mL in Cycles 2 and 3), suggesting that the lower levels of P4 achieved with one CIDR was not sufficient to arrest follicular development. There were no differences in any other endocrine variable. Both one and two CIDR synchronization concentrated surges within a 24-hr period in 92% of the ewes in Cycles 1 and 2. Cycles 3 ewes were euthanized at estimated luteal, early follicular, late follicular, LH surge, and secondary FSH rise timepoints. Endocrine data and ovaries showed that 88% of the ewes synchronized with two CIDRs were in the predicted stage of the estrous cycle. These data demonstrate that the CIDR device applied during the luteal phase effectively synchronizes estrus and results in a CIDR removal-to-surge interval of similar length to a natural follicular phase.
Spectroscopic amplitudes for α-clustering in 6Li and 7Be

Abstract Spectroscopic amplitudes for α -clustering in the bound states of 6 Li and 7 Be are computed by adopting the definition of Fliessbach. The wavefunctions used are those from coupled-channel resonating-group calculations. Using these amplitudes, one can determine the spectroscopic factor and the constant characterizing the asymptotic behaviour of the intercluster relative-motion function and, thereby, obtain interesting information concerning the cluster structures of these two nuclei.
Effect of caloric restriction on aflatoxin B1-DNA adduct formation and associated factors in Fischer 344 rats: preliminary findings.

Abstract In this first report of an effect of caloric restriction on in vivo DNA binding by a chemical carcinogen in rats, hepatic nuclear binding by aflatoxin B 1 (AFB) (pmol/mg DNA) in ad libitum -fed (AL) animals was 2.1 times greater than in rats restricted to 60% of AL consumption for 6 weeks. Data indicating more rapid plasma clearance, increased urinary excretion of the toxin, and less microsome-mediated epoxidation of AFB by the restricted group suggest that decreased macromolecular binding may be attributable in part to metabolic alterations. Moreover, various levels of dietary restriction, initiated at different ages, significantly inhibited hepatic DNA synthesis, thus indicating that effects of cell proliferation could also be involved mechanistically. Finally, circulating levels of the lysosomal enzyme, β-glucuronicase (βG), were significantly reduced in the restricted rats, and the implications of this finding regarding potential relationships to aging and carcinogenesis are discussed.
How the relationship of attitudes toward mental health treatment and service use differs by age, gender, ethnicity/race and education

Background Promoting help-seeking for mental health problems can result in improved treatment rates. For the most impact, social marketing interventions need to be tailored to targeted demographic subgroups. We investigated the influence of interactions between attitudes toward treatment and age, gender, ethnicity/race and education for both general medical and specialty care.
Pathway of nickel uptake influences its interaction with heterochromatic DNA

Exposure of intact Chinese hamster ovary cells to water-soluble NiCl2 and to particulate crystalline NiS induced a concentration-dependent incidence of chromosomal aberrations which included gaps, breaks, and exchanges. Exposure of cells to crystalline NiS particles caused a high incidence of chromatid exchanges and dicentrics and produced what appears to be an effect on the condensation state of the heterochromatic long arm of the X chromosome. Treatment of cells with NiCl2 did not cause any significant effect on the long arm of the X chromosome, and there was a much lower incidence of the dicentric type of chromosomal aberrations compared to NiS. To examine whether the fragmentation/decondensation of the long arm of the X chromosome produced by crystalline NiS particles was due to a phagocytic pathway of uptake of NiS particles, cells were treated with NiCl2-albumin complexes that had been encapsulated in liposomes. Although treatment of cells with NiCl2-albumin complexes yielded higher intracellular nickel levels than were obtained by treatment of cells with NiCl2, at comparable intracellular levels fragmentation/decondensation of the heterochromatic long arm of the X chromosome was observed when nickel (II) was delivered by way of a liposome but not when cells were treated with unencapsulated NiCl2. Ionic nickel alone irrespective of its delivery mechanism exhibited some preference for heterochromatin, since there was a higher incidence of aberrations observed in the heterochromatic centromeric region of chromosomes. These observations suggest that the pathway of delivery of Ni2+ from NiS particles may be responsible for a preferential interaction of this metal with heterochromatin leading to an effect on the condensation state/fragmentation of the heterochromatic long arm of the X chromosome.
Dual to primal conversion in geometric programming

The aim of this paper is not to derive new results, but rather to provide insight that will hopefully aid researchers involved in the design and coding of algorithms for geometric programs. The main contributions made here are: (i) a computationally useful interpretation of the Lagrange multipliers associated with the dual orthogonality constraints, (ii) a computationally useful interpretation of the Lagrange multiplier associated with the dual normality constraint, and (iii) an analysis of the much-avoided issue of subsidiary problems.
A tumor immunotherapy technique based on modulation of the idiotype anti-idiotype network

In this communication I propose a technique for manipulating the idiotype anti-idiotype network with the aim of enhancing the immune response to tumors. The theoretical basis for this technique follows from Jerne's network theory of the immune system. By tolerizing the host to immunoglobulin bearing idiotypes directed against tumor associated antigens it should be possible to dampen the expected anti-idiotype response to these idiotypes. A reduced anti-idiotype response should result in an increased idiotype response and thus a greater anti-tumor immune response.
Taxation, growth and competitiveness in a two-country mode☆

Abstract A two-country model of growth is developed in which cross country differences in growth may arise from differing internal rates of taxation on the earnings of physical capital under a residence based tax rule. Under the source rule, after-tax rates of return and rates of growth of income and consumption are equal world-wide. The spillover effects of foreign taxation on the domestic growth rate and the competitive effects of tax policy are also examined. Both of these, in part, depend upon the tax rule which is in use.
The Effects of Honesty and Openness About Sexual Orientation on Gay and Bisexual Clients in Substance Abuse Programs

A convenience sample of 183 gay, lesbian, and bisexual participants who were previously treated in substance abuse programs, completed surveys that included questions regarding their honesty and openness about their sexual orientation with counselors and clients in their programs, as well as in their personal lives. It was found that levels of honesty and openness in treatment positively correlated with reported program completion, satisfaction with treatment, feelings of therapeutic support, and feelings of connection to the program. However, there were no correlations between honesty and openness and reported abstinence from substances at the end of treatment and at the time of survey completion.
Multiple forms of glutathione S-transferase from pig liver--reaction with methyl linoleate hydroperoxides.

