cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Five Near-iron Transporter (NEAT) Domain Anthrax Hemophore, IsdX2, Scavenges Heme from Hemoglobin and Transfers Heme to the Surface Protein IsdC

Pathogenic bacteria require iron to replicate inside mammalian hosts. Recent studies indicate that heme acquisition in Gram-positive bacteria is mediated by proteins containing one or more near-iron transporter (NEAT) domains. Bacillus anthracis is a spore-forming, Gram-positive pathogen and the causative agent of anthrax disease. The rapid, extensive, and efficient replication of B. anthracis in host tissues makes this pathogen an excellent model organism for the study of bacterial heme acquisition. B. anthracis secretes two NEAT hemophores, IsdX1 and IsdX2. IsdX1 contains a single NEAT domain, whereas IsdX2 has five, a novel property among hemophores. To understand the functional significance of harboring multiple, non-identical NEAT domains, we purified each individual NEAT domain of IsdX2 as a GST fusion and analyzed the specific function of each domain as it relates to heme acquisition and transport. NEAT domains 1, 3, 4, and 5 all bind heme, with domain 5 having the highest affinity. All NEATs associate with hemoglobin, but only NEAT1 and -5 can extract heme from hemoglobin, seemingly by a specific and active process. NEAT1, -3, and -4 transfer heme to IsdC, a cell wall-anchored anthrax NEAT protein. These results indicate that IsdX2 has all the features required to acquire heme from the host and transport heme to the bacterial cell wall. Additionally, these results suggest that IsdX2 may accelerate iron import rates by acting as a “heme sponge” that enhances B. anthracis replication in iron-starved environments.
Birefringent flow visualization of transitional flow phenomena in an isosceles triangular duct

A flow visualization study was made with an optically birefringent solution of milling yellow dye in water flowing through a transparent duct of isoceles triangular cross section. The present data confirm a number of theoretical predictions concerning transitional phenomena in triangular ducts. One of the most interesting of these phenomena is the existence of a region of simultaneous laminar and turbulent flow in the duct. The present results, which agree with the theory, indicate an order of laminar and turbulent flow which is inverse to previous observations made with smoke filament tracings.
A survey of Intercultural Communication courses

Abstract The last quarter of a century has witnessed rapid development of the intercultural field; and with this, a concomitant growth in Intercultural Communication (ICC) courses in colleges and universities in various parts of the world. Instructors are called upon to design and implement such courses often for the first time and, in so doing, they are helping to define the content and parameters of this subject matter. Often, the context in which they teach, or the department or program in which the course is placed, also further define the scope of the courses. This survey was designed to learn about the evolving nature of ICC courses, given interest among faculty to learn what their colleagues are doing elsewhere. Through compilation and presentation of the data obtained, this interim report provides a snapshot of 50 plus courses in 11 countries between 1992 and 1994. It reveals not only the purvue of these courses, but also their goals and objectives, content areas, and approaches to implementation. It also begins to identify common models, frameworks and schema, useful materials and resources, and assessment procedures. For those who participated in the survey—and for others interested in the questionnaire instrument — it serves also as a self-study guide for examining one's own approach to the task by reviewing the 70 plus questions contained in the survey questionnaire.
Estrogen receptor stereochemistry: Receptor binding and hormonal responses

Estrogen stimulation of the uterus elicits a spectrum of biochemical responses which are customarily linked together. DES and certain structural analogs, indenestrol A (IA), indenestrol B (IB), indanestrol (I), and pseudo DES (PD), were used as probes to segregate various genomic responses previously considered interrelated, most notably the events of specific protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, and mitosis. These compounds have poor uterotrophic activity; except for I, they interact specifically with mouse uterine estrogen receptors (ER) with high affinity. All translocate stoichiometrically similar amounts of ER complex to the nucleus. IA and IB possess a single chiral carbon atom and exist as a mixture of enantiomers (ENT). We investigated whether the poor biological activity of IA could be explained by differential activity of the enantiomers. The IA ENT were separated to greater than 98% purity using a chirally active HPLC column. Competitive binding assays to cytosolic ER demonstrated a stereochemical chiral preference. This preference was also evident from nuclear ER translocation experiments. IB was as active as DES to induce mouse uterine glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), while the other compounds had weak activity. Induction of cytosolic progesterone receptor (PR) was stimulated by all the DES compounds. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) was stimulated 600% by DES and 180% by IB; the other compounds had no significant activity. Uterine DNA synthesis was increased by DES and IB. Thymidine autoradiography indicated nuclear labeling was occurring primarily in luminal epithelium. Treatment with PD increased uterine cell height but not cell numbers, suggesting the two responses are not necessarily interdependent as previously thought and may require two separate receptor interactions. Such a probe should be useful in studying the individual events involved in estrogen-induced uterine growth. These data also indicate that induction of ER, PR and G-6-PD are not coupled. Therefore, stimulation of a certain uterine response may depend on the structure of the particular ligand receptor complex formed, and its interaction may be regulated by specificity at the genomic acceptor site.
Craniotomy with cystoperitoneal shunting for treatment of intracranial arachnoid cysts in dogs.

