cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional role of arginine 302 within the lactose permease of Escherichia coli

Within the lactose permease, an arginine residue is found on a transmembrane segment at position 302. Based upon the effects of mutations at or in the vicinity of Arg-302, this residue has been implicated to be involved with H+ and/or sugar recognition. To further elucidate the role of this residue, we have substituted Arg-302 with serine, histidine, and leucine via site-directed mutagenesis. All three of these substitutions result in an impaired ability to transport galactosides as evidenced by their poor growth on minimal plates supplemented with lactose or melibiose. Furthermore, in vitro transport assays revealed substantial alterations in the kinetic constants for downhill lactose transport. The wild-type strain exhibited a Km for lactose transport of 0.30 mM and a Vmax of 267 nmol of lactose/min.mg of protein. The Ser-302, His-302, and Leu-302 were observed to have Km values of 0.18, 2.3, and 2.8 mM, and Vmax values of 11.6, 56.4, and 22.0 nmol of lactose/min.mg of protein, respectively. In uphill transport assays, all three mutants were unable to accumulate beta-methyl-D-thiogalactoside. However, both the Ser-302 and His-302 mutants were able to accumulate lactose against a concentration gradient. During H+ transport assays, all three mutants were shown to transport H+ in conjunction with thiodigalactoside. In addition, the Ser-302 and His-302 strains exhibited small alkalinizations upon the addition of lactose. However, for the Leu-302 mutant, the addition of lactose did not result in a significant level of H+ transport. Finally, experiments were conducted which were aimed at measuring the ability of the mutant permeases to catalyze an H+ leak. In this regard, a comparison was made between the wild-type and mutant strains concerning their steady state pH gradient and their rates of H+ influx following oxygen pulses. The results of these experiments suggest that mutations at position 302 cause a sugar-dependent H+ leak.
Gas-phase enzyme catalysis using immobilized lipase for ester production

Bench-scale reactors were operated in continuous recycle and single-pass modes using immobilized porcine lipase to catalyze gas-phase esterification of ethyl alcohol with two carboxylic acids (acetic acid and propionic acid). Approximately one order of magnitude increases (over uncatalyzed reactions) in conversion were achieved; produc-tion concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 mM in air, and were affected strongly by substrate concentration and acid-induced enzyme inactivation.
An Adaptive Information Dispersal Algorithm for Time-Critical Reliable Communication

AIDA — a novel elaboration on Michael O. Rabin’s IDA [21] — is a communication protocol that uses redundancy to achieve both timeliness and reliability. In AIDA redundancy is used to tackle several crucial problems. In particular, redundancy is used to tolerate failures, to increase the likelihood of meeting tight time-constraints, and to ration (based on task priorities) the limited bandwidth in the system. AIDA is a probabilistic protocol in the sense that it does not guarantee the fulfillment of hard time constraints. Instead, it guarantees a lower bound on the probability of fulfilling such constraints. Such a bound could be lowered so as to satisfy any level of confidence in the timeliness and reliability of the system. In this paper we present AIDA and contrast it with traditional communication scheduling techniques used in conjunction with time-critical applications in general, and distributed multimedia systems in particular. The suitability of AIDA-based bandwidth allocation for a variety of time-critical applications is established and plans for future research experiments are mentioned.
Scalable algorithms for constructing balanced spanning trees on system-ranked process groups

Current implementations of process groups (subcommunicators) have non-scalable (O(group size)) memory footprints and even worse time complexities for setting up communication. We propose system-ranked process groups, where member ranks are picked by the runtime system, as a cheaper and faster alternative for a subset of collective operations (barrier, broadcast, reduction, allreduce). This paper presents two distributed algorithms for balanced, k-ary spanning tree construction over system-ranked process groups obtained by splitting a parent group. Our schemes have much smaller memory footprints and also perform better, even at modest process counts. We demonstrate performance results up to 131,072 cores of BlueGene/P.
Physical and chemical properties of carbons synthesized from xylan, cellulose, and Kraft lignin by H3PO4 activation

Abstract Physical and chemical properties of activated carbons produced from commercial xylan, cellulose, and Kraft lignin by H 3 PO 4 activation at various process conditions were studied. The results show that the more reactive the precursor under acidic conditions, the easier the porosity development, particularly mesoporosity. In addition, Boehm titration and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) characterization results demonstrated that the functional groups on the surfaces of these carbons consist of both temperature-sensitive and temperature-insensitive components. The temperature-sensitive component is primarily caused by the hydrolysis of raw materials under acidic conditions at low temperature, and the reaction between activation mixture and oxygen in the process of activation, particularly at low impregnation ratio. These surface groups decompose at high temperature. The temperature-insensitive contribution is mainly composed of phosphorus-containing groups arising from the reaction of H 3 PO 4 (or pyro- and polyphosphoric acids) with precursor, and carbonyl-containing groups. This part of surface functional group is stable, even at high activation temperatures. This study also confirmed that the nature of precursor, impregnation ratio between H 3 PO 4 and precursor, and activation temperature are important factors affecting the properties of final activated carbon products.
Images similarity estimation by processing compressed data

