cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-Pressure Metamorphism in the Texas Grenville Orogen: Mesoproterozoic Subduction of the Southern Laurentian Continental Margin

Collisional orogenesis in the Llano Uplift of central Texas during the late Mesoproterozoic drove metamorphism that comprised both an initial high-pressure (HP) phase (610-775°C at 1.4-2.4 GPa) and a subsequent moderate-pressure (MP) phase (~700°C at ~0.7 GPa). A later, low-pressure overprint (525-625°C at 0.3 GPa) took place under largely static conditions. Evidence for HP metamorphism is geographically widespread, but confined principally to boudins of mafic eclogite encased in felsic gneisses. The geographic distribution of P-T conditions for HP metamorphism inferred from the eclogites, combined with evidence from the relative degrees of homogenization of growth zoning in garnet from both eclogites and felsic gneisses, suggests a general increase from northeast to southwest in depths of burial during HP metamorphism. Exhumation of HP rocks to shallower depths prior to MP metamorphism appears to have been rapid: ages for the two phases of metamorphism overlap, on the basis of the very limited data now a...
Population Properties and Complex Folding Behavior of Chromosome Arise from Spatial Confinement of Self-Avoiding Chromatin Chains

Global architecture of cell nucleus and the spatial organization of chromatin play important roles in gene expression and nuclear function. Single-cell imaging and chromosome conformation capture-based techniques provide information on chromosome conformations and their spatial organization. Here we describe a chromatin model called constrained self-avoiding chromatin (C-SAC) for studying chromatin structures. With a novel sampling technique, we can generate a large ensemble of chromatin chains with the appropriate physical properties and spatial confinement. We show that randomly folded chromosome in the confined nuclear volume give rise to the experimentally observed higher-order architecture of human chromosomes, including the average scaling behavior, leveling-off effect, the formation of topological domains, chromosome-to-chromosome and cell-to-cell variability, as well as highly enriched interactions via insulator proteins. Our results point to an emerging picture of the folding landscape of chromatin scaffold that changes with nucleus size, and suggest that the overall structure of human chromosome is dictated by the spatial confinement of the cell nucleus and the excluded volume effect. Biochemically mediated interactions do not change the average properties of chromosomes, but profoundly modulate structural details based on the existing structural scaffold.
Reduced TrkB expression results in precocious age-like changes in neuromuscular structure, neurotransmission, and muscle function

Acute blockade of signaling through the tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) attenuates neuromuscular transmission and fragments postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in adult mice, suggesting ...
Creative Counseling Interventions for Grieving Adolescents

This article provides information on adolescent developmental issues and developmentally appropriate interventions that can help mental health practitioners work with adolescents grieving a death loss. Specific areas that are initially covered include core adolescent developmental issues that must be understood, including adolescent developmental responses to types of death. Developmentally appropriate interventions are provided with a focus on the creative arts, specifically music, visual arts, bibliotherapy, drama, and cinematherapy. Other creative interventions include helping adolescents maintain tangible connections with the person who died and promoting active engagement in meaningful rituals.
Interdigitated single crystal piezoelectric actuator

Piezoelectric actuators are used as critical units or elements of various electromechanical systems. In this paper, we propose a novel piