cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Observational Study Evaluating the Introduction of a Prolonged-Release Protein Substitute to the Dietary Management of Children with Phenylketonuria.

Dietary restriction of phenylalanine combined with a protein substitute prevents intellectual disability in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). However, current protein substitutes are associated with low adherence owing to unpalatability and burdensome administration regimens. This prospective, observational acceptability study in children with PKU assessed the use of a prolonged-release protein substitute designed with an ethyl cellulose and arginate coating masking the bitter taste, smell and reducing the osmolarity of free amino acids. The study product was mixed with the subject’s food or drink and replaced ≥1 dose per day of the subject’s usual protein substitute for 7 days. Seven of 13 subjects were able to take their prescribed dose over the 7 day period. Most subjects mixed the test protein substitute with food or fruit juice. Reduced blood phenylalanine levels (n = 5) and improved phenylalanine/tyrosine ratio (n = 4) were recorded from baseline to Day 7, respectively. Four subjects reported fewer gastrointestinal symptoms compared to baseline. There were no cases of diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, nausea or vomiting. No adverse reactions were reported. In conclusion, the novel prolonged-release protein substitute was taken in a different way to a typical protein substitute and enabled satisfactory blood phenylalanine control. The study product was well tolerated; subjects experienced fewer gastrointestinal symptoms than with their previous treatment. Although the results of this pilot study provide reassuring data, longer-term studies evaluating adherence and blood phenylalanine control are necessary.
Employing Weibull Analysis and Weakest Link Theory to Resolve Crystalline Silicon PV Cell Strength Between Bare Cells and Reduced- and Full-Sized Modules

Weibull analysis and weakest link theory are employed to resolve the probability of crystalline silicon PV cell fracture when measured as bare cells and when stressed in reduced- and full-sized modules. Experimental results indicated that the characteristic cell strength is reduced by ∼20% once packaged into the laminate of a one-cell module and loaded in four-point flexure (4PF). This experimental observation was shown consistent with a weakest link theory prediction that the strength limiting flaws reside on the surface of the cell's edge. The analysis is ultimately extended to present the equivalent loading of four-cell modules by uniform pressure and 4PF and a uniformly loaded full-sized module and demonstrates that smaller, representative, modules must be loaded to a much higher level than their parent full-sized modules to achieve an equivalent probability for cell fracture.
Clinical Presentation, Management, and Outcomes of Patients With Brain Abscess due to Nocardia Species.

Background Nocardial brain abscesses are rare, and published literature describing brain abscesses due to Nocardia species is limited to individual case reports or small series. We report one of the largest contemporary retrospective studies describing risk factors, diagnostic evaluation, management, and outcomes of nocardial brain abscess. Methods Retrospective review of all adults with brain abscess due to culture-confirmed Nocardia species at our institution between January 1, 2009, and June 30, 2020. Results Overall, 24 patients had nocardial brain abscesses during the study period. The median age at presentation was 64 years, and 62.5% were immunocompromised. Pulmonary and cutaneous infections were the most common primary sites of nocardial infection. All 24 patients had magnetic resonance imaging performed, and the frontal lobe was the most commonly involved. The most common organism isolated was Nocardia farcinica, followed by Nocardia wallacei and Nocardia cyriacigeorgica. Thirteen patients were managed with antimicrobial therapy alone, while 11 had both medical and surgical management. In all patients, dual therapy was recommended for the initial 6 weeks of treatment, and 22 patients received at least 1 oral agent as part of their final antibiotic regimen, predominantly trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and linezolid. Fourteen patients achieved complete clinical and radiographic resolution of infection. Conclusions Nocardia is an important cause of brain abscess in the immunocompromised host. Early diagnostic and therapeutic aspiration may help health care providers confirm the diagnosis, choose an appropriate antimicrobial regimen, and achieve source control.
Learning in virtual student teams: an examination of shared leadership

This study explores the factors that contribute to shared leadership and its association with knowledge acquisition in virtual teams. Through the proposed multilevel model, we examined team empower...
Research in second language processing and parsing

