cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A pilot investigation of a multidisciplinary quality of life intervention for men with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer.

Objective: This pilot project evaluated the acceptability and estimated the effect size of a tailored multidisciplinary quality of life (MQOL) intervention for men who have biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. Methods: Participants included 57 men with localized prostate cancer with biochemical recurrence (Median=76 years; 89% White). Participants were randomized to wait list control which offered the intervention upon conclusion of the study (n=27) or to an eight-session group-based, MQOL (n=30) intervention. Assessments were completed at baseline, end of treatment, and 6 months post-treatment. Results: MQOL was acceptable as indicated by favorable participant retention (100% retained), treatment compliance (97% attended > 6 treatment sessions), and high ratings of helpfulness (80% rated helpfulness > 4 on 5-point scale). MQOL had a favorable impact on the mental health composite score of the Short Form-36 at the end of treatment but not at 6 months (effect size=0.52 and −0.04); health-related QOL as measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Prostate at the end of treatment and 6 months (effect size=0.14 and 0.10); and prostate cancer specific anxiety as measured by the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer at the end of treatment and 6 months (effect size=0.45 and 0.23). Conclusions: This pilot project provides preliminary data supporting the premise that a tailored behaviorally based MQOL intervention for men with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer is acceptable to men and might reduce prostate cancer specific anxiety and enhance QOL. Further research examining the efficacy of this intervention in a larger randomized trial is warranted.Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mining the Human Complexome Database Identifies RBM14 as an XPO1-Associated Protein Involved in HIV-1 Rev Function

ABSTRACT By recruiting the host protein XPO1 (CRM1), the HIV-1 Rev protein mediates the nuclear export of incompletely spliced viral transcripts. We mined data from the recently described human nuclear complexome to identify a host protein, RBM14, which associates with XPO1 and Rev and is involved in Rev function. Using a Rev-dependent p24 reporter plasmid, we found that RBM14 depletion decreased Rev activity and Rev-mediated enhancement of the cytoplasmic levels of unspliced viral transcripts. RBM14 depletion also reduced p24 expression during viral infection, indicating that RBM14 is limiting for Rev function. RBM14 has previously been shown to localize to nuclear paraspeckles, a structure implicated in retaining unspliced HIV-1 transcripts for either Rev-mediated nuclear export or degradation. We found that depletion of NEAT1 RNA, a long noncoding RNA required for paraspeckle integrity, abolished the ability of overexpressed RBM14 to enhance Rev function, indicating the dependence of RBM14 function on paraspeckle integrity. Our study extends the known host cell interactome of Rev and XPO1 and further substantiates a critical role for paraspeckles in the mechanism of action of Rev. Our study also validates the nuclear complexome as a database from which viral cofactors can be mined. IMPORTANCE This study mined a database of nuclear protein complexes to identify a cellular protein named RBM14 that is associated with XPO1 (CRM1), a nuclear protein that binds to the HIV-1 Rev protein and mediates nuclear export of incompletely spliced viral RNAs. Functional assays demonstrated that RBM14, a protein found in paraspeckle structures in the nucleus, is involved in HIV-1 Rev function. This study validates the nuclear complexome database as a reference that can be mined to identify viral cofactors.
Evaluation of sensorimotor rhythms to control a wheelchair

Brain activity produces electrical signals that can be detected in a non-invasive or invasive way, and BCI (Brain-Computer Interface) systems can translate these signals into commands, which allow communication with devices without involvement of peripheral nerves and muscles. This paper shows the development of a non-invasive BCI system using brain signals from somatosensory cortex. The acquisition of signals was performed using one electrode cap in accordance with 10-20 system and using 3-channel EEG in order to command a motorized wheelchair without involvement of peripheral nerves and muscles. In the experiment with the wheelchair, 65.7% hit rates (average) were obtained for two directions, respectively.
The Mathematical Sciences and World War II

(1980). The Mathematical Sciences and World War II. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 87, No. 8, pp. 607-621.
Gene enrichment profiles reveal T-cell development, differentiation, and lineage-specific transcription factors including ZBTB25 as a novel NF-AT repressor

The identification of transcriptional regulatory networks, which control tissue-specific development and function, is of central importance to the understanding of lymphocyte biology. To decipher transcriptional networks in T-cell development and differentiation we developed a browsable expression atlas and applied a novel quantitative method to define gene sets most specific to each of the represented cell subsets and tissues. Using this system, body atlas size datasets can be used to examine gene enrichment profiles from a cell/tissue perspective rather than gene perspective, thereby identifying highly enriched genes within a cell type, which are often key to cellular differentiation and function. A systems analysis of transcriptional regulators within T cells during different phases of development and differentiation resulted in the identification of known key regulators and uncharacterized coexpressed regulators. ZBTB25, a BTB-POZ family transcription factor, was identified as a highly T cell-enriched transcription factor. We provide evidence that ZBTB25 functions as a negative regulator of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT) activation, such that RNA interference mediated knockdown resulted in enhanced activation of target genes. Together, these findings suggest a novel mechanism for NF-AT mediated gene expression and the compendium of expression data provides a quantitative platform to drive exploration of gene expression across a wide range of cell/tissue types.
Electron microscopic studies of the anterior pituitary gland of castrate rats.

