cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of a phosphopentomutase from Bacillus cereus

Phosphopentomutases (PPMs) interconvert d-ribose 5-phosphate and α-d-ribose 1-phosphate to link glucose and nucleotide metabolism. PPM from Bacillus cereus was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity and crystallized. Bacterial PPMs are predicted to contain a di-metal reaction center, but the catalytically relevant metal has not previously been identified. Sparse-matrix crystallization screening was performed in the presence or absence of 50 mM MnCl2. This strategy resulted in the formation of two crystal forms from two chemically distinct conditions. The crystals that formed with 50 mM MnCl2 were more easily manipulated and diffracted to higher resolution. These results suggest that even if the catalytically relevant metal is not known, the crystallization of putative metalloproteins may still benefit from supplementation of the crystallization screens with potential catalytic metals.
SCHOOL-WIDE LITERACY WORKSHOPS

A population of students attending a rural elementary school (grades one to five) in the state of Washington participated in literacy workshops for ten weeks. The literacy workshops took place during school time from 1:25 to 2:25, Monday through Thursday. There were a total of 21 groups (based on ability and age) ranging in size from 11 to 27 members. Comparing informal reading inventory scores using t-tests, significant effects were found for both boys and girls, as well as for all ethnic groups. Scores measuring attitude were not found to be significant.
Evidence for optimism: behavior therapies and motivational interviewing in adolescent substance abuse treatment.

Behavior therapies and motivational interviewing approaches have been widely used in clinical and non-clinical, primary and secondary medical settings for the treatment of alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems among adolescents. Behavior therapy (BT), or more appropriately behavior therapies, is used here to include a wide range of cognate therapies, such as cognitive therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, and social learning-based treatments, all of which have been widely used in the treatment of AOD problems. More recent, motivational interviewing (MI) has been developed and applied with adolescents and is similarly diverse, with a number of MI adaptations. This paper reviews BTs and MIs, including therapies that combine BT and MI, or use one or the other in conjunction with another psychosocial therapy. The focus of this review is on treatment studies involving clinical samples in which AODs are used. Thus, studies on prevention are excluded. Also not included are contingency management approaches, which are covered in another article in this journal. The first section describes the methods used to find the studies, which is followed by separate critical reviews of BTs, MI, and combined approaches. We then offer an integrative discussion of relevant research and treatment issues emerging from the review with recommendations. The primary aim of this paper is to determine the state of the science of BT and MI therapies in the treatment of adolescent AOD use and make recommendations for clinical practice and research.
Direction finding: a signal subspace approach

The classical direction-finding problem is concerned with the task of detecting and estimating the directions from which multiple energy wavefronts impinge on an array of sensors. The problem is formulated in the signal subspace, leading to a number of benefits, chief among which is the ability to resolve closely spaced coherent sources. In order to realize this potential, however, a parametric optimization problem must be solved. An effective nonlinear programming algorithm is developed for this purpose along with a parameter initialization procedure. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the superresolution capability of the signal subspace algorithm. >
New Recommendations for Occupational Radiation Protection

INTRODUCTION Occupational radiation protection is a necessity whenever radiation is used. It is especially important for fluoroscopically guided and CT fluoroscopic procedures, in which occupational irradiation cannot be avoided. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) publishes recommendations for occupational dose limits intended to limit the risk for stochastic effects to a level that is considered acceptable (ie, the dose limit denotes the value beyond which doses, and hence risks, would be generally considered unacceptable) [1]. In the United States, the ationalCouncilonRadiationProtecion and Measurements (NCRP) pubishes recommendations for maximum ermissible dose (MPD) that generlly, but not always, agree with ICRP ecommendations for dose limits [2]. egulatory bodies require that a orker not receive occupational exosure higher than the dose limits nd also require implementation of he principle of optimization of proection. The expectation is that occuational doses will be considerably ower than the dose limits. There are two types of occupaional dose limits in NCRP and CRP recommendations. The first rovides occupational dose limits for pecific organs or tissues. The second stablishes an acceptable risk level for ancer induction. Dose limits to orkers for exposure of part of the ody are expressed as equivalent ose for tissue (deterministic) efects in an organ or tissue and as ffective dose for stochastic effects hroughout the body. Effective ose is intended to be proportional to the risk for radiation-induced cancer. In the United States, Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations provide specific requirements for personal dosimetry when using radionuclides. When x-rays are used, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and state regulations provide corresponding requirements. Different radiation quantities and units are used in these different regulations. For consistency, we use the ICRP notations for radiation quantities and units (Table 1) [1]. Unfortunately, the SI unit for both equivalent dose and effective dose is the sievert. Readers of the regulations and the literature need to be aware of the context in any particular situation.
3,4,5-Trimethyl-1,2,4-triazole trihydrate

The title compound, C5H9N3·3H2O, features an extensive network of hydrogen bonding, but is otherwise unexceptional. The structure was determined from data collected on a non-merohedrally twinned crystal.
Investigation of maintenance assumptions for an automotive production line using simulation modeling

