cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combined Alphavirus Replicon Particle Vaccine Induces Durable and Cross-Protective Immune Responses against Equine Encephalitis Viruses

Alphavirus replicons were evaluated as potential vaccine candidates for Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV), or eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) when given individually or in combination (V/W/E) to mice or cynomolgus macaques. Individual replicon vaccines or the combination V/W/E replicon vaccine elicited strong neutralizing antibodies in mice to their respective alphavirus. Protection from either subcutaneous or aerosol challenge with VEEV, WEEV, or EEEV was demonstrated out to 12 months after vaccination in mice. Individual replicon vaccines or the combination V/W/E replicon vaccine elicited strong neutralizing antibodies in macaques and demonstrated good protection against aerosol challenge with an epizootic VEEV-IAB virus, Trinidad donkey. Similarly, the EEEV replicon and V/W/E combination vaccine elicited neutralizing antibodies against EEEV and protected against aerosol exposure to a North American variety of EEEV. Both the WEEV replicon and combination V/W/E vaccination, however, elicited poor neutralizing antibodies to WEEV in macaques, and the protection conferred was not as strong. These results demonstrate that a combination V/W/E vaccine is possible for protection against aerosol challenge and that cross-interference between the vaccines is minimal. IMPORTANCE Three related viruses belonging to the genus Alphavirus cause severe encephalitis in humans: Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV), and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). Normally transmitted by mosquitoes, these viruses can cause disease when inhaled, so there is concern that these viruses could be used as biological weapons. Prior reports have suggested that vaccines for these three viruses might interfere with one another. We have developed a combined vaccine for Venezuelan equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, and eastern equine encephalitis expressing the surface proteins of all three viruses. In this report we demonstrate in both mice and macaques that this combined vaccine is safe, generates a strong immune response, and protects against aerosol challenge with the viruses that cause Venezuelan equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, and eastern equine encephalitis.
Leveraging single protein polymers to measure flexural rigidity.

The micrometer-scale length of some protein polymers allows them to be mechanically manipulated in single-molecule experiments. This provides a direct way to measure persistence length. We have use...
A Feature-Based Approach to Embedded System Hardware and Software Co-Design

An embedded system is a hybrid of hardware and software that combines software flexibility and hardware real-time performance. The co-design of hardware and software is the most critical but difficult issue in embedded system design. In this paper, we propose a novel feature-based approach to the co-design of hardware (HW) and software (SW) in embedded systems. The approach first defines an extension to the NIST Core Product Model and then provides an object-oriented UML (Unified Modeling Language) representation for the embedded system feature model, including models of embedded system artifacts, components, features, and HW/SW configuration/assembly. The extended model provides a feature-based HW/SW component co-design framework allowing the designer to develop a virtual embedded system prototype through assembling virtual components. The resulting feature-based model serves as the basis for developing reusable and adaptable components/artifacts. The underlying SW and HW components are determined through feature configuration, and thus HW/SW co-design is implemented by using feature-component mapping and component generation, which may be associated with feature creation, configuration, analysis and reuse. A case study example is discussed to illustrate the embedded system model.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Hele-Shaw flows and water waves

By adapting a new mathematical approach to the problem of steady free-surface Euler flows with surface tension recently devised by the present author, it is demonstrated that exact solutions for steady, free-surface multipole-driven Hele-Shaw flows with surface tension can be constructed using similar methods. Moreover, a (one-way) mathematical transformation between exact solutions to the two distinct free-boundary problems is identified: known exact solutions for free-surface Euler flows with surface tension are shown to automatically generate steady quadrupolar-driven Hele-Shaw flows (with non-zero surface tension) existing in exactly the same domain with the same free surface. This correspondence highlights the essential dynamical differences between the two physical problems. Using the transformation, the exact Hele-Shaw analogues of all known exact solutions for free-surface Euler flows (including Crapper's classic capillary water wave solution) are catalogued thereby producing many previously unknown exact solutions for steady Hele-Shaw flows with capillarity. In particular, this paper reports what are believed to be the first known exact solutions for Hele-Shaw flows with surface tension in a doubly-connected fluid region.
Laser tempering based turning process for efficient machining of hardened AISI 52100 steel

Abstract Cost-effective machining of hardened steel components such as a large wind turbine bearing has traditionally posed a significant challenge. This paper presents an approach to machine hardened steel parts efficiently at higher material removal rates and lower tooling cost. The approach involves a two-step process consisting of laser tempering of the hardened workpiece surface followed by conventional machining at higher material removal rates with lower cost ceramic tools to efficiently remove the tempered material. The laser scanning parameters that yield the highest depth of tempered layer are obtained from a kinetic phase change model. Machining experiments are performed to demonstrate the possibility of higher material removal rates and improved tool wear behavior compared to the conventional hard turning process. Tool wear performance, cutting forces, and surface finish of Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) tools as well as low cost ceramic tools are compared in machining of hardened AISI 52100 steel (~63 HRC). In addition, cutting forces and surface finish are compared for the laser tempering based turning and conventional hard turning processes. Experimental results show the potential benefits of the laser tempering based turning process over the conventional hard turning process.
Ultra-Trace Determination of Rare Earths in Gallium Arsenide

The determination of rare-earth elements in gallium arsenide by a dc arc was studied. An argon and oxygen atmosphere was carefully selected to enhance the selective volatilization of rare earths which comes at the very end of arcing in this matrix. The controlled atmosphere also contributed to the suppression of the CN band and allowed the use of this region. A commercially available standard was used to mix with the matrix for preparation of synthetic standards. The recovery means were within 30% of the amount added and relative coefficients of variations are within 16%. The range of determinations, below the 1 ppm levels, were reported.
Fluorescence assay for picomole quantities of uric acid: a new enzyme--coupled approach.

