cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social isolation in the gerbil: Its effect on exploratory or agonistic behavior and adrenocortical activity

Abstract One hundred and eleven gerbils were either socially isolated from 28–90 days of age or were raised in groups of 4 animals (2 males and 2 females). Ninety-two of these animals were placed in pairs in an open field and tested for 15 min. All combinations of the same or different sex and rearing category were evaluated. Pairs of previously isolated gerbils approached and interacted with each other resulting in aggressive encounters while pairs of nonisolated gerbils interacted with novel objects and did not fight. An isolate paired with a nonisolate interacted with that animal but few aggressive responses were observed since the nonisolate was interacting with the inanimate objects. Body weights were significantly reduced while adrenal gland weights were significantly increased in female isolates but this latter measure did not correlate with number of approach interactions to the paired animal, fighting, activity or defecation. Stage in estrous cycle revealed a similar distribution for both aggressive and nonaggressive female animals. Levels of plasma corticosterone were significantly higher in paired isolates that fought than in paired nonisolates that did not fight or in isolates and nonisolates that did not receive open field testing. These results indicate that preferences for stimulus interactions are a direct result of previous rearing history. Adrenocortical processes may be modified by social isolation, but do not seem to be directly related to either emotionality or aggressive behavior in the gerbil.
Steady State Cooling Flow Models with Gas Loss for Normal Elliptical Galaxies

A grid of cooling flow models for the hot gas in normal elliptical galaxies is calculated, including the loss of gas due to inhomogeneous cooling. The loss process is modeled as a distributed sink for the gas with the rate of loss being proportional to the local cooling rate. The cooling flow models with gas loss have smaller sonic radii, smaller inflow rates in their central regions, lower densities, and higher temperatures than homogeneous models. The reduction in the amount of hot gas flowing into the center of the models brings the models into much better agreement with the observed X-ray surface brightness profiles of elliptical galaxies. However, there is a large dispersion in the observed X-ray luminosities of ellipticals, and this cannot be explained by variations in the efficiency of gas loss. The gas-loss models have X-ray surface brightness profiles which are much less centrally peaked than the no-gas-loss models.
Coexistence and competition of local- and long-range polar orders in a ferroelectric relaxor

We have performed a series of neutron diffuse scattering measurements on a single crystal of the solid solution $\mathrm{Pb}({\mathrm{Zn}}_{1∕3}{\mathrm{Nb}}_{2∕3}){\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ doped with 8% $\mathrm{Pb}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, a relaxor compound with a Curie temperature ${T}_{C}\ensuremath{\sim}450\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, in an effort to study changes in local polar orders associated with the polar nanoregions (PNR) when the material enters the ferroelectric phase. The diffuse scattering intensity increases monotonically upon cooling in zero field, but the rate of increase varies dramatically around different Bragg peaks. These results can be explained by assuming that corresponding changes occur in the ratio of the optic and acoustic components of the atomic displacements within the PNR. Cooling in the presence of a modest electric field $\stackrel{P\vec}{E}$ oriented along the [111] direction alters the shape of diffuse scattering in reciprocal space, but does not eliminate the scattering as would be expected in the case of a classic ferroelectric material. This suggests that a field-induced redistribution of the PNR has taken place.
Effects of cyclophilin A on cell proliferation and gene expressions in human vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells.

Background Cyclophilin A (CypA) is a cytosolic protein which involves many biological functions including immune modulation, cell growth, tumorigenesis, and vascular disease. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of CypA on cell proliferation and several gene expressions in human endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. Methods Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC), human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC-L), and human aorta smooth muscle cells (HAoSMC) were used in this study. Cells were treated with 10 nM CypA for 24 h. The cell proliferation was determined by [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation. The mRNA levels of 13 genes including CD147 (receptor for CypA), PDGF-BB, endothelin-1 (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1), VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), NRP-2, eNOS, iNOS, nNOS, ICAM-1, and PECAM-1 were semiquantitatively determined by real time RT-PCR as standardized with a house keeping gene β-actin. Results CypA significantly increased cell proliferation of HAoSMC and HMVEC-L by 31% and 45%, respectively, as compared to controls, but had no effect on HCAEC. Blocking CD147 did not affect the mitogenic action of CypA. In addition, CypA also significantly increased the mRNA expression of CD147 by 43% and VEGFR-2 by 65% in HAoSMCs ( P t test). HAoSMCs expressed much higher CD147 and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) mRNA than HMVECs-L and HCAECs ( P P P Conclusions These data demonstrate that CypA has a mitogenic effect on HAoSMCs and HMVECs-L, but not HCAECs. CD147 may not mediate the action of CypA. In addition, CypA substantially alters the mRNA levels of several key genes in human vascular cells, indicating potential multifunctional roles of CypA in vascular system. Furthermore, this study provides several new aspects of gene expressions in vascular cells.
PRODUCTION OF CHIMPANZEE ISOHEMAGGLUTININS BY IMMUNIZATION WITH HUMAN ERYTHROCYTES.

