cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-Organizing Processes in Landscape Pattern and Resilience: A Review

Environmental conditions influence the way different types of vegetation are distributed on various scales from the landscape to the globe. However, vegetation does not simply respond passively but may influence its environment in ways that shape those distributions. On the landscape scale, feedbacks from vegetation can lead to patterns that are not easily interpreted as merely reflecting external abiotic conditions. For example, sharp ecotones exist between two vegetation types, even if the basic abiotic gradient is slight, somewhere along the gradient. These are observed in transitions between numerous pairs of ecosystem types, such as tree/grassland, tree/mire, tree tundra, and halophytic plants/glycophytic plants. More complex spatial vegetation patterns may also exist, such as alternating stripes or irregular patterns of either two types of vegetation or vegetation and bare soil. One purpose of this paper is to emphasize that these two types of patterns, sharp ecotones between vegetation types and large-scale landscape patterns of vegetation, both have a common basis in the concept of bistability, in which alternative stable states can occur on an area of land. Another purpose is to note that an understanding of the basis of these patterns may ultimately help in management decisions.
Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer of Liquid Precursor Droplets Injected into High-Temperature Plasmas

Thermo-physical processes in liquid ceramic precursor droplets in plasma were modeled. Models include aerodynamic droplet break-up, droplet transport, as well as heat and mass transfer within individual droplets. Droplet size, solute concentration, and plasma temperature effects are studied. Results are discussed with the perspective of selecting processing conditions and injection parameters to obtain certain types of coating microstructures. Small droplets ( 5 microns) tend to surface precipitate-forming shells with liquid core. They may be subjected to internal pressurization leading to shattering of shells and secondary atomization of liquid within. They arrive at the substrate as broken shells and unpyrolized material.
Implementation of spectroscopic critical dimension (SCD) for leveling inline monitor of ASML 193nm scanner

Gate critical dimension (CD) common window (UDOF) is less than 0.25μm below 110nm-node. It's a serious impact by scanner leveling tilt due to it'll result in defocus, profile changed and then suffer etch bias. Here, we provide an easy and convenient method to monitor daily leveling tilt of ASML 193nm by SCD. Of course, it can also be used for other vendors' scanner including DUV 248nm, 193nm & immersion 193nm. SCD can measure side wall angle (SWA) of photo resist and it's a factor of focus. We can design one mask with SCD grating pattern and layout them at four corners of mask. Collect the SWA data of four corners by different tilt at x and y direction and then we can find the correlation within SWA bias and leveling. It's an easy method to monitor scanner leveling issue and early alert for excursion case.
Interaction of sensory feedback: a child-adult comparison of oral sensory and temporal articulatory function.

Summary.-Recent studies have demonstrated a systematic increase in lingual sensory thresholds and a temporal articulatory reorganization in subjects speaking under exposure to auditory masking. These data suggest that auditory and lingual sensory feedback systems exist in a balanced interaction specific to the oral articulations involved in speech production. The present study attempted to gain additional inf~rmation on this proposed interaction. Lingual sensory and temporal articulatory measurements were obtained from 10 adults and 10 children under each of four feedback conditions: (1) normal feedback, (2) exposure to binaural auditory masking during speech, (3) topical application of anesthesia to the lingual dorsum prior to speech, and (4) combined masking and anesthesia. Analysis indicated that children had lower lingual sensory thresholds than adults in all conditions and that they were more susceptible to the disruption of auditory feedback. Also, measurements of durations of vowels indicated no age-related differences with durations in both groups increasing when auditory feedback was impaired. Traditional discussions of auditory and oral-tactile sensory feedback in motor speech control focused primarily on independent functioning with respect to these two modalities. Sussman ( 1970 ) presented an alternative explanation of sensory feedback function in motor speech control. Using an experimental lingual-motor task designed to reflect speech activity, Sussman observed a sensorimotor performance pattern that was specific to auditory and tactile feedback modalities involved in speech regulation. When a single feedback channel was disrupted by delayed auditory feedback or oral anesthesia, postural and temporal changes were observed in lingual motor activity. When both modalities were disrupted, motoric alterations again were noted, but the motoric inaccuracy was actually less than when a single modality was impaired. Sussman concluded that "the feedback modalities of taction and audition are normally interlocked in space-time synchronism in speech production" (1970, p. 316). Although Sussman's investigation utilized non-speech tasks, it does provide important information relating to the sensorimotor control of speech. First, the reported sensory interaction was observed only with respect to auditory and oral-tactile feedback. Different results were obtained if visual or non-oral-tactile feedback channels
Bounds for finite deflections of impulsively loaded structures with time-dependent plastic behaviort