Objective— To describe a technique of decompressive craniotomy with cystoperitoneal shunt (CPS) placement for treatment of canine intracranial arachnoid cyst (IAC), and to evaluate outcome in 4 dogs. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Dogs (n=4) with IAC. Methods— Medical records of dogs diagnosed with IAC by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 3 dogs) or computed tomography (CT; 1 dog) were evaluated. All dogs had varying degrees of neurologic dysfunction before surgery. A combined lateral (rostrotentorial)/suboccipital craniotomy was performed sacrificing the transverse sinus on the operated side. The rostral (ventricular) end of a low-pressure valve shunt (3.0 mm outer diameter, 7.0 cm length) was placed transversely into the cyst cavity; the distal end was placed in the peritoneal cavity. All dogs were rechecked at various intervals by ≥1 of the authors either directly, by telephone consultation with owners, or both. Three dogs were imaged postoperatively (CT–1 dog; MRI–1; ultrasonography–1). Results— Intraoperative complications were limited to excessive transverse sinus hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion in 1 dog. There were no postoperative complications. Clinical signs of neurologic dysfunction resolved in 3 dogs and improved substantially in 1 dog. The latter dog required long-term, low-dose corticosteroid therapy. No dogs required repeat surgery. Mean follow-up time was 23.8 months (range, 12–43 months). Collapse of the intracranial cyst was verified in 3 dogs with repeat imaging. In 2 dogs, there was no evidence of the cyst on CT or MRI; in the third dog, a small amount of fluid was demonstrated rostral to the cerebellum on ultrasonography, but there was no identifiable cyst. In 1 dog, the rostral aspect of the shunt had shifted; however, this was not associated with any clinical deterioration. Conclusion— Craniotomy with CPS placement was well tolerated and resulted in sustained improvement or resolution of dysfunction. Cyst decompression was verified in 3 dogs that were re-imaged. None of the patients required re-operation. Excessive transverse sinus hemorrhage is a potential danger that may necessitate blood transfusion. Other IAC patients treated with this method will need to be evaluated to fully evaluate its effectiveness. Clinical Significance— Craniotomy with CPS placement may be an effective treatment method for dogs clinically affected with IAC.
The era of RNA awakening: structural biology of RNA in the early years.

In the mid-1950s, RNA was a somewhat mysterious molecule with unknown three-dimensional structure and little hard evidence of biological function. Changes began with the 1956 discoveries of the RNA double helix and the phenomenon of nucleic acid hybridization. Discovery of the DNA–RNA hybrid helix in 1960 opened the door to understanding biological information transfer. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis made it possible to precisely define the RNA double helix, discover the novel L-shaped fold of transfer RNA (tRNA), and finally reveal the complete three-dimensional tRNA structure by 1974. By then, a functional understanding of protein synthesis had developed with an appreciation of the various roles of different RNA species. This was the era of RNA awakening.
Phase Transition for a One-Dimensional Lattice Gas with Hard Core

Existence of a phase transition is proved for a one-dimensional lattice gas with long-range interaction and nearest neighbor exclusion.
Stac3 Inhibits Myoblast Differentiation into Myotubes

The functionally undefined Stac3 gene, predicted to encode a SH3 domain- and C1 domain-containing protein, was recently found to be specifically expressed in skeletal muscle and essential to normal skeletal muscle development and contraction. In this study we determined the potential role of Stac3 in myoblast proliferation and differentiation, two important steps of muscle development. Neither siRNA-mediated Stac3 knockdown nor plasmid-mediated Stac3 overexpression affected the proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts. Stac3 knockdown promoted the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts into myotubes as evidenced by increased fusion index, increased number of nuclei per myotube, and increased mRNA and protein expression of myogenic markers including myogenin and myosin heavy chain. In contrast, Stac3 overexpression inhibited the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts into myotubes as evidenced by decreased fusion index, decreased number of nuclei per myotube, and decreased mRNA and protein expression of myogenic markers. Compared to wild-type myoblasts, myoblasts from Stac3 knockout mouse embryos showed accelerated differentiation into myotubes in culture as evidenced by increased fusion index, increased number of nuclei per myotube, and increased mRNA expression of myogenic markers. Collectively, these data suggest an inhibitory role of endogenous Stac3 in myoblast differentiation. Myogenesis is a tightly controlled program; myofibers formed from prematurely differentiated myoblasts are dysfunctional. Thus, Stac3 may play a role in preventing precocious myoblast differentiation during skeletal muscle development.
JAK signaling globally counteracts heterochromatic gene silencing