Many features of the cytology of the anterior pituitary gland, its reactions to physiological stimulation and removal of other endocrines, remain obscure in spite of the extensive research that has been carried out on the subject during the past seventy years. Progress in such a field of study often awaits the advent of new techniques. With a greater understanding of the chemistiy of pituitary hormones it has become possible, at least in a limited way, to apply histochemical methods to aid in identification of the cell source of a given hormone. Quite recently, the application of electron microscopy to histologic and cytologic investigation has opened a new field for study. The remarkable structural detail that can be seen in electron micrographs offers much promise in histologic research. Fernandez-Moran and Luft (1949) recorded the first electron microscopic observations on the pituitary gland.
Cost and quality trends under managed care: is there a learning curve in behavioral health carve-out plans?

Abstract The paper studies the performance of network plans over time using data from 52 managed behavioral health plans. Costs exhibit a `learning curve' with additional cost declines of 10–15% with every doubling of experience, which are independent from time trends and scale economies. Process-of-care measures show increased appropriateness of follow-up care and reduced 30-day rehospitalization, but the relationship to experience or time is not statistically significant. Possible causes of organizational `learning' could be faster referrals to network clinicians, increased acceptance of network providers by patients, selection of more efficient providers, improved care management procedures, or better monitoring techniques.
Weight shrinkage for portfolio optimization

The paper starts by reviewing the basics of the modern portfolio theory and its very well known drawbacks. After a brief overview of the existing literature that attempts to address these drawbacks, a novel portfolio mixing method is proposed. The method is then illustrated using US stock market data, and is shown to outperform both portfolios that it combines in a statistically significant way. Several avenues of further research are summarized to conclude the paper.
XUV radiation from gold exploding pusher targets irradiated with protons

Abstract In 1982, proton beam experiments were carried out on the PROTO I accelerator with up to 0.65 TW/cm 2 incident on gold exploding pusher targets. The total proton energy incident on the target was as high as 2.8 kJ, with up to 1.32 kJ deposited in 2.5-μm-thick gold cones, giving a specific power deposition as high as 27 TW/g for 1.5 MeV incident proton energy. XUV radiation (10 eV -2.5 keV) from the gold conical exploding pusher targets was measured with x-ray diodes (XRDs) and PIN solid state diodes. High resolution, time integrated XUV radiation measurements (60–400 eV) were also obtained with a 1-meter grazing incidence spectrograph. The radiation from these targets consisted of three major components: (1) XUV radiation from a high density but low temperature plasma radiation at the inner surface of the conical exploding pusher target, (2) high energy XUV radiation from a low density, high temperature plasma produced by the stagnation of the pusher material on axis, and (3) 2.1–2.2 keV gold Mα, β inner-shell line radiation from the inside surface of the target. The equivalent brightness temperatures at the inner surface of the conical targets were between 18 and 32 eV, assuming a 0.07 cm 2 emission area.
Intramural extravasation of barium simulating carcinoma of the rectum

This report describes two patients found to have barium granuloma of the rectum. The lesions appeared as indurated, ulcerated rectal masses that resembled carcinoma on endoscopic examination. Deep mucosal biopsy results demonstrated no malignancy and barium sulfate crystals in tissue macrophages. Radiographs showed persistent soft-tissue barium in the rectum. Past reports of barium granuloma have described ulcerated or polypoid masses in the rectum and anus. Rectal intramural extravasation of barium occurs as a result of asymmetric enema balloon inflation and impaction of the enema tip against the rectal mucosa.
Heat Transfer Within a Steel-Reinforced Porous Concrete Slab Subjected to Microwave Heating

The concrete decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) process using microwave technology is investigated theoretically in this paper. A one-dimensional uniform plane wave is assumed for the microwave Propagation and the Microwave field and the Power dissipation within the concrete. Also, by considering the effects of the microwave frequencies, a one-dimensional model of unsteady heat and mass transport in the concrete is developed to evaluate variations of the temperature and pressure distributions with the heating time. The effects of the microwave frequency (f), microwave power intensity, (Q{sub 0,avg}), the thermal boundary conditions on the front wall, and the concrete porosity ({phi}) on the microwave power dissipation (Q{sub d,avg}), temperature (T), pressure (P), and evaporation rate ({Delta}m) distributions are all investigated in the present model. Finally, the effects of the presence of a steel reinforcement and its location on the microwave power dissipation, and the temperature and inner steam pressure distributions are discussed accordingly. 16 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs.
Replicative Senescence in the Immune System: Impact of the Hayflick Limit on T-Cell Function in the Elderly