The paper shows that upper bounds on deflections of an impulsively loaded structure whose behavior in the plastic range is strain rate dependent may be obtained by an application of the theorem of minimum potential energy, with results valid for finite deflections and strains. The concepts of extremal path behavior in strain-time space, due to Ponter, are used in order to provide unique definitions of strain energy and complementary energy for the path dependent material. The theorems are illustrated by examples of fully constrained beams in which deflections of the order of the beam thickness lead to large forces of membrane type.
Standard reference materials for particle size analysis of ceramic powders by gravity sedimentation

Abstract Two standard reference materials (SRM), one a nitride powder and the other of an oxide powder, of mean size in the range of 1.0 μm, were developed to assist in the measurement and analysis of fine size powders. SRM 659, a silicon nitride powder and SRM 1978, a zirconium oxide powder, are intended for calibration and evaluation of instruments used to measure particle size distribution using Sedigraph, a gravitational sedimentation method. In the development of these SRMs, the parameters of the powder deagglomeration procedures were studied to determine their effects on the measured particle size distribution of powders. The parameters studied included power output and time of sonication, initial pH of the suspension, and dispersant concentration. The morphology, density, surface area, and surface chemistry of these powders were also measured.
Electromagnetic metamaterials: Simplicity unlocks complexity

By carefully selecting only two elemental 'building block materials' at the nanoscale, it is possible to digitally design composite electromagnetic media with properties vastly different from their individual constituents and suitable for performing complex optical functions.
Exposure and Response Prevention as an Evidence-Based Treatment for Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: Considerations for Social Work Practice

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a frequently occurring chronic mental illness involving persistent thoughts, impulses, and mental images that lead to increased anxiety and the urge to preform rituals intended to reduce anxiety. Both obsessions and compulsions can be time consuming and interfere considerably with daily functioning. Once viewed as nearly untreatable, mounting research over the past three decades has since confirmed that symptoms of OCD can significantly improve by use of exposure and response prevention (EX/RP) as an evidence-based treatment. This paper aims to present an argument for why clinical social workers should gain skills to effectively treat OCD with EX/RP. OCD and EX/RP are both described in detail followed by an evaluation of effectiveness of EX/RP and a clinical case example. Implications for social work practice are discussed.
The Specification of Order in Mesophases

The description of order in mesophases in terms of angularly dependent radial distribution functions and in terms of correlation functions in density and oreientation is discussed. The determinatio...
Temporal Distribution of Geoaquatic Fungi at a Nearshore Station in Lake Ontario

In order to better understand the role of fungi in large lakes, the temporal distribution of fungi at a nearshore Lake Ontario station was examined. Water samples were taken at three depths during May to December, 1977. Mean numbers of psychrotrophic fungi in the water samples were significantly less than the numbers of mesophilic fungi to which they were correlated. The mesophilic fungal distribution pattern was correlated (P<0.05) with rainfall in the neighbouring shore area. Apart from coincident autumn peaks, little relationship was observed between the fungi and water temperature. No significant correlation was detected between geoaquatic fungi and several other parameters: heterotrophic bacteria, chlorophyll a, total bacteria, paniculate organic carbon, and total paniculate nitrogen.
Effects of Perceptually Rich Manipulatives on Preschoolers' Counting Performance: Established Knowledge Counts.

Educators often use concrete objects to help children understand mathematics concepts. However, findings on the effectiveness of concrete objects are mixed. The present study examined how two factors—perceptual richness and established knowledge of the objects—combine to influence children's counting performance. In two experiments, preschoolers (N = 133; Mage = 3;10) were randomly assigned to counting tasks that used one of four types of objects in a 2 (perceptual richness: high or low) × 2 (established knowledge: high or low) factorial design. Findings suggest that perceptually rich objects facilitate children's performance when children have low knowledge of the objects but hinder performance when children have high knowledge of the objects.
Chronic Valproic Acid Treatment Triggers Increased Neuropeptide Y Expression and Signaling in Rat Nucleus Reticularis Thalami

Valproate (VPA) can suppress absence and other seizures, but its precise mechanisms of action are not completely understood. We investigated whether VPA influences the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY), an endogenous anticonvulsant. Chronic VPA administration to young rats (300–600 mg · kg −1 · d −1 in divided doses over 4 d) resulted in a 30–50% increase in NPY mRNA and protein expression in the nucleus reticularis thalami (nRt) and hippocampus, but not in the neocortex, as shown by real-time PCR, radioimmunoassay, and immunohistochemistry. No increased expression was observed after a single acute dose of VPA. Chronic treatment with the pharmacologically inactive VPA analog octanoic acid did not elicit changes in NPY expression. No significant expression changes could be shown for the mRNAs of the Y 1 receptor or of the neuropeptides somatostatin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and choleocystokinin. Fewer synchronous spontaneous epileptiform oscillations were recorded in thalamic slices from VPA-treated animals, and oscillation duration as well as the period of spontaneous and evoked oscillations were decreased. Application of the Y 1 receptor inhibitor N 2-(diphenylacetyl) -N- [(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-d-arginine-amide (BIBP3226) enhanced thalamic oscillations, indicating that NPY is released during those oscillations and acts to downregulate oscillatory strength. Chronic VPA treatment significantly potentiated the effect of BIBP3226 on oscillation duration but not on oscillation period. These results demonstrate a novel mechanism for the antiepileptic actions of chronic VPA therapy.
Knowledge Spillovers from Research Universities: Evidence from Endowment Value Shocks

