cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Exploratory Study of the Effects of Mind-Body Interventions Targeting Sleep on Salivary Oxytocin Levels in Cancer Survivors

Cancer survivors experience high levels of distress, associated with a host of negative psychological states, including anxiety, depression, and fear of recurrence, which often lead to sleep problems and reduction in quality of life (QOL) and well-being. As a neuropeptide hormone associated with affiliation, calmness, and well-being, oxytocin may be a useful biological measure of changes in health outcomes in cancer survivors. In this exploratory study, which comprised a subset of participants from a larger study, we evaluated (a) the feasibility and reliability of salivary oxytocin (sOT) levels in cancer survivors and (b) the effects of 2 sleep-focused mind-body interventions, mind-body bridging (MBB) and mindfulness meditation (MM), compared with a sleep hygiene education (SHE) control, on changes in sOT levels in 30 cancer survivors with self-reported sleep disturbance. Interventions were conducted in 3 sessions, once per week for 3 weeks. Saliva samples were collected at baseline, postintervention (~1 week after the last session), and at the 2-month follow-up. In this cancer survivor group, we found that intra-individual sOT levels were fairly stable across the 3 time points, of about 3 months' duration, and mean baseline sOT levels did not differ between females and males and were not correlated with age. Correlations between baseline sOT and self-report measures were weak; however, several of these relationships were in the predicted direction, in which sOT levels were negatively associated with sleep problems and depression and positively associated with cancer-related QOL and well-being. Regarding intervention effects on sOT, baseline-subtracted sOT levels were significantly larger at postintervention in the MBB group as compared with those in SHE. In this sample of cancer survivors assessed for sOT, at postintervention, greater reductions in sleep problems were noted for MBB and MM compared with that of SHE, and increases in mindfulness and self-compassion were observed in the MBB group compared with those in SHE. The findings in this exploratory study suggest that sOT may be a reliable biological measure over time that may provide insight into the effects of mind-body interventions on health outcomes in cancer survivors.
Topological Hochschild homology of algebras in characteristic p

Abstract We compute the topological Hochschild homology modules of finitely generated commutative algebras over finite fields provided their singularities are sufficiently mild.
High-mobility group box 1, oxidative stress, and disease

Abstract Oxidative stress and associated reactive oxygen species can modify lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, and induce the mitochondrial permeability transition, providing a signal leading to the induction of autophagy, apoptosis, and necrosis. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein, a chromatin-binding nuclear protein and damage-associated molecular pattern molecule, is integral to oxidative stress and downstream apoptosis or survival. Accumulation of HMGB1 at sites of oxidative DNA damage can lead to repair of the DNA. As a redox-sensitive protein, HMGB1 contains three cysteines (Cys23, 45, and 106). In the setting of oxidative stress, it can form a Cys23-Cys45 disulfide bond; a role for oxidative homo- or heterodimerization through the Cys106 has been suggested for some of its biologic activities. HMGB1 causes activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and increased reactive oxygen species production in neutrophils. Reduced and oxidized HMGB1 have different...
Width measurements on neon and nitrogen tracks in Ilford G-5 emulsion

Abstract Ilford G-5 nuclear emulsions were exposed to a beam of 280 MeV/nucleon neon and nitrogen nuclei at the Princeton Particle Accelerator. Each emulsion pellicle had dimensions of 7.6 cm × 10.2 cm ×600μm. The beam particles were oriented to enter the stack parallel to the plane of the pellicle in order that they come to rest in the same pellicle. Individual tracks were picked up at the end of their range and followed upstream using a Koristka MS-2 scattering microscope. The track widths were measured optically every 50μm. Measurements were found to be in agreement with Katz's track model, particularly with regard to the position and the shape of the peak in track widths.
What do we Know about Salt Water Intrusion

Almost thirty years after the first known publication on salt water problems published in 1855 by Braithwaite, two investigators developed an approximate theory to find the boundaries of fresh water lenses in coastal aquifers. Their theory is now known as Ghyben-Herzberg Theory. Although their theory is based on oversimplified assumptions, it has stimulated others through various periods of time. A review of the main investigations in this field is summarized in this paper. The discussions are subdivided into three main eras: (1) The period through which the problems were identified and field observations were explained (from 1855 until the early forties); (2) the analytic approaches during the period from 1940 to the late sixties; and (3) the refined techniques during the past three years. A brief summary of the recharge methods is also given in addition to a more or less comprehensive list of references.
Mastery Learning and the Decreasing Variability Hypothesis

Abstract Performance on successive units of achievement in graduate classrooms using mastery learning procedures was used to test two variations of Bloom's decreasing variability hypothesis—namely, that under the favorable conditions of mastery learning, differences in faster and slower learners will decrease over successive units, leading to (a) smaller variances on successive units and (b) smaller correlations between an initial measure of aptitude and achievement on successive units. The data from the four classrooms studied do not support the decreasing variability hypothesis; rather, they show no change over time.
Candidate gene analysis in premature pubarche and adolescent hyperandrogenism.