Abstract 1. 1. Seven isoenzyme forms of glutathione S-transferase were purified from pig liver. 2. 2. The most basic isoenzyme reduced methyl 13-hydroperoxy-cis-9,trans-11-octadecadienoate in the absence of detergent at a higher rate (0.3 μmol/min/mg protein) than predicted from substrate solubility. 3. 3. This demonstrates that glutathione transferase possesses some surface acting character for neutral lipid hydroperoxides.
The stigma of mental illness on television

Examination of 17 annual week‐long samples of primetime network dramatic programming reveals a negative and generally stigmatized image of mental illness and the mentally ill. Mental illness has consistently appeared in one fifth of all primetime programs, affecting 3% of the major characters. Although relatively small in numbers, the mentally ill were most likely to commit violence and to be victimized. The mentally ill characters were less likely to be employed outside the home, and if so employed were likely to be seen as failures.
Fiber orientation and its effect upon thermoelastic properties of short carbon fiber reinforced poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK)

Experimental and analytical techniques are employed in the present study to investigate the influence of microstructure on thermoelastic properties of short carbon fiber reinforced poly(etheretherketone). The test specimen geometry is an edge gated, injection molded dogbone tensile bar. Typical of injection molded structures, three distinct layers of fiber orientation were discernable through the sample thickness. The thermoelastic properties of the surface layer (machined from the specimen) are measured for direct correlation with a micromechanics model. In addition to measuring the volume fractions and constituent properties, microstructural features such as fiber aspect ratio and the process-induced fiber orientation distribution are quantified. Correlation of experimental data with micromechanics model predictions is found to be quite good.
Combination of antiviral immunotoxin and ganciclovir or cidofovir for the treatment of murine cytomegalovirus infections

Abstract The effects of two anti-murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) immunotoxins used in combination with ganciclovir (GCV) or cidofovir (HPMPC) against MCMV were determined in vitro and in mice. The inhibitors were added to cell cultures 24 or 48 h after MCMV adsorption so as to not affect the initial infection rate. The immunotoxins (0.63, 1.25 and 2.5 μg/ml) combined with GCV (1.25, 2.5 and 5 μM) or HPMPC (0.03, 0.06 and 0.12 μM) caused synergistic inhibition of virus yield in C127I cells at most of the combinations tested. No toxic effect on cell growth in culture was observed at these immunotoxin/drug combinations. The effects of immunotoxin and GCV treatment were studied further in MCMV-infected severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Immunotoxin (1 mg/kg per day) given by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection on days 1, 4 and 7 of the infection did not extend the mean day to death compared with the placebo group. Once daily i.p. treatment with GCV (50 mg/kg per day) for 7 days starting at 24 h after virus inoculation extended survival time almost 11 days. The combination of immunotoxin plus GCV was better than GCV alone, extending the mean day to death an additional 2 to 3 days, which is suggestive of a synergistic effect.
A Network-Location Theory of Culture:

Stephan Fuchs's Against Essentialism is the most important work of general theory that has appeared in the last 10 years or more. It is grand theory on the level with Luhmann, Habermas, and Giddens, encompassing society, culture, knowledge, and philosophy. It is general theory both in the sense of giving a framework for all of sociology and in the sense that the word "theory" is now used in humanistic and especially literary fields, the orienting perspective on what cultural knowledge consists in. Fuchs confronts the deconstructionist school of Derrida and Foucault as well as the cultural field analysis of Bourdieu, and in general takes on the main intellectual action in recent decades. His own position, which might be called a network-location theory of the observer, gives us a new position that is more comprehensive and less narrowly contentious than the positions he critiques. Fuchs's theory of culture is a present-day development of classic sociology. Its basic conception stems from Durkheim's Division of Labor in Society, Primitive Classification, and The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. It is social morphology in just the sense that Durkheim argued: the form of society determines the form of ideas held by people within it. A low degree of division of labor-what Durkheim called mechanical solidarity-produces concrete, particularistic symbols, which social members treat in a reified way; in contemporary terminology, we would say that a dense, redundantly connected social network produces a culture in which collective representations are dogmatically treated as essences. Conversely, a high degree of division of labor-a differentiated network with sparse and long-range connectionsproduces a culture that is abstract and relativistic. Fuchs radicalizes this Durkheimian social morphology and brings it up to date with network theory and the findings of contemporary empirical research. Fuchs's radicalism is especially in his conception of what are the units with which we are dealing. Where Durkheim simply would have referred to "society" without probing just where this abstraction is located, Fuchs points out that there are no intrinsically fixed units of social life, but only what kinds of units are determined by the condition of social networks of interaction in that particular region at a particular time. All identities, as Harrison White would put it (in his 1992 book, Identity and Control), all group boundaries, all organizations, all states or nations are not fixed but temporary crystallizations of networks influx. They are results of networks of communication communicating about themselves, usually to outsiders. The same applies on the level of individual selves, what we in a reified or essentialist mode would call personalities; these too are fluxes, temporarily fixed in the microlevel of face-to-face communication when these micronetworks communicate about themselves. As Goffman said in the