cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leptin resistance in mice is determined by gender and duration of exposure to high-fat diet

Mice fed a high-fat diet are reported to be resistant to peripheral injections of leptin. We previously failed to induce leptin resistance in female mice fed a high-fat diet for 15 weeks. Therefore, we measured the responsiveness to peripheral infusions (10 μg/day) of leptin, and the responsiveness to third ventricle injections of leptin (1 μg) in male and female NIH Swiss mice fed low-fat (10% kcal) or high-fat (45% kcal) diets. Male and female 15-week-old mice that had been fed low- or high-fat diet from 10 days of age lost fat during a 13-day intraperitoneal infusion of leptin and lost weight in response to a single central injection of leptin. Fifteen-week-old male mice fed a high-fat diet for 5 weeks did not lose body fat during a peripheral infusion of leptin and did not lose weight in response to a central injection of leptin. Female mice fed high-fat diet for 5 weeks remained leptin-responsive. Weight loss was achieved without a significant voluntary decrease in food intake, suggesting that both peripherally and centrally administered leptin increases energy expenditure. These results demonstrate that the development of leptin resistance in NIH Swiss mice fed a high-fat diet is dependent upon the gender of the mice and either the duration of exposure to high-fat diet or the age at which the mice are first exposed to the diet.
Sights On The Sixties

Barbara Tischler's goal is to understand the historical and cultural legacy of the 1960s. During the Gulf War, as politicians advocated positions and strategies, they made simplistic comparisons with the '60s. Such comparisons reinforced our need to understand that decade more clearly. With these papers Tischler brings together a group of scholars from a variety of disciplines, including American Studies, anthropology, film studies, history, literature, sociology, and theater. She notes how their contributions, taken separately and together, transcend the "good sixties/bad sixties" typology that has pervaded past analyses of the period. Several authors deal with movement leaders and great events, but the majority write about lesser-known events and people, to add depth and balance to our understanding of the decade. 1. Multi-disciplinary collection 2. Emphasis on less well-known events of the period 3. Presents balanced picture of the decade
The Impact of Clouds on the Seasonal Cycle of Radiative Heating over the Pacific.

Abstract Seasonal variations of cloud radiative forcing (CRF) are calculated from observed cloud properties in the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project over the Pacific between 30°S and 30°N. Using 7 yr of data, the first annual harmonic of CRF is statistically significant with respect to the background red noise spectrum at better than a 0.99 confidence level at most locations. It is significant with respect to calculation error at better than a 0.90 confidence level at those same locations. Calculated annual variations are strongest in the subtropics and equatorial east Pacific. In a linear analysis, annual variations of CRF are attributed to individual annual variations of cloud properties, insolation, or surface temperature. At higher latitudes, the seasonal cycle of CRF at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) and at the surface is dominated by the shortwave (SW) component and results primarily from the seasonal cycle of insolation interacting with the time mean cloud field. Annual variations ...
Coronary artery thrombosis: Historical aspects

There is intense scientific interest in the possibility that the acute administration of a fibrinolytic agent might be of benefit to patients with acute myocardial infarction. This hypothesis, which will soon be tested in a major trial by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, has emerged from a confluence of advances in three areas: increased knowledge about the role of thrombosis in myocardial infarction, the development of fibrinolytic agents and the recognition that ischemic myocardial tissue might be salvaged from necrosis by timely reper-fusion. Examination of the manner in which these areas of knowledge developed and interacted not only illuminates our path to this specific therapeutic possibility, but also demonstrates the indirect and stuttering manner in which important new ideas often evolve.
Novel image fusion quality metrics based on sensor models and image statistics

This paper presents progress in image fusion modeling. One fusion quality metric based on the Targeting Task performance (TTP) metric and another based on entropy are presented. A human perception test was performed with fused imagery to determine effectiveness of the metrics in predicting image fusion quality. Both fusion metrics first establish which of two source images is ideal in a particular spatial frequency pass band. The fused output of a given algorithm is then measured against this ideal in each pass band. The entropy based fusion quality metric (E-FQM) uses statistical information (entropy) from the images while the Targeting Task Performance fusion quality metric (TTPFQM) utilizes the TTP metric value in each spatial frequency band. This TTP metric value is the measure of available excess contrast determined by the Contrast Threshold Function (CTF) of the source system and the target contrast. The paper also proposes an image fusion algorithm that chooses source image contributions using a quality measure similar to the TTP-FQM. To test the effectiveness of TTP-FQM and E-FQM in predicting human image quality preferences, SWIR and LWIR imagery of tanks were fused using four different algorithms. A paired comparison test was performed with both source and fused imagery as stimuli. Eleven observers were asked to select which image enabled them to better identify the target. Over the ensemble of test images, the experiment showed that both TTP-FQM and E-FQM were capable of identifying the fusion algorithms most and least preferred by human observers. Analysis also showed that the performance of the TTP-FQM and E-FQM in identifying human image preferences are better than existing fusion quality metrics such as the Weighted Fusion Quality Index and Mutual Information.
Factors influencing hematopoietic spleen colony formation in irradiated mice. IV. The effect of erythropoietic stimuli.

