cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implications of implementing just-in-time systems

Abstract Just-in-time (JIT) systems are simple and generally require little use of computers, and they appear to provide for tighter controls on inventory than are attainable via U.S. computer-based approaches. JIT promotes major improvements in quality and productivity, as well as increased worker responsibility and commitment. It is not just a way to reduce inventory, it is a means of solving problems that block the building of an excellent manufacturing organization. Its applications and benefits apply not only to the shop floor but also to the marketing, purchasing and accounting aspects. The purpose of this paper is (i) to examine the application of a JIT system, (ii) to evaluate the benefits and costs of implementing JIT, (iii) to understand how JIT implementation affects marketing and accounting functions, and (iv) to explore the management implications of implementing JIT in organizations.
Stability of Fully Developed Rotating Stall

In McCaughan (1989b) it was observed that the slopes of both the axisymmetric and rotating stall characteristics play a major role in determining the mode of instability of the engine and the recovery point. That analysis was carried out for the grossly simplified model where the stall cell was considered as a traveling sine wave. That work has been extended to the more reasonable situation where the stall cell is represented by forty Fourier modes. The results from the simple model of three ordinary differential equations are discussed in the light of the more realistic calculations. In particular we discuss the effects of two parameters: the steepness of the axisymmetric characteristic and the shutoff head.
The beta-galactosidase of mouse strain L-cells and mouse organs.

The properties and distribution of the β-galactosidase of mouse strain L-cells and various mouse organs and tumors have been investigated. β-Galactosidase activity was found in extracts of strain L-cells and of all mouse organs examined. By the criteria which we have employed, the enzyme in all extracts appears to be the same molecular species. Whereas β-galactosidase in crude preparations has a pH optimum of 2.8, the purified enzyme has a pH optimum of 2.2. The Michaelis constant using o-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactoside as substrate is approximately 7.0·10−4M. Galactose and lactose competitively inhibit the hydrolysis of o-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactoside by the enzyme; at 10−1M concentration, glucose and melibiose are not inhibitory. Lactose is hydrolysed at approximately one-third the rate at which o-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactoside is hydrolysed. Specific antiserum precipitates, but does not neutralize the β-galactosidase. The concentration of the enzyme differs widely from organ to organ. The highest specific activity is found in mouse embryonic and suckling mouse small intestine: adult small intestine shows low specific activity. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Role of bone scintigraphy in the detection of periostitis in secondary syphilis

The authors report a case of a 35-year-old woman with secondary syphilis (rapid plasma reagin being positive at 1:64 dilution) and dermatologic manifestations of lues maligna (thick, crusted cutaneous plaques with erythematous borders showing mixed perivascular inflammatory infiltrates and areas of ulcerations) on punch biopsy. She presented with complaints of multiple skin sores, mild headache, and bilateral, nocturnal leg pain for 2 weeks, which was relieved by change in position of the extremities. The bone scan demonstrated multifocal bony involvement, without detectable radiographic abnormalities. Bone scintigraphy appears highly sensitive for the detection of skeletal lesions of secondary syphilis, which are radiographically undetectable and clinically asymptomatic. Bone scintigraphy should be an integral component of the initial work-up. The presence of bony lesions has significant clinical implications by potentially altering clinical management.
High performance deeply-recessed GaN power HEMTs without surface passivation

An improved deeply-recessed GaN-based HEMT was demonstrated and shown to produce high microwave power without SiNx passivation. The introduction of a thick graded AlGaN cap layer decreased the gate leakage current and increased the breakdown voltage. An output power density of 15.2 W/mm with a PAE of 45% at 4 GHz (VDS=70 V) was achieved on a SiC substrate with no SiNx passivation.
Staining Paraffin Sections with Protargol 3. The Optimum pH for Reduction. 4. A Two-Hour Staining Method

Further work on conditions affecting the reduction of paraffin sections impregnated with protargol showed that the optimum pH for sulfite-amidol mixtures was between 6.5 and 7.5. A staining method which requires about two hours to complete consists of the following steps: (1) One hour impregnation at 60° C. in 10% AgNO3. (2) Wash in distilled water 3 changes of 30 sec. each. (3) Put into protargol (Winthrop Chem. Co., New York, N. Y.) 0.2% aq. for another hour at room temperature. (4) Rinse 2 sec. (5) Reduce one to two min. in amidol 0.2 g., Na2SO3 8 g., NaHSO3 I g., and water 100 cc. (6) Wash thoroly. (7) Tone with 0.1% gold chloride. (8) Wash. (9) Reduce with a 0.5% aq. soln. of amidol (no sulfite). (10) Wash, dehydrate and cover. The method stains neurofibrillae and unmyelinated fibers and has worked well on most tissues of vertebrates. The stain follows acid alcoholic fixation.
Honor War Theory: Romance or Reality?