The JAK/STAT pathway has pleiotropic roles in animal development, and its aberrant activation is implicated in multiple human cancers. JAK/STAT signaling effects have been attributed largely to direct transcriptional regulation by STAT of specific target genes that promote tumor cell proliferation or survival. We show here in a Drosophila melanogaster hematopoietic tumor model, however, that JAK overactivation globally disrupts heterochromatic gene silencing, an epigenetic tumor suppressive mechanism. This disruption allows derepression of genes that are not direct targets of STAT, as evidenced by suppression of heterochromatin-mediated position effect variegation. Moreover, mutations in the genes encoding heterochromatin components heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) and Su(var)3-9 enhance tumorigenesis induced by an oncogenic JAK kinase without affecting JAK/STAT signaling. Consistently, JAK loss of function enhances heterochromatic gene silencing, whereas overexpressing HP1 suppresses oncogenic JAK-induced tumors. These results demonstrate that the JAK/STAT pathway regulates cellular epigenetic status and that globally disrupting heterochromatin-mediated tumor suppression is essential for tumorigenesis induced by JAK overactivation.
The Notorious Elizabeth Tuttle: marriage, murder and madness in the family of Jonathan EdwardsAVA CHAMBERLAIN

Elizabeth Tuttle, paternal grandmother of the early American divine, Jonathan Edwards, has until now remained a cipher in the historical literature. Stereotyped as a sex-crazed mad woman, Elizabeth...
Multiple impalement with survival

An unusual case of multiple impalement by chain-link fence posts is presented in which facial, thoracic, and abdominal injuries were sustained following a rollover motor vehicle crash. Torso impalement injuries are briefly reviewed and guidelines for the management of such injuries are described.
In the Eye of the Beholder: Do Behavior and Character Affect Victim and Perpetrator Responsibility for Acquaintance Rape?

Acquaintance rape attributions of responsibility were investigated. In Study 1, participants viewed videotapes that varied the female victim’s resistance (verbal, physical, verbal/physical) and the reaction of the perpetrator (anger, no reaction) or a control videotape. The victim was held less responsible and the perpetrator was held more responsible when the victim resisted. In Study 2, participants viewed videotapes that manipulated victim and perpetrator reputation. Victims were held more responsible when they had a bad reputation; perpetrators were held more responsible when the victim had a good reputation or the perpetrator had a bad reputation. Hostile sexism predicted victim responsibility in both studies; rape myth predicted victim and perpetrator responsibility in Study 2. Implications for the legal system are discussed. jasp_493 1513..1535
Buffer-dependent variations in assay of tyrosine aminotransferase holoenzyme.

Abstract Homogenization of rat liver in Hepes (N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-2-ethane-sulfonic acid), MOPS (2-[N-morpholino]ethanesulfonic acid), Na phosphate, Pipes (piperazine-N,N′-bis[2-ethanesulfonic acid]), TEA (triethanolamine), TES (N-tris[hydroxymethyl]-methyl-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), Tricine (N-tris-[hydroxymethyl]methylglycine), or Tris (tris[hydroxymethyl]aminomethane), and subsequent assay for supernatant total and holo tyrosine aminotransferase activity using these buffers yields apparent enzyme concentrations which vary depending upon the buffer composition, the ionic strength, and the fold-dilution of the supernatant. A precipitous decrease in the apparent holoenzyme concentration results from a slight dilution of the supernatant with most of the buffers. Some of the dilution effects may be due to dissociation of pyridoxal phosphate from the apoenzyme or to competition between the buffer and pyridoxal phosphate for association with the enzyme. The percentage of the apparent total enzyme which exists as holoenzyme varies from 3% for supernatant prepared in Na phosphate buffer up to 94% for that prepared in Hepes. Inactivation of total enzyme activity occurs to a similar extent resulting from incubation of liver homogenates prepared with Na phosphate, Hepes, or Pipes. The residual apparent holoenzyme activity observed when assayed in the presence of Na phosphate may be due to reaction of an enzyme other than tyrosine aminotransferase. The data provide a basis for explaining the large variation in reported percentage holoenzyme and should also serve as a warning for other holoenzyme assays which use pyridoxal phosphate as a cofactor.
Antenatal administration of celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, appears to improve placental perfusion in the pregnant rabbit ☆

Abstract To investigate the effects of celecoxib on fetal growth, and placental prostanoid and nitric oxide (NO) production in fetal rabbits, pregnant rabbits received celecoxib (30 mg/kg per day) from 13 to 20 days (Cel-A), from 13 to 28 days (Cel-B), or vehicle from 13 to 28 days gestation. Fetal body and organ weights, and measurements of linear growth were recorded. The placentas were weighed and analyzed for prostaglandins (PGs), NO oxidation products (NOx), and total cellular protein levels. Placental prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) and NOx levels increased ( P ≤0.05), while thromboxane B 2 levels were suppressed ( P ≤0.01) in Cel-B group. Tail length and brain weight were greater, while lung weights were lower in the Cel-B group ( P ≤0.05). Maternal administration of celecoxib appears to preferentially increase placental vasodilators and decrease placental TxA 2 , suggesting that the drug may increase uteroplacental perfusion without adverse fetal outcome.
Intracellular Ca Alternans: Coordinated Regulation by Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Release, Uptake, and Leak