Gerontologists, lured by the prospect of understandingthe cellular events that underlie the gross features ofhuman aging, are focusing increasingly on replicative(orcellular) senescence. The term “replicative senescence”describes the irreversible state of growth arrest experi-enced by all mitotically competent cells of human originfollowing a fairly predictable number of cell divisions inculture. First identiﬁed in human fetal ﬁbroblasts byHayﬂick, replicative senescence, or the so-called Hay-ﬂick limit, results from an intrinsic natural barrier tounlimited cell division exhibited by all normal somaticcells.The characteristics of replicative senescencehavebeenexplored in a variety of cell types (reviewed in Smithand Smith 1996; see also Be´rube´ et al. 1998 [in thisissue]), but only recently has this model been applied tothe immune system. Ironically, the Hayﬂick limit maybe particularly deleterious for immune cells, since theability to undergo rapid clonal expansion is absolutelyessential to their function. The decline of T-cell immunefunction during aging suggests that T cells might be anideal system in which to explore the potential role ofreplicative senescence during in vivo aging. Well-char-acterized cell surface markers, signal transduction path-ways, and functional traits further enhance the potentialutility of T cells as a model system, both to elucidatethe process of replicative senescence itself and to assessits physiological consequences.This review will summarize the results of research onT-cell replicative senescence in cell culture and will dem-onstrate that cells from elderly people have undergonechanges in vivo that are similar to those observed in thecell culture model. I will argue that T-cell replicativesenescence contributes to increased morbidity and mor-tality during aging and that the proportion of replica-
A military 4-wire field telephone incorporating an electronic signalling system

A new field telephone has been designed for use with the 4-wire electronic switchboards now being developed for the U.S. Army Signal Corps. This local battery instrument incorporates new features in systems applications. All telephone signalling to and from the switchboard is accomplished on a voice frequency basis, thereby providing compatibility with radio and wire carrier. The digit tone signalling plan is readily adaptable to the use of a key-type selector set. The latter affords more rapid digit setup speeds than are possible with the use of the conventional rotary dial. The introduction of a 4-page wire system eliminates critical hybriding in the telephone as well as throughout the switching centers.
Endoscopically guided cultures in chronic sinusitis.

In chronic sinusitis, culture-directed antibiotics are often recommended as a cornerstone of treatment. The significance of Gram-negative rods (GNRs), coagulase-negative Staphylococci (SCN), and St...
Elastic electron deuteron scattering

Abstract Measurements of the ratio of the deuteron to proton electric form factors were made for low q . The rms radius of the deuteron structure factor was found to be 1.9635 ± 0.0045 fm, yielding an rms charge radius of 2.095 ± 0.006 fm.
LDPC-coded TCM-QPSK optical transmission scheme outperforming LDPC-coded BPSK

TCM-QPSK concatenated with a properly designed outer LDPC code is evaluated and compared against LDPC-coded BPSK. Simulation results show that BER performance of the former is 0.8 dB better than that of the latter.
Tolerance of Pinus rigida trees to a ten-year exposure to chronic gamma irradiation from cobalt-60*

The Brookhaven Gamma Field was established primarily to expose cultivated plants to chronic gamma irradiation from cobalt-60. However, after about 7 growing seasons, injury to the native Pinus rigida trees bordering the cultivated field became apparent at exposure rates as low as 5 r/20 hr day. Detailed observations of these trees were started in 1958 and cumulative exposures and average daily exposure rates (obtained by dividing the cumulative exposure by the number of exposure days) were calculated for trees in 10-meter arcs around the source. Cumulative and daily exposures varied from year to year since periods of exposure and the size of the source were not constant. Source size varied from 145 to 3950 effective curies. Radiation injury was expressed in terms of mortality, growth inhibition and reduced seed set. Tree mortality was recorded in May of 1960 and subsequently in each August through 1963 and survival curves plotted for a population of about 500 trees. By the end of 1960 (8 years of exposure) 50 per cent of the trees had been killed by a cumulative exposure of 5.8 kr (3.1 r/day) but a few trees survived exposure rates as high as 10 r/day. Further radiation injury accumulated after 1960 so that by August of 1962 about 20 per cent of the trees had been killed by as little as 5.0 kr at about 2.5 r/day and at an average exposure rate of 3 r/day, totalling about 7.4 kr, 50 per cent mortality occurred. No trees survived cumulative exposures above 13 kr. These lethal exposures are much higher than those reported in other species of pine after acute irradiation. The effect of long-term radiation on tree growth was measured as a reduction in radial enlargement of the trunk and as reduction in needle length. Xylem increments, measured after several years' exposure at less than 4 r/day, were reduced in the upper part of the tree and in some cases completely missing at the base of the tree. The irradiated cambial cells which had produced no xylem increment during several years of poor growth retained the capacity for producing new xylem in favorable years. Reduced growth of needles proved to be a good sublethal index of radiation damage. Slight growth inhibition could be observed at average rates as low as 1.5 r/day on trees which had received a cumulative ten-year exposure of about 3.6 kr and 50 per cent growth inhibition occurred at about 3 r/day. Reproductive processes were affected at low exposure rates also. The number of mature seeds per cone was reduced to about 10 per cent of the control value after an average exposure of about 3.5 r/day or a cumulative exposure to the tree of 7.4 kr for a nine-year period. No seed-bearing cones were formed above about 7.4 kr cumulative exposure. Unpublished data of the authors on interphase chromosome volumes of gymnosperms suggest that this species of pine should be fairly typical of the genus with respect to radiation sensitivity. Other genera of gymnosperms are also expected to have relatively high sensitivities but none is expected to exceed this genus by more than a factor of about 2.
Flexural phonons and thermal transport in multilayer graphene and graphite