This research paper presents an interesting finding on assuming assembly line average MTTR/MTBF data to predict the line throughput. A simulation modeling study is presented here for an automated robotic automotive welding assembly line. The assembly line layout for this study consists of 10 assembly process stations involving material handling robots, welding robots, sealing, metal piercing, optical gauging, and unload stations. There is no buffers in-between the process stations. The parts are transferred by robot-t-robot “hand-off” process. This is completely an automated assembly line with no operator. The aim of this paper is to develop a simulation modeling for the welding assembly line. Also, develop various scenario analyses to investigate the effects of using the average, minimum and maximum Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) and the Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) values to predict the assembly line throughput. The simulation model predicted results show that the average MTBF/MTTR value actually produces poor results. The simulation model results show that the productivity could be improved by 13% using the actual maintenance data instead of using average assumption data.
Assessment and Impact of Microbial Fecal Pollution and Human Enteric Pathogens in a Coastal Community

The goals of this study were to assess watersheds impacted by high densities of OSDS (onsite sewage disposal systems) for evidence of fecal contamination and evaluate the occurrence of human pathogens in coastal waters off west Florida. Eleven stations (representing six watersheds) were intensively sampled for microbial indicators of fecal pollution (fecal coliform bacteria, enterococci, Clostridium perfringens and coliphage) and the human enteric pathogens, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and enteroviruses during the summer rainy season (May-September 1996). Levels of all indicators ranged between 4000 CFU/100 ml. Cryptosporidium and Giardia were detected infrequently (6.8% and 2.3% of samples tested positive, respectively). Conversely, infectious enteroviruses were detected at low levels in 5 of the 6 watersheds sampled. Using cluster analysis, sites were grouped into two categories, high and low risks, based on combined levels of indicators. These results suggest that stations of highest pollution risk were located within areas of high OSDS densities. Furthermore, data indicate a subsurface transport of contaminated water to surface waters. The high prevalence of enteroviruses throughout the study area suggests a chronic pollution problem and potential risk to recreational swimmers in and around Sarasota Bay.
Therapeutic challenges in advanced renal cell carcinoma

The therapeutic landscape of advanced renal cell carcinoma has grown increasingly more complex with the recent approval of several molecularly targeted agents. While researchers focus on developing predictive algorithms and identifying novel therapeutic targets and agents, clinical practitioners continue to face many practical challenges when determining therapeutic strategies for individual patients. This review will discuss several of these challenges including patient selection strategies, sequential therapy, optimal dose and schedule of various drugs, and therapeutic options for patients with nonclear-cell renal cell carcinoma.
Flow Characteristics of the SAPIEN Aortic Valve: The Importance of Recognizing In-Stent Flow Acceleration for the Echocardiographic Assessment of Valve Function

Background The percutaneously implanted Edwards SAPIEN valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) consists of cusps mounted within a stent. The individual impact of the stent and cusps on transvalvular flow and its implications for the echocardiographic assessment of valve function have not been previously reported. Methods The study group consisted of 40 patients who underwent successful implantation with the SAPIEN valve. Pulsed Doppler was recorded with sample volumes immediately proximal to the stent (prestent), within the stent but proximal to the cusps (in-stent precusp), and distal to the cusps (in-stent postcusp). The Doppler velocity index and effective orifice area were calculated using both prestent and in-stent precusp velocities to represent "subvalvular" flow and continuous-wave recordings of the left ventricular outflow tract and aortic valve to represent postvalvular flow. Results In all patients, there was flow acceleration at two levels: in-stent precusp and in-stent postcusp. The mean in-stent precusp peak velocities were significantly higher than the prestent values (1.5 ± 0.2 vs 1.0 ± 0.2 m/sec, P 2 , P P Conclusions The SAPIEN valve demonstrates flow acceleration at two levels, representing contributions of both the stent and valve cusps to the total valve gradient. Failure to recognize this phenomenon may result in inappropriate selection of the in-stent precusp pulsed Doppler spectrum to represent "subvalvular" flow, thereby overestimating the effective orifice area and Doppler velocity index.
Integumentary appendages of chelonians.

The head and neck of four families of turtles, the Chelydridae, Kinosternidae, Pelomedusidae, and Chelidae, possess a diverse assemblage of skin appendages. Appendages are termed barbels when they occur in the gular region and tubercles when they occur other places. The appendages consist of protrusions of the dermis and epidermis and are devoid of such specializations as taste buds or neuromasts. They lack skeletal tissue, muscle, or erectile tissue. Methylene blue and silver staining techniques reveal a high density of nerves. The occurrence and morphology of barbels and tubercles suggest that they function as mechanoreceptors. Skin appendages are most elaborate in carnivorous species and reach maximum development in two distantly related convergent species: Macroclemys temmincki (Chelydridae) and Chelus fimbriatus (Chelidae). Skin appendages also help provide camouflage and disruptive effects on the head. The increase in surface area produced by the appendages may be important in aquatic respiratory gas exchange in some species within the Kinosternidae.
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Ethyl Alcohol: Evidence for Cross-Tolerance in the Rat

