cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Some Properties of the Triphosphopyridine Nucleotide Isocitrate Dehydrogenase from Bacillus stearothermophilus

Abstract The TPN+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase from Bacillus stearothermophilus (NCA 2184) has been isolated and purified approximately 1000-fold. The preparation described is homogenous as judged by sedimentation equilibrium and disc gel electrophoresis. The weight average molecular weight estimated by sedimentation equilibrium analysis is 92,500. In 6 m guanidine hydrochloride-1 mm dithiothreitol, the weight average molecular weight is about 45,000 indicating the presence of two subunits. The amino acid composition of the enzyme is not exceptional in terms of the amounts of nonpolar or other amino acids when compared with mesophilic isocitrate dehydrogenases. The Km values for TPN+ and d-isocitrate in triethanolamine buffer, pH 7.5, at 50° were 4.5 µm and 6 µm, respectively; in phosphate buffer the corresponding values were 15 and 27 µm. The enzyme was completely inactive when tested with DPN+ as cofactor. Magnesium, or more effectively, manganous ion satisfies the metal ion requirement of the enzyme. The temperature optimum for activity is about 66°. The Arrhenius activation energy was determined to be 25 kcal per mole. The enzyme is stable at 60°, and for short times at 70° when protected by isocitrate and magnesium. Incubation in 8 m urea at room temperature results in rapid inactivation. p-Chloromercuribenzoate and EDTA inhibit the isocitrate dehydrogenase. p-Chloromercuribenzoate inhibition is reversed with cysteine.
Seasonal variation of turtle grass, Thalassia testudinum König, with reference to temperature and salinity effects

Abstract Although turtle grass, Thalassia testudinum Konig, is a tropical marine plant, studies show it undergoes seasonal fluctuation. Maximum values of productivity, standing crop, leaf length, blade density, and other biotic variables are reached in the warmer summer months. Thalassia has a temperature optimum near 30°C and a salinity optimum near 30‰. Significant deviations of these environmental parameters from their optima depress the biotic viability of the plant. Minimum values for the measured variables were encountered during periods of seasonally low temperatures or high temperatures coupled with lowered salinity. Thalassia is seen to have a slow response to environmental stress due to the stored starch reserves in the extensive robust rhizome system.
14 Equations of state for polymer systems

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes equations of state (EOS) for molten polymers and for mixtures of polymers with solvents or other molten polymers. This chapter compares their theoretical foundations and indicates their usefulness for calculating thermodynamic properties, especially for phase equilibria. Attention is restricted to polymer liquids. No significant attention is given in the chapter to glassy polymers or to crystallinity. To describe polymers and their mixtures with solvents and other polymers, equations of state can be divided into four categories: cell models, lattice-fluid models, hole models, and tangent-sphere models. The cell and lattice-fluid models provide different adaptations of the incompressible-lattice model of polymer mixtures; however, each incorporates compressibility in a different manner. Hole models combine both methods of incorporating compressibility introduced by cell and lattice-fluid models. Finally, recent advances in statistical thermodynamics have brought to the forefront tangent-sphere models of chain-like fluids. These models abandon lattice origins; they model polymers as freely-jointed tangent-spheres where unbonded spheres interact through a specified intermolecular potential.
Technical Note: Fabricating Cerrobend grids with 3D printing for spatially modulated radiation therapy: A feasibility study

Purpose: Grid therapy has promising applications in the radiation treatment of large tumors. However, research and applications of grid therapy are limited by the accessibility of the specialized blocks that produce the grid of pencil-like radiation beams. In this study, a Cerrobend grid block was fabricated using the 3D printing technique. Methods: A grid block mold was designed with flared tubes which follow the divergence of the beam. The mold was 3D printed using a resin with the working temperature below 230 °C. The melted Cerrobend liquid at 120 °C was cast into the resin mold to yield a block with a thickness of 7.4 cm. At the isocenter plane, the grid had a hexagonal pattern, with each pencil beam diameter of 1.4 cm; the distance between the beam centers was 2.1 cm. Results: The dosimetric properties of the grid block were studied using small field dosimeters: a pinpoint ionization chamber and a stereotactic diode. For a 6 MV photon beam, its valley-to-peak ratio was 20% at d max and 30% at 10 cm depth; the output factor was 84.9% at d max and 65.1% at 10 cm depth. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that it is feasible to implement 3D printing technique in applying grid therapy in clinic.
Excitons in Time-Dependent Density-Functional Theory.

