cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance effects of early and late Six Sigma adoptions

Operations managers confront the challenge of deciding when to implement various administrative innovations such as Six Sigma, ISO 9000, and Lean. This research examines the operating performance effects of early versus late adoption of Six Sigma process improvement. Using theories of organizational learning and knowledge transfer, we develop hypotheses describing the advantages of late adoption, and factors that affect a firm's ability to benefit from Six Sigma either as an early or late adopter. We test our hypotheses using an event study methodology. The empirical results show that, on average, late adopters in our sample enjoy significantly greater performance gains than early adopters. However, the analysis also shows that the advantages of late adopters tend to be moderated by certain environmental and structural characteristics of a firm. Specifically, late adoption has been favorable when firms operate in low-velocity industries, when they primarily sell in business-to-business markets, when they have good financial performance prior to adoption, and when they are large. Conversely, when adopters operate in conditions that have the opposite characteristics, then early adoption appears to have produced better results. Understanding the effects of these factors can enhance managers’ abilities to determine appropriate adoption timing to increase performance.
A Unified Formalism of Two-Dimensional Anisotropic Elasticity, Piezoelectricity and Unsymmetric Laminated Plates

A unified formalism is presented for theoretical analysis of plane anisotropic elasticity and piezoelectricity, unsymmetric anisotropic plates, and other two-dimensional problems of continua with linear constitutive relations. Complex variables are used to reduce the governing differential equations to algebraic equations. The constitutive relation then yields an eigenrelation, which is easily solved explicitly for the material eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The latter have polynomial expressions in terms of the eigenvalues. When the eigenvectors are combined after multiplication by arbitrary analytic functions containing the corresponding eigenvalues, one obtains the two-dimensional general solution. Important results, including the orthogonality of the eigenvectors, the expressions of the pseudometrics and the intrinsic tensors, are established here for nondegenerate materials, including the case of all distinct eigenvalues. Green s functions of the infinite domain, and of the semi-infinite domain with interior or edge singularities, are determined explicitly for the most general types of point loads and discontinuities (dislocations).
Scale and accessibility: Implications for the analysis of land use-travel interaction

Abstract An important methodological issue in accessibility research is how the results are affected by geographical scale. Understanding the scale effect and the associated modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) is also important for the analysis of land use–travel interaction. Using a distinct type of accessibility measures, namely space–time measures, this study examines whether the relationships among accessibility, land use, and personal and household characteristics vary systematically with geographical scale. Space–time accessibility measures were implemented using an activity–travel diary data set collected in the Portland (Oregon, USA) metropolitan area. Through multilevel models, the study shows that these relationships are scale invariant.
Su1646 Endoscopic Treatment of Dominant Biliary Strictures in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Patients: Comparison of Adverse Events Associated With Balloon Dilation With and Without Stenting

Su1646 Endoscopic Treatment of Dominant Biliary Strictures in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Patients: Comparison of Adverse Events Associated With Balloon Dilation With and Without Stenting Udayakumar Navaneethan, Ramprasad Jegadeesan*, Jeffrey Hammel, Madhusudhan R. Sanaka, John J. Vargo, Mansour A. Parsi Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Cleveland2Center for Interventional Endoscopy, Florida Hospital Institute for Minimally Invasive Therapy, Orlando, FL Background: Dominant biliary strictures occur commonly in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The optimal endoscopic management of dominant strictures remains unclear and the comparative risk of adverse events associated with balloon dilation alone versus balloon dilation and short term stenting remains unknown. Aim: Our aim was to compare the rate of adverse events associated with balloon dilation alone versus balloon dilation followed by short term stenting (! 7 days) in PSC patients with dominant strictures. Methods: In this retrospective study, 298 patients with PSC were evaluated. Among these, patients who had undergone biliary balloon dilation and/or short term stent placement (! 7 days) for endoscopic treatment of dominant strictures were identified. Adverse events associated with endoscopic biliary balloon dilatation with and without short term stenting for management of dominant strictures were determined. Results: A total of 72 PSC patients (median age 52.6 years; interquartile range 42.5-64) with dominant strictures were identified. Fifteen patients (20.8%) were treated with endoscopic balloon dilation alone and 57 patients (79.2%) were treated with balloon dilation and stent placement. Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics such as age, symptoms, bilirubin levels and severity of PSC as determined by the Mayo PSC risk score. The median duration of follow-up after intervention was similar in both groups (49 months). The overall risk of adverse events with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was 15.3% (nZ11). Six patients developed cholangitis which was the most common adverse event. None of the patients in the balloon dilation alone group developed adverse events in contrast to 19.3% of patients (nZ11) who had undergone balloon dilation and short term stenting. (p! 0.01) On multivariate analysis, only stent placement increased the risk of adverse event development. (Hazard ratio 1.86; 95% confidence interval [1.3-2.2], pZ0.02). Conclusions: In this study, even short term stenting after balloon dilation appeared to increase the overall risk of adverse events associated with treatment of dominant strictures in PSC patients. Randomized controlled trials are required to clarify the appropriate management of dominant strictures in PSC patients.
African refugee resettlement in the US: the role and significance of voluntary agencies

