cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning, sequencing, distribution, and expression in Escherichia coli of flavin-containing monooxygenase 1C1. Evidence for a third gene subfamily in rabbits.

Two full-length cDNA clones (2.2 kilobases) encoding a newly recognized form of mammalian flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) have been isolated from independent libraries constructed with mRNA from different rabbits. The cDNAs encode a polypeptide of 533 amino acids which contains two putative pyrophosphate binding domains and a hydrophobic carboxyl terminus characteristic of FMOs. This sequence is 52 and 57% identical to sequences of the rabbit "hepatic" and "pulmonary" FMOs, respectively, and 55% identical to the sequence of "liver form 2" published recently by Ozols (Ozols, J. (1991) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 290, 103-115). cDNA for the new FMO (FMO 1C1) hybridizes with two species of mRNA, one of 2.6 kilobases and one of about 5.4 kilobases, from liver or kidney, but not lung. Guinea pig, hamster, rat, and mouse all express this form of FMO in liver, kidney, and lung. FMO 1C1 has been tentatively characterized following expression in Escherichia coli. It is inactive with methimazole as substrate but highly active with n-octylamine. The temperature lability, responses to ions and detergent, and pH optimum of FMO 1C1 are similar to values reported for hepatic FMO. Sequence comparisons and analysis of rabbit and human genomic DNA indicate that FMO 1C1, as well as the pulmonary and hepatic FMOs, comprise a single gene family made up of distinct gene subfamilies (A, B,C,D, ... N), each appearing to contain a single gene. A nomenclature, based on these interrelationships and following the same designations used for classifying cytochromes P-450, is proposed.
Breaking the Silence: Gender Mainstreaming and the Composition of the European Court of Justice

Why has it taken so long for member states to appoint women to the Court of Justice? Despite having won relatively significant policy instruments for equal treatment at work and high levels of legislative representation, women in the European Union have been slow to extend the demand for gender mainstreaming to courts. Prior to 1999, the Court of Justice had had one woman member until Ireland appointed Fidelma Macken in late 1999, and Germany appointed Ninon Colneric and Austria appointed Christine Stix-Hackl Advocate General in 2000.The 1995 U.N. meeting in Beijing was a catalyst for the demand for balanced participation of women and men in decision-making processes within the E.U., and it coincided with Sweden, Finland and Austria joining and championing the cause of gender equality. In 1999, the Commission published a report on women in the judiciary and women lawyers began to organize across Europe. After tracing the appointment process, I review the European Parliament's role in championing women on the Court and consider recent developments. Courts, particularly supranational and federal courts, are representative institutions even if their representative function differs from legislatures. Non-merit factors have always been a factor in judicial appointments and thus the demand for women on the bench is not a terrible deviation from merit. An all male bench is no longer legitimate.
Identification of Named Cultures of Bacillus calidolactis as Bacillus stearothermophilus

A study was made of 23 cultures of Bacillus calidolactis. By using cultural, biochemical, and per cent guanine plus cytosine methods, the cultures were found to be B. stearothermophilus.
On the Use of a Cash-Flow Time-Series to Measure Property Performance

Modern portfolio theory is increasingly being used to guide real estate portfolio decisions. However, to obtain meaningful results from complex mathematical techniques, the input data must meet at ...
The effect of switching pharmacological intervention during extinction on nicotine-evoked conditioned responding in rats.

Pharmacotherapies are often utilized to aid in smoking cessation, and switching medication when treating nicotine dependence has become more commonplace. Although common, little is known about the impact of the initial therapy on the effects of the subsequent therapy. To begin to fill this gap in our understanding, this project determined how switching compounds that share stimulus elements with nicotine during extinction altered extinction responding and generalization of this extinction back to nicotine. Rats were trained in a discriminated goal-tracking task where nicotine administration was followed by intermittent sucrose access; sucrose was withheld following saline administration. In experiment 1, nornicotine supplanted nicotine in extinction sessions 1–3 and then a switch to varenicline on extinction sessions 4–6 was examined. In experiment 2, the reverse was investigated; varenicline to start extinction and then a switch to nornicotine. Generalization of extinction back to the nicotine stimulus was then assessed by generating a cumulative dose–effect curve. Generalization of extinction back to the training nicotine stimulus was greater if nornicotine had been received at any point in extinction compared to only receiving varenicline. Whereas, extinction with varenicline alone showed more generalization to lower doses of nicotine. A switch in cessation pharmacotherapy during extinction did not impede or enhance generalization back to the nicotine-training stimulus. The nornicotine stimulus appears to share more stimulus overlap with the 0.4 mg/kg nicotine stimulus and varenicline may share more overlap with lower nicotine doses.
Effects of fragmentation on the spatial ecology of the California Kingsnake ( Lampropeltis californiae )