Abstract Objective: To identify genetic markers associated with premature pubarche in children and hyperandrogenism in adolescent girls. Design: Association study. Setting: Academic research environment. Patient(s): Forty children with premature pubarche (PP), 29 adolescent girls with hyperandrogenism (HA), and 15 healthy control women. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Genetic variations at five loci selected because of known associations with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, or obesity. Result(s): Heterozygosity for CYP21 mutations was identified in 14 of 40 (35%) PP, 8 of 29 (28%) HA, and 1 of 30 (3%) controls. Heterozygosity for HSD3B2 variants was identified in 3 of 40 (7.5%) PP, 5 of 29 (17%) HA, and 0/15 controls. Among the PP, 11 of 80 (14%), 5 of 80 (6%), and 7 of 80 (9%) alleles showed the IRS-1 , GRL , and ADRB3 variants, respectively. Among the HA, 5 of 58 (8.6%), 3 of 58 (5%), and 6 of 58 (10%) alleles showed the IRS-1 , GRL , and ADRB3 variants, respectively. Among the control participants, variant allele frequency was 1 of 30 (3.3%) for IRS-1 , 2 of 30 (6.6%) for GRL , and 2 of 30 (6.6%) for ADRB3 . Conclusion(s): Our findings suggest that the development of PP and HA can be associated with the occurrence of multiple sequence variants at five susceptibility loci, especially steroidogenic enzyme genes. This approach offers a novel paradigm to investigate and identify the genetic factors relevant to polycystic ovary syndrome.
Influence of spacer layer thickness on the current-voltage characteristics of AlGaAs/GaAs and AlGaAs/InGaAs resonant tunneling diodes

We have investigated the dependence of the current‐voltage characteristics of AlGaAs/GaAs and AlGaAs/InGaAs resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) on spacer layer thickness. The measured peak to valley current ratio of the RTDs studied here is shown to improve while the current density through the RTDs decreases with increasing spacer layer thickness below a critical value. We find significant differences in the effect of the spacer layer thickness between AlGaAs/InGaAs and AlGaAs/GaAs RTDs, which we believe to be related to the relative quasi‐bound state energies of the two systems.
Bare nanocapillary for DNA separation and genotyping analysis in gel-free solutions without application of external electric field.

In this work, we demonstrate DNA separation and genotyping analysis in gel-free solutions using a nanocapillary under pressure-driven conditions without application of an external electric field. The nanocapillary is a ∼50-cm-long and 500-nm-radius bare fused-silica capillary. After a DNA sample is injected, the analytes are eluted out in a chromatographic separation format. The elution order of DNA molecules follows strictly with their sizes, with the longer DNA being eluted out faster than the shorter ones. High resolutions are obtained for both short (a few bases) and long (tens of thousands of base pairs) DNA fragments. Effects of key experimental parameters, such as eluent composition and elution pressure, on separation efficiency and resolution are investigated. We also apply this technique for DNA separations of real-world genotyping samples to demonstrate its feasibility in biological applications. PCR products (without any purification) amplified from Arabidopsis plant genomic DNA crude preparati...
Effects of glucocorticoids on adenyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase activity in fat cell homogenates and the accumulation of cyclic AMP in intact fat cells.

The effects of adrenalectomy and cortisone replacement in rats on the activities of adenyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase in homogenates of isolated fat cells and on the accumulation of cyclic 3′,5′-AMP in intact cells were studied. The experiments underline the difficulties in comparing activation patterns of enzymes under optimal conditions with those occurring in the intact cell. The nature of the lesion in lipolysis caused by adrenalectomy and the reversal of this lesion by cortisone replacement can be demonstrated in the intact cell only.
Poly(amino acid)-Functionalized Cellulosic Membranes: Metal Sorption Mechanisms and Results

Passive membranes have been used for separations ranging from seawater desalination via reverse osmosis to the separation of particles with microfiltration membranes. However, active membranes, achieved by immobilization of macromolecules containing multiple functional sites to microfiltration membranes, allow for more selective separations. We have designed a novel membrane system consisting of cellulose-based microfiltration membranes functionalized with poly(amino acid)s (2500-10 000 MW). Because of the high carboxyl content of the poly(amino acid)s, these membranes have been shown to be extremely useful in the separation of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The advantages of the membrane system, including high capacity and rapid sorption, have been demonstrated in this paper. A model has also been presented relating the effect of the pore size, poly(amino acid) attachment density, pH, and metal type to the initial metal sorption rate. It should be noted that, in contrast to homogeneous systems, the molar sorption capacities of the functional carboxyl sites are significantly enhanced in the membrane pores because of counterion condensation that results partly from the extremely high charge densities in the membrane pores. This phenomenon must also be incorporated in a kinetic model for the prediction of sorption behavior.
Quasi-incompressible finite elasticity in principal stretches. Continuum basis and numerical algorithms