Voluntary agencies (VOLAGs) have long played a major role in US immigration, acting as intermediaries between government and individuals. This research demonstrates how VOLAGs impact the migration patterns of African refugees directly and indirectly, changing the urban geography of the foreign-born. They play a key role throughout the resettlement process through the determination of resettlement locations; and through the facilitation of monetary, case management, health, education, and career placement services. Together with local social networks, and employment or educational organizations, they can enhance the likelihood that refugee in-migrations succeed. They may also indirectly play a role by compensating for a lack of social networks or economic assistance. Conversely, ineffective VOLAG support can substantially delay the ability of new refugees to effectively integrate into local communities. Communities that don't have strong systems of VOLAGs may see refugees migrating away from their communit...
Trauma and Second Language Learning among Laotian Refugees

Unprecedented numbers of adult refugee learners are entering ESL classes, many of whom escaped war-torn countries and endured long stays in refugee camps. Research in public health and psychology has documented high levels of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder in refugee populations. Drawing on ethnographic research with Laotian refugee women who experienced pre-settlement trauma during the Vietnam War and interviews with bilingual mental health professionals, this article examines current second language acquisition theories to consider how they elucidate the effect of trauma on second language learning. The article offers cross-cultural perspectives about the impact of trauma on learning and recommendations for working with adult refugee learners who have experienced trauma. Findings have implications for ESL instructors and second language researchers concerned with the impact of presettlement experiences on second language acquisition and implications for classroom instruction.
Liar's domination

Assume that each vertex of a graph G is the possible location for an “intruder” such as a thief, or a saboteur, a fire in a facility or some possible processor fault in a computer network. A device at a vertex v is assumed to be able to detect the intruder at any vertex in its closed neighborhood N[v] and to identify at which vertex in N[v] the intruder is located. One must then have a dominating set S ⊆ V(G), a set with ∪v∈SN[v] = V(G), to be able to identify any intruder's location. If any one device can fail to detect the intruder, then one needs a double-dominating set. This article introduces the study of liar's dominating sets, sets that can identify an intruder's location even when any one device in the neighborhood of the intruder vertex can lie, that is, any one device in the neighborhood of the intruder vertex can misidentify any vertex in its closed neighborhood as the intruder location. Liar's dominating sets lie between double-dominating sets and triple-dominating sets because every triple-dominating set is a liar's dominating set, and every liar's dominating set must double dominate. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
Early Childhood Literacy Coaches' Role Perceptions and Recommendations for Change

In recent years, literacy coaches have emerged as an integral part of a school's literacy team. Although current research on literacy coaching examines the work of coaches at the elementary and middle/secondary school levels, little research exists on the roles and perspectives of early childhood literacy coaches. This study sought to fill that gap by examining the current priorities of 20 early childhood literacy coaches and their recommendations for enhancing their roles as literacy coaches. We found that early childhood literacy coaches identified serving as content expert, promoter of self-reflection, and professional development facilitator as high priorities for their current work. They identified facilitator of the school-wide literacy community as a low priority.
Specific surface area and pore‐size distribution in clays and shales

One of the biggest challenges in estimating the elastic, transport and storage properties of shales has been a lack of understanding of their complete pore structure. The shale matrix is predominantly composed of micropores (pores less than 2 nm diameter) and mesopores (pores with 2–50 nm diameter). These small pores in the shale matrix are mainly associated with clay minerals and organic matter and comprehending the controls of these clays and organic matter on the pore-size distribution is critical to understand the shale pore network. Historically, mercury intrusion techniques are used for pore-size analysis of conventional reservoirs. However, for unconventional shale reservoirs, very high pressures (> 414 MPa (60 000 psi)) would be required for mercury to access the full pore structure, which has potential pitfalls. Current instrumental limitations do not allow reliable measurement of significant portions of the total pore volume in shales. Nitrogen gas-adsorption techniques can be used to characterize materials dominated by micro- and mesopores (2–50 nm). A limitation of this technique is that it fails to measure large pores (diameter >200 nm). We use a nitrogen gas-adsorption technique to study the micro- and mesopores in shales and clays and compare the results from conventional mercury porosimetry techniques. Our results on pure clay minerals and natural shales show that (i) they have a multiscale pore structure at different dimensions (ii) fine mesopores, with a characteristic 3 nm pore size obtained with N2 gas-adsorption are associated with an illite-smectite group of clays but not with kaolinite; (iii) compaction results in a decrease of pore volume and a reduction of pore size in the ‘inter-aggregate’ macropores of the illitesmectite clays while the fine ‘intra-tachoid’ mesopores are shielded from compaction; (iv) for natural shales, mineralogy controls the pore-size distributions for shales and the presence of micropores and fine mesopores in natural shales can be correlated with the dominance of the illite-smectite type of clays in the rock. Our assessment of incompressible 3 nm sized pores associated with illite-smectite clays provides an important building block for their mineral modulus.
Ensemble Control of Bloch Equations

