Evaluating software reuse alternatives: a model and its application to an industrial case study

We propose a model that enables software developers to systematically evaluate and compare all possible alternative reuse scenarios. The model supports the clear identification of the basic operations involved and associates a cost component with each basic operation in a focused and precise way. The model is a practical tool that assists developers to weigh and evaluate different reuse scenarios, based on accumulated organizational data, and then to decide which option to select in a given situation. The model is currently being used at six different companies for cost-benefit analysis of alternative reuse scenarios; we give a case study that illustrates how it has been used in practice.     

Linkage analysis of candidate genes in autoimmune thyroid disease: 1. Selected immunoregulatory genes. International Consortium for the Genetics of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

Graves' and Hashimoto's diseases are autoimmune thyroid diseases in which the genetic contribution is complex. For this reason, identification of necessary susceptibility genes has been difficult. However, a number of immunoregulatory genes have been implicated by association studies, including: CTLA-4, a recently described protein involved in antigen presentation, located on chromosome 2q33; the T-cell receptor V alpha and V beta gene complexes, located on 14q11 and 7q35, respectively; and the Ig gene complex (IgH), located on 15q11. We used polymorphic microsatellite markers located within these genes, or gene complexes, to test for linkage (rather than association), to each of these candidates. Using markers within the loci allowed us to assume a fixed recombination fraction of 0.01 in the tested model. Three hundred eight subjects from 48 multiplex families were studied, with 142 affected subjects. Using this set of families, we have previously shown evidence of linkage with a major susceptibility locus for Graves' disease (GD-1) on 14q24.3-31, with a maximum lod (logarithm + odds) score of 2.1, at a penetrance of 80% and with a dominant mode of inheritance. In the present study, we obtained consistently negative lod scores for each of the candidate genes, assuming either dominant or recessive modes of inheritance. These data, therefore, showed evidence against linkage with all the candidate genes. Unlike association studies, linkage analyses detect major genetic influences on disease susceptibility exerted by the linked loci. The lack of linkage for the immunoregulatory genes that were studied indicated, therefore, that they were not major contributors to disease etiology.     

Visible‐light‐induced controlled/living radical polymerization of styrene with a phenyl seleno group at one terminal chain end: 1‐(Phenylseleno)ethyl benzene as a photoiniferter

The photopolymerization of styrene with a well‐defined molecular architecture and a low polydispersity index and with methyl and phenylseleno (? SePh) groups at α‐ and ω‐chain ends, respectively, was performed via a controlled/living radical polymerization with a new initiating system, 1‐(phenylseleno)ethyl benzene/tert‐butyl diphenyl (phenylseleno) silane, through the absorption of visible light at room temperature. A novel initiating living radical polymerization was examined. The yield and number‐average molecular weight (M_n) of the resulting polymer increased with the reaction time. Furthermore, a linear relationship was found in a plot of M_n versus the polymer yield. These results indicated that this polymerization proceeded through a living radical mechanism. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 348–355, 2004     

A Novel Highly Sensitive Humidity Sensor Based on ZnO/SBA‐15 Hybrid Nanocomposite

This work deals with the study of hydrothermally synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) loaded mesoporous SBA‐15 hybrid nanocomposite for relative humidity sensing (RH) at room temperature. The sensor exhibits an excellent ~5 orders impedance change along with excellent linearity, quick response time (17 s), rapid recovery time (18 s), negligible hysteresis (1.2%), good repeatability, and stability (1.8%) in 11%–98% RH range. In addition, complex impedance spectra of the sensor at different RHs were analyzed to understand the humidity sensing mechanism. Our study can open a new way for realizing ZnO/SBA‐15 hybrid nanocomposite for fabrication of high‐performance RH sensors.     