Abstract A method is proposed to evaluate the similarity of images compressed by a given digital wavelet transform. The method allows for comparing lossless- or lossy-compressed images. Two features that describe the image structural content, namely edge point locations and edge density, are computed directly from multiscale data. The distance between two images is computed in one- or two-dimensional space, depending on the image type and the choice of features selected for processing. The method facilitates content-based image querying and automatic database retrieval. Additionally, images can be sorted and appropriately indexed with respect to such characteristics as smoothness, texture direction, repetition period and the average number of edge points in spatial period.
Anticlastic curvature of strips of variable thickness

Abstract The effect of bevelling the edges on the anticlastic deformations of the cross-sections of otherwise uniform thickness elastic strips or tapes subjected to pure bending is investigated. Bevelling on the concave or convex sides and on both edges of the strips is considered. It was found that a relatively small amount of bevelling on the concave sides of bent strips greatly reduced the anticlastic deformations.
Studies on DNA synthesis in murine myeloma: II. Activation of latent RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity in membrane fractions

Abstract The poly(rA)-directed DNA polymerase activity detected in the presence of 250 mM KCl and 12.5 mM magnesium acetate is latent in a membrane fraction from mouse myeloma. The activity may be activated by several nonionic surfactants and by the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide. Activation of this RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity will permit its measurement in various myeloma subcellular fractions and in other tissues.
Use of adjuvant radiotherapy at hospitals with and without on-site radiation services.

BACKGROUND. In many areas of health care, whether patients receive specific medical interventions often is influenced heavily by the local availability of resources for delivering those services. However, relations between resource availability and utilization are relatively unexplored in cancer care, including perioperative adjuvant therapy. METHODS. The authors studied associations between the on-site availability of radiation services and the use of adjuvant radiotherapy using the national, linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database (from 1992 to 2002). They examined 1 cancer for which the effectiveness of adjuvant radiotherapy was well established in randomized clinical trials (rectal cancer) and another cancer for which it was not (pancreatic cancer) (N = 10,198). The availability of on-site radiation services at the hospital where surgery was performed was assessed by using data from the American Hospital Association. In comparing rates of adjuvant radiotherapy, analyses were adjusted for both patient characteristics and other hospital attributes. RESULTS. For rectal cancer, the use of adjuvant radiotherapy was similar in patients who underwent surgery at centers with and without on-site radiation services (29% vs 29%, respectively). Among patients with pancreatic cancer, however, those who underwent surgery at hospitals with on-site radiation services were twice as likely to receive radiotherapy than patients who underwent surgery at hospitals without such services (43% vs 26%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.4–3.2). Adjusting for other factors, the groups had similar survival rates for each cancer. CONCLUSIONS. The availability of on-site radiation services significantly increased the likelihood that patients would receive radiotherapy, at least for cancers for which the effectiveness of such therapy was not well established. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Measurement of the Yield Stress of Protein Foams by Vane Rheometry

: The yield stresses of protein foams made from varying protein types (spray dried egg white and whey protein isolate), protein concentrations, whip times, and mixer models were evaluated using vane rheometry. Two methods of analysis (point and slope methods) were investigated. Yield stress values determined by slope and point methods were similar for egg white protein foams but did not agree in the analysis of whey protein foams. Point method values were very reproducible in all foams tested. Egg white protein solutions formed stiffer foams more rapidly and at lower protein concentrations than foams made from whey protein isolate. Vane rheometry was shown to be a reliable method of determining yield stress in protein foams.
Caregiver assessment: pro.

As determined by the Consensus Guidelines for the Design and Implementation of Clinical Trials in ALS (1998), the primary and secondary endpoints in ALS trials should be crisply dened. A change in muscle strength or survival and death and/or permanent continuous ventilator dependence are important and, at the present, the most important, primary endpoints for therapeutic trials. When discussing the necessity for caregiver evaluations in ALS clinical trials, the purpose of doing so and its subsequent outcome must be considered. There are few references in the literature on the precise study of caregiver evaluations for a therapeutic trial of ALS or any other disease (except Alzheimer’s Disease, since the caregiver is eventually the surrogate for the patient and is therefore needed to obtain data on patient improvement; this is not the case in ALS). Data from studies of caregivers in ALS have been consistent in their reports of psychological and physical illhealth, burden, distress and goals of caregiving (Table 1). It is also documented that there exists a concordance between the caregiver’s and the patient’s level of distress but to what degree this truly affects a patient’s overall wellbeing is not clearly understood. The dependency of the ALS patient on a caregiver for the physical aspect of daily living and compliance with the medical plan of care is understood. All of this lends itself to support the perception of the patient–caregiver system as a unit that is not mutually exclusive. Thus, it may be hypothesized that ‘wellness’ in the caregiver equates with ‘wellness’ in the patient, not limited to the effect on the quality of life, physical well-being, and psychosocial aspect of the patient. It is essential to evaluate caregiver status at the same time as attempting to achieve the patient-oriented primary outcome(s) of the therapeutic trial. The primary endpoint of a trial may result in any one of the following outcomes: as such, each outcome will have a unique impact on the patient–caregiver system.
Searching for a New Home: Decision Making by Dispersing Brush Mice