In this article, we study a class of control problems which involves controlling a continuum of dynamical systems with different values of parameters characterizing the system dynamics by using the same control signal. We call such problems control of ensembles. The motivation for looking into these problems comes from the manipulation of an ensemble of nuclear spins in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and imaging (MRI) with dispersions in natural frequencies and the strengths of the applied radio frequency (rf) field. From the standpoint of mathematical control theory, the challenge is to simultaneously steer a continuum of systems between points of interest with the same control input. This raises some new and unexplored questions about controllability of such systems. We show that controllability of an ensemble can be understood by the study of the algebra of polynomials defined by the noncommuting vector fields that govern the system dynamics. A systematic study of these systems has immediate applications to broad areas of control of ensembles of quantum systems as arising in coherent spectroscopy and quantum information processing. The new mathematical structures appearing in such problems are excellent motivation for new developments in control theory.
Uterine blood flow and catecholamine response to repetitive nicotine exposure in the pregnant ewe.

Abstract In order to simulate human smoking, experiments were designed to determine what dose of nicotine in the pregnant sheep would produce those plasma nicotine concentrations observed in human smokers and to measure uterine blood flow and plasma catecholamines in response to repetitive exposure (every 30 minutes) to that nicotine dose. Utilizing seven chronically catheterized pregnant sheep equipped with electromagnetic flow probes around both uterine arteries, we observed that a nicotine dose of 0.2 mg/min for 5 minutes results in mean plasma nicotine concentrations of 23.1 ± 1.1 ng/ml SEM (n = 17) immediately following infusion. This dose of nicotine was then infused every 30 minutes for 4 hours, and aliquots of blood were drawn immediately before and after nicotine infusion for determination of plasma catecholamines. No significant alterations in plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine were observed throughout the experiments (n = 8), and no significant changes in uterine blood flow occurred at any time during the experiment (n = 30). We conclude that there is a species difference between sheep and man with respect to the nicotinic threshold for catecholamine release.
Legislative Organization Theory and Committee Preference Outliers in State Senates

Recently, several studies of Congress and the state legislatures have found evidence to support the information theory of legislative organization, that is, that legislatures develop committees whose characteristics reflect those of the parent body so as to acquire unbiased policy and political information. However, most of these studies have been conducted on the lower, larger legislative chambers. Senates, as smaller bodies that often follow the lead of legislation originating in their lower chambers, may have less need for unbiased information, perhaps allowing those bodies to develop more outlying, unrepresentative committees. We test this hypothesis in 42 state senates and find that unrepresentative committees also tend to be the exception in these upper chambers. Furthermore, as shown in previous studies of state house committees, the frequency of committee outliers in state senates appears to be idiosyncratic, with cultural, political, and institutional variables being unable to account for their o...
Mechanism-Based Inactivation of Cytochrome P450 2B6 by Methadone through Destruction of Prosthetic Heme

Methadone is a μ-opioid receptor agonist widely used in the treatment of narcotic addiction and chronic pain conditions. Methadone is metabolized predominantly in the liver by cytochromes P450 to its pharmacologically inactive primary metabolite 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine. Initial in vitro data suggested that CYP3A4 is the major isoform responsible for the in vivo clearance of methadone in humans. However, recent clinical data have indicated that CYP2B6 is actually the major isoform responsible for methadone metabolism and clearance in vivo. In this study, methadone was shown to act as a mechanism-based inactivator of CYP2B6. Methadone inactivates CYP2B6 in a time-, concentration-, and NADPH-dependent manner with a KI = 10.0 μM and kinact = 0.027 min−1. The loss of CYP2B6 activity in the presence of methadone and NADPH occurred with concomitant loss of the reduced CO spectrum of the P450. Moreover, there was good correlation between the loss of CYP2B6 activity and the loss of the CO-binding spectrum. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the native heme of the inactivated CYP2B6 demonstrated that approximately 75% loss of heme was accompanied by comparable inactivation of CYP2B6. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis did not reveal the formation of a protein adduct during the inactivation. The evidence strongly suggests that destruction of prosthetic heme is the underlying mechanism leading to the inactivation of CYP2B6 by methadone.
A distributed bearings-only tracking algorithm using reduced sufficient statistics