Abstract We investigated the spatial ecology of the California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) in unfragmented and fragmented habitat with varying patch sizes and degrees of exposure to urban edges. We radiotracked 34 Kingsnakes for up to 3 yr across four site types: interior areas of unfragmented ecological reserves, the urbanized edge of these reserves, large habitat fragments, and small habitat fragments. There was no relationship between California Kingsnake movements and the degree of exposure to urban edges and fragmentation. Home range size and movement patterns of Kingsnakes on edges and fragments resembled those in unfragmented sites. Average home-range size on each site type was smaller than the smallest fragment in which snakes were tracked. The persistence of California Kingsnakes in fragmented landscapes may be related directly to their small spatial movement patterns, home-range overlap, and ability to use urban edge habitat.
Early Intervention for Infants with Deaf-Blindness:

Few individuals labeled deaf-blind are, in fact, totally deaf and totally blind. Many of these individuals have residual sight and hearing, but may not receive adequate early training in using these senses effectively. Effective early sensory training with infants entails the use of consistent reinforcement methods in natural social contexts. Preservice and inservice teachers must become knowledgeable in high-quality programming components in which the goal is to increase the abilities of students with dual sensory impairments--in both mobility and communication--and to help them become independent, responsible adults.
Characterization of Fermi resonances in adsorbate vibrational spectra using cluster calculations: Methoxy adsorption on Al(111) and Cu(111)

The optimized geometries and computed vibrational frequencies for CH3O adsorbed at fcc and hcp threefold sites were determined for the Al(111) and Cu(111) surfaces using cluster calculations. The frequencies of the first overtone for the three CH bending modes are found to be very close to the three fundamental CH stretching frequencies, suggesting that a Fermi resonance between the two types of modes might take place. The presence of the multiple peaks arising from Fermi resonances often complicates the assignment of adsorption structures on surfaces. To provide a more precise evaluation of whether a Fermi resonance will actually occur, we illustrate a simple computational method for obtaining numerical estimates to the energy third derivatives most responsible for coupling between the fundamental and the overtone modes. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 75: 815–820, 1999
Phase stability and compositional range of sputter deposited Be12Nb

Beryllium forms a series of intermetallic compounds of the type Be{sub 12}M and Be{sub 17}M{sub 2} with the transition metal elements. These phases are generally shown as line compounds on the phase diagrams. Within a broader study of the phase relationships and mechanical properties of these compounds, results have emerged with indicate metastable phase formations and a range of stoichiometry in some of these compounds. Sputter depositing was used to make a range of alloy composition around the Be{sub 12}Nb compound and the structure was analyzed as a function of composition and annealing temperature. This paper reports on some initial results of this investigation.
Individual differences in cognitive resources and elementary school mathematics achievement: Examining the roles of storage and attention

Abstract Using data from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development, a longitudinal study of 1,364 children, the present research investigated early cognitive correlates of children's mathematics achievement. Individual differences in mathematics performance prior to kindergarten and growth in achievement across elementary school were modeled as a function of two measures of attention—performance-based and informant-reported—and a measure of short-term memory. At the age of 54 months, children with poor capacities for attention and short-term memory storage had lower mathematics achievement than their peers with larger capacities. These early differences persisted through the fifth grade. Interestingly, the informant-based measure of attention did not predict mathematics achievement or its growth across time. The findings implicate the utility of early performance-based assessments of cognitive resources – storage and attention – in identifying students potentially at-risk for poor mathematical outcomes.
Based on Machine Vision of Smart Meter Recognition and Accurate Positioning Technology Research

This paper researches on machine vision recognition and positioning technique which can help robot automatically recognize and accurately position smart meter in complex industrial environment. Firstly, crude position of the smart meter is obtained by recognition of liquid crystal display (LCD) screen through picture pre-processing. Secondly, the center positions of four screws are identified. Thirdly, the outline of the meter is calculated by geometric locations of the four screws, thus the meter is identified from the image and accurate position of the meter is calculated though the this paper’s algorithm. Experiments show that our algorithm can identify the meter rapidly and calculate the accurate position in complex environment, so the proposed algorithm is practical valuable.
Injectable Collagen Update

Injectable collagen (Zyderm Collagen Implant) has proved to be an effective means of treating certain soft tissue contour defects. A highly concentrated form of the material (65 mg/ml) is now available, and several contraindications to the use of injectable collagen have been removed or changed. This article reviews these changes and provides updated information regarding the safety of this material, the treatment of adverse reactions, and injection techniques that enhance correction.
Amphibians from the Acheulean site at Duinefontein 2 (Western Cape, South Africa)

Abundant amphibian remains were encountered at Duinefontein 2, a late mid-Quaternary fossil site with Acheulean artifacts. The amphibians are distributed in concentric bands that suggest shoreline lags around the southeast rim of an interdunal pond, part of which has been exposed by very extensive excavations. The pond community was dominated by ranids and pipids, both requiring less than a meter depth of open water. Burrowing species such as toads, rain frogs, and sand frogs were present but rare, as were reed frogs. This suggests a thin rim of damp but poorly vegetated sand. Frequency and size changes suggest that the pond became shallower at a time when large mammal remains were proliferating on the adjacent land surface. The evolutionary status of the eight recovered amphibian taxa cannot be addressed since the osteology of most of their modern analogs still awaits systematic study.
Laboratory bioassays for selecting candidate insecticides and application rates for field tests on western spruce budworm.