Abstract An enzyme-coupled fluorometric assay for uric acid has been developed, applicable over a wide range of uric acid concentrations and a pH range of 6 to 8, and capable of measuring picomole quantities. The assay is dased upon the preference of horseradish peroxidase for uric acid rather than scopoletin as a substrate. The method has been applied to serum, urine, and liver tissue. Some practical advantages and wider applications of this method are discussed as well as some possible physiological ramifications of the enzyme reaction upon which this assay is based.
Theory of cylindrically symmetric unijunction transistors

A general theory for near-intrinsic homogenous semiconductor material is extended to the base region of an ideal cylindrical-geometry unijunction transistor. The theory predicts static emitter characteristics for planar geometries with cylindrical symmetry. These predicted characteristics include the effects of drift, diffusion, and simple recombination, and qualitatively agree with experimental data at high injection.
Local and Regional Plant Communities Reconstructed by a Pollen Analysis

Three pollen diagrams of Komado-Ohyachi Moor in Fukushima Prefecture were compared. Data for the same period (from the climatic optimum in the Holocene to the present) were available from the three sites, which indicated that Fagus crenata forest was predominant over the whole Komado area, and at the same time one site (K12) was dominated by a Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata stand and the other (JIMBO and SHIODA, 1980) was dominated by a Pinus parviflora var. pentaphylla stand. The former was referred to as“regional”vegetation and the latter two as“local”vegetations. Pollen analysis showed that Site K12 began as a community dominated by Cyperaceae in the latest Pleistocene and changed into a Moliniopsis japonica-Sphagnum community, a Fraxinus mandshurica var. japonica forest, a Osmundastrum cinnamomeum var. fokiense community, a Ilex crenata scrub, a Moliniopsis japonica-Osmundastrum cinnamomeum var. fokiense community and a Moliniopsis japonica-Cyperaceae community, in that order.
Percutaneous closure of a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm after Sapien XT transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

![Figure][1] [Video 1][2] TTE With Contrast Demonstrating the Presence of the LV Pseudoaneurysm LV = left ventricular; TTE = transthoracic echocardiography. ![Figure][1] [Video 2][3] TEE with Color Doppler Demonstrating Flow Into the LV Pseudoaneurysm LV = left ventricular; TEE
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced thymic atrophy and lymphocyte stem cell alterations by mechanisms independent of the estrogen receptor

Abstract 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) has both agonist and antagonist effects on estrogen-mediated activities and estrogen receptor (ER) levels in epithelial tissues following exposure. We previously demonstrated that TCDD alters bone marrow lymphocyte stem cells, including prothymocytes, as measured by functional assays and alterations in the lymphocyte stem cell-specific markers terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) and recombinase activating gene-1 (RAG-1). We have also shown that 17 β-estradiol valerate (E 2 V) affects lymphocyte stem cells by reducing TdT and RAG-1 mRNA. It has been suggested that the effect of TCDD on these lymphocyte stem cells may be mediated directly or indirectly through estrogenic action and/or the ER. Studies were designed to evaluate whether endogenous estrogens or the ER mediate TCDD-elicited bone marrow alterations and thymic atrophy. Ovariectomy did not alter the sensitivity of mice to TCDD-induced thymic atrophy or to a reduction in TdT biosynthesis in bone marrow cells compared with either intact or sham-operated mice. The pure estrogen antagonist ICI 164,384 blocked E 2 V-induced uterine hypertrophy, thymic atrophy and reductions in lymphocyte stem cell markers. However, the antiestrogen failed to protect against TCDD-elicited thymic atrophy or bone marrow alterations in intact animals. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the effects of TCDD on the thymus and/or bone marrow are mediated by mechanisms independent of estrogens or the ER.
Linkage analysis of human systemic lupus erythematosus-related traits: a principal component approach.

