cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing measures of homicide trends: Methodological and substantive differences in the Vital Statistics and Uniform Crime Report time series (1933–1975)

Abstract Several Uniform Crime Reports (FBI) and Vital Statistics (NCHS) homicide time series for the United States, 1933–1975, are compared with respect to (a) definitions and collection procedures used; (b) differences in estimating procedures; and (c) substantive differences that result from use of either series. Among the findings from this investigation are that: (1) the sampling procedures employed by the NCHS appear to be superior to those of the FBI; (2) the FBI time series most commonly employed by researchers is discontinuous prior to 1958 due to revision procedures which were instituted at that time. Analyses over time periods which began prior to this year should employ a more accurate FBI time series which is published by the Office of Management and Budget (1973). (3) The specific time period under study may lead to different substantive conclusions with different indicators; (4) the results of statistical analyses of structural equation models contained herein indicate that while the difference is not generally statistically significant, the deterrent effect of execution is consistently estimated to be greater with the Vital Statistics series. This finding has important policy implications if estimates of the number of lives saved by executing prisoners are projected and utilized by policy makers. (5) Neither series indicates serious problems of autocorrelation of disturbances with the exogenous variables employed here; and (6) use of either series for the period after 1949 appears to produce the same substantive results.
Doppler imaging for passive bistatic radar

In this paper we report on initial results into Doppler imaging, a technique by which both down and cross-range resolution are obtained with low bandwidth waveforms. Conventional radar imaging utilizes aperture synthesis to obtain cross-range resolution and relies on wideband waveforms for the downrange resolution. More recently, tomography has been proposed an alternative able to generate high-resolution imagery but without necessarily requiring wideband waveforms. Here we introduce the theory behind a third alternative, Doppler imaging and consider how it might be applied to passive bistatic radar. We present results that include the 2D image of two point targets separated by just 0.6 m illuminated using a pure tone signal in an anechoic chamber. The technique lends itself well to passive radar imaging.
Density dependence of nonresonant tunneling in asymmetric coupled quantum wells.

We have measured tunneling rates in a series of asymmetric coupled quantum wells as a function of the barrier thickness and carrier density between confined levels in which optical-phonon-assisted tunneling is energetically forbidden. Our measurements have demonstrated a strong density dependence of the tunneling rates. The measured dependence is qualitatively consistent with a model of excitons diffusing to a limited number of extrinsic tunneling sites.
Disruption of ovarian development in alligator embryos treated with an aromatase inhibitor

It has been suggested that sex differentiation in vertebrates is steroid hormone dependent, that estrogens play a critical role in ovarian differentiation, and that male sex differentiation will occur in the absence of estrogens. Using the model of the alligator in which sex can be manipulated by incubation conditions (eggs incubated at a constant temperature of 30 degrees produce 100% females, and at 33 degrees produce 100% males), a series of experiments using antiestrogens, antiandrogen, estradiol-17 beta, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and aromatase inhibitors were performed. Test substances were injected into alligator eggs prior to gonadal sex differentiation and the eggs were incubated at male or female temperatures until just before expected date of hatching. Gonads were excised and the sex was verified histologically. Control embryos injected with vehicle produced the expected sex: females at 30 degrees and males at 33 degrees. Estradiol in eggs at 33 degrees (male temperature) produced 100% females and did not alter female development in eggs at 30 degrees. Antiandrogen, DHT, and a steroid antiestrogen had no discernible effect in either the 30 degrees or the 33 degrees eggs at the doses tested. The aromatase inhibitors aminoglutethimide and 4-hydroxyandrostenedione caused a moderate disruption of ovarian development and had no apparent effect on testicular development. The nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, Ciba Geigy 16949A, caused inhibition of ovarian development in all treated embryos. The Mullerian ducts did not appear to be affected by this treatment, or by any of the other treatments, and the gonads did not appear masculinized. We conclude that estrogen appears to be necessary for normal ovarian development, but that inhibition of estrogen synthesis alone is insufficient to cause masculinization. Likewise, exogenous androgens appear unable to masculinize embryonic gonads. The evidence suggests that testicular differentiation in amniote vertebrates is dependent on factors other than androgens or level of estrogens.
An Investigation of the Effects of the Core Protein Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase on Wnt Signaling in Breast Cancer Cells

Telomerase canonically maintains telomeres, but recent reports have suggested that the core protein mammalian telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) component, together with the chromatin remodeling factor BRG1 and β-catenin, may also bind to and promote expression of Wnt target genes. However, this proposed noncanonical role of TERT in Wnt signaling has been controversial. Here, we investigated the effects of human TERT (hTERT) on Wnt signaling in human breast cancer lines and HeLa cells. We failed to find evidence for physical association of hTERT with BRG1 or β-catenin; instead, we present evidence that anti-FLAG antibody cross-reactivity properties may explain the previously reported interaction of hTERT with β-catenin. Furthermore, altering hTERT levels in four different breast cancer cell lines caused minimal and discordant effects on Wnt target and Wnt pathway gene expression. Although hTERT's role in Wnt signaling was addressed only indirectly, no significant representation of Wnt target genes was detected in chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) and chromatin isolation by RNA purification and sequencing (ChIRP-seq) loci cooccupied in HeLa S3 cells by both BRG1 and hTR. In summary, our evidence fails to support the idea of a biologically consistent hTERT interaction with the Wnt pathway in human breast cancer cells, and any detectable influence of hTERT depended on cell type and experimental system.
Macrophage Cryptococcus interactions: an update