Abstract: Natal dispersal occurs when young animals leave the area where they were born and reared and search the surrounding landscape for a new place to settle. Despite the importance of dispersal for both individuals and populations, search behavior by dispersers, including the decision‐making process of choosing a place to settle, has not been investigated in the field. Here we draw on the mate search literature, in which the theory of decision making during search has been well developed, and ask whether there are behavioral similarities between habitat search and mate search. We used radiotelemetry to track dispersing juvenile brush mice (Peromyscus boylii) and determined whether their search behavior was consistent with any of three decision rules: threshold, best of n, and comparative Bayes. We found that search behavior by juveniles was most often consistent with comparative decision rules (best of n and comparative Bayes), suggesting that the decision‐making processes involved in searching for a...
Capacity Enhancement using Throwboxes in DTNs

Disruption Tolerant Networks (DTNs) are designed to overcome limitations in connectivity due to conditions such as mobility, poor infrastructure, and short range radios. DTNs rely on the inherent mobility in the network to deliver packets around frequent and extended network partitions using a store-carry-and-forward paradigm. However, missed contact opportunities decrease throughput and increase delay in the network. We propose the use of throwboxes in mobile DTNs to create a greater number of contact opportunities, consequently improving the performance of the network. Throwboxes are wireless nodes that act as relays, creating additional contact opportunities in the DTN. We propose algorithms to deploy stationary throwboxes in the network that simultaneously consider routing as well as placement. We also present placement algorithms that use more limited knowledge about the network structure. We perform an extensive evaluation of our algorithms by varying both the underlying routing and mobility models. Our results suggest several findings to guide the design and operation of throwbox-augmented DTNs.
The Personal Equation in Ratings: I. An Experimental Determination

(1932). The Personal Equation in Ratings: I. An Experimental Determination. The Pedagogical Seminary and Journal of Genetic Psychology: Vol. 41, No. 2, pp. 267-293.
Discriminative Substring Decoding for Transliteration

We present a discriminative substring decoder for transliteration. This decoder extends recent approaches for discriminative character transduction by allowing for a list of known target-language words, an important resource for transliteration. Our approach improves upon Sherif and Kondrak's (2007b) state-of-the-art decoder, creating a 28.5% relative improvement in transliteration accuracy on a Japanese katakana-to-English task. We also conduct a controlled comparison of two feature paradigms for discriminative training: indicators and hybrid generative features. Surprisingly, the generative hybrid outperforms its purely discriminative counterpart, despite losing access to rich source-context features. Finally, we show that machine transliterations have a positive impact on machine translation quality, improving human judgments by 0.5 on a 4-point scale.
Sound velocity anomalies near the spin glass transition in an austenitic stainless steel alloy

Abstract A cusp in the magnetic susceptibility temperature dependence of a commercial manganese austenitic stainless steel alloy, attributable to spin-glass condensation, is accompanied by anomalies in the temperature dependences of both longitudinal and transverse ultrasonic wave velocities.
A Centralized MAC Protocol for QoS Support in UWB-Based Wireless Networks

In this paper we introduce a novel MAC protocol that provides Quality of Service (QoS) support for multimedia traffic in UWB-based wireless local area networks. The proposed protocol allocates transmission opportunities to QoS and best effort traffic using a set of scheduling and resource control algorithms. The algorithms account for the UWB characteristics such as the co-existence of multiple simultaneous transmissions as well as the possibility of dynamically assigning the nodes' transmission rate and power. The simulation results show that the proposed protocol can provide QoS support while optimizing resource utilization.
Complement and its role in innate and adaptive immune responses

The complement system plays a crucial role in the innate defense against common pathogens. Activation of complement leads to robust and efficient proteolytic cascades, which terminate in opsonization and lysis of the pathogen as well as in the generation of the classical inflammatory response through the production of potent proinflammatory molecules. More recently, however, the role of complement in the immune response has been expanded due to observations that link complement activation to adaptive immune responses. It is now appreciated that complement is a functional bridge between innate and adaptive immune responses that allows an integrated host defense to pathogenic challenges. As such, a study of its functions allows insight into the molecular underpinnings of host-pathogen interactions as well as the organization and orchestration of the host immune response. This review attempts to summarize the roles that complement plays in both innate and adaptive immune responses and the consequences of these interactions on host defense.
Double-Stranded RNA as a Template for Gene Silencing

I am grateful to M. Ares, S. Knight, D. Morse, and E.G.H. Wagner for helpful discussions and apologize to those whose relevant publications could not be cited due to space limitations. Thanks to O. Uhlenbeck and M. Wickens for critically reading the manuscript and M. Beckerle and R. Benezra for their offices and patience.
Mechanism of Glycan Receptor Recognition and Specificity Switch for Avian, Swine and Human Adapted Influenza Virus Hemagglutinins: A Molecular Dynamics Perspective