Two young, adult, male chimpanzees received repeated injections of 100 ml. of packed erythrocytes from two individual human donors. Both the intravenous and intraperitoneal routes of administration were employed. Hemagglutinins directed against all human red cells were detected in the sera of these animals after the first injection and subsequently increased in titer. In addition, an antibody was detected which reacted with seven out of 17 chimpanzee cells tested, the remaining ten being completely negative. Absorption of these sera with a variety of human group O cells removed all activity against human erythrocytes as well as that against the red cells of the reactor chimpanzees. Absorption with the cells of the non-reactor animals failed to remove any of the antibodies while similar absorption with the cells of reactors removed the agglutinin against the chimpanzee cells but not the one reacting with the human cells.
Inhibition of CCRF-CEM human leukemic lymphoblasts by triciribine (tricyclic nucleoside, TCN, NSC-154020). Accumulation of drug in cells and comparison of effects on viability, protein synthesis and purine synthesis.

Abstract The experimental antineoplastic agent triciribine (tricyclic nucleoside, TCN) is known to be activated to its phosphate TCN-P by adenosine kinase and to inhibit cell growth, purine nucleotide synthesis, and incorporation of amino acids into proteins. Our objective in this paper was to compare these effects in intact cells of a human cell line as a prerequisite to describing in a companion paper [Moore et al., Biochem. Pharmac. 38 , 4045 (1989)] more detailed enzymic studies of their interrelationships. TCN treatment inhibited cloning of CCRF-CEM human leukemic lymphoblasts 50% at concentrations of 6, 30 and 90 μM with 8-day, 8-hr, and 2-hr exposures respectively. However, 6–20% of the cells survived exposure to 200 μM TCN for 24 hr. The intracellular formation of TCN-P from TCN was rapid, concentrative and essentially complete, but TCN-P did not exceed about 1.4 mM (1.4 nmol/10 6 cells) at 200 μM TCN. In cells exposed to 50 μM TCN for 1.25 to 24 hr, formate incorporation into ATP and GTP was inhibited the most rapidly and strongly; pools of ATP and GTP were decreased as much as 40% (as compared with controls); and incorporation of formate into RNA purines was inhibited as much as 65%. Incorporation of leucine into protein was more moderately inhibited up to 40%, apparently in proportion to the concentration of intracellular TCN-P, rather than of the TCN in the medium. These inhibitions occurred most rapidly during the first 2–4 hr and increased only gradually thereafter, whereas cloning ability was inhibited more slowly and uniformly over a longer time period. No one of these metabolic effects by itself showed a clear correlation with the loss of viability. The incorporation of formate into formylglycinamide ribotide (FGAR, when accumulated at a blockade by azaserine) was inhibited drastically by TCN. The rate of incorporation of hypoxanthine into ATP was increased by TCN, whereas incorporation into GTP was decreased. Thus, the principal sites of inhibition of purine synthesis by TCN-P were shown in these intact cells to be at a step prior to synthesis of FGAR in the de novo pathway and also at an additional site between IMP and GTP.
Development of a model of HTLV-1 oral transmission in the rabbit.

A primary route of transmission of human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) is from mother-to-child via breast milk, but knowledge of the early immunologic events in orally acquired HTLV-1 infection is limited. Herein, we characterized normal rabbit gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) and performed studies to develop an oral model of HTLV-1 infection. Mononuclear leukocytes were immunophenotyped from key GALT inductive and effector sites using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Our data indicate that unexposed rabbits GALT have a predominant CD4+ lymphocyte population similar to humans. To establish a HTLV-1 oral model 12 week old female New Zealand White rabbits were orally or intravenously inoculated with CD3+CD4+CD25+ rabbit lymphocyte cell line immortalized with the HTLV-1 molecular clone ACH (R-49 cells) or control Jurkat T-cells orally. The rabbits were monitored for hematologic and virologic parameters prior to serial sacrifice. Collectively, 66 to 100% of HTLV-1 orally exposed rabbits became persistently infected. HTLV-1orally exposed and infected rabbits during early time points (1-4 weeks post exposure) had delayed and often less intense anti-HTLV-1 antibody response, variable leukocytosis, and a delayed p19 matrix antigen production and proviral DNA amounts in peripheral blood leukocytes compared to IV exposed rabbits. Interestingly, by 8 weeks post exposure orally exposed rabbits had established similar systemic spread of the virus compared to IV exposed rabbits. This oral model of HTLV-1 transmission in rabbits creates to opportunity to test the role of the mucosal microenvironment during the early stages of orally-acquired HTLV-1 in gut-associated lymphoid tissue.
Personality disorders and cigarette smoking among adults in the United States

Introduction There is a paucity of empirical information pertaining to the association between personality disorders and cigarette smoking. The present study examined whether, and to what degree, personality disorders are associated with cigarette smoking; investigated the specificity of any observed smoking-personality disorder association; and the role of mood/anxiety disorders, substance use, and nicotine dependence in those relations.
Integrating dynamic economic optimization and model predictive control for optimal operation of nonlinear process systems