We estimate the local spillovers from research university activity in a sample of urban counties. Our approach uses the interaction between university endowment values and stock market shocks over time for identification. We find statistically significant local spillover effects from university activity. The effects are significantly larger when local universities are more research intensive or local firms are technologically close to universities. Our results suggest that the longer-term effects that universities have on their local economies may grow over time as the composition of local industries adjusts to take advantage of the heterogeneous knowledge spillovers we identify.
Edwin G. Krebs (1918–2009)

Edwin G. Krebs, a giant of biomedical science in the 20th century, died on 21 December from congestive heart failure in Seattle at the age of 91. His discovery (with Edmond H. Fischer) of protein phosphorylation as a regulatory mechanism touched all aspects of biomedical science and profoundly influenced therapeutic approaches now used in clinical care. Ed's life epitomizes commitment to family, excellence in research, and academic service.
Phase change heat transfer and bubble behavior observed on twisted wire heater geometries in microgravity

Phase change is an effective method of transferring heat, yet its application in microgravity thermal management systems requires greater understanding of bubble behavior. To further this knowledge base, a microgravity boiling experiment was performed (floating) onboard an aircraft flying in a parabolic trajectory to study the effect of surface geometry and heat flux on phase change heat transfer in a pool of subcooled water. A special emphasis was the investigation of heat transfer enhancement caused by modifying the surface geometry through the use of a twist of three wires and a twist of four wires. A new method for bubble behavior analysis was developed to quantify bubble growth characteristics, which allows a quantitative comparison of bubble dynamics between different data sets. It was found that the surface geometry of the three-wire twist enhanced heat transfer by reducing the heat flux needed for bubble incipience and the average wire temperature in microgravity. Simulation results indicated that increased local superheating in wire crevices may be responsible for the change of bubble behavior seen as the wire geometry configuration was varied. The convective heat transfer rate, in comparison to ground experiments, was lower for microgravity at low heating rates, and higher at high heating rates. This study provides insights into the role of surface geometry on superheating behavior and presents an initial version of a new bubble behavior analysis method. Further research on these topics could lead to new designs of heater surface geometries using phase change heat transfer in microgravity applications.
Extra-pituitary inhibition of testicular function by luteinising hormone releasing hormone

Luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), produced by the hypothalamus, stimulates gonadotropin production by the pituitary1–3. Paradoxically, chronic treatment with large doses of LHRH or its agonists causes a decline in testicular steroidogenesis and testicular LH/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) receptors; they also cause a decrease in the weight of testes, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate4–7. There are three possible mechanisms for the inhibitory action of LHRH and its agonists. At the pituitary level, prolonged action of LHRH or its agonists may make the pituitary refractory to further stimulation by LHRH, with a decrease in serum gonadotropins and subsequent atrophy of the male reproductive organs8,9. It is also possible that pharmacological doses of LHRH stimulate the release of a large amount of LH, which in turn ‘desensitises’ the testis to further LH10–14. We have tested a third possibility, namely that LHRH and its agonists act directly on the testis. We report here that LHRH and LHRH agonists cause a decrease in testicular LH/hCG receptors and inhibit testicular steroidogenesis in hypophysectomised male rats, indicating a direct effect on the Leydig cells. This is consistent with our demonstration that LHRH and its agonists act independently of the pituitary to inhibit ovarian steroidogenesis in cultured rat granulosa cells and in hypophysectomised female rats in vivo15.
Evaluating land use plans under uncertainty