A distributed parameter estimation algorithm is presented for a general nonlinear measurement model with additive Gaussian noise. We show that the Bayes-closed estimation algorithm developed by Kulhavy, when extended to the multisensor case leads to a linear fusion rule, regardless of the form of the local a posteriori densities. Specifically, the Kulhavy algorithm generates a set of reduced sufficient statistics (RSS) representing the local sensor densities, which are simply added and subtracted at the global processor to obtain optimum fusion. We discuss various approximations to the Bayes-closed algorithm which lead to a practical parameter estimator for the nonlinear measurement model, and apply such an approximate technique to the bearings-only tracking problem. The performance of the distributed tracker is compared with an alternative algorithm based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) implemented in modified polar coordinates (MPC). It is shown that the Bayes-closed estimator does not diverge in the sense of an ordinary EKF, and hence the Bayes-closed technique can be employed in both a unidirectional and bidirectional transmission mode.
Assessment of HER-2/neu status in breast cancer. Automated Cellular Imaging System (ACIS)-assisted quantitation of immunohistochemical assay achieves high accuracy in comparison with fluorescence in situ hybridization assay as the standard.

This retrospective study of formalin-fixed infiltrating breast cancer specimens compared manual
Satisfiability modulo theories: introduction and applications

Checking the satisfiability of logical formulas, SMT solvers scale orders of magnitude beyond custom ad hoc solvers.
A Meta-Analysis of Father Involvement in Parent Training.

Objective: Investigate (a) whether including fathers in parent training enhances outcomes and (b) whether mothers and fathers benefit equally from parent training. Method: Using traditional meta-analysis methodology, 26 studies that could answer the research questions were identified and meta-analyzed. Results: Studies that included fathers, compared with those that did not, reported significantly more positive changes in children's behavior and desirable parenting practices, but not in perceptions toward parenting. Compared with mothers, fathers reported fewer desirable gains from parent training. Conclusions: Fathers should not be excluded from parent training and should be encouraged to attend. Further research should seek to understand how parent-training programs might better meet the needs of fathers.
Properties of Slender Rings

Slender rings and their products are characterized in terms of algebraic and topological properties. Possible limitations on uncountable products of such rings are discussed.
Optical Profilometry as a Non-Destructive Technique to Quantify Engraving on Medieval Brass Astrolabes

Optical profilometry has been performed on an astrolabe dated 1556 AD and attributed to the famous maker Gualterus Arsenius of Louvain, Belgium. In this non-destructive technique, a beam of white light is impinged on the sample and combined with the chromatic aberration technique to accurately measure surface features. With machine parameters set to a vertical resolution of 0.1 μm, lateral resolution to 6 μm and a 3 mm depth of field, various engraving features on the astrolabe were studied. Both hand-scribed and stamped markings are present on the astrolabe components. Inspection of the hand-scribed date on the instrument’s mater allows one to quantify the shape and dimensions of the tool used, as well as the direction and inclination of the engraving tool during inscription. The results of this analysis give information about how the astrolabe was constructed in one of the Renaissance’s greatest scientific instrument workshops. The results are compared to similar engravings on an undated and unsigned Islamic astrolabe tympan.
Influence of new educational technology on problem-based learning at Harvard Medical School.

PURPOSE Computers with 50-inch, wall-mounted plasma screens and broadband Internet access were installed in all small group tutorial rooms at Harvard Medical School. This study examines how the introduction of this educational technology impacted on the problem-based learning tutorials. METHOD A total of 37 tutorial groups, stratified by year of student, were observed at separate timepoints (autumn 2002, spring 2003) to document the patterns of use of the technologies. Based on these observations, end-of-course surveys were developed and distributed to students and tutors. Observational field notes and open-ended survey responses were qualitatively analysed for themes. RESULTS Using a 5-point rating scale, both students and tutors indicated that the technologies had a positive impact ontheir tutorials. Inautumn2002,plasma screens were used for an average of 17.8 and 22.1 minutes per 1-hour observation in Year 1 and 2 tutorials, respectively; in spring 2003, usage declined to6.9and5.9 minutes,respectively.Resourcesutilised included Internet sites (54% total use time), PowerPoint presentations by students (22%), and coursespecific postings (24%). Marked course-specific variation in usage was noted. Observational and survey data revealed that the technologies interrupted the flow of tutorial discussion. Students and tutors expressed concerns that the plasma screens might be alteringtheprocessofproblemsolvinginthetutorials. CONCLUSIONS Both students and tutors reported that the introduction of computers and wall-mounted plasma screens had impacted positively on tutorials. Questions were raised as to how this technology might alter tutorial dynamics. Further research will be needed to investigate these pedagogical concerns.
Chronic in-vivo experience with an endoscopically delivered and retrieved duodenal-jejunal bypass sleeve in a porcine model

