Three-potential formalism for the three-body scattering problem with attractive Coulomb interactions

A three-body scattering process in the presence of Coulomb interaction can be decomposed formally into a two-body single channel, a two-body multichannel and a genuine three-body scattering. The corresponding integral equations are coupled Lippmann-Schwinger and Faddeev-Merkuriev integral equations. We solve them by applying the Coulomb-Sturmian separable expansion method. We present elastic scattering and reaction cross sections of the $e^++H$ system both below and above the $H(n=2)$ threshold. We found excellent agreements with previous calculations in most cases.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figure

Analysis and Design of Computer Networks Using a Web-Based DSS

Analyzing the performance of computer networks to improve their overall performance requires accounting for a large variety of inputs and operating characteristics, such as packet flow rates and sizes, device capabilities and interconnection capacities. A decision support system to analyze these multiple simultaneous variables is presented to assist network developers. Network architectures and demand patterns are accounted for and the underlying model that analyzes these patterns is discussed. A web based approach was utilized which has resulted in an accessible and scalable analytical tool

Contributions to the bryophyte flora of croatia III. Plitvička jezera National Park and adjacent areas

Bryological fi eld surveys in Plitvička jezera National Park and adjacent areas (Slunjčica river and Vrhovinsko polje karst fi eld) carried out in 2012 and 2013 resulted in a list of 207 species (39 liverworts and 168 mosses). Two species are reported for the fi rst time from Croatia (Ephemerum minutissimum and Pohlia annotina). Six species are included in the Red data book of European bryophytes (Buxbaumia viridis, Dicranum viride, Hamatocaulis vernicosus, Anomodon rostratus,Rhynchostegiella tenuicaulis and Taxiphyllum densifolium). The first three are listed in the Bern Convention and the EU Habitats and Species Directive as well; in addition, other species, especially Sphagnum spp. rare in SE Europe were also located in the area

Cavity optomechanics with stoichiometric SiN films

We study high-stress SiN films for reaching the quantum regime with mesoscopic oscillators connected to a room-temperature thermal bath, for which there are stringent requirements on the oscillators' quality factors and frequencies. Our SiN films support mechanical modes with unprecedented products of mechanical quality factor $Q_m$ and frequency $\nu_m$ reaching $Q_{m} \nu_m \simeq2 \times 10^{13}$ Hz. The SiN membranes exhibit a low optical absorption characterized by Im$(n) \lesssim 10^{-5}$ at 935 nm, representing a 15 times reduction for SiN membranes. We have developed an apparatus to simultaneously cool the motion of multiple mechanical modes based on a short, high-finesse Fabry-Perot cavity and present initial cooling results along with future possibilities.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure

dUTPase based switch controls transfer of virulence genes in order to preserve integrity of the transferred mobile genetic elements

dUTPases ubiquitously regulate cellular dUTP levels to preserve genome integrity. Recently, several other cellular processes were reported to be controlled by dUTPases including the horizontal transfer of Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity islands (SaPI). SaPIs are mobil genetic elements that encode virulence enhancing factors e.g. toxins. Here, phage dUTPases were proposed to counteract the repressor protein (Stl) and promote SaPI excision and transfer. A G protein-like mechanism was proposed which is unexpected in light of the kinetic mechanism of dUTPase. Here we investigate the molecular mechanism of SaPI transfer regulation, using numerous dUTPase variants and a wide range of in vitro methods (steady-state and transient kinetics, VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy, EMSA, quartz crystal microbalance, X-ray crystallography). Our results unambiguously show that Stl inhibits the enzymatic activity of dUTPase in the nM concentration range and dUTP strongly inhibits the dUTPase: Stl complexation. These results identify Stl as a highly potent dUTPase inhibitor protein and disprove the G protein-like mechanism. Importantly, our results clearly show that the dUTPase:dUTP complex is inaccessible to the Stl repressor. Unlike in small GTPases, hydrolysis of the substrate nucleoside triphosphate (dUTP in this case) is required prior to the interaction with the partner (Stl repressor in this case). We propose that dUTPase can efficiently interact with Stl and induce SaPI excision only if the cellular dUTP level is low (i.e. when dUTPase resides mainly in the apo enzyme form) while high dUTP levels would inhibit SaPI transfer. This mechanism may serve the preservation of the integrity of the transferred SaPI genes and links the well-known metabolic role of dUTPases to their newly revealed regulatory function in spread of virulence factors

Current advances in digital cognitive assessment for preclinical Alzheimer\u27s disease

There is a pressing need to capture and track subtle cognitive change at the preclinical stage of Alzheimer\u27s disease (AD) rapidly, cost-effectively, and with high sensitivity. Concurrently, the landscape of digital cognitive assessment is rapidly evolving as technology advances, older adult tech-adoption increases, and external events (i.e., COVID-19) necessitate remote digital assessment. Here, we provide a snapshot review of the current state of digital cognitive assessment for preclinical AD including different device platforms/assessment approaches, levels of validation, and implementation challenges. We focus on articles, grants, and recent conference proceedings specifically querying the relationship between digital cognitive assessments and established biomarkers for preclinical AD (e.g., amyloid beta and tau) in clinically normal (CN) individuals. Several digital assessments were identified across platforms (e.g., digital pens, smartphones). Digital assessments varied by intended setting (e.g., remote vs. in-clinic), level of supervision (e.g., self vs. supervised), and device origin (personal vs. study-provided). At least 11 publications characterize digital cognitive assessment against AD biomarkers among CN. First available data demonstrate promising validity of this approach against both conventional assessment methods (moderate to large effect sizes) and relevant biomarkers (predominantly weak to moderate effect sizes). We discuss levels of validation and issues relating to usability, data quality, data protection, and attrition. While still in its infancy, digital cognitive assessment, especially when administered remotely, will undoubtedly play a major future role in screening for and tracking preclinical AD