Objective. To identify chromosomal regions containing genes involved in the susceptibility to human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-related traits. Methods. In the context of a genome scan, we analyzed 101 SLE-affected sibpairs with respect to dermatologic, renal, immunologic, hematologic, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, and arthritic characteristics. Phenotypes were redefined in terms of principal components, which are synthetic variables composed of linear combinations of the original traits. Using 9 principal components obtained from these 7 traits plus age at SLE onset and race, we analyzed genome scan data with the multivariate version of the new HasemanElston regression model. Results. The largest linkage for an individual trait was on chromosome 2 at 228 cM (immunologic; P = 0.00048). The most significant linkage to an individual principal component was on chromosome 4 at 208 cM (P = 0.00007). The largest multivariate linkage was on chromosome 7 at 69 cM (P = 0.0001). Of the individual organ systems, dermatologic involvement had the largest effect (P = 0.0083) at this peak at 7p13 on chromosome 7. Further analyses revealed that malar rash, a subtype of dermatologic involvement, was linked significantly (P = 0.00458) to this location. Conclusion. These results provide evidence of the presence and locations of genes that are involved in the genetic susceptibility to SLE-related traits in humans.
Generalized reconstruction of n-D NMR spectra from multiple projections: application to the 5-D HACACONH spectrum of protein G B1 domain.

Reconstructing multidimensional NMR spectra from 2-D projections significantly reduces the time needed for data collection over conventional methodology. Here, we provide a generalization of the projection−reconstruction process to spectra of arbitrary dimensionality, using a concept of coordinate rotation to produce explicit expressions for reconstruction. These expressions allow one to reconstruct subsets of the higher dimensionality space without producing the full spectrum, permitting convenient analysis of the data. We demonstrate the effectiveness of these procedures in the reconstruction of the 5-D HACACONH spectrum of protein G B1 domain from 12 2-D projections collected in five experiments. We further demonstrate that the base spectra of GFT-NMR are equivalent to projections of the 5-D spectrum at fixed angles.
Mutation in the seed storage protein kafirin creates a high-value food trait in sorghum

Sustainable food production for the earth's fast-growing population is a major challenge for breeding new high-yielding crops, but enhancing the nutritional quality of staple crops can potentially offset limitations associated with yield increases. Sorghum has immense value as a staple food item for humans in Africa, but it is poorly digested. Although a mutant exhibiting high-protein digestibility and lysine content has market potential, the molecular nature of the mutation is previously unknown. Here, building on knowledge from maize mutants, we take a direct approach and find that the high-digestible sorghum phenotype is tightly linked to a single-point mutation, rendering the signal peptide of a seed storage protein kafirin resistant to processing, indirectly reducing lysine-poor kafirins and thereby increasing lysine-rich proteins in the seeds. These findings indicate that a molecular marker can be used to accelerate introduction of this high nutrition and digestibility trait into different sorghum varieties.
Pim1 kinase synergizes with c-MYC to induce advanced prostate carcinoma

The oncogenic PIM1 kinase has been implicated as a cofactor for c-MYC in prostate carcinogenesis. In this study, we show that in human prostate tumors, coexpression of c-MYC and PIM1 is associated with higher Gleason grades. Using a tissue recombination model coupled with lentiviral-mediated gene transfer we find that Pim1 is weakly oncogenic in naive adult mouse prostatic epithelium. However, it cooperates dramatically with c-MYC to induce prostate cancer within 6-weeks. Importantly, c-MYC/Pim1 synergy is critically dependent on Pim1 kinase activity. c-MYC/Pim1 tumors showed increased levels of the active serine-62 (S62) phosphorylated form of c-MYC. Grafts expressing a phosphomimetic c-MYCS62D mutant had higher rates of proliferation than grafts expressing wild type c-MYC but did not form tumors like c-MYC/Pim1 grafts, indicating that Pim1 cooperativity with c-MYC in vivo involves additional mechanisms other than enhancement of c-MYC activity by S62 phosphorylation. c-MYC/Pim1-induced prostate carcinomas show evidence of neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation. Additional studies, including the identification of tumor cells coexpressing androgen receptor and NE cell markers synaptophysin and Ascl1 suggested that NE tumors arose from adenocarcinoma cells through transdifferentiation. These results directly show functional cooperativity between c-MYC and PIM1 in prostate tumorigenesis in vivo and support efforts for targeting PIM1 in prostate cancer.
Satellite precipitation products and hydrologic applications

This study examined the application of satellite precipitation in the modelling of 10 watersheds in diverse locations around the planet (Brazil, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand). Significantly, modelled streamflow based on local rain-gauge data and the production version of TRMM 3B42 yielded acceptable results in most of the examined watersheds. An important finding was that the newest version of TRMM 3B42 (V7) can potentially support modelling in watersheds that are significantly smaller than 10,000 km2. Conversely, real-time satellite products that have more limited (or no) bias corrections (such as CMORPH) produced model results that were unacceptable in most basins.
Plasmid-mediated 4-quinolone resistance: a real or apparent absence?