A variety of erythropoietic stimuli influenced the number of endogenous spleen colonies in irradiated mice and the number of transplantable colony forming cells in the spleen and marrow of unirradiated mice. Bleeding was the most effective stimulus. Bleeding before irradiation resulted in a 30-fold increase in endogenous spleen colonies and in increases in spleen weight, spleen iron and iododeoxyuridine uptake and volume of packed red cells ten days after irradiation. Bleeding unirradiated mice produced a 10-fold increase in the number of transplantable colony forming cells in the spleen and a slight decrease in the total number in the humerus. Bleeding before irradiation resulted in a significant reduction in 30-day post irradiation deaths, an effect abolished by splenectomy. Plasma from bled mice induced an increase in endogenous colonies when injected before irradiation into normal mice. Injection of erythropoietin, testosterone or testosterone plus cobalt induced effects which were, in general, qualitatively similar to those of bleeding, although they were less effective quantitatively. Except for a slight effect induced by ten injections of erythropoietin, post-irradiation stimulation in normal mice proved ineffective. Erythropoietin increased colony numbers and spleen iron uptake when given after irradiation to hypertransfused mice. The results of these studies do not support the concept that the colony forming cell and the erythropoietin sensitive cell are separate entities.
Fine structure of the lower oceanic crust on the Cocos Plate

Abstract From seismic refraction data on the Northern Cocos Plate, it is found that the crust thickens with age. Assuming that processes of crustal formation have remained constant over at least the past 10 m.y., the seismic data indicate that the thickening is caused by a gradual transformation of the top 2 km of the upper mantle into material having crustal-like velocities. Serpentinization is a possible mechanism. The data also suggest that the crust—mantle interface may be laterally variable, in some places being relatively sharp and in others gradational. Upper mantle anisotropy appears to decrease from about 0.6 km/sec near the rise axis to 0.3 km/sec at 10 m.y.
Acculturation, physical activity, and fast-food consumption among Asian-American and Hispanic adolescents

Previous studies have implicated acculturation to the US as a risk factor for unhealthy behaviors among Hispanic and Asian-American adolescents, including substance use, violence, and unsafe sex. This study examined the association between acculturation and obesity-related behaviors-physical activity and fast-food consumption-among 619 Asian-American and 1385 Hispanic adolescents in Southern California. Respondents completed surveys in 6th and 7th grade. The 6th grade survey assessed acculturation with the AHIMSA acculturation scale and a measure of English language usage. The 7th grade survey assessed frequency of moderate-to-intense physical activity and frequency of eating fast-food. Multiple regression analyses included acculturation and demographic covariates as predictors of physical activity and fast-food consumption. Acculturation to the US, assessed in 6th grade, was significantly associated with a lower frequency of physical activity participation and a higher frequency of fast-food consumption in 7th grade. The significant associations persisted after controlling for covariates and were consistent across gender and ethnic groups. Results suggest that acculturation to the US is a risk factor for obesity-related behaviors among Asian-American and Hispanic adolescents. Health promotion programs are needed to encourage physical activity and healthy diets among adolescents in acculturating families.
Oxygen Fugacities Directly Measured in Magmatic Gases

An electrochemical device was used to measure the fugacity of oxygen (fo(o2)) in holes drilled through the crust of Makaopuhi lava lake, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. Results obtained within 6 months of the lake formation show that log fo(o2) normally varies linearly with the reciprocal of the absolute temperature, and that chemical changes occurring in the cooling tholeiitic basalt are reflected in the fo(o2) values measured in the holes.
Aortic extension for en bloc transplantation of horseshoe kidneys.

INTRODUCTION We report a technique for extending the distal aorta to facilitate the transplantation of en bloc horseshoe kidneys. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS En bloc horseshoe kidneys can be transplanted by a technique that is analogous to the en bloc transplantation of small pediatric kidneys. However, the horseshoe kidney's isthmus prevents ascent of the kidney, and the fused lower poles stay below the level of the inferior mesenteric artery. Therefore, the distal aorta is behind the isthmus. Extending the distal aorta produces adequate vessel length to simplify en bloc transplantation of horseshoe kidneys. The extra aortic length is obtained by spatulating the distal common iliac arteries on their medial surfaces and bringing them together as a "pair of pants" for about 1.5 cm. This produces an arterial conduit that branches into the left and right common iliac arteries and then rejoins at the distal aorta. The aortic extension produces a useable vascular conduit that can be anastomosed to the recipient's external iliac artery. The distal inferior vena cava is anastomosed to the external iliac vein. We used this technique in 1 patient. The transplanted kidney made urine promptly and was providing normal function with a serum creatinine of 1.1 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS It is preferable to transplant some horseshoe kidneys en bloc using the distal aorta and inferior vena cava for vascular anastomoses. This technique extends the distal aorta and provides adequate vessel length to facilitate en bloc transplantation.
Preference for Sex of Child Among Primiparous Women