Cryptococcus species are fungal pathogens that are a leading cause of mortality. Initial inoculation is through the pulmonary route and, if disseminated, results in severe invasive infection including meningoencephalitis. Macrophages are the dominant phagocytic cell that interacts with Cryptococcus. Emerging theories suggest that Cryptococcus microevolution in macrophages is linked to survival and virulence within the host. In addition, Cryptococcus elaborates virulence factors as well as usurps host machinery to establish macrophage activation states that are permissive to intracellular survival and replication. In this review, we provide an update of the recent findings pertaining to macrophage interaction with Cryptococcus and focus on new avenues for biomedical research.
Springwater geochemistry at Honey Creek State Natural Area, central Texas: Implications for surface water and groundwater interaction in a karst aquifer

Summary A two and a half year study of two adjacent watersheds at the Honey Creek State Natural Area (HCSNA) in central Texas was undertaken to evaluate spatial and temporal variations in springwater geochemistry, geochemical evolution processes, and potential effects of brush control on karst watershed hydrology. The watersheds are geologically and geomorphologically similar, and each has springs discharging into Honey Creek, a tributary to the Guadalupe River. Springwater geochemistry is considered in a regional context of aquifer components including soil water, cave dripwater, springwater, and phreatic groundwater. Isotopic and trace element variability allows us to identify both vadose and phreatic groundwater contributions to surface water in Honey Creek. Spatial and temporal geochemical data for six springs reveal systematic differences between the two watersheds. Springwater Sr isotope values lie between values for the limestone bedrock and soils at HCSNA, reflecting a balance between these two primary sources of Sr. Sr isotope values for springs within each watershed are consistent with differences between soil compositions. At some of the springs, consistent temporal variability in springwater geochemistry (Sr isotopes, Mg/Ca, and Sr/Ca values) appears to reflect changes in climatic and hydrologic parameters (rainfall/recharge) that affect watershed processes. Springwater geochemistry was unaffected by brush removal at the scale of the HCSNA study. Results of this study build on previous regional studies to provide insight into watershed hydrology and regional hydrologic processes, including connections between surface water, vadose groundwater, and phreatic groundwater.
Rheology of fiber- or flake-filled plastics

Thermoplastics and thermoset materials filled with inexpensive, mainly inorganic, particulates are an important class of engineering plastics. Here, the short fiber and flake fillers play a major role. In this paper, the melt rheology and processability of these resins is reviewed, and the flow behavior of mica-filled polyethylene is discussed in greater details.
Critical states and flow structure on a 65-deg delta wing

Swept and delta wings maneuvering at moderate and high angles of attack produce highly nonlinear and often discontinuous aerodynamic forces and moments that are difficult to model. The nonlinear indicial response (NIR) methodology and the concept of critical states accompanied by changes in the flow structure and topology could provide a rational framework for the analyses and modeling of these flows. The analysis of surface oil-flow photographs and laser light sheet high-speed video images of smoke flow has been performed. The correlation of the structural and topological changes in the flow with force and moment data follows. Critical states are often accompanied by changes in the flow topology and not all topological changes produce measurable changes hi the forces and moments, however, a useful relationship may exist.
Depression of Myocardial Contractility in Rats by Free Fatty Acids during Hypoxia

Rat papillary muscles were used to study the influence of glucose (5 mM), linoleate (1 to 1.75 mM), octanoate (0.5 to 1.75 mM) and pent-4-enoic acid (1 to 5 mM) on mechanical performance under oxygenated, hypoxic and anoxic conditions. The buffer solution contained 0.3 mM albumin. Free fatty acids (FFA) (1.0 to 1.75 mM) did not alter mechanical performance under oxygenated conditions. During hypoxia or anoxia, FFA (0.5 to 1.75 mM) depressed contractility and increased resting force; glucose improved mechanical performance and modified the depressant effects of FFA. The depressant effect of the nonmetabolized FFA, pentenoic acid, was similar to that of other FFA. This suggests that the effect was mediated directly by FFA or acyl CoA derivatives rather than their metabolic products, and that it might be due to a detergent effect or calcium binding by FFA present in excess of intracellular FFA binding capacity at low pH. Force development during anoxia could be augmented by calcium, implying that the reduced ability of the myofilaments to contract could not be attributed entirely to a reduction of high energy stores.
Adaptive Routing in Dynamic Ad Hoc Networks