AbstractJust War Theory (JWT) replaced an older ‘warrior code,’ an approach to war that remains poorly understood and dismissively treated in the philosophical literature. This paper builds on recent work on honor to address these deficiencies. By providing a clear, systematic exposition of ‘Honor War Theory’ (HWT), we can make sense of paradigm instances of warrior psychology and behavior, and understand the warrior code as the martial expression of a broader honor-based ethos that conceives of obligation in terms of fair competition for prestige. Far from being a romantic and outmoded approach to war, HWT accounts for current conflicts and predicts moral intuitions that JWT either rejects or cannot comfortably accommodate. So although it is not recommended as a replacement for JWT, there is good reason think that a fully mature, realistic, and yet properly normative theory of war ethics will incorporate a variety of insights from HWT.
Accommodating High PV Penetration on Distribution Feeders

This paper investigates the operation and protection issues on distribution systems with high penetration of residential PV systems. Residential PV systems represent small scale resources and therefore they have different impacts on a distribution circuit than larger scale resources. The paper considers a typical residential distribution system and shows that determining the fault current profile and voltage variations on such systems becomes more challenging. However, the impacts on system protection and voltage variation are not severe on such systems, and thus, high level penetration can be accommodated provided that proper revisions are made to the protection and voltage control schemes.
Effect of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia on the glycogen content of the pituitary and adrenal glands of normal, subdiabetic and diabetic rats.

The glycogen content of pituitary, adrenal and thyroid tissue of alloxandiabetic and normal rats was determined. An increased glycogen content was found in these endocrine glands in the diabetic rats. The pituitary glycogen content appeared to reflect the blood sugar level. When the blood sugar of normal, subdiabetic and diabetic rats was elevated by massive injections of glucose, the pituitary glycogen content was increased moderately. When the blood sugar of diabetic rats was lowered by insulin injection, the pituitary glycogen content decreased; however, this change in glycogen content often lagged behind the blood sugar changes. By contrast, the adrenal glycogen content did not reflect the blood sugar level; when the blood sugar was decreased by insulin treatment (in the diabetic rat) or elevated by glucose administration (in both normal and diabetic rats), the adrenal glycogen content was decreased. The possible mechanisms by which hyper- and hypoglycemia affect the glycogen content of the endocrine ...
Phase 1–2 study of docetaxel plus aflibercept in patients with recurrent ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer

Summary Background Biologically targeted therapies have been postulated as a viable strategy to improve outcomes for women with ovarian cancer. We assessed the safety, tolerance, pharmacokinetics, relevant circulating and image-derived biomarkers, and clinical activity of combination aflibercept and docetaxel in this population. Methods For the phase 1 (pharmacokinetic) study, eligible patients had measurable, recurrent or persistent epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube carcinoma with a maximum of two prior chemotherapy regimens. Aflibercept was administered intravenously over three dose levels (2, 4, or 6 mg/kg; one dose every 21 days) to identify the maximum tolerated dose for the phase 2 study. Pharmacokinetics were assessed and dynamic imaging was done during a lead-in phase with single-agent aflibercept (cycle 0) and during combination therapy with intravenous docetaxel (75 mg/m 2 ). Eligibility for the phase 2 study was the same as for phase 1. Patients were enrolled in a two-stage design and given aflibercept 6 mg/kg intravenously and docetaxel 75 mg/m 2 intravenously, every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) as assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.0. The trial has completed enrolment and all patients are now off study. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00436501. Findings From the phase 1 study, the recommended phase 2 doses of aflibercept and docetaxel were found to be 6 mg/kg and 75 mg/m 2 , respectively. Log-linear pharmacokinetics (for unbound aflibercept) were observed for the three dose levels. No dose-limiting toxicities were noted. 46 evaluable patients were enrolled in the phase 2 trial; 33 were platinum resistant (15 refractory) and 13 were platinum sensitive. The confirmed ORR was 54% (25 of 46; 11 patients had a complete response and 14 had a partial response). Grade 3–4 toxicities observed in more than two patients (5%) were: neutropenia in 37 patients (80%); leucopenia in 25 patients (54%); fatigue in 23 patients (50%); dyspnoea in ten patients (22%); and stomatitis in three patients (7%). Adverse events specifically associated with aflibercept were grade 1–2 hypertension in five patients (11%), and grade 2 proteinuria in one patient (2%). Interpretation Combination aflibercept plus docetaxel can be safely administered at the dose and schedule reported here, and is associated with substantial antitumour activity. These findings suggest that further clinical development of this combination in ovarian cancer is warranted. Funding US National Cancer Institute, US Department of Defense, Sanofi-Aventis, Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, Marcus Foundation, and the Commonwealth Foundation.
Abstract 2342: Identification of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes using immortalized lung bronchial epithelial cells and small airway epithelial cells