We present a theory for the lattice thermal conductivity ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{L}$ of multilayer graphene (MLG) and graphite, which is based on an exact numerical solution of the Boltzmann equation for phonons. Dominant contributions to ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{L}$ from out-of-plane or flexural phonons are found, which is consistent with previous findings for single-layer graphene (SLG). However, the interaction between graphene layers in MLG and graphite breaks a selection rule on phonon-phonon scattering, causing their ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{L}$s to be much lower than that of SLG. ${\mathrm{C}}^{13}$ isotopes are shown to be an important scattering mechanism, accounting for an \ensuremath{\sim}15% additional drop in the ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{L}$ of these systems. We demonstrate that the ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{L}$ values converge to that of graphite after only about five layers, a consequence of weak interlayer coupling. These findings are qualitatively consistent with recent measurements of ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{L}$ for MLG.
Study of anti-DNA antibodies prepared by DNA cellulose or Cibacron blue chromatography.

Abstract We prepared anti-DNA antibodies from sera of lupus patients by either DNA cellulose or by Cibacron blue chromatography. Eluates from both columns were studied with respect to recovery of IgG, recovery, purification and specificity of anti-DNA activity. An attempt was made to raise rabbit anti-idiotypic antibodies against both eluates. DNA cellulose chromatography — if DNA leakage was prevented — yielded 58% recovery and 58-fold purification of the anti-DNA activity present in the original purified IgG ample. 1% of loaded IgG was recovered. Cibacron blue chromatography yielded 32% recovery and 1.1-fold purification of the anti-DNA activity. 29% of loaded IgG was recovered. Eluates of Cibacron blue were not pure as shown by their high binding activity against an unrelated antigen, tetanus toxoid. Eluates from DNA cellulose were pure and did not show anti-tetanus toxoid activity. Rabbit anti-idiotypic antibodies could be raised only against eluates of DNA cellulose suggesting that the eluates of Cibacron blue did not contain enough idiotypes to induce rabbit anti-idiotypic antibodies. The characterization of the rabbit anti-idiotypic antibodies showed that it contained two populations, one against site-specific idiotypes and the other against framework idiotypes. Anti-DNA antibodies prepared by Cibacron blue had idiotypes similar to those prepared by DNA cellulose. The present study demonstrates that DNA cellulose chromatography — if leakage of DNA is prevented — can yield excellent recovery and purification of anti-DNA activity. Anti-DNA antibodies prepared by DNA cellulose were enriched and could induce anti-idiotypic antibodies in rabbits. Tube chromatography on Cibacron blue yielded poor recovery and minimal enrichment of anti-DNA activity.
Saddle-point technique for autoionizing states of the lithium atom. III. Low-lying triply excited resonances

The energy, wave function, and radial parameters of the low-lying triply excited resonances of the lithium atom are calculated using a saddle-point technique. A total of eleven resonances with $^{2}P^{o},^{4}P^{e},^{2}D^{e},^{2}S^{e},^{2}P^{e}$, and $^{2}D^{o}$ symmetries are investigated. These results are used to identify the observed Auger spectra of R\o{}dbro, Bruch, and Bisgaard. If the identifications suggested here are correct, then the agreement between the results of the present work with those of the experiment is excellent. The oscillator strengths and transition energies of these resonances in an optical absorption or emission process are calculated. In order to compute these oscillator strengths, the energies and wave functions of the Li $1s2s2p^{4}P,1s2p2p^{2}P$, and $1s2s2s^{2}S$ states are also tabulated. The energies of the two bound states agree to within 0.013 eV with the highly accurate results in the literature. The result for the $^{2}S$ resonance agrees with the more recent experiments and lies well within the quoted experimental error.
Multiphonon Relaxation of Rare-Earth Ions in Yttrium Orthoaluminate