Abstract In this work, we propose a conceptual framework for integrating dynamic economic optimization and model predictive control (MPC) for optimal operation of nonlinear process systems. First, we introduce the proposed two-layer integrated framework. The upper layer, consisting of an economic MPC (EMPC) system that receives state feedback and time-dependent economic information, computes economically optimal time-varying operating trajectories for the process by optimizing a time-dependent economic cost function over a finite prediction horizon subject to a nonlinear dynamic process model. The lower feedback control layer may utilize conventional MPC schemes or even classical control to compute feedback control actions that force the process state to track the time-varying operating trajectories computed by the upper layer EMPC. Such a framework takes advantage of the EMPC ability to compute optimal process time-varying operating policies using a dynamic process model instead of a steady-state model, and the incorporation of suitable constraints on the EMPC allows calculating operating process state trajectories that can be tracked by the control layer. Second, we prove practical closed-loop stability including an explicit characterization of the closed-loop stability region. Finally, we demonstrate through extensive simulations using a chemical process model that the proposed framework can both (1) achieve stability and (2) lead to improved economic closed-loop performance compared to real-time optimization (RTO) systems using steady-state models.
Ectopic pregnancies after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

Our objective was to analyze the risk factors, stimulation characteristics, and future fecundity of patients with ectopic pregnancies after in vitro fertilization (IVF). We retrospectively evaluated all cases of ectopic pregnancy occurring between January 1989 and March 1993 (Cornell series 1 to 17). A case-control group of intrauterine pregnancies was used for comparison of the stimulation and transfer characteristics. Twenty-seven of 1123 pregnancies (2.4%) were ectopic, following 2812 fresh IVF embryo transfers, while 8 of 105 pregnancies (7.6%) were ectopic, following 405 frozen-thawed embryo transfers. Tubal factor was the cause of infertility in the majority (85.7%) of ectopic pregnancies. No difference was found between the ectopics and the matched controls in stimulation and transfer characteristics. Thirty ectopic pregnancies were ampullary, two were interstitial, two were cervical, and one was heterotopic. Twenty of the patients subsequently underwent 29 IVF attempts, with a pregnancy rate of 41.4% per transfer. Ectopic pregnancy after IVF appears to be related to preexisting tubal pathology; embryo transfer of cryopreserved thawed embryos in a natural cycle may result in a higher ectopic rate in these patients; in subsequent IVF cycles the intrauterine pregnancy rate of these patients is not decreased.
A comparative analysis of prostate-specific antigen gene sequence in benign and malignant prostate tissue

Abstract Objectives Different molecular forms of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) appear to be expressed by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) compared with prostate cancer. These differences are not well understood and may arise from aberrant RNA splicing, altered protein glycosylation, or variant PSA complexing to macroglobulins. To our knowledge, a direct comparison of PSA mRNA sequences in BPH versus prostate cancer to account for these differences has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to compare the complete PSA mRNA gene sequences in benign and malignant prostate tissue to determine whether altered PSA phenotypes are a result of gene mutations and to compare the published PSA sequences. Methods Total RNA was extracted from 17 prostate specimens from 8 patients, including matched benign and malignant prostate tissue in 6 patients. The samples were subjected to reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the PSA coding sequence and part of the 3′ untranslated region. Direct DNA sequencing was performed on these fragments. Results The benign and malignant prostate tissue cDNA sequence data of both strands were aligned and a computer analysis revealed 100% match with no evidence of mutation in prostate cancer compared to normal tissue. Sequence analysis did not reveal point mutations or aberrant splicing in any of the samples, including the matched malignant and nonmalignant tissues. Comparison with published sequences revealed infrequent and inconsistent sequence differences. Conclusions These findings suggest that the PSA gene expressed in malignant prostate tissue is the wild type. PSA structural alterations previously reported in the literature may occur through post-translational mechanisms. A detailed understanding of the possible differences in the PSA gene sequence is essential as we develop newer techniques that utilize RT-PCR to perform molecular diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer. UROLOGY 47: 795-800, 1996.
On the evaluation of box splines

Straightforward use of the recurrence relations for box splines quickly leads to difficulties which are ultimately due to the fact that step functions are not computable. The note outlines how to deal with these difficulties and offers amatlab program for the (correct) evaluation of a box spline. Since use of the recurrence relation is very time-consuming, various alternatives are discussed as well.
Theory of alloy broadening of deep levels in semiconductor alloys: Nitrogen in Al x Ga 1 − x As

The inhomogeneous alloy broadening of deep levels produced by substitutional impurities in crystalline semiconductor alloys is investigated with use of a technique based upon the embedded-cluster method and the theory of deep levels. Results are presented for the composition dependences of the center, width, and component lines of the alloy-broadened spectrum of nitrogen on the arsenic site in ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$As. For the present application, only the effects of the alloy disorder in the nearest-neighbor environment of the impurity are accounted for by the theory. In principle, however, the method outlined here is generalizable to account for such effects in the impurity's second- and more-distant-neighbor environments.
Science and Religion: Philosophical Issues