Dynamic ad hoc networks are mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) where network characteristics, such as network density and node mobility, change significantly over time and space. Sometimes, dynamic ad hoc networks resemble a dense ad hoc network. At other times, they resemble a delay tolerant network. Many real networks follow the paradigm of dynamic ad hoc networks. Military networks, wildlife tracking sensor networks, and vehicle networks are some of these examples. In dynamic ad hoc networks, conventional routing schemes fail when the network characteristics do not fall into their applicable scenarios. Previous research has proposed a variety of routing schemes for each specific network scenario. For instance, distributed routing tables are built for efficient multi-hop, single- copy routing in static and dense networks. Mobility assisted, multi-copy routings are proposed in sparse networks where contemporary paths might not exist. With the advantages of the existing schemes in mind, we introduce a new routing scheme, Adaptive ROuting in Dynamic ad hoc networks (AROD), which is a seamless integration of several existing schemes. Simulation results show that AROD is highly scalable and is adaptive to different network scenarios.
P[(S,S,S)-CH3NCH(CH2Ph)CH2]3N: a new C3-symmetric enantiomerically pure proazaphosphatrane

Abstract A new approach for the synthesis of C3-symmetric proazaphosphatranes with chirality at the bridging methylene positions is reported.
Varieties of learning in Soar: 1987

Abstract : Soar is an architecture for intelligence that integrates learning into all of its problem-solving behavior. The learning mechanism, chunking, has been studied experimentally in a broad range of tasks and situations. This paper summarizes the research on chucking in Soar, covering the effects of chunking in different tasks, task-independent applications of chunking and our theoretical analyses of effects and limits of chunking. We discuss what and when Soar has been able to learn so far. The results demonstrate that the variety of learning in Soar arises from variety in problem solving, rather than from variety in architectural mechanisms. Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Machine learning, cognitive architecture.
Analysis of Service Processes Characteristics across a Range of Enterprises

The structure of services processes was explored using a database of 168 service processes that existed within a wide range of enterprises. The results indicate that applications within service science are not limited to the service industry and that service processes have many similar characteristics. The similarities exist across industry sectors (i.e., manu-facturing, service), customer types (i.e., internal, external) and enterprise size (large, SME). A few differences exist and their importance is discussed. It is suggested that an important field within the multidisciplinary umbrella of service science is organizational behavior.
Radiation‐degradation susceptibility studies of vinyl terpolymers: Search for improved electron beam resists

To develop polymer systems with improved lithographic resist properties, terpolymers of methyl methacrylate/methacrylonitrile/methyl α-chloroacryate (MMA/MCN/MCA), methyl methacrylate/methacrylonitrile/α-chloroacrylonitrile (MMA/MCN/ACAN), and methyl methacrylate/methacrylonitrile/vinylidene chloride (MMA/MCN/VDC) were prepared by emulsion polymerization. Also one methyl methacrylate/ methyl α-chloroacylate/α-chloroacrylonitrile (MMA/MCA/ ACAN) terpolymer was prepared. The radiation susceptibilities of these terpolymers were measured using the 60Coγ-irradiation method. Molecular weights were determined both by membrane osmometry and gel permeation chromatography. All terpolymers exhibited higher radiation-degradation susceptibilities than poly(methyl methacrylate). The Gs values did not follow the general trend, previously observed with MCN/MCA copolymers, of being directly proportional to the respective terpolymer compositions. In some cases, the addition of small quantities of α-chlorine-containing monomers caused Gx to increase. This observation greatly differs from those observed for copolymer systems such as MMA/MCA, MCN/MCA, MMA/ ACAN, etc. studied previously. Terpolymerization gives highly soluble polymers especially suitable for wet development by many solvents. This is an important consideration for polymers with high mole fractions of methacrylonitrile (MCN) or vinylidene chloride (VDC) which are rendered soluble in development solvents. The electron-beam sensitivities were obtained for samples of three classes of the terpolymers and they were higher than that of PMMA. For example, at 20Kev a 62/34/4 MMA/MCN/MCA terpolymer exhibited a sensitivity of 1.3 × 10−5 coulombs cm−2 at l/lo = 1. The introduction of ACAN narrows the working range for positive resist behavior. For example MMA/MCN/ACAN(41/40/19) has a sensitivity of 8.3 × 10−6 coulombs cm−2 at l/l0 = 0.6 but it crosslinks at 1 − 1.3 × 10− coulombs cm2. The MMA/MCN/VDC(21/76/3) polymer was about 25 times more sensitive than PMMA (7 × 10−6 C cm−2 at l/l0=1).
Two representations of a conditioned superprocess