Primiparous American women (N = 140) were questioned during their third trimester concerning their choice of sex of offspring and their willingness to use sex preselection techniques (if available). Eighty-two women expressed no preference for sex of offspring; of the remaining 58, 33 chose girls and 25 chose boys. Of the 26 women who indicated they would have used preselection technology, 13 chose boys and 13 chose girls. Fifty-three percent of the sample indicated they would not have used preselection techniques; 29% were undecided. These results were at variance with earlier studies that indicated a consistent choice of male firstborns, especially in nonpregnant samples. The discrepancy is discussed in terms of a move from boy preference to no preference and a gradual weakening of societal bias against women.
Saturation Numbers for Nearly Complete Graphs

An upper bound on the saturation number for graphs as well as associated extremal graphs was given by (Kaszonyi and Tuza in J. Graph Theory, 10:203---210, 1986). A minor improvement of that result, which was implied in their paper, will be stated. Using this result, a series of exact saturation numbers and associated extremal graphs will be proved for the nearly complete graphs K t ? E(L), where L is a graph of order at most 4.
Characterization of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the human C-4II cervical squamous carcinoma cell line.

Abstract Treatment of C-4II human cervical squamous carcinoma cells with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) gave a concentration-dependent increase in ethoxyresorufin O -deethylase (EROD) activity. The EC 50 for this response was approximately 1 nM and the maximum induced activity was 27 pmol/min/mg protein. The molecular properties of the cytosolic and nuclear aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor complex were determined by velocity sedimentation analysis, photoaffinity labeling, gel retardation using a consensus dioxin responsive element (DRE), and DNA-Sepharose, DRE-Sepharose and Sephaeryl S-300 gel permeation column chromatography. The apparent molecular masses of the cytosolic and nuclear photoaffinity-labeled Ah receptor complexes were 110kDa and differed from the corresponding values obtained for the Ah receptor from other animal species. In contrast, most of the other molecular properties of the Ah receptor were not significantly different from those previously reported for other species. The relative Ah-responsiveness of the C-4II cells was assessed by determining the ratio of the induced EROD activity/nuclear Ah receptor levels for a submaximal inducing dose of [ 3 H]TCDD. The induced activity/binding ratio for the human C-4II cells was 0.77 and was at least one order of magnitude lower than the corresponding value for the Ah-responsive rat hepatoma H-4-II E cells.
IMMIGRATION AND SELF-REPORTED DELINQUENCY: THE INTERPLAY OF IMMIGRATION GENERATIONS, GENDER, RACE, AND ETHNICITY

ABSTRACT The present study examines self-reported delinquency among youths of different immigration generations, seeking to understand the relationship between immigration status and delinquency. Results of data analysis indicate a complex pattern of delinquency distributed between immigration generations across gender, racial, and ethnic subgroups for different types of delinquency. Higher immigration generations are associated with higher self-reported delinquency rates for some offenses among some racial, ethnic, and gender subgroups. These findings shed new lights on the understanding of the immigration-delinquency relationship, suggest the role of segmented assimilation in shaping youth behavior, and emphasize the importance of gender, race, and ethnicity in understanding the assimilation process and its effects on delinquency.
Effect of Delta Rays on Tihe Response of Inorganic Scintillators to Heavy Particles

Experimental results from Yale indicate that the scintillation efficiency of inorganic crystals to heavy particles is not a function of dE/dx alone but is instead composed of a series of discrete functions, one for each incident particle. This paper presents an analysis of these experimental results with attention to the effect of delta rays produced by the primaxy particle. In this treatment the total light emitted per unit path length of the primary is the sum of two contributions: one from the saturation column of the primary particle, and one from those energetic secondary electrons (delta rays) which escape the saturation column and produce light with a high efficiency.
Alternatives for Page Skew Compensation in Writer Identification

Traditionally, page images undergo pre-processing before the later stages of document analysis are applied. One common pre-processing step is to calculate and correct for the presence of simple page skew through a compensating rotation. Such operations modify the original input image, however, and in doing so may discard or obscure useful information. In this paper, we examine the impact of page deskewing on the task of writer identification for complicated handwritten documents. As an alternative to rotating the page image, we demonstrate a method that compensates for page skew during feature extraction. Experimental evaluation involving 61 Arabic writers and 610 page images show that handling page skew during feature extraction can benefit writer ID with a significant 1.4% gain in accuracy. In addition, we also obtain a 4.7% gain after improving an existing contour-based feature extraction method.
Knowledge management in the US army