This review analyzes why, in the late 1980s, bacterial plasmid-mediated resistance to quinolones has not yet been found.
Language Lessons: Stories for Teaching and Learning English edited by SPACK, RUTH, & VIVIAN ZAMEL

The article reviews the book "Language Lessons: Stories for Teaching and Learning English," edited by Ruth Spack and Vivian Zamel.
Coincident involvement of flvi-2, c-myc, and novel env genes in natural and experimental lymphosarcomas induced by feline leukemia virus

The flvi-2 locus is a target of insertional mutagenesis in thymic lymphosarcomas induced by feline leukemia virus (FeLV). flvi-2 encodes the gene bmi-1, whose product is implicated as a myc-collaborator in the induction of B- and T-cell lymphoma. We have examined the involvement of flvi -2 and myc in natural and experimentally induced FeLV-positive feline lymphosarcomas which are heterogeneous in anatomical origin, geographic origin, and strain of FeLV involved. We further compared these findings with previous reports of novel FeLV env genes in the same tumors. The results show that proviral insertion at flvi-2 occurs commonly in natural and experimental feline thymic lymphosarcomas of diverse origins [52% overall], and that alterations in c-myc commonly accompany insertional mutagenesis of flvi-2 [54% overall]. However, 46% of tumors with flvi-2 insertions apparently lack involvement of c-myc. These observations support the hypothesis that interruption of flvi-2 may be an early event in a multistep cascade, one possibility for completion of which is activation of c-myc. Interruption of flvi-2 was not observed in nonthymic lymphosarcomas of alimentary or multicentric origin, although c-myc may be involved. A proportion of both thymic and nonthymic tumors have been shown previously to contain FeLV proviruses with recombinant or mutant env genes. Our findings strongly implicate the insertional mutagenesis of flvi-2, the activation of c-myc, and the emergence of novel env genes in FeLV-mediated lymphomagenesis, particularly in the induction of thymic lymphosarcoma. The data show that these events may overlap, but do not necessarily occur concurrently.
Composition dependence of ductility in boron-doped, nickel-base L12 alloys

The effect of boron doping on the ductility and fracture morphology of the Ni/sub 3/X(X=Al, Ga, Si, Ge) system has been examined. For the boron-doped binary alloys, the ductility varies as Ni/sub 3/Alapprox. =Ni/sub 3/Ga>Ni/sub 3/Ge. The boron-doped ternary alloys follow the same trend of decreasing ductility with increasing Si and Ge content. The data is consistent with both the valency/size effect and electronegativity models for grain boundary cohesive strength.
Visibility of Visual Implant Elastomer Tags in Atlantic Salmon Reared for Two Years in Marine Net-Pens

Abstract We evaluated detectability of visual implant elastomer (VIE) tags in individual Atlantic salmon Salmo salar reared from smolts to adults in commercial marine net-pens. A total of 9,000 individual smolts were marked (adipose eye, lower jaw, or both) with colored VIE tags. During the period from March 1998 to December 2000 (2–28 months after tagging) a total of 3,220 fish were visually inspected for VIE tags. Tag detection rates remained high (>90%) for the first 17 months after tagging but then declined sharply, particularly for VIEs in the jaw. Use of a UV light significantly increased detection of both eye and jaw VIE tags. We conclude that VIE tags are optimal for use in Atlantic salmon when recovery of fish occurs within 17 months of tagging.
Thermodynamic properties by levitation calorimetry III. The enthalpies of fusion and heat capacities for the liquid phases of iron, titanium, and vanadium

A levitation calorimeter has been used to determine the thermodynamic properties of liquid titanium, vanadium, and iron over the temperature ranges: 1969 to 2315K, 2205 to 2638 K, and 1804 to 2142 K, respectively. In addition, emissivity values for the liquid metal surfaces have been determined. A summary of the results obtained is presented below. Titanium Vanadium Iron Δ H m / cal mol − 1 3161 ± 120 4136 ± 170 3307 ± 70 Δ S m / cal K − 1 mol − 1 1.63 ± 0.06 1.90 ± 0.08 1.83 ± 0.04 C p / cal K − 1 mol − 1 10.87 ± 0.41 11.65 ± 0.36 10.29 ± 0.29 ( e l , T m , λ = 0.65 μm ) 0.477 ± 0.027 0.400 ± 0.019 0.378 ± 0.006
Of Kwanzaa, Cinco de Mayo, and Whispering: The Need for Intercultural Education

Multicultural education aims to improve understanding among students of different ethnic groups, but it can lessen intergroup conflict only if it is implemented systematically. In multiethnic school settings, the relationships among students of different “minority” groups are problematic; conflicts need to be both understood and addressed if multicultural education is to succeed. In one inner-city California high school, the celebration of Kwanzaa leads to exclusion and isolation, and the speaking of Spanish in the classroom sparks conflict and resentments.
Intelligent Detection of SNM in Liquid Containers

Detection of special nuclear materials (SNM) in cargo containers is an integral component of homeland security. In this paper a new algorithm is proposed for detecting such materials in containers filled with liquids. Use of imaging, acoustic interrogation and fuzzy logic algorithms support intelligent decision making. The method is tested for a comprehensive scenario of detecting depleted uranium in water. Cargo containers carrying liquids provide objective difficulties when imposed to manual search. The state of the interior (liquid) and its properties (flow, toxic, not transparent) make it difficult to access such containers by humans searching for hidden materials. So, the need for accurate and fast detection is increased and in the present work it is addressed through a new algorithm using fuzzy logic tools (7). In this paper we present first the scenario for scanning protocol, and the intelligent detection module based on that scenario. The efficiency and applicability of the methodology to liquid- carrying containers is demonstrated and validation results are presented.
The biology of cementum increments (with an archaeological application)