The role of duodenal bypass as an underlying mechanism of action in gastric bypass surgery has received considerable attention. We report the initial feasibility study of a totally endoscopically delivered and retrieved duodenal–jejunal bypass sleeve in a chronic porcine model. The implant consists of a 60-cm fluoropolymer sleeve that is endoscopically deployed via a coaxial catheter system into the jejunum and fixed in the proximal duodenum with a Nitinol anchor. The system creates a proximal biliopancreatic diversion. Six female Yorkshire pigs were endoscopically implanted; all survived. Four animals (group 1) were slated to survive 90 days, two animals (group 2) for 120 days, and three animals (group 3) underwent sham endoscopy and were survived 120 days. Animals were fed standard dry pig chow 0.5 kg three times daily. Data points included daily general health, weekly weight, serum blood tests (complete blood count, amylase, lipase, liver function tests), and monthly evaluation of anchor/sleeve position/patency by fluoroscopy and endoscopy. Following the in-vivo period, the devices were endoscopically removed and the animals were sacrificed. Duodenal and jejunal tissue samples were assessed histologically. All six test animals were implanted and explanted without significant adverse events. In group 1, the first animal had no device-related issues. The second animal had a pivoted anchor requiring repositioning at day 63. That animal had no further difficulties. The third animal had an incidental partial rotation of the anchor noted at the 90 day explantation. The fourth animal was incidentally implanted with a crossover of the anchor struts, which was endoscopically corrected on day 14. However, on day 20 the animal had persistent vomiting, and the device was explanted. Both group 2 animals survived 120 days. One animal had a partially rotated anchor but was asymptomatic. The average weight gain between test and sham groups was 0.23 kg/day and 0.42 kg/day, respectively (p = 0.01). A totally endoscopic and reversible bypass of the duodenum and proximal jejunum has been achieved for 90–120 days. Initial experience suggests patency of the sleeve and acceptable tissue response. Reduced weight gain in the test animals suggests device efficacy. Further investigation is warranted.
The Median Residual Lifetime: A Characterization Theorem and an Application

The concept of the median residual lifetime for a probability distribution is outlined and shown to have several advantages over its more common counterpart, the mean residual lifetime. A characterization theorem shows that a Pareto distribution of the second kind or equivalently, a gamma mixture of exponentials is the unique distribution with a linearly increasing median residual lifetime. An empirical example from the literature on strike durations is presented.
Towards Secure Virtual Directories: A Risk Analysis Framework

Directory services are used by almost every enterprise computing environment to provide data concerning users, computers, contacts, and other objects. Virtual directories are components that provide directory services in a highly customized manner. Unfortunately, though the use of virtual directory services are widespread, an analysis of risks posed by their unique position and architecture has not been completed. We present a detailed analysis of six attacks to virtual directory services, including steps for detection and prevention. We also describe various categories of attack risks, and discuss what is necessary to launch an attack on virtual directories. Finally, we present a framework to use in analyzing risks to individual enterprise computing virtual directory instances. We show how to apply this framework to an example implementation, and discuss the benefits of doing so.
Relation Between Mural Force and Pressure in the Left Ventricle of the Dog

An investigation of the relationship in the dog between left ventricular pressure, left ventricular size, and total longitudinal force developed by the wall of the left ventricle is reported. This study required the development of a method for recording the force needed to keep together the two edges of a slit in the ventricle. Such a method is described, and samples of the force curves are shown, the general features of which are consistent with predictions from the physiology of muscle strips. The net force which the muscle fibers develop perpendicular to a given plane through the ventricle is almost identical to the product of the intracavitary pressure and the area of the cavity included in the plane. This relationship holds true regardless of the thickness of the wall or the shape of the ventricle.
Security schemes for wireless sensor networks with mobile sink

Mobile sinks are vital in many wireless sensor applications for efficient data collection, data querying, and localized sensor reprogramming. Mobile sinks prolong the lifetime of a sensor network. However, when sensor networks with mobile sinks are deployed in a hostile environment, security became a critical issue. They become exposed to varieties of malicious attacks. Thus, anti threats schemes and security services, such as mobile sink’s authentication and pairwise key establishment, are essential components for the secure operation of such networks. Due to the sensors, limited resources designing efficient security schemes with low communication overhead to secure communication links between sensors and MS (Mobile Sink) is not a trivial task. In addition to the sensors limited resources, sink mobility required frequent exchange of cryptography information between the sensors and MS each time the MS updates its location which imposes extra communication overhead on the sensors. In this dissertation, we consider a number of security schemes for WSN (wireless sensor network) with MS. The schemes offer high network’s resiliency and low communication overhead against nodes capture, MS replication and wormhole attacks. We propose two schemes based on the polynomial pool scheme for tolerating nodes capture: the probabilistic generation key pre-distribution scheme combined with polynomial pool scheme, and the Q-composite generation key scheme combined with polynomial pool scheme. The schemes ensure low communication overhead and high resiliency. For anti MS replication attack scheme, we propose the multiple polynomial pools scheme that provide much higher resiliency to MS replication attack as compared to the single polynomial pool approach. Furthermore, to improve the network resiliency against wormhole attack, two defensive mechanisms were developed according to the MS mobility type. In the first technique, MS uses controlled mobility. We investigate the problem of using a single authentication code by sensors network to verify the source of MS beacons, and then we develop a defensive approach that divide the sensor network into different authentication code’s grids. In the second technique, random mobility is used by MS. We explore the use of different communication channels available in the sensor hardware combined with polynomial pool scheme.
Effector-sensitive cross-linking of phosphorylase b kinase by the novel cross-linker 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione

The dienophile 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (PTD) was identified as a novel protein cross-linker, and utilized as a conformational probe of phosphorylase b kinase (PhK), a hexadecameric enzyme with the subunit composition (alphabetagammadelta)4. In its reaction with this enzyme, PTD produced five major cross-linked conjugates as resolved by denaturing gel electrophoresis: alphabeta, betagammagamma, alphagamma and a doublet of differently migrating homodimers, betabeta1 and betabeta2. Cross-linking in the presence of six different activators of the kinase targeted to its various subunits caused substantial changes in the amounts of three of the conjugates. The formation of alphagamma was increased by all of the activators but the largest enhancement was caused by exogenous Ca2+/calmodulin. All except one of the activators decreased the amount of betagammagamma formed, with Mg2+ having the greatest effect, and all except two increased the amount of betabeta1, with Mg2+ again having the largest influence. From the overall similarity of the changes in cross-linking by PTD induced by the various activators, we conclude that, even though they are targeted to different sites and subunits, they induce activated conformations of PhK that have certain structural features in common. Regarding the mechanism of cross-linking by PTD, its reaction with a model nucleophile suggests that its initial reaction with a side chain nucleophile of PhK involves a 1,4-conjugate addition to form a urazole adduct, with the secondary cross-linking reaction occurring through an as yet unknown pathway.
Analysis of results of malaria control and anti-malaria measure in Quanzhou County in a period over 50 years

Aim To analyze the prevalence of malaria and evaluate the result of malaria control in Quanzhou County in a period of over 50 years.Methods The data of malaria infections and surveillance from 1950 to 2009 in Quanzhou County were collected and analyzed.Results The remarkable successes were achieved in malaria control through repeated implemenation of control measure in a period of over 50 years.Malaria incidence decreased from 72.2/10000 in 1955 to 1.05/10000 in 1990-1989.There was no indigenous malaria case in this county since 1990.Malaria was eliminated in Quanzhou County as assessed by Guangxi Regional Health Bureau in 1996.Conclusion The malaria control measures is effective and malaria has been eliminated in Quanzhou County.
The research on detection method of HBV-LP comparing with that of HBV-DNA in HBeAg-negative patient and normal people

Objective:It was to explore the application of the hepatitis B virus large proteins(HBV-LP) in public health physical examination through clinical testing of HBV-LP in Catering practitioners,students and soldiers of New requisition etc.Methods:709 samples of HBV infection people and 200 samples of normal people were collected in public health physical examination and all collected samples were detected.ELISA was used to detect HBV serum markers(HBV-M) and HBV-LP,and real-time PCR was applied to detect quantity of HBV-DNA.Results:(1) The detectable results of HBV-LP and HBV DNA were no Statistical significance in 489 HBeAg negative patients(χ2=0.58,P0.05).(2) S/OD of HBV-LP and the copies of HBV DNA had a positive relationship(r=0.951,P0.05).(3) The detectable results of HBV-LP and HBV-DNA were also no Statistical significance in normal people(χ2=0.40,P0.05).Conclusion:HBV-LP can reflect the level of hepatitis B virus replication as HBV-DNA and be used to judge the level of hepatitis B virus replication in public health physical examination.HBV-LP may be worth applying in physical examination in China.
Outcomes in patients undergoing complex cardiac repairs with cross clamp times over 300 minutes