Knowledge management has long been a staple activity of the United States Army. While there is a tendency to describe the US Army's knowledge management activities as a phenomenon made possible by technology, in fact knowledge management in the US Army is as old as the US Army itself. Drawing on secondary sources and personal experiences, the goal of this paper is to discuss the US Army knowledge management from the perspective of the US Army's organizational structure. We postulate that much can be learnt from how the US Army organizes for effective and efficient knowledge management. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes during maturation and metamorphosis in the synaptic organization of the tadpole retina inner plexiform layer.

ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL studies have shown that there is considerable variation in the degree of processing of visual information carried out by the retinas of different species, apparently correlated with anatomical difference between species. In amphibian and avian retinas with complex receptive fields there seem to be more conventional (amacrine cell) synapses than in mammalian retinas with simple organization. Moreover, the greater density of serial-conventional synapses, in which a presynaptic amacrine process is also postsynaptic to another amacrine process, is particularly striking in complex retinas. The density of ribbon (bipolar cell) synapses remains fairly constant from species to species1. The fact that tadpoles apparently make little use of visual cues, whereas adult frogs depend on them for survival, suggests that electrophysiological and anatomical retinal reorganization occurs during metamorphosis. There is some evidence for this2,3. Here I report changes in retinal synaptic organization found in Rana pipiens both during maturation and metamorphosis and as a result of a hormone pellet implantation.
Creating non-human persons: might it be worth the risk?

One of the concerns that Henry Greely and his colleagues (2007) address in their article is the theoretically possible conferral of human-like traits, specifically mental traits, through the grafti...
The sounds of science : II. Listening to dynamical systems : Towards a musical exploration of complexity

Abstract General philosophical aspects of the rendering of scientific data are discussed, with applications to auditory representations of scientific models. Scientific simulations or models of real world phenomena frequently lead to large quantities of complex numerical output. The generating mathematical/computer model is often realized through a set of static and/or (frequently) dynamic descriptors. The rendering of this descriptor set is formally considered in terms of mappings which result in visual, sonic, etc. sensorial stimulation of some sort. In this paper, we concern ourselves with the issue of rendering of complex descriptor sets. The emphasis is on sonic rendering as viewed from both an artistic and a scientific viewpoint. We examine the problem of finding and creating musical compositions based upon such scientific formulations.
Self-esteem in body dysmorphic disorder

Abstract Although studies indicate that poor body image is associated with poor self-esteem, few investigations have examined self-esteem in a clinical sample of individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The present study examined self-esteem in 93 BDD patients and change in self-esteem with pharmacotherapy. Subjects completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and were assessed with other measures. Participants in a placebo-controlled fluoxetine trial completed measures at baseline and endpoint. The mean RSES score was approximately 1.5 SD units lower than means reported for nonclinical samples. Although poorer self-esteem was associated with more severe BDD and depression, as well as greater delusionality, the relationship between self-esteem and BDD severity was largely mediated by depressive symptoms. Self-esteem did not improve significantly more with fluoxetine than placebo, although it improved significantly more in fluoxetine responders than in nonresponders. It is unclear whether poor self-esteem predisposes to BDD and/or is a consequence of the disorder.
MOON-TO-EARTH TRAJECTORIES

Moon to earth trajectory analysis using the conical section theory and precision integrating programs
The existence and completeness of various potentials for the equations of stokes flow

Abstract In this paper we present the existence and completeness of the solutions of Stokes flow equations in terms of certain vector and scalar potentials. The method employed is similar to the one employed in the classical theory of elasticity where there exist various stress functions which facilitate the integration of the differential equations governing that theory.
Comparison of PSA relapse-free survival in patients treated with ultra-high-dose IMRT versus combination HDR brachytherapy and IMRT.

Abstract Purpose We report on a retrospective comparison of biochemical outcomes using an ultra-high dose of conventionally fractionated intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) vs. a lower dose of IMRT combined with high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy to increase the biologically effective dose of IMRT. Methods Patients received IMRT of 86.4 Gy (n = 470) or HDR brachytherapy (21 Gy in three fractions) followed by IMRT of 50.4 Gy (n = 160). Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse was defined as PSA nadir + 2. Median followup was 53 months for IMRT alone and 47 months for HDR. Results The 5-year actuarial PSA relapse-free survival (PRFS) for HDR plus IMRT vs. ultra-high-dose IMRT were 100% vs. 98%, 98% vs. 84%, and 93% vs. 71%, for National Comprehensive Cancer Network low- (p = 0.71), intermediate- (p Conclusion Dose escalation of IMRT by adding HDR brachytherapy provided improved PRFS in the treatment of prostate cancer compared with ultra-high-dose IMRT, independent of risk group on multivariate analysis, with the most significant benefit for intermediate-risk patients.
The current and future state of mental health insurance parity legislation.