Nonradiative relaxation by multiple-phonon emission was investigated for excited electronic states of rare-earth ions in YAl${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. Ions studied included ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$, ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{3+}$, ${\mathrm{Ho}}^{3+}$, ${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}$, and ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{3+}$. Rates of multiphonon emission were determined from the difference of measured excited-state lifetimes and calculated radiative lifetimes. Electric dipole transition probabilities were computed using Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters for rare earths in YAl${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. Multiphonon decay rates, measured for seventeen different levels with energies to the next-lower level ranging from 1400 to 4700 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, exhibited an approximately exponential dependence on energy gap $\ensuremath{\Delta}E$ given by $W(0){e}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\Delta}E}$, where $W(0)=5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{9}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and $\ensuremath{\alpha}=4.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ cm. Exceptions to the exponential law occur only when selection rules severely restrict the number of terms in the ion-lattice interaction active in inducing transitions. The phonon frequency distribution and ion-phonon coupling in YAl${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ were examined from infrared, Raman, and vibronic spectra. Although phonon energies range up to 750 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, measurements of the temperature dependence of multiphonon emission indicate that phonons of energies $\ensuremath{\sim}550\ensuremath{-}600$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ make the dominant contribution to the relaxation at temperatures 77-700 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K.
Laser Initiation Processes in Thermite Energetic Materials Using Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

The reactive processes that occur during the laser initiation of aluminum/iron(III) oxide metastable intermolecular composites (MIC) have been studied by laser-induced desorption ionization time-of...
Living anionic polymerization

For about 40 years living anionic polymerization has been the premier technique for the synthesis of model polymers of controlled architecture and narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD). Nowadays, despite the continuing development of new strategies for the synthesis of well-defined polymers and copolymers (e.g. group transfer polymerization, living radical polymerization, etc.), anionic polymerization continues to be the most reliable and versatile method for the synthesis of a wide variety of model polymers. The main reason for the broad utility of living anionic polymerization is that the conditions necessary for the efficient generation of polyanions that do not undergo termination or chain transfer reactions are well established for many monomers [Hsieh HL, Quirk RP. Anionic polymerization: principles and practical applications, New York: Marcel Dekker, 1996]. Despite these successes, significant challenges remain in the field of anionic polymerization. These challenges include extension of the strategies for anionic synthesis of polymers with controlled architectures (such as star and graft copolymers), further development of strategies for chain end functionalization, and mastering control over polymerization of (meth)acrylates. Recent advances in these areas are summarized in this article.
Magnetic-SCR amplifier with lock-out controls for synchronizing and protection

THIS paper presents a new “lock-out” technique for TRC (time-ratio control) circuits. This technique assures SCR (silicon-controlled rectifier) turn-off under extreme circuit operating conditions and it can also provide a synchronizing function.
Factors influencing the incidence of cowbird parasitism of least Bell's vireos

Abstract Least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) is a federally endangered subspecies of Bell's vireo subject to high levels of brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater). Brood parasitism greatly reduces the reproductive success of the vireo. We examined the relationship of vegetation structure surrounding nests and of activity near the nest to the incidence of brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds of least Bell's vireos. We examined vegetation structure at 3 spatial scales: microhabitat (0–1 m from a nest), mesohabitat (1–11.3 m from a nest), and macrohabitat (greater than 11.3 m from a nest). Nests with high microhabitat cover and mesohabitat cover within 5 m of the nest had a lower incidence of parasitism than those with low cover at these scales. Unparasitized nests had fewer trees greater than 8-cm diameter at breast height (dbh) within 11.3 m, and they had less canopy cover within 5 m than parasitized nests. Cowbirds parasitized nests farther from the edge of the riparian hab...
Mellin's formula and some combinatorial identities

Mellin's formula is applied to expandt/e ande/t in powers of log logt, and to obtain certain identities for the Stirling and Bell numbers.
Laser-induced phase transitions in amorphous Fe80B20 alloy

Abstract Exposure of amorphous Fe80B20 alloy to two pulses of a laser beam of energy 35 Jcm−2 produces the equilibrium crystalline phase mixture α-Fe + Fe2B at the point of impingement. Analyses of the zones adjacent to the lased area show a three-phase mixture α-Fe + Fe3B + Fe2B, a two-phase mixture α-Fe + Fe3B and clusters of α-Fe in an amorphous matrix as the distance from the lased area is increased. These structures are consistent with earlier work on this alloy utilizing both continuous and isothermal annealing experiments. Although lower fluences (less than 35 J cm−2) do not seem to reveal structural transitions in transmission electron microscope analyses, field ion microscope observations show very small (less than 20 A) clusters of α-Fe domains and an increasing number of void zones on exposure to an increased laser fluence.
Kinetic and Transport Processes in the Heterogeneous Catalytic Hydrogenation of Polystyrene

The heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of polystyrene (PS) dissolved in decahydronaphthalene was studied in a batch reactor using 5% Pd/BaSO4 as the catalyst. The effects of temperature and H2 partial pressure were investigated over the ranges from 90 to 180 °C and 1.72 to 6.89 MPa. The PS concentration ranged from 1 to 9 wt %. The rate of ring hydrogenation was approximately first-order with respect to PS, with an apparent activation energy of 59.6 kJ/mol. The hydrogenation rate depended on the agitation rate up to a threshold value, which increased with the concentration of PS in the solution. The possible influence of three mass-transfer steps (H2 transport from the gas into the polystyrene solution, PS transport to the surface of the catalyst particles, and PS diffusion in the pores of the catalyst) is analyzed. The last two steps do not appear to be kinetically important at the conditions of this study.
Problems and resources in analyzing Northern Thai conversation for English language readers

Abstract Transcript materials from a Northern Thai negotiation are used to illustrate the problems and possibilities involved in doing microanalysis of verbal interaction for readers who are unfamiliar with the language being analyzed. Two central questions are (1) can conversation analytic techniques be usefully applied to exotic languages, and (2) can the results of such analysis be presented in an unbiased and comprehensible manner? It is found that it is possible to do reasonably fine-grained and revealing analyses using conversation analytic techniques. However, the problems of presentation are significant in principle and practice. A further issue: working with exotic materials tends to intensify the analyst's concern with the relation between talk and ethnographic/cultural context. The Northern Thai materials are used to clarify certain issues of context that have arisen in the conversation analytic literature.
Analytical modeling of drilling and ball end milling

Abstract In the present work, analytical modeling is used to analyze both the drilling and ball end milling operations. The cutting edges of the twist drill lip and the ball end mill are divided into oblique cutting elements that have geometries and cutting conditions that vary with the location of the element on the cutting edge. The analysis is performed for each element using flow stress data and thermal properties of the workpiece material, tool geometry and cutting conditions. Predicted temperatures on the flank side of the twist drill lip and predicted ball end milling force results are compared with published experimental data.
Analysis of the abundance variations of the subspecies of Cycladophora davisiana

Abstract The distribution and abundance of the three subspecies of the radiolarian Cycladophora davisiana were determined in 41 surface sediment samples, in 30 sediment samples representing conditions approximately 18,000 yr B.P., and at closely spaced intervals in four Atlantic and Pacific deep-sea cores each containing a marine sedimentary record of at least the last 150,000 years. Although all three variants are present in radiolarian-bearing sediments of most major ocean regions, only very rare occurrences of C. davisiana var. semeloides were recorded, with abundances never greater than 0.4% of the total fauna. The other minor variant, C. davisiana var. cornutoides , rarely exceeded 3% of the fauna, with greatest abundances in sediment samples from the northwest Pacific, Bering Sea, and Sea of Okhotsk. These two subspecies do not exhibit major variations in abundance and contribute only marginally to the much larger C. davisiana abundance variation pattern. The abundance of C. davisiana var. davisiana in surface sediment samples varied from less than 1.5% in most low-latitude cores to greater than 20% in samples from the Sea of Okhotsk. In the 18,000 yr B.P. samples from high northern and southern latitudes, this subspecies reached levels four to ten times greater than in corresponding surface sediment samples. The abundance changes of C. davisiana var. davisiana account for most of the high amplitude abundance variations in C. davisiana registered in Pleistocene sediments.
Commercial Amphoras: The Earliest Consumer Packages?

Commercial amphoras are large ceramic vessels that were used from 1500 B.C. to 500 A.D. to ship wine and other products throughout the Mediterranean, supplying the ancient Greek and Roman empires. Although their form is much different from our own packages, the shape and design were clearly the result of the same reasoning that we use to design successful packaging today. The unusual shape, especially the pointed base, facilitated handling, storage, transport, and use in marketing channels that were very differently shaped from those that are used today. This article investigates amphoras’ physical properties, manufacturing process, and logistical and marketing advantages and illustrates the value of such packaging artifacts in documenting the history of trade.
A plasma-borne specific inhibitor of the proliferation of human estrogen-sensitive breast tumor cells (estrocolyone-I).

Abstract Charcoal-dextran stripped serum/plasma supplemented media specifically inhibit the proliferation of estrogen-sensitive cells in culture conditions; estrogens cancel this effect. Here, we further characterize this phenomenon using human estrogen-sensitive breast cancer MCF7 cells and human serum/plasma. The serum/plasma-borne inhibitory activity (estrocolyone-I) is a non-dialyzable, heat-stable (60°C × 2 h), protease-sensitive macromolecule and it is not extractable by organic solvents. Estrocolyone-I activity is retained after dialysis against 6 M urea or 10–100 mM dithiothreitol; however, simultaneous treatment with 6 M urea and 10–100 mM dithiothreitol completely abolishes its inhibitory activity. The inhibitory effect of serum is not due to serum albumin, nor to estrogen trapping by albumin or by sex hormone-binding globulin. Substantial purification was achieved by a combination of chromatographic techniques (dye-affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction chromatography). Estrocolyone-I activity seems to be due to a protein of an apparent native Mw of 70–80 kDa and an isoelectric point of 4.5–4.8.
Budding Yeast, Branching Processes, and Generalized Fibonacci Numbers