1. Preface 2. Part I. Introduction 3. Second language processing and parsing: The issues (by VanPatten, Bill) 4. Part II. Relative clauses and wh-movement 5. Relative clause attachment preferences of Turkish L2 speakers of English: Shallow parsing in the L2? (by Dinctopal-Deniz, Nazik) 6. Evidence of syntactic constraints in the processing of wh-movement: A study of Najdi Arabic learners of English (by Aldwayan, Saad) 7. Constraints on L2 learners' processing of wh-dependencies: Evidence from eye movements (by Cunnings, Ian) 8. Part III. Gender and number 9. The effects of linear distance and working memory on the processing of gender agreement in Spanish (by Keating, Gregory D.) 10. Feature assembly in early stages of L2 acquisition: Processing evidence from L2 French (by Renaud, Claire) 11. Part IV. Subjects and objects 12. Second language processing in Japanese scrambled sentences (by Mitsugi, Sanako) 13. Second language gap processing of Japanese scrambling under a Simpler Syntax account (by Hara, Masahiro) 14. The processing of subject-object ambiguities by English and Dutch L2 learners of German (by Jackson, Carrie N.) 15. Connections between processing, production and placement: Acquiring object pronouns in spanish as a second language (by Malovrh, Paul A.) 16. Part V. Phonology and lexicon 17. The exploitation of fine phonetic detail in the processing of L2 French (by Shoemaker, Ellenor M.) 18. Translation ambiguity: Consequences for learning and processing (by Tokowicz, Natasha) 19. Part VI. Prosody and context 20. Reading aloud in two languages: The interplay of syntax and prosody (by Fernandez, Eva M.) 21. Near-nativelike processing of contrastive focus in L2 French (by Reichle, Robert) 22. Author index 23. Subject index
Gentianales (Coffees, Dogbanes, Gentians and Milkweeds)

The angiosperm order Gentianales (subclass Asteridae) comprises five plant families: Apocynaceae (including Asclepiadaceae), Gelsemiaceae, Gentianaceae, Loganiaceae and Rubiaceae (Table 1). The families are distributed worldwide in most climates, but are most abundant in the tropics. They can be large trees, shrubs, herbs or small saprophytes. They are characterized by opposite, simple leaves usually with interpetiolar structures (stipules, lines or ridges, Figure 1). Colleters are often present at the base of the leaves or inside the calyx (Figure 2). They have showy flowers usually with 4–5 calyx and corolla lobes, and 4–5 stamens attached inside the corolla (Figure 3). Some typical phytochemicals are caffeine, toxic indole alkaloids and cardiac glycosides (e.g. strychnine, vincristine), and bitter tasting secoiridoids.
Multiobjective Power Plant Siting Methods

The assumptions of three commonly applied siting methods are examined, and prescriptions for proper use given. Exclusionary screening presumes that exclusion criteria cannot be violated. Weighting summation, in contrast, allows tradeoffs to be made. Weight setting should be done carefully, however. Decision analysis considers attitudes towards risk, although probability distributions for siting attributes are rarely specified. Exclusionary screening and Weighting summation choose different candidate areas for nuclear plants in two studies. Two weighting techniques also select different locations. One of the techniques, indifference tradeoff, guarantees valid weights, while the other, rating, does not. Site evaluations by decision analysis and weighting summation generally resemble each other closely, although in one study, the methods pick different sites as best.
Current or recent pregnancy is associated with adverse pathologic features but not impaired survival in early breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) may be defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or within 1 year of giving birth. Conflicting data exist regarding the impact of pregnancy on clinical features and prognosis of breast cancer. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective chart review was performed of 99 patients identified with PABC between 1992 and 2007. Non-PABC controls were matched 2:1 to PABC cases by year of diagnosis and age. The differences in clinical features were compared between cases and controls using chi-square tests. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the effect of PABC on survival. RESULTS: Of the 99 PABC cases, breast cancer was diagnosed during pregnancy in 36 patients, and after delivery in 63. PABC cases were more likely than controls to be negative for estrogen receptor (59% vs 31%, P < .0001) and negative for progesterone receptor (72% vs 40%, P < .0001). Cases were also more likely to have advanced T class (P = .0271) and N class (P = .0104) and higher grade tumors (P = .0115). With a median follow-up of 6.3 years for cases and 4.7 years for controls, overall survival did not differ between cases and controls (P = .0787). On multivariate analysis, the independent prognostic factors for overall survival were estrogen receptor status (P = .0031) and N class (P = .0003). The diagnosis of PABC was not an independent prognostic factor (P = .1317). CONCLUSIONS: PABC is associated with more adverse tumor features than non-PABC matched for age and year of diagnosis. After correcting for pathologic features, the diagnosis of PABC is not in itself an adverse prognostic factor for survival. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Abstract 14: Nucleolin phosphorylation by CK2 is important for its role in regulating apoptosis