This chapter gives an overview of the description of the optical and dielectric properties of bulk insulators and semiconductors in time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT), with an emphasis on excitons. We review the linear-response formalism for periodic solids, discuss excitonic exchange-correlation kernels, calculate exciton binding energies for various materials, and compare the treatment of excitons with TDDFT and with the Bethe–Salpeter equation.
PECAM-1 Affects GSK-3β-Mediated β-Catenin Phosphorylation and Degradation

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) regulates a variety of endothelial and immune cell biological responses. PECAM-1-null mice exhibit prolonged and increased permeability after inflammatory insults. We observed that in PECAM-1-null endothelial cells (ECs), β-catenin remained tyrosine phosphorylated, coinciding with a sustained increase in permeability. Src homology 2 domain containing phosphatase 2 (SHP-2) association with β-catenin was diminished in PECAM-1-null ECs, suggesting that lack of PECAM-1 inhibits the ability of this adherens junction component to become dephosphorylated, promoting a sustained increase in permeability. β-Catenin/Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3β) association and β-catenin serine phosphorylation levels were increased and β-catenin expression levels were reduced in PECAM-1-null ECs. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3β) serine phosphorylation (inactivation) was blunted in PECAM-1-null ECs after histamine treatment or shear stress. Our data suggest that PECAM-1 serves as a critical dynamic regulator of endothelial barrier permeability. On stimulation by a vasoactive substance or shear stress, PECAM-1 became tyrosine phosphorylated, enabling recruitment of SHP-2 and tyrosine-phosphorylated β-catenin to its cytoplasmic domain, facilitating dephosphorylation of β-catenin, and allowing reconstitution of adherens junctions. In addition, PECAM-1 modulated the levels of β-catenin by regulating the activity of GSK-3β, which in turn affected the serine phosphorylation of β-catenin and its proteosomal degradation, affecting the ability of the cell to reform adherens junctions in a timely fashion.
Fractal topology of gene promoter networks at phase transitions

Much is known regarding the structure and logic of genetic regulatory networks. Less understood is the contextual organization of promoter signals used during transcription initiation, the most pivotal stage during gene expression. Here we show that promoter networks organize spontaneously at a dimension between the 1-dimension of the DNA and 3-dimension of the cell. Network methods were used to visualize the global structure of E. coli sigma (σ) recognition footprints using published promoter sequences (RegulonDB). Footprints were rendered as networks with weighted edges representing bp-sharing between promoters (nodes). Serial thresholding revealed phase transitions at positions predicted by percolation theory, and nuclei denoting short steps through promoter space with geometrically constrained linkages. The network nuclei are fractals, a power-law organization not yet described for promoters. Genome-wide promoter abundance also scaled as a power-law. We propose a general model for the development of a fractal nucleus in a transcriptional grammar.
Gas-Liquid chromatography of fatty derivatives. I. Separation of homologous series ofa-olefins, n-hydrocarbons, n-nitriles, and n-alcohols

Gas-liquid chromatography has been shown to be applicable to the analysis of several fatty derivatives. The difficulties inherent in conventional separation schemes such as liquid-liquid chromatography, fractional distillation, and crystallization can be overcome through the use of gas-liquid chromatography. It becomes the preferred procedure for several reasons: a) fractions are more nearly pure, b) analysis time is a fraction of the time required for conventional separations, c) operational procedures are simple and highly reproducible, d) sample size requirements are low, e) the cost per unit analysis is low.
Effects of First Aid Training Using Small Group Instruction With Young Children With Disabilities

Nine children, ages 41 to 69 months, participated in this study examining the effects of a first aid training procedure on the acquisition, maintenance and generalization of seeking adult assistance in response to simulated injuries. A multiple baseline probe design across children was used to measure number of response steps completed correctly, duration of responding, and obtaining adult assistance. First aid training was conducted in triads consisting of one target learner and two non-target group learners. Generalization probes were conducted in the school gym and school playground. Results indicate all participants were successful in acquiring the response and obtaining adult assistance as well as responding quickly, completing the response within 1 minute. Findings extend previous research by demonstrating the effectiveness of incorporating generalization strategies into training and the use of small group instruction for first aid training with young children with disabilities.
Further study on the security of S-UNIWARD

Recently, a new steganographic method was introduced that utilizes a universal distortion function called UNIWARD. The distortion between the cover and stego image is computed as a sum of relative changes of wavelet coefficients representing both images. As already pointed out in the original publication, the selection channel of the spatial version of UNIWARD (the version that hides messages in pixel values called S-UNIWARD) exhibits unusual properties – in highly textured and noisy regions the embedding probabilities form interleaved streaks of low and high embedding probability. While the authors of UNIWARD themselves hypothesized that such an artifact in the embedding probabilities may jeopardize its security, experiments with state-of-the-art rich models did not reveal any weaknesses. Using the fact that the cover embedding probabilities can be approximately estimated from the stego image, we introduce the novel concept of content-selective residuals and successfully attack S-UNIWARD. We also show that this attack, which is made possible by a faulty probabilistic selection channel, can be prevented by properly adjusting the stabilizing constant in the UNIWARD distortion function.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Common Sense for Interactive Systems

This editorial introduction describes the aims and scope of the special issue on Common Sense for Interactive Systems of the ACM Transactions on Interactive Intelligent Systems. It explains why the common sense knowledge problem is crucial for both artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction, and it shows how the four articles selected for this issue fit into the theme.
Disability and decline in physical function associated with hospital use at end of life.