Cementum, a bone-like tissue that surrounds the roots of teeth, anchoring them to the periodontal ligament, is useful for determining the age at and season of death of mammals, an issue of concern for both archaeologists and biologists. When a tooth is sectioned and examined microscopically, cementum appears in bands that differ in their optical properties and are well correlated with seasonal growth. Because it is a continually deposited tissue that is rarely modified or resorbed, cementum records the history of a variety of seasonal factors that affect its growth. An understanding of the biological nature of cementum is crucial to the identification of these factors and interpretation of the resulting incremental structure. This paper outlines current knowledge of the development, histology and function of cementum in the context of the mammalian masticatory apparatus. Of the various types of cementum, acellular cementum is often more appropriate for seasonal correlations. Differences between acellular cementum increments are probably related to specific dietary factors that often vary between seasons. Cellular cementum increments probably result from phasic cementogenesis triggered by tooth eruption. This paper outlines a study of cementum bands in Gazella gazella for which there is an excellent correlation between the season of death and incremental structures in their cementum. This correlation can be used to estimate the season of death of gazelles from archaeological sites in the Levant. Problems for future research are outlined.
Selecting University Technology Transfer Modes: An Examination of Biotechnology Firms' Entrepreneurial Orientation

Universities use technology transfer to disseminate groundbreaking knowledge to biotechnology firms. Each transfer mode—licensing, sponsored contract research, and consulting arrangements —offers biotechnology firms an opportunity to acquire a unique bundle of knowledge and resources. This study proposes that an entrepreneurial orientation (EO) may influence a firm’s selection of a specific technology transfer mode. An EO reflects a firm’s willingness to innovate, take risks, and become a first mover. This strategic orientation may guide managers to select a transfer mode that not only fits a firm’s needs but also enables it to gain an advantage. This study uses multinomial logistic regression to examine how a DBF’s innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk taking influence a DBF’s transfer mode selection
Ramón de la Cruz: libretista de zarzuelas

Don Ramon de la Cruz Cano y Olmedilla (1731–1794) nos es conocido primordialmente como autor de sainetes, genero a que dio la imborrable estampa de su ingenio. En la totalidad de su obra, sin embargo, otras formas teatrales merecen nuestra atencion y estudio, y en primer lugar entre ellas esta la zarzuela. En los catalogos que publico Cotarelo y Mori en su libro sobre la vida y obras del genial madrileno, el numero de sainetes ascendia a 542; la cifra para todas las demas obras—comedias, tragedias, zarzuelas, muchas de ellas traducidas—apenas alcanza 69 obras. De estas, hay 21 zarzuelas en dos actos, 8 en un acto, y una en tres actos, mas otras 5 conocidas solo por el titulo o de dudosa atribucion. En total, son 36 a lo mas.1
The effects of hormone replacement on the biomechanical properties of the uterosacral and round ligaments in the monkey model.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine effects of ovariectomy (OVX) and conjugated equine estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (CEE/MPA), or ethinyl estradiol plus norethindrone acetate (EE/NA) on biomechanics of uterosacral (USL) and round (RL) ligaments in postmenopausal (PMP) monkeys. Study design This was a randomized, triple blind, placebo-controlled study. OVX monkeys received 12 months no treatment (Pbo) (n=19), CEE/MPA (n=19), or EE/NA (n=21). USL and RL step strains and stress-relaxation data were curve-fitted, giving strain-dependent tensile modulus (TM) from 0% to 30%. Results (1) USL: TM for both treatment groups was greater than Pbo for strains from 0% to 12% ( P P Conclusion CEE/MPA and EE/NA both affect functional biomechanical properties by increasing tensile stiffness in the USL and decreasing it in the RL.
Mental and Physical Health–Related Quality of Life among U.S. Cancer Survivors: Population Estimates from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey

Background: Despite extensive data on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among cancer survivors, we do not yet have an estimate of the percentage of survivors with poor mental and physical HRQOL compared with population norms. HRQOL population means for adult-onset cancer survivors of all ages and across the survivorship trajectory also have not been published. Methods: Survivors ( N = 1,822) and adults with no cancer history ( N = 24,804) were identified from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey. The PROMIS® Global Health Scale was used to assess HRQOL. Poor HRQOL was defined as 1 SD or more below the PROMIS® population norm. Results: Poor physical and mental HRQOL were reported by 24.5% and 10.1% of survivors, respectively, compared with 10.2% and 5.9% of adults without cancer (both P < 0.0001). This represents a population of approximately 3.3 million and 1.4 million U.S. survivors with poor physical and mental HRQOL. Adjusted mean mental and physical HRQOL scores were similar for breast, prostate, and melanoma survivors compared with adults without cancer. Survivors of cervical, colorectal, hematologic, short-survival, and other cancers had worse physical HRQOL; cervical and short-survival cancer survivors reported worse mental HRQOL. Conclusion: These data elucidate the burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment among U.S. survivors and can be used to monitor the impact of national efforts to improve survivorship care and outcomes. Impact: We present novel data on the number of U.S. survivors with poor HRQOL. Interventions for high-risk groups that can be easily implemented are needed to improve survivor health at a population level. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(11); 2108–17. ©2012 AACR .
Environmental changes in soleus H-reflex excitability in young and elderly subjects.