Abstract The formulation and numerical analysis of constitutive equations for finite elasticity in terms of principal stretches is considered in detail. On the theoretical side, we develop closed-form expressions for the tangent moduli which appear not to have been previously recorded in full generality in the literature. Quasi-incompressible response is accounted for by means of a three-field variational principle which makes use of a multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient into volume preserving and dilatational parts. The incompressible limit is enforced by means of a simple and effective augmented Lagrangian procedure. Two possible implementations are discussed. Numerical examples are presented that illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed formulation.
Field Evaluation of Reduced-Growth, Glyphosate-Resistant Kentucky Bluegrass in a Noncompetitive Setting

Reduced-growth, glyphosate-resistant Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) has recently been developed. There has been no comparative analysis of the newly developed transgenic Kentucky bluegrass lines to conventional cultivars or tissue culture-derived lines to determine vegetative and flower characteristic differences and similarities. This study measured the vegetative and reproductive characteristics of the transgenic lines, tissue culture-derived control lines, and reference cultivars during 2004 and 2005, in Ames, IA. The study was conducted in a noncompetitive, nonmown, spaced plant setting. Data collection of vegetative characteristics included rhizome spread and total plant area. Data collection for flower characteristics included flower phenology and morphological characteristic measurements, including panicle length, number of spikelets per panicle, and flag leaf characteristics. Transgenic lines as a group exhibited 29 and 32% less rhizome spread than the reference cultivars and tissue culture-derived control lines, respectively, in 2004 and 37 and 40% less rhizome spread than reference cultivars and tissue culture-derived control lines, respectively, in 2005. Flower emergence times for all transgenic lines were comparable to their respective tissue culture-derived control lines and reference cultivars.
Carbohydrate-alkyl ester derivatives as biosurfactants

Reaction of carbohydrates with long-chain plantderived lipids yields carbohydrate-alkyl ester surfactants with a polyol structure. Their renewability, low cost, and environmental acceptability make carbohydrate-alkyl ester surfactants an excellent alternative to petrochemically derived products. This article reviews developments in the synthesis and surface-active properties of carbohydrate-alkyl ester surfactants
Visual systems and vigilance behaviour of two ground-foraging avian prey species: white-crowned sparrows and California towhees

Predator–prey interactions are regulated by the ability of individuals to detect, and then approach or avoid, each other. In visually guided organisms, the prevalent view is that predators have large binocular visual fields and high acuity, whereas prey have wide lateral areas and low acuity, which could affect vigilance behaviour. We characterized the configuration of the visual system (visual fields, retinal topography, visual acuity) and vigilance behaviour (head movement rate) of two ground-foraging avian prey (white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys, California towhee, Pipilo crissalis) with laterally placed eyes. We found that the binocular field of both species (45°) was actually wider than those of some of their avian predators. Both species also had a single retinal specialization (high ganglion cell density area) located in the centro-temporal sector of the retina, which projected into the lateral and frontal part of the head. Wide binocular fields may increase binocular contrast to detect and visually guide the bill towards prey items. Both species had wider lateral visual fields and faster head movement rates than some of their predators, probably to enhance detection and visual tracking of predators. California towhees made faster sideways movements of the head than did white-crowned sparrows, probably to cover visual space more quickly with their retinal specialization because of the comparatively lower spatial resolution of their retinal periphery. Alternatively, California towhees might move their heads more rapidly to monitor for potential risks (e.g. competitors, predators), as they rely mostly on personal information because of their degree of territoriality. Our findings suggest that the visual system and vigilance behaviour of these two avian prey species combine traits to enhance predator detection through large visual coverage and fast head movements, but also to enhance food detection at close range through enhanced binocular vision.
Diffusive transport through a medium of static traps

Abstract The diffusion coefficient and equilibrium concentrations of particles in solution and in traps are considered for hopping in and out of traps. The spherical traps are static, randomly distributed, allowed to overlap and of arbitrary size and concentration. The author's recent calculation of the trapping rate is used to relate the observed fraction of time spent in solution to the microscopic dwell time within a trap. The observed diffusion coefficient D net depends on more than just the relative times spent in traps and in solution, contrary to simple theory. If particle is stuck at the surface until it escapes, D net is reduced because of correlation; if it is free to wander within the trap before escaping, D net is substantially enhanced. Simulation data are presented in support of the semi-quantitative physical arguments.
Equivalent Inclusion Method for the Stokes Flow of Drops Moving in a Viscous Fluid

The equivalent inclusion method is presented to derive the Stokes flow of multiple drops moving in a viscous fluid at a small Reynolds number. The drops are replaced by inclusions with the same viscosity as the fluid, but an eigenstrain rate field that is a fictitious nonmechanical strain rate field is introduced to represent the viscosity mismatch between each drop and the matrix fluid. The velocity and pressure fields can be solved by considering the body force and eigenstrain rate on the inclusions with the Green's function technique. When one spherical drop is considered, the solution recovers the closed-form classic solution. This method is versatile and can be used in the simulation of a many-body system with different drop size, elongation ratio, and viscosity. Numerical examples demonstrate the capability and accuracy of the proposed formulation and illustrate particles' rotation and motion caused by particle interactions.
Transcriptional Regulation by Steroid Receptor Coactivator Phosphorylation