Health insurance plans typically provide less coverage for mental health and chemical dependency treatment than for general medical services. In 1996 the federal government responded to these inequities by passing the Mental Health Parity Act, requiring equal annual lifetime dollar limits for mental health benefits. However, provisions within the law are easily circumvented, rendering it relatively ineffective as implemented. The Senator Paul Wellstone Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act of 2003 measures (S. 486 & H.R. 953) currently in Congress would expand the language and effectiveness of the Mental Health Parity Act. This paper reviews the limitations of both the 1996 federal law and existing state laws, and explains why federal action to expand the Mental Health Parity Act is so critical to people with mental illnesses.
Comparison of subband features for automatic indexing of scientific image databases

Indexing of scientific image databases is a difficult task, due to their extraordinary sizes and to the complex nature of the visual information contained in them. This data volume and complexity require an automatic indexing scheme that will categorize this visual content; without it, the data will be essentially useless to scientists and medical doctors. A method for automatic indexing of scientific image databases is presented which involves a wavelet package decomposition of images in the frequency domain, resulting in a quad-tree of subbands. These subbands are regarded as realizations of random fields, and statistical measures are computed on them. One class of newly derived measures determines whether the subbands contain any significant organization of pixels beyond what chance would imply. If this is found to be true for a subband, its node is retained on an index tree, and other identifying measurements may be added. The structure of the resulting pruned subband tree constitutes the first level of index; the node statistics form a second indexing level. Results of a pilot study are reported; they suggest that further investigation of this approach is warranted.
Highly accurate renormalized mode-coupling theory for the reflectivity of a diffraction grating.

We present a remarkably accurate mode-coupling perturbation theory for the reflectivity of a diffraction grating. The theory takes into account the effect of coupling the incident photon to the nonresonant surface polariton and radiative modes, hence incorporating radiation damping, and is valid everywhere in the Brillouin zone of the grating reciprocal lattice. Compared to the exact extinction-theorem method, in the case of a silver grating, this mode-coupling perturbation theory is accurate to within 15% over the entire range of grating heights for which the exact theory converges. The reflectivity can be described by an analytic formula.
On the calculation of the corrected temperature rise in isoperibol calorimetry. Modifications of the Dickinson extrapolation method and treatment of thermistor-thermometer resistance values

Rigorous parallel derivations and numerical examples are given for the Dickinson extrapolation method, for a previously described variation, and for a new, more convenient variation. The effect of a changed steady power input (heat of rotation, secondary reaction, or stirring change) is considered. Procedures for the direct use of thermistor resistance values are discussed, and numerical examples are given.
Quality Systems and Accredition in Higher Education: An overview of Turkish higher education

Quality management and accredition systems have been applied to educational contexts for different purposes in several forms in the past 15 years. In Turkey, as in the rest of the world, quality management systems have been regarded as the resolutions for key questions in the higher education system. However, so far implementations resulted in outcomes considered as the indication of more complex key questions. This overview presents the current situation of Turkish higher education, and discusses quality management and accreditation systems implemented in universities with a focus on the needs of reformative actions and improvement. Outstanding examples from different Turkish universities are presented. Finally, after a general conclusion, a framework is recommended for the adaptation of quality systems in Turkish universities.
Gambling Addiction: An Interview With Two Specialists

Pathological gambling is a progressive disease that devastates not only the gambler but also the people whom he or she has relationships. In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association accepted path...
Genotype and Diet Effects in Lean and Obese Zucker Rats Fed Either Safflower or Coconut Oil Diets