We have immortalized human normal proximal bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) for the study of lung tumors arising in the central compartment of the lung, and now have over 30 of these strains (growing in defined KSFM media) including many isogenic derivatives with various oncogenic changes (Can Res 2004, Can Res 2006). We have extended this by immortalizing normal distal (small airway) epithelial cells that serve as models for the study of tumors arising in the peripheral compartment of the lung. Using Cdk4 and hTERT exogenous expression vectors (as used for HBECs) and serum free defined media, we have immortalized (N= 19) human small airway epithelial cells (HSAECs) from peripheral lung. We have characterized the HBECs and HSAECs and found they have the property of lung basal /stem cells. In the current study, we compared the genome-wide RNA expression profile of HBECs/ HSAECs with 108 lung tumor cell lines and identified a panel of genes that are differentially expressed in these two cell types. We found ∼ 1200 genes that are 2 fold over expressed in tumor cells lines compared with HBECs/HSAECs (p ≤ 0.005). Many known lung tumor oncogenes such as members in cancer/testis (CT) antigen families (XAGE/GAGE/MAGE), proliferation-promoting E2F2 transcription factors, and Kinesin family are over-expressed in tumor lines validating the comparison strategies. In addition, we found genes that had been shown to be involved in other types of tumors but had not been reported in lung tumors. Importantly, we found several genes that had not been implicated as oncogenes previously, thus these are potential novel oncogenes for lung tumor transformation. We also found ∼1300 genes that are 2 fold over expressed in HBECs/HSAECs compared with tumor cell lines (p≤ 0.006). Many of the genes are lung basal cell markers (Keratin and Laminin family members) or known tumor suppressor genes (p53 binding genes and metallothionein genes) as expected. Like in the case of tumor specific genes, we found several genes that had not been reported functioning in the inhibition of tumor transformation. Thus, these are candidate tumor suppressor genes. The current study showed that the immortalized HBEC and HSAECs are ideal models for the discovery of novel oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2342. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2342
Salivary levels of putative cariogenic organisms in patients with eating disorders

The present study examined the hypothesis that women with eating disorders associated with a history of chronic vomiting can be characterized by a salivary flora with high levels of aciduric organisms, such as, mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeast. Three groups of female subjects were studied: vomiting bulimics (G1; n = 14), and comparison groups selected for high Streptococcus mutans (G2; n = 13), and low S. mutans levels (G3; n = 12). The prevalence and levels of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeast tended to be higher in bulimics than in non-bulimics. The bulimics had significantly higher levels and higher prevalence of Streptococcus sobrinus than the non-bulimics. A high S. sobrinus colonization may be a marker for a history of vomiting in bulimia.
Vesicular Integrity in Parkinson’s Disease

The defining motor characteristics of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are mediated by the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). Dopamine molecules spend most of their lifespan stored in intracellular vesicles awaiting release and very little time in the extracellular space or the cytosol. Without proper packaging of transmitter and trafficking of vesicles to the active zone, dopamine neurotransmission cannot occur. In the cytosol, dopamine is readily oxidized; excessive cytosolic dopamine oxidation may be pathogenic to nigral neurons in PD. Thus, factors that disrupt vesicular function may impair signaling and increase the vulnerability of dopamine neurons. This review outlines the many mechanisms by which disruption of vesicular function may contribute to the pathogenesis of PD. From direct inhibition of dopamine transport into vesicles by pharmacological or toxicological agents to alterations in vesicle trafficking by PD-related gene products, variations in the proper compartmentalization of dopamine can wreak havoc on a functional dopamine pathway. Findings from patient populations, imaging studies, transgenic models, and mechanistic studies will be presented to document the relationship between impaired vesicular function and vulnerability of the nigrostriatal dopamine system. Given the deleterious effects of impaired vesicular function, strategies aimed at enhancing vesicular function may be beneficial in the treatment of PD.
Levels of pyridoxine and susceptibility to electroconvulsive and audiogenic seizures

The effects of pyridoxine deficiency and the administration of supplemental vitamin B6 on audiogenic and electroconvulsive seizures were studied in two inbred strains of mice and their F1 hybrids. Pyridoxine deficient diets increased seizure risk, whereas supplemental vitamin B6 protected these animals against seizures. Penicillamine and thiosemicarbazide, at doses which lowered brain levels of pyridoxine by only 10%, increased seizure risk. Diets deficient in zinc and copper did not alter susceptibility to either audiogenic or electroconvulsive seizures. DBA/2J mice, genetically susceptible to audiogenic seizures, have the same endogenous levels of pyridoxine in the brain as do C57B1/6J mice, which are resistant to audiogenic seizures.
The not so happy story of the marriage of linguistics and psychology or why linguistics has discouraged psychology's recent advances

Apparently, it is as rare in inquiry as it is in life for two admirers to rekindle a dying relationship. Linguistics and psychology have twice failed to sustain a lasting romance. Certainly, each shares some of the responsibility for these failures. In the first case, Arthur Blumenthal has discussed (here and elsewhere: see Blumenthal, 1970, 1975) how (academic) generations of empiricistic linguists and psychologists in the first half of this century permitted serious misrepresentation of Wundt's views generally, and suppression of his program of psy cholinguistic research in particular. In the more recent liason, however, Arthur Reber argues (see also Reber, 1973) that it is pri marily linguistics that has discouraged psychology's advances. Presumably, linguistics is particularly culpable, since it initiated the courtship this second time around. Chomsky, after all, has repeatedly asserted that he would "try to develop the study of linguistic structure as a chapter of human psychology" (Chomsky, 1972, p. 66). It is where Wundt's and Chomsky's views converge that is most central to understanding the emergence of psycholinguistics (the first time, the second time, or any time). I will briefly address those points of convergence first, ultimately suggesting that they constitute im portant contributions if not to the theoretical progress, then surely to the methodological progress of the relevant sciences. Then I will return to discuss at greater length some of the peculiar details of this second affair between linguistics and psychology, offering in the process a partial justification for contemporary linguistics' wanton ways. It is, first of all, certain negative claims on which Wundt and Chomsky concur. Both have directed devastating criticism against the associationism which has generally prevailed in the philosophy, psy chology, and linguistics of the last hundred years. Both have rejected claims that association, analogy, general learning strategies, inductive inference, or any other such process can suffice to account for either
Localization of a TNF-activated transcription site and interactions with the gamma activated site within the CAEV U3 70 base pair repeat