Beat-to-beat alternation in the cardiac intracellular Ca (Cai) transient can drive action potential (AP) duration alternans, creating a highly arrhythmogenic substrate. Although a steep dependence of fractional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca release on SR Ca load has been shown experimentally to promote Cai alternans, theoretical studies predict that other factors are also important. Here we present an iterated map analysis of the coordinated effects of SR Ca release, uptake, and leak on the onset of Cai alternans. Predictions were compared to numerical simulations using a physiologically realistic AP model as well as to AP clamp experiments in isolated patch-clamped rabbit ventricular myocytes exposed to 1), the Ca channel agonist BayK8644 (100 nM) to increase SR Ca load and release fraction, 2), overexpression of an adenoviral SERCA2a construct to increase SR Ca uptake, and 3), low-dose FK506 (20 μM) or ryanodine (1 μM) to increase SR Ca leak. Our findings show that SR Ca release, uptake, and leak all have independent direct effects that promote (release and leak) or suppress (uptake) Cai alternans. However, since each factor affects the other by altering SR Ca load, the net balance of their direct and indirect effects determines whether they promote or suppress alternans. Thus, BayK8644 promotes, whereas Ad-SERCA2a overexpression, ryanodine, and FK506 suppress, Cai alternans under AP clamp conditions.
Satisfied in the Jail? Exploring the Predictors of Job Satisfaction Among Jail Officers

This study investigated the predictors of job satisfaction among 373 jail correctional officers in one state in the Northeast. The research questions were guided by the plethora of literature on th...
Uniform approximation by linear combinations of Bernstein-type polynomials

Abstract Uniform approximation is considered by linear combinations due to May and Rathore of integral modifications of the Bernstein polynomial introduced by Durrmeyer. The order of uniform approximation is obtained in terms of higher-order modulus of continuity of the function being approximated.
A structural assessment of the original and a modified version of the CAD scale

Validation of Cohen's CAD scale was attempted on a sample similar to that used in the scale's original development. Results were not in accord with the underlying theory. This prompted an attempt to refine the CAD instrument by deletion of ineffective items. The revised scale was examined for reliability and validity. Results were sufficiently weak to suggest that marketers should have diminished confidence in applying CAD as a measure of interpersonal orientation and should initiate development of other approaches for personality assessment.
Shear-Induced Increase in Hydraulic Conductivity in Endothelial Cells Is Mediated by a Nitric Oxide–Dependent Mechanism

This study addresses the role of nitric oxide (NO) and its downstream mechanism in mediating the shear-induced increase in hydraulic conductivity (L(p)) of bovine aortic endothelial cell monolayers grown on porous polycarbonate filters. Direct exposure of endothelial monolayers to 20-dyne/cm(2) shear stress induced a 4. 70+/-0.20-fold increase in L(p) at the end of 3 hours. Shear stress (20 dyne/cm(2)) also elicited a multiphasic NO production pattern in which a rapid initial production was followed by a less rapid, sustained production. In the absence of shear stress, an exogenous NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, increased endothelial L(p) 2.23+/-0.14-fold (100 micromol/L) and 4.8+/-0.66-fold (500 micromol/L) at the end of 3 hours. In separate experiments, bovine aortic endothelial cells exposed to NO synthase inhibitors, N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, exhibited significant attenuation of shear-induced increase in L(p) in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of guanylate cyclase (GC) with LY-83,583 (1 micromol/L) or protein kinase G (PKG) with KT5823 (1 micromol/L) failed to attenuate the shear-induced increase in L(p). Furthermore, direct addition of a stable cGMP analogue, 8-bromo-cGMP, had no effect in altering baseline L(p), indicating that the GC/cGMP/PKG pathway is not involved in shear stress-NO-L(p) response. Incubation with iodoacetate (IAA), a putative inhibitor of glycolysis, dose-dependently increased L(p). Addition of IAA at levels that did not affect baseline L(p) greatly potentiated the response of L(p) to 20-dyne/cm(2) shear stress. Finally, both shear stress-induced and IAA-induced increases in L(p) could be reversed with the addition of dibutyryl cAMP. However, additional metabolic inhibitors, 2 deoxyglucose (10 mmol/L) and oligomycin (1 micromol/L), or reactive oxygen species scavengers, deferoxamine (1 mmol/L) and ascorbate (10 mmol/L), failed to alter shear-induced increases in L(p). Our results show that neither the NO/cGMP/PKG pathway nor a metabolic pathway mediates the shear stress-L(p) response. An alternate mechanism downstream from NO that is sensitive to IAA must mediate this response.
Fabrication and characterization of a novel Luggin capillary reference electrode for use in solid state electrolytes

A Luggin type reference electrode was fabricated for use in solid state electrolytes. The method of construction allows placement of the reference tip within a few tens of microns of the working electrode surface. The reference was constructed by embedding a platinum wire, previously coated with insulating alumina, into the solid electrolyte. The references held stable potentials and the response was characterized by both cyclic voltammetry with and without electrolyte resistance compensation and AC impedance. Both techniques gave identical values for the Faradaic and ohmic contributions to the electrode overpotentials. Reference electrodes placed at different locations across the working electrode surface gave different results indicating the electrode activity was not uniform.
The nature of Thelohania solenopsae (Microsporidia) cysts in abdomens of red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta

Sixty four percent of Solenopsis invicta workers infected with Thelohania solenopsis contained 1-6 "cysts" ranging from 70 to 260 microm in diameter. Light and electron microscope analyses showed that cysts are hypertrophied adipocytes transformed by the parasites, each cyst presumably forming from a single cell. In the first step of the pathogenesis, Nosema-like spores functioning in autoinfection are produced; a diplokaryotic sequence leading to their formation causes fat body hypertrophy. When meiosis occurs, it switches parasite development to production of octospores and/or megaspores. Adipocytes become 2-4xlarger than normal in conjunction with intensive parasite multiplication and octospore maturation. Infected cells eventually lose their cellular organization and are converted into reservoirs for spores. There were no manifestations of cellular immunity, such as encapsulation or nodule formation. Similarly, there were no signs of specialized host-parasite interaction that might be interpreted as xenoma-like complexes. The role of the cysts in the parasite's life cycle is unclear. They may represent a defensive reaction of the host sacrificing the infected cells to segregate the infection. Alternatively, the cyst may help protect spores from environmental hazards and provide a concentrated infectious dose to aid horizontal transmission of the microsporidium. We propose to refer to hypertrophied adipocytes filled with T. solenospsae spores as "sporocytosacs", not "cysts."
A Commentary on Adolf Eichmann's Rorschach

A Rorschach was administered to Adolf Eichmann in Jerusalem in 1961 at the time of his trial for war crimes. The recent publication of this protocol offers an opportunity to compare his personal world against opinions formed about him by observers at his trial. Various professionals certified Eichmann as a banal, ordinary man, and a societal theory was proposed about Nazism based in part on impressions of Eichmann as an uncomplicated man. This commentary examines Eichmann's protocol and provides an opinion that in several important respects his record includes features uncharacteristic of an ordinary, banal mind.
Myeloma-derived Dickkopf-1 disrupts Wnt-regulated osteoprotegerin and RANKL production by osteoblasts: a potential mechanism underlying osteolytic bone lesions in multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by osteolytic bone lesions (OBL) that arise as a consequence of osteoblast inactivation and osteoclast activation adjacent to tumor foci within bone. Wnt signaling in osteoblasts regulates osteoclastogenesis through the differential activation and inactivation of Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor Kappa B Ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), positive and negative regulators of osteoclast differentiation, respectively. We demonstrate here that MM cell–derived DKK1, a soluble inhibitor of canonical Wnt signaling, disrupted Wnt3a-regulated OPG and RANKL expression in osteoblasts. Confirmed in multiple independent assays, we show that pretreatment with rDKK1 completely abolished Wnt3a-induced OPG mRNA and protein production by mouse and human osteoblasts. In addition, we show that Wnt3a-induced OPG expression was diminished in osteoblasts cocultured with a DKK1-expressing MM cell line or primary MM cells. Finally, we show that bone marrow sera from 21 MM patients significantly suppressed Wnt3a-induced OPG expression and enhanced RANKL expression in osteoblasts in a DKK1-dependent manner. These results suggest that DKK1 may play a key role in the development of MM-associated OBL by directly interrupting Wnt-regulated differentiation of osteoblasts and indirectly increasing osteoclastogenesis via a DKK1-mediated increase in RANKL-to-OPG ratios.
In vitro developmental toxicity of five direct-acting alkylating agents in rodent embryos: structure-activity patterns.

Five direct-acting alkylating agents were examined qualitatively and quantitatively for their ability to produce developmental toxicity in rodent postimplantation embryos. These agents were structurally related and were capable of donating either a methyl (methylnitrosourea, MNU; methylnitronitrosoguanidine, MNNG; methyl methanesulfonate, MMS) or ethyl (ethylnitrosourea, ENU; ethyl methanesulfonate, EMS) group to nucleophiles. These agents' reactivities were known to differ. In day 10 rat embryos in vitro a single, 2-hour exposure was shown to be sufficient to elicit dose-dependent increases in embryo lethality and malformations. Qualitatively, the patterns of embryo malformations reported in treated embryos paralleled those observed in in vivo studies, especially in regard to adverse effects on central nervous system and craniofacial systems. Quantitatively, the order of potency of these agents in vitro was: MNNG > MNU > ENU > MMS > EMS. In vivo studies reported a different order of potency. In vitro, methylating agents were consistently more potent than ethylating agents. Other chemical properties such as nucleophilic reactivity or half-life under physiological conditions could not explain observed potency relationships. Future investigation of other chemical properties of these agents such as specific alkylation and carbamylation reactivities may expand these intial structure-activity observations.
Transoral robotic surgery for the management of head and neck cancer: a preliminary experience.