An overview of several philosophical issues that arise from the recent growth of interest in the relationships between science (especially natural science) and theology (especially Christian thought). The interactions between theology and science are complex, and often highly contextual in nature. This makes simple typologies of their interaction rather dubious. There are some similarities between religion and science, including the difficulty of defining them. Concerns about the use and meaning of language, and issues of realism and anti-realism, are found in both areas of thought. Epistemology is important to both areas, and there is increasing acceptance of differing epistemologies not only in religion and science, but also within the various scientific disciplines. One central issue is the question of legitimate influence between science and theology given their aims and methods. Another issue surrounds the question of naturalism in natural science. Also important to note is the variety of god-concepts at work in the current dialogue between science and theology.
Globally Flexible Asymptotically Ideal Models

vantages that make it desirable as a basis for producer input demand and consumer product demand systems. The principal ones are (i) its ability to approximate a function over the entire range of the sample, (ii) its global flexibility, (iii) its capacity to impose regularity conditions globally rather than just locally, and (iv) its resistance to overfitting. We touch on each of these properties very briefly-they are developed in mathematical detail in the references noted--before turning to an analysis of our overall empirical experience.
Flat Epithelial Atypia of the Breast

Lesions of the breast characterized by enlarged terminal duct lobular units lined by columnar epithelial cells are being encountered increasingly in breast biopsy specimens. Some of these lesions feature cuboidal to columnar epithelial cells in which the lining cells exhibit cytologic atypia. The role of these lesions (recently designated "flat epithelial atypia" [FEA]) in breast tumor progression is still emerging. FEA commonly coexists with well-developed examples of atypical ductal hyperplasia, low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ, lobular neoplasia, and tubular carcinoma. These findings and those of recent genetic studies suggest that FEA is a neoplastic lesion that may represent a precursor to or the earliest morphologic manifestation of ductal carcinoma in situ. Additional studies are needed to better understand the biologic nature and clinical significance of these lesions.
Dimensions of adolescent health behavior

Abstract Purpose To determine dimensions of healthy and unhealthy behaviors of young people aged 12 to 21 years to better inform measures of adolescent health behavior and assist in targeting appropriate strategies to promote health. Methods The study sample (N = 8730), derived from a U.S. national probability sample; 52.3% were female, 67% white, 15% African-American, 18% Hispanic, 22.2% aged 12–13 years, 38.4% aged 14–17 years, and 39.4% aged 18–21 years. Principal components analysis was done to examine the covariance structure of 42 healthy and unhealthy behaviors selected from the behavioral questions of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Results A four-factor oblique rotation, comprised of 18 variables with factor loadings of .50 or greater, resulted in interpretable and meaningful health behavior factors. Sexual activity, substance use (e.g., alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs), smoking, and exercise factors accounted for 74% of the variance in the composite of healthy and unhealthy behaviors. These four factors were subsequently reproduced on random samples as well as on samples defined by age (12–13 years [excluding sexual activity variables], 14–17 years, 18–21 years), gender, and race (white, African-American, Hispanic). Conclusions These results provide new information about the consistent structure of sexual activities and exercise behaviors across subgroups defined by age, gender, and racial/ethnic origins, and about differences in clusters of substance use behaviors across ethnic groups. Further study of diverse population-based samples and multiple health-promoting and health-negating behaviors should profile developmental variations and health protective factors in adolescents.
The synapse assembly model

A framework for quantitative analysis of the mechanisms underlying immunological synapse assembly has been recently developed. This model uses partial differential equations to describe the binding interactions of receptors and ligands, with the constraint that they are embedded in apposed deformable membranes linked to a cytoskeletal complex.
Bluehead chub nesting activity: a potential mechanism of population persistence in degraded stream habitats

Aquatic biodiversity continues to decline as humans modify the landscape, mainly because of stream habitat alterations and loss caused by urban development. Bluehead chubs may mitigate some effects of instream habitat degradation by providing clean gravel substrate via their spawning nests. We used path analysis, an extension of multiple linear regression, to explore the relationships among instream habitat degradation, adult chub abundance, chub nesting activity, and chub reproductive performance. Age-0 chub abundance was best explained by small adult abundance and nest abundance. Habitat disturbance indirectly and negatively influenced age-0 chub abundance through adult chubs and nest abundance. Percentages of pool and run habitat also had indirect negative effects on age-0 chub abundance. Several metrics of chub nesting activity (nest density [proportion of substrate occupied by nests], average nest size, and number of nests) were explained by both adult chub abundance and nesting site conditions. Variability among stream systems described significant variation in adult chub abundance and nesting characteristics and, if unaccounted for, would have resulted in large unexplained variability. Chub nesting activity served as a link between habitat degradation, adult chub abundance, and their reproductive performance. Our study provides preliminary evidence that bluehead chubs’ nesting activity may be a mechanism of their persistence in degraded stream reaches. We recommend confirmatory studies through in-stream manipulative experiments.
Coding Classroom Interactions for Collective and Individual Engagement