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of task complexity on soleus H-reflex modulation in young and elderly subjects. Twelve young (mean age = 29.2 yrs) and 10 elderly (mean age = 75.1 ...
Multi-robot coalition formation

As the community strives towards autonomous multi-robot systems, there is a need for these systems to autonomously form coalitions to complete assigned missions. Numerous coalition formation algorithms have been proposed in the software agent literature. Algorithms exist that form agent coalitions in both super additive and non-super additive environments. The algorithmic techniques vary from negotiation-based protocols in multi-agent system (MAS) environments to those based on computation in distributed problem solving (DPS) environments. Coalition formation behaviors have also been discussed in relation to game theory. Despite the plethora of MAS coalition formation literature, to the best of our knowledge none of the proposed algorithms have been demonstrated with an actual multi-robot system. There exists a discrepancy between the multi-agent algorithms and their applicability to the multi-robot domain. This paper aims to bridge that discrepancy by unearthing the issues that arise while attempting to tailor these algorithms to the multi-robot domain. A well-known multi-agent coalition formation algorithm has been studied in order to identify the necessary modifications to facilitate its application to the multi-robot domain. This paper reports multi-robot coalition formation results based upon simulation and actual robot experiments. A multi-agent coalition formation algorithm has been demonstrated on an actual robot system
Evaluation of Three Rapid Diagnostic Methods for Direct Identification of Microorganisms in Positive Blood Cultures

The identification of organisms from positive blood cultures generally takes several days. However, recently developed rapid diagnostic methods offer the potential for organism identification within only a few hours of blood culture positivity. In this study, we evaluated the performance of three commercial methods to rapidly identify organisms directly from positive blood cultures: QuickFISH (AdvanDx, Wolburn, MA), Verigene Gram-Positive Blood Culture (BC-GP; Nanosphere, Northbrook, IL), and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) with Sepsityper processing (Bruker Daltonics, Billerica, MA). A total of 159 blood cultures (VersaTREK Trek Diagnostic Systems, Cleveland, OH) positive for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as yeast were analyzed with QuickFISH and MALDI-TOF MS. In all, 102 blood cultures were analyzed using the BC-GP assay. For monomicrobial cultures, we observed 98.0% concordance with routine methods for both QuickFISH (143/146) and the BC-GP assay (93/95). MALDI-TOF MS demonstrated 80.1% (117/146) and 87.7% (128/146) concordance with routine methods to the genus and species levels, respectively. None of the methods tested were capable of consistently identifying polymicrobial cultures in their entirety or reliably differentiating Streptococcus pneumoniae from viridans streptococci. Nevertheless, the methods evaluated in this study are convenient and accurate for the most commonly encountered pathogens and have the potential to dramatically reduce turnaround time for the provision of results to the treating physician.
A discrete lattice plane analysis of the interfacial energy of coherent F.C.C.: H.C.P. interfaces and its application to the nucleation of γ in AlAg alloys

Abstract The discrete lattice plane (DLP) model is used to calculate the chemical interfacial energy (γ) of coherent f.c.c.:h.c.p. interfaces of arbitrary orientation in AlAg alloys. The compositional diffuseness of the interface is neglected. The results of these calculations are used to develop polar γ-plots of an h.c.p. crystal within an f.c.c. matrix, obtained as a function of alloy composition. The Wulff construction on the γ-plot yield the equilibrium shapes taken to correspond to that of homogeneously formed h.c.p. γ′ critical nuclei in an f.c.c. α AlAg matrix. These shapes are then used to calculate the steady state homogeneous nucleation rate of γ′ as a function of alloy composition and reaction temperature. Although these calculations indicated that homogeneous nucleation of coherent γ′ should be feasible in the temperature region between the GP zone solvus and the metastable equilibrium ( α /( α + γ ′)) solvus, a concurrent TEM investigation showed that the only γ′ present was nucleated on dislocations. While competition with such heterogeneous nucleation may have inhibited homogeneous nucleation, it is probable that the nearest neighbor version of the discrete lattice plane model used significantly underestimated the energy of coherent α : γ ′ boundaries in AlAg alloys.
Wannier basis design and optimization of a photonic crystal waveguide crossing

We employ a novel platform for the realization of tunable photonic crystal (PC) circuits together with a Wannier basis modeling and optimization scheme in order to design a broad-band waveguide crossing. The superior performance characteristics of our design include a high bandwidth (2% of the center frequency) as well as low values for crosstalk (-40 dB) and reflection (-30 dB). In addition, we demonstrate the robustness of the device performance against fabrication disorder. Our novel design paradigm will enable efficient and ultracompact PC-based device designs with complex functionalities.
Vitamins A, e and fatty acid composition of the eggs of caged hens and pastured hens