Background Hospital use near the end of life is often undesirable to patients, represents considerable Medicare cost, and varies widely across regions.
Ureteral stenting in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Abstract Background Few studies have examined the current status of ureteral stent use or the indications for stenting, particularly in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. This study examines current national trends and predictors of ureteral stenting in patients undergoing major colorectal operations and the subsequent effects on perioperative outcomes. Methods The 2005–2011 National Surgical Quality Improvement participant user files were used to identify patients undergoing laparoscopic segmental colectomy, low anterior resection, or proctectomy. Trends in stent use were assessed across procedure types. To estimate the predictors of stent utilization, a forward-stepwise logistic regression model was used. A 3:1 nearest neighbor propensity match with subsequent multivariable adjustment was then used to estimate the impact of stents. Results A total of 42,311 cases were identified, of which 1795 (4.2%) underwent ureteral stent placement. Predictors of stent utilization included diverticular disease, need for radical resection (versus segmental colectomy), recent radiotherapy, and more recent calendar year. After adjustment, ureteral stenting appeared to be associated with a small increase in median operative time (44 min) and a trivial increase in length of stay (5.4%, P Conclusions We describe the clinical predictors of ureteral stent usage in this patient population and report that while stenting adds to operative time, it is not associated with significantly increased morbidity or mortality after adjusting for diagnosis and comorbidities. Focused institutional studies are necessary in the future to address the utility of ureteral stents in the identification and possible prevention of iatrogenic injury.
Dual interferometer system for measuring index of refraction

Geometrical limitations can sometimes preclude the accurate measurement of the bulk index of refraction. A novel dual interferometer system for measuring the bulk index of thin transparent optical materials is presented.
Spatial perception errors do not predict pointing errors by individuals with brain lesions

We examined the relationship between errors in sensorimotor transformations (SMT) for reaching to external targets and visual and kinesthetic spatial perception of those targets by participants with damage to the posterior parietal lobule (PPL) and adjacent areas. A total of 12 participants had focal PPL lesions, 7 had with brain lesions outside the PPL, and 10 had no brain lesions. Brain lesions were due to stroke (12) or surgical resection (7). Participants made visually and kinesthetically guided pointing movements to 16 targets with the ipsilesional hand (to minimize effects of motor deficits). Head and eye movements were unrestricted. When full vision was allowed, all participants pointed accurately to visually specified targets. However, participants with PPL lesions made larger vertical plane errors than did neurologically intact control participants in visual and kinesthetic perceptual tasks and in SMT tasks (in which participants reached without vision to targets that had been visually presented). However, across all 29 participants, the size and direction of SMT errors showed low correlation with visual and kinesthetic perceptual errors. Moreover, participants with PPL lesions who made large visual and/or kinesthetic perceptual errors to individual targets also showed weak correlations with SMT errors to those targets. The results are compatible with theories that different neural pathways support perception and action for both the visual and the kinesthetic systems.
The ecological role of secondary lichen substances

Key Word Index--Lichens; chemosystematics; herbivory; allelopathy; chemical weathering; depsides, depsi- dories; terpenes; pulvinic acid derivatives; anthraquinones; xanthones; usnic acid. Abstract--Considerable evidence, both direct and indirect, supports the hypothesis that many lichen secondary substances have significant ecological roles. Thus secondary chemistry may be important in determining the relative ecological success of individual lichen species and thus the structure and diversity of natural lichen communities. Primary ecological roles of secondary lichen substances can be classified into four groups: light-screen compounds, chemical weathering compounds, allelopathic compounds, (including antibiotic compounds), and anti-herbivore defense compounds.
Performance optimization to alleviate I/O constraints in designing large FPGA shifters

This paper presents a novel design of large shift registers to overcome the problem of I/O pin bottleneck typically encountered in FPGA implementation. The proposed design uses an embedded logic recursively to decompose and synthesize the shifter operations. Compared to the conventional logic shifter, barrel shifter, and logarithmic shifter designs, the proposed approach reduces the number of I/O pins by at least 89%, and increases the available logic slices by 215%. The performance of the design is optimized by using a hybrid clocking scheme and is easily extended to multi-chip FPGA implementation.
Serum 3α-Androstanediol Glucuronide Measurements in Sexually Mature Women with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia during Therapy*