Nucleolar phosphoprotein nucleolin integrates critical cellular processes including gene expression, ribosome biogenesis, proliferation and the cellular response to stress. Elevated levels of nucleolin are found in a variety of tumors. Nucleolin has distinct mechanisms in p53 regulation to influence cell survival: In “normal unstressed” cells (with hyper-proliferative signals but no obvious DNA damage), nucleolin stabilizes p53 and induces apoptosis. Under DNA-damage however, nucleolin can cause translational repression. The translational repression is overcome upon DNA damage in part, possibly due to nucleolin translocation to the nucleoplasm, altered interactions with ribosomal protein, RPL26 and/or p53-antagonist, HDM2. In contrast, nucleolin binding to AU rich elements (AREs) of anti-apoptotic BCL2-mRNA stabilizes BCL2, leading to cell survival. Importantly, increased nucleolin phosphorylation by the interphase kinase CK2 is finely regulated in exponentially dividing cells; however, role of nucleolin phosphorylation remains largely unexplored in cell survival. We recently demonstrated that phosphorylation deficient nucleolin mutant confers dominant negative effect on cell proliferation. In this study, we dissect the role of nucleolin phosphorylation in regulating p53-signaling pathway. Our pathway specific qRT-PCR-array analyses indicate that expression of phosphorylation-deficient nucleolin mutant resulted in an increased gene expression in the apoptosis, DNA damage and repair pathways that are downstream to p53 activation. We further elucidate that targeting nucleolin phosphorylation by CK2 initiates an increased expression of BH3-only proteins: p53-transcriptional targets e.g. BID and PUMA. Interestingly, an increased expression of BIM, a p53-independent target that is required during DNA damage induced cell death is evident with NCL expression regardless of its phosphorylation status. This is the first step in understanding nucleolin-phosphorylation mediated regulation of gene expression in the p53-pathway to control cell proliferation. This information will be useful in identifying new targets that can be either directly (via RNA binding) or indirectly (through other proteins or gene expression) regulated by nucleolin phosphorylation. Citation Format: Esther Akinwunmi, Shu Xiao, Yuqi Guo, Xin Li, Anjana D. Saxena. Nucleolin phosphorylation by CK2 is important for its role in regulating apoptosis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 14. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-14
Accounting for counting: A unified semantics for measure terms and classifiers ∗

This paper develops and extends the semantic account of morphological number marking in the presence of numerals from Scontras (2013). The account handles variation in patterns of number marking along two dimensions: cross-linguistically, between languages that either necessitate or prohibit singular morphology in the presence of numerals greater than ‘one’, and within one and the same language: English. The proposed semantics accounts for both sorts of variation by assuming flexibility in the selection of the measure relevant to the one-ness presupposition of the morphological singular form. The system also provides an explanation for the Slobin-Greenberg-Sanches Generalization, which states that no classifier language has obligatory number marking: by aligning the semantics of counting in both number marking and classifier languages, and by assuming that nouns in classifier languages denote kinds, the semantic contribution of number marking is necessarily redundant in classifier languages. A system of obligatory number marking only surfaces in languages where it delivers otherwise unrecoverable information about the number of intended referents.
Designing adaptive equalizers based on the constant modulus error criterion

This paper presents two new design techniques for adaptive equalizers based on a constant modulus error criterion: (1) the fast quasi-Newton CMA and (2) the conjugate gradient CMA. The algorithms for these new equalization techniques are summarized and their performance is demonstrated through computer simulation.
Investigation of miRNA Biology by Bioinformatic Tools and Impact of miRNAs in Colorectal Cancer—Regulatory Relationship of c-Myc and p53 with miRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that mediate gene expression at the posttranscriptional and translational levels and have been demonstrated to be involved in diverse biological functions. Mounting evidence in recent years has shown that miRNAs play key roles in tumorigenesis due to abnormal expression of and mutations in miRNAs. High throughput miRNA expression profiling of several major tumor types has identified miRNAs associated with clinical diagnosis and prognosis of cancer treatment. Previously our group has discovered a novel regulatory relationship between tumor suppressor gene p53 with miRNAs expression and a number of miRNA promoters contain putative p53 binding sites. In addition, others have reported that c-myc can mediate a large number of miRNAs expression. In this review, we will emphasize algorithms to identify mRNA targets of miRNAs and the roles of miRNAs in colorectal cancer. In particular, we will discuss a novel regulatory relationship of miRNAs with tumor suppressor p53 and c-myc. miRNAs are becoming promising novel targets and biomarkers for future cancer therapeutic development and clinical molecular diagnosis.
Effects of Thyroid Hormone Deficiency on Cyclic Adenosine 3' : 5'-Monophosphate and Control of Lipolysis in Fat Cells

Isolated fat cells from hypothyroid rats, in contrast with those from normal animals, lack ability to give a lipolytic response to epinephrine or glucagon. However, activation of triglyceride lipolysis was induced with (N6,O2′-dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3′ : 5′-monophosphate), or a combination of epinephrine and phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Adenylyl cyclase was activated by catecholamines or glucagon in membrane ghosts prepared from fat cells obtained from hypothyroid rats. The characteristics of the enzyme, and its activation by hormones and fluoride were similar to those observed in fat cell membrane ghosts from normal animals. Thus, adenylyl cyclase appears to be functional in the hypothyroid state, although lipolysis is blocked. Whole fat cells were incubated in the presence and absence of epinephrine or theophylline, and accumulation of cyclic AMP over 10 min was measured. Basal, unstimulated levels were found to be similar in cells from normal and hypothyroid animals. In the presence of theophylline alone, similar levels of cyclic AMP were again observed. An increase in cyclic AMP accumulation in response to epinephrine stimulation, however, was not obtained in cells from hypothyroid rats except in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activities were fractionated by discontinuous sucrose gradient centrifugation. The soluble, low affinity form of phosphodiesterase activity did not differ in the normal and hypothyroid states. The particulate, high affinity forms of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity were elevated in fat cells from hypothyroid rats. Thyroid hormones may thus exert a modulating effect on cyclic AMP-mediated responses by regulating the activity of a membrane associated, high affinity, cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase.
The Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002: A Potemkin Village