Abstract A method is proposed that planners and stakeholders can use to select an optimal land use plan that balances the socioeconomic benefits and environmental costs of regional growth. It entails seven steps: (1) specifying alternative growth futures; (2) formulating land use policies to alleviate potential adverse environmental impacts of alternative futures; (3) evaluating socioeconomic and environmental impacts (outcomes) with land use policies and alternative futures; (4) using a multiple attribute utility function to score outcomes and rank land use plans based on those scores; (5) determining an optimal plan for stakeholders based on some decision criterion; (6) employing a conflict resolution method to resolve stakeholder disagreements about optimal plans; and (7) using passive adaptive management to determine whether an implemented plan remains optimal over time. The proposed method is demonstrated for a hypothetical case study that incorporates: (1) low, medium, and high future growth rates for major industries in a region; (2) unrestrictive, moderately restrictive, and highly restrictive land use policies that limit the location and density of residential and non-residential development; (3) economic output and habitat fragmentation attributes of outcomes; (4) a linear additive, multiple attribute utility function; (5) pro-development, neutral, and pro-environment stakeholder preferences for attributes; and (6) optimal plan selection based on the maximin principle. Results for the hypothetical case study indicate that the ranking of the three plans and the optimal plan differ across the three stakeholder groups, and the optimal collective plan varies depending on which conflict resolution method is used and whether the assessment is ex ante or ex post.
Performance evaluation of local real-time schedulers

Through the use of a simulation study, the authors show how the effectiveness of a scheduling algorithm varies depending on the metric of interest and the execution environment under which it runs. They describe the timing requirements of real-time jobs. Three measures of response time controls are described. The model of a scheduling algorithm's execution environment is described, followed by a discussion on the variations in execution environment necessary to investigate adequately the behavior of a given scheduling algorithm. A simulation case study is described. A description of the modeling and simulation of a single processor running M job classes is included. Two scheduling algorithms for controlling response times are described, the results of running three scheduling algorithms under varying execution environments are presented. >
Effect of Exercise and Coronary Artery Narrowing on Coronary Collateral Circulation

The effect of chronic coronary arterial narrowing on the coronary collateral circulation has been studied in rested and exercised dogs. The data indicate that moderate and severe arterial narrowing results in extensive collateral development proportional to the degree of narrowing, further that exercise leads to even greater anastomoses. The results also show that while mild arterial narlowing fails to initiate collateral growth by itself, the addition of exercise promotes an effective collateral circulation. An attempt is made to define the gross factors in the development of collateral vessels and to correlate them with the concept that exercise may play a beneficial role in building collateral vessels in patients with coronary disease.
Narrative review of the safety and efficacy of marijuana for the treatment of commonly state-approved medical and psychiatric disorders.

The present investigation aimed to provide an objective narrative review of the existing literature pertaining to the benefits and harms of marijuana use for the treatment of the most common medical and psychological conditions for which it has been allowed at the state level. Common medical conditions for which marijuana is allowed (i.e., those conditions shared by at least 80 percent of medical marijuana states) were identified as: Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cachexia/wasting syndrome, cancer, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy and seizures, glaucoma, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, multiple sclerosis and muscle spasticity, severe and chronic pain, and severe nausea. Post-traumatic stress disorder was also included in the review, as it is the sole psychological disorder for which medical marijuana has been allowed. Studies for this narrative review were included based on a literature search in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. Findings indicate that, for the majority of these conditions, there is insufficient evidence to support the recommendation of medical marijuana at this time. A significant amount of rigorous research is needed to definitively ascertain the potential implications of marijuana for these conditions. It is important for such work to not only examine the effects of smoked marijuana preparations, but also to compare its safety, tolerability, and efficacy in relation to existing pharmacological treatments.
High performance circuits in 0.18 /spl mu/m SiGe BiCMOS process for wireless applications

Silicon germanium bipolar CMOS (SiGe BiCMOS) process technology is gaining increasing popularity for RF circuits in wireless applications due to high performance, low cost, high yield and higher levels of integration with mixed signal and digital CMOS circuits. Four test circuits were designed and fabricated in Conexant's 0.18 /spl mu/m SiGe BiCMOS process to evaluate the performance benefits provided by this state of the art process technology. The RF performance achieved in this process clearly makes this a process of choice for future RFIC products.
An Advanced Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene/Cobalt‐Embedded Porous Carbon Polyhedron Hybrid for Efficient Catalysis of Oxygen Reduction and Water Splitting

A novel hybrid electrocatalyst consisting of nitrogen-doped graphene/cobalt-embedded porous carbon polyhedron (N/Co-doped PCP//NRGO) is prepared through simple pyrolysis of graphene oxide-supported cobalt-based zeolitic imidazolate-frameworks. Remarkable features of the porous carbon structure, N/Co-doping effect, introduction of NRGO, and good contact between N/Co-doped PCP and NRGO result in a high catalytic efficiency. The hybrid shows excellent electrocatalytic activities and kinetics for oxygen reduction reaction in basic media, which compares favorably with those of the Pt/C catalyst, together with superior durability, a four-electron pathway, and excellent methanol tolerance. The hybrid also exhibits superior performance for hydrogen evolution reaction, offering a low onset overpotential of 58 mV and a stable current density of 10 mA cm−2 at 229 mV in acid media, as well as good catalytic performance for oxygen evolution reaction (a small overpotential of 1.66 V for 10 mA cm−2 current density). The dual-active-site mechanism originating from synergic effects between N/Co-doped PCP and NRGO is responsible for the excellent performance of the hybrid. This development offers an attractive catalyst material for large-scale fuel cells and water splitting technologies.
Effect of Fibrin Formulation on Initial Strength of Tendon Repair and Migration of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells in Vitro.