We consider a class of measure-valued Markov processes constructed by taking a superprocess over some underlying Markov process and conditioning it to stay alive forever. We obtain two representations of such a process. The first representation is in terms of an “immortal particle” that moves around according to the underlying Markov process and throws off pieces of mass, which then proceed to evolve in the same way that mass evolves for the unconditioned superprocess. As a consequence of this representation, we show that the tail σ-field of the conditioned superprocess is trivial if the tail σ-field of the underlying process is trivial. The second representation is analogous to one obtained by LeGall in the unconditioned case. It represents the conditioned superprocess in terms of a certain process taking values in the path space of the underlying process. This representation is useful for studying the “transience” and “recurrence” properties of the closed support process.
Performance of Highly Mobile Cognitive Radio Networks with Directional Antennas

Cognitive radio systems allow secondary users to operate on underutilized licensed spectrum. When considering highly congested communication channels, however, opportunities for channel access based on time or frequency division can be limited for secondary user networks. In this research, we consider leveraging enhanced spatial diversity through directional steerable antennas to allow secondary user channel access in parallel with licensed spectrum users. Furthermore, we consider effects of mobility on directional secondary user networks and introduce a mechanism for maintaining point-to-point directional communication links in the presence of mobility. We study the trade-offs between spatial diversity and coordination overhead to motivate the use of directional antennas, even in highly mobile cognitive radio networks.
Design by Composition for Layered Manufacturing

Three dimensional rapid prototyping processes, also called layered manufacturing or solid freeform fabrication (SFF), promise designers the ability to automatically fabricate complex shapes. SFF processes were invented with the assumption that designers would submit complete part models for automated planning and manufacturing. This planning process is normally based on some form of decomposition, for example, slicing into layers. Especially for newer, more complex SFF processes, there are several disadvantages to this approach, primarily that decomposition is difficult and does not reliably produce good process plans. Furthermore, it is hard for the designer to get feedback on the manufacturability of his design, and today's decomposition systems are not fully automated. This paper presents an alternative approach, design by composition, where users build designs from primitives that include high-level manufacturing plans. When the user combines two primitives with a Boolean operation, software will automatically generate a manufacturing plan for the new design from the plans for the source primitives. In contrast to the decomposition method, design by composition offers several benefits to designers, primarily access to manufacturability feedback during design-time, a greater degree of automation, the ability to create designs with embedded components (such as sensors, electronic circuits, bearings, and shafts), and enhanced control over manufacturing plans. These advantages make design by composition a more attractive approach to SFF processing, especially for designers who are new to these processes.
Differential Rates of Local and Global Homogenization in Centromere Satellites From Arabidopsis Relatives

Higher eukaryotic centromeres contain thousands of satellite repeats organized into tandem arrays. As species diverge, new satellite variants are homogenized within and between chromosomes, yet the processes by which particular sequences are dispersed are poorly understood. Here, we isolated and analyzed centromere satellites in plants separated from Arabidopsis thaliana by 5–20 million years, uncovering more rapid satellite divergence compared to primate α-satellite repeats. We also found that satellites derived from the same genomic locus were more similar to each other than satellites derived from disparate genomic regions, indicating that new sequence alterations were homogenized more efficiently at a local, rather than global, level. Nonetheless, the presence of higher-order satellite arrays, similar to those identified in human centromeres, indicated limits to local homogenization and suggested that sequence polymorphisms may play important functional roles. In two species, we defined more extensive polymorphisms, identifying physically separated and highly distinct satellite types. Taken together, these data show that there is a balance between plant satellite homogenization and the persistence of satellite variants. This balance could ultimately generate sufficient sequence divergence to cause mating incompatibilities between plant species, while maintaining adequate conservation within a species for centromere activity.
Calcium supplementation during pregnancy reduces risk of high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia and premature birth compared with placebo?

Commentary on: GJ Hofmeyr, TA Lawrie, AN Atallah, et al.. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems.Cochrane Database Syst Rev2010;8:CD001059.
An overview of end-of-life issues in the intensive care unit

The population of the earth is aging, and as medical techniques, pharmaceuticals, and devices push the boundaries of human physiological capabilities, more humans will go on to live longer. However, this prolonged existence may involve incapacities, particularly at the end-of-life, and especially in the intensive care unit. This arena involves not only patients and families, but also care givers. It involves topics from economics to existentialism, and surgery to spiritualism. It requires education, communication, acceptance of diversity, and an ultimate acquiescence to the inevitable. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of issues in the care of patients at the end-of-life stage that may cause physicians and other healthcare providers, medical, ethical, social, and philosophical concerns in the intensive care unit.
Surgical complications impact patient perception of hospital care.