The basic mechanisms underlying ligand-dependent transcriptional activation by nuclear receptors (NRs) require the sequential recruitment of various coactivators. Increasing numbers of coactivators have been identified in recent years, and both biochemical and genetic studies demonstrate that these coactivators are differentially used by transcription factors, including NRs, in a cell/tissue type- and promoter-specific manner. However, the molecular basis underlying this specificity remains largely unknown. Recently, NRs and coregulators were shown to be targets of posttranslational modifications activated by diverse cellular signaling pathways. It is argued that posttranslational modifications of these proteins provide the basis for a combinatorial code required for specific gene activation by NRs and coactivators, and that this code also enables coactivators to efficiently stimulate the activity of other classes of transcription factors. In this review, we will focus on coactivators and discuss the rece...
Longitudinal melanonychia of the toenail.

A man in his 60s presented with a pigmented nail streak on the left fourth toenail that had been present for 10 months. He denied pain, tenderness, or trauma. Physical examination revealed a 4-mm wide pigmented streak with varying shades of brown and longitudinal ridging (Figure, A). The nail fold was uninvolved. Because of suspicion for melanoma, a biopsy was recommended. A nail avulsion was performed and demonstrated a 3-mm tan papule beneath the proximal nail fold (Figure, B). The histologic findings are shown in Figure, C. What is your diagnosis?
Growth on Differently Oriented Sidewalls of SiC Mesas As a Way of Achieving Well-Aligned SiC Nanowires

Several different growth directions of SiC nanowires (NWs) determined by the substrate surface crystallographic orientation were achieved by conducting vapor−liquid−solid growth on the top surfaces and the sidewalls of the 4H-SiC mesas. When substrate- dependent (i.e., epitaxial) growth was ensured, six possible crystallo- graphic orientations of 3C-SiC NW axis with respect to the 4H-SiC substrate were realized. They all were at 20° with respect to the substrate c plane, and their projections on the c plane corresponded to one of the six equivalent ⟨101⟩ crystallographic directions. All six orientations were obtained simultaneously when growing on the (0001) top surface of the 4H-SiC wafer or on the mesa tops. In contrast, no more than two NW orientations coexisted when grown on any particular crystallographic plane of a mesa sidewall. In particular, the {101 mesa sidewall plane resulted in only one NW orientation, thereby producing well-aligned NW arrays desirable for device applications.
An essential role for hGle1 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling in mRNA export.

Gle1 is required for mRNA export in yeast and human cells. Here, we report that two human Gle1 (hGle1) isoforms are expressed in HeLa cells (hGle1A and B). The two encoded proteins are identical except for their COOH-terminal regions. hGle1A ends with a unique four–amino acid segment, whereas hGle1B has a COOH-terminal 43–amino acid span. Only hGle1B, the more abundant isoform, localizes to the nuclear envelope (NE) and pore complex. To test whether hGle1 is a dynamic shuttling transport factor, we microinjected HeLa cells with recombinant hGle1 and conducted photobleaching studies of live HeLa cells expressing EGFP–hGle1. Both strategies show that hGle1 shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm. An internal 39–amino acid domain is necessary and sufficient for mediating nucleocytoplasmic transport. Using a cell-permeable peptide strategy, we document a role for hGle1 shuttling in mRNA export. An hGle1 shuttling domain (SD) peptide impairs the export of both total poly(A)+ RNA and the specific dihydrofolate reductase mRNA. Coincidentally, SD peptide–treated cells show decreased endogenous hGle1 localization at the NE and reduced nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of microinjected, recombinant hGle1. These findings pinpoint the first functional motif in hGle1 and link hGle1 to the dynamic mRNA export mechanism.
Adsorption of amino acid-containing organic matter by calcite and quartz

Abstract Adsorption experiments using fulvic acid with calcite and quartz demonstrate that carbonate surfaces are able to selectively adsorb aspartic acid-rich organic matter. Quartz does not have this ability, instead exhibiting a preference for the aspartic acid-poor fraction. The relative abundance of aspartic acid in the fraction adsorbed onto calcite is highly dependent on the ratio of fulvic acid to calcite. At high ratios, fulvic acid is adsorbed with a relative abundance of aspartic acid that is more than twice that in the original fulvic acid. With decreasing ratios, there is a concomitant decrease in the relative abundance of aspartic acid in the adsorbed fraction. Selective adsorption may be the most likely mechanism by which aspartic acid-rich organic matter is included in non-biogenic car- bonates such as ooids. This process may be a factor influencing the distribution of amino acids within ooids, their rate of growth, and may ultimately be a factor in limiting their size.
Optimization of a pellicular biocatalyst for penicillin G production by Penicillium chrysogenum.