Background. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the technical feasibility, safety, and efficacy of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for a variety of malignant head and neck lesions. Methods. From April 2007 to November 2007, 20 patients were enrolled in an institutional review board–approved prospective trial using the daVinci surgical robot. Inclusion criteria for the study consisted of adults with early head and neck cancer involving the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. Results. Twenty patients were included in this study. In 2 cases, access to the tumor was inadequate and the procedure was terminated. In all 18 cases, negative resection margins were achieved. Intraoral reconstruction was performed in 8 patients. Fifteen of 18 patients underwent concomitant unilateral (n = 10) or bilateral (n = 5) selective neck dissections. None of the patients required tracheotomy and there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The average setup time was 54.6 minutes (range, 140–20 minutes), with a precipitous decrease in the setup time as the study progressed. Conclusion. TORS is a safe, feasible, and minimally invasive alternative to classic open surgery or endoscopic transoral laser surgery in patients with early cancer of the head and neck. With increasing experience, surgical setup as well as operative time will continue to decrease. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
An inorganic-organic hybrid composite featuring metal-chalcogenide clusters

The cluster complex, “Re6(μ3-Se)8(PEt3)5(4-vinylpyridine)”(SbF6)2 (1), featuring the face-capped octahedral “Re6(μ3-Se)8”2+ cluster core and site-differentiating triethylphosphine and 4-vinylpyridine ligands has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The complex crystallized in monoclinic space group P21 with a=11.748(1)A, b=15.1212(2)A, c=19.941(2)A, α=90°, β=94.411(3)°, γ=90°, V=3531.8(7)A3, Z=2, R1=0.0531, wR2=0.0774. Copolymerization of styrene with 1 via the polymerizable 4-vinylpyridine ligand afforded a novel inorganic-organic hybrid composite of high molecular weight and a low polydispersity index. Structural integrity of the cluster building block is maintained upon hybrid formation.
Reversible and controllable switching of a single-molecule junction.

This phenomen-on is caused by statisticalfluctuations in the moleculeitself or the molecule–metalcontact. The lack of controlover this type of switchingmakesitessentiallyundesira-ble for any technological ap-plication. Recent experi-ments aiming to identify thefundamental mechanisms re-sponsibleforvoltage-inducedswitching in sandwich struc-tures
Coherent islands and microstructural evolution.

Strained island growth in lattice-mismatched epitaxial systems differs from relaxed island growth. The total elastic energy of a strained island changes its chemical potential and growth rate. This effect is investigated for an ensemble of misfitting coplanar hemispherical caps interacting through surface diffusion alone. A general expression for the growth rate of strained islands is obtained by including elastic energies in the driving force for Ostwald ripening. For the first time, to our knowledge, a coherent-to-incoherent transition is shown to dramatically affect ripening kinetics. Coherent islands are shown to grow more slowly than incoherent islands of the same radius. Consequently, the growth rate of an island accelerates when it dislocates at the coherent-to-incoherent transition in agreement with recent experimental observations.
Medieval Russia, 980-1584

Acknowledgments 1. The Era of Vladimir 1 2. Princes and politics (1015-1125) 3. Kievan Rus' society 4. Kievan Rus': the final century 5. The Golden Horde 6. The Russian lands within the Golden Horde 7. The Daniilovich ascension 8. The unification and centralisation of Muscovy 9. Muscovite domestic consolidation 10. Foreign policy and foreign trade 11. Ivan IV the Terrible 12. Conclusions and controversies Index.
A study of ruthenium in zeolite-Y by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Ruthenium-exchanged NaY zeolites were studied with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in order to determine changes in the location and state of the Ru after subjecting the samples to both oxidizing and reducing environments. When O2 was excluded from the system, ruthenium remained inside the zeolite cavities following reduction in H2 and after the zeolite had catalyzed the methanation reaction. At elevated temperatures, before or after reduction, the presence of O2 resulted in the formation of RuO2 on the external surface of the zeolite. The peak intensity of the Ru 3d52 line increased by more than a factor of five when the ruthenium migrated to the surface. Positive binding energy shifts of approximately 1 eV were detected for small clusters (<10 A) of reduced ruthenium when compared with larger metal particles within the zoelite or on its external surface.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-induced Toxic Liver Injury Results from JNK2-dependent Activation of Caspase-8 and the Mitochondrial Death Pathway

In vitro studies of hepatocytes have implicated over-activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling as a mechanism of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF)-induced apoptosis. However, the functional significance of JNK activation and the role of specific JNK isoforms in TNF-induced hepatic apoptosis in vivo remain unclear. JNK1 and JNK2 function was, therefore, investigated in the TNF-dependent, galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS) model of liver injury. The toxin GalN converted LPS-induced JNK signaling from a transient to prolonged activation. Liver injury and mortality from GalN/LPS was equivalent in wild-type and jnk1–/– mice but markedly decreased in jnk2–/– mice. This effect was not secondary to down-regulation of TNF receptor 1 expression or TNF production. In the absence of jnk2, the caspase-dependent, TNF death pathway was blocked, as reflected by the failure of caspase-3 and -7 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage to occur. JNK2 was critical for activation of the mitochondrial death pathway, as in jnk2–/– mice Bid cleavage and mitochondrial translocation and cytochrome c release were markedly decreased. This effect was secondary to the failure of jnk2–/– mice to activate caspase-8. Liver injury and caspase activation were similarly decreased in jnk2 null mice after GalN/TNF treatment. Ablation of jnk2 did not inhibit GalN/LPS-induced c-Jun kinase activity, although activity was completely blocked in jnk1–/– mice. Toxic liver injury is, therefore, associated with JNK over-activation and mediated by JNK2 promotion of caspase-8 activation and the TNF mitochondrial death pathway through a mechanism independent of c-Jun kinase activity.
On the uniqueness of singular solutions to boundary-initial value problems in linear elastodynamics