Derivation of a series of multiplication factors for suggesting field application rates of insecticides to control Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman based on laboratory data is described. The seven chemicals (acephate, carbaryl, fenitrothion, methomyl, permethrin, sulprofos, and thiodicarb) on which these factors are based had been field tested previously against C. occidentalis so that an estimated minimum effective dose to cause 90% mortality in the field (MED90) was available for each. The first laboratory bioassay estimated the effective dose resulting in 90% mortality (ED90) for each chemical by conventional procedures in which the doses tested resulted in 5 to 99% mortality when sprays were applied to larvae on foliage. In the second bioassay, each ED90 was reestimated by testing doses predicted from the first bioassay to result in 75 to 98% mortality. Finally, the rainfastness of each chemical applied at the ED90 dose was determined to assess the degree to which rainfall affects efficacy. The ratio of the MED90 to the precisely estimated ED90 for each insecticide was then determined. With future field tests of rainfast chemicals, conversion factors of 4, 8, and 12 seem appropriate. Increasing the factors to 5, 10, and 15 should suffice to assure comparable effects for chemicals adversely affected by rain.
How does workplace fun impact employee perceptions of customer service quality

This study examined the link between workplace fun, employee satisfaction, and perceptions of customer service quality. Our results showed that employees who experienced fun in the workplace had greater satisfaction with their job and that the relationship between workplace fun and job satisfaction was greater for those who placed a high value on workplace fun. Additionally, we found that satisfied employees believed that their organization provided customer service that was reliable, responsive, and empathetic, and that employees were knowledgeable and able to instill confidence in customers. Implications of our findings for service organizations and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
The effect of anisotropy on the mechanical behavior of Zircaloy-2

Abstract The influence of ciystallographic anisotropy on the mechanical properties of Zircaloy-2 was investigated as a function of stress state and plastic strain at 273 and 623 K. Zircaloy-2 plates were tested in the cold worked, stress relieved condition. Crystallographic textures were quantitatively characterized by the Kearns texture number, f , and plotted on direct and inverse pole figures. Uniaxial tension, compression, and plane strain compression tests were performed on 1.27 cm thick plates of Zircaloy-2 having two markedly differential initial Crystallographic textures. The test data was used to construct monotonic yield loci as a function of texture and plastic strain. The complex shapes of the different yield loci indicate a strong anisotropic mechanical behavior in the low plastic strain range at room temperature. The uniaxial flow stresses were found to be a unique function of the texture number, f . The mechanical behavior of Zircaloy-2 is a strong function of the controlling deformation mechanisms and of the texture derived constraint. These deformation mechanisms include prism slip, 〈c + a〉 slip and twinning. Plastic deformation was found to cause significant texture rotation after as little as 1.5% plastic strain. The severest texture rotation occurs with {1012} twinning which gives an 85° rotation of the c axis. Measurements of the transverse plastic strain ratio R as a function of plastic strain were correlated with the texture number, f , and flow stress measurements. A marked strength differential effect was observed when the stress axis is parallel to a direction of high basal pole density.
An introduction to wavelets with electrocardiology applications

Wavelet analysis represents a new branch of mathematics which has already had a large impact on signal analysis and data processing technology. This article explains both the continuous wavelet transform and the discrete wavelet transform and presents a number of biomedical applications pertaining to cardiology and electrophysiology. In particular, wavelet analysis is shown to efficiently remove noise from electrocardiograms (ECGs) as well as compressing ECG data by at least a factor of 8:1. Additionally, wavelet analysis can identify key ECG features in the presence of noise and baseline drift. Future applications of wavelets include ECG characterization and a computationally efficient solution to the inverse-dipole problem.
Use of tritiated 3-O-methyl-d-glucose for studies of membrane transport caveat

Tritiated 3-O-methyl-D-glucose has many useful attributes as a model substance for studies of the transport of glucose across cell membranes. However, preparations of high specific radioactivity can decompose within a few months, producing radioactive impurities that can cause a several-fold increase in the apparent rate of sugar transport. In our investigation radioactive contaminants entered frog skeletal muscle cells by free diffusion rather than by facilitated transport. Much of the contaminating radioactive material could be removed by evaporating the solvent and redissolving the sugar. Tritiated sugar samples that had a specific activity below 0.1 Ci/mmol remained stable and suitable for transport measurements after several years of storage at -20 degrees C. In order to evaluate the suitability of a given tritiated preparation of sugar for transport measurements, it is recommended that its behavior be compared with that of a stable reference standard of low specific activity.
Tight-binding study of hydrogen on the C(111), C(100), and C(110) diamond surfaces