Background Public reporting of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey is designed to produce data on patients' perceptions of the quality of hospital care. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of complications on patient responses to Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems "top-box" (most favorable) scores. Study Design All patients who underwent a colorectal procedure from October 2009 to June 2012 at a single center were included. Patient complications were categorized as major, minor, or no complications and "surgical technique" or "medical." Chi-square and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare binary and ordinal top-box scores, respectively. Results One thousand four hundred and nine surveys were collected for 1,233 patients (mean age 53 ± 15.7 years; 701 [52.2%] females) who underwent 955 (67.8%) major abdominal, 114 (8.1%) anorectal, and 340 (24.1%) stoma-related operations. There were 195 (13.8%) major and 396 (28.1%) minor complications. There were 159 (11.3%) technique complications and 411 (29.2%) medical complications. Patients without any complications were more likely to recommend the hospital than those with complications (p = 0.023) irrespective of type of complication (minor vs major; p = 0.72 or technique vs medical; p = 0.5). Responsiveness of hospital staff was also reported as higher for patients without complications (p = 0.0003) and the type of complication did not influence this assessment (minor vs major; p = 0.71 and technique vs medical; p = 0.95). Conclusions The occurrence of any complication after colorectal surgery adversely impacts patients' self-reported perceptions of hospital care as measured by Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. An instrument that more accurately reflects patients' assessment of quality in the context of variations in patient, disease, and surgical factors is required.
Synergistic release of calcium in sea urchin eggs by caffeine and ryanodine

A transient rise in intracellular Ca2+ during fertilization is necessary for activation of the quiescent sea urchin egg. Several mechanisms contribute to the rise in Ca2+ including influx across the egg plasma membrane and release from intracellular stores. The egg contains both IP3-sensitive and -insensitive Ca2+ release mechanisms and in this study we have used single-cell spectrofluorimetry to examine the effects of caffeine and ryanodine on Ca2+ release in eggs preloaded with fura 2. Caffeine induced a small Ca2+ release that was insensitive to heparin or ruthenium red. Ca2+ liberation by caffeine could be augmented by prior treatment with thapsigargin, an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase. Variable Ca2+ releases were observed in response to microinjection of ryanodine. The action of ryanodine appeared to be enhanced by prior injection of heparin and partially inhibited by ruthenium red. The release of Ca2+ by caffeine or ryanodine was generally insufficient to trigger cortical granule exocytosis, thus these eggs could be fertilized and a second Ca2+ release during fertilization was measured. Unlike the caffeine- and ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release mechanism in somatic cells, the graded responses in eggs suggested this caffeine- and ryanodine-sensitive release mechanism is not sensitive to sudden changes in Ca2+. Thus we could examine the combined actions of caffeine and ryanodine on Ca2+ release, which were synergistic. Caffeine treatment of ryanodine-injected eggs or ryanodine injection of caffeine-treated eggs stimulated a Ca2+ release significantly larger than the release by either drug independently. The experiments presented here suggest that sea urchin eggs liberate Ca2+ in response to caffeine and ryanodine; however, the regulation of this release differs from that described for caffeine- and ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release of somatic cells.
Physiological ecology of a metalimnetic Oscillatoria rubescens population1

Measurements of biochemical composition and photosynthetic carbon metabolism were used to determine the physiological state of a metalimnetic population of Oscillatoria rubescens in Crooked Lake, Indiana, during 1979 and 1980. The percentage of photosynthetically fixed CO2 incorporated into protein did not vary diurnally, but the variation observed over 3-day periods was as large as that found seasonally, which suggested that changes in environmental conditions occurred during these intervals. Several of the biochemical measurements did not change during the year, including the ratios of chlorophyll a or phycoerythrin to protein and protein to dry weight; the ratios of carbohydrate or RNA to protein were more promising indicators of long term changes in the physiological state of the population because there were seasonal changes in these. Alkaline phosphatase activities were measured in the epilimnion and metalimnion as an index of phosphate limitation. In the epilimnion levels were similar to those found in phosphate-limited algal cultures, whereas in the Oscillatoria layer the activities were sevenfold lower.
Long-term follow-up of adrenal medullary transplantation for Parkinson's disease

Long-term follow-up of eight patients who underwent stereotactic grafting of adrenal medullary tissue into unilateral or bilateral caudate nuclei is presented. We demonstrate that this procedure can be performed with minimal risk. Our results show little benefit when the group as a whole is analyzed. A subgroup of four patients was identified who responded to the procedure, as evidenced by a reduction in motor scores, reduction in medication requirements, and greater “on” time. Three of these patients continue to accrue benefit after 2 years. No characterization of a responder profile was evident. We conclude that a modest benefit is derived from this procedure that may persist for as long as 2 years. Future clinical studies to evaluate grafting procedures are encouraged. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1992;5:35–39).
A matrix approach for transcoding modulated lapped transforms

We derive compact systolic structures for the transcoding of critically sampled modulated lapped transforms (MLT's) of equal and rational sizes. The structures include two modules for DCT-IV computation and an intermediate module for all windowing/reordering operations. The proposed structure is highly regular and provides theoretical and practical insights for this transcoding problem.
E-Racer, a joystick controlled go-kart

The E-Racer is an electric go-kart that is controlled through a single joystick, designed for a 13-year old boy who has cerebral palsy. The existing go-kart steering wheel and driving pedals are removed and connected to actuator motors, which are controlled by the joystick and PIC microcontroller.
Distribution and Functional Roles of Rare and Uncommon Moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Plusiinae) Across a Coniferous Forest Landscape