Rats trained in a one-way avoidance situlation were made tolerant to the depressant effects of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol. Ethyl alcohol (3.2 grams per kilogram, intraperitoneally) did not greatly affect rats that were tolerant to delta(9)tetrahydrocannabinol but depressed the behavior of nontolerant rats. Rats made tolerant to ethyl alcohol were less affected by Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol.
Molecular Determinants for the Interaction of Human Neutrophil α Defensin 1 with its Propeptide

Abstract Human neutrophil α-defensins (HNPs) are cationic antimicrobial peptides that are synthesized in vivo as inactive precursors (proHNPs). Activation requires proteolytic excision of their anionic N-terminal inhibitory pro peptide. The pro peptide of proHNP1 also interacts specifically with and inhibits the antimicrobial activity of HNP1 inter-molecularly. In the light of the opposite net charges segregated in proHNP1, functional inhibition of the C-terminal defensin domain by its propeptide is generally thought to be of electrostatic nature. Using a battery of analogs of the propeptide and of proHNP1, we identified residues in the propeptide region important for HNP1 binding and inhibition. Only three anionic residues in the propeptide, Glu 15 , Asp 20 and Glu 23 , were modestly important for interactions with HNP1. By contrast, the hydrophobic residues in the central part of the propeptide, and the conserved hydrophobic motif Val 24 Val 25 Val 26 Leu 28 in particular, were critical for HNP1 binding and inhibition. Neutralization of all negative charges in the propeptide only partially activated the bactericidal activity of proHNP1. Our data indicate that hydrophobic forces have a dominant role in mediating the interactions between HNP1 and its propeptide — a finding largely contrasting the commonly held view that the interactions are of an electrostatic nature.
Kinetics of quark-gluon plasmas

Abstract We discuss the basic physics of quark-gluon plasmas — including static screening, plasma oscillations, and dynamical screening of transverse interactions in elementary scattering processes — and briefly describe further conceptual problems such as the nature of the quasiparticle spectrum and the long wavelength elementary excitations.
Effect of hypoxia on brainstem concentration of biogenic amines in postnatal rabbits.

Abstract The effects of hypoxia F i O 2 = 0.10 on concentration of biogenic amines in specific brainstem nuclear groups were investigated in 3- and 21-day-old rabbits. The rabbit pups were confined to temperature-controlled water-jacketed chambers and exposed to 6 h of 21% O 2 or to one of 3 combinations of 21% O 2 and 10% O 2 . These 3 combinations were either intermittent hypoxia, or 4 h of normoxia followed by 2 h constant hypoxia, or 2 h of hypoxia followed by recovery for 4 h in normoxia. Radioenzymatic assays were used to determine the concentration of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the following brainstem nuclei: substantia nigra, locus coeruleus, dorsal raphe and the nucleus reticularis pontis oralis. Compared with control, hypoxia did not affect dopamine levels at either age. The concentration of norepinephrine was inconsistently affected by hypoxia at either age. In contrast, in the 3-day-old rabbits serotonin was consistently reduced in each of the nuclei. In the 21-day-old rabbits, serotonin was either unchanged or increased following hypoxia. Our results show that hypoxia alters the concentration of serotonin in an age-specific manner. This change in serotonin concentration may reflect altered serotonin metabolism and suggests a possible mechanism by which hypoxia disrupts physiologic homeostasis in newborns.
Curbing Identity Crises: Mexican History Reconsidered:

Shifts in technology and ideology blur distinctions between people and machines, nations, and multinationals. Neoliberal economic policies in Mexico clashed with the national identity traditionally fostered by the official educational system. Calling for dialogue not imposed truths, historians rejected at tempts to align textbooks with the new agenda during a 3-year controversy. [Curriculum is] a specially constructed information system whose purpose, in its totality, is to influence, teach, train, or cultivate the mind and character of youth. —Neil Postman (cited in Brosio, 1994, p. 243)
Finite- β e Universal-Mode Turbulence and Alcator Scaling

A self-consistent theory of finite-${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{e}$ universal-mode turbulence is developed. Saturation results from resonance broadening of the electron response due to magnetic shear. Electron diffusion, for ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{e}g\frac{{m}_{e}}{{m}_{i}}$, is due to the magnetic part of the fluctuations. The diffusion coefficient, $D=0.1 {[\frac{{T}_{e}}{({T}_{i}+{T}_{e})}]}^{4}(\frac{{m}_{e}}{{m}_{i}{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{e}}){(\frac{{L}_{s}}{{L}_{n}})}^{2}\frac{{v}_{i}{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{i}}^{2}}{{L}_{n}}$, scales inversely with density, is independent of magnetic field, and is in excellent quantitative agreement with observations on the Alcator tokamak.
Plant synthetic biology takes root