The band structure, total energies, and relaxed geometries are calculated for the C(111), C(100), and C(110) surfaces using a parametrized tight-binding model for carbon. The method and addition of C-H parameters to the model are described in detail. Results for the bare and hydrogenated C(111) surfaces are used to compare the accuracy of the method with ab initio techniques. A stable hydrogenated (2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) \ensuremath{\pi} reconstructed surface is found, which resembles the C(110) surface. Removal of one H atom from the dihydride C(100) results in a 3/2 hydride surface, where the odd hydrogen is bonded equally to two surface carbons. Although the fully H-covered C(100)(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) surface has a clean gap, the partially covered surface has a half-filled state, consistent with photoemission data. The geometries and H vibrations are also presented for the C(110) surface. The surface chains on the bare C(110) have bond lengths close to graphite and dimerize from a Peierls distortion. Addition of H to this surface restores the bond lengths to approximately that of bulk diamond. Comparison of the band structures and H vibrations with experiment helps identify the nature of the hydrogen coverage on the surfaces.
A magnetic susceptibility logger for archaeological application

Investigations of magnetic susceptibility have been used to (1) define sites, activity areas, features, buried soils, and cultural layers, (2) build and correlate stratigraphic sequences, and (3) understand site-formation and postdepositional processes. Archaeologists are limited in these endeavors, however, by the instruments available for field studies of susceptibility. A prototype instrument developed for archaeological application logs volume magnetic susceptibility down a small-diameter (ca. 2.2 cm) core-hole made with a push-tube corer. Measurements can be made rapidly, approximately 10 times faster than collecting samples either by coring or from an exposed section, to depths of 1.6 m below the surface. The prototype logger was field-tested on a mid-Holocene stratigraphic section in southeastern North Dakota where it clearly distinguished various soils and sediments, including a buried occupation layer. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The effect of auditory and visual models on acquisition of a timing task

Abstract While research on observational learning has typically employed visual models of correct performance, the characteristics of perceptual systems support the suggestion that an auditory model may be more effective in developing a cognitive representation of tasks for which timing is essential. Therefore, it was the purpose of this study to compare the relative effectiveness of auditory and visual models in the acquisition of a timing task. Subjects were provided with an auditory model, a visual model, a combined auditory and visual model, or no model of correct performance. There were significant main effects of groups and trials during acquisition. While performance of all groups improved during acquisition, the audio and audiovisual groups had generally better performance. The same effects were significant on immediate transfer, again reflecting the superior performance of the two auditory model groups. The results suggest an important role for audition in the development of a cognitive representation of movement timing.
Integration of Vlasov equation by vector method

To discuss the small amplitude disturbances propagating through a hot plasma in a uniform magnotic field, or to find the macroscopic quantities of a plasma, it. is necessary to solve the Vlasov equation. In this paper a general vector method is presented and it will give a solution of the linearized Vlasov equation with a collision term. The explicit expressions of the perturbed distribution functions for both anisotropic and isotropic equilibrium distributions are derived. The results can be easily applied to find the dispersion equation and the polarization properties of the waves.
Modeling species distribution dynamics with SpatioTemoral Exploratory Models: Discovering patterns and processes of broad-scale avian migrations

Abstract The distributions of animal populations are not static. During regular migratory movements species exploit different habitats. This spatiotemporal variation needs to be accounted for when modeling a species’ distribution and is essential for developing conservation strategies for widespread species, and especially for migratory species. Attempts to design conservation landscapes across large regions based on models of distributions in a single season or a small region may not fully reflect the limiting factors that are driving population declines. Our goal is to predict and explore patterns of species’ occurrence and local habitat usage across broad landscapes. We use data from eBird (http://www.ebird.org), an online citizen science bird-monitoring project and environmental descriptions from continent-wide covariates linked through observation location and time. These covariates include remotely sensed habitat information from the National Land Cover Database and vegetation phenology from MODIS. We model species occurrence with the SpatioTemporal Exploratory Model (STEM), an ensemble model designed to adapt to non-stationary spatiotemporal processes. This is accomplished by creating a large ensemble of local models, each restricted to a local spatial and temporal region. Within each region a user specified predictive model associates the predictors with the response. Patterns modeled locally “scale up” via ensemble averaging to larger scales. Here we analyze eBird data to study broad-scale movements of bird populations throughout the year. We use STEM built with decision trees to adapt to a wide variety avian migration patterns without requiring a detailed understanding of the underlying dynamic local processes. We demonstrate how eBird data are capable of resolving the changing distributions of birds through their migrations. Then we illustrate how seasonal variation in habitat association can be identified and explored. These tools provide valuable information for generating hypotheses and making inference about the processes driving dynamic species distributional patterns.
Colloid Movement in Unsaturated Porous Media