In the US farmers often market pastured poultry eggs for a premium price, claiming animal and human health benefits. We examined how moving pastured hens to forage legumes or mixed grasses influenced hen (Gallus gallus L.) egg omega-3 fatty acids and concentrations of vitamins A and E. We also compared the eggs of the pastured hens to those of hens fed a commercial diet in cages. We used a cross-over design to compare pasture species: 75 sister hens were assigned to one of three pasture treatment groups: (1) alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), (2) red and white clover (Trifolium pretense L. and Trifolium repens L.) or (3) mixed cool season grasses. Groups were rotated to all three pasture treatments, each for 2 weeks and supplemented with 70 g commercial hen mash bird−1 day−1. Pasture botanical composition, forage mass, leaf to total ratio and plant fatty acid composition were compared among pasture treatments. Eggs of the pastured hens were compared to eggs of 50 sister hens that were fed only commercial hen mash in cages for the entire 6 weeks. Forage parameters varied somewhat, but did not explain plant linolenic acid variation. Seventeen of the 18 quantified egg fatty acids, and vitamin A concentrations did not (P<0.05) differ among the three pasture treatment groups. Eggs of the hens that foraged grasses had 23% more (P<0.0001) vitamin E than eggs of hens that foraged clover. Compared to eggs of the caged hens, pastured hens' eggs had twice as much vitamin E and long-chain omega-3 fats, 2.5-fold more total omega-3 fatty acids, and less than half the ratio of omega-6:omega-3 fatty acids (P<0.0001). Vitamin A concentration was 38% higher (P<0.05) in the pastured hens' eggs than in the caged hens' eggs, but total vitamin A per egg did not differ. At the end of the experiment, pastured hens weighed 14% less and averaged 15% lower hen-day egg production than caged birds (P<0.0001). Results suggest that grass pastures may enhance vitamin E in eggs of pastured hens more than clover, and pastured hens supplemented with commercial mash will produce eggs with significantly more vitamin E and total omega-3 fatty acids compared to eggs from caged hens fed only commercial hen mash. Pastured hens may have lower body weight and egg production than caged hens, unless they are supplemented adequately to meet their dietary energy and crude protein needs.
Household chaos moderates the link between maternal attribution bias and parenting: Parenting: Science and Practice.

SYNOPSIS Objective. Parents who attribute child misbehavior to children's intentions and dismiss situational factors tend to show more hostility and less warmth in their parenting behavior, and are at greater risk for maltreatment. We extended this literature by investigating the role of household chaos as a moderator of the link between maternal attribution biases and parenting behaviors. Design. The current sample included 160 mothers of 3- to 7-year-old children. Mothers provided reports on their attribution biases and household chaos levels. Maternal negativity and positivity were measured using self-reports and observers' ratings. Results. The links between attribution bias and parenting behavior were stronger in more chaotic environments, with the moderating effect of chaos being particularly strong for internal attribution bias. Conclusions. The findings point to the importance of social cognitive biases in the etiology of maternal behavior in family contexts that lack order and predictability.
Macropower: A coarse-grain power profiling framework for energy-efficient cloud computing

Power and energy consumption has become a major concern in modern data centers and cloud systems. In order to develop efficient power management mechanisms for green clouds, we need a deep understanding of the influence of system configurations on the power consumption in real cloud systems. Power profiling provides such a vehicle. Existing fine-grain profiling approaches require special hardwired connections to the pins of individual hardware devices, which is not practical for large-scale production clouds. Moreover, they cannot provide a macroscopic view of the cloud-wide power dynamics. In this paper, we present macropower, a coarse-grain power and energy profiling framework. It provides a combination of hardware and software tools that achieves power/energy profiling at server granularity. It uses direct or derived measurements to isolate and combine influences from system components in cloud power profiles. It also generates the correlations between system activities and server/cloud-wide power/energy usage. We implement a prototype of macropower and test it in a cloud testbed. The profiled data are analyzed and the impact of system configurations on the server/cloud power usage is quantified, which is valuable for autonomic and energy-efficient management of cloud resources.
Robust linear and support vector regression

The robust Huber M-estimator, a differentiable cost function that is quadratic for small errors and linear otherwise, is modeled exactly, in the original primal space of the problem, by an easily solvable simple convex quadratic program for both linear and nonlinear support vector estimators. Previous models were significantly more complex or formulated in the dual space and most involved specialized numerical algorithms for solving the robust Huber linear estimator. Numerical test comparisons with these algorithms indicate the computational effectiveness of the new quadratic programming model for both linear and nonlinear support vector problems. Results are shown on problems with as many as 20000 data points, with considerably faster running times on larger problems.
Populism, capitalism and the political economy of autonomy

Abstract This article explores the concept of state autonomy with respect to the domestic class forces and the global economy. It deals with a ntimber of theoretical points raised in the debate between Leander and Turel over the imperatives of international competition and the possibility of redistributional politics in Turkey during the 1980s and 1990s.
Improved results for color error reductions using neural networks and a fast training algorithm