The evolution of computers and electronics from bulky room-size devices to the sleek devices of today has relied on a well-honed strategy: Use parts whose behaviors are quantitatively defined and assemble complex systems from simpler modules. Synthetic biology aims to bring this approach to living organisms ( 1 , 2 ), and it is already starting to happen in plants. A sensor and response system can be designed, sensor proteins programmed in a computer, encoded in a plant, and empowered with such properties as memory and amplification ( 3 ). Using genetic information and mathematical analysis allows one to design predictable and quantitative functions in plants, comparable to those of integrated electronic circuits. Just as integrated circuits can be reused in diverse electronic devices, from cell phones to aircraft, synthetic biology components should function predictably in different synthetic circuits and plants.
Simulation output analysis using integrated paths

This article considers the steady-state simulation output analysis problem for a process that satisfies a functional central limit theorem. We construct an estimator for the time-average variance constant that is based on iterated integrations of the sample path. When the observations are batched, the method generalizes the method of batch means. One advantage of the method is that it can be used without batching the observations; that is, it can allow for the process variance to be estimated at any time as the simulation runs without waiting for a fixed time horizon to complete. When used in conjunction with batching, the method can improve efficiency (the reciprocal of work times mean-squared error) compared with the standard method of batch means. In numerical experiments, efficiency improvement ranged from a factor of 1.5 (for the waiting time sequence in an M/M/1 queueing system with a single integrated path) up to a factor of 14 (for an autoregressive process and 19 integrated paths).
Demonstrating Social Constructionism in Psychology Courses: The “Who Am I?” Exercise:

In this article we describe a class exercise aimed at facilitating students' understanding of social constructionism. Students (n = 88) from 3 psychology classes wrote 10 responses to the question "Who am I?" The instructor collected and shuffled their responses, eliminating descriptors that clearly identified the respondents' gender (e.g., mother, brother). All remaining responses for individuals were read to or by the class. Students were able to accurately guess the gender of respondents. A discussion of the social construction of gender followed the exercise. Students' written reactions and comments indicated that the exercise was a useful tool for demonstrating social constructionism and initiating discussion about the meaning of gender.
The role of the trans-Golgi network in varicella zoster virus biology

The task of assembling nascent virions presents a formidable challenge to large, enveloped DNA viruses such as varicella zoster virus (VZV). After parasitising the host cell's compartmentalised biosynthetic machinery, viral constituents must be brought together in appropriate proportions for packaging and export. Recent evidence places the trans-Golgi network (TGN) in an orchestrating role with respect to the assembly, envelopment and egress of herpesviruses. This role accords with known functions of the TGN in the uninfected cell. The targeting of viral glycoproteins to the TGN appears to provide a crucial platform for viral assembly. Tegument proteins, interacting with the cytoplasmic domains of glycoproteins, in turn recruit nucleocapsids to the developing supramolecular array. Molecular studies are continually refining understanding of these processes, building upon elegant electron microscopic data. Knowledge of VZV's use of endogenous trafficking pathways from the TGN sheds light on important aspects of viral behaviour in vitro and in vivo.
Potential effect of no-till management on carbon in the agricultural soils of the former Soviet Union

Abstract Agricultural soils act as both a source and a sink for atmospheric carbon. Since the onset of cultivation, the 211.5 million ha of agricultural soils in the former Soviet Union (FSU) have lost 10.2 Gt of carbon. No-till management represents a promising option to increase the amount of carbon sequestered in the agricultural soil of the FSU. No-till management reduces erosion and sequesters additional carbon in the soil by lowering the soil temperature and raising soil moisture. To determine the carbon sequestered under no-till management, a data base containing precultivation estimates of soil carbon for the seven major classes of soil found in the agricultural areas of the FSU was used to establish an equilibrium carbon content for each soil. Other published data provided a method to quantify the change in soil carbon brought about by converting to no-till management. Soils suitable for no-till management were analyzed and estimates of changes in carbon storage were made. No-till management is not suitable in areas where crop production is limited by cold, wet soils. Based on the results of a geographic information system analysis using maps of climatic factors and soil characteristics, 181 million ha in the FSU were identified as climatically suitable for no-till management (almost 86% of all agricultural land). Complete conversion of all climatically suitable land to no-till management would sequester 3.3 Gt of carbon. This represents a 10% increase in carbon in the agricultural soils of the FSU. This estimated accumulation of carbon is associated with a new soil carbon equilibrium condition. Accumulation of carbon in the soil produced by a conversion from conventional to no-till management is expected to take at least 10 years. The carbon accumulation produced by conversion to no-till management is not a continuing process; once a new no-till equilibrium condition has been reached, additional quantities of atmospheric carbon will not be sequestered in agricultural soils through continued no-till management.
Linking Interfacial Step Structure and Chemistry with Locally Enhanced Radiation-Induced Amorphization at Oxide Heterointerfaces