This article characterizes “engagement in science learning” from a sociocultural perspective and offers a mixed method approach to measuring engagement that combines critical discourse analysis (CDA) and social network analysis (SNA). Conceptualizing engagement from a sociocultural perspective, the article discusses the advantages of a mixed methodological approach, and specifically how mixed methods can expand and enrich our understanding of engagement in certain science learning situations. Through this sociocultural viewpoint, engagement is defined as meaningful changes in disciplinary discourse practice, which captures the dialectical relationship between the individual and collective. The combined use of CDA and SNA integrates an individual's relative position in a group with her situated language use.
Current-voltage relationships of repetitively firing neurons

The current-voltage curves of repetitively firing neurons show non-linearities in the subthreshold region. Microsurgically isolated molluscan neuron somata were studied under voltage clamp using ramp voltage command signals. During the depolarizing 1/2 cycle a region of negative slope conductance was observed. Ion substitution experiments suggest that this results from non-inactivating or slowly inactivating Na+ and Ca2+ currents. The hyperpolarizing 1/2 cycle reveals a hysteresis effect which results at least in part from a Ca2+ activated K+ current. Similar characteristics have been described in bursting neurons. Their occurrence in the non-bursting neurons studied here shows that they are not unique to this class of neurons and suggests that their primary contribution is to create electrical instability necessary for repetitive firing.
Valid inferences from invalid tests

I read with interest the remarks of Reuben J. Silver, which were published in the November 2001 issue of the American Psychologist on the occasion of his receiving the Award for Distinguished Contributions to Applied Psychology as a Professional Practice. Silver took the opportunity to delineate his approach to the practice of professional psychology. He described a perspective that combines an appreciation for actuarial prediction and empirical data with a sensitivity to the many instances when a practitioner must act without the benefit of empirical support. In this regard, Silver imparted a wonderful example of the integration of science and practice. However, I must disagree with one aspect of what Silver conveyed regarding the use of psychological tests. Silver (2001) emphasized the importance of accurate diagnosis and the use of empirically validated psychological tests to help achieve accurate diagnosis. He then stated,
Do Yield and Quality of Big Bluestem and Switchgrass Feedstock Decline over Winter

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and big bluestem (Andropogon gerdardii Vitman) are potential perennial bioenergy feedstocks. Feedstock storage limitations, labor constraints for harvest, and environmental benefits provided by perennials are rationales for developing localized perennial feedstock as an alternative or in conjunction with annual feedstocks (i.e., crop residues). Little information is available on yield, mineral, and thermochemical properties of native species as related to harvest time. The study’s objectives were to compare the feedstock quantity and quality between grasses harvested in the fall or the following spring. It was hypothesized that biomass yield may decline, but translocation and/or leaching of minerals from the feedstock would improve feedstock quality. Feedstock yield did not differ by crop, harvest time, or their interactions. Both grasses averaged 6.0 Mg ha−1 (fall) and 5.4 Mg ha−1 (spring) with similar high heating value (17.7 MJ kg−1). The K/(Ca + Mg) ratio, used as a quality indicator declined to below a 0.5 threshold, but energy yield (Megajoule per kilogram) decreased 13 % by delaying harvest until spring. Only once during the four study-years were conditions ideal for early spring harvest, in contrast during another spring, very muddy conditions resulted in excessive soil contamination. Early spring harvest may be hampered by late snow, lodging, and muddy conditions that may delay or prevent harvest, and result in soil contamination of the feedstock. However, reducing slagging/fouling potential and the mass of mineral nutrients removed from the field without a dramatic loss in biomass or caloric content are reasons to delay harvest until spring.
Patterns of Rodent Abundance on Open‐Space Grasslands in Relation to Suburban Edges