Previously we reported that suckling lean heterozygous (FNfa) Zucker rats had a number of adipose tissue measurements intermediate between those of homo- zygous lean (FAIFA) and obese (fdfa) rats. However, in young adult male rats main- tained on a low-fat diet, these differences were no longer apparent (i.e., values for the two lean genotypes were similar). In the present study we determined whether the heterozygous effect of the "fa" gene was dependent on the consumption of a high-fat diet. Mother rats were fed high-fat diets containing either safflower (SOD) or coconut (COD) oil throughout mating and lactation, Homozygous lean male and female rats were bred, as well as obese male and lean heterozygous female rats. Suckling rats were studied at 17 days of age. Additional male rats were maintained on the same diet as their mothers until 11-12 weeks of age. Obese suckling rats had higher body weights than lean pups. Inguinal fat pad weights and pad-to-body weight ratios fol- lowed the pattern of obese greater than lean (FA/fa) pups that were greater than lean (FNFA) pups. A similar relationship was found for adipose tissue lipogenic enzyme activities. At 11-1 2 weeks of age, measurements followed the general pattern of obese rats having greater values than lean rats (i.e., FNfa = FNFA). SOD-fdfa rats had higher hepatic lipogenic enzyme activities than COD-fdfa rats. In addition, SOD rats had higher fat cell numbers than COD rats. These results suggest that specific fatty acids can alter adipocyte proliferation and/or differentiation in wivo. In addition, there ap- pears to be a defect of fatty acid regulation in livers of genetically obese rats. The heterozygous effect of the "fa" gene in suckling Zucker rats was confirmed. However, high-fat feeding did not result in a heterozygous effect in young adult lean male rats. We will next evaluate the role of sex on this effect. (P.S.E.B.M. 1999, Vol 2201 t has been reported that the presence of the "@" gene in suckling heterozygous (FA/@) lean rats resulted in in- I termediate values for some factors in comparison to the two homozygous groups (1). Measurements included ingui- nal fat pad weight, fat pad-to-body weight ratio and fat cell size, as well as activities of adipose tissue lipid metabolizing enzymes. These findings led us to speculate that the lean Supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, HD 25306, and funds from the Hormel Foundation. To whom requests for reprints should be addressed at The Hormel Institute, Uni- versity of Minnesota, 801 16th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912. E-mail: mpcleary @ smig.net
Evaluating Urban Financial Conditions The Urban Conditions Index versus Municipal Bond Ratings

The three-variable urban conditions index developed by Nathan and Fossett as a measurement of urban fiscal conditions is compared with the general obligation municipal bond ratings provided by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. for the largest cities in the United States and for 890 communities with populations over 10,000. Although communities considered to be less distressed by the index tend to have higher bond ratings, the relationship between the two measurements is not perfect. This outcome appears to result from differences in the weights attached to the urban conditions index variables and from the additional information in the larger set of variables included in bond-rating analysis. The implications of these differences for policy research are discussed.
ELECTRICAL BEHAVIOR BELOW 300 K OF PLUTONIUM-RICH, DELTA-PHASE SOLID SOLUTION ALLOYS CONTAINING CERIUM, ALUMINUM AND ZINC

Abstract Electrical resistivity measurements were made as a function of temperature below 300°K on eleven plutonium-rich, δ-phase solid solution alloys containing cerium, on seven containing aluminum and on six containing zinc. Curves showing the isothermal variation of resistivity as a function of cerium and aluminum contents are given for various temperatures between 0° and 300°K over nearly the full ranges of alloying compositions possible. Effects of cerium, aluminum and zinc solutes on the resistivity maximum in δ plutonium at low temperatures are discussed. The square root of ρ ∗ was found to vary linearly with x (1 − x ), where ρ ∗ is the resistivity maximum corrected to compensate for the lattice vibration and residual terms and where x is the atomic fraction of solute.
Effects of the expression of pain on autonomic and pain tolerance responses to subject-controlled pain.

A within-subjects experiment was performed to investigate the effect of various levels of pain expression on autonomic and tolerance responses to electrical shocks which were terminated by the subjects at their tolerance level. Ten male undergraduates posed three levels of pain expression while being shocked by a constant current source that was turned up rapidly, slowly, or not at all. It was found that skin conductance responses to shock are monotonically and positively related to the level of expression; skin conductance is not significantly affected by expression in the absence of shock; pain tolerance levels are not related to the level of expression; and tolerance levels are higher for rapidly ascending shock than for slowly ascending shock. The implications of these results for theories of the expression of emotion are discussed.
On the response of viscoelastic biodegradable polymeric solids

Abstract We study the time-dependent response of a biodegradable polymeric solid which has relevance to applications in biomedicine, for example biodegradable polymeric stents. The degradation mechanism of these polymers is primarily due to hydrolysis and high strains/stresses can accelerate the degradation. In order to mimic the environment and the external stimuli which the stent is subject to, the polymers are subject to three different types of external stimuli, that are due to prescribed mechanical loading, the diffusion of water, and the degradation that occurs over a period of time, ensuring that we have a strong coupling between the deformation, degradation, and diffusion response. We assume that the polymer is described by a linearized viscoelastic constitutive model, with material parameters varying due to the degradation, in the case of biodegradable polymers. We study the effect of time-dependent response on the degradation of biodegradable polymers. We also analyze an initial-boundary value problem corresponding to a cylindrical annulus of a biodegradable viscoelastic polymeric solid of finite length, the geometry that is relevant to a biodegradable stent, in contact with another cylindrical annulus (the arterial wall) of viscoelastic solid. The stent is subject to internal radial pressure, and the diffusion of a fluid, while the arterial wall is subjected to external radial pressure. We examine the coupling between the response of the biodegradable stent and the arterial wall. This is done in order to support the design of biodegradable polymeric stents by considering reasonably realistic geometrical and material models.
Abstract P5-13-15: Process-of-care: Elucidating delays in surgical treatment of breast cancer