ABSTRACT ABSTRACT. Serum 3α-androstanediol glucuronide (3α-diol G) measurements may indicate the extent of androgen metabolism and action in target tissues. To test this supposition we measured serum 3α-diol G concentrations in 23 women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, including 13 with the salt-losing and 10 with the simple virilizing form, while they were receiving glucocorticoid and, in some cases, mineralocorticoid therapy. Their mean age was 28.3 yr (range, 17.9–38.7 yr). Twenty-four-hour urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion, plasma androstenedione and testosterone levels, and serum 3α-diol G levels were measured during the follicular phase. The values were within or below the normal range in 87%, 78%, 70%, and 91% of the patients, respectively. By contrast, plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels were normal in only 12% of the patients. Serum 3α-diol G levels correlated well with 24-h urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion (r = 0.75) and plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone (r = 0.7...
VIBRATION SUPPRESSION OF NONLINEAR SINGLE DEGREE OF FREEDOM SYSTEMS VIA SECOND-ORDER NONLINEAR COMPENSATION

Second-order, nonlinear compensators are investigated. The equivalence, to first-order nonlinear effects, of the mechanical vibration absorber, the piezoelectric vibration absorber, and the positive position feedback control algorithm will be established resulting in a single set of nonlinear differential equations for this class of systems. These differential equations are solved via the method of multiple scales, a perturbation technique. Abbreviated results are presented.
Production of electrons in heavy-ion-atom collisions at 40 to 120 MeV

Cross sections were measured for the production of electrons with kinetic energies from 50 to 150 keV by heavy-ion-atom collisions. Beams of 40- and 70-MeV nickel and 70- and 120-MeV bromine ions were incident on targets of carbon, nickel, potassium bromide, silver, and gold. Electron energies were measured using a steering electron spectrometer capable of 7% transmission and 4-keV resolution. The observed cross sections exceed the plane-wave-Born-approximation predictions by factors of 2 to 10 with deviation becoming more pronounced at high electron energy.
Analysis of Tub4p, a yeast gamma-tubulin-like protein: implications for microtubule-organizing center function.

gamma-Tubulin is a conserved component of microtubule-organizing centers and is thought to be involved in microtubule nucleation. A recently discovered Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene (TUB4) encodes a tubulin that is related to, but divergent from, gamma-tubulins. TUB4 is essential for cell viability, and epitope-tagged Tub4 protein (Tub4p) is localized to the spindle pole body (Sobel, S.G., and M. Snyder. 1995.J. Cell Biol. 131:1775-1788). We have characterized the expression of TUB4, the association of Tub4p with the spindle pole body, and its role in microtubule organization. Tub4p is a minor protein in the cell, and expression of TUB4 is regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Wild-type Tub4p is localized to the spindle pole body, and a Tub4p-green fluorescent protein fusion is able to associate with a preexisting spindle pole body, suggesting that there is dynamic exchange between cytoplasmic and spindle pole body forms of Tub4p. Perturbation of Tub4p function, either by conditional mutation or by depletion of the protein, results in spindle as well as spindle pole body defects, but does not eliminate the ability of microtubules to regrow from, or remain attached to, the spindle pole body. The spindle pole bodies in tub4 mutant cells duplicate but do not separate, resulting in a monopolar spindle. EM revealed that one spindle pole body of the duplicated pair appears to be defective for the nucleation of microtubules. These results offer insight into the role of gamma-tubulin in microtubule-organizing center function.
A parallel implementation of the push-relabel algorithm for the maximum flow problem

Abstract We describe an efficient parallel implementation of the push-relabel maximum flow algorithm for a shared-memory multiprocessor. Our main technical innovation is a method that allows the "global relabeling" heuristic to be executed concurrently with the main algorithm; this heuristic is essential for good performance in practice. We present performance results from a Sequent Symmetry for five input distributions. On these five input distributions we achieve speedups in the range 6.2-8.8 with 16 processors, relative to the parallel program with 1 processor (4.1-7.2 when compared to our best sequential program). We consider these speedups very good and we provide evidence that hardware effects and insufficient parallelism in certain inputs are the main obstacles to achieving better performance.
The capsid protein of vesicular exanthema of swine virus serotype A48: relationship to the capsid protein of other animal caliciviruses

Abstract Vesicular exanthema of swine virus (VESV), the prototype calicivirus, is the etiologic agent of the porcine disease vesicular exanthema of swine (VES). VES is characterized by vesicle formation on the extremities, mouth and snout and causes abortions and stillbirths if infection occurs during pregnancy. VESV is considered an exotic agent in the US, following its eradication in 1956. The single capsid protein gene of VESV serotype A48 was cloned and sequenced. The capsid amino acid sequence was 69% similar to the San Miguel sea lion virus serotype 1 (SMSV 1) and 89% similar to the SMSV serotype 4 (SMSV 4) capsid proteins. The six functional regions (A–F) previously identified in SMSV 1, SMSV 4, feline calicivirus and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus capsid proteins were present in VESV A48. Two sets of PCR primers were designed which directed amplification of the 5′ end (A region) and the hypervariable (E region) sequences of the capsid protein precursor gene of these viruses, as well as seven additional SMSV serotypes. Alignment and phylogenetic analysis of the N-terminal sequences demonstrated the close relationship of these viruses. Alignment of the hypervariable region amino acid sequences of the ten viruses confirmed that a great variety of sequence exists in this region; however, a consensus sequence (NxT(N/H)F(K/R)GxYI(C/M)GxLx(T/R)) was derived which is also present in the feline calicivirus capsid protein. Comparison of the E region sequences provides further evidence that this area of animal calicivirus capsid protein may contain the major antigenic determinants.
SIDS Family Adjustment Scale: A Method of Assessing Family Adjustment to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