Hemagglutinins (HA's) from duck, swine and human influenza viruses have previously been shown to prefer avian and human glycan receptor analogues with distinct topological profiles, pentasaccharides LSTa (α-2,3 linkage) and LSTc (α-2,6 linkage), in comparative molecular dynamics studies. Based upon detailed analyses of the dynamic motions of the receptor binding domains (RBD's) and interaction energy profiles with individual glycan residues, we have identified approximately 30 residue positions and secondary structural elements (SSE's) in the RBD that present distinct profiles with the receptor analogues. Glycan binding constrained the conformational space sampling by the HA. Electrostatic steering appeared to play a key role in glycan binding specificity. The complex dynamic behaviors of the major SSE and trimeric interfaces with or without bound glycans suggested that networks of interactions might account for species specificity in these low affinity and high avidity (multivalent) interactions between different HA and glycans. Contact frequency, energetic decomposition and H-bond analyses revealed species-specific differences in HA-glycan interaction profiles, not readily discernable from crystal structures alone. Interaction energy profiles indicated that mutation events at the set of residues such as 145, 156, 158 and 222 would favor human or avian receptor analogues, often through interactions with distal asialo-residues. These results correlate well with existing experimental evidence, and suggest new opportunities for simulation-based vaccine and drug development.
An Existence Theorem for a Special Ultrafilter when $\mathfrak{d} = \mathfrak{c}$

For an ultrafilter , consider the ultrapower N N / . 〈 a n 〉/ is in the top sky of N N / if there exists a sequence 〈 b n 〉 ∈ N N such that and In [M2] we showed, assuming the Continuum Hypothesis, that there are exactly 10 c/p 's (where c is the ring of real convergent sequences and p is a prime ideal of c ). To get the lower bound we showed that there will be at least 10 c/p 's in any model of ZFC where there exist both of the following kinds of ultrafilter: (i) nonprincipal P -points, (ii) non- P -points such that when the top sky is removed from N N / , the remaining model has countable cofinality. In [M2] we showed that the Continuum Hypothesis implies the existence of the ultrafilter in (ii). In this paper we show that its existence is implied by an axiom weaker than the Continuum Hypothesis, in fact weaker than Martin's Axiom, namely, (*) If is a subset of N N such that for any f : N → N there exists g ∈ such that g ( n ) > f ( n ) for all n , then ∣ ∣ = .
Information about bank risk in options prices

Abstract The volatility of its share price reflects the volatility of the market value of a bank's assets. We present data for the volatilities of individual banks' shares that are implied by the prices of options on the banks' shares. We present evidence that implied volatilities (IV's) better forecast actual, future volatilities of share prices than historical volatilities do. Banks' IV's are correlated with marketwide volatility, with the levels of their own share prices, with their own subordinated debt yield spreads, and with other banks' IV's. Bank capital reduces the response of IV's to market volatility. IV's are likely to add information about bank risk that is timely, cheap, objective, and useful.
The Capital Structure Puzzle Revisited

Corporate finance researchers have long been puzzled by low corporate debt ratios given debt's corporate tax advantage. This article recognizes that firm value typically reflects a growing stream of earnings, while current debt reflects a nongrowing stream of interest payments. Debt to value is therefore a distorted measure of corporate tax shielding. Even with very small debt- related costs, this may explain the observed magnitude and cross- sectional variation of debt ratios. Since this variation may be independent of tax shielding, debt ratios provide an inappropriate framework for empirically examining the trade-off theory of capital structure. Article published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Financial Studies in its journal, The Review of Financial Studies.
MANAGING THE THREE LEVELS OF CHANGE

Abstract Change may be introduced into an organization a variety of ways – implementing new technology, employing new people, or in establishing new organizational structures, new policies, or new procedures. Just as change is made up of different components, it comes in varying degrees. A three-level classification of change can help IS managers gain control over the variable components and nature of change.
Native Soil Quality and the Effects of Tillage in the Grand Prairie Region of Eastern Arkansas

Soil properties were assessed to determine the effects of tillage agriculture on soil-quality-related parameters of former tallgrass prairie. Soil physical, chemical and biological properties were evaluated in the top 10 cm at six native grassland sites within the Grand Prairie region of east-central Arkansas and compared with adjacent tilled agricultural land in a total of 11 prairie-agriculture land-use combinations. Soil organic matter and total C and N concentrations were significantly lower and soil pH, electrical conductivity and extractable soil P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe were significantly higher under tilled agriculture than under native prairie land use. The introduction and continuance of intense mechanized agriculture and its associated practices have significantly, and for the most part negatively, impacted native soil quality in this region. These results will aid prairie restoration efforts by identifying soil properties most impacted by cultivated agriculture and those that may be desirable to restore and providing potential restoration targets based on native soil properties.
A Dynamic Biomechanical Model of the Wrist Joint