The cytokines TNFalpha and IFNgamma have previously been shown to activate caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) transcription. Increased viral titers correlate with increased lesion severity. Therefore, TNFalpha and IFNgamma may augment the caprine arthritis lesion by increasing viral titers. CAEV transcription is under the control of the viral promoter within the U3 region of the long terminal repeat. A set of U3 deletion mutants was generated and used to establish stably integrated, U937-based cell lines. These cell lines were utilized to define the required promoter sequences for cytokine-induced transcriptional activation. Here we have identified a novel 17 nucleotide TNF-activated site within the U3 region 70 bp repeat which is both required and sufficient in a minimal construct for TNFalpha-induced CAEV transcriptional activation. In contrast to the results of previous studies with IFNgamma, we found that multiple sequences within the U3 region 70 bp repeat were required for IFNgamma-activation of the CAEV promoter. The results identify previously unrecognized complexity in the CAEV promoter that may be relevant to viral replication and disease.
Labyrinthitis ossificans: How accurate is MRI in predicting cochlear obstruction?

Abstract Objective To determine the accuracy of preoperative MRI in predicting cochlear obstruction in pediatric patients with a history of bacterial meningitis. Methods A case series with chart review was performed at a tertiary care multidisciplinary cochlear implant program. Forty-five children with hearing loss that resulted from bacterial meningitis were implanted from 1991 to 2006. Twenty-five children had preoperative MRI with high-resolution axial T2-weighted images to assess for cochlear patency. Results Seventeen of 25 patients (68%) had surgical evidence of cochlear obstruction. Six patients (37.5%) required circummodiolar drill-outs, and one patient (6.25%) underwent placement of a double array cochlear implant. The nine remaining patients (56%) with cochlear obstruction required removal of fibrous tissue or drilling of the inferior basal turn, but did not require manipulation of the ascending basal turn to achieve full electrode insertion. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of MRI predicting intraoperative cochlear obstruction with 95 percent confidence intervals was 94.1 percent (71-99), 87.5 percent (47-99), 94.1 percent (71-99) and 87.5 percent (47-99), respectively. Conclusion Preoperative high-resolution T2 MRI may be useful in predicting cochlear obstruction in patients with a prior history of bacterial meningitis.
Matrices as sums of squares: a conjecture of Griffin and Krusemeyer

Griffin and Krusemeyer have cinjecturted that if M is a square matrix with entries in a field of characteristic different from two and if M is not a scalar multiple of the indentity then M is expressible as a sum of two squares. In this paper it is shown that that conjecture is true.
Indirect Assessment of Left Ventricular Performance in Acute Myocardial Infarction

One hundred patients admitted to a cardiac care unit had indirect serial determinations of left ventricular systolic ejection times. Patients were divided into groups with transmural infarction, nontransmural infarction, and no infarction, according to clinical, biochemical, and electrocardiographic criteria. Total electromechanical systole and left ventricular ejection time were shortened in acute myocardial infarction, whereas the pre-ejection period and its components, the Q-S1 and isovolumic contraction time intervals, were prolonged. The most abnormal measurements were observed in patients with transmural infarction. Patients with nontransmural infarction demonstrated less severe abnormalities of the systolic ejection times, and the patients without infarction were the least affected. Some of the greatest deviations in the measured intervals were observed in the transmural infarction patients who died. Indirect measurement of left ventricular systolic ejection time is a valuable adjunct in the bedside assessment of left ventricular performance and provides a prognostic index for patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Fetal fuels. I. Utilization of ketones by isolated tissues at various stages of maturation and maternal nutrition during late gestation.