Long cross clamp times have been associated with poor clinical outcomes, yet some patients require extremely long ischemic times to repair complex surgical problems. The purpose of this study was to examine short and mid-term survival and to identify risk factors for mortality and morbidity in patients with cross clamp times greater than or equal to 300 min. Review of our institution’s Society of Thoracic Surgeons database identified 202 patients who underwent surgical procedures necessitating aortic cross clamp times 300 min or greater between 2001 and 2012. Short-term (30-day) clinical outcomes were derived from this database and survival was assessed utilizing the Social Security Death Index. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the relationship between independent variables and mortality and postoperative outcomes. The average age of the patients was 69.5 ± 10.6 (mean ± standard deviation) years and the mean ejection fraction was 52 ± 12 %. 70.3 % of patients were male. Mean cross clamp time was 346 ± 45 min, and total bypass time was 421 ± 70 min. Thirty-day mortality was 12.4 %. The incidence of bleeding and stroke were 6.4 % and 4.0 % respectively. Prolonged ventilation occurred in 26.7 % of patients, and incidence of renal failure was 10.4 %. One, three, five, and seven year survival of the patients who survived the first 30 days post-surgery was 91.9 %, 83.2 %, 75.6 % and 65.7 % respectively. Proportional hazards analysis determined that the statistically significant hazard ratios for mid-term mortality for female gender, age, and prolonged postoperative ventilation were 2.11, 1.04 and 2.72, respectively (p < 0.05 for each). Cardiac procedures requiring extremely long ischemic times have significant early mortality and morbidity. However, mid-term survival in the patients who survive is good. Decision-making regarding operability in complex cases should allow for long ischemic times.
Post-Nephrolithotomy Chyluria

AbstractPercutaneous nephrolithotomy has proved to be a cost-effective, safe and expeditious means of renal calculus removal since its introduction in the late 1970s. The inherent risks and complications of this procedure have been well documented but less common complications continue to surface as case selection becomes increasingly more difficult.We report a case of chyluria after percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The patient recovered completely after treatment with total parenteral nutrition and required no further intervention. The etiology as well as the treatment of this previously unreported complication following percutaneous nephrolithotomy is addressed.
Validation of a motion capture system for deriving accurate ground reaction forces without a force plate

Human movement such as physical work, exercise and sport activities can be analyzed to determine kinetic (force) and kinematic (motion) characteristics. In the past, proper assessment of force variables requires force plates that can limit the types of activities performed. Additionally, large amounts of data are often generated, requiring often tedious and time-consuming analyses and calculations. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to compare the vertical ground reaction forces obtained from a force plate with calculated GRFs derived from a motion capture system during body weight squats for five healthy men. After performing three body weight squats, vertical ground reaction forces in Newtons were calculated for each data point for the force plate and motion capture system data, and synchronized from the point of peak force. There were no significant differences (p < .05) for peak force, lowest force, or mean force between trials or modalities (force plate or motion capture system). Comparison of force-time curves with regression analyses indicated excellent agreement between testing modalities (r = 0.995, r 2 = 0.989, SEM = 11.1 N). These results indicate that ground reaction forces can be accurately derived from a motion capture system without the use of a force plate. Additionally, the large volumes of raw data were easily and rapidly analyzed using the easily customized software program. These results indicate that intricate kinetic characteristics of human motion can be validly determined without being restricted to performing on a force plate.
Basic Notions of Probability Theory

This initial chapter covers background material that every serious student of applied probability should master. In no sense is the chapter meant as a substitute for a previous course in applied probability or for a future course in measure-theoretic probability. Our comments are merely meant as reminders and as a bridge. Many mathematical facts will be stated without proof. This is unsatisfactory, but it is even more unsatisfactory to deny students the most powerful tools in the probabilist’s toolkit. Quite apart from specific tools, the language and intellectual perspective of modern probability theory also furnish an intuitive setting for solving practical problems. Probability involves modes of thought that are unique within mathematics. As a brief illustration of the material reviewed, we derive properties of the multivariate normal distribution in the final section of this chapter. Later chapters will build on the facts and vocabulary mentioned here and provide more elaborate applications.
Optimal Camera Placement for Motion Capture Systems

Optical motion capture is based on estimating the three-dimensional positions of markers by triangulation from multiple cameras. Successful performance depends on points being visible from at least two cameras and on the accuracy of the triangulation. Triangulation accuracy is strongly related to the positions and orientations of the cameras. Thus, the configuration of the camera network has a critical impact on performance. A poor camera configuration may result in a low quality three-dimensional (3D) estimation and consequently low quality of tracking. This paper introduces and compares two methods for camera placement. The first method is based on a metric that computes target point visibility in the presence of dynamic occlusion from cameras with “good” views. The second method is based on the distribution of views of target points. Efficient algorithms, based on simulated annealing, are introduced for estimating the optimal configuration of cameras for the two metrics and a given distribution of target points. The accuracy and robustness of the algorithms are evaluated through both simulation and empirical measurement. Implementations of the two methods are available for download as tools for the community.
The Real Season Begins

After Feehan, we manhandled Attleboro. It was never close. They were big, but really slow. New Bedford, Voke, and Durfee had all won easily, too. We’d scored 92 points, and New Bedford had almost scored 100 again. They could really turn it up. And Durfee, beating Coyle, held them to 31 points. They were now playing Durfee-style defense.
For diagnosis of liver masses, fine-needle aspiration versus needle core biopsy: which is better?