This paper describes a biomechanical model of the wrist joint that incorporates the dynamic component of angular acceleration. Repetition, which has been found to be a risk factor for cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), is essentially cyclic angular acceleration and velocity. The objective of the dynamic model presented here, which is based on Armstrong's and Chaffin's (1979) static model, is to explain how the component of angular acceleration could increase a worker's risk of developing CTDs. When the wrist is accelerated in the flexion/extension plane, the resultant reaction force on the tendons and median nerve from the carpal bones and flexor retinaculum increases. This increase in reaction force is due solely to the acceleration of the wrist without any external grasp or pinch force. External grasp or pinch forces would increase the resultant reaction force even more.
Random change on a Lie group and mean glaucomatous projective shape change detection from stereo pair images

In this article we develop a nonparametric methodology for estimating the mean change for matched samples on a Lie group. We then notice that for k>=5, a manifold of projective shapes of k-ads in 3D has the structure of a 3k-15 dimensional Lie group that is equivariantly embedded in a Euclidean space, therefore testing for mean change amounts to a one sample test for extrinsic means on this Lie group. The Lie group technique leads to a large sample and a nonparametric bootstrap test for one population extrinsic mean on a projective shape space, as recently developed by Patrangenaru, Liu and Sughatadasa. On the other hand, in the absence of occlusions, the 3D projective shape of a spatial k-ad can be recovered from a stereo pair of images, thus allowing one to test for mean glaucomatous 3D projective shape change detection from standard stereo pair eye images.
The gas-filled magnet: An isobar separator for accelerator mass spectrometry

The most difficult problem for accelerator mass spectrometry is the rejection of stable atomic isobars. The intensity of isobaric interference is expected to become a problem for /sup 36/Cl measurements with the use of new high-intensity ion sources. Although better chemical separation may be possible through improved sample preparation, the device expected to help most with this problem is the gas-filled magnet. We tested a gas-filled Enge split-pole spectrograph combined with a multi-plate gas ionization detector for the separation of /sup 36/S from /sup 36/Cl and obtained an isobar separation of about two orders of magnitude better than that possible with the detector alone. 10 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.
Real-time cardiac surface tracking from sparse samples using subspace clustering and maximum-likelihood linear regressors

Cardiac minimal invasive surgeries such as catheter based radio frequency ablation of atrial fibrillation requires high-precision tracking of inner cardiac surfaces in order to ascertain constant electrode-surface contact. Majority of cardiac motion tracking systems are either limited to outer surface or track limited slices/sectors of inner surface in echocardiography data which are unrealizable in MIS due to the varying resolution of ultrasound with depth and speckle effect. In this paper, a system for high accuracy real-time 3D tracking of both cardiac surfaces using sparse samples of outer-surface only is presented. This paper presents a novel approach to model cardiac inner surface deformations as simple functions of outer surface deformations in the spherical harmonic domain using multiple maximal-likelihood linear regressors. Tracking system uses subspace clustering to identify potential deformation spaces for outer surfaces and trains ML linear regressors using pre-operative MRI/CT scan based training set. During tracking, sparse-samples from outer surfaces are used to identify the active outer surface deformation space and reconstruct outer surfaces in real-time under least squares formulation. Inner surface is reconstructed using tracked outer surface with trained ML linear regressors. High-precision tracking and robustness of the proposed system are demonstrated through results obtained on a real patient dataset with tracking root mean square error ≤ (0.23 ± 0.04)mm and ≤ (0.30 ± 0.07)mm for outer & inner surfaces respectively.
Experiences with Lab-Centric Instruction.

Lab-centric instruction emphasizes supervised, hands-on activities by substituting lab for lecture time. It combines a multitude of pedagogical techniques into the format of an extended, structured closed lab. We discuss the range of benefits for students, including increased staff interaction, frequent and varied self-assessments, integrated collaborative activities, and a systematic sequence of activities that gradually increases in difficulty. Instructors also benefit from a deeper window into student progress and understanding. We follow with discussion of our experiences in courses at U.C. Berkeley, and using data from some of these investigate the effects of lab-centric instruction on student learning, procrastination, and course pacing. We observe that the lab-centric format helped students on exams but hurt them on extended programming assignments, counter to our hypothesis. Additionally, we see no difference in self-ratings of procrastination and limited differences in ratings of course pace. We ...
Isoconversion effective activation energies derived from repetitive injection fast gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Abstract Evolved gas analysis by using fast temperature programmed gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is described. A small volume gas chromatograph oven is used to permit rapid heating and cooling of a capillary gas chromatography column, resulting in short analysis cycle times. This capability permits automated sampling and analysis of a purge gas effluent stream generated during thermal analysis of a solid sample. Species-specific mass spectral information extracted from successively acquired chromatograms can be used to generate concentration profiles for volatile products produced during sample heating. These species-specific profiles can be used for calculation of isoconversion effective activation energies that are useful for characterizing the thermal reaction processes.
Negative pressure wound therapy in the prevention of wound infection in high risk abdominal wound closures.