The availability and utilization of B-hydroxybutyrate as an alternate oxidative fuel during fasting hypoglycemia has been examined in the rat conceptus at 18 and 20 days gestation. A 48-hr maternal fast between days 16 and 18 or 18 and 20 resulted in a 50% fall in fetal glucose levels and a marked rise in B-hydroxybutyrate, i.e., 30-fold at 18 and 60-fold at 20 days. Tissue concentrations of B-hydroxybutyrate or acetoacetate did not exceed extracellular levels. Placenta, fetal brain, carcass, and liver all oxidized 14C-labeled B-hydroxybutyrate to 14CO2 when incubated in vitro in the presence of B-hydroxybutyrate. Highest rates of oxidation were apparent in the placenta, followed by brain, liver, and carcass. The D isomer of B-hydroxybutyrate appeared to be oxidized preferentially by all tissues studied. Despite levels of 3-ketoacid CoA transferase and acetoacetyl CoA thiolase lower at 18 than at 20 days, rates of oxidation in individual tissues incubated under identical concentrations of substrate were similar at both times. In liver and brain, increasing rates of 14CO2 generation proportionate to graded concentrations of B-hydroxybutyrate in vitro indicated that such rates were probably determined by substrate availability. B-hydroxybutyrate oxidation in extrahepatic fetal tissues was unaffected by maternal fasting. By contrast, fetal liver derived from fasted mothers generated significantly less 14CO2 from B-hydroxybutyrate than livers from fed mothers. It has been suggested that capabilities for ketone utilization are widespread in tissues of the conceptus, and that such utilization may fulfill in part the oxidative demands for continued anabolic growth during fasting hypoglycemia in the mother.
Interviewing Children Who May have been Abused: A Historical Perspective and Overview of Controversies:

This article provides a historical perspective on the practice of interviewing children in cases of alleged sexual abuse and current controversies about these interviews. The following controversie...
Kinship support network: Edgewood's program model and client characteristics

Abstract This article describes the development of the Kinship Support Network (KSN), focusing on the Case-managed Unit of the KSN program model. KSN provides community-based, case-managed, supportive services to kinship caregivers, filling gaps in public social services. The article discusses strengths and weaknesses of privatizing public services and presents demographic data, needs and health information describing kin caregivers and relative children in their homes. Future research directions are suggested.
Graphical displays of human strength data

To facilitate the effective use of strength data in a human-task simulation environment, we have developed graphical methods to display the multidimensional characteristics of strength data. We use human figures together with two and three dimensional graphical symbols, colours and animations to visualize the effects of different parameters on strength. These displays give a dynamic view of the effects of various parameters on strength, and illustrate safe and forbidden body postures (or regions) in terms of strength capabilities.
Interrater Reliability and Validity of the Stair Ascend/Descend Test in Subjects With Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Almeida GJ, Schroeder CA, Gil AB, Fitzgerald GK, Piva SR. Interrater reliability and validity of the stair ascend/descend test in subjects with total knee arthroplasty. Objective (1) To determine the interrater reliability and measurement error of an 11-step stair ascend/descend test (STTotal-11) and stair up (ascend) test (STUp-11); (2) to seek evidence for the STTotal-11 and STUp-11 as valid measures of physical function by determining if they relate to measures of physical function and do not relate to measures not of physical function; and (3) to explore if the STTotal-11 and STUp-11 scores relate to lower-extremity muscle weakness and knee range of motion (ROM) in subjects with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Academic center. Participants Subjects (N=43, 30 women; mean age, 68±8y) with unilateral TKA. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures STTotal-11 and STUp-11 were performed twice, and scores were compared with scores on 4 lower extremity performance-based tasks, 2 patient-reported questionnaires of physical function, 3 psychologic factors, knee ROM, and strength of quadriceps, hip extensors, and abductors. Results Intraclass correlation coefficient was .94 for both the STTotal-11 and STUp-11, standard error of measurements were 1.14 seconds and .82 seconds, and minimum detectable change associated with 90% confidence interval was 2.6 seconds and 1.9 seconds, respectively. Correlations between stair tests and performance-based measures and knee and hip muscle strength ranged from Pearson correlation coefficient ( r )=.40 to .78. STTotal-11 and STUp-11 had a small correlation with one of the patient-reported measures of physical function. Stair tests were not associated with psychologic factors and knee extension ROM and were associated with knee flexion ROM. Conclusions STTotal-11 and STUp-11 have good interrater reliability and minimum detectable changes adequate for clinical use. The pattern of associations supports the validity of the stair tests in TKA.
Biochemical Identification of Homogentisic Acid Pigment in an Ochronotic Egyptian Mummy

Roentgenograms of an Egyptian mummy, dating from 1500 B.C., showed extensive calcification of the intervertebral discs and articular narrowing in both hip and knee joints. Biopsy cores from the right hip showed parallel black zones in the region of the articular surfaces, leading to a clinical diagnosis of ochrinosis. The black pigment was extracted, analyzed, and compared to an air-oxidized homogentistic acid polymer. The two substances apparently were identical. The chemical evidence thus confirms the clinical finding of ochronosis, an autosomal recessive disorder. This is, so far as known, the earliest verified case of this disorder.
The role of caspases in Alzheimer's disease; potential novel therapeutic opportunities.

Although apoptosis plays a critical role in molding the CNS into its final appearance and function, inappropriate activation of this pathway in the aging brain may contribute to neurodegeneration. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), an overwhelming body of evidence supports the activation of apoptosis in general, and caspases specifically as an early event that may not only contribute to neurodegeneration but also promote the underlying pathology associated with this disease. Therefore, caspase inhibitors may provide an effective strategy for treating AD. However, despite the compelling evidence indicating a role for caspases in disease progression, chronic treatment with caspase inhibitors in animal models of AD has never been undertaken. In this review the role of caspases in AD will be addressed, including recent studies utilizing in vivo transgenic mouse models of tauopathies. In addition, a discussion of the therapeutic value and dangers of targeting caspase inhibition in the treatment of AD using caspase inhibitors such as Q-VD-OPh will be evaluated.
Age, race, and ethnicity in the use of complementary and alternative medicine for health self-management: evidence from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey.