Due to the daunting possibilities of cyberwarfare, and the ease with which cyberattacks may be conducted, the United Nations has warned that the next world war could be initiated through worldwide cyberattacks between countries. In response to the growing threat of cyberwarfare and the increasing importance of information security, Congress passed the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA). FISMA recognizes the importance of information security to the national economic and security interests of the United States. However, this Note argues that FISMA has failed to significantly bolster information security, primarily because FISMA treats information security as a technological problem and not an economic problem. This Note analyzes existing proposals to incentivize heightened software quality assurance, and proposes a new solution designed to strengthen federal information security in light of the failings of FISMA and the trappings of Congress’s 2001 amendment to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
Complementary Proteomic Analysis of Protein Complexes

Proteomic characterization of protein complexes leverages the versatile platform of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to elucidate molecular and cellular signaling processes underlying the dynamic regulation of macromolecular assemblies. Here, we describe a complementary proteomic approach optimized for immunoisolated protein complexes. As the relative complexity, abundance, and physiochemical properties of proteins can vary significantly between samples, we have provided (1) complementary sample preparation workflows, (2) detailed steps for HPLC and mass spectrometric method development, and (3) a bioinformatic workflow that provides confident peptide/protein identification paired with unbiased functional gene ontology analysis. This protocol can also be extended for characterization of larger complexity samples from whole cell or tissue Xenopus proteomes.
Disclosure Quality, Institutional Investors, and Stock Return Volatility

This paper investigates whether the quality of a firm's disclosure practices affects the composition of a firm's institutional investor base and whether this association has implications for a firm's stock return volatility. The findings indicate that firms with higher disclosure quality, as measured by AIMR rankings, have greater institutional ownership, but the particular types of institutional investors that are attracted to disclosure quality tend to have no net impact on firms' stock return volatility. In contrast, improvements in disclosure quality are shown to produce contemporaneous increases in ownership primarily by transient-type institutions. Such institutions can be characterized as having a short-term investment focus along with a propensity to trade aggressively. The findings indicate that firms with disclosure quality improvements resulting in higher transient institutional investor ownership experience subsequent increases in stock return volatility.
11 Reaction mechanisms

This review places an emphasis on papers reporting polar reaction mechanisms in 2004, predominantly in aqueous solution, where substantial new mechanistic knowledge is presented. Theoretical studies are not generally considered to be within the scope of this review.
From Research to Reality: Use of literacy-based targets in Speech-Language Therapy and Special Education Classrooms

Children with language impairment (LI) are at substantial risk for short and long term delays in reading development. This fact is neither surprising nor new information, as language and literacy skills have been shown to be highly correlated. Empirical evidence suggests that literacy interventions are effective in boosting the reading outcomes of children with LI; however, research into business-as-usual practices in the public schools suggests that children with LI receive very little time devoted to literacy-based instruction, including speech-therapy and special education classrooms. This article discusses the connection between oral language and literacy for children with LI, federal mandates that guide intervention, and current research regarding provision of literacy intervention for children with LI.
Modeling and characterization of spectral hole burning in EDFAs

Theoretical and numerical models of spectral hole burning in EDFA are developed. Spectral hole burning experiments are conducted to verify the dominant mechanism and the models. New characterization technique is suggested and demonstrated.
Eight 1,4-naphthoquinones from Juglans

Abstract Eight volatile 1,4-naphthoquinones from acetone extracts of unripe black walnut (Juglans nigra) and English walnut (Juglans regia) fruit were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry assisted by 1H NMR. Compounds not previously reported in walnut are 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, 2,3-dihydro-5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthalenedione (β-hydroplumbagin), 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (plumbagin), 5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone and 2,3-dimethyl-5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. The latter two compounds are here first reported as natural products.
Enzymes immobilized on inorganic supports

Enzymes immobilized on inorganic supports by covalent attachment show unique characteristics with regard to pH optimum, thermal profile and kinetics. Covalent attachment of enzymes requires that the support first be treated with a silane coupling agent whereby organic functional groups can be covalently attached to the support. Following this the enzyme may be covalently coupled to the now available organic functional groups on the support.
Beyond austerity and stimulus: democratizing capital acquisition with the earnings of capital as a means to sustainable growth