Abstract The temporal and spatial distribution and abundance of 15 rare to uncommon species of plusiine moths were compared across a watershed landscape dominated by a coniferous forest located on the western slope of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon. The 5-yr study assessed the species in the context of functional roles related to caterpillar host plants categorized into three guilds: conifer, hardwood tree and shrub, and herbaceous-feeding species. Also, the landscape was considered in the context of five geographic zones based on elevation and habitat type. Species richness and abundance were highest within the herb-feeding guild, seven (47%) species and 74 (47%) individuals. The conifer-feeding guild consisted of four species (27%) and 64 (40%) individuals, whereas the hardwood tree and shrub guild consisted of four species (27%) and 21 (13%) individuals. In combination, zones II, III, and IV, high elevation sites with extensive subalpine meadow habitat, exhibited a species richness of 14 (93%) and 119...
Adolescent Substance Use Following a Deadly U.S. Tornado Outbreak: A Population-Based Study of 2,000 Families.

Despite conceptual links between disaster exposure and substance use, few studies have examined prevalence and risk factors for adolescent substance use and abuse in large, population-based samples affected by a recent natural disaster. We addressed this gap using a novel address-based sampling methodology to interview adolescents and parents who were affected by the 4th deadliest tornado outbreak in U.S. history. Postdisaster interviews were conducted with 2,000 adolescent–parent dyads living within a 5-mile radius of the spring 2011 U.S. tornadoes. In addition to descriptive analyses to estimate prevalence, hierarchical linear and logistic regression analyses were used to examine a range of protective and risk factors for substance use and abuse. Approximately 3% reported substance abuse since the tornado. Greater number of prior traumatic events and older age emerged as consistent risk factors across tobacco and alcohol use and substance abuse since the tornado. Tornado incident characteristics, namely...
Creating Complex Documents and Layouts

Once you’ve mastered the art of formatting your documents with styles (as described in Chapter 7), you’re ready to create long or complex documents in Word.
Ideas Cause Circumstances: A 'Republican' not 'Social' Constructivism

The grand strategies of liberal internationalism and realism dominate the discussion and study of US foreign policy. Both approaches emphasize constraints – institutional and material – as causes of foreign policy and counsel America today to pull back to accommodate its relative decline. Even social constructivist approaches, which revive a causal role for ideas, emphasize constraints – a structural level discourse that locks in identities and changes very slowly if at all. There is no republican or classical liberal grand strategy that emphasizes the role of ideas as separate and competitive not shared and structural causes of foreign policy outcomes. This essay sketches out such a strategy. It examines the function of ideas as present (past) causes of future (current) constraints. Ideas tell us what our goals are, which events are important, which events are moving in the direction of our goals, which events can be changed or created, and how a political consensus can be mobilized to implement our goals. Ideas today help create the circumstances of tomorrow. But how much do ideas matter compared to other variables, such as interests and institutions? The essay explores these methodological issues as well as historical examples – in the foreign policies of four American presidents, Jefferson, Polk, Truman and Reagan – to show that over time ideas matter far more than the current literature suggests and open up opportunities for American foreign policy that do not just respond to decline.
How Physical Characteristics of Beetles Affect their Fossil Preservation

Although insect size and robustness often have been hypothesized to be factors that lead to taphonomic bias in the insect fossil record, no studies have examined how these factors directly affect an insect9s preservation potential. In this study, laboratory experiments were performed on modern Coleoptera (beetles) to examine the importance of insect morphology on preservation potential. A rotary tumbling barrel was used to determine how insect size and robustness would influence sinking and disarticulation rates. Although size and robustness were not correlated directly, beetles that were larger and more robust were more resistant to disarticulation than smaller, less-robust beetles. Waterlogged specimens gained increased flexibility in their exoskeletons, and were difficult to puncture. Sinking and disarticulation rates were correlated, although it took fewer days for beetles to sink than it took to begin disarticulating. A white-colored film was apparent on all specimens within a few days of their introduction to the tumbling barrel; however, major disarticulation did not occur until the specimens sank to the bottom. An examination of the fossil-beetle literature also suggests the importance of hardness in preservation potential. Although often considered fragile, given the right physical characteristics and environmental conditions, insects can be resistant to disarticulation and decay.
The prognostic significance of lymphatic invasion in primary melanoma

9050 Background: Lymphatic invasion (LI) is an under-observed phenomenon in primary malignancies that can be better detected by immunostaining and that may associate with prognosis. In this study w...
Static protection against single multicast resource failure in optical WDM networks