Objectives: Determine if complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use for treating existing conditions and for health maintenance differs by age and ethnicity. Methods: Data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey were used to operationalize distinct types of CAM in terms of (a) no use, (b) use for treatment only, (c) use for prevention only, and (d) use for both treatment and prevention. Differences in CAM use by age and ethnicity were examined using SUDAAN to adjust for design effects. Results: Associations of age with CAM use are curvilinear but differed by ethnicity. Some types of CAM are used primarily for treatment; others are used for health maintenance. Discussion: CAM use is one component of adults’ overall approach to health self-management. Patterns of CAM use by age and ethnicity likely reflect differences in CAM availability and prevailing public health policies when adults began making their own health-related decisions.
Transgenic Insertional Mutagenesis: Applications to Inner-Ear Genetics

With the advent of new and sophisticated molecular biological techniques, tremendous recent strides have been made in inner-ear genetics. The complexity of the mammalian genome and the paucity of genetic markers, however, have impeded rapid progress in the characterization of many inner-ear mutations at the molecular level. Transgenic technology, through insertional mutagenesis and targeted gene inactivation by homologous recombination, has provided a direct approach to the characterization of mutant phenotypes at the level of the gene. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1996;122:252-257)
Methylation of TMV RNA.

Abstract Several plant and animal viral RNAs contain a tRNA like structure at their 3′ ends. In this communication we show that tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) RNA is an acceptable substrate for a specific tRNA methyltransferase. Using a crude preparation of E. coli ribothymidine (rT) forming uracil methylase and (methyl 3H) S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) as a methyl donor, 0.7 moles of methyl group is incorporated per mole of TMV RNA in 10 hours at 30°C. Upon T2 RNAse digestion of the labeled RNA, all of the radioactivity was found to be in TMP. T1 RNAse digestion of 3H methylated TMV RNA showed that all of the label was located in a tetranucleotide which co-migrated with authentic TpψpCpGp, an oligonucleotide characteristically found in normal cellular tRNA. The use of this specific methyl transferase reaction may provide a simple assay for the detection of tRNA like structures in large RNAs.
Relativistic many-body calculation of energies, lifetimes, hyperfine constants, and polarizabilities in {sup 7}Li

The excitation energies of ns, np, nd, and nf (n{<=}6) states in neutral lithium are evaluated within the framework of relativistic many-body theory. First-, second-, third-, and all-order Coulomb energies and first- and second-order Breit corrections to energies are calculated. All-order calculations of reduced matrix elements, oscillator strengths, transition rates, and lifetimes are given for levels up to n=4. Electric-dipole (2s-np), electric-quadrupole (2s-nd), and electric-octupole (2s-nf), matrix elements are evaluated to obtain the corresponding ground-state multipole polarizabilities using the sum-over-states approach. Scalar and tensor polarizabilities for the 2p{sub 1/2} and 2p{sub 3/2} states are also calculated. Magnetic-dipole hyperfine constants A are determined for low-lying levels up to n=4. The quadratic Stark shift for the (F=2 M=0){r_reversible}(F=1 M=0) ground-state hyperfine transition is found to be -0.0582 Hz/(kV/cm){sup 2}, in slight disagreement with the experimental value -0.061{+-}0.002 Hz/(kV/cm){sup 2}. Matrix elements used in evaluating polarizabilities, hyperfine constants, and the quadratic Stark shift are obtained using the all-order method.
The β Subunit of Voltage-Gated Ca2+ Channels

Calcium regulates a wide spectrum of physiological processes such as heartbeat, muscle contraction, neuronal communication, hormone release, cell division, and gene transcription. Major entryways f...
Cyclopropenylidenetransition metal complexes: synthesis and structure of cis-dichloro(tri-n-butylphosphine)(bis(N,N-dimethylamino)cyclopropenylidene)-palladium(II)

Abstract The synthesis of cis-dichloro(tri-n-butylphosphine)(bis(N,N-dimethylamino)-cyclopropenylidene)palladium(II), cis-PdCl2[C(Me2NC)2](P-n-Bu3), from the reaction of [PdCl2(C(Me2NC)2)]2 with P-n-Bu3 is described. The first precise analysis of the structure of a cyclopropenylidene—transition metal complex has been carried out. The C3-ring is bound through the unique carbon atom to the metal center with a PdC distance of 1.961(3)A and is roughly perpendicular to the metal square plane. All CC ring distances are equivalent within experimental error and average 1.383(2)A. The dimethylamino groups are sp2 hybridized at the nitrogen atoms and are coplanar with the carbbocyclic fragment. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C52h-P21/c with four molecules in a cell of dimensions a 7.933(4), b 15.524(6), c 19.572(7)A, β 101.05(2)°, V 2326A3 (T-160°C). The final values of R and Rw for the 226 variables and 4383 significant observations are 0.036 and 0.042. Characteristic spectroscopic (IR and NMR) data for the compound are reported.
The long duration exposure facility - A test bed for space technology development