To enhance (1) the earnings of poor and middle-class people and (2) sustainable growth, this article recommends broadening competitive market opportunities to acquire capital with the earnings of capital. The prospect of more broadly distributed capital earnings in future years provides incentives to profitably employ more labor and capital in earlier years. Without redistribution, modest changes in the system of corporate finance will enable market participants to price the value of more broadly distributed capital acquisition and thereby provide market incentives to produce (1) enhanced earnings for poor and middle-class people, (2) enhanced corporate profits and growth, (3) reduced need for welfare dependence, government spending, borrowing, and taxes, and (4) enhanced sovereign creditworthiness. The approach advanced in this article rests on a theory of fuller employment that operates in the long run as well as the short run. It is somewhat similar to Keynesian theory and yet also distinct and complem...
Distribution of stereoanomalies in the general population

Large proportions of the general population have frequently been reported to be stereoscopically anomalous. However, when we tested a large sample (103 subjects), we found all (with the exception of three truly stereoblind observers) to be able to initially detect depth in Julesz random dot stereograms within 2 min. Some subjects, however, were not able to detect depth when retested immediately with reversed disparity, but half of those were able to see depth on retesting a few days later. We conclude that stereoanomalies are much rarer than has previously been suggested and that any putative one-way (i.e., restricted to crossed or uncrossed disparity) deficiencies are actually due to strategy or sequence effects rather than to neural deficiencies.
Evaluation of electrochemical hydride generation for the determination of arsenic and selenium in sea water by graphite furnace atomic absorption with in situ concentration

Abstract A continuous flow electrochemical hydride generation technique coupled with in situ concentration in a graphite furnace has been developed for determination of As and Se in seawater. Lead is used as cathode material for the production of arsine and hydrogen selenide. The efficiency of generation of arsine from As(III) is 86 ± 6%, that from As(V) ranges from 73% to 86%. The efficiency of generation of hydrogen selenide from Se(IV) is 60 ± 5% and from Se(VI) is 30 ± 5%. The hydrides are trapped in an iridium-palladium coated graphite furnace prior to atomization. Absolute detection limits and concentration detection limits of 84 pg (3 s blank ) and 84 pg ml −1 for determination of As using 1 ml sample volume and 75 pg (3 s blank ) and 7.5 pg ml −1 for determination of Se using 10 ml sample volumes are obtained, respectively. The precision of replicate measurement for the analysis of reference materials at the 1.3 μg l −1 level for As(III) (0.8 ng absolute mass level) and at the 0.042 μg l −1 level for Se(IV) (0.42 ng absolute mass level) is better than 4% and 23% (relative standard deviation, RSD), respectively. The RSD values quoted above for Se include errors introduced by the sample preparation procedure.
The production of ∑±'s in e+e− annihilations☆

We find an increase in ∑± production between Ecm = 4 and 7 GeV which is consistent with charmed baryon production models. A search for the decay ∧c−→∑±π±π− yields no significant peaks.
Novel Compressive Mica Seals with Metallic Interlayers for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications

A novel hybrid compressive mica seal was developed that showed an exceptionally low leak rate of ~8.9x10-4 sccm/cm at 800 degrees C and a compressive stress of 100 psi, about 740 times lower than that of the conventional compressive mica seals (6.6x10-1 sccm/cm), at a pressure gradient of 2 psi. The hybrid compressive mica seals are composed of two compliant metallic layers and a mica layer. Three commercially available micas were tested in this study. All showed substantial improvements in reducing the leak rates by using the hybrid design. The best results were obtained using Muscovite single crystal mica and 5 mil silver layers. Using the paper-form of Muscovite and Phlogopite mica, the leak rates were still far superior (~1x10-1 sccm/cm) compared to mica without the compliant silver layer (about 6~9 sccm/cm). The microstructure of the mica was examined before and after the 800 degrees C leak tests. These results were also compared with results for hybrid seals using glass interlayers. In addition, an explanation for the substantial reduction of the leak rates was proposed, and the application of the hybrid compressive mica seals in planar SOFC stacks was briefly addressed.
Childhood Trichotillomania: Clinical Phenomenology, Comorbidity, and Family Genetics

ABSTRACT Objective DSM-IV defines trichotillomania as an impulse disorder with rising tension followed by relief or gratification. Alternative formulations view trichotillomania as an internalizing disorder or variant of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This study addresses this controversy by examining the phenomenology, comorbidity, and family genetics of childhood trichotillomania. Method Fifteen chronic hair-pullers (13 girls), aged 9 through 17 years (mean 12.3 ± 2.3 years), were systematically assessed. Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) profiles of the hair-pulling girls were compared with those of 37 girls from a general child psychiatry clinic and of 15 girls with OCD. Results All the hair-pullers had impairing cosmetic disfigurement; however, 4 subjects (26.7%) denied rising tension or relief. All three groups had comparable global CBCL problem scores. The CBCL symptom profile of the hair-pulling group differed significantly from that of the general clinic group but strongly resembled that of the OCD group. The hair-pulling group, however, had few obsessions or compulsions aside from hair-pulling; two (13%) subjects met criteria for OCD. As a group, hair-pulling subjects had substantial comorbid psychopathology, and a parental history of tics, habits, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms was common. Conclusion These findings lend only partial support to the notion of trichotillomania as an OCD-spectrum disorder. Rising tension followed by relief or gratification may not be an appropriate diagnostic criterion for trichotillomania.
Classification of mathematics deficiency using shape and scale analysis of 3D brain structures