In a previous paper by Xu and Crilly (see ibid., vol. 39, p. 630, August 1993), neural networks were able to correct color errors in television receivers. The results showed that 70% of these errors were reduced by various amounts. This paper further investigates the use of neural networks for error reduction. A simpler network is employed in conjunction with a fast training algorithm. The new results are significantly better than previously reported. It is shown that virtually all of the color errors are significantly reduced. It also presents the details of the training algorithm. >
Social phobia secondary to physical disability : a review of benign essential tremor (BET) and stuttering

Persons with physical disabilities cannot be diagnosed as having social phobia under current DSM-III-R criteria. The DSM-III-R social phobia diagnosis excludes persons where a physical disorder causes the distress and phobic avoidance. However, the authors have noted in clinical practice that social phobia and physical disabilities sometimes coexist. A review of the published literature reveals that stutterers and BET patients frequently have social phobia-like symptoms. No prevalence data on comorbid DSM-III-R-defined social phobia were found in these groups (i.e., social phobia occurring in areas where the disability does not cause the distress and avoidance). Further research is warranted to determine the prevalence of social phobic behaviors occurring in conjunction with certain physical disabilities.
Códigos éticos y gestión de valores empresariales. Un estudio sectorial comparado en España

La dimension etica de la actividad empresarial ha cobrado gran relevancia en los ultimos anos. En consecuencia muchas empresas han decidido elaborar codigos eticos como principios inspiradores de su gestion. Diferentes estudios relacionan su eficacia con su contenido y modo de implantacion, aspectos que pueden diferir de una organizacion a otra. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo un estudio comparativo sobre la visibilidad y contenido de los codigos eticos en tres sectores economicos espanoles: financiero, energetico y telefonico. Hemos aplicado una metodologia cualitativa, basada en un analisis de contenido de sus codigos eticos, sobre una muestra basada en las empresas mas relevantes de cada sector. El estudio pone de manifiesto, entre otras cuestiones: la existencia de diferencias inter e intrasectoriales, la ausencia de valores relevantes, la generalidad o ambiguedad con que se formulan, la influencia de la legislacion en el contenido del codigo y la preponderancia de las declaraciones frente a aspectos relacionados con su gestion. Pese a las dudas que suscita la eficacia del codigo etico hay un acuerdo bastante generalizado de que la institucionalizacion y comunicacion del mismo es el primer paso para mejorar el comportamiento etico de una organizacion con sus diferentes stakeholders.
Military Laws on Exemplary Conduct: What Remains after 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' Rulings

JURIST Guest Columnist Kevin Govern of Ave Maria School of Law says that despite the recent District Court decisions enjoining the Department of Defense from enforcing or applying "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," there remains a significant body of law allowing the military to demand what it considers "exemplary conduct" from its members.
Organic Geochemistry of Laminated Sediments from the Gulf of California

Both varved (laminated) and homogenous sediments from DSDP/IPOD Sites 479 and 480 have been analyzed to examine any potential differences in the organic matter composition. The interstitial gas is composed mainly of methane and carbon dioxide and it is derived from biogenic sources in both types of sequences. The lipid composition is very similiar for both sequences and indicates a primarily autochthonous microbial origin, with some influx of allochthonous higher plant detritus. The non-laminated sections contain relatively more terrigenous plant wax detritus versus autochthonous residues and a much greater amount of perylene than the laminated sections. The laminated zones consist of rhythmic couplets of diatom ooze and terrigenous clay deposited in an oxygen minimum environment and the homogeneous zones consist of diatomaceous mud to muddy ooze with evidence of extensive burrowing deposited from a less pronounced oxygen minimum environment. The factors which resulted in these different lithologies also determined the distribution of organic facies as reflected in the kerogen, which has also been analyzed. The data indicate the presence of different types of kerogen in the oxic, homogeneous zones (low hydrogen index, high oxygen index, i.e., more oxidized organic matter) than in the anoxic, laminated zones (high hydrogen index, low oxygen index, i.e., more aliphatic and unaltered organic matter).
Subgrid-Scale Modeling of Reaction-Diffusion and Scalar Transport in Turbulent Premixed Flames

ABSTRACTA numerical study of premixed flame-turbulence interaction is performed to investigate the effects of turbulence on the structural features of the flame and the subgrid-scale (SGS) effects on vorticity dynamics, energy transfer mechanism, and turbulent transport across the flame. We consider a freely propagating methane-air turbulent premixed flame interacting with a decaying isotropic turbulence under three different initial conditions corresponding to the corrugated flamelet (CF), the thin reaction zone (TRZ), and the broken/distributed reaction zone (B/DRZ) regimes. We employ the well-established linear eddy mixing (LEM) model in large-eddy simulation (LEMLES), a new subgrid closure for reaction-diffusion occurring in the small-scales based on LEM (RRLES), and a quasi-laminar chemistry based closure in large-eddy simulation (QLLES) to simulate flame-turbulence interactions and to compare predictions with direct numerical simulation (DNS). We assess the accuracy and robustness of the closures by...