Background: Cell-based tissue engineering techniques have been introduced to improve tendon repair outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine optimal concentrations of fibrinogen and thrombin for use as a scaffold to deliver stromal cells to the tendon repair site. Methods: Lacerated flexor digitorum profundus tendons from forty canine forepaws underwent simulated repair with fibrin gel interposition. The tendons were divided into five groups with different ratios of fibrinogen (mg/mL) to thrombin (NIH units/mL) used to form the gels. These ratios, which ranged from those found in normal hemostasis to those used clinically as adhesives, were 5:25 (the physiological ratio, used as a control), 40:250 (a low adhesive concentration of fibrinogen and a low adhesive concentration of thrombin [low-low group]), 80:250 (high-low group), 40:500 (low-high group), and 80:500 (high-high group). The failure load and tensile stiffness at time zero, compressive stiffness of the fibrin gel, and cell viability and migration were evaluated. Results: The failure loads of the high-low and high-high groups were significantly higher than that of the control group. The tensile stiffness of the high-high group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The high-low and high-high groups had significantly higher compressive stiffness than the other groups. While there was no significant difference among the groups regarding cell viability, the cells in the control, low-low, and low-high gels were spindle-shaped whereas those in the high-low and high-high groups were rounded. Cells migrated across scratch gaps within twenty-four hours in the control, low-low, and low-high groups, but not in the high-low and high-high groups. Conclusions: Higher concentrations of fibrinogen resulted in stronger and stiffer gels, but the strength was far less than that of a tendon suture and these gels were associated with a more rounded cell morphology and reduced cell migration. Therefore, lower concentrations of fibrinogen should be used if a fibrin gel is employed to deliver cells for tendon repair. Clinical Relevance: Concentrations of fibrinogen lower than those used in fibrin glue may be more appropriate if fibrin is employed to create a cell delivery matrix for tendon repair.
Conformal perfectly matched layers for the time domain finite element method

The perfectly matched layer (PML) is very popular and efficient for grid truncation of open-region problems. The concept of PML was introduced by J. P. Berenger (see J. Comput. Phys., vol.114, p.185-200, 1994) together with a numerical implementation based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) scheme. However, the basic FDTD scheme is formulated on Cartesian grids and in many cases an unnecessarily large free-space region must be discretized between the PML and the object under investigation. F.L. Teixeira et al. (see IEEE Trans. Antennas Propag., vol.49, p.902-7, 2001) developed a conformal PML for the FDTD scheme. We continue this effort by presenting a new conformal PML formulation for the finite element method (FEM) in the time domain. It is based on the anisotropic material which has been used for the time domain FEM by D. Jiao et al. (see IEEE Antennas and Propag. Soc. Int. Symp., vol.2, p.158-61, 2002). We present the 2D-version of the conformal PML, which is a special case of our 3D-formulation. Furthermore, we consider only radar cross section (RCS) computations based on the scattered field formulation and emphasize that our PML is applicable to the total field formulation as well as radiating structures.
Time spent with friends in adolescence relates to less neural sensitivity to later peer rejection

Involvement with friends carries many advantages for adolescents, including protection from the detrimental effects of being rejected by peers. However, little is known about the mechanisms through which friendships may serve their protective role at this age, or the potential benefit of these friendships as adolescents transition to adulthood. As such, this investigation tested whether friend involvement during adolescence related to less neural sensitivity to social threats during young adulthood. Twenty-one adolescents reported the amount of time they spent with friends outside of school using a daily diary. Two years later they underwent an fMRI scan, during which they were ostensibly excluded from an online ball-tossing game by two same-age peers. Findings from region of interest and whole brain analyses revealed that spending more time with friends during adoles
Empirical evaluation of deterministic and adaptive routing with constant-area routers

This paper addresses the issue of how router complexity affects the overall performance in deterministic and adaptive routing under virtual cut-through switching in k-ary n-cube networks. First, the performance of various adaptive routers with constant area are compared. Second, the performance of adaptive and deterministic routers are compared under the same conditions. Finally, it is shown that, under certain conditions, deterministic routers can reach saturation points comparable to adaptive routers.
Thermal evolution of Earth and Moon growing by planetesimal impacts

