cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
E-PTA stains oligodendroglial surface membranes and microtubules in optic nerves during myelination

Aldehyde fixed Xenopus tadpole and frog optic nerves were stained en bloc with ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (E-PTA). During rapid myelination, intense staining was observed on cytoplasmic faces of paranodal terminal loops and loosely wrapped oligodendroglial membranes found along inner and outer surfaces of compact myelin sheaths. Oligodendroglial microtubules also were heavily stained. Where stained cytoplasmic faces fused to form a lamella of compact myelin, the intense staining was reduced to a thinner, fainter line. In optic nerves of adult frogs, the staining was less dense but the pattern was similar. The staining distribution and available histochemical evidence indicate that E-PTA stains positively charged proteins non specifically. Since myelin basic protein is found in oligodendroglia during myelination, we suggest that it is being stained by E-PTA while being transported along microtubules to sites where it is inserted into developing myelin lamellae.
A reply to goode on “the homosexual role”

My initial article dealt with limitations of explaining homosexuality in terms of conventional conceptions of role. In this article I pointed out that homosexuality as a sexual orientation does not appear to lend itself easily to explanation in terms of conventional sociological concepts of role. Goode has pointed out appropriately that, apart from such conventional conceptualizations of role behavior in which society does the socializing, there are also deviant roles such as homosexuality, marijuana smoking, prostitution, child molesting, and juvenile delinquency which must be explained. While sociologists have tended to group in the single category "deviant behavior" such diverse activities as homosexuality, marijuana smoking, prostitution, and juvenile delinquency, the fact of the matter is that these various types of behavior all have different dynamics and present different theoretical problems. While sociologists may assume that homosexuality has much in common with other types of "deviant behavior," there are important differences which any serious discussion of homosexuality must include. At a certain level, role behavior and labeling obviously become relevant for the study of homosexuality. I contend, however, that homosexuality as a sexual orientation, and in important behavioral and subcultural elements, does not lend itself easily to explanation in terms of "deviant role."
Distribution and enantiomeric composition of amino acids in the Murchison meteorite

Studies of the amino acid contents and enantiomeric compositions of a single stone from the Murchison meteorite are reported. Water-extracted and 6M HCl-extracted samples from the meteorite interior of meteorite fragments were analyzed by gas chromatography and combined gas chromatography-chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Examination of the D/L ratios of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, leucine and alanine reveals those amino acids extractable by water to be partially racemized, whereas the acid-extracted amino acids were less racemized. The amino acid composition of the stone is similar to those previously reported, including the absence of serine, threonine, tyrosine phenylalanine and methionine and the presence of unusual amino acids including such as isovaline, alpha-aminoisobutyric acid and pseudoleucine. It is concluded that the most likely mechanism accounting for the occurrence of nonracemic amino acid mixtures in the Murchison meteorite is by extraterrestrial stereoselective synthesis or decomposition reactions.
Interspecies scaling and prediction of human clearance: comparison of small- and macro-molecule drugs

Human clearance prediction for small- and macro-molecule drugs was evaluated and compared using various scaling methods and statistical analysis.Human clearance is generally well predicted using single or multiple species simple allometry for macro- and small-molecule drugs excreted renally.The prediction error is higher for hepatically eliminated small-molecules using single or multiple species simple allometry scaling, and it appears that the prediction error is mainly associated with drugs with low hepatic extraction ratio (Eh). The error in human clearance prediction for hepatically eliminated small-molecules was reduced using scaling methods with a correction of maximum life span (MLP) or brain weight (BRW).Human clearance of both small- and macro-molecule drugs is well predicted using the monkey liver blood flow method. Predictions using liver blood flow from other species did not work as well, especially for the small-molecule drugs.
Rap1A and rap1B ras-family proteins are prominently expressed in the nucleus of squamous carcinomas: nuclear translocation of GTP-bound active form

We recently showed that rap1 regulates growth and proliferation in normal keratinocytes, which provoked us to investigate its expression and regulation in malignant cells. Rap1 is variably expressed in whole cell lysates of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines. Immunoblot analysis of nuclear and cytosolic fractions and immunohistochemistry revealed that in addition to cytoplasmic expression, SCC cells also exhibit prominent punctate rap1 expression in the nucleus. This unexpected nuclear distribution was confirmed by the evaluation of human oral cancer specimens by immunohistochemistry, which showed both nuclear and cytoplasmic localization. Cytoplasmic rap1 expression was observed mostly in large differentiated cells, whereas nuclear localization was found in morphologically less differentiated cells. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis showed that both rap1A and rap1B are expressed in SCC cell lines although rap1B signals are more prominent. Transfection with enhanced GFP-tagged constitutively active and inactive forms of rap1B demonstrated that the active GTP-bound form translocates to the nucleus whereas inactive rap1BGDP is retained in the cytoplasm, much of which is in a perinuclear distribution. Furthermore, growth factors induce nuclear translocation of rap1 in oral cancer cells. This novel discovery that active, GTP-bound rap1 translocates to the nucleus makes it only the second of over 100 small GTP-binding proteins to be identified in the nucleus, and the striking prominence of rap1 expression in the nucleus of SCC cells suggests that activated rap1 plays a role in the malignant process.
Self-monitoring and the propensity for risk