Nanostructured materials and their interfaces have attracted recent interest for their functionality in a wide variety of different applications. However, the origins of these properties in several instances remain unknown. One promising aspect of nanomaterials is their role in materials design for mitigating radiation damage. In particular, engineered radiation tolerant materials would exploit the presence of internal interfaces to act as recombination centers and suppress damage accumulation. Realizing this promise, however, requires a fundamental understanding of how radiation-induced defects interact with interfaces. Thus, studying the interfacial atomic structure and chemistry before and after irradiation is critical. In this study, we have performed transmission electron microscopy on a series of pristine and ion-irradiated oxide interfaces to probe radiation-induced effects. The CeO2/SrTiO3 interface, chosen as a model system for these studies, is characterized by differences in SrTiO3 terminations or steps. Our salient result is that steps are centers for preferential amorphization in SrTiO3, which we attribute to defect flow across the interface induced by non-stoichiometry in CeO2. The study concludes the interfacial atomic ordering in the form of steps thereby modifies the response to ion irradiation and suggests interface patterning as another parameter to functionalize radiation tolerant materials.
Flexibility of smooth and skletal tropomyosins

The rotational relaxation times of nonpolymerizable skeletal and smooth muscle tropomyosin were measured by analysis of the decay of the zero-field birefringence at different temperatures and salt concentrations. Skeletal tropomyosin in solution is equally well modeled as a rigid rod or as a semiflexible rod with a persistence length of 150 nm. Smooth muscle tropomyosin does not fit the rigid rod model but is well approximated by a semiflexible rod model with a persistence length of 55 nm. The results indicate that smooth muscle tropomyosin is either a more flexible molecule than skeletal muscle tropomyosin or is a curved structure with an end-to-end length shorter than the coiled-coil contour length. Smooth muscle tropomyosin controls the actomyosin ATPase differently from skeletal muscle tropomyosin and it had been suggested that the reason is because it is more rigid; clearly, another explanation must be sought.
Microscopic Binding of M5 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor with Antagonists by Homology Modeling, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

By performing homology modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we have developed three-dimensional (3D) structural models of the M5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) and two complexes for M5 mAChR binding with antagonists SVT-40776 and solifenacin in the environment of lipid bilayer and solvent water. According to the simulated results, each of the antagonists is oriented horizontally in the binding pocket formed by transmembrane helices 2, 3, and 5–7. The cationic headgroup of each of the antagonists interacts with a negatively charged residue, Asp110, through electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions. The simulated results also reveal some significant difference between the binding modes of SVT-40776 and solifenacin. In particular, SVT-40776 is persistently hydrogen bonded with the side chain of residue Tyr458, whereas solifenacin cannot form a similar hydrogen bond with residues around its carbonyl group. Such significant difference in the binding structures ...
Raman spectra of trifluoromethyl hypofluorite and hypochlorite in argon matrices at 8°K

Abstract Laser-excited Raman spectra are reported for CF 3 OF and CF 3 OCl in dilute argon matrices at 8°K as well as for CF 3 OF in the gas phase. Vibrational assignments which differ from those reported by others are presented for the ν(O-F) and ν(O-Cl) stretches in addition to the ν(C-O) vibrations.
Placenta previa: an outcome-based cohort study in a contemporary obstetric population

Objective The objective of the study is to characterize the maternal and neonatal morbidities of women with placenta previa.
DNA Mutational Differences in Cytological Specimens from Pancreatic Cancer and Cholangiocarcinoma

Background/Aims: Preoperative distinction between pancreatic cancer (PC) and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is desirable due to diverging management options, and to optimize enrollment into neoadjuvant trials. Methods: A single-center retrospective study of patients with PC or CC was undertaken. Four blinded pathologists reviewed all cases and reached a consensus diagnosis (PC or CC). Microdissection-based multiple microsatellite loss analysis and direct sequencing of K-ras oncogene was performed and compared for PC and CC. Results: Of 33 cases studied (17 males; 16 PC, 17 CC; 10 with primary sclerosing cholangitis), a K-ras mutation was present in 14/16 (87.5%) PC and 1/17 (5.9%) CC cases (p Conclusions: The presence of a K-ras mutation in cytology specimens distinguishes PC from CC in this study.
Metastatic Carcinoma to the Thyroid Gland: A Single Institution 20-Year Experience and Review of the Literature

The thyroid gland is an uncommon site for metastatic disease but cases have been well-documented in the literature, particularly in autopsy series. A retrospective review of surgical pathology and autopsy pathology database for patients with metastatic carcinoma to the thyroid was performed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center between January 1993 to January 2013. We identified a total of 10 patients with metastatic carcinoma to the thyroid; 6 were in surgical pathology specimens out of a total of 1,295 thyroid carcinoma (0.46 %) and 4 were diagnosed at autopsy out of a total of 2,117 (0.19 %) autopsy cases during this period. Cases with direct extension of the tumor into the thyroid from local primary sites such as larynx, esophagus or soft tissues of the neck were excluded. The primary tumors in these cases comprised of four lung carcinomas, three colorectal carcinomas, a renal cell carcinoma, a pleural malignant mesothelioma, and an unknown primary. Therefore, it is important to keep intrathyroidal metastases in the differential diagnosis when evaluating a thyroid nodule, particularly in patients with a previous history of malignancy. Furthermore, a literature review reveals over 1,400 cases have been previously reported, with the most common malignancies from the kidney (34 %), lung (15 %), gastrointestinal tract (14 %), and breast (14 %).
Firm Performance, Rent Appropriation, and the Strategic Resource Divestment Capability