The multicast paradigm offers tremendous benefits in efficiency for transmitting data across optical networks, allowing a single client to send information to an entire set of endpoints. A multicast request is most efficiently provisioned through the creation of a tree, with the endpoints, or resources, occasionally serving as branching points. This practice can lead to the source of the request becoming disconnected from the associated resources should one of those branching resources fail. In cases where a large amount of data are currently in transmission, the ramifications of this failure can be severe. We propose an optimal solution through integer linear programming for the static protected multicast routing and wavelength assignment problem, where an entire set of requests is provisioned with built-in redundancy against single resource node failure. We compare the optimal performance against several heuristics and find that protection against this type of failure can be provided with the trade-off of increased wavelength consumption, compared to less-protected solutions.
The Inability of Adrenal Androgens to Stimulate the Adult Human Prostate: An Autopsy Evaluation of Men With Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism and Panhypopituitarism

AbstractAlthough it is well recognized that testicular androgens provide the major hormonal stimulus to the prostate the role of adrenal androgens is less certain. Recently, it has been suggested that total androgen ablation (adrenal and testicular) is necessary to achieve a complete response to hormonal therapy in men with carcinoma of the prostate. In an effort to elucidate the influence of adrenal androgens on prostatic growth, we reviewed autopsy findings in patients (mean age 65 years, with a range of 57 to 80 years) from 3 distinct groups: group 1 consisted of 4 men with neither adrenal nor testicular function since before puberty (panhypopituitarism), group 2 included 4 men with normal adrenal glands but no testicular function throughout life (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or prepubertal castration) and group 3 consisted of 8 age-matched controls with normal adrenal glands and normal testes. To assess the degree of androgenic stimulation each prostate was examined by a genitourinary pathologist and...
Field Identification and Sex Determination of Aphidecta obliterata, an Introduced Predator of Adelges piceae

A brief description of each stage of A. obliterata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is given. Size differences and some ecological differences were observed between this species and Mulsantina hudsonica (Casey) and M. picta (Randall), which are predators also but native to North Carolina. Size was of limited value in differentiating Aphidecta from Mulsantina spp. in the field, but helpful in identification of early instars. Color was an accurate and rapid means of distinguishing most stages of these lady beetles. Sex was identified correctly in 93% of A. obliterata adults by observing differences in head markings. Sex was identified correctly in 100% of adults by observing both head markings and length.
TEM STUDY OF Pt SILICIDE FORMATION ON CLEAN Si SURFACES.

The microstructure of the Pt silicide formed on clean Si surfaces has been investigated using transmission electron microscopy. Pt up to 200A was evaporated on atomically clean Si (100) and (111) substrates under an ultrahigh vacuum condition. The silicide was formed by annealing up to 600°C for (100) substrates in a purified He atmosphere and in-situ UHV for (111) substrates. For the (100) substrate, as-deposited Pt showed a fine polycrystalline structure with grain size of about 10tm. Upon annealing at 250° to 300°C, formation of Pt silicide was observed, which was primarily PtSi with only a small amount of Pt2Si. The silicide coverage was incomplete below about 1.5nm. Upon further annealing, the fraction of PtSi increased although Pt2Si persisted until 400°C. At 600°C, PtSi showed an epitaxial relationship with its c axis perpendicular to the Si (100) surface. On the Si (111) surface, PtSi formed epitaxially above 400°C. The silicide structure showed a multi-diffraction pattern with three-fold symmetry, reflecting the three equivalent but strained epitaxial orientations. A high resolution lattice image technique was used to investigate the details of the epitaxial structures of PtSi on Si (100) and (111) substrates.
Pink Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): Reproduction and Sperm Use by Wild-type and Mutant Moths

Progeny from alternate crosses between wild-type and mutant pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), males and mutant females were examined to discover how females used sperm after multiple matings. In these tests, 27-45% of the crosses produced no progeny and 6-11% of the crosses produced progeny from multiple matings. The first mating in a sequence (when multiple mating did occur) produced the great majority (89%) of progeny, but some progeny from the second mating were produced in 19 of 21 multiple matings in one test and 2 of 11 in a second test. Thus, pink bollworm females do not show preferential use of sperm from the last mating in a sequence, as is common in many other insects, and sperm mixing does take place.
Geophysics on the Rocks: Unsolved Mysteries of the Mississippian Outcrop

About two thirds oil and gas reserves worldwide are estimated to be unconventional. These plays exploit reservoirs with low permeability and/or porosity making them difficult to characterize and produce. Examples include shale, tight sand, and fractured or porosity enhanced carbonates. Enhanced recovery methods such as precision horizontal drilling and multistage fracking make unconventional plays more challenging than conventional hydrocarbon targets in similar geologic settings.
A Pilot Study Analyzing Grocery Purchases of Families With Head Start Preschoolers

This study describes the foods and beverages available in the homes of low-income, minority preschoolers. In all, 42 families who represented 43 preschoolers from 2 Head Start centers submitted grocery receipts over a 6-week period in Fall 2008. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the distribution of purchases of various foods for the families, and correlations were used to associate purchases between food groups. Results showed that a majority of families purchased animal proteins, desserts/chips, and sugar-sweetened beverages at least once during the study. Conversely, less than one third of families purchased green leafy vegetables and water. Purchases of vegetarian proteins were moderately associated with purchases of other plant-based foods. Results indicate that a large percentage of the participating preschoolers reside in homes where high-sugar, high-fat foods and beverages are readily available. These preliminary findings, which were obtained using an objective approach, provide importan...
Large-scale preparation of linoleic acid-d2-enriched triglycerides fromCrepis alpina seed oil