Apart from earlier research on sexual behavior, little is known about associations between self-monitoring and engagement in risk behaviors. Our research verified that one component of self-monitoring, public performing, is related to a range of risk behaviors. We then tested whether the greater engagement of high compared to low self-monitoring individuals in risk behaviors could be attributed to: (a) greater discrepancies between perceptions of risk and reported risk behaviors for the high-scoring group; or (b) higher levels of sensation seeking among high versus low self-monitoring individuals. Data from a sample of 452 college students supported the second of these two explanations. Implications for self-monitoring theory and measurement, as well as for adolescent and young adult risk behaviors, are discussed. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rhodopsin mutation G90D and a molecular mechanism for congenital night blindness

MUTATIONS in the gene for the visual pigment rhodopsin cause retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and congenital night blindness1,7. Inheritance of the diseases is generally autosomal dominant and about 40 different rhodopsin mutations have been documented. Although the cell death and retinal degeneration associated with RP have been suggested to result from improper folding and accumulation of the mutant proteins in rod photoreceptor cells8, this may not account for the disease in all cases. For example, RP mutations at Lys 296, site of Schiff base linkage to the retinal chromophore, result in constitutive activation of the protein in vitro9–11; that is, the mutants can catalytically activate the G protein transducin in the absence of chromophore and in the absence of light. Similarly, mutation of Ala 292 → Glu activates opsin in vitro and causes night blindness7. We show here that the mutation Gly 90 → Asp (G90D) in the second transmembrane segment of rhodopsin, which causes congenital night blindness12, also constitutively activates opsin. Furthermore, we show that Asp 90 can substitute for the Schiff base counterion, Glu 113, which is located in the third transmembrane segment of the protein. This demonstrates the proximity of Asp 90 and Lys 296 in the three-dimensional structure of rhodopsin and suggests that the constitutively activating mutations operate by a common molecular mechanism, disrupting a salt bridge between Lys 296 and the Schiff base counterion, Glu 113.
A Privacy-Enhanced Microaggregation Method

Microaggregation is a statistical disclosure control technique for protecting microdata (i.e., individual records), which are important products of statistical offices. The basic idea of microaggregation is to cluster individual records in microdata into a number of mutually exclusive groups prior to publication, and then publish the average over each group instead of individual records. Previous methods require fixed or variable group size in clustering in order to reduce information loss. However, the security aspect of microaggregation has not been extensively studied. We argue that the group size requirement is not enough for protecting the privacy of microdata. We propose a new microaggregation method, which we call secure-k-Ward, to enhance the individual's privacy. Our method, which is optimization based, minimizes information loss and overall mean deviation while at the same time guarantees that the security requirement for protecting the microdata is satisfied.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Considerations for the transition to adulthood

Abstract This review highlights factors in the natural history of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis as patients transition into adulthood. These factors can guide treating surgeons in counseling patients about the risks and benefits of nonoperative and operative management. It addresses the optimal timing of treatment, "prophylactic" surgery vs. symptom-driven surgery, long-term risks of fusion surgery, and the effects of fusion surgery on childbearing. Finally, it discusses proposed schemes for following up patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis as adults. Scientific evidence on long-term outcomes and complications serves as the basis for joint decision making between surgeons and patients.
Clinical significance of the echocardiographic degree of mitral valve prolapse

To assess the clinical significance of the echocardiographic degree of mitral valve prolapse, we prospectively evaluated with Doppler echocardiography 246 consecutive patients referred with signs or symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse. The echocardiographic degree of mitral valve prolapse was measured by a scoring system that incorporates an assessment of mitral systolic displacement from the M-mode aa well as the two-dimensional long-axis and apical four-chamber views (range 0 to 9, 0 = no mitral valve prolapse). A structured questionnaire was used to record the frequency and severity of symptoms. Pulsed and continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography were performed to document mitral regurgitation and determine the ratio of peak early to atrial diastolic filling velocities. Patients were grouped according to the degree of mitral valve prolapse; 45 patients had no echocardiographic evidence of mitral valve prolapse. There was no statistically significant relationship between the mitral valve prolapse score and symptoms or left ventricular systolic or diastolic function. There was, however, a strong relationship between the echocardiographic degree of mitral valve prolapse and the presence of significant mitral regurgitation. Patients without echocardiographic evidence of mitral valve prolapse had a 4% incidence of mitral regurgitation, which was not significantly different than that of persons with mild degrees of prolapse (6%). However, the groups with the most marked degree of prolapse (scores of 6, 7, 8, and 9) had a significantly higher incidence of mitral regurgitation (20% and 60% respectively, p < 0.01). Thus the phenomenon of mitral valve prolapse as assessed by echocardiography is a continuous spectrum wherein patients with the most severe degree of prolapse have a proportionately higher prevalence of mitral regurgitation. However, there does not appear to be a relationship between the echocardiographic degree of mitral valve prolapse and either symptoms or left ventricular function.
Laminar and cellular targets of individual thalamic reticular nucleus axons in the lateral geniculate nucleus in the prosimian primate Galago.