Investigations of colloid movement through geologic materials are driven by a variety of issues, including contaminant transport, soil-profile development, and subsurface migration of pathogenic microorganisms. In this review, we address recent advances in understanding of colloid transport through partially saturated porous media. Special emphasis is placed on features of the vadose zone (i.e., the presence of air–water interfaces, rapid fluctuations in porewater flow rates and chemistry) that distinguish colloid transport in unsaturated media from colloid transport in saturated media. We examine experimental studies on colloid deposition and mobilization and survey recent developments in modeling colloid transport and mass transfer. We conclude with an overview of directions for future research in this field.
Issues management and ethics

Issues management (IM) is becoming widely accepted in the business-and-society literature as a policy tool to enhance the social performance of corporations. Its acceptance is based on the presumption that firms have incorporated ethical norms into their decision-making process. This paper argues that IM is simply a technique to identify, analyze, and respond to social issues. It can be used either to improve or forestall corporate social performance. Different values will steer IM practitioners in different policy directions.
Cell Biology: Cohesin Rings Leave Loose Ends

Cohesins function in almost all aspects of chromosome biology. Two new studies confirm that a subset of cohesin subunits form a flexible but compressed ring that can be opened through degradation. X-ray crystallography supports potentially differing regulation of subunit associations.
Generalized pseudopotential theory of d-band metals

The generalized pseudopotential theory (GPT) of metals is reviewed with emphasis on recent developments. This theory, which attempts to rigorously extend to d-band metals the spirit of conventional simple-metal pseudopotential perturbation theory, has now been optimized and fully integrated with the Kohn-Sham local-density-functional formalism, allowing for systematic first-principles calculations. Recent work on the problems of cohesion, lattice dynamics, structural phase stability, pressure- and temperature-induced phase transitions, and melting is discussed.
Psychiatric Management of Limb Amputation in a Preschool child: The Illusion of “Like Me-Not Me”

Abstract A regressed and anxious boy, 2 years, 7 months old, in his sixth week of recovery from bacterial meningitis complicated by a right hemiparesis was confronted with the imminent necessity of leg, foot, and fingertip amputations because of dry gangrene. In responding to his psychiatric needs, a “like me-not me” doll was used to reflect the boy's condition. The “like me-not me” doll enabled the child to contain his fears, and also served as a medium of communication with him form those in the caring role. An understanding of transactional phenomena and illusory experiences may provide the theoretical basis for the effective psychotherapeutic use of such a doll.
Organization Theory and Structural Perspectives on Management

Structural effects represent the influence of an individual s position in social space on that person because of the constraints and opportunities for interaction and social comparison that derive from the structural realities. The effects of structural position (including network location, physical location, and one's demographic relationship to others) on job attitudes, turnover performance, and wages illustrate the application of a structural perspective and how that perspective can enrich our understanding of phenomena typically studiedfrom the perspective of individual attributes and dispositions. A structural perspective seeks to put the fact of social relations and organizations back into the study of organizational behavior.
Comparison of the protein-binding capacities of cyanogen bromide-activated polysaccharides

Abstract Techniques for chemically coupling allergens to insoluble polysaccharides have permitted the development of the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) to measure reaginic antibodies. To date these allergens have been those contained in crude commercial allergy extracts. Because these allergens are not well characterised, quantitative measurements of the amounts coupled to the polymers have not been possible. In this study several different polysaccharide polymers were examined for their ability to bind bovine serum albumin (BSA) and ragweed antigen E (AgE) by use of different activation procedures with cyanogen bromide. The capacity of the polymers to bind these antigens was assessed by examining the allergen-particle complex for uptake of radioactivity (BSA) or by measurement of allergen by radioimmunoassay (AgE). Sepharose polymers were the most efficient in binding antigen but tended to trap uncoupled antigen in the gel interstices. Microcrystalline cellulose bound more of both antigens than did Sephadex polymers. The AgE bound to cellulose did not differ immunologically from that of pure AgE IV-C, This suggests that that there was no loss of antigenic determinants during the coupling procedure.
Guided-Wave Electro-Optic Analog-To-Digital Converter