Abstract Background Wound infections continue to be an issue in abdominal surgery. Tissue perfusion may be a contributing factor. Negative pressure application may have promise in decreasing wound complication. Method A retrospective review of prospectively collected data in patients with high-risk abdominal wounds was undertaken. Comorbidities, risk factors for infection, wound classification, and wound outcomes were all evaluated. The primary outcome measure was wound infection rate. Secondary outcomes included device safety and overall surgical site complication rate. Results Thirty patients were identified who had skin flaps in whom negative pressure was used. Negative pressure was applied for an average of 5.6 days (range, 5–7 days). No patient developed ischemia or necrosis of the skin flaps. No wound infections were identified. The overall wound complication rate was 3%. The comparable historical control wound complication rate was 20%, and χ 2 analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in the infection rate with negative-pressure wound therapy ( P Conclusions Negative-pressure wound therapy applied to a closed, high-risk surgical wound is safe, with no evidence of skin necrosis and decreased wound infection rate.
Dynamics of insulin action on mammary epithelium.

WE have found that, without entering its target cells, insulin elicits biological effects by impinging on the cell membrane. Furthermore, prolonged contact between hormone and mammary cell membrane is not necessary; transient contact through collisions suffices to produce a biological response.
The end of AT&T: Ma Bell may be gone, but its innovations are everywhere

This paper looks back at AT&T's unparalleled history of research and innovation in the field of telecommunications following its acquisition by SBC Communications Inc. During the company's heyday, from 1925 to the mid-1980s, AT&T through Bell Labs brought us innovations and discoveries that changed the way we live and broadened our understanding of the universe. The list of innovations features many of the milestone developments of the 20th century including the transistor, the laser, the solar cell, fiber optics, and satellite communications. When it was a regulated monopoly, the company could afford to conduct risky future-oriented research. But as an ordinary corporation competing for customer dollars after its breakup and later spin-off, AT&T could no longer afford such luxury.
Pop culture, crime and pedagogy

The purpose of this paper was to examine how to use pop culture effectively in criminal justice courses. Currently, the Department of Criminal Justice/Criminology uses different forms of pop culture, such as film, to stimulate critical thinking and enhance learning. In mainstream society, these forms are often viewed as a common denominator in high profile cases, such as those involving juvenile offenders. The first section of the paper briefly includes a review of the research pertaining to popular culture and crime. The second part of the paper presents ways in which pop culture, although often negatively criticized, can be positively used in the classroom for enhanced learning, particularly in criminal justice classes.
Angle-independent antireflective layer based on buried IR nanoantennas

In this work, an infrared anti-reflective layer composed of a grid of nano-antennas made of gold is proposed. To minimize the reflection from the interface of two media the nano-antenna array is buried inside the substrate. The spectral response and the angular dependency of the proposed structure is simulated.
Corrigendum to ''Heterologous expression and purification of Vibrio proteolyticus (Aeromonas proteolytica) aminopeptidase: A rapid protocol" (Protein Expr. Purif. 66 (2009) 91-101)

Corrigendum to ‘‘Heterologous expression and purification of Vibrio proteolyticus (Aeromonas proteolytica) aminopeptidase: A rapid protocol” [Protein Expr. Purif. 66 (2009) 91–101] Mariam Hartley , Wei Yong , Brian Bennett a,* Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226-0509, USA Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226-0509, USA
Rank-one inverse scattering problem: Reformulation and analytic solutions

Using the $K$-matrix formalism, we give a simplified reformulation of the $S$-wave rank-one inverse scattering problem. The resulting Cauchy integral equation, obtained differently by Gourdin and Martin in their first paper, is tailored to rational representations of $F(k)=kcot({\ensuremath{\delta}}_{0})$. Use of such $F(k)$ permits a simple but general solution without integration, giving analytic form factors having a pole structure like the $S$ matrix that are reducible to rational expressions using Pad\'e approximants. Finally, we show a bound state pole condition is necessary, and makes the form factor unique.
Factors related to the use of dietary supplements by cancer survivors

Abstract Objectives: Estimates of the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer survivors vary widely. Dietary supplements are an important CAM therapy to examine because of their potential to interact with conventional cancer therapies. We estimated the prevalence of dietary supplement use in a population-based sample of cancer survivors of the 10 most common cancers and examined potential correlates of use. Design and subjects: This cross-sectional analysis included participants from the American Cancer Society's longitudinal Study of Cancer Survivors-I recruited in Connecticut who completed self-administered baseline and supplemental questionnaires. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, we examined demographic, clinical, and psychosocial predictors of dietary supplement use after cancer diagnosis. Results: Of the 827 cancer survivors, 573 (69.3%) reported using dietary supplements after their cancer diagnosis. Female gender [odds ratio (OR) = 1.72, 95% confidence...
Asymptotics of the Chromatic Index for Multigraphs