The visual sector of the thalamic reticular nucleus is the source of the primary inhibitory projection to the visual thalamic relay nucleus, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. The purpose of this study was to investigate laminar and cellular targets of individual thalamic reticular nucleus axons in the highly laminated lateral geniculate nucleus of the prosimian primate Galago to better understand the nature and function of this projection. Thalamic reticular axons labeled anterogradely by means of biotinylated dextran amine were examined by using light microscopic serial reconstruction and electron microscopic analysis in combination with postembedding immunohistochemical labeling for the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The synaptic targets of labeled reticular terminal profiles were primarily GABA-negative dendrites (79–84%) of thalamocortical cells, whereas up to 16% were GABA-positive dendritic shafts or F2 terminals of interneurons. Reconstructed thalamic reticular nucleus axons were narrowly aligned along a single axis perpendicular to the geniculate laminar plane, exhibiting a high degree of visuotopic precision. Individual reticular axons targeted multiple or all geniculate laminae, with little laminar selectivity in the distribution of swellings with regard to the eye of origin or to the parvocellular, koniocellular, or magnocellular type neurons contained in the separate layers of the Galago lateral geniculate nucleus. These results suggest that cells in the visual thalamic reticular nucleus influence the lateral geniculate nucleus retinotopically, with little regard to visual functional streams. J. Comp. Neurol. 458:128–143, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Computer Simulation of the Alonso Household Location Model in the Microeconomics Course.

Computer simulation of the Alonso household location model can enrich the intermediate microeconomics course. The model includes decisions on location, land space, and other goods and is a valuable complement to the usual textbook model of household consumption. It has three decision variables, one of which is a "bad," and one good's price is a nonlinear function of another decision variable. These instructive complications are easily within the grasp of students. The simulation illustrates algebraic utility functions that are important in later courses. The author describes ways to simulate various versions of the model, from relatively simple to advanced, including a version that incorporates time-allocation decisions, thus giving the instructor flexibility in teaching students of varying ability.
Calculation of Spin-Dependent Interface Resistance

A simple expression for the interface resistance between two materials has been derived by Schep et al. [J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 177, 1166 (1998)] in terms of the transmission probability for electrons at the interface. This approximation is tested for a simple model interface and good agreement is found with solutions of the Boltzmann equation. Previously calculated values of the transmission probability are used with this simple expression to evaluate the spin-dependent interface resistances of a number of ferromagnetic-normal metal interfaces. The agreement between the calculated results and the results extracted from experiments on Cu/Co argue that the interface resistance may not be dominated by defect scattering as is often assumed.
Are the macroeconomic effects of oil-price changes symmetric?

Oil prices fell in half between the end of 1985 and the second quarter of 1986, giving rise to a renewed debate over the effects of oil-price changes generally and whether the effects of oil-price declines are simply the reverse of oil price increases. This paper examines these issues. First, the theoretical basis of oiland energy-price effects on the economy are reviewed as well as the evidence on competing hypotheses about energy price effects. In Section II, the comparability of recent oi 1 and energy price declines to previous United States shocks is examined. Presumably, it matters whether the recent shock is permanent or transitory. It is argued here that the decline is permanent and, therefore, comparable to the 197374 and 1979-80 energy price shocks. The magnitude of the shock is comparable as well; United States oil prices doubled in each of the previous shocks, while recently the price has been halved. This section also discusses the issue of whether energy price shocks have symmetric effects on the economy. Finally, this section emphasizes that the recent decline in oil and energy prices is not unprecedented in the United States, and, therefore, the effects of such a shock are not unknown. The relative price of oil and energy in the United States fell from the second quarter of 1981 to the end of 1985 to a greater extent than recently. Thus, there are nearly five years of asyrmnetry question. In the third section, price changes on the United experience that can be used to examine the
The effect of electroconvulsive shock on body weight, food intake and water intake in the rat

Abstract Body weight, food intake, fecal boli and water intake were measured every 12 hr for 6 days before and 6 days after the administration of a single 50 mA electroconvulsive shock (ECS) to male albino rats. The ECS group showed reduced levels on all measures during the 24 hr following ECS, and began to regain control values for food intake, fecal boli and water intake within 3–4 days. Body weights, however, remained depressed 6 days after ECS. These findings confirm and extend previous research indicating that ECS has effects on basic parameters not associated with amnesia for acquired responses.
Dynamic compressive fracture in fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites

Abstract High-strain-rate compressive failure mechanisms in fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite materials have been characterized. These are contrasted with composite damage development at low strain rates, and with the dynamic failure of monolithic ceramics. It is shown that it is possible to derive major strain-rate strengthening benefits if a major fraction of the fiber reinforcement is aligned with the load axis. This effect considerably exceeds the inertial microfracture strengthening observed in monolithic ceramics, and non-aligned composites. Its basis is shown to be the trans-specimen propagation time period for heterogeneously-nucleated, high-strain kink bands.
Nominal doping and partition of doped holes between planar and apical orbitals in La 2 − x Sr x Cu O 4

By considering both the average structural parameters obtained from Rietveld refinement of neutron powder diffraction data, and the local structural parameters obtained from the atomic pair distribution function, we have tested the recent hypothesis of Perry et al. [Phys. Rev. B 65, 144501 (2002)] that doping in a ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}\mathrm{Cu}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ system occurs as localized defects of predominantly $\mathrm{Cu}{d}_{3{z}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{r}^{2}}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{O}{p}_{z}$ character associated with the Sr dopants accompanied by a local destruction of the Jahn-Teller distortion. While the structural parameters behave qualitatively according to the prediction of this model, a quantitative analysis indicates that doped holes predominantly appear in the planar $\mathrm{Cu}{d}_{{x}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{y}^{2}}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{O}{p}_{x,y}$ band as is normally assumed. However, a small amount of the doped charge does enter the $\mathrm{Cu}{d}_{3{z}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{r}^{2}}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{O}{p}_{z}$ orbitals and this should be taken into account when theoretical phase diagrams are compared to experiment. We present a calibration curve, $p=x[1.00(1)\ensuremath{-}0.45(7)x]$, for the planar charge doping, $p$, vs strontium content, $x$, for the ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}\mathrm{Cu}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ system.
Neonatal Nutritional Carnitine Deficiency: A Piglet Model

The clinical significance of nutritional carnitine deficiency remains controversial. To investigate this condition under controlled conditions, an animal model was developed using the parenterally alimented, carnitine-deprived newborn piglet. Forty-five piglets received total parenteral nutrition for 2-3 wk that was either carnitine-free or supplemented with 100-400 mg/L L-carnitine. Blood and a muscle biopsy were taken at the initial surgery. Carnitine balance studies were performed at 11-14 d of age. Blood, liver, heart, and skeletal muscle were taken at sacrifice for analysis of carnitine, electron microscopy, and oxidation studies. Carnitine-deprived piglets were in negative carnitine balance and had lower blood, urine, and tissue levels of carnitine than carnitine-supplemented animals. There was a positive correlation between excretion and plasma concentrations of free carnitine with an apparent renal threshold between 15 and 35 μmol/L. Plasma levels were correlated with liver and heart, but not muscle, concentrations of total acid-soluble carnitine. Carnitine-deprived piglets had evidence of lipid deposition in liver and skeletal muscle and tended to have a higher incidence of muscle weakness and cardiac failure. Basal rates of oxidation of[14C]palmitate to 14CO2 and 14C-acid-soluble products were lower in liver homogenates from carnitine-deprived piglets than in those from carnitine-supplemented animals and increased in a dose-dependent fashion with the addition of L-carnitine (0, 50, and 500 μmol/L) in vitro. In summary, carnitine deprivation in the neonatal piglet resulted in low carnitine status and morphologic/functional disturbances compatible with carnitine deficiency. The described animal model appears to be suitable for the investigation of neonatal nutritional carnitine deficiency.
Paving the way for high-performance quantum dot solar cells

Lead selenide (PbSe) quantum dots (QDs) are investigated as the photovoltaic absorber material in a variety of designs based on the light and carrier collection management (LCCM) architecture (US Patent 8,294,025). This architecture uses a periodic array of nano-elements to produce both enhanced light trapping and photocarrier collection. Optical modeling is performed numerically for the various design variations and the results are compared. Superior light capture as well as enhanced photogenerated carrier collection are shown to be attainable with ultra-thin QD layers. PbSe QD LCCM devices give, on average, a 40% increase in JSC over corresponding planar control devices, with a maximum improvement of 57.5%. Furthermore, the LCCM architecture allows for attaining JSC values above what is possible for similar planar cells, while using significantly less absorber volume.
Two New Species of Bryophryne (Anura: Strabomantidae) from High Elevations in Southern Peru (Region of Cusco)

We describe two new species of Bryophryne from the Region of Cusco, Provincia de La Convencion in southern Peru, increasing the number of currently known Bryophryne to eight. One of the new species is the second known species of Bryophryne that has a tympanic annulus and tympanic membrane. Males of this species have vocal slits, a vocal sac, and call from inside moss. It is readily distinguished from all its congeners by having a blackish-brown venter with yellow, orange, or pale pink blotches. This species is found at elevations of 3800-3850 m in the puna along the road from Vilcabamba to Pampascona. The second new species has the venter orange and pale gray mottled in males, whereas the venter is black and pale gray mottled in the single female. It was found inside bunches of the Peruvian feather grass (Stipa ichu) in the puna of Abra Malaga next to the road at an elevation of 4000 m. A map showing the type localities of all currently known species of Bryophryne is presented.
A Model of Tissue-Engineered Ventral Hernia Repair