Improved estimates of impact energy partitioning are combined with models of planetesimal size distribution and planetary growth to infer the early thermal evolutions of the earth and moon. Binary accretion models of the moon which allow for enhancement of velocities by proximity of the earth do not get hot enough for appreciable melting unless a planetesimal mass distribution starting at a rather high value (earth mass/20 or more) is assumed. This melting occurs deeper than is inferred from petrological and thermotectonic data; hence the results favor formation of the moon as a consequence of a great impact (or great impacts) into the earth.
FDI to Africa: The Role of Price Stability and Currency Instability

Africa lags behind other regions in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). In some circumstances, there are obvious explanations for the absence of FDI, such as a high incidence of war. In this paper, we examine the role that monetary and exchange rate policy may have played in explaining this outcome. Specifically, we document the incidence of inflationary episodes and currency crashes in order to compare countries within the region as well as to make comparisons with other regions. Furthermore, since monetary policy can range from very transparent to very opaque, we assess Africa`s track record with dual and parallel markets. We use the parallel market premia as an indicator of the degree of distortions and extent of transparency. Our findings suggest that this is a promising line of inquiry because Africa does stand apart from other regions in this measure of transparency. We also discuss some of the fiscal underpinnings of Africa`s bouts with high inflation.
Colorectal cancer: are the “young” being overlooked?

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing in young patients. We aimed to assess the trends of CRC and its corresponding clinical presentation in the young. Methods Cancer registry patients were divided into 3 groups according to age: 75 years. Charts were reviewed for average-risk patients Results We identified 3,599 patients between 1982 and 2010. Patients aged P = .03). One hundred eighty-eight patients were 6 months before diagnosis. Forty percent had stage III and 20% stage IV disease. This is unlike the 50–75-year age group in which the majority of patients had stage I disease. Conclusions Young CRC patients are mostly symptomatic. Advanced disease at presentation could be caused by a delay in investigating these patients. Colonoscopy should be offered early to young patients presenting with warning symptoms.
Conservation in the face of diversity: multistrain analysis of an intracellular bacterium

With the recent completion of numerous sequenced bacterial genomes, notable advances have been made in understanding the level of conservation between various species. However, relatively little is known about the genomic diversity among strains. We determined the complete genome sequence of the Florida strain of Anaplasma marginale, and near complete (>96%) sequences for an additional three strains, for comparative analysis with the previously fully sequenced St. Maries strain genome. These comparisons revealed that A. marginale has a closed-core genome with few highly plastic regions, which include the msp2 and msp3 genes, as well as the aaap locus. Comparison of the Florida and St. Maries genome sequences found that SNPs comprise 0.8% of the longer Florida genome, with 33.5% of the total SNPs between all five strains present in at least two strains and 3.0% of SNPs present in all strains except Florida. Comparison of genomes from three strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bacillus anthracis, and Nessieria meningiditis, as well as four Chlamydophila pneumoniae strains found that 98.8%–100% of SNPs are unique to each strain, suggesting A. marginale, with 76.0%, has an intermediate level of strain-specific SNPs. Comparison of genomes from other organisms revealed variation in diversity that did not segregate with the environmental niche the bacterium occupies, ranging from 0.00% to 8.00% of the larger pairwise-compared genome. Analysis of multiple A. marginale strains suggests intracellular bacteria have more variable SNP retention rates than previously reported, and may have closed-core genomes in response to the host organism environment and/or reductive evolution.
African Americans and Hospice Care: A Culture-Centered Exploration of Enrollment Disparities

ABSTRACTOver the past decade, scholars and practitioners have called for efforts to reduce disparities in the cost and quality of end-of-life care; a key contributor to these disparities is the underuse of hospice care by African American patients. While previous studies have often relied on interviewing minority individuals who may or may not have been terminally ill and of whom few were using hospice care services, this essay draws upon the culture-centered approach to report the findings of a grounded theory analysis of 39 interviews with 26 African American hospice patients (n = 10) and lay caregivers (n = 16). Participants identified several barriers to hospice enrollment and reported how they were able to overcome these barriers by reframing/prioritizing cultural values and practices, creating alternative goals for hospice care, and relying on information obtained outside the formal health system. These findings have implications for understanding hospice experiences, promoting hospice access, and i...
Abstract 3920: EphA2 transcription is regulated by activation of Ras / MEK2 / cytoplasmic ERK pathway in pancreatic cancer