The Fibonacci sequence is famous for showing up in nature in many ways, some of them idealized (like Fibonacci’s breeding rabbits) and some very practical. In this article we describe an application of a generalization of the Fibonacci sequence, called the “k-nacci numbers.” In Olofsson and Bertuch [6], a branching process model was used to analyze experiments on growing yeast populations, and it turned out that the k-nacci numbers were crucial to practical results and calculations. That paper mainly addressed the biological problems. Our aim in this article is to elaborate on some of the mathematics involved, and in so doing, to give a nice example of how asymptotic results about simple recurrences can be of significant practical use.
A proposed approach for increasing the azimuthal resolution in HF radar

A method is proposed for improving the azimuthal resolution of HF radar several times beyond the limitation due to ionospheric scattering. Azimuthal resolution improves directly with array size, in accordance with standard array theory, until the beamwidth shrinks to a few degrees. Further increase in array size does not produce a dependable resolution improvement. In radio parlance, the signal is said to be decorrelated across the aperture. This "decorrelation" is due to scattering by the nonhomogeneous ionosphere. The scattered energy accounts for only a portion of the received wave. The remainder, an almost specular component, not only has a very much narrower angular distribution of its energy, but appears to have a much longer (perhaps 100 times) time constant of fluctuation. This difference in fluctuation rate permits separation of the two components by filtering the received radar echo. The decorrelating component is thus reduced, and the available azimuthal resolution, i.e., the resolution limitation due to scatter, correspondingly increases. When literature data are applied to the theory, a several-fold increase in available azimuthal resolution is predicted.
Daily energy fluxes, evapotranspiration and crop coefficient of soybean

Abstract Evapotranspiration represents the main consumptive use of water in agricultural production and its magnitude is important for irrigation water management. Since water shortages are increasing in many areas, there is a pressing need to improve irrigation water management, for which farmers need reliable information and tools to make better irrigation decisions. There is a lack of knowledge about the water use and irrigation requirements of crops grown in different environments, especially of new crop hybrids. The overall objective of this study was to improve our understanding of the water requirements of soybean. Specific objectives were to: (1) measure and document the daily crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and other energy fluxes, (2) document the daily and seasonal behavior of crop coefficients (Kc), and (3) evaluate the impact of weather variables on alfalfa-reference (ETr) and grass-reference (ETo) evapotranspiration. Here we report results of direct ETc measurements using an eddy covariance system obtained from soybean fields at North Platte, Nebraska, during 2002, 2003, and 2005. We found considerable differences in weather conditions among seasons that affected the accumulation of growing degree days, crop development pattern, crop ETc and Kc. We found that ETr values were on average 32.3% greater than ETo, which is important when choosing Kc values for calculating crop ETc. We also found that vapor pressure deficit (VPD) explained 90 and 92% of the variability in ETo and ETr, respectively. We presented daily measurements of energy fluxes and Kc values and found that measured Kc values were quite variable and often deviated considerably from the average Kc curves given in FAO-56 due to wetting events (rain and irrigation) and crop stress. Therefore, we recommend using the dual Kc method, rather than the single Kc method, for irrigation scheduling. In addition, we found considerable differences in crop maturity among years and suggested that acceleration in maturity could be due to crop stress, especially during the reproductive period. We raised the need for accurate methods to quantify the effect of stress on crop maturity and its impact on Kc.
Mechanism for epigenetic variegation of gene expression at yeast telomeric heterochromatin

Yeast contains heterochromatin at telomeres and the silent mating-type loci (HML/HMR). Genes positioned within the telomeric heterochromatin of Saccharomyces cerevisiae switch stochastically between epigenetically bistable ON and OFF expression states. Important aspects of the mechanism of variegated gene expression, including the chromatin structure of the natural ON state and the mechanism by which it is maintained, are unknown. To address this issue, we developed approaches to select cells in the ON and OFF states. We found by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) that natural ON telomeres are associated with Rap1 binding and, surprisingly, also contain known characteristics of OFF telomeres, including significant amounts of Sir3 and H4K16 deacetylated nucleosomes. Moreover, we found that H3K79 methylation (H3K79me), H3K4me, and H3K36me, which are depleted from OFF telomeres, are enriched at ON telomeres. We demonstrate in vitro that H3K79me, but not H3K4me or H3K36me, disrupts transcriptional silencing. Importantly, H3K79me does not significantly reduce Sir complex binding in vivo or in vitro. Finally, we show that maintenance of H3K79me at ON telomeres is dependent on transcription. Therefore, although Sir proteins are required for silencing, we propose that epigenetic variegation of telomeric gene expression is due to the bistable enrichment/depletion of H3K79me and not the fluctuation in the amount of Sir protein binding to nucleosomes.
Compensation of nonlinear effects using digital coherent receivers