The long duration exposure facility (LDEF) is being developed by NASA to accommodate, using the Shuttle, a class of technology, science, and applications experiments which require a free-flying exposure in space. The LDEF offers an attractive approach to experiments which require long-term exposure in space. LDEF missions up to 10 years duration are possible and requested by researchers. Attention is given to the LDEF concept and the operations, plans for technology testing in space, and aspects of investigator participation.
Parasitic weeds and their impact in South-West Asia

Three groups of SW Asiatic parasitic weeds are reviewed: the root parasites Striga (Scrophulariaceae), Cistanche and Orobanche (Orobanchaceae); and the stem parasites Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae). Striga hermonthka and S. asiatica are serious pests on sorghum, millet, and maize in parts of N and S Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Striga densiflora has apparently been introduced from India to Oman where it parasitises sugar-cane and sorghum. Species of Orobanche are widespread throughout almost all the region and cause serious losses in tomatoes, tobacco, broadbeans, melons and other crops. Cistanche phelypaea has recently been shown capable of attacking sugar beet. Species of Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae), widespread in SW Asia, mainly affect legume crops, especially lucerne. Considerable taxonomic research is still needed in Orobanche, Cistanche, and Cuscuta.
Tangible and intangible costs of "protecting human subjects": The impact of the National Research Act of 1974 onuniversity research activities

This article (1) examines the overall structure of regulatory research oversight in the United States; (2) details the origins and evolution of federal legislation pertaining to the protection of human subjects in biomedical and behavioral treatment and research; and (3) describes the expansion of oversight regulation from biomedical and behavioral treatment areas to the social sciences. In addition, the paper describes three areas identified by compliance administrators as susceptible to abuse: (1) informed consent, (2) assessment of risks and benefits, and (3) equitable selection of human subjects. There is a discussion of existing tensions in the implementation of oversight policies and procedures. Finally, the paper identifies four issues for future consideration: (1) scope of the mandate regarding protection of human subjects, (2) impact on the nature of research being undertaken, (3) financial burden of compliance and oversight activities, and (4) ethical standards, constraints, and potential.
Electroluminescence Analysis by Tilt Polish Technique of InP-Based Semiconductor Lasers

We developed an effective electroluminescence (EL) analysis method to specify the degraded region of InP-based semiconductor lasers. The EL analysis method is one of the most important methods for failure analysis. However, EL observation was difficult because opaque electrodes surround an active layer. A portion of each electrode had to be left intact for wiring to inject the current. Thus, we developed a partial polish technique for the bottom electrode. Tilt polish equipment with a rotating table was introduced; a flat polished surface and a sufficiently wide remaining portion of the bottom electrode were obtained. As a result, clear EL from the back surface of the laser was observed.
Monte Carlo simulations and scenario analysis — Decision-making tools for hoteliers

Abstract Imagine having to predict the likely bottom-line result of changing several room-revenue factors at once—for example, total number of available rooms, room rates, and market mix. While not impossible, it can be a daunting task. Now imagine using your computer to calculate possible combinations of options to “see” what might happen. A Monte Carlo simulation is a way to perform hundreds or thousands of “what if” analyses that, when looked at together, point to trends that relate specifically to the decisions being considered.
Interaction of adrenal steroids and glucagon on gluconeogenesis in perfused rat liver.

Abstract A stimulatory effect of glucagon on gluconeogenesis in normal rats has been demonstrated by studies in vivo and in vitro ( Kalant, 1956 ; Salter et al ., 1957 ; Izzo and Glasser, 1961 ; Exton et al . 1966 ; Garcia et al . 1966 ; Sokal, 1966 ). However, livers from fasted adrenalectomized rats perfused with lactate or pyruvate fail to show this response ( Exton et al ., 1966 ; Eisenstein, 1967 ). This led us to investigate the possibility suggested by Friedmann and Wertheimer (1966) that glucocorticoids play a permissive role in the regulation of gluconeogenesis by glucagon. This paper presents data supporting this view. Injection of dexamethasone into adrenalectomized rats 30 minutes prior to sacrifice restored the response to glucagon in vitro almost to normal. In perfused livers from adrenalectomized rats, addition of dexamethasone to the perfusion medium caused a rapid rise in gluconeogenesis in the presence of glucagon but had no effect, except at high levels, in the absence of glucagon.
Thermotoga maritima 3-Deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7-Phosphate (DAHP) Synthase: THE ANCESTRAL EUBACTERIAL DAHP SYNTHASE? *