Background: We examined the timeliness of breast cancer care at our cancer center, focusing on care processes that affect the time from surgical consultation to surgery, with the goal of identifying improvement opportunities. Methods: We studied 584 women who underwent a mastectomy (with or without reconstruction) or breast conserving therapy at one of two Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women9s Cancer Center (DF/BWCC) surgical sites between Jan. 1, 2011 and Feb. 28, 2012. We excluded patients who received a DF/BWCC consultation but received surgery elsewhere, those who required neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, and patients whose surgeons had no primary appointment at DF/BWCC. We calculated the delay between consultation and surgery, defined as an interval of greater than two weeks for cases of mastectomy without reconstruction or breast conserving therapy, and four weeks for those with mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. We tabulated the number of patients with a delay, stratified by type of procedure and patient characteristics. We examined factors associated with a delay in bivariate analyses using Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression models with two-tailed tests and p Results. The mean number of days from consultation to surgery was 21 (range 2-104, SD 14) for lumpectomy, 31 (5-230, 28) for mastectomy, and 41 (6-180, 26) for mastectomy with reconstruction. Of women undergoing breast conserving therapy or mastectomy without reconstruction, 296 (67%) experienced a delay compared to 102 (71%) undergoing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Although no statistically significant findings were obtained in the bivariate analyses, age over 60 was associated with a two-fold delay in the multivariable model. Delays were also more likely among mastectomy procedures compared to breast conserving therapy. The 4 highest-volume breast surgeons (n>20 procedures each) varied in the time from initial consultation to plastic surgery consultation, from a mean of 7 to 22 days. Early screening and referral practices accounted for much of this variation. Delayed surgeries among the 50 patients with delays of at least 45 days included the need for additional testing or imaging, pre-operative medical evaluation, or “personal” reasons. Conclusion. Analyses of the interval from consultation to breast surgery identified process variation that may be amenable to improvement initiatives. Cancer centers should invest in efforts to measure, monitor, and improve the timeliness of breast cancer care. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P5-13-15.
SU-FF-T-140: Comparison of Dose Prescription Using Single Versus Multiple Reference Points for MammoSite RTS Treatment Planning

Purpose: To retrospectively compare dose prescription for MammoSite RTS using single versus multiple reference points through DVH evaluation. Method and Materials:CTimages of four women treated with MammoSite RTS were selected for a retrospective study of dose prescription. The balloon was identified and contoured on the CTimages using Plato BPS. A PTV was created by volumetrically expanding the balloon volume by 1cm. The final volume, PTV_EVAL consisted of the PTV minus the balloon volume. Six reference points were added along the outside edge of PTV_EVAL. Four points were added at locations lateral to the axis of the catheter, and two points were added along the axis of the catheter. Dose was prescribed to the six points individually, and DVHs of PTV_EVAL were calculated. Then dose was prescribed to 4, 5, and 6 reference points simultaneously, and a new DVH was created for each of those three cases. Results: For each prescription, the V150, V100, V90 and D95 from the DVH for PTV_EVAL were recorded and averaged across the four patients. When dose was prescribed individually to the two points along the catheter axis, the tissue volume receiving excess dose was unacceptable. When dose was prescribed individually to the 4 points lateral to the catheter axis, the coverage became inadequate. Plans in which dose was prescribed to multiple points simultaneously displayed sufficient coverage with lower volumes receiving excess dose. Conclusion: Due to the anisotropy of the source, prescriptions to individual points resulted in unacceptable coverage of the target volume or excess dose to tissue, while prescribing to multiple points simultaneously resulted in both more acceptable coverage and lower volumes of tissue receiving excess dose. Using four lateral points and one axial point resulted in the most target coverage while still limiting excess dose to tissue.
Units of episodic memory in perceptual recognition

Two studies examined the cognitive units of sentence memory using a perceptual recognition task. Four candidate cognitive units were considered: concepts, propositions, integrated propositions, and nonintegrated propositions. Subjects first received a list of acquisition sentences and then were asked to reproduce sentences presented under a white-noise mask. These masked sentences were replicas of the acquisition sentences, were formed of recombined clauses from the acquisition sentences, or were formed of recombined words from the acquisition sentences. Reproduction accuracy was employed as the dependent measure. Results supported propositions (operationalized by clauses) as cognitive units of episodic memory. No conclusive evidence was obtained for concepts, integrated propositions, or nonintegrated propositions as cognitive units. The utility of perceptual recognition tasks for studying the cognitive units of episodic memory is discussed.
Infra-red spectrometry from 15 to 25 mu.