Catalytic deuteration ofCrepis alpina seed oil provided a convenient one-step method for the direct synthesis of large quantities of triglycerides enriched with deuteriumlabelled linoleic acid.Crepis alpina seed (19 kg) was crushed, and the oil [74% crepenynic acid (cis-9-octadecen-12-ynoic acid)] was extracted with hexane. After purification by column chromatography (silica gel), > 170-g batches of oil were deuterated with Lindlar catalyst and deuterium (D2) gas. Purification (silica gel) resulted in > 150-g samples of triglyceride containing 74%cis-9,cis-12-octadecadienoic acid-12,13-d2 (18:2-d2) and 14% unlabelled linoleic acid. Pure (> 99%) tricrepenynin was recovered by further fractionation of theCrepis alpina triglycerides on silica gel. Deuteration of this sample produced deuteriumlabelled trilinolein containing linoleic acid-d2 of > 98% isotopic purity.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Insomnia: Confronting the Challenges to Implementation

Systematic reviews on pharmacologic and psychological therapies accompany new guidelines from the American College of Physicians, which recommend cognitive behavioral therapy as first-line treatmen...
Small Molecule Microarrays Enable the Discovery of Compounds That Bind the Alzheimer’s Aβ Peptide and Reduce its Cytotoxicity

The amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation pathway is a key target in efforts to discover therapeutics that prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Efforts at rational drug design, however, are hampered by uncertainties about the precise nature of the toxic aggregate. In contrast, high-throughput screening of compound libraries does not require a detailed understanding of the structure of the toxic species, and can provide an unbiased method for the discovery of small molecules that may lead to effective therapeutics. Here, we show that small molecule microarrays (SMMs) represent a particularly promising tool for identifying compounds that bind the Aβ peptide. Microarray slides with thousands of compounds immobilized on their surface were screened for binding to fluorescently labeled Aβ. Seventy-nine compounds were identified by the SMM screen, and then assayed for their ability to inhibit the Aβ-induced killing of PC12 cells. Further experiments focused on exploring the mechanism of rescue for one of these compounds: Electron microscopy and Congo red binding showed that the compound enhances fibril formation, and suggest that it may rescue cells by accelerating Aβ aggregation past an early toxic oligomer. These findings demonstrate that the SMM screen for binding to Aβ is effective at identifying compounds that reduce Aβ toxicity, and can reveal potential therapeutic leads without the biases inherent in methods that focus on inhibitors of aggregation.
Abstract 13: Individualized approach for ovarian cancer: Identification of potential therapeutic targets based on genomic analyses, testing efficiency of treatments, and monitoring

Ovarian cancer (OCa) is fifth leading cause of death among women. Most of OCa patients diagnosed with high stage invasive disease. Although, majority experience remission after surgical debulking and adjuvant chemotherapy, about 80% of patients relapse and/or develop chemoresistant disease. More efficient diagnostics and therapies are needed to improve outcome in ovarian cancer. We used an integrated approach to characterize genomic rearrangements in serous OCa inordet to identify potentially targetable alterations and test treatments with corresponding drugs using matching mouse avatar models. Mate-pair next generation sequencing protocol and BIMA2 algorithm were used to identify chromosomal rearrangements, including gene fusions and copy number changes, in primary tumors. Further analysis was then performed to determine alterations that may also be therapeutically targeted. Total of 25 primary tumors were analyzed, out of which four were selected for genomically guided treatments in corresponding mouse avatars. The tumors propagated in the selected mouse lines were also sequenced and showed identical to original patient tumor landscape of rearrangements. In addition, the selected targetable alterations were validated in both patient and avatar tumor DNA. For several of the analyzed cases pre-surgical and postsurgical blood was available for detection of selected alterations in cell free circulating tumor DNA. The analysis revealed presence of selected rearrangements in pre-surgical blood of all tested cases and in a number of those that showed presence of the disease after surgery. In summary, we showed that the whole genome sequencing of DNA rearrangements in conjunction with analyses of therapeutic targets and treatment testing in mouse avatars, developed using primary tumors, is a promising approach to aid treatment decisions for individual ovarian cancer patients. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Faye R. Harris, Geoffrey C. Halling, Marc A. Becker, Paul Haluska, Jr., George Vasmatzis, Irina V. Kovtun. Individualized approach for ovarian cancer: Identification of potential therapeutic targets based on genomic analyses, testing efficiency of treatments, and monitoring. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Integrating Clinical Genomics and Cancer Therapy; Jun 13-16, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(1_Suppl):Abstract nr 13.