AbstractA guided-wave electrooptic analog-to-digital (A/D) converter is under development for conversion applications in the 4- to 8-bit 50- to 2000-MS/sec range. The operation and design considerations for this device are reviewed. Experimental results on component development are summarized, with emphasis on interferometric modulators with 25-dB extinc­ tion ratios, low-loss bends, 4-way single-mode optical power splitters, and 1-GHz Si com­ parators and serial-to-parallel converters.IntroductionSignal-processing and data-collection systems are continuing to require greater speed and accuracy. One of the current limitations in these systems is the speed of analog-to- digital (A/D) converter. Several optical techniques have been proposed to achieve very high speed (>100 MS/sec*) conversion, including electrooptic modulation1 and deflection^ and acoustooptic deflection.3 This paper will review our work on the first technique which was originally proposed by Taylor1 and which utilizes an array of interferometic waveguide modulators. The operational principles and design requirements will be only briefly discussed since they have been fully reported elsewhere.4~b Experimental work on converter component development will then be described with emphasis on high-extinction-ratio modulators, branching-waveguide power dividers and high-speed comparator circuitry.Converter operationThe electrooptic A/D converter is most attractive for conversion applications in the 8-bit 50-MS/sec to 4-bit 2-GS/sec range. As can be seen in Fig. 1, which represents the current performance level of IC-based high-speed A/Df s, the high-frequency end of this range clearly exceeds the current performance range of silicon circuits. The reasons for the high performance potential of electrooptic A/Df s are the relative simplicity of the converter, the use of cw mode-locked lasers for the sampling and the need for a relatively small number of high-speed comparators.Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a 4-bit converter. The device consists of 4 interferometric waveguide modulators in parallel. The analog signal Va is applied simultaneously to these modulators. The output intensity from each modulator varies sinusoidally with voltage and
Prediction of change in mitral valve area after mitral balloon commissurotomy using cine computed tomography.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Mitral balloon commissurotomy (MBC) can successfully increase the mitral valve area (MVA) in mitral stenosis, but the outcome is variable. In multicenter studies, qualitative echocardiographic scores obtained before MBC are only weakly predictive of the increase in MVA after MBC. METHODS To evaluate whether the change in MVA after MBC can be predicted by evaluating mitral valve morphology using cine computed tomography (CT), we studied 12 women with mitral stenosis and 11 female control subjects. RESULTS In the patients with mitral stenosis, MVA increased from 1.13 +/- 0.24 to 1.93 +/- 0.56 cm2 (P .20). However, the total mitral valve morphology score evaluated by cine computed tomography was strongly associated with the change in MVA after MBC (r = -.87; P < .0005). In addition, the individual morphologic characteristics of mitral valve mobility (P < .0025), leaflet thickness (P < .05), and subvalvular disease (P < .05) were significant predictors of the change in MVA after MBC. CONCLUSION Cine computed tomography may be useful for predicting immediate increases in MVA in patients after MBC and may be helpful for preoperative assessment of these patients.
Changes in Sleep Predict Changes in Affect in Older Caregivers of Individuals with Alzheimer’s Dementia: A Multilevel Model Approach

Objectives Understanding predictors of older dementia caregivers' mood could provide insight into potential treatments which may delay institutionalization of their care recipient. Research with older noncaregivers has shown that nights characterized by better subjective sleep were associated with days characterized by higher positive and lower negative affect, and vice versa. Examining daily relationships is important, as sleep and affect are state-like behaviors that fluctuate within individuals, across time. This study was a preliminary examination of whether a sample with a greater proportion of older dementia caregivers exhibits similar daily sleep/affect associations. Methods Sleep diaries, actigraphy, and affect data were collected concurrently for 7 days in 55 community-dwelling, dementia caregivers (M = 62.80 years, SD = 12.21; 77.8% female). Sleep and affect were examined within- (day-to-day level) and between-persons (mean level). Results Findings for older noncaregivers were replicated for negative affect only. Specifically, nights characterized by better subjective sleep were characterized by lower negative affect, and vice versa. Discussion Examining older caregivers' daily sleep/affect association is important, because caregiving-related awakenings are unavoidable, often unpredictable, and can impact mood. Future research is needed to examine whether regularization in awakenings and/or negative affect represent important secondary, or even target, treatment outcomes for this vulnerable population.
LOCATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FOREIGN EQUITY JOINT VENTURE INVESTMENT IN CHINA, 1979–1985

An examination of the locational characteristics of intended foreign equity joint venture (EJV) investment in China during the period 1979 to 1985 indicates that foreign EJV investment was highly concentrated in the coastal region, in the more developed areas of the provinces, and in large cities. The locational characteristics, however, differed between economic sectors and between countries of origin of investment. Although foreign EJV investment became spatially more dispersed through time, the impacts on the development of inland regions and backward areas in China remained limited.
Impact of cirrhosis on outcomes in trauma.

Background Cirrhosis as an independent predictor of poor outcomes in trauma patients was identified in 1990. We hypothesized that the degree of preinjury hepatic dysfunction is, by itself, an independent predictor of mortality. Study design The trauma registry at our Level I trauma center was queried for all ICD-9 codes for liver disease from 1999 to 2003, and patients were categorized as having Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class A, B, or C cirrhosis. Data analyzed included age, mechanism of injury, Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), hospital length of stay, ventilator days, procedures performed, transfusion of blood products, admission lactate, base deficit, and mortality. Trauma Related Injury Severity Score (TRISS) methodology was used to calculate the probability of survival. Outcomes data were analyzed, and statistical comparison was performed using group t -test. Results Of the 50 patients meeting study criteria, 31 had alcohol-related cirrhosis, 18 had a history of hepatitis C, and 1 had cryptogenic cirrhosis. Twenty (40%) met CTP A classification, 16 (32%) met CTP B criteria, and 14 (28%) had CTP class C cirrhosis. One death occurred in the CTP A and B groups. Comparison between the five survivors and nine nonsurvivors from CTP class C showed no statistical significance in terms of age, ISS, TRISS, or GCS. Conclusions The mortality rate for class C cirrhotic patients posttrauma continues to be higher than that predicted by TRISS, although patients with less severe hepatic dysfunction do not appear to have significantly lower than predicted survival. The degree of hepatic dysfunction remains an independent predictor of mortality and CTP C criteria must be considered when determining outcomes for patients posttrauma.
Factors affecting the phytoaccumulation of weathered, soil-borne organic contaminants : analyses at the ex Planta and in Planta sides of the plant root

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the soil–plant system were tracked from their origin in the bulk soil, into the rhizosphere soil pore water, to the xylem sap, and up to the aerial plant tissue. Specifically, the profiles of both chiral and achiral components of technical chlordane along this continuum were examined in detail for members of the Cucurbitaceae family: Cucurbita pepo L. subsp. pepo (“Black Beauty” true zucchini), Cucurbita pepo L. intersubspecific cross (“Zephyr” summer squash), and Cucumis sativus (“Marketmore” cucumber). The experiments were based on the use of mini-rhizotrons for collection and analysis of rhizosphere soil pore water for organic pollutants, as well as for low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs). In addition, the xylem sap and aerial plant tissue for intact, homografted, and heterografted C. pepo “Black Beauty” and C. sativus “Marketmore” plants were compared. The data indicate that profiles of the chlordane components in the pore water show no alteration in chiral patterns from those in the bulk soil and may be interpreted by physicochemical partitioning coefficients. Low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) in the rhizosphere were observed to have a minor impact on bioavailability of the pollutants. However, once the pollutants cross the root membrane, major distinctive uptake and enantioselective patterns are apparent in the xylem sap, which are maintained in the aerial tissue. These in planta patterns are based on plant genotype. Specifically, grafting experiments with compatible heterografts of C. pepo and C. sativus establish that the chiral patterns are fully dependent on the plant root. The genotypic dependence of the data suggests possible mechanisms for phytoaccumulation.
The relationships between maximum articulatory rate and articulatory disorders among children

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if maximum articulatory rate of children with articulatory disorders differed significantly from that of normal‐speaking peers. If differences exist between groups, then additional research is indicated to determine whether improving maximum articulatory rate will result in more acceptable articulation.
Freezing-Point Depressions of Hoagland's `Carbowax' Systems

SOLUTIONS of various osmotic pressures have been widely used in biology. Sugars and their derivatives, commonly used to maintain osmotic pressures, have the drawback that many, if not all, of these compounds can be metabolized by the test tissue or organism. McClenden and Blinks1 described the use of ‘Carbowax 4000’ (polyethylene glycol) in maintaining various osmotic concentrations in a study of the Hill reaction. Excellent results were reported. This laboratory has successfully used ‘Carbowax 4000’ in a study of water uptake by bush beans, Phaseolus vulgaris. We believe our results on freezing point depressions of complete Hoagland's solutions containing various concentrations of ‘Carbowax 4000’ may be of value to other investigators.
The Clinicopathologic Spectrum of Benign Mass Lesions of the Vocal Fold due to Vocal Abuse

Benign masses of the vocal fold related to phonotrauma are clinically classified into polyps, nodules, Reinke's edema, and cysts. Despite the apparent distinctiveness of the clinical nomenclature, low inter- and intraobserver diagnostic agreement has been reported. Excepting cysts, which are epithelial lined, histologic examination of the remaining lesions has shown a variety of overlapping features insufficiently specific for the clinical diagnoses. This study reviews the clinicopathologic characteristics among these benign lesions of the vocal fold. A total of 78 nonneoplastic lesions of the vocal fold were reviewed by 2 pathologists for the presence of epithelial hyperplasia, basement membrane thickening, edema, vascular proliferation, and extracellular "amyloid-like" fibrin. In 46 cases with prebiopsy stroboscopic images, 2 otolaryngologists classified each lesion as polyp, nodule, Reinke's edema, cyst, or other. They agreed in 43% (n = 20, 13 polyps, 5 nodules, 1 Reinke's edema, 1 other) and disagreed in 57% (n = 26). There was no histologic feature that reliably distinguished among the lesions. In addition, reactive stromal cell atypia was present in 14 cases. Cysts were distinctive, as all were epithelial lined. The clinicopathologic classification of benign laryngeal lesions is neither clinically reproducible nor histologically unique. Treatment will continue to be individualized based on clinical judgment.
Children's and adults' integration of information about noise and interest levels in their judgments about learning