Introduction Both fine needle aspiration (FNA) and needle core biopsy (NCB) are widely accepted methods for obtaining diagnostic material. There is variability in how different institutions use these techniques in assessing liver masses. The aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy and tissue quality between FNA and NCB, and create a cost-effective algorithm for evaluating liver masses. Materials and methods A database search was performed to detect all liver FNA cases and their corresponding NCB between January 2014 and August 2016. A retrospective chart review was performed to gather pertinent clinicopathologic information. Results Seventy-seven FNA and 68 corresponding NCB were reviewed from 74 patients. Diagnoses in the 74 patients included 36 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), 29 metastatic malignancies (MET), 5 poorly differentiated carcinomas (PDC), 2 cholangiocarcinomas (CHO), and 2 benign lesions (BEN). More immunohistochemical (IHC) studies (P Conclusions For HCC, NCB usually has better tissue quality and diagnostic accuracy than FNA; for metastatic lesions in the liver, FNA has better diagnostic accuracy than NCB, although NCB can provide more tissue for ancillary testing and has better diagnostic quality. Appropriate diagnostic method is important for improving diagnostic accuracy and saving medical resources.
Influence of Intimate Terrorism, Situational Couple Violence, and Mutual Violent Control on Male Victims.

The goal of the current study is to test – among samples of men – some previous findings relative to Johnson’s (2008) typology of partner violence (PV). Among samples of exclusively women, Johnson has found that the frequency and severity of PV – and victims’ mental health – are worse for female victims of intimate terrorism (IT) than of situational couple violence (SCV). However, such findings have rarely been tested in male victims of PV. Furthermore, although Johnson posits that mutual violent control (MVC) is relatively rare, other research suggests that it is about as common as IT and may be associated with worse PV and health. We examined the relative frequency and severity of various forms of PV, and the relative health and mental health between men who (a) experienced IT versus SCV, and (b) experienced IT versus MVC. Our two samples were 611 men who sought help for PV victimization and 1,601 men from a population-based sample. Our analyses showed that across samples, men who were victims of IT had significantly worse mental health than men who experienced SCV, and IT victims experienced more severe and frequent PV, including physical, sexual, and non-physical forms of PV. Male victims of IT had worse mental and physical health than either men who perpetrated IT or experienced MVC, but men involved in MVC were involved in relationships with more types of PV than either male IT perpetrators or victims. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for Johnson’s typology, future research, and service providers.
State of emergency preparedness of Kentucky's rural public health workforce: assessing its ability to identify community health problems.

Objective. The author examined the emergency preparedness readiness of all workgroups within Kentucky's rural public health departments as it related to the 10 Essential Public Health Services. This article describes the results related to the three emergency preparedness competencies for the first Essential Public Health Service: the ability to monitor health status to identify community health problems. Methods. Onsite surveys were conducted in one urban and 93 rural Kentucky public health agencies during 2005 and 2006. Categorical data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis techniques. The author compared responses to the level of confidence (LOC) and need for training (NFT) among the seven workgroup classifications. Results. One thousand nine hundred ninety-four public health workers completed the surveys. Of these, 1,813 workers represented 55% of the state's rural local public health workforce. Kentucky's rural public health workforce can be described as predominantly Caucasian, female, and not planning to retire within the next five years. There were significant differences among workgroups for LOC and NFT for each competency examined. Across all workgroups, there was a mean LOC (58%) in the ability to describe the actions to take and procedures to follow in an emergency. There was a correspondingly higher mean perceived NFT (73%) for this competency. Conclusion. This study raises the question of whether we are adequately prepared to monitor our communities' health status. Further research that minimizes the limitations of self-reports and, instead, requires the worker to demonstrate the competency may provide a more accurate assessment of emergency preparedness.
Selective contestation: The impact of decentralization on ethnoterritorial party electoral strategy

Since the 1970s, national governments across Western Europe have decentralized significant powers to subnational authorities. Recent work has found that the degree of decentralization affects ethnoterritorial party vote in national and subnational elections. This article asks the prior question: what effect does decentralization have on a party's decision to field candidates? I find that as decentralization reforms shift power to the region, ethnoterritorial parties likewise shift their electoral strategy away from contesting national elections. An examination of regional-level data from nine Western European countries reveals ethnoterritorial parties reduce their contestation of national elections when a directly elected regional assembly is established and significant administrative, fiscal and policymaking competencies are transferred to the region. Further supporting the view of decentralization as policy appeasement, this exit effect is limited to ethnoterritorial parties demanding regional autonomy; secessionist parties continue to pursue full contestation strategies regardless of the level of decentralization.