This paper discusses the unique aspects of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and the family's resultant grief process. SIDS as a family crisis is explored, and by identifying the psychological factors or tasks pertinent to family adjustment, a SIDS Family Adjustment Scale is proposed which assists in recognizing adaptive and maladaptive grief responses, predicting subsequent adjustment, and facilitating therapeutic interventions.
Iatrogenic sciatic nerve injuries at buttock and thigh levels: the Louisiana State University experience review.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of iatrogenic sciatic nerve injuries at the buttock and thigh levels, and to analyze results of the treatment provided at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans. METHODS: The data from 196 patients were reviewed retrospectively. All patients had iatrogenic sciatic nerve injuries at the buttock and thigh levels and were evaluated and treated at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center between the years 1968 and 1999. One hundred sixty-four of these patients had injuries caused by injections at the buttock level, 15 sustained sciatic nerve injuries after a total hip arthroplasty, and 17 had iatrogenic damage at the thigh level. RESULTS: Patients with severe motor deficits underwent neurolysis if they had positive nerve action potentials, and end-to-end anastomosis or grafting if the nerve action potentials were negative. Operations were performed on 64 patients with injection injuries at the buttock level, on 15 with iatrogenic damage at the thigh level, and on 15 with deficits after total hip arthroplasty. Results were analyzed by the procedure performed and by the outcome in both the peroneal and tibial divisions. CONCLUSION: Patients with mild or no motor deficits and those with pain that was manageable did not undergo surgery and were treated conservatively. For patients with significant motor deficits and those with pain that was not responsive to pharmacological management, physical and occupational therapy required surgical intervention. Patients who had positive nerve action potentials required neurolysis only and had the best recovery, whereas those with negative nerve action potentials required more extensive intervention entailing reanastomosis or grafting and had worse outcome. In general, the outcome was better for the tibial than for the peroneal divisions, regardless of the type of intervention.
WE‐E‐203‐06: Pilot Study of Interactive Physics Course for Radiation Oncology Residents

Purpose: Pilot a new approach to teaching physics to Radiation Oncology residents that seeks to maximize the learning experience under the constraint of limited class time provided for teaching. The pilot is limited to a few lectures during the year. Method and Materials: Class time is devoted to the interactive learning of the key concepts instead of reciting the text book by rote to the students by means of prepared in‐class lectures. Two types of classes are given. The first class is spent asking the residents prepared questions on the key concepts of the subject material. These questions involve no calculations and are multiple‐choice. The second class consists of reviewing problem set questions that were distributed beforehand. The residents are encouraged to teach each other to help the class understand the concepts and problem solving methods with the instructor acting as the guide in the process. In order to be prepared for class, the residents are required to review the material beforehand. To facilitate this, audio/visual (A/V) lectures are created in Adobe Captive for them to view. These lectures are kept short (∼20 min) and are focused on the key concepts instead of the details. Results: The residents viewed the A/V lectures and came to class prepared for discussion. The in‐class question sessions on concepts supported by a group learning approach enabled the residents to teach their peers and focus on the essential material. The problem sessions allowed them to apply their knowledge of the concepts to learn the details and calculation process. Conclusions: This pilot study has been successful as evidenced by the residents' increased exam scores and attendance to class. This program will be expanded to cover more lectures. In addition, the material (lectures, questions, problem sets and detailed answers) will be made available via the department website.
Why should we do 3D integration

3D integration offers a technology that meets the requirements of the current trend in high performance microprocessors. It offers the opportunity to continue the performance trends the industry enjoyed in the past. To take advantage of this opportunity system architecture and design needs to utilize the new possibilities that 3D integration provides.
Smart Investors or Myopic Traders? Governance Role of Institutional Investors at a M&A Wave

Corporate governance scholars have emphasized monitoring by institutional investors as a primary mechanism for resolving agency problems. However, the shareholders of acquiring firms experienced su...
Conversational Common Ground and Memory Processes in Language Production

Speakers in conversation routinely engage in audience design. That is, they construct their utterances to be understood by particular addressees. Standard accounts of audience design have frequently appealed to the notion of common ground. On this view, speakers produce well-designed utterances by expressly considering the knowledge they take as shared with addressees. This article suggests that conversational common ground, rather than being a category of specialized mental representations, is more usefully conceptualized as an emergent property of ordinary memory processes. This article examines 2 separate but equally important processes: commonality assessment and message formation. Commonality assessment involves the retrieval of memory traces concerning what information is shared with an addressee, whereas message formation involves deciding how to use that information in conversation. Evidence from the CallHome English corpus of telephone conversations shows how each of these processes is rooted in ...
Lung transplantation for interstitial lung disease.