: Relatively little is known about the response of grassland rodent populations to urban and suburban edges. We live-trapped rodents for three summers on 65 3.1-ha grassland plots on open space of the city of Boulder, Colorado, and compared capture rates among species according to habitat type, percentage of the 40 ha surrounding each plot that was suburbanized, and proximity to a suburban edge. Deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus) and hispid pocket mice ( Chaetodipus hispidus) were more abundant on interior than on edge plots in mixed grasslands, whereas prairie voles ( Microtus ochrogaster) were captured more often on interior than on edge plots in tallgrass/hayfields. House mouse ( Mus musculus) abundance did not differ between edge and interior plots. Native rodents as a group were captured more often on interior than on edge plots in both habitat types. For each native species, plots with the highest capture rates were in landscapes <10% suburbanized. We conclude that proximity to suburban landscapes had a strongly negative effect on the abundance of native rodents in open-space grasslands. Resumen: Se conoce relativamente poco sobre la respuesta de las poblaciones de roedores de pastizales a los bordes urbanos y suburbanos. Atrapamos roedores vivos por tres veranos en 65 cuadrantes de 3.1 ha de espacio abierto en la ciudad de Boulder, Colorado y comparamos las tasas de captura entre especies de acuerdo con el tipo de habitat, el porcentaje de las 40 ha circundantes a cada cuadrante que estaba suburbanizado y si los cuadrantes estaban o no cerca de un borde suburbano. Los ratones ciervo ( Peromyscus maniculatus) y ratones hispido ( Chaetodipus hispidus) fueron mas abundantes en los cuadrantes del interior que en los del borde en pastizales mezclados, mientras que los ratones de campo ( Microtus ochrogaster) fueron capturados mas frecuentemente en el interior que en los cuadrantes del borde de pastizal alto/henares. La abundancia del raton de casa ( Mus musculus) no vario entre cuadrantes del interior y del borde. Los roedores nativos como grupo fueron capturados mas frecuentemente en el interior que en los bordes en ambos tipos de habitat. Para cada especie nativa, los cuadrantes con las tasas de captura mas altas estuvieron en paisajes <10% sub-urbanizados. Concluimos que la proximidad a los paisajes sub-urbanos tienen un efecto fuertemente negativo sobre la abundancia de los roedores nativos en pastizales de espacios abiertos.
Paraileostomy Recontouring by Collagen Sealant Injection: A Novel Approach to One Aspect of Ileostomy Morbidity. Report of a Case

Poorly fitting stoma appliances, resulting in stomal leakage and subsequent skin excoriation, remain a significant cause of ileostomy-related morbidity. One cause of ill-fitting stoma bags is the presence of parastomal dermal contour defects/irregularities. These may occur after surgical complications or change in patient weight and body habitus. We report the case of a 29-year-old man who, after panproctocolectomy and formation of ileostomy for ulcerative colitis, experienced significant problems with stoma bag application because of dermal contour defects. As a result, he suffered from significant stomal leakage and skin excoriation. After a single treatment of cutaneous parastomal infiltration of porcine collagen (Permacol™ Injection), applied stoma bags achieved a watertight seal, and the patient experienced complete and sustained resolution of his symptoms. Porcine collagen is a safe, versatile, and relatively easy method of restoring irregular skin defects surrounding abdominal stomas, thus resolving the significant patient morbidity associated with ill-fitting stomal appliances. Such a technique avoids the need for surgical stoma refashioning, which may be associated with significant morbidity and unsatisfactory outcomes.
Mental Retardation and Society: The Ethics and Politics of Normalization

During the sixties, social critics visited institutions for the retarded and were shocked by the conditions they found (Blatt and Kaplan 1966; Rivera 1972). Scholarly research supported the conclusions of lay observers (see the studies cited in Balla, Butterfield, and Zigler [1974] and Biklen [1979]). Consensus was easy: people saw conditions that everyone believed were bad, and all agreed that policies should change. Only a small percentage of the retarded were in institutions or helped by specialized public programs, and many had been excluded from school. Care was inadequate both because it was of low quality and because many of the retarded received no services. Social critics were allied not only with scholarly experts but with many who had a deep personal interest in programs for the retarded. Both parents and professionals who cared for the retarded sought changes in treatment and educational methods and increases in public funding.' The key slogans were deinstitutionalization, normalization, mainstreaming, and a developmental model of care.2
The use of punched cards in US libraries and documentation centers, 1936-1965

Librarians, particularly those in traditional academic and public libraries, were slow to take advantage of punched cards. In contrast, special librarians and documentalists, with their small systems and focus on retrieving information for users, readily adopted punched cards. The results were dramatic: improved ability to index scientific and technical information and better user service. The paper presents a history of the use of punched cards in US libraries.
A structure–function relationship for the calcium affinities of regulatory proteins containing ‘EF-hand’ pairs

Using a series of homologous calcium-binding proteins, a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), log(1/Kd) = -18.986 - 1.6278(X1) + 0.7981(X2) + 0.2312(X3), has been established, which relates the calcium-binding affinities (1/Kd) of the regulatory proteins with (i) the net ligand charge (X1) of the two calcium binding loops, (ii) the hydrophobicity (X2) of the beta-sheet segment of the loops and (iii) the hydrophobicity (X3) of the four 'EF-hand' helices. It is found that the binding affinities are influenced by the 'EF-hand' pair rather than the individual 'EF-hands'. The QSAR, in addition to explaining satisfactorily the large variation in the observed calcium affinities, can predict the affinities of the 'EF-hand' pairs in other proteins from the amino acid sequence and can also account for the changes in the affinities caused by substitution in the hydrophobic and/or metal-coordinating residues. Thus, this relationship can be employed in protein design and engineering. The method is potentially useful in the development of similar relationships for the binding of other proteins to substrates, inhibitors, drugs and co-factors.
Lamb's Hydrostatic Adjustment for Heating of Finite Duration