We have developed a tissue-engineered ventral hernia repair system using our novel aligned collagen tube and autologous skeletal muscle satellite cells. In this model system, skeletal muscle satellite cells were isolated from a biopsy, expanded in culture, and incorporated into our collagen tube scaffold, forming the tissue-engineered construct. We characterized the results of the repaired hernias on both the gross and microscopic scales and compared them to an unrepaired control, an autologous muscle repair control, and a collagen-tube-only repair. Untreated animals developed a classic hernia sac, devoid of abdominal muscle and covered only with a thin layer of mesothelial tissue. Significant muscle, small-diameter blood vessels, and connective tissue were apparent in both the autologous control and the engineered muscle repairs. The engineered muscle repairs became cellularized, vascularized, and integrated with the native tissue, hence becoming a "living" repair. A tissue-engineered construct repair of ventral hernias with subsequent incorporation and vascularization could provide the ultimate in anterior wall myofascial defect repair and would further the understanding of striated muscle engineering. The knowledge gained from our model system would have immediate application to mangled extremities, maxillofacial reconstructions, and restorative procedures following tumor excision in other areas of the body.
Goldfish bowl panel: software development analytics

Gaming companies now routinely apply data mining to their user data in order to plan the next release of their software. We predict that such software development analytics will become commonplace, in the near future. For example, as large software systems migrate to the cloud, they are divided and sold as dozens of smaller apps; when shopping inside the cloud, users are free to mix and match their apps from multiple vendors (e.g. Google Docs' word processor with Zoho's slide manager); to extend, or even retain, market share cloud vendors must mine their user data in order to understand what features best attract their clients. This panel will address the open issues with analytics. Issues addressed will include the following. What is the potential for software development analytics? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the current generation of analytics tools? How best can we mature those tools?
Effect of phenylpropanolamine on energy expenditure and weight loss in overweight women

The effect of phenylpropanolamine (PPA), a noncatecholamine sympathomimetic weight-loss agent, on energy expenditure (EE) and substrate oxidation was measured in a respiratory chamber in 24 overweight women after 4 d of treatment (PPA or placebo) during weight maintenance and after 7 wk of treatment on a hypoenergetic diet (70% of measured baseline 24-h EE). Twelve women (37 +/- 2 y, 74 +/- 6 kg, 33 +/- 1% body fat) were randomly assigned to the PPA group [75 mg osmotic release oral system (OROS)-PPA/d] and 12 (mean +/- SEM: 38 +/- 2 y, 79 +/- 1 kg, 37 +/- 1% body fat) to the placebo group. Baseline measurements of 24-h EE (7849 +/- 226 vs 7834 +/- 142 kJ/d), basal metabolic rate (BMR) and 24-h respiratory quotient (RQ) were comparable between PPA and placebo groups. After 4 d of treatment, there was no significant effect of PPA on 24-h EE, BMR, and 24-h RQ compared with placebo. Over the 7-wk diet period, however, the PPA group (n = 8) had greater weight loss than the placebo group (n = 10): -5.0 +/- 0.5 vs -3.0 +/- 0.4 kg (P < 0.05). The changes in 24-h EE and 24-h RQ over the 7 wk were not different between the groups. We conclude that weight loss is enhanced by OROS-PPA, but this change was not explained by changes in 24-h EE or 24-h RQ. The small number of subjects may have hindered detection of subtle differences in energy metabolism.
PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE: A PROFILE COMPARISON APPROACH TO ASSESSING PERSON-ORGANIZATION FIT

This article brings together three current themes in organizational behavior: (1) a renewed interest in assessing person-situation interactional constructs, (2) the quantitative assessment of organizational culture, and (3) the application of “Q-sort,” or template-matching, approaches to assessing person-situation interactions. Using longitudinal data from accountants and M.B.A. students and cross-sectional data from employees of government agencies and public accounting firms, we developed and validated an instrument for assessing person-organization fit, the Organizational Culture Profile (OCP). Results suggest that the dimensionality of individual preferences for organizational cultures and the existence of these cultures are interpretable. Further, person-organization fit predicts job satisfaction and organizational commitment a year after fit was measured and actual turnover after two years. This evidence attests to the importance of understanding the fit between individuals' preferences and organiza...
Modeling aircraft repair turntime: Simulation supports maintenance marketing efforts

Abstract In today's competitive airline environment, maintenance organizations must win contracts for high-quality repairs completed at low cost in the shortest possible time, or turntime . Rapid turntime is an important component of a marketing plan that emphasizes total quality customer service. This paper shows how a GPSS/H simulation model can be used as a tool useful to managers when evaluating either current maintenance system performance or the potential effects of ad hoc operating decisions on maintenance turntimes. The simulation data provided from these evaluations will provide maintenance vendors with more accurate information about their capabilities needed to market maintenance services successfully.
Productive government expenditures and long-run growth