Background: We have previously shown that the EphA2 receptor is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. Silencing of EphA2 receptor in combination with gemcitabine decreases tumor growth and metastases in a mouse model of gemcitabine resistant pancreatic cancer. However, regulation of EphA2 expression in pancreatic cancer is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine a possible relationship between Ras/MAPK pathway and EphA2. Methods: Pancreatic cancer cell lines, MPanc96 and MiaPaca-2, were used in this study. Ras was silenced with 2 different siRNA constructs; EphA2 protein and RNA expression levels were measured. ERK involvement in EphA2 regulation was analyzed by treating cells with 2 inhibitors for MEK (U0126 and PD 98059) and siRNA specific for either MEK1 or MEK2. Effect of MEK inhibition on EphA2 mRNA stability was examined by blocking mRNA synthesis with actinomycin D and measuring mRNA degradation by Q-PCR. In order to investigate the role of subcellular localization of ERK in regulation of EphA2 expression, we overexpressed cytoplasmic anchor protein PEA-15, which binds to ERK and sequesters it to the cytoplasm. Results: Silencing of mutant K-Ras decreased EphA2 mRNA and protein levels. EphA2 mRNA and protein levels decreased in a time- and dose-dependent manner after treatment with MEK chemical inhibitors. Inhibition of MEK activity did not affect EphA2 mRNA stability. Silencing of MEK2 but not MEK1 decreased EphA2 mRNA levels. Overexpression of PEA-15 depleted nuclear ERK, indicated by the absence of phosphorylated Fra-1. Depletion of the nuclear ERK did not affect EphA2 transcription, suggesting that EphA2 is regulated through the cytoplasmic ERK. Conclusions: These data suggest that EphA2 levels are regulated by the RAS / MEK2 / cytoplasmic ERK pathway via regulation of EphA2 mRNA transcription. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3920.
Development of a Generic Fleet-Level Noise Methodology

Future air transportation demand forecasts suggest that environmental concerns such as noise will be exacerbated beyond their current level. Although detailed airport noise modeling is available with the current fleet, a rapid, flexible, and more generic method is desired to evaluate fleet-level metrics with respect to new technologies or forecasted changes in demand. Although some work has been done to this extent, only the area of the 65 dB contour has been considered as the relevant metric. These methods cannot account for the shape of the contour, which has far-reaching implications for the ultimate metric: population affected. Moreover, the 65 dB contour as the lone contour of interest is a paradigm that, recently, has begun shifting to include other contour levels. This paper presents a generic fleet-level noise methodology that leverages the fidelity of detailed modeling software. By performing generic aircraft operations up front, these events can be rapidly recombined later to perform trades of various noise mitigation strategies. By moving the detailed noise modeling ‘off-line’ and making the appropriate assumptions, some of the fidelity of these models can be propagated earlier into the decision-making process. The methodology was used to demonstrate two simple proofs of concept that evaluate the method by accuracy and process criteria. Finally, discussions for validation of assumptions and future work to improve accuracy are included.
Friend or foe: the bifunctional role of steroid hormones in prostate cancer.

While the multifunctional role of steroid hormones in prostate cancer and men’s health was recognized early, the apparent clinical benefit afforded by ADT tipped the scales in favor of androgen deprivation in men with advanced prostate cancer.
Broadband photon pair generation in green fluorescent proteins through spontaneous four-wave mixing

Recent studies in quantum biology suggest that quantum mechanics help us to explore quantum processes in biological system. Here, we demonstrate generation of photon pairs through spontaneous four-wave mixing process in naturally occurring fluorescent proteins. We develop a general empirical method for analyzing the relative strength of nonlinear optical interaction processes in five different organic fluorophores. Our results indicate that the generation of photon pairs in green fluorescent proteins is subject to less background noises than in other fluorophores, leading to a coincidence-to-accidental ratio ~145. As such proteins can be genetically engineered and fused to many biological cells, our experiment enables a new platform for quantum information processing in a biological environment such as biomimetic quantum networks and quantum sensors.
DietCam: Multiview Food Recognition Using a Multikernel SVM

Food recognition is a key component in evaluation of everyday food intakes, and its challenge is due to intraclass variation. In this paper, we present an automatic food classification method, DietCam, which specifically addresses the variation of food appearances. DietCam consists of two major components, ingredient detection and food classification. Food ingredients are detected through a combination of a deformable part-based model and a texture verification model. From the detected ingredients, food categories are classified using a multiview multikernel SVM. In the experiment, DietCam presents reliability and outperformance in recognition of food with complex ingredients on a database including 15,262 food images of 55 food types.
The application of solid phase extraction column in determination of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diolt in condiments

Objective:To evaluate the value of solid phase extraction column for determination of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diolt in condiments.Methods:Samples were transferred to SPE column after addition of internal standard d5-3-MCPD,from which samples were purified with n-hexane and then extracted with ethyl ether.Heptafluoroheptabutyric acid anhydride amended with triethylamine(HFBA-Et3N) was added to the sample to derive chloropropanols,then the derivative analytes were analyzed by GC-MS.Results:The determined results by this method were in consistent with those by the international method(P0.05),the recovery was 91.6%~108.2%,the RSD was 3.05%~8.79%(n=6),and better purification effect was obtained.Conclusion:The method is reliable,fast and economical for routine determination of 3-MCPD in condiments.
Arsenic Speciation in Bituminous Coal Fly Ash and Transformations in Response to Redox Conditions.