For a multigraphG, letD(G) denote maximum degree and setformula]We show that the chromatic index??(G) is asymptotically max{D(G),Ggr;(G)}. The latter is, by a theorem of Edmonds (1965), the fractional chromatic index ofG, and the asymptotics established here are part of a conjecture of the author predicting similar agreement of fractional and ordinary chromatic indices for more general hypergraphs. Of particular interest in the present proof is the use of probabilistic ideas and “hard-core” distributions to go from fractional to ordinary (integer) colorings.
Attenuation of endotoxin lung injury and prostanoid release by repeated endotoxin infusions in the adult sheep

We determined the effect of repeated endotoxemias on lung function. Seven sheep were given 1 μg/kg E. coli endotoxin every 12 hours for five days, then followed for three more days. We noted a two-phase response with all endotoxemias with an initial pulmonary hypertension and hypoxia, followed by an increase in protein permeability reflected in an increase in protein-rich lung lymph, Q L . With initial injections, peak Ppa increased from a baseline of 19 ± 3 mm Hg to 40 ± 5 mm Hg and a threefold to fourfold increase in Q L . Plasma and lymph TxB 2 increased from a baseline of 200 and 220 pg/mL to greater than 3,000 pg/mL, while 6-keto-PGF 1α increased from 100 and 130 pg/mL to 450 ± 60 and 1,000 pg/mL for plasma and lymph, respectively. With subsequent doses, the peak increases in Ppa and Q L were only 30 ± 4 mm Hg and a twofold increase, respectively. Peak increase in plasma and lymph TxB 2 were only 550 ± 110 and 1,000 ± 220 pg/mL, while 6-keto-PGF 1α levels remained at baseline. In the 72-hour postendotoxin period, Ppa increased significantly to 25 ± 4 mm Hg and plasma TxB 2 to 525 ± 90 pg/mL, while remaining pulmonary parameters returned to baseline. We conclude that with repeated endotoxemias, the pulmonary response is markedly attenuated, as is the prostanoid release. A modest pulmonary hypertension and increase in plasma TxB 2 persists after endotoxin is discontinued. Repeated endotoxemias did not result in a sustained sepsis-induced ARDS.
Über die Wirkung des Schlangengiftes auf das Ehrlichsche Mäusecarcinom in vivo und vitro

Es wurde die Wirkung des Giftes der “Bothrops jararaca” auf die cytolytischen Reaktionen vonFreund undKaminer, auf Gewebskulturen und auf dasEhrlichsche Mausecarcinom untersucht. Diese Untersuchung ergab: Bei der cytologischen Prufung zeigt das Schlangengift mit Ausnahme einer geringen Reduktion des Schutzvermogens der Maleinsaure gegenuber Carcinomzellen keine Beeinflussung der cytolytischen Reaktion gegenuber Carcinom- und Sarkomzellen unter verschiedenen Bedingungen. In den Gewebskulturversuchen verursacht das Schlangengift in konzentration bis 1∶30 000 eine Verflussigung des Kulturmediums in derCarellschen Flasche, unabhangig von der Art des gezuchteten Gewebes. In Konzentrationen von 1∶150 000 bis 1∶300 000 zeigt dasEhrlichsche Mausecarcinom sowie andere Mause-Embryonalorgane keinerlei Differenzen gegenuber den Kontrollversuchen mit Ausnahme des Gehirnes. Gehirngewebskulturen zeigen bei diesen Schlangengiftkonzentrationen innerhalb der ersten 2 Tage eine den Kontrollen gleiches Wachstum, nach weiteren 3–4 Tagen tritt eine Degeneration und Zellzerfall der Gehirngewebskulturen ein. Auf diese grosere Empfindlichkeit des Gehirngewebes gegenuber dem Schlangengift ist wahrscheinlich die analgetische und toxische Schlangengiftwirkung zuruckzufuhren. In Tierversuchen mitEhrlichschem Mausecarcinom waren bei Zufuhr kleiner Schlangengiftdosen keine Beeinflussung der Tumoren und der Lebensdauer der Tiere zu beobachten, unabhangig davon, ob die Zufuhr gleichzeitig mit der Tumorimpfung oder bei schon vorhandenen Tumoren erfolgte. Erst bei Verwendung von fur den Grosteil der Versuchstiere todlichen Dosen zeigten die uberlebenden Mause eine Verminderung des Tumorwachstums und Verlangerung der Lebensdauer, was aber wahrscheinlich auf die allgemeine Steigerung der Abwehrkrafte des Organismus durch die hohen Schlangengiftdosen (bei den uberlebenden Tieren) zuruckzufuhren ist.
Cardiac myxomas with systemic embolization. Review of the literature and report of a case.