The purpose of this paper is to review some of the recent developments in endogenous growth models. Specifically, our focus is on the growth effects of productive government spending in dynamic general equilibrium models. We use a simple overlapping generations model as our basic framework and illustrate the role of taxes and spending. We then examine several related issues: nonrivalry in publicly provided goods, existence and uniqueness of competitive equilibrium, endogenous public policy, ways of financing public expenditures, composition of publicly provided goods and services, and private alternatives. Finally, we review some empirical results related to output elasticity of public capital and educational expenditures.
Characterization of Phase Transitions During Freeze-Drying by In Situ X-ray Powder Diffractometry

The purpose of this research was to develop the technique of in situ freeze-drying in the sample chamber of an X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) and to monitor the phase transitions during the freeze-drying of aqueous solutions of sodium nafcillin (I) and mannitol (II). Aqueous solutions of I and II were frozen under controlled conditions in the sample chamber of an XRD. This variable temperature XRD was modified so that the sample chamber could be evacuated and the samples dried under reduced pressures. Thus the entire freeze-drying cycle was carried out in the XRD holder and the solid-state was monitored during the various stages of the process. Frozen solutions of I when annealed at -4 degrees C, resulted in crystallization of the solute as 'sodium nafcillin hydrate' (unknown stoichiometry). Primary drying at -10 degrees C, resulted in partial dehydration to a poorly crystalline sodium nafcillin hemihydrate. There was no crystallization of mannitol when solutions of II were cooled and subjected to primary drying at -50 degrees C. During the drying, the intensities of the characteristic X-ray lines of ice (d-spacings of 3.94, 3.70 and 3.48 A) were quantified. This enabled real time monitoring of the complete sublimation of crystalline ice. When the secondary drying was carried out at -25 degrees C, mannitol crystallized as an anhydrous mixture of the delta- and beta-polymorphs. In a second set of experiments, the frozen solutions were warmed to -25 degrees C and subjected to primary drying. Mannitol crystallized and its XRD pattern matched that of mannitol hydrate reported recently (Yu et al., Pharm. Res., 14S (1997) S-445). When the secondary drying was carried out at -10 degrees C, there was no change in the XRD pattern suggesting the formation of a dehydrated hydrate. This in situ XRD technique enabled us to characterize the phase transitions during freeze-drying. It would be useful in developing a mechanistic understanding of the alterations in the solid-state during freeze-drying of complex, multi-component, pharmaceutical systems.
The actin regulators Enabled and Diaphanous direct distinct protrusive behaviors in different tissues during Drosophila development.

Actin-based protrusions are important for signaling and migration during development and homeostasis. Defining how different tissues in vivo craft diverse protrusive behaviors using the same genomic toolkit of actin regulators is a current challenge. The actin elongation factors Diaphanous and Enabled both promote barbed-end actin polymerization and can stimulate filopodia in cultured cells. However, redundancy in mammals and Diaphanous’ role in cytokinesis limited analysis of whether and how they regulate protrusions during development. We used two tissues driving Drosophila dorsal closure—migratory leading-edge (LE) and nonmigratory amnioserosal (AS) cells—as models to define how cells shape distinct protrusions during morphogenesis. We found that nonmigratory AS cells produce filopodia that are morphologically and dynamically distinct from those of LE cells. We hypothesized that differing Enabled and/or Diaphanous activity drives these differences. Combining gain- and loss-of-function with quantitative approaches revealed that Diaphanous and Enabled each regulate filopodial behavior in vivo and defined a quantitative “fingerprint”—the protrusive profile—which our data suggest is characteristic of each actin regulator. Our data suggest that LE protrusiveness is primarily Enabled driven, whereas Diaphanous plays the primary role in the AS, and reveal each has roles in dorsal closure, but its robustness ensures timely completion in their absence.
DC potentials applied to an end-cap electrode of a 3D ion trap for enhanced MSn functionality

Abstract The effects of the application of various DC magnitudes and polarities to an end-cap of a 3D quadrupole ion trap throughout a mass spectrometry experiment were investigated. Application of a monopolar DC field was achieved by applying a DC potential to the exit end-cap electrode, while maintaining the entrance end-cap electrode at ground potential. Control over the monopolar DC magnitude and polarity during time periods associated with ion accumulation, mass analysis, ion isolation, ion/ion reaction, and ion activation can have various desirable effects. Included amongst these are increased ion capture efficiency, increased ion ejection efficiency during mass analysis, effective isolation of ions using lower AC resonance ejection amplitudes, improved temporal control of the overlap of oppositely charged ion populations, and the performance of “broad-band” collision induced dissociation (CID). These results suggest general means to improve the performance of the 3D ion trap in a variety of mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry experiments.
The Nonlinear Evolution of Barotropically Unstable Jets

The instability of jets in the context of the shallow-water model for both quasigeostrophic (QG) and non-QG parameters is studied. First, the linear stability problem is solved for a wide range of Rossby and Froude numbers to elucidate the functional dependency of growth rate on these two nondimensional parameters. Then the nonlinear evolution of the instability is investigated through the use of numerical experiments. The QG scenarios produce a vortex street with cyclones and anticyclones that are symmetric in size, strength, and shape, as predicted by QG. In the non-QG regime the instability yields cyclones and anticyclones that can be asymmetric in all three properties. The authors comment on some interesting connections this work has with the Denmark Strait overflow.
Friction Factors in Corrugated Metal Pipe

Study to determine friction coefficients for flow in 3, 5 and 7 ft diam corrugated metal pipes by measurement of head losses and velocity distribution for several discharges in each test pipe to show relationship between friction coefficients and absolute roughness; results are presented together with recommended values of friction and roughness coefficients.
Nickel inhibits mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation.