Dynamic capabilities manifest the organizational capacity to purposefully create or modify the firm's resource base. In this paper, we consider resource divestment an important firm-level resource management capability that manifests a two-step organizational change routine. Firms must first be motivated to engage in resource divestment, and then decide which resources should be ‘sold off.’ In exploring this firm-level capability, we employ factor market theory to consider the ‘seller side’ of the market, and provide a useful framework for conceptualizing how firms generate competitive advantage through resource divestment. We test our model of the resource divestment capability with a dataset of professional baseball franchises during the period 1969–83. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The betrayal of the satirical text

Literary scholars use various methods to undermine and reject explicit declarations of the Roman verse satire. This paper argues that not only do these scholars develop some strategies to avoid facing uncomfortable messages, but that the satirical text also offers an opportunity to subvert its own utterances. Although the dialogic nature of literature (and language in general) always offers opportunities for subversive interpretations that refuse to accept the proclaimed ideas at face value, the satirical text has a special feature, since it tends to say what it says with some ambiguity. The paper calls this the betrayal of the satirical text, which through the very act of (humorous) textualization opens the gates for opposing or subverting interpretations. The second part of the paper analyses Satires 1.7 by Horace, underscoring how various implications of the poetic discourse create opportunities to undermine the proffered ideas. A text that seems to try to stabilize Roman elite identity may lead to a retracing of the boundaries between Romans and aliens, the elite and the pariahs.
Retrospective review of an intraoperative algorithm to predict lymph node metastasis in low-grade endometrial adenocarcinoma

Abstract Objective To validate the Mayo algorithm to intraoperatively identify women with endometrial cancer in whom lymphadenectomy may be safely omitted. Methods A multi-center retrospective chart review 1977–2010 was completed using two independent institutional endometrial cancer databases. Eligibility criteria were grade 1 or 2 endometrial carcinoma, low-risk histology, and myometrial invasion ≤ 50% on intraoperative pathology consultation; patients were considered to satisfy the Mayo criteria if, in addition to these, tumor diameter on the final pathology report was ≤ 2 cm. Analysis of nodal metastases, recurrent disease, and progression-free survival (PFS) using the Kaplan–Meier method was performed. Results Six hundred and two patients met inclusion criteria for the study. Of 110 patients satisfying the Mayo algorithm with an adequate lymphadenectomy, 2 (1.8%) were diagnosed with lymph node metastasis and 4 (3.6%) subsequently developed recurrent disease. The Mayo algorithm identified with a 98.2% negative predictive value women who would not benefit from a lymphadenectomy. There was no significant difference in recurrence rate or PFS between women who underwent lymphadenectomy and those who did not when the Mayo algorithm was satisfied. Conclusions The Mayo algorithm intraoperatively identifies tumor characteristics of low-risk disease in endometrial carcinoma that predict a very low likelihood of nodal metastasis and recurrence. Although a small number of patients with advanced stage disease may be missed when applying the Mayo criteria, there is no apparent survival benefit to lymphadenectomy for patients satisfying this algorithm, and these data support its use at other institutions.
Access from Space: A New Perspective on NASA's Space Transportation Technology Requirements and Opportunities

The need for robust and reliable access from space is clearly demonstrated by the recent loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia; as well as the NASA s goals to get the Shuttle re-flying and extend its life, build new vehicles for space access, produce successful robotic landers and s a q k ret~rr? ~llisrions, and maximize the science content of ambitious outer planets missions that contain nuclear reactors which must be safe for re-entry after possible launch aborts. The technology lynch pin of access from space is hypersonic entry systems such the thermal protection system, along with navigation, guidance and control (NG&C). But it also extends to descent and landing systems such as parachutes, airbags and their control systems. Current space access technology maturation programs such as NASA s Next Generation Launch Technology (NGLT) program or the In-Space Propulsion (ISP) program focus on maturing laboratory demonstrated technologies for potential adoption by specific mission applications. A key requirement for these programs success is a suitable queue of innovative technologies and advanced concepts to mature, including mission concepts enabled by innovative, cross cutting technology advancements. When considering space access, propulsion often dominates the capability requirements, as well as the attention and resources. From the perspective of access from space some new cross cutting technology drivers come into view, along with some new capability opportunities. These include new miniature vehicles (micro, nano, and picosats), advanced automated systems (providing autonomous on-orbit inspection or landing site selection), and transformable aeroshells (to maximize capabilities and minimize weight). This paper provides an assessment of the technology drivers needed to meet future access from space mission requirements, along with the mission capabilities that can be envisioned from innovative, cross cutting access from space technology developments.
Nanoantenna-Enabled Midwave Infrared Focal Plane Arrays .