The risk of the mobilization of coal ash into the environment has highlighted the need for the assessment of the environmental behavior of coal ash, particularly with respect to toxic trace elements such as arsenic (As). Here, we examined As speciation in coal fly ash samples and transformations in response to aquatic redox conditions. X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicated that 92–97% of total As occurred as As(V), with the remainder present as As(III). Major As-bearing hosts in unamended ashes were glass, iron (oxyhydr)oxides, and calcium arsenate. Oxic leaching resulted in immediate As mobilization to the aqueous phase, reprecipitation of As-iron ferrihydrite, and As adsorption to mineral surfaces. Under anoxic conditions, the (reductive) dissolution of As-bearing phases such as iron ferrihydrite resulted in increased dissolved As compared to oxic conditions and reprecipitation of iron arsenate. Overall, As in coal ash is not environmentally stable and can participate in local biogeochemical cycles.
Genetic parameters for calving ease and survival at birth in Angus field data.

Calving performance records from the American Angus Herd Improvement Registry files were used to estimate variance components for calving ease and survival to 24 h. Genetic parameters for direct and maternal effects were estimated by using a sire-maternal grandsire model. Data included two independent samples of 19 and 34 herds with complete calving information. Maternal variance for calving ease was much larger than the variance for the direct effect of the sire. Maternal heritability for calving ease was .27 and .20 in the two samples of herds, respectively. Heritabilities for direct effects were .21 and .07. The genetic correlations between direct and maternal effects were -.93 and -.80. There was little genetic variation in survival at birth. Parameter estimates were within the allowable parameter space in the sample of 19 herds. Heritability for the direct effect of the sire on survival was .04. Maternal heritability was .09, and the direct-maternal correlation was -.85.
Characterizing Soybean Yield and Quality Response to Multiple Prophylactic Inputs and Synergies

There is little peer-reviewed information regarding prophylactic use of multiple inputs in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production systems as a way to increase seed yield and profitability. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of multiple inputs on soybean yield and quality in Wisconsin (WI). Two separate studies were established from 2011 to 2013. The inputs examined included: trait [first (RR1) and second (RR2Y) generation Roundup Ready traits], rhizobia inoculant, fungicide seed treatment, foliar fertilizer, foliar insecticide, and foliar fungicide. In the first experiment, main effects and up to three-way interactions were evaluated; whereas in the second experiment, all inputs were combined in a high-management (i.e., intensive) treatment. In the first experiment, soybean yield was not consistently increased due to the used inputs. Trait and foliar fungicide use were significant factors with variable effect on soybean seed yield in three and four of the nine location-years, respectively. The foliar insecticide effect varied between traits in three location-years. The (rhizobia inoculant + fungicide seed treatment) × foliar insecticide × foliar fungicide interaction was a significant factor in three of the nine location-years. None of the examined factors significantly increased yield across all location–years. In the second experiment, high-management, trait, and their interaction did not consistently increase soybean yield, nor improved seed quality characteristics. Overall, these results suggest that WI growers should continue to use university-developed integrated pest management principles for making input decisions instead of relying on prophylactic input applications for maximizing soybean yield and profitability.
Post-traumatic stress disorder. Does it exist?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been embraced by the legal community because it is easy to understand. The diagnosis of PTSD is usually based upon patient self-report and creates the possibility of distortion or exaggeration aimed at financial reward or avoidance of criminal punishment. Despite the fact that PTSD has been well validated by a growing body of research, such misuse of the diagnosis has undermined its credibility.
Optical configurations for photophoretic trap of single particles in air.

Since Ashkin’s pioneering work in the 1970’s, optical trapping (OT) and manipulation have become an indispensable tool in diverse research fields. Today, there are multiple optical trapping schemes in use. In this article, we explore six different optical trapping schemes based on the photophoretic force (PPF). Within these schemes we explore 21 variants differing in such details as laser source, power, beam shape, and focusing optics. We evaluate and rate the trapping quality and performance of the six trapping schemes in terms of four key aspects: simplicity, robustness, flexibility, and efficiency. One of the schemes is novel: we introduce a simple, high quality scheme using a confocal design in which one trapping beam is effectively converted to two counter-propagating beams. The versatility of this new trapping scheme is demonstrated via application of the scheme to cavity ringdown spectroscopy. We hope this exploration of the diversity of PPF trapping schemes will extend applications of OT by providing researchers with information to assist in the selection of specific optical trapping schemes from the first-of-its-kind list of 21 configurations presented herein.