A previously developed immobilization technique involving latex coatings on solid particulate supports was investigated further for penicillin G production by Penicillium chrysogenum. Several modifications were found to decrease the germination lag time, including a higher spore concentration, a thinner latex layer, an increased latex porosity, and a decreased drying time. This approach enabled the development of immobilized mycelial pellets within 2-3 days from the onset of biocatalyst preparation and incubation.A continuous immobilized-cell airlift bioreactor produced penicillin G in a series of runs in which the production phase lasted up to 30 days. The productivity of this system was 3-6 times greater than the productivity of the corresponding free-cell shake flask fermentation.
RhoGEF and positioning of rappaport-like furrows in the early Drosophila embryo

Early Drosophila embryogenesis is characterized by shifting from astral microtubule-based to central spindle-based positioning of cleavage furrows. Before cellularization, astral microtubules determine metaphase furrow position by producing Rappaport-like furrows, which encompass rather than bisect the spindle. Their positioning is explained by our finding that the conserved central spindle components centralspindlin (mKLP1 and RacGAP50C), Polo, and Fascetto (Prc1) localize to the astral microtubule overlap region. These components and the chromosomal passenger complex localize to the central spindle, though no furrow forms there. We identify the maternally supplied RhoGEF2 as a key factor in metaphase furrow positioning. Unlike the zygotic, central spindle-localized RhoGEF (Pebble), RhoGEF2 localizes to metaphase furrows, a function distinct from RhoGEF/Pebble and likely due to the absence of a RacGAP50C binding domain. Accordingly, we find that ectopic activation of Rho GTPase generates furrows perpendicular to the central spindle during syncytial divisions. Whereas metaphase furrow formation is myosin independent, these ectopic furrows, like conventional furrows, require myosin as well as microtubules. These studies demonstrate that early Drosophila embryogenesis is primed to form furrows at either overlapping astral microtubules or the central spindle. We propose that the shift to the latter is driven by a corresponding shift from RhoGEF2 to Pebble in controlling furrow formation.
What it means for a concurrent program to satisfy a specification: why no one has specified priority

The formal correspondence between an implementation and its specification is examined. It is shown that existing specifications that claim to describe priority are either vacuous or else too restrictive to be implemented in some reasonable situations. This is illustrated with a precisely formulated problem of specifying a first-come-first-served mutual exclusion algorithm, which it is claimed cannot be solved by existing methods.
Applying the BT operational support systems architecture

There are currently of the order of a thousand computer systems supporting BT‘s operational processes. This paper describes how the operational support systems architecture is being used to help rationalise and reduce this portfolio into a more manageable set by ensuring maximum reuse of functionality and minimum replication of data. This will lead to lower maintenance and development costs as well as speedier delivery of new solutions.
Digital-Discrete Methods for Data Reconstruction

This chapter is the continuation of Chap. 7. It focuses on various applications and their data representations of the digital-discrete method. This chapter is divided into three parts: (1) An introduction to real problems and then a discussion of the data structure for the reconstruction problems. Then we focus on the implementation details. This part is specifically for real data processing for 2D and 3D domains. (2) Function reconstruction on manifolds. We will first introduce discrete manifolds (meshes) and digital manifolds, then discuss data reconstruction on manifolds. (3) At the end of the chapter, we discuss the methodology issues of our method and its differences from between other methods. Piecewise smooth data reconstruction and harmonic data reconstruction is presented in Chap. 9. Smooth data reconstruction on triangulated manifolds using the subdivision method is introduced in Chap. 12.
Ultralightweight deformable mirrors

This paper presents a concept for ultralightweight deformable mirrors, based on a thin substrate of optical surface quality, coated with continuous active layers that provide separate modes of actuation at different length scales. This concept eliminates any kind of stiff backing structure for the mirror surface and exploits microfabrication technologies to provide tight integration of the active materials into the mirror structure, to avoid actuator print-through effects. Proof-of-concept, 10 cm diameter mirrors with an areal density of 0.6 kg/m^2 have been designed, built, and tested to measure their shape-correction performance and verify the finite-element models used for design. The low-cost manufacturing scheme involves low-temperature processing steps (below 140°C) to minimize residual stresses, does not require precision photolithography, and is therefore scalable to larger diameters depending on application requirements.
The incorporation of Nickel and Phosphorus dopants into Boron-Carbon alloy thin films

C) alloy thin films grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition have been examined. The Ni-doped boron–carbon alloys were grown using closo-1,2-dicarbadodecaborane (C2B10H12) as the boron–carbon source compound and nickelocene(Ni(C5H5)2) as the nickel source. The phosphorus-doped alloys were grown using the single-source compound: dimeric chloro-phospha(III)-carborane ([C2B10H10PCl]2). Nickel doping increased the conductivity, relative to undoped B5C, by six orders of magnitude from 10-9 to 10-3 (Ω cm)-1 and transformed the material from a p-type semiconductor to an n-type. Phosphorus doping decreased the conductivity, relative to undoped B5C, by two orders of magnitude and increased the band gap from 0.9 eV for the undoped material to 2.6 eV. Infrared absorption spectra of the nickel- and phosphorus-doped B5C alloys were relatively unchanged from those of undoped B5C. X-ray diffraction suggests that the phosphorus-doped material may be a different polytype from the Ni-doped and undoped B5C alloys.
Essential Role for Cellular Phosphoglucomutase in Virulence of Type 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae

Synthesis of the Streptococcus pneumoniae type 3 capsule requires the pathway glucose-6-phosphate (Glc-6-P) --> Glc-1-P --> UDP-Glc --> UDP-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcUA) --> (GlcUA-Glc)(n). The UDP-Glc dehydrogenase and synthase necessary for the latter two steps, and essential for capsule production, are encoded by genes (cps3D and cps3S, respectively) located in the type 3 capsule locus. The phosphoglucomutase (PGM) and Glc-1-P uridylyltransferase activities necessary for the first two steps are derived largely through the actions of cellular enzymes. Homologues of these enzymes, encoded by cps3M and cps3U in the type 3 locus, are not required for capsule production. Here, we show that cps3M and cps3U also are not required for mouse virulence. In contrast, nonencapsulated isolates containing defined mutations in cps3D and cps3S were avirulent, as were reduced-capsule isolates containing mutations in pgm. Insertion mutants that lacked PGM activity were avirulent in both immunologically normal (BALB/cByJ) and immunodeficient (CBA/N) mice. In contrast, a mutant (JY1060) with reduced PGM activity was avirulent in the former but had only modestly reduced virulence in the latter. The high virulence in CBA/N mice was not due to the lack of antibodies to phosphocholine but reflected a growth environment distinct from that found in BALB/cByJ mice. The reduced PGM activity of JY1060 resulted in enhanced binding of complement and antibodies to surface antigens. However, decomplementation of BALB/cByJ mice did not enhance the virulence of this mutant. Suppressor mutations, only some of which resulted in increased capsule production, increased the virulence of JY1060 in BALB/cByJ mice. The results suggest that PGM plays a critical role in pneumococcal virulence by affecting multiple cellular pathways.
The nucleotide sequence of the chick cytoplasmic β-actin gene

The nucleotide sequence of the chick beta-actin gene was determined. The gene contains 5 introns; 4 interrupt the translated region at codons 41/42, 120/122, 267, 327/328 and a large intron occurs in the 5' untranslated region. The gene has a 97 nucleotide 5'-untranslated region and a 594 nucleotide 3'-untranslated region. A slight heterogeneity in the position of the poly A addition site exists; polyadenylation can occur at either of two positions two nucleotides apart. The gene codes for an mRNA of 1814 or 1816 nucleotides, excluding the poly(A) tail. In contrast to the chick skeletal muscle actin gene the beta-actin gene lacks the Cys codon between the initiator ATG and the codon for the N-terminal amino acid of the mature protein. In the 5' flanking DNA, 15 nucleotides downstream from the CCAAT sequence, is a tract of 25 nucleotides that is highly homologous to the sequence found in the same region of the rat beta-actin gene.
Phylogenetic relationships among nine species of the Xanthophyceae inferred from rbcL and 18S rRNA gene sequences

Gene sequence data were used to evaluate traditional classifications for the Xanthophyceae based on the level of organization of vegetative cells and to test the hypothesis that larger, morphologic...
Virtual humans for assisted health care

There is a growing need for applications that can dynamically interact with aging populations to gather information, monitor their health care, provide information, or even act as companions. Virtual human agents or virtual characters offer a technology that can enable human users to overcome the confusing interfaces found in current human-computer interactions. These artificially intelligent virtual characters have speech recognition, natural language and vision that will allow human users to interact with their computers in a more natural way. Additionally, sensors may be used to monitor the environment for specific behaviors that can be fused into a virtual human system. As a result, the virtual human may respond to a patient or elderly person in a manner that will have a powerful affect on their living situation. This paper will describe the virtual human technology developed and some current applications that apply the technology to virtual patients for mental health diagnosis and clinician training. Additionally the paper will discuss possible ways in which the virtual humans may be utilized for assisted health care and for the integration of multi-modal input to enhance the virtual human system.
Algae biodiesel - a feasibility report

Algae biofuels have been studied numerous times including the Aquatic Species program in 1978 in the U.S., smaller laboratory research projects and private programs. Using Molina Grima 2003 and Department of Energy figures, captial costs and operating costs of the closed systems and open systems were estimated. Cost per gallon of conservative estimates yielded $1,292.05 and $114.94 for closed and open ponds respectively. Contingency scenarios were generated in which cost per gallon of closed system biofuels would reach $17.54 under the generous conditions of 60% yield, 50% reduction in the capital costs and 50% hexane recovery. Price per gallon of open system produced fuel could reach $1.94 under generous assumptions of 30% yield and $0.2/kg CO2. Current subsidies could allow biodiesel to be produced economically under the generous conditions specified by the model.
Computing proton dose to irregularly moving targets.