On account of the relatively small amount of energy emitted from sources in the wave-length region beyond 15μ, stray energy of short wave-length from the source becomes a considerable proportion of the energy indicated by the detecting system. By use of a reflection filter of LiF, this stray radiation is greatly reduced.The infra-red spectra of cyclopentane, methylcyclopentane, ethylcyclopentane, and isopropylcyclopentane have been measured and each has a characteristic spectrum, which can be used in analysis.Also, the spectra of cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane, and secondary butylcyclohexane have been measured and a number of bands which are characteristic of these substances have been observed.
Revisiting Forgiveness as a Pastoral Theological “Problem”

Jesus calls on his followers to forgive, lest they risk the denial of Divine forgiveness. Such forgiveness should not be confused with human forgiving. Human forgiveness is identified as a pastoral-theological “problem,” especially in the context of intimate violence. A working definition of forgiveness is provided and the nature of this “problem” is explored. Reader-response criticism is identified as a way to read Jesus on forgiveness. A compassionate understanding of forgiveness is encouraged.
Population Dynamics of Small Mammals in Farmstead Shelterbelts

Various aspects of the population dynamics of Sorex cinereus, Blarina brevicauda, Clethrionomys gapperi, Microtus pennsylvanicus , and Peromyscus leucopus were studied for 27 months in Minnesota farmstead shelterbelts. Total numbers of individuals of all species combined were greatest in summer and autumn; species-specific peaks in seasonal abundance were partially attributed to juvenile recruitment. Percentages of breeding adult females were similar in the three species of cricetids, but relatively fewer adult males of M. pennsylvanicus were in reproductive condition than in other cricetids. Young cricetids tended to be transient compared to adults; in P. leucopus , young females were more likely to be residents than young males. Adult transients weighed less than adult residents in both M. pennsylvanicus and P. leucopus . Distances moved within shelterbelts did not vary among species; movements between shelterbelts occurred most often in B. brevicauda but never in P. leucopus . Probabilities of recapture over months were comparable among species. Aspects of the population dynamics of the five species in these man-made habitats generally were similar to those reported by studies in less modified environments. Because of the importance of shelterbelts to populations of C. gapperi and P. leucopus and to other species of wildlife, efforts should be made to preserve these wooded islands in intensely-farmed regions of the Upper Midwest.
Notes on separable preferences

Abstract Examples are constructed to show that Gorman's important basic theorem for overlapping strictly separable sectors does not hold if the sectors are only nonstrictly separable. This is done with the help of a new definition for the notion of nonstrict separability of utility preferences. The new definition is equivalent to that of Bliss; but it clarifies the relationship between the geometry and representation of preferences with separable sectors. The gained geometric insight leads to the conjecture that if all sectors are strictly essential, then Gorman's Basic Theorem would hold.
Alkaline phosphatase activity in sequential mouse molar tooth development an electron microscopic study

First molar teeth of developing Swiss albino mice were studied for alkaline phosphatase activity. Specimens ranging from 19 days in utero to 8 days postnatal were used (prebell through appositional and mineralization stages).
Evidence That β1 Integrins in Keratinocyte Cell–Cell Junctions Are Not in the Ligand-Occupied Conformation

Integrins are a family of heterodimeric cell surface molecules that function as adhesion receptors in cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix contact. Integrins of the β 1 family are found on keratinocytes clustered at sites of cell–cell junctions both in culture and in normal skin. The possibility that these integrins function in cell–cell adhesion has been both supported and refuted in recent conflicting publications. Rather than testing further for the presence or absence of an interaction, we present evidence to show that β 1 integrins in keratinocyte cell–cell junctions are in the non-ligand–occupied conformation. We transfected keratinocytes with a construct that expresses a chimeric cell surface molecule containing the integrin β 1 cytoplasmic tail. This chimera is thought to mimic the ligand-occupied receptor and has previously been shown to be actively localized to focal adhesions in fibroblasts. We find that keratinocytes are also able to localize this chimera in focal adhesions but do not localize it to areas of cell–cell junctions. A monoclonal anti- β 1 antibody that has been previously shown to preferentially recognize ligand-occupied β 1 receptors was used to stain keratinocytes. This antibody showed staining of focal adhesions, with little or no staining of cell–cell junctions. In contrast, four other anti- β 1 antibodies showed strong, preferential staining at cell–cell junctions. Double staining confirmed that both the conformation-specific monoclonal antibody and a pan- β 1 antibody were capable of recognizing the same focal adhesions. Taken together, these data indicate that integrins in cell–cell junctions of keratinocytes are in the non-ligand–occupied conformation. Although we do not directly prove the absence of an integrin-integrin interaction at this site, we show that any such interaction does nor induce the ligand-occupied conformation and, therefore, is less likely to play a major role in cytoskeletal re-organization or signal transduction.