Abstract Lamb’s hydrostatic adjustment problem for the linear response of an infinite, isothermal atmosphere to an instantaneous heating of infinite horizontal extent is generalized to include the effects of heating of finite duration. Three different time sequences of the heating are considered: a top hat, a sine, and a sine-squared heating. The transient solution indicates that heating of finite duration generates broader but weaker acoustic wave fronts. However, it is shown that the final equilibrium is the same regardless of the heating sequence provided the net heating is the same. A Lagrangian formulation provides a simple interpretation of the adjustment. The heating generates an entropy anomaly that is initially realized completely as a pressure excess with no density perturbation. In the final state the entropy anomaly is realized as a density deficit with no pressure perturbation. Energetically the heating generates both available potential energy and available elastic energy. The former remains...
T-Cells Null for the MED23 Subunit of Mediator Express Decreased Levels of KLF2 and Inefficiently Populate the Peripheral Lymphoid Organs

MED23, a subunit of the Mediator coactivator complex, is important for the expression of a subset of MAPK/ERK pathway-responsive genes, the constituents of which vary between cell types for reasons that are not completely clear. MAPK/ERK pathway-dependent processes are essential for T-cell development and function, but whether MED23 has a role in this context is unknown. We generated Med23 conditional knockout mice and induced Med23 deletion in early T-cell development using the lineage specific Lck-Cre transgene. While the total cell number and distribution of cell populations in the thymuses of Med23flox/flox;Lck-Cre mice were essentially normal, MED23 null T-cells failed to efficiently populate the peripheral lymphoid organs. MED23 null thymocytes displayed decreased expression of the MAPK/ERK-responsive genes Egr1, Egr2, as well as of the membrane glycoprotein Cd52 (CAMPATH-1). MED23 null CD4 single-positive thymocytes also showed decreased expression of KLF2 (LKLF), a T-cell master regulatory transcription factor. Indeed, similarities between the phenotypes of mice lacking MED23 or KLF2 in T-cells suggest that KLF2 deficiency in MED23 null T-cells is one of their key defects. Mechanistic experiments using MED23 null MEFs further suggest that MED23 is required for full activity of the MAPK-responsive transcription factor MEF2, which has previously been shown to mediate Klf2 expression. In summary, our data indicate that MED23 has critical roles in enabling T-cells to populate the peripheral lymphoid organs, possibly by potentiating MEF2-dependent expression of the T-cell transcription factor KLF2.
Limited arbitrage and liquidity in the market for credit risk

Recent research has shown that default risk accounts for only a part of the total yield spread on risky corporate bonds relative to their risk-less benchmarks. One candidate for the unexplained portion of the spread is a premium for liquidity. We investigate this possibility by relating the liquidity of corporate bonds to the basis between the credit default swap (CDS) price of the issuer and the parequivalent corporate bond yield spread. The liquidity of a bond is measured using a recently developed measure called latent liquidity, which is defined as the weighted average turnover of funds holding the bond, where the weights are their fractional holdings of the bond. We find that bonds with higher latent liquidity are more expensive relative to their CDS contracts, after controlling for other realized measures of liquidity. However highly illiquid bonds with high default risk are also expensive, consistent with limits to arbitrage between CDS and bond markets, due to the higher costs of "shorting" illiquid bonds. Additionally, we document the positive effects of liquidity in the CDS market on the CDS-bond basis. We also find that several firm-level variables related to credit risk affect the basis, indicating that the CDS price does not fully capture the credit risk of the bond.
Material interface reconstruction

The paper presents an algorithm for material interface reconstruction for data sets where fractional material information is given as a percentage for each element of the underlying grid. The reconstruction problem is transformed to a problem that analyzes a dual grid, where each vertex in the dual grid has an associated barycentric coordinate tuple that represents the fraction of each material present. Material boundaries are constructed by analyzing the barycentric coordinate tuples of a tetrahedron in material space and calculating intersections with Voronoi cells that represent the regions where one material dominates. These intersections are used to calculate intersections in the Euclidean coordinates of the tetrahedron. By triangulating these intersection points, one creates the material boundary. The algorithm can treat data sets containing any number of materials. The algorithm can also create nonmanifold boundary surfaces if necessary. By clipping the generated material boundaries against the original cells, one can examine the error in the algorithm. Error analysis shows that the algorithm preserves volume fractions within an error range of 0.5 percent per material.
Bicycle trauma and alcohol intoxication