There have been over 120 diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLD) identified, and these diseases have similar clinical and pathological findings. These diseases are associated with autoimmune disorders, environmental or drug exposures, or are idiopathic in nature. Unfortunately, many of these diseases have limited effective therapies and may require lung transplantation for ongoing survival. Because of changes that have been made in lung allocation, lung transplantation in patients with DPLD is becoming more common. For successful lung transplantation, the DPLD patient requires optimized global medical management. Once transplanted, patients typically have a change in their lifestyle that requires multiple medications, dedication to lifelong exercise, and chronic medical management; however, they also garner a survival benefit and significant improvement in quality of life. Part of the transplant process is to inform patients fully of the risks, costs, and benefits associated with the procedure. It is imperative that patients are evaluated early so that a relationship between transplant centers and patients can be established.
Calculation of reactive cross sections and microcanonical rates from kinetic and thermochemical Data.

In general, kinetic rate data may be represented by van 't Hoff's four-parameter equation. When this is true, the mathematical properties of the Laplace transform may be used to derive phenomenological equations that describe the energy-dependent reactive cross sections and microcanonical rates in terms of the same four parameters. Since the macroscopic rate data and microscopic expressions are related by the Laplace transform, these microscopic descriptions do not imply new information; they simply express the information contained in the rate data in another form. The Monte Carlo techniques used to determine confidence envelopes for the rate data may also be used to provide confidence envelopes or 'bounds' for the energy-dependent properties. These microscopic expressions may be used to compare and contrast theoretical calculations or as a starting point in RRKM or master equation calculations. Both the forward and reverse H + O{sub 2} {leftrightarrow} OH + O reactions and the associative reaction CH{sub 3} + CH{sub 3} {yields} C{sub 2}H{sub 6} are used to illustrate the above ideas. In the first example, the cross section for the reverse reaction shows that it is not dominated by the dipole-quadrupole interaction. The cross section for the forward reaction is obtained by fittingmore » rate data from 158 to 5300 K and peaks just above the threshold of 8354 K. In the second example, comparison to recent theoretical calculations highlights the importance of angular momentum and the centrifugal barrier.« less
UNBUNDLING EVALUATION USE

Studies in Educational Evaluation PERGAMON Studies in Educational Evaluation l-12 www.elsevier.com/stueduc UNBUNDLING EVALUATION USE Marvin C. Alkin and Sandy M. Taut Graduate School University of Education of California and Information Studies, Los Angeles, USA Evaluation use (or evaluation utilization) refers to the way in which an evaluation and information from the evaluation impacts the program that is being evaluated. Did the evaluation generate a new understanding of certain aspects of the program? Were progressive changes made in the program as a consequence of the evaluation? Did program staff acquire new skills and insights during the course of, and attributable to, the evaluation? The concern for evaluation use initially developed in the United States during the 1960s. Major social program initiatives, like Head Start in education, began to include the mandate for end-of-year evaluation reports. Many of those conducting these evaluations lacked awareness of the unique characteristics of evaluation as opposed to research. The result was a multitude of evaluation reports with little relevance and utility to their potential users, simply fulfilling the requirement of evaluation. These developments triggered the fledgling evaluation profession to strive for a greater understanding of evaluation use, particularly of how the likelihood of evaluation use could be increased. Although there has been great progress, to this day confusion persists in the literature regarding evaluation use. Indeed, it seems like the evaluation use concept has come under attack from several different directions. On the one hand, there are those who argue about the relevance and appropriateness of the “use” term and prefer “influence” (e.g., Kirkhart, 2000). On the other hand, some have tried to equate or show the strong relationship between evaluation use and knowledge use, generally ignoring the differences in context (e.g., Cousins & Shulha, 2002). In this article, we will provide a conceptual 0191-491X/03/$ - see front PII: SOlSl-491X(03)00002-6 matter Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Meat as a first complementary food for breastfed infants: feasibility and impact on zinc intake and status.