We demonstrate the effects of integrating a nanoantenna to a midwave infrared (MWIR) focal plane array (FPA). We model an antenna-coupled photodetector with a nanoantenna fabricated in close proximity to the active material of a photodetector. This proximity allows us to take advantage of the concentrated plasmonic fields of the nanoantenna. The role of the nanoantenna is to convert free-space plane waves into surface plasmons bound to a patterned metal surface. These plasmonic fields are concentrated in a small volume near the metal surface. Field concentration allows for a thinner layer of absorbing material to be used in the photodetector design and promises improvements in cutoff wavelength and dark current (higher operating temperature). While the nanoantenna concept may be applied to any active photodetector material, we chose to integrate the nanoantenna with an InAsSb photodiode. The geometry of the nanoantenna-coupled detector is optimized to give maximal carrier generation in the active region of the photodiode, and fabrication processes must be altered to accommodate the nanoantenna structure. The intensity profiles and the carrier generation rates in the photodetector active layers are determined by finite element method simulations, and iteration between optical nanoantenna simulation and detector modeling is used to optimize the device structure.
Rat plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 binding protein: An inhibitor of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1 α-hydroxylase

Abstract An antibody was prepared from serum of rabbits injected with a pure inhibitor protein obtained from rat serum for chick renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 -1α-hydroxylase. The antibody was separated from the endogenous inhibitor in rabbit serum. The antibody shows a single precipitin line with the rat serum antigen and with crude calf serum. Furthermore, the antibody removes the 4.0 S 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 binding protein from rat serum. The removal of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 binding protein from rat serum with antibody brings about a proportionate removal of inhibitor of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 -1α-hydroxylase. The pure inhibitor binds 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 , as demonstrated by sucrose density gradient sedimentation, and shows specificity of binding identical to the serum transport globulin for 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 . Thus, the previously reported inhibitor of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 -1α-hydroxylase in rat preparations is the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 transport protein or some derivative thereof. The antibody added to rat renal mitochondrial preparations does increase the activity of the 1- and 24-hydroxylases slightly but not markedly.
Activation and membrane binding of carboxypeptidase E

Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) is a carboxypeptidase B-like enzyme that is thought to be involved in the processing of peptide hormones and neurotransmitters. Soluble and membrane-associated forms of CPE have been observed in purified secretory granules from various hormone-producing tissues. In this report, the influence of membrane association on CPE activity has been examined. A substantial amount of the membrane-associated CPE activity is solubilized upon extraction of bovine pituitary membranes with either 100 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.6) containing 0.5% Triton X-100 and 1 M NaCl, or by extraction with high pH buffers (pH greater than 8). These treatments also lead to a two- to threefold increase in CPE activity. CPE extracted from membranes with either NaCl/Triton X-100 or high pH buffers hydrolyzes the dansyl-Phe-Ala-Arg substrate with a lower Km than the membrane-associated CPE. The Vmax of CPE present in extracts and membrane fractions after the NaCl/Triton X-100 treatment is twofold higher than in untreated membranes. Treatment of membranes with high pH buffers does not affect the Vmax of CPE in the soluble and particulate fractions. Pretreatment of membranes with bromoacetyl-D-arginine, an active site-directed irreversible inhibitor of CPE, blocks the activation by NaCl/Triton X-100 treatment. Thus the increase in CPE activity upon extraction from membranes is probably not because of the conversion of an inactive form to an active one, but is the result of changes in the conformation of the enzyme that effect the catalytic activity.
Treatment of neural deafness with prednisone.

Abstract 1. (1) Nineteen patients with neural deafness due to congenital syphilis and twenty patients with neural deafness of other origin have been treated with prednisone in gradually tapering dosage. Dosage was in general regulated according to the results of standard pure-tone air and bone-conduction audiometry, speech hearing threshold, and discrimination score, measured before, and at short intervals following the commencement of therapy. 2. (2) The neural deafness of congenital syphilis occurs late, often not until adult life. It is usually an isolated neurological finding without abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid. Its development and progression are not prevented by treponemicidal therapy, even with penicillin. It is almost always bilateral and usually of gradual onset, although there may be either sudden onset or sudden dramatic worsening. Episodes of vertigo and continuous or intermittent tinnitus are common. Hearing impairment is often fluctuant but, in the absence of effective treatment, inexorably progressive at a highly variable rate. The major difficulty is in discriminating speech. 3. (3) Objective improvement, often marked, occurred during the first month of prednisone therapy in ten of the nineteen congenital syphilitics, and was subsequently maintained. In three therapy was deliberately stopped, with no retrogression over periods of 40 months, 1 month, and 2 months respectively. In the nine without definite improvement progression may in some instances have been prevented. These results show that the neural deafness of congenital syphilis is not usually a purely degenerative process. 4. (4) In long-standing neural deafness of undetermined etiology prednisone therapy was in general unsuccessful. 5. (5) In sudden non-syphilitic deafness of neural type which is often unilateral and occurs with or without an apparent concomitant upper respiratory infection, prednisone therapy sometimes results in dramatic improvement and may be urgently indicated.
Effect of nitric oxide inhibition on blood pressure and renal function in TGR(mRen2)27 rats