Abstract Introduction As bicycling has become more popular, admissions after bicycle trauma are on the rise. The impact of alcohol use on bicycle trauma has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of alcohol intoxication on injury burden following bicycle-related crashes. Methods A retrospective review of trauma patients presenting to a Level I trauma center after bicycle-related crashes from January 2002 to December 2011 was conducted. Demographics, injury data, alcohol intoxication, helmet use, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. Blood alcohol level (BAL) was considered positive if >0.01 g/dL. Variables were compared between patients based on BAL: negative, 0.01–0.16 g/dL, and >0.16 g/dL. Results During the 10 year study period, 563 patients met study criteria; mean age was 33.5 ± 16.5 years, 87% were male, and mortality was 1%. On average, bicycle crashes increased over the study period by 4.4 collisions per year. BAL was tested in 211 (38%) patients. Mean BAL was 0.24 g/dL, with 37% of these patients being intoxicated (BAL ≥0.010 g/dL). Intoxicated patients were significantly less likely to wear a helmet (4.7% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.002) and to be involved in motor vehicle crash (59.0% vs. 81.2%, p 0.16 g/dL, p Conclusions The incidence of bicycle-related crashes is increasing and more than a third of patients tested for alcohol after bicycle-related crashes are found to be intoxicated. The injury burden in intoxicated patients, including head trauma, was not different compared to non-intoxicated patients. In addition, the risk for a collision with a motor vehicle was significantly lower. Nonetheless, these patients rarely utilize a helmet. The findings from this study can be used for the development and implementation of preventive strategies to minimize the injury burden associated with bicycle crashes and intoxicated cyclists.
Distribution of Particles in the Z-axis of Tissue Sections: Relevance for Counting Methods

The distribution of particles in the z-axis of thick tissue sections has gained considerable attention, primarily because of implications for the accuracy of modern stereological counting methods. Three major types of artifacts can affect these sections: loss of particles from the surfaces of tissue sections (lost caps), homogeneous collapse in the z-axis, and differential deformation in the z-axis. Initially it was assumed that thick sections were not compromised by differential shrinkage or compression (differential uniform deformation). Studies in the last decade showed that such artifacts are common and that they depend on embedding media and sectioning devices. Paraffin, glycolmethacrylate and vibratome sections are affected by this artifact, but not celloidin sections or cryostat-derived cryosections. Differential distribution of particles in the z-axis is likely due to compression of the surface areas (margins) during sectioning, resulting in differential particle densities in the core and margin of tissue sections. This deformation of tissue sections can be rapidly assessed by measuring the position of particles in the z-axis. The analysis is complicated by potential secondary effects on section surfaces through loss of particles, the so-called "lost caps" phenomenon. Secondary effects necessitate the use of guard spaces, while their use in case of primary effects (compression due to sectioning) would enhance the artifact's impact on bias. Symmetric versus asymmetric patterns of z-axis distortion can give clues to distinguish primary and secondary effects. Studies that use the optical disector need to take these parameters into account to minimize biases.
Market competition and social welfare analysis for E10 and E85 with a game theory model

With the increasing concerns about the petroleum reserve, and the global warming, people have been looking for renewable and environmental friendly energy sources to supplement and replace fossil fuels. Ethanol has been an appropriate substitute to fossil fuels. Currently, E10 and E85 are two of the main transportation fuels with ethanol and they are competing in the market. This study investigates the competition between E10 and E85 with an oligopoly Cournot model and derives three indicators from the equilibrium to measure the performance of the market: E85’s market share, E85 price premium which indicate the consumers’ additional willingness to pay, and the social welfare which indicates the societal wellbeing from the products. The authors also studied how the government policies impact the market equilibrium, how the industry size affects the market performance of E85, and whether E85 has a bright prospect with the increase of FFVs number. The results not only provide some prospects of E85, but also benefit the policy makers by quantitatively showing the effectiveness of tax credits and other government policies to promote the ethanol industry.
Public Awareness and Attitudes Toward Epilepsy in Finland

Public awareness and attitudes toward epilepsy were surveyed in Finland. Three thousand names were randomly selected from the population registry in the age range of 15 to 64 years. Of the 2,789 persons contacted, 2,272 (81%) answered a questionnaire about epilepsy. The social background of the responsdents did not deviate significantly from that of the general population in this age range. The questionnaire consisted of 28 questions designed to determine the respondents' social background, acquaintance with epileptic persons, awareness of epilepsy, and opinions and attitudes about the disorder. Ninety-five percent of the respondents had heard of epilepsy, 49% knew an epileptic person, 45% had seen a seizure, 15% were familiar with the causes of epilepsy, 12% knew how to help a person having a generalized convulsive seizure, and 1% would leave their jobs if they had to work with an epileptic person. The attitudes toward children with epilepsy were more charitable than toward epileptic adults. The factors of knowing an epileptic person, education, and age had the greatest influence on awareness and knowledge of epilepsy and to a lesser extent, attitudes toward it. The level of knowledge of epilepsy was rather low, especially in younger age groups. The results appeared useful for the Attitude Formation Program of the Finnish League for Epilepsy. Those processes that govern the forming and changing of attitudes toward epilepsy in school or work should be traced. An information campaign will be continued, and the survey of public attitudes toward epilepsy will be renewed in the future.
Variability of aerosol optical depth and aerosol forcing over India

Abstract Over the Indian continent, population is growing day by day and it is expected that soon India will become one of the world’s most populated countries. With the growing population, industrialization and urbanization, the aerosol loading in India is increasing that has significant impact on the weather/climatic conditions. The present paper discusses the analysis of the temporal and spatial variations of aerosol and aerosol forcing for major populated and industrial cities in India.