The gene encoding the 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate (DAHP) synthase from the thermophilic microorganism Thermotoga maritima was cloned, and the enzyme was overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The purified DAHP synthase displays a homotetrameric structure and exhibits maximal activity at 90 degrees C. The enzyme is extremely thermostable, with 50% of its initial activity retained after incubation for approximately 5 h at 80 degrees C, 21 h at 70 degrees C, and 86 h at 60 degrees C. The enzyme appears to follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics with Km for phosphoenolpyruvate = 9.5-13 microm, Km for d-erythrose 4-phosphate = 57.3-350.1 microm, and kcat = 2.3-7.6 s-1 between 50 degrees C and 70 degrees C. Metal analysis indicates that DAHP synthase as isolated contains Zn2+, and the enzyme is inactivated by treatment with EDTA. The apo-enzyme is partially reactivated by a variety of divalent metals including Zn2+, Cd2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Co2+, and Ni2+. These observations suggest that T. maritima DAHP synthase is a metalloenzyme. The activity of T. maritima DAHP synthase is inhibited by two of the three aromatic amino acids (l-Phe and l-Tyr) formed in the Shikimate pathway. This report is the first description of a thermophilic eubacterial DAHP synthase.
Influence of adjacent land use on understory vegetation of New York forests

The understory vegetation was sampled in sixty sugar maple (Acer saccharum) forest stands in central New York in order to investigate the influence of anthropogenic disturbance on understory community structure. Stands were chosen so that land use adjacent to the forest fell within one of three categories: agriculture, residential area, or roadway. Each site was sampled at the forest edge, 30 m into the forest, and in the adjacent open community (field or lawn). Sampling included all herbaceous plants and any woody plants < 0.5 m tall. Differences in understory community structure were found among land use categories for both species richness and cover measurements. Residential edges exhibited greater species richness, cover, number of herbaceous dicots, number of introduced species, and number of annual species than did agricultural edges. Residential edges also exhibited more similarity (number of shared species) to the adjacent lawn community than did agricultural edges to adjacent fields, indicating potentially greater species exchange for forests in the vicinity of more populated areas. Interior samples from the three land use categories were similar, differing only in the number of introduced species present in the understory.
The Effects of Job Insecurity on Satisfaction and Perceived Organizational Performance

This research examines the effects of job insecurity on job satisfaction and organizational performance. Performance was measured with perceptual data. A total of 320 employees from various organizations participated in the research. The hypothesized model was tested by means of structural equation modeling. The findings show that job insecurity has a significant negative impact on employee satisfaction and an indirect effect on perceived organizational performance.
Fast capillary electrophoresis—ion spray mass spectrometric determination of sulfonylureas

Abstract This paper describes the use of a simple, laboratory-made capillary electrophoresis (CE) system equipped with relatively short (25–35 cm) capillaries that may be coupled to a pneumatically assisted electrospray (ion spray) interface for separations with on-line mass spectrometric (MS) detection. Sulfonylurea crop protection chemicals were used as model compounds to demonstrate the utility of the CEMS system described. By using 35-cm fused-silica capillaries the CEMS determination of an eight-component mixture of these compounds was accomplished within 5 min. In addition, on-line CEMS under tandem mass spectrometric conditions (CEMSMS) was shown to give full-scan collision-induced mass spectra from 30-pmol levels of these compounds.
Cell wall glycoproteins and polysaccharides of parenchyma of Phaseolus coccineus

Abstract Fractionation of the cell wall material of parenchyma of mature runner beans with and without chlorite-HOAc treatment, clearly showed that at least two main types of wall proteins were present. One relatively rich in hydroxyproline (HP) associated with α′-cellulose, from which most (90%) of it could be readily liberated by chlorite-HOAc treatment and the other relatively poor in HP associated with hemicellulose A. The chlorite HOAC solubilized “glycoprotein” contained a high proportion of arabinose and galactose. It was purified by PhOH-H 2 O fractionation and the molar ratios of HP, arabinose, galactose, xylose, rhamnose, glucose and uronic acid in the purified glycoprotein (“glycoprotein X”) were 1:2·6:2·4:0·2:0·2:0·1:0·3. The principal amino acids of glycoprotein X were HP (43·5 mol%), serine and proline which together comprised 66 mol% of the total. These results suggest that the HP-rich wall glycoprotein is associated with cellulose microfibrils and approximates in conformation to polyhydroxyproline carrying arabinose and galactose oligosaccharide side chains.
Sample Functions of the Gaussian Process

This is a survey on sample function properties of Gaussian processes with the main emphasis on boundedness and continuity, including Holder conditions locally and globally. Many other sample function properties are briefly treated.
Correlation with Polarization of Localized Waves

In measurements of intensity correlation with polarization for localized waves, the correlation function is a product of the correlator of conductance and two reciprocal correlators associated with coupling into and out of the sample.
Numerical Simulation of Supersonic Flow Over a Three-Dimensional Cavity

A numerical solution is presented for the unsteady flow over a three-dimensio nal cavity at a freestream Mach number of 1.5 and Reynolds number of 1.09 x 10 6. The self-sustained oscillatory motion within the cavity is generated numerically by integration of the time-dependent compressible three-dimensional Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Effects of fine-scale turbulence are simulated via a simple algebraic closure model. Details of the flowfield structure are elucidated, and it is verified that the fundamental behavior of the unsteady phenomena is two dimensional. Comparison with experimental data is made in terms of the mean static pressure and overall acoustic sound pressure levels within the cavity, as well as with the acoustic frequency spectra of the oscillation along the cavity floor and rear bulkhead.