A case of left atrial myxohemangioendothelioma, diagnosed ante mortem by removing a tumor embolus to the bifurcation of the aorta, is reported. The patient had been misdiagnosed as having had rheumatic heart disease with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and embolization to the right middle cerebral artery. In retrospect, because of the characteristics of the second heart sound and absence of an opening snap, a rheumatic etiology should have been questioned. The literature regarding embolization of atrial myxomas has been reviewed.
Depth-first K-trees and critical path analysis

K-trees are tree representations of digraphs, and depth-first K-trees are Tarjan's depth-first search trees made explicit. Algorithms are given for the construction of depth-first K-trees. The depth-first K-trees are then used as a basis for nonrecursive algorithms for the following: topological ordering of an acyclic digraph, critical path analysis of a scheduling network, determination of longest paths from a single source in an acyclic digraph, and determination of strong components of a digraph. The time complexity of each algorithm is O(m), where m is the number of arcs in the digraph. Storage structures for K-trees are defined, and the updating of a scheduling network is discussed.
Optimal Design of a Smart Conformable Rotor Airfoil

An optimization method has been developed for the design of a smart conformable rotor airfoil with distributed piezoelectric actuators. A conformable airfoil is proposed as a substitute for trailing edge flaps used for helicopter vibration reduction by achieving high frequency camber variations. A topology optimization approach is used where the objective is to maximize trailing edge deflection while minimizing airfoil deformations due to aerodynamic loads. Solutions of the design problem are obtained using Sequential Linear Programming coupled with a Finite Element Analysis procedure. Results show good algorithm convergence and satisfactory airfoil deformations. A study of the effects of different active material resources, skin thickness and aerodynamic loads is performed. Changes in lift coefficient are found to be lower than those obtained for an equivalent flap at similar deflection angles, suggesting that larger deflections might be required for vibration reduction purposes.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Localized modes of oscillation in hydrogen and deuterium doped lead

Abstract We have measured the tunneling characteristics of quench-condensed films of pure Pb, hydrogen-doped Pb, and deuterium- doped Pb. We have determined phonon spectra to fit the electronic densities of states calculated from our data. The phonon spectra for Pb/H and Pb/D exhibit additional phonon peaks which we associate with a localized mode (or modes) of the impurity. The magnitudes of the peaks indicate that this mode is strongly coupled to the electronic system.
Interactions between the red imported fire ant, the citrus leafminer, and its parasitoid Ageniaspis citricola (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae): laboratory and field evaluations.

Abstract Interactions between the red imported fire ant [Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)], the citrus leafminer [Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)], and the citrus leafminer endoparasitoid Ageniaspis citricola (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) were investigated under laboratory and field conditions in Florida. Previous studies had shown that S. invicta would selectively prey on brown citrus aphids (Toxoptera citricida) parasitized by Lipolexis oregmae and Asian citrus psyllids (Diaphorina citri) parasitized by Tamarixia radiata, which led us to question whether S. invicta would selectively prey on citrus leafminer (CLM) larvae or eggs parasitized by A. citricola. In the laboratory trial, there was no significant difference between the type of CLM larvae preyed on. However, higher predation was observed on parasitized CLM larvae reared on potted plants in a citrus grove. A subsequent citrus grove test revealed slightly, although not significantly, lower levels of parasitism by A. ci...
Persistent photoconductivity in AlGaAs/GaAs modulation doped layers and field effect transistors: a review

Abstract The phenomenon of persistent photoconductivity in AlGaAs/GaAs modulation-doped layers and transistors is reviewed. Experimental observations, mechanisms which are responsible for it and structures for its elimination are discussed.
712-5 Dynamic Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction Immediately Following Aortic Valve Replacement: Detection by Intra-operative Trans-esophageal Echocardiography

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) produces dramatic acute changes in left ventricular loading conditions that may provide a substrate for dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, particularly in the context of inotropic stimulation. This and related abnormalities have been described postoperatively, but their occurrence intra-operatively immediately post AVR has not been examined. To assess the prevalence and clinical impact of this phenomenon, intra-operative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed in 72 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis (n = 28) aortic regurgitation (n = 15), or mixed aortic valve disease (n = 29). There were 31 bioprostheses, 23 mechanical valves, and 18 homografts/autografts. Results No pt had dynamic LVOT obstruction on pre-bypass TEE. TEE performed after or during weaning from bypass revealed hemodynamically significant dynamic LVOT obstruction characterized by mitral systolic anterior motion, subvalvular obstruction and variable mitral regurgitation in 5 pts (2 homografts, 2 bioprostheses, 1 mechanical). All these pts had normal left ventricular function, concentric hypertrophy, and pre-op aortic stenosis ± aortic insufficiency. Although all 5 pts were hemodynamically unstable (with difficulty weaning from bypass, variable systemic hypotension, andlor left atrial hypertension) dynamic LVOT obstruction was not suspected clinically prior to TEE. All pts improved with cessation of inotropes andlor B-blockade with coincident improvement, but notelimination of the subvalvulargradient. Conclusion Dynamic LVOT obstruction may occur following AVR in the immediate post-bypass period. This problem is difficult to recognize and may be inappropriately treated. Intra-operative TEE is essential to diagnose this problem and monitor therapy.