We investigate the use of a recent technique for shape analysis of brain substructures in identifying learning disabilities in third-grade children. This Riemannian technique provides a quantification of differences in shapes of parameterized surfaces, using a distance that is invariant to rigid motions and re-parameterizations. Additionally, it provides an optimal registration across surfaces for improved matching and comparisons. We utilize an efficient gradient based method to obtain the optimal re-parameterizations of surfaces. In this study we consider 20 different substructures in the human brain and correlate the differences in their shapes with abnormalities manifested in deficiency of mathematical skills in 106 subjects. The selection of these structures is motivated in part by the past links between their shapes and cognitive skills, albeit in broader contexts. We have studied the use of both individual substructures and multiple structures jointly for disease classification. Using a leave-one-out nearest neighbor classifier, we obtained a 62.3% classification rate based on the shape of the left hippocampus. The use of multiple structures resulted in an improved classification rate of 71.4%.
The pain behavior scale: Modification and validation for outpatient use

The present study investigated the validity of an inpatient pain behavior rating scale modified for outpatient use. A series of 43 consecutive outpatients referred for evaluation of chronic pain was examined using the Pain Behavior Scale (PBS) and other psychometric instruments. Analyses revealed significantly higher Pain Behavior Scale scores for low back and multiple pain-site groups. The results also indicated a high degree of internal consistency of the scale. A multiple regression analysis, predicting observed pain behavior from reported pain behavior, indicated that decreased activity accounted for 32% of the variance in the PBS score. A similar regression for pain experience found that the pain level and the sensory scale score on the McGill Pain Questionnaire accounted for 39% of the PBS variance. Psychological characteristics including disease conviction, self-control, depression, and anxiety explained 45% of the variability in the PBS score. Thus, the scale is related to pain intensity, interference with activities, and a variety of psychological characteristics. The scale provides a measure of observable pain behavior that is also relatively independent of these clinical data sources. The Pain Behavior Scale as modified for outpatient use provides a brief index of pain behavior with potential use in the comprehensive evaluation of the pain patient.
Scattered radiation absorbers in intraoral radiography

Abstract In a study of scattered radiation absorbers, lead foil was used as a substitute for the stationary grid. There was a gradual increase in contrast as the thickness of lead foil was increased. A thickness of 0.08 to 0.10 mm. lead provided as much improvement in contrast as the stationary grid. The improvement in contrast was more pronounced at a lower KVP. However, the use of lead foil required an increased exposure in order to maintain an acceptable density level.
Anabolic steroid therapy as an adjunct to diet in alcoholic hepatic steatosis.

Nine patients with severe alcoholic fatty livers were studied to evaluate the effects of aqueous testosterone and norethandrolone on the rate of fat removal from the liver. Serial liver biopsies showed that the addition of either of these anabolic steroids to a diet high in calories and protein reversed hepatic steatosis at a rate three to five times faster than that observed with diet alone. The relationship of this therapeutic effect to their actions on serum lipoproteins is discussed, but as yet no definite conclusions can be drawn.
Genetic and Nongenetic Effects on Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility in Lactating Holstein Cows and Its Association with Yield Traits

Abstract Blood samples from 262 lactating Holstein cows were analyzed to determine the resistance of erythrocytes to hypotonic NaCl solutions. The animal model contained stage of lactation, herd, parity, and season as fixed effects, milk yield as a covariate, and 520 random animal effects. A derivate-free algorithm of REML procedure was applied for estimation and prediction. The results suggested higher hemolysis rates and mean corpuscular fragility in first than in later lactations and decreased erythrocyte fragility in cows in late lactation. A negative linear regression of percentage of hemolysis on weekly milk yield was significant. Heritability estimates were .58±.14 for hemolysis rate at 111m M NaCl and .47±.18 for mean corpuscular fragility. Estimates for hemolysis rates decreased with increasing osmotic fragility at lower NaCl concentrations. Phenotypic correlations between erythrocyte fragility traits and 305-d milk, fat, and protein yields were all negative and low. Moderately negative genetic correlations between red blood cell osmotic fragility and fat yield and fat percentage and slightly positive genetic correlations between red blood cell osmotic fragility and protein yield and protein percentage suggested possible alterations in erythrocyte membrane stability if milk component traits were targets for genetic selection.
Differential cross sections for single-electron capture processes by low-energy multiply charged ions