Purpose: While four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) and deformable registration can be used to assess the dose delivered to regularly moving targets, there are few methods available for irregularly moving targets. 4DCT captures an idealized waveform, but human respiration during treatment is characterized by gradual baseline shifts and other deviations from a periodic signal. This paper describes a method for computing the dose delivered to irregularly moving targets based on 1D or 3D waveforms captured at the time of delivery.Methods: The procedure uses CT or 4DCT images for dose calculation, and 1D or 3D respiratory waveforms of the target position at time of delivery. Dose volumes are converted from their Cartesian geometry into a beam-specific radiological depth space, parameterized in 2D by the beam aperture, and longitudinally by the radiological depth. In this new frame of reference, the proton doses are translated according to the motion found in the 1D or 3D trajectory. These translated dose volumes are weighted and summed, then transformed back into Cartesian space, yielding an estimate of the dose that includes the effect of the measured breathing motion. The method was validated using a synthetic lung phantom and a single representative patient CT. Simulated 4DCT was generated for the phantom with 2 cm peak-to-peak motion.Results: A passively-scattered proton treatment plan was generated using 6 mm and 5 mm smearing for the phantom and patient plans, respectively. The method was tested without motion, and with two simulated breathing signals: a 2 cm amplitude sinusoid, and a 2 cm amplitude sinusoid with 3 cm linear drift in the phantom. The tumor positions were equally weighted for the patient calculation. Motion-corrected dose was computed based on the mid-ventilation CT image in the phantom and the peak exhale position in the patient. Gamma evaluation was 97.8% without motion, 95.7% for 2 cm sinusoidal motion, 95.7% with 3 cm drift in the phantom (2 mm, 2%), and 90.8% (3 mm, 3%)for the patient data.Conclusions: We have demonstrated a method for accurately reproducing proton dose to an irregularly moving target from a single CT image. We believe this algorithm could prove a useful tool to study the dosimetric impact of baseline shifts either before or during treatment.
Unexpected benefits: pathways from smoking restrictions in the home to psychological well-being and distress among urban Black and Puerto Rican Americans.

Introduction: This study examined the pathways from smoking policies in the home (no ban, partial ban, and total ban on smoking) to psychological well-being (e.g., self-esteem) and psychological symptoms (e.g., depressive symptoms) as mediated by a healthy lifestyle (engaging in exercise, eating healthful foods, and sleeping enough) and cigarette smoking among a sample of urban Black and Puerto Rican Americans. Methods: Questionnaire data were collected from 816 participants (mean age = 32 years). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the pathways of restrictions on smoking in the home to a healthy lifestyle, cigarette smoking, psychological well-being, and psychological distress. Results: The SEM showed mediational pathways linking higher levels of restrictions on smoking in the home with a healthy lifestyle, which in turn was related negatively to psychological distress and positively to psychological well-being. Higher levels of restrictions on smoking in the home were also related inversely to cigarette smoking, which was related positively to psychological distress and negatively to psychological well-being. Conclusions: Findings show that higher levels of restrictions on smoking in the home are associated with a healthier lifestyle and less cigarette smoking, which in turn are associated with better psychological functioning. Greater restrictions on smoking in the home may thus support positive lifestyle choices, including exercise and nutrition, as well as psychological functioning.
The diffusion of gases and water vapor through grafted polyoxymethylene

Polyoxymethylene was successfully grafted with styrene, butadiene, and acrylonitrile by the mutual irradiation method in the monomer containing 18% of dimethyl formamide. The CO2 and water vapor permeabilities and diffusivities were determined in the case of the butadiene- and acrylonitrile-grafted products. The former grafts had higher permeabilities than the ungrafted materials. However, the acrylonitrile grafts showed considerably reduced water vapor permeability and diffusivity compared to the ungrafted polyoxymethylene. Films made by grafting to polymer powder and compression molding showed lower permeabilities compared to those made by direct grafting to polyoxymethylene films.
Fault detection observer design for linear discrete-time systems in finite frequency domain

This paper deals with the fault detection (FD) problem in finite frequency domain for linear time-invariant discrete-time systems with bounded disturbances. A fault detection observer is designed by employing two finite frequency performance indexes which are used to increase the fault sensitivity and attenuate the effects of disturbances. Faults are considered in the low frequency domain while disturbances are considered in certain finite frequency domain. With the aid of the Generalized Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov (GKYP) lemma, the design methods are presented in terms of solutions to a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
ESTIMATION OF TEMPORARY EMIGRATION IN MALE TOADS

Male boreal toads (Bufo boreas) are thought to return to the breeding site every year but, if absent in a particular year, will be more likely to return the following year. Using Pollock's robust design we estimated temporary emigration (the probability a male toad is absent from a breeding site in a given year) at three locations in Colorado, USA: two in Rocky Mountain National Park and one in Chaffee County. We present data that suggest that not all male toads return to the breeding site every year. Our analyses indicate that temporary emigration varies by site and time (for example, from 1992 to 1998, the probability of temporary emigration ranged from 10% to 29% and from 3% to 95% at Lost Lake and Kettle Tarn, respectively). Although the results provide weak evidence that males are more likely to return after a year's hiatus, a general pattern of state-dependent temporary emigration was not supported. We also hypothesized relationships between temporary emigration and a number of weather variables. While some competitive models included weather covariates, imprecise and variable estimates of the effects of these covariates precluded fully defining their impact on temporary emigration.
Evolution of human serial pairbonding.