ABSTRACTBackground:Establishment of the gut microbiota at birth provides a substantial source of microbial stimuli for the maturation of the immune system. Deviations in this process precede the development of specific diseases providing the rationale for the use of probiotics to counteract them.Obj
Nanosphere-Assisted Direct-Patterning of Silicon Carbide by a Nanosecond Pulsed Laser

A strategy wherein the optical near-field enhancement between the spheres and substrate obtained by irradiating with laser beam is used for nano-patterning the hard-to-machine bulk silicon carbide (SiC). For this study a monolayer of silica (SiO2 ) spheres of 1.76 μm and 640 nm diameter are deposited on the SiC substrate and then irradiated with an Nd:YAG laser of wavelength 355 nm and 532 nm. Scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope are used to characterize the features. It was found that the features obtained were having diameters around 150 to 450 nm and the depths varying from 70 to 220 nm.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Reconstitution of heterologous and chimeric casein kinase II with recombinant subunits from human andDrosophila: Identification of species-specific differences in the Β subunit

Casein kinase II is composed of two catalytic (a) and two regulatory (Β) subunits, the amino acid sequences of theα andΒ subunits are highly conserved between species. To examine whether heterologous casein kinase II could be formed, recombinantα andΒ subunits from human andDrosophila were reconstituted from inclusion bodies. Casein kinase II containing either humanα andDrosophila Β orDrosophila α and humanΒ subunits exhibited enzymatic properties similar to those of the homologous holoenzymes with regard to specific activity, salt optima, and autophosphorylation. However, renaturation and reconstitution of casein kinase II was dependent on the type ofΒ subunits and the redox conditions, with theDrosophila Β subunits requiring more reduced conditions. ChimericΒ subunits prepared from human andDrosophila cDNA revealed that the N-terminal region was responsible for the requirement for the reduced redox state during renaturation. TheN-terminal region also affected solubility and electrophoretic mobility of theΒ subunit.
Cardiorespiratory function before and after corrective surgery in pectus excavatum

Objective: To determine whether pectus excavatum (PE) results in cardiopulmonary abnormalities, and whether surgical repair results in improvement. Methods: We performed pulmonary function testing and incremental exercise testing in 36 adolescents with PE (aged 16 ± 3 (SD) years) and 10 age-matched, healthy control subjects. Fifteen PE subjects were reexamined postoperatively, as were six control subjects. Results: Preoperatively, PE subjects had a significantly lower forced vital capacity than control subjects had (81 % ± 14% vs 98% ± 9% of the predicted value; p r =-0.56; p 2 pulse did not differ between the two groups. Respiratory measurements during exercise were similar between the two groups. Postoperatively there was no change in forced vital capacity (as a percentage of the predicted value). The PE subjects exercised for a slightly longer period and had a slightly higher O 2 pulse, whereas control subjects showed no change. Conclusion: Some subjects with PE have mild restrictive lung disease, which is not affected by surgical repair. Postoperatively they have a slight increase in exercise tolerance and 02 pulse, which suggests improved cardiac function during exercise. However, the clinical implications of this modest improvement are unclear.
High-resolution technique for guided-wave analogue-digital convertors

A technique is described for extending the resolution of multi-interferometer, guided-wave A/D convenors. Impressing a symmetrical number system (SNS) on the architecture, the optical output waveform for each interferometer is symmetrically folded at a proper modulus. A small comparator ladder mid-level quantises each interferometer output to encode the analogue signal in an SNS format providing resolution greater than 1 bit/interferometer.
THE IMPACT OF OFFERING BENEFITS TO PART‐TIME EMPLOYEES ON TURNOVER RATES AT INDIANA'S QUICK SERVICE HAMBURGER RESTAURANT CHAINS

Secondary data were utilized for this study, which were drawn from a larger wage and benefit study of quickservice hamburger chain restaurants (QSHCR's) operating in Indiana and Northern Kentucky. The purpose of the study was to determine if there were differences in mean turnover rates between 209 QSHCR's who offered various wage and benefit incentives to part-time employees that were located only in Indiana. As it turned out, those QSHCR's who did not offer benefits (such as a Christmas bonus, wage/bonus incentives, shift wage differential, and life insurance) to part-time employees generally had significantly higher turnover rates than those who did.
Flow Online: Lessons Learned and Future Prospects

Abstract Although the flow construct has been widely studied over the past decade in marketing and related fields, it has proven to be an elusive construct to measure and model. In this paper, we examine two of the most important themes in flow research in the last decade: the conceptualization and measurement of flow in online environments and the marketing outcomes of flow. In addition, while the unique characteristics of the Internet contributed to our belief that flow was an important construct for understanding consumer use of the Web in 1996, the environment of the Web itself has changed radically over the past decade. Thus, we consider the current context of the Internet, including virtual worlds, for the role and application of the flow construct, as well as important related constructs that will be useful for understanding compelling experiences in the contemporary online environment.
Linkage relations among eyespot resistance gene Pch2, endopeptidase Ep-A1b, and RFLP marker Xpsr121 on chromosome 7A of wheat