Nickel exposure is associated with changes in cellular energy metabolism which may contribute to its carcinogenic properties. Here, we demonstrate that nickel strongly represses mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation—the pathway by which fatty acids are catabolized for energy—in both primary human lung fibroblasts and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. At the concentrations used, nickel suppresses fatty acid oxidation without globally suppressing mitochondrial function as evidenced by increased glucose oxidation to CO2. Pre-treatment with l-carnitine, previously shown to prevent nickel-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in neuroblastoma cells, did not prevent the inhibition of fatty acid oxidation. The effect of nickel on fatty acid oxidation occurred only with prolonged exposure (>5 h), suggesting that direct inhibition of the active sites of metabolic enzymes is not the mechanism of action. Nickel is a known hypoxia-mimetic that activates hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF1α). Nickel-induced inhibition of fatty acid oxidation was blunted in HIF1α knockout fibroblasts, implicating HIF1α as one contributor to the mechanism. Additionally, nickel down-regulated the protein levels of the key fatty acid oxidation enzyme very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) in a dose-dependent fashion. In conclusion, inhibition of fatty acid oxidation by nickel, concurrent with increased glucose metabolism, represents a form of metabolic reprogramming that may contribute to nickel-induced carcinogenesis.
Higher brain BDNF gene expression is associated with slower cognitive decline in older adults

Objectives: We tested whether brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF ) gene expression levels are associated with cognitive decline in older adults. Methods: Five hundred thirty-five older participants underwent annual cognitive assessments and brain autopsy at death. BDNF gene expression was measured in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Linear mixed models were used to examine whether BDNF expression was associated with cognitive decline adjusting for age, sex, and education. An interaction term was added to determine whether this association varied with clinical diagnosis proximate to death (no cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia). Finally, we examined the extent to which the association of Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology with cognitive decline varied by BDNF expression. Results: Higher brain BDNF expression was associated with slower cognitive decline ( p BDNF expression vs 10th. This association was strongest in individuals with dementia. The level of BDNF expression was lower in individuals with pathologic AD ( p = 0.006), but was not associated with macroscopic infarcts, Lewy body disease, or hippocampal sclerosis. BDNF expression remained associated with cognitive decline in a model adjusting for age, sex, education, and neuropathologies ( p BDNF expression such that the effect was strongest for high levels of AD pathology ( p = 0.015); thus, in individuals with high AD pathology (90th percentile), cognitive decline was about 40% slower with the 90th percentile BDNF expression vs 10th. Conclusions: Higher brain BDNF expression is associated with slower cognitive decline and may also reduce the deleterious effects of AD pathology on cognitive decline.
Dual-band frequency selective surfaces based on multi-arm sub-wavelength Archimedean spirals

Two design strategies are presented to create dual-band frequency selective surfaces based on multi-arm Archimedean spirals. A single-band element is first presented as the basis for the surface. The individual arm lengths of the spirals are utilised as the primary design parameter to synthesise the passband and stopband responses. The first approach uses a lattice of four-arm spirals with alternating sizes, and the second combines these into an eight-arm uniform lattice of elements. Measured and simulated results are included for a fabricated S-band prototype of each topology to demonstrate the basic design strategies.
Intravenous and Subcutaneous Administration of Alkali-Treated Bovine Serum Albumin to Man and Lower Animals

Summary and ConclusionAlkali-treated bovine serum albumin when administered by vein or by other parenteral routes is not toxic to human beings, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, or mice. It possesses little or no antigenicity. It is capable of raising and maintaining the blood pressure of dogs subjected to severe hemorrhage. These facts suggest that alkali-treated bovine serum albumin may prove useful as a substitute for blood in man.
Materials and Interface Optimization of Heterojunction Silicon (HIT) Solar Cells Using in-situ Real-Time Spectroscopic Ellipsometry