Data on divorce taken for all available years between 1947 and 1981 from the Demographic Yearbooks of the United Nations on 58 peoples illustrate that divorce has a consistent pattern. Divorces exhibit a skewed distribution, characterized by the occurrence of the mode early in marriage (with a divorce peak on or around the fourth year) and a gradual, long-tailed decline following this peak. Divorce risk peaks in age category 25–29 for males and age categories 20–24 and 25–29 for females, the height of reproductive and parenting years, and divorce counts peak among couples with two or fewer children. These properties of divorce are unrelated to divorce rate; they occur in societies with both high and low divorce rates. Data on available horticultural and gathering/hunting societies illustrate that divorce also peaks among young couples early in marriage. Remarriage by divorced and widowed individuals of reproductive age is also common cross-culturally. It is proposed that the above four-year modal marriage duration among couples of reproductive age who divorce reflects a hominid reproductive strategy that probably evolved some time after the appearance of Homo in response to increased female “reproductive burden” and functioned to ensure the survival of the hominid infant through weaning. Serial pairbonding during the female's reproductive years had ancestral adaptive advantages, producing the modern cross-cultural pattern of serial pairbonding.
Performance characteristics of lithium ion cells at low temperatures

The low temperature charge and discharge characteristics of experimental MCMB-Li/sub x/Ni/sub y/Co/sub 1-y/O/sub 2/ cells containing different electrolytes were investigated. The use of low ethylene carbonate (EC)-content electrolyte formulations has resulted in good discharge performance to temperatures as low as -40/spl deg/C. The effect of charge voltage and charge current upon the individual electrode potentials at low temperature was investigated using the three electrode cells (containing lithium reference electrodes). In some cases, lithium plating was observed to occur upon low temperature charge, and found to be facilitated by high charge voltages, high charge currents, and poor anode kinetics. Electrochemical characterization of the cells has helped to establish the conditions under which lithium plating can occur by providing information regarding the polarization effects present at each electrode.
TAMDAR Observation Assimilation in WRF 3D-Var and Its Impact on Hurricane Ike (2008) Forecast

AbstractThis study evaluates the impact of atmospheric observations from the Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting (TAMDAR) observing system on numerical weather prediction of hurricane Ike (2008) using three-dimensional data assimilation system for the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model (WRF 3D-Var). The TAMDAR data assimilation capability is added to WRF 3D-Var by incorporating the TAMDAR observation operator and corresponding observation processing procedure. Two 6-h cycling data assimilation and forecast experiments are conducted. Track and intensity forecasts are verified against the best track data from the National Hurricane Center.The results show that, on average, assimilating TAMDAR observations has a positive impact on the forecasts of hurricane Ike. The TAMDAR data assimilation reduces the track errors by about 30 km for 72-h forecasts. Improvements in intensity forecasts are also seen after four 6-h data assimilation cycles. Diagnostics show that assimilation of TAMDAR da...
A Survey of Techniques for Cache Locking

Cache memory, although important for boosting application performance, is also a source of execution time variability, and this makes its use difficult in systems requiring worst-case execution time (WCET) guarantees. Cache locking is a promising approach for simplifying WCET estimation and providing predictability, and hence, several commercial processors provide ability for locking cache. However, cache locking also has several disadvantages (e.g., extra misses for unlocked blocks, complex algorithms required for selection of locking contents) and hence, a careful management is required to realize the full potential of cache locking. In this article, we present a survey of techniques proposed for cache locking. We categorize the techniques into several groups to underscore their similarities and differences. We also discuss the opportunities and obstacles in using cache locking. We hope that this article will help researchers gain insight into cache locking schemes and will also stimulate further work in this area.
Soft Site Moving and Cutover in WCDMA Network

Traditionally, when a radio network site is moved, it is necessary to interrupt existing services and perform a step-by-step serial cutover, which involves complex arrangements and huge resource investments. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discuss a low-risk and fast solution to site moving and cutover. ZTE Base Band Unit and Remote Radio Unit (BBU+RRU) Base Station adopts distributed structure and combines full frequency reuse of the WCDMA system to implement soft site moving and cutover conveniently. The solution is to build an overlay network and make a one-time cutover without any impact on the running of the existing network. Moreover, it supports timely fallback, and can considerably simplify the site moving and cutover operation and lower the network risk.
Mitochondria: Masters of Epigenetics

Accumulating evidence argues that aging exerts a profound influence on epigenetics, and vice versa. A pair of studies by Merkwirth et al. and Tian et al. now provide insights on how mitochondrial stress experienced by C. elegans larvae propagates a specific and persistent epigenetic response that protects adult cells and extends lifespan.