Marker-based selection of Ep-D1b has been used successfully to incorporate Pchl, the gene for eyespot resistance on chromosome 7D, into commercial wheat. However, attempts to transfer resistance conferred by Pch2 (on chromosome 7A) through selection for Ep-A1b have not always been successful. Linkage relations among eyespot resistance gene Pch2, a gene encoding for an isozyme of endopeptidase, Ep-A1b, and RFLP marker Xpsr121 on chromosome 7A were determined using 80 homozygous recombinant substitution lines. The recombinant lines were derived from eyespot susceptible 'Chinese Spring' hybridized with a resistant disomic substitution line of 'Cappelle Desprez' that has chromosome 7A substituted into 'Chinese Spring'. Segregations of Pch2, Ep-A1b and Xpsrl21 fit an expected 1:1 single-locus ratios based on X 2 tests. Linkage analysis revealed that Pch2 was not tightly linked to Ep-A1b (15% recombination). However, close linkage (3.8% recombination) existed between Ep-A1b and Xpsr121. The order of these loci is Pch2-Xpsr121-Ep-A1b. Unlike Pchl and Ep-D1b, where little or no recombination is found, Pch2 and Ep-A1b showed considerable recombination and therefore linkage cannot be utilized efficiently in marker-based selection.
Etch pit coalescence, surface area, and overall mineral dissolution rates

A simple computer model for the dissolution kinetics of crystalline matter governed by etch-pit formation predicts different development, paths, and states for geometric, total (BET), and reactive surface area during the dissolution process. The model also explores the dynamics of the dissolution rate of a given model crystal surface as a function of the development of surface area. Because the surface area term is used in the normalization of bulk dissolution rates, results of this normalization reflect the large differences explored. Based on this evaluation, we discuss the application of the diversely defined surface area terms. In the light of this discussion, the likelihood of an unambiguous definition or application of reactive surface area is problematic. The model focuses on the relationship between the variation in total surface area and the global dissolution rate, and thus is independent of specific surface reaction mechanisms. The actual model calculations presented as an example in this paper utilize experimentally determined dissolution data of three dolomite [CaMg(CO3)2] cleavage surfaces obtained by vertical scanning interferometry (VSI). Similar data from minerals such as calcite, feldspars, and barite can be used and make this model applicable to a range of different crystalline phases.
Multichannel Bragg gratings in silicon waveguides with asymmetric sidewall modulation

We demonstrate a new type of on-chip Bragg grating designed to possess multiple stopbands at predetermined wavelengths. By employing sidewall modulation to control the full width half-maximum and extinction ratio, and through the incorporation of multiple spatial frequencies into the gratings’ periodicities, we show that Bragg reflection can be achieved at particular wavelengths of interest without compromising spectrally distinct characteristics. Multiple device geometries are theoretically studied using the finite-difference time-domain method, and the results these analyses yield are shown to be in good agreement with experimental data. We additionally demonstrate how such devices may be employed to fabricate so-called dual-mode Bragg gratings, which are capable of reflecting both TE- and TM-like modes at a single wavelength of operation.
Robust Probabilistic Occupancy Grid Estimation from Positive and Negative Distance Fields

We present an approach for estimating occupancy grids with an emphasis on robotics applications, where collision avoidance and robustness to severe noise are of more importance than high resolution. We build upon probabilistic techniques, typically used in robotics, and techniques based on signed distance fields, typically used in computer vision, to obtain an approach that is robust and also allows probabilistic reasoning on free and occupied space. The uniqueness of our method lies in the use of separate accumulators for positive and negative evidence for the occupancy of each voxel. This enables our representation to capture the uncertainty due to potential conflicts among the measurements instead of allowing contradictory evidence to cancel each other out. We show occupancy grids computed from multi-view stereo inputs on precisely and imprecisely calibrated image sequences. The ground truth that is available with the former dataset allows quantitative evaluation of the performance of our algorithm.
The Surveillance Window – Contextualizing Data Streams

To aid in developing a global biosurveillance program, it is critical to develop a framework to capture and understand the myriad of data streams and evaluate them in context of surveillance goals. Toward this goal, Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed a new method of evaluating the effectiveness of data stream types through the use of a novel concept called the surveillance window, a technique that integrates operational systems analysis, surveillance system analysis and epidemiological analysis. In this presentation application of this methodology to Foot and Mouth Disease, Ebola and Influenza and E.coli related gastrointestinal disease surveillance will be demonstrated.
A Quantal Choice Model for the Detection of Copying on Multiple Choice Examinations

It is difficult to devise a statistical test to detect one student copying from another. Many prior efforts falsely accuse students of cheating. A general methodology based on the quantal choice model of decision theory overcomes these problems. Three steps are involved: (1) for each item estimate the probability and the variance that a given respondent will select each response, (2) for pairs of respondents, these probabilities determine the expected number of matches, and (3) compare the critical value to the number of items matched. Methods differ based on the probability estimation technique. Four methods (simple frequencies, Frary, Tideman, and Watts modification [8], logit, and multinomial probit) are compared on theoretical and empirical grounds. Theory and results show that it is crucial to incorporate the variance of the probability estimates. The probit model has theoretical advantages over the other methods and produces more accurate results.