Abstract This study examined developmental changes in the understanding of distractibility. It focused on how information about both interest level and noise level are used to form judgments of how many items a hypothetical child would learn. A total of 112 subjects from grades K, 2, and 5 and college age used a rating scale to judge the amount of learning in situations generated by a factorial combining of three levels of interest and three levels of surrounding noise. Children at all ages, even kindergarteners, used both noise and interest information in making their judgments. Interest level influenced judgments much more than noise level at all ages, but this imbalance waned somewhat with increasing age. The rules for combining noise and interest were more complex at the older ages. The discussion focused on interpretations of the subjects' belief that interest level heavily influences attentiveness.
ERAD and how viruses exploit it

Endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) is a universally important process among eukaryotic cells. ERAD is necessary to preserve cell integrity since the accumulation of defective proteins results in diseases associated with neurological dysfunction, cancer, and infections. This process involves recognition of misfolded or misassembled proteins that have been translated in association with ER membranes. Recognition of ERAD substrates leads to their extraction through the ER membrane (retrotranslocation or dislocation), ubiquitination, and destruction by cytosolic proteasomes. This review focuses on ERAD and its components as well as how viruses use this process to promote their replication and to avoid the immune response.
A theory of command language dialogue for a knowledge-based human-computer interaction

The flexibility and usability of graphic‐based HCIs can be increased by adding a natural language interface with command menus. Among the several other advantages, such embellishment offers the user an opportunity for direct expression of his or her behaviors, goals, intentions, and objectives along the continuum of the task knowledge. The existing graphic‐based HCIs that operate on active symbologies and icons assume the user's mental models to correlate with perceptual and cognitive levels of the task understanding. This obviously increases mental loads and the frustration of the human adapting to the system. In reality, the system should be designed to adapt to the user's behavior and skill level. In order to improve the current design of graphic‐based HCIs, we have formulated theories of command production language that will enhance the user's ability to interact with the system. The methods developed combine the theory of expert database with formal grammar to develop command‐production rules using a...
An Empirical Bayes Method for Multivariate Meta-analysis with an Application in Clinical Trials

We propose an empirical Bayes method for evaluating overall and study-specific treatment effects in multivariate meta-analysis with binary outcome. Instead of modeling transformed proportions or risks via commonly used multivariate general or generalized linear models, we directly model the risks without any transformation. The exact posterior distribution of the study-specific relative risk is derived. The hyperparameters in the posterior distribution can be inferred through an empirical Bayes procedure. As our method does not rely on the choice of transformation, it provides a flexible alternative to the existing methods and in addition, the correlation parameter can be intuitively interpreted as the correlation coefficient between risks.
Estimating the Cost-Effectiveness of Coordinated DSM Programs.

Coordinated demand-side management (DSM) programs—jointly funded, designed, and implemented by government agencies and electric and gas utilities—are likely to become much more widespread in the future. Because of the comingling of government and private funds in these types of programs, estimating their cost-effectiveness for electric and gas utilities is more difficult than for typically utility-run DSM programs. In this article, we describe and illustrate a methodology for estimating the cost-efffectiveness of coordinated programs from the standpoint of the electric or gas utility. Although the discussion is limited to DSM programs cofunded by government and electric and gas utilities, the principles can be used for other types of programs cofunded by the government and firms in the private sector.
Femtosecond photoinduced birefringence in vapor, liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide

Abstract Using the Optical Kerr Gate (OKG) technique, the nonlinear index of refraction and femtosecond molecular relaxation processes for carbon dioxide in the vapor, liquid and supercritical states were determined. At all experimental conditions (22 and 35°C and 500–3000 psi) molecular reorientational dynamics were completed within 500 fs.
Surface pressure field mapping using luminescent coatings

In recent experiments we demonstrated the feasibility of using the oxygen dependence of luminescent molecules for surface pressure measurement in aerodynamic testing. This technique is based on the observation that for many luminescent molecules the light emitted increases as the oxygen partial pressure, and thus the air pressure, the molecules see decreases. In practice the surface to be observed is coated with an oxygen permeable polymer containing a luminescent molecule and illuminated with ultraviolet radiation. The airflow induced surface pressure field is seen as a luminescence intensity distribution which can be measured using quantitative video techniques. Computer processing converts the video data into a map of the surface pressure field. The experiments consisted of evaluating a trial luminescent coating in measuring the static surface pressure field over a two-dimensional NACA-0012 section model airfoil for Mach numbers ranging from 0.3 and 0.66. Comparison of the luminescent coating derived pressures were made to those obtained from conventional pressure taps. The method along with the experiment and its results will be described.