We examined the effect of acute systemic blockade of nitric oxide synthesis on blood pressure and renal function in the monogenetically hypertensive TGR(mRen2)27 rat strain. Untreated conscious transgenic rats had significantly(p < 0.01) higher systolic blood pressures (185 ± 9versus 130 ± 5 mm Hg) and urinary albumin excretion (32± 5 versus 6 ± 2 mg/day) than did control animals without evidence of renal insufficiency. Plasma and urinary nitric oxide metabolite levels did not differ between transgenic and control rats. i.v. administration of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10 mg/kg) to both groups caused similar elevations in systemic blood pressure(transgenic 25 ± 3 versus control 24 ± 3 mm Hg). NG-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester induced reductions in whole kidney (1.4 ± 0.2 versus 0.7 ± 0.1 mL/min), and single nephron (23 ± 3 versus 11 ± 2 nL/min) glomerular filtration rates were significantly (p < 0.05) larger in transgenic than in control rats. This greater loss of GFR in transgenic animals was caused by a larger reduction in glomerular ultrafiltration coefficient (1.8 ± 0.2 versus 1.1 ± 0.1 nL·min-1·mm Hg-1, p < 0.05), a larger increase in afferent arteriole resistance (3.4 ± 0.2 versus 1.4 ± 0.1 dyne·s·cm-5, p < 0.05), and a subsequently smaller rise in glomerular transcapillary pressure (10 ± 1 versus 5 ± 1 mm Hg, p < 0.05). These results indicate that the renal microvasculature and glomerular hydraulic conductivity or surface area of transgenic rats are more sensitive to nitric oxide inhibition and are consistent with an important role for nitric oxide in TGR(mRen2)27 kidney function.
The Relationship of Vocal Loudness Manipulation to Prosodic F0 and Durational Variables in Healthy Adults

This investigation was motivated by observations that when persons with dysarthria increase loudness their speech improves. Some studies have indicated that this improvement may be related to an in...
Templated Grain Growth of Textured Piezoelectric Ceramics

ABSTRACT Crystallographic texturing of polycrystalline ferroelectric ceramics offers a means of achieving significant enhancements in the piezoelectric response. Templated grain growth (TGG) enables the fabrication of textured ceramics with single crystal-like properties, as well as single crystals. In TGG, nucleation and growth of the desired crystal on aligned single crystal template particles results in an increased fraction of oriented material with heating. To facilitate alignment during forming, template particles must be anisometric in shape. To serve as the preferred sites for epitaxy and subsequent oriented growth of the matrix, the template particles need to be single crystal and chemically stable up to the growth temperature. Besides templating the growth process, the template particles may also serve as seed sites for phase formation of a reactive matrix. This process, referred to as Reactive TGG (RTGG), has been used to obtain highly oriented Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3, Sr0.53Ba0.47Nb2O6, and (N...
Comprehension Monitoring in Learning Disabled and Average Students

This study investigated the comprehension monitoring skills of learning disabled and average seventh-grade students. Students read expository passages with text inconsistencies under a standard condition and a cued condition (i.e., where students were cued to look for text inconsistencies). Results indicate that average students spontaneously activiated comprehension monitoring strategies thereby noting the text inconsistencies regardless of the condition. Learning disabled students, however, activated these strategies only when cued to do so. These results were interpreted as supporting Torgesen's conceptualization of learning disabled students as inactive learners.
Measuring emigration of human thymocytes by T-cell receptor excision circles

Recent advances in characterizing thymic function confirm the importance of thymus to T-cell diversity in the periphery of both children and adults during both health and disease. Lack of a marker to identify human recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) is the biggest hurdle to accurately characterizing and quantifying thymic output. T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) are used as an assay to measure RTE levels. Controversy exists, however, as to whether TREC concentrations reflect the number of RTEs or are mainly altered by peripheral T-cell division and death. In this review, we first summarize recent data on the human thymus and RTEs. On the basis of both experimental and mathematical analyses, we characterize factors that influence TREC dynamics in the periphery and elucidate primary elements that induce a decline in TREC concentrations during normal aging and HIV-1 infection. Our findings suggest that T-cell dynamics are key to the accuracy of TREC concentrations as a useful measurement of human RTEs.
Lithium-mediated ring opening of 1,4-dioxane and structural characterization of a Li12O12 truncated octahedron

Abstract The equimolar reaction of tBuLi with 4-Cl-2,6-Me2-C6H2OH (ArOH) in 1,4-dioxane led to the unexpected formation of the mixed-anion, 1D polymer [(ArO)2(RO)4Li6 · (diox)]∞, 1 (where RO = H2C C(H)OCH2CH2O−). Incorporation of the alkoxy vinyl ether is due to cleavage of 1,4-dioxane by tBuLi. Compound 1 can also be prepared rationally by the reaction of nBuLi with ethylene glycol vinyl ether and ArOH in 1,4-dioxane solution. Direct lithiation of ethylene glycol vinyl ether results in the formation of the alkoxide [ROLi]12, 2. The crystal structure of 2 reveals an unusual truncated octahedral arrangement in the solid state, where each metal is chelated by a vinyl ether subunit.