Nonlinearity compensation in digital coherent receivers is feasible from a fundamental point of view. This paper shows that it is possible to reduce the computational load required for nonlinearity compensation to practical level.
Social comparison and confidence: When thinking you’re better than average predicts overconfidence (and when it does not)

Abstract A common social comparison bias—the better-than-average-effect—is frequently described as psychologically equivalent to the individual-level judgment bias known as overconfidence. However, research has found “Hard–easy” effects for each bias that yield a seemingly paradoxical reversal: Hard tasks tend to produce overconfidence but worse-than-average perceptions, whereas easy tasks tend to produce underconfidence and better-than-average effects. We argue that the two biases are in fact positively related because they share a common psychological basis in subjective feelings of competence, but that the “hard–easy” reversal is both empirically possible and logically necessary under specifiable conditions. Two studies are presented to support these arguments. We find little support for personality differences in these biases, and conclude that domain-specific feelings of competence account best for their relationship to each other.
Literacy-Rich Environments and the Transition of Young Children with Special Needs:

The present article focuses on achieving four critical competencies that are essential for children's successful transitions from preschool special education programs to the primary grades: readine...
Neuropsychological functioning and outcomes of treatment for co-occurring depression and substance use disorders.

Background: We previously published findings from our clinical trial comparing treatment outcomes for substance-dependent veterans with co-occurring depression who received Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) or Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) Therapy. Objectives: This study is a secondary analysis that examined whether neuropsychological functioning at baseline moderated substance use and depression outcomes in ICBT relative to TSF. Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial in which 164 veterans with major depressive disorder and comorbid alcohol, cannabinol, and/or stimulant dependence were randomly assigned to either ICBT or TSF group therapy. A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was administered at baseline. Results: Contrary to our hypothesis, participants with poor neuropsychological functioning had better substance use outcome in ICBT than in TSF, whereas participants with good neuropsychological functioning had comparable substance use outcomes in TSF and ICBT by 18-...
Nonlinear Impairment Compensation for Polarization-Division Multiplexed WDM Transmission Using Digital Backward Propagation

A comprehensive treatment of digital backward propagation (DBP) accounting for the vectorial nature of optical transmission is presented. Experimental results show that self-phase and cross-phase modulation are the major sources of nonlinear impairments, even for small channel spacings and for transmission in low dispersion fibers. It is verified that compensating only the incoherent nonlinear impairments not only has the advantage of requiring lower computational load but also removes the necessity of using phase-locked carriers for the signal or phase-locked local oscillators. Simulation results show that polarization-mode dispersion has to be taken into account for practical wavelength division multiplexing systems for DBP to work properly. It is found that to compensate interchannel nonlinear impairments, the changes in the polarization states of channels have to be followed at every span.
Economic Cost of Earnings Management Through Stock Repurchases

The current study examines whether firms that attempt to increase EPS to meet analyst forecasts through stock repurchases tend to pay a relatively higher price for their stock than firms that repurchase stock for other purposes, such as to benefit from temporary undervaluation of their stock. The research questions are tested using a tobit regression model with quarterly data from 1992 to 2001, controlling for various previously documented factors that affect stock repurchases and/or earnings management. The empirical test results are consistent with the hypothesis. In addition, the study finds that the cost associated with earnings management through stock repurchases varies with certain firm characteristics such as PE ratio. The study contributes to the earnings management literature by documenting substitution of alternative means of earnings management and by examining one of the economic consequences of earnings management through stock repurchases.
Adult Perspectives on Growing Up Following Uxoricide

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the state of the science on uxoricide, including qualitative findings on 47 survivors. Two qualitative interviews were conducted between January 2004 and January 2005 with 47 convenience sample adult survivors of uxoricide. Data were analyzed using hermeneutic analysis. A number of themes emerge, such as later experiences with violence, including sexual abuse as a child; family difficulties in speaking about the death; the need to learn about the homicide as an adult as well as a need to reconnect with and forgive the assailant; and the importance of a caring adult to provide stability.
RUNX1 repression-independent mechanisms of leukemogenesis by fusion genes CBFB-MYH11 and AML1-ETO (RUNX1-RUNX1T1)

The core binding factor (CBF) acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) are a prognostically distinct subgroup that includes patients with the inv(16) and t(8:21) chromosomal rearrangements. Both of these rearrangements result in the formation of fusion proteins, CBFB-MYH11 and AML1-ETO, respectively, that involve members of the CBF family of transcription factors. It has been proposed that both of these fusion proteins function primarily by dominantly repressing normal CBF transcription. However, recent reports have indicted that additional, CBF-repression independent activities may be equally important during leukemogenesis. This article will focus on these recent advances.