We have applied real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE) as both an in-situ diagnostic and post-growth analysis tool for hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H)/crystalline silicon (c-Si) heterojunction with intrinsic thin-layer (HIT) solar cells grown by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition. RTSE enables precise thickness control of the 5 to 25 nm layers used in these devices, as well as monitoring crystallinity and surface roughness in real time. Utilizing RTSE feedback, but without extensive optimization, we have achieved a photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency of 14.1% on an Al-backed p-type Czochralski c-Si wafer coated with thin i and n layers on the front. Open-circuit voltages above 620 mV indicate effective passivation of the c-Si surface by the a-Si:H intrinsic layer. Lifetime measurements using resonant coupled photoconductive decay indicate that surface recombination velocities can approach 1 cm/s. RTSE and transmission electron microscopy show that the intrinsic a-Si:H i-layers grow as a mixture of amorphous and nano-crystalline silicon.
Characteristics of Resting Metabolic Rate in Critically Ill, Mechanically Ventilated Adults With Cystic Fibrosis

Background: Critically ill patients with cystic fibrosis may be especially sensitive to the negative consequences of overfeeding and underfeeding, yet there is almost no information available about the energy needs of these patients. The purpose of this study was to characterize the metabolic rate of critically ill adult patients with cystic fibrosis requiring mechanical ventilation. Methods: This was an observational study in which the resting metabolic rate, oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide production of adult patients with cystic fibrosis requiring critical care, sedation, and mechanical ventilation were measured with indirect calorimetry. This group was compared with a cohort of adult critical care patients without cystic fibrosis. Results: Twelve patients with cystic fibrosis were identified and measured. These were compared with a control group of 25 critically ill patients. Both groups were underweight (body mass index, 17.4 ± 4.0 kg/m2 in cystic fibrosis and 18.4 ± 2.3 kg/m2 in control). Adj...
The Application of the Planar Four-bar Linkage to Roof Swing Mechanism for EAF

To introduce new roof swing mechanism used to electric arc farnace. It can be named the planar four-bar Linkage. By Compared with traditional roof swing mechanism, the new mechanism has some Obvious features and advantages. It shortens effectively the distance of Cabel further reduces the wastage of power in main circuit.improves the furnace operation efficiency and reduces steelmaking costs.
Uncertainty in 1D and 3D Models of a Fiber Stimulated by an External Electrode

One-dimensional (1D) cable model is used to study electrical excitation of nerves and muscle fibers, and to aid in the design of electrical therapies. However, approximations inherent in the cable model limit its validity. More realistic three-dimensional (3D) fiber models have been advocated but they require long computational times. This study investigates whether better accuracy of 3D models is worth the cost by computing the probability p that the difference between outputs from 3D and 1D models could have arisen from uncertainties in parameter values. The results are summarized in contour maps of probability p in the space of fiber-electrode distances and stimulus durations. The cable model is considered valid where \(p>0.05\). This region of validity depends on uncertainties in the parameters. In particular, the uncertainties must exceed 0.05 (0.02) of the nominal parameter values for the cable model to be valid in the regions where retinal (cochlear) implants operate.
Companion animals: social support for orthopedic clients

Various definitions, conceptualizations, and measurements of social support exist in literature. Consistently among these variations, the focus is on people. Companion animals are not included; however, reviews of both social support literature and human-animal bond literature shows that the two share a number of common functions. Using two case studies, the author demonstrates that the social support of companion animals is a legitimate and relevant source of support for persons with orthopedic disorders.
Cell-free acylation of rat brain myelin proteolipid protein and DM-20

Incubation of rat brain myelin with [3H]palmitic acid in the presence of ATP, CoA and MgCl2 or [14C]-palmitoyl-CoA in a cell-free system resulted in the selective labelling of 'PLP' [proteolipid protein; Folch & Lees (1951) J. Biol. Chem. 191, 807-817] and 'DM-20' [Agrawal, Burton, Fishman, Mitchell & Prensky (1972) J. Neurochem. 19, 2083-2089] which, after polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in SDS, were revealed by fluorography. These results provide evidence of the association of fatty acid-CoA ligase and acyltransferase in isolated myelin. Palmitic acid is covalently bound to PLP and DM-20, because 70 and 92% of the radioactivity was removed from proteolipid proteins after treatment with hydroxylamine and methanolic NaOH respectively. Incubation of myelin with [3H]palmitic acid in the absence of ATP, CoA, MgCl2, or all three, decreased incorporation of fatty acid into PLP to 3, 55, 18 and 2% respectively. The cell-free system exhibits specificity with respect to the chain length of the fatty acids, since myristic acid is incorporated into PLP at a lower rate when compared with palmitic and oleic acids. The acylation of PLP is an enzymic reaction, since (1) maximum incorporation of [3H]palmitic acid into PLP occurred at physiological temperatures and decreased with an increase in the temperature; (2) acylation of PLP with [3H]palmitic acid and [14C]palmitoyl-CoA was severely inhibited by SDS (0.05%); and (3) the incorporation of fatty acid and palmitoyl-CoA into PLP was substantially decreased by the process of freezing-thawing and freeze-drying of myelin. We have provided evidence that all of the enzymes required for acylation of PLP and DM-20 are present in isolated rat brain myelin. Acylation of PLP in a cell-free system with fatty acids and palmitoyl-CoA suggests that a presynthesized pool of non-acylated PLP and DM-20 is available for acylation.