This investigation deals with certain generalizations of the classical uniqueness theorem for the second boundary-initial value problem in the linearized dynamical theory of not necessarily homogeneous nor isotropic elastic solids. First, the regularity assumptions underlying the foregoing theorem are relaxed by admitting stress fields with suitably restricted finite jump discontinuities. Such singularities are familiar from known solutions to dynamical elasticity problems involving discontinuous surface tractions or non-matching boundary and initial conditions. The proof of the appropriate uniqueness theorem given here rests on a generalization of the usual energy identity to the class of singular elastodynamic fields under consideration. Following this extension of the conventional uniqueness theorem, we turn to a further relaxation of the customary smoothness hypotheses and allow the displacement field to be differentiable merely in a generalized sense, thereby admitting stress fields with square-integrable unbounded local singularities, such as those encountered in the presence of focusing of elastic waves. A statement of the traction problem applicable in these pathological circumstances necessitates the introduction of "weak solutions'' to the field equations that are accompanied by correspondingly weakened boundary and initial conditions. A uniqueness theorem pertaining to this weak formulation is then proved through an adaptation of an argument used by O. Ladyzhenskaya in connection with the first boundary-initial value problem for a second-order hyperbolic equation in a single dependent variable. Moreover, the second uniqueness theorem thus obtained contains, as a special case, a slight modification of the previously established uniqueness theorem covering solutions that exhibit only finite stress-discontinuities.
ADENOSINETRIPHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY OF AVIAN TUMOURS STUDIED BY ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

The cortex of the thymus of leukemic chickens diseased with the BAI strain A tumour virus responds to the infection by a strong adenosinetriphosphatase activity and by a progressive replacement of the normal lymphoid cells by a new population of blast-like elements (de The, et al.). Electron microscopic studies of this ATPase activity were made on tissue fixed overnight in formol calcium (Baker, 1946) or formol phosphate (Lillie, 1954). Frozen 40 μ sections (Holt & Hicks, 1961) were incubated 4 min at room temperature in the Wachstein and Meisel medium (Wachstein & Meisel, 1957) and processed for electron microscopy. Positive reaction was found at the cytoplasmic membrane of the blast-like cells, and no reaction occurred in association with lymphoid cells of the morphology of those of the normal cortex. Lead phosphate precipitate also occurred about virus particles (de The, et al., 1962; Novikoff, et al.) in the intercellular spaces indicating the usual ATPase activity of the agent (Beard, 1962) in this situation. Studies were made in the same way on the nephroblastoma (Heine, et al., 1962) arising in birds inoculated with BAI strain A virus and not dying of leukemia. After incubation for 10 to 50 min at 37°C in the ATPase medium, the different components of the tumour, namely, nephronic structures, sarcomatous elements and cartilage as well as the virus formed in these different components gave varied results.
Cognitive Technology for improving Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Coexistence

Cognitive radio technology enables the opportunistic operation of secondary devices in frequency bands allocated to primary users. In this paper we explore how this technology can enable ultra-wideband (UWB) systems to coexist with primary users. The distinguishing aspect of cognitive radio technology is the ability to detect and avoid primary users. We discuss two options for detecting the presence of primary devices - energy detection and preamble detection. The presence of multiple UWB devices can aid detection by enabling cooperative sensing of the primary. We analyze various techniques for cooperative sensing which differ in the amount of information they need to exchange between radios and the regime in which they are potentially advantageous. Furthermore, the wideband aspect of UWB offers many challenges to detection but also facilitates the detection process in several ways. These distinguishing aspects of wideband detection are also highlighted in this paper.
ir surface-plasmon attenuation coefficients for Ge-coated Ag and Au metals

The surface-plasmon attenuation coefficients have been measured for bare and coated Ag and Au metals in the 10-\ensuremath{\mu}m wavelength region. For the bare metal agreement is obtained with the Drude model predictions. Next the surface-plasmon propagation characteristics of these same films are studied as a function of Ge overcoating thickness. The predicted linear dependence of the attenuation coefficients with Ge thickness is observed but the measured slopes, which are directly related to the plasma frequency of the metals, are almost a factor of 2 larger than theory can predict. This discrepancy does not appear to be caused by absorption in the Ge, interface states, surface roughness, anomalous skin effect, or transverse zero sound.
Context and Learning in Novelty Detection

We demonstrate the value of using context in a new-information detection system that achieved the highest precision scores at the Text Retrieval Conference's Novelty Track in 2004. In order to determine whether information within a sentence has been seen in material read previously, our system integrates information about the context of the sentence with novel words and named entities within the sentence, and uses a specialized learning algorithm to tune the system parameters.
Very high power-added efficiency and low-noise 0.15- mu m gate-length pseudomorphic HEMTs