Abstract Doubly differential cross sections, in energy and angle, for state-selective single-electron capture by Ne3+, Ne4+ ions from Ne, and Ne6+ ions from He have been measured at laboratory impact energies between 60 and 600 eV and scattering angles between 0° and 5°. The measurements show that the angular distributions of the reaction channels with large energy-gain values are shifted towards larger scattering angles as would be expected. The energy-gain spectra are interpreted qualitatively in terms of the reaction window, which are calculated using the single-crossing Landau-Zener model.
Acinic cell carcinoma: A clinicopathologic study of thirty-five cases

A clinicopathologic study of 35 cases of acinic cell carcinomas is presented. Complete follow-up information was available on 31 patients (average period, 7-5 years). The malignant potential of these neoplasms is affirmed by observations that metastases (local and distant) occurred in nine patients and that eight patients died as a consequence of their carcinoma. Retrospective classification of the carcinomas into high and low grade lesions correlated well with ultimate biologic behavior but is unlikely to be successful in an intra-operative (frozen section) mode. This limitation is due to: (a) sampling limitations at the time of primary surgery and (b) the malignant behavior of the occasional low grade carcinoma. Histologic features characterizing high grade carcinomas are local aggressive infiltration and areas of the tumor that appear analogous to the embryonic and post-embryonic terminal tubules and intercalated ducts. The best opportunity for cure of these neoplasms lies in their complete surgical removal at the time of initial treatment. For this, a total parotidectomy is the procedure of choice. Enucleation and local excision is to be condemned.
Group changing in free-ranging male rhesus monkeys

Group changing behavior of maleMacaca mulatta was studied over a six-year period at the rhesus monkey colony on two coastal islands at La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Males first left their natal group at a mean age of 47 months and became solitary for the first time at a mean age of 64 months; all had left their natal groups by seven years of age. Age, mating season, sex ratios of adult males and females in the social bands, and geographical barriers all had significant effects on the group shifting. Population size, rank of mother or being an orphan did not significantly affect the changing process. Two factors, age (size) and seniority in the group, were important in determining a male's rank in his new group.
Metallic beam development for the Facility for Rare Isotope Beam

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University (MSU) will accelerate a primary ion beam to energies beyond 200 MeV/u using a superconducting RF linac and will reach a maximum beam power of 400 kW on the fragmentation target. The beam intensity needed from the ECR ion source is expected to be between 0.4 and 0.5 emA for most medium mass to heavy mass elements. Adding to the challenge of reaching the required intensity, an expanded list of primary beams of interest has been established based on the production rate and the number of isotope beams that could be produced with FRIB. We report here on the development done for some of the beam in the list including mercury (natural), molybdenum ((98)Mo), and selenium ((82)Ser).
Studies on the Influence of Ultraviolet Light on Initiation in Skin Tumorigenesis

The effect of shortwave ultraviolet (UV) light applied once or 10 times on initiation by 7, 12-dimethtybenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) in two-stage skin carcinogenesis was studied croton oil was used as promoter. The results showed that a single UV treatment increased the formation of benign tumors when given prior to initiation-promotion. The incidence of benign tumors decreased significantly when 10 doses of UV light were given after initiation, although a few carcinomas and sarcomas occurred, suggesting a summative effect of both agents.
Autophagy and Tumor Cell Dormancy in Head and Neck Cancer

Conclusion: Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy or the pERK pathway may prolong survival in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer. Autophagy and Tumor Cell Dormancy in Head and Neck Cancer David W. Jang, MD1; Alvaro Avivar-Valderas, PhD1,2; Anna Banach1,2; Julio Aguirre-Ghiso, PhD1,2 1 Dept. of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 2Dept. of Oncological Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
Periodic necking instabilities in layered plastic composites

Abstract A bifurcation analysis of a solid composed of alternating material layers is carried out. We study the conditions under which periodic incremental deformations (eigenmodes), consistent with an overall homogeneous stretching, can emerge when the solid is subjected to plane strain, uniaxial tension parallel to the layer interfaces. These undulatory eigenmodes are in competition with shear localization, taken here to be signaled by a loss of ellipticity of the governing incremental equations. The influence of various material parameters on this competition is discussed and contact is made with previous work.
Immunotherapeutic Approaches to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment

Liver cancer, the most common form of which is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is one of the most deadly cancers worldwide. As of 2008, in men, HCC was the fifth most common cancer (approximately 450,000 new cases per year) and the second most frequent cause of death from cancer (around 416,000 deaths per year), whereas in women, it was the seventh most frequently diagnosed cancer (150,000 new cases per year) and the sixth most frequent cause of cancer deaths (140,000 deaths per year) [1]. Overall, HCC is the third leading cause of death from cancer globally [2, 3]. Worldwide, the incidence of HCC in males is more than twice that in females. The etiology of HCC is diverse; however, approximately 80% of HCCs occur secondary to chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) [4]. The geographic distribution of HCC is such that the high-incidence regions of Eastern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa bear a disproportionate HCC burden, amounting to more than 80% of the global burden [4]. However, even in areas considered low-incidence regions—North America and Europe—the incidence of HCC is on the rise [4]. In the US, HCC incidence has risen more than threefold in the past 30 years, and it is now the ninth most frequent cause of death from cancer. The major reasons for the increased incidence of HCC in the US are the increasing prevalence of chronic HCV infection, increased immigration from high-incidence countries in Asia and Africa, and the increase in the number of individuals with cirrhosis due to obesity-related fatty liver disease. Most HCCs are diagnosed at an advanced stage for which there is no curative option. Sorafenib, the only agent specifically approved for HCC treatment, is of limited efficacy in this setting. Therefore, an urgent need for improved HCC therapy exists. In this review, we discuss the available data on the development and use of immunotherapy for HCC, with a particular focus on recent results and novel approaches.
Direct observation of martensitic phase-transformation dynamics in iron by 4D single-pulse electron microscopy.

The in situ martensitic phase transformation of iron, a complex solid-state transition involving collective atomic displacement and interface movement, is studied in real time by means of four-dimensional (4D) electron microscopy. The iron nanofilm specimen is heated at a maximum rate of ∼10^(11) K/s by a single heating pulse, and the evolution of the phase transformation from body-centered cubic to face-centered cubic crystal structure is followed by means of single-pulse, selected-area diffraction and real-space imaging. Two distinct components are revealed in the evolution of the crystal structure. The first, on the nanosecond time scale, is a direct martensitic transformation, which proceeds in regions heated into the temperature range of stability of the fcc phase, 1185−1667 K. The second, on the microsecond time scale, represents an indirect process for the hottest central zone of laser heating, where the temperature is initially above 1667 K and cooling is the rate-determining step. The mechanism of the direct transformation involves two steps, that of (barrier-crossing) nucleation on the reported nanosecond time scale, followed by a rapid grain growth typically in ∼100 ps for 10 nm crystallites.
A new kind of motility mutant (non-gliding) in Chlamydomonas

Certain mutants ofChlamydomonas moewusii, induced by irradiation with UV-light, lack the flagellar gliding motility normally found in wild-type cells.
Type A-B behavior and outcomes of group process.

A randomized experiment was carried out in order to test the hypotheses of the interactive effects of Type A-B behavior and group process outcomes with 30 students. Small groups were rated on Bales' activity level, feelings in the group, and task orientation at the beginning and end of sessions. Although groups were initially similar, activity level and positive feelings were higher in the Type B group than in Type A group. The implications for behavioral intervention and long-term outcomes were discussed.
Spectroscopic properties and potential energy curves of thirty-six electronic states of ZrH

Abstract Complete active space MCSCF (CASSCF) followed by second-order configuration interaction (SOCI) and relativistic configuration interaction (RCI) calculations are carried out on thirty-six electronic states of ZrH. The spectroscopic properties of these states are calculated which lie below 14000 cm−1. The ground state is found to be a 2Δ 3 2 state with low-lying 2Δ 5 2 , 2Π 1 2 3 2 and 4Φ 3 2 , 5 2 , 7 2 , 9 2 states. The dissociation energy of ZrH is calculated to be 2.64 eV. The ZrH bonding exhibits considerable ionic character and 4d5s5p hybridization in all the electronic states.
Water deficit inhibits cell division and expression of transcripts involved in cell proliferation and endoreduplication in maize endosperm

Water deficit at the early post-pollination stage in cereal grains decreases endosperm cell division and, in turn, decreases the capacity for storage material accumulation. Post-mitotic replication of nuclear DNA (endoreduplication) may also play a role in stress effects. To gain a better understanding of the extent to which cell proliferation and endoreduplication are affected by water deficit, nuclear numbers and size were examined in endosperms of maize (Zea mays L.) by flow cytometry and the transcript levels of genes which have recognized roles in the cell cycle were quantified. Water deficit from 5-13 d after pollination (DAP) decreased the rate of endosperm cell division by 90% and inhibited [3H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA from 9-13 DAP. The proportion of nuclei engaging in endoreduplication and nuclear DNA content increased steadily from 9-13 DAP in controls, but water deficit initially increased the proportion of endoreduplicating nuclei at 9 DAP, then halted further entry into endoreduplication and S-phase cycling from 9-13 DAP. Transcript levels of alpha-tubulin, and the S-phase gene products histone H3 and PCNA were not affected by water deficit until 13 DAP, whereas those of ZmCdc2, a cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) with regulatory roles in mitosis, were inhibited substantially from 9-13 DAP. Cell proliferation and associated processes were inhibited at initial stages of the stress episode, whereas endoreduplication and associated S-phase processes were not inhibited until the stress was more advanced. It was concluded that endosperm mitosis has greater sensitivity than endoreduplication to water deficit.