Identification of components of protein complexes using a fluorescent photo-cross-linker and mass spectrometry

This study describes a novel method for improving the specific recognition, detection, and identification of proteins involved in multiprotein complexes. The method is based on a combination of coimmunoprecipitation, chemical cross-linking, and specific fluorescent tagging of protein components in close association with one another. Specific fluorescent tagging of the protein complex components was achieved using the cleavable, fluorescent cross-linker sulfosuccinimidyl 2-(7-azido-4-methylcoumarin-3-acetamido) ethyl-1,3'-dithiopropionate (SAED). Following dissociation and separation by SDS-PAGE, the fluorescently tagged proteins are then visualized by UV illumination, excised, and, following in-gel digestion, identified by mass spectrometry. In this study, a complex of the HIV-envelope protein gp120 and its cellular receptor CD4 was used as a model system. The sensitivity of detection of fluorescent SAED-labeled proteins in SDS gels, and the sensitivity of the mass spectrometric identification of fluorescent proteins after in-gel digestion, is in the range of a few hundred femtomoles of protein. This sensitivity is comparable to that achieved with silver-staining techniques, but fluorescence detection is protein independent and no background interference occurs. Furthermore, fluorescence labeling is significantly more compatible with mass spectrometric identification of proteins than is silver staining. The first application of this strategy was in the investigation of the mechanism of spermiation, the process by which mature spermatids separate from Sertoli cells. For the coimmunoprecipitation experiment, an antibody against paxillin, a protein involved in spermatid-Sertoli cell junctional complexes, was used. More components of the paxillin protein complex were visible by fluorescence detection of SAED-labeled proteins than were visible on comparable silver-stained gels. Mass spectrometric analysis of the fluorescently labeled proteins identified integrin alpha6 precursor as a protein associated in a complex with paxillin. The identification of integrin alpha6 precursor was confirmed by Western blot analysis and verifies the applicability of this novel approach for identifying proteins involved in protein complexes.     

A general strategy for epitope mapping by direct MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry using secondary antibodies and cross-linking

The combination of limited proteolysis and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry has become an important tool for the determination of epitopes but works best with highly purified antibodies. Here we report the use of capture antibodies to reduce the need for purification of the antibody in the mass spectrometric determination of the epitope. In this new method, a secondary Fc-specific antibody, covalently bound to Sepharose beads, is used to capture the primary antibody (the antibody of interest). After capture, the two antibodies are cross-linked. The antigen is then bound to the immobilized antibodies and subjected to proteolysis using several successive proteinases. In this study, this strategy is demonstrated with a crude mouse anti-ACTH IgG solution and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). Comparing this strategy with previous methods where the antibody is bound directly to activated beads, the new method (1) results in a higher binding capacity of the bound antibody to ACTH, (2) does not require purification of the antibody of interest, and (3) dramatically reduces the chemical background in the MALDI mass spectra.     

A Path-Based Algorithm for the Cross-Nested Logit Stochastic User Equilibrium Traffic Assignment

Abstract:   This article investigates the single-class static stochastic user equilibrium (SUE) problem with separable and additive link costs. A SUE assignment based on the Cross-Nested Logit (CNL) route choice model is presented. The CNL model can better represent route choice behavior compared to the Multinomial Logit (MNL) model, while keeping a closed form equation. The article uses a specific optimization formulation developed for the CNL model, and develops a path-based algorithm for the solution of the CNL-SUE problem based on adaptation of the disaggregate simplicial decomposition (DSD) method. The article illustrates the algorithmic implementation on a real size network and discusses the trade-offs between MNL-SUE and CNL-SUE assignment .     

Adherence in childhood diabetes: Results of a confirmatory factor analysis.

Tested the equality of the factor pattern of adherence to treatment of childhood diabetes identified by S. B. Johnson et al (see record 1988-05437-001) across 2 independent samples. Samples of 162 and 157 diabetics (aged 6–18 yrs) were studied. Factors 1–4, Exercise, Injection, Diet Type, and Eating/Testing Frequency, were confirmed. Factor 5, Diet Amount, proved to be too complex; the adherence measures comprising this factor (total calories and concentrated sweets consumed) are best treated as separate, single-indicator constructs. Results support a multivariate concept of adherence, offer insight into the nature of the components underlying diabetes adherence, and provide measurement information for reliable component estimation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)