0.15- mu m-gate-length double-heterojunction pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) for which excellent millimeter-wave power and noise performance were achieved simultaneously are reported. The 50- mu m-wide HEMTs yielded record maximum power-added efficiencies of 51, 41, and 23% at 35, 60, and 94 GHz, respectively. Maximum output powers of 139 mW at 60 GHz and 57 mW at 94 GHz were also measured for 150- mu m-gate-width devices. Finally, minimum noise figures as low as 0.55 and 1.8 dB were measured at 18 and 60 GHz respectively. This is the best power and noise performance yet reported for passivated transistors at millimeter-wave frequencies. >
Anomalous pp¯collider events: A signature of a new strong interaction

Abstract A model is presented which, by the introduction of a new strong interaction, provides an explanation for the anomalous events recently observed at the CERN pp¯collider.
Ant community change across a ground vegetation gradient in north Florida's longleaf pine flatwoods

Ant communities in longleaf pine habitats are poorly known and hence the naturally occurring ant assemblages of a large portion of southeastern North America are not well understood. This study examined the diverse ant community found in the longleaf pine flatwoods of north Florida and tested how ant diversity changes along a herbaceous ground cover gradient. Restoring the ground cover to its original floral composition is an important focus of longleaf pine conservation and hence it is important to understand how native faunal communities vary with ground cover variation. Using 4 sampling methods, we characterized the ant community and analyzed its within-habitat variation among 12 study sites. We found the highest plot species richness (55 species) and within-habitat species richness (72 species) ever recorded for North American ants. The ants formed three distinct communities. The low-diversity arboreal and subterranean assemblages varied little across forest stands while the diversity of the species-rich ground foraging ant community was negatively correlated with percent herbaceous cover. The imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (monogyne form), was unexpectedly found to be abundant in high herbaceous cover sites. Floral restoration of the pine flatwoods, which is increasing the proportion of herbaceous cover, is likely to cause an increase in the abundance of the imported fire ant.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder after traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury ( TBI) neuropsychiatric sequelae are a significant cause of morbidity in TBI victims. Among the recognized sequelae are anxiety, obsessions, compulsions and obsessive-compuls...
Building a Clear Strategy for Legal Education Reform: How an Exclusive Focus on Substance Undermines Systemic Change

Legal education reform efforts have persisted for over one hundred years, supported by substantive expertise, empirical data, cutting-edge curricula, and effective pedagogy. But today, the normative face of legal education remains essentially unchanged. If the substance behind legal education reform is valid, then what is the problem? This article examines the stasis of legal education through the lens of historical reform efforts, political science, and contemporary organizational change theory. The author argues that legal education reform efforts are marginalized and have limited normative impact because reformers underestimate the strategic demands of systemic change. As a result, reformers have yet to build a coherent, collective strategy for the transformation of legal education. The author contends that reformers must shift from an exclusive focus on the substance of legal education reform to adopt a new focus on strategy. Finally, the author offers some starting points on how to begin a new strategic discussion on the transformation of legal education.
Chemical composition and digestion in vitro of orchardgrass hay ammoniated by different techniques

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to assess how various treatment conditions affect the quality of ammoniated orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata L.) hay. In the first, ammonia was applied at a rate of 36 g kg −1 dry weight (DW) either in anhydrous or aqueous form to a mature orchardgrass hay that had been reconstituted to 150 or 300 g water kg −1 wet weight (WW). The hay was treated in 2-1 glass containers that were either enclosed, or open at the top to allow gaseous exchange with the atmosphere. Increases in total nitrogen (N) and non-exchangeable N (NEN) were greatest for the higher moisture hay treated in closed containers. Ammonia treatment under these conditions increased total N and NEN by 19.4 and 11.1 g kg −1 DW, respectively, for hay treated with anhydrous NH 3 , and 17.4 and 9.2 g kg −1 DW, respectively, for hay treated with aqueous NH 3 . Concentrations of free NH 3 in the containers decreased exponentially with respect to time during the week following treatment and were lower for hay treated in open containers. For hay treated with anhydrous NH 3 in closed containers, free NH 3 concentrations were lower for high-moisture hay throughout the measurement period, indicating the importance of moisture for NH 3 absorption by hay. Increases in the digestibility in vitro of dry matter and fibre constituents were greatest for high-moisture hay treated in closed containers. Average increases in the digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), hemicellulose and cellulose were 182, 244, 198 and 230 g kg −1 DW, respectively, for hay treated under these conditions. There were no differences in digestibility due to the form in which ammonia was applied. In the second experiment, anhydrous NH 3 was applied to orchardgrass hay from the same lot as that used in Exp. 1 at rates of 18, 36, 72, 108 and 144 g kg −1 DW in either enclosed or open ammoniation containers. The moisture concentration of this hay was 200 g kg −1 WW. Increases in total N and NEN occurred nonlinearly with respect to treatment rate with the largest increases occuring for hay treated in closed containers. Maximum increases in total N and NEN in the closed system were 17.2 and 15.1 g kg −1 DW, respectively, as compared to 11.2 and 9.1 g kg −1 DW in the open system, respectively. Increases in the digestibility in vitro of NDF were nonlinear and largest for hay treated in closed containers. Ammoniation of hay in closed containers at 18, 36, 72, 108 and 144 g kg −1 DW increased NDF digestibility by 111, 204, 214, 204 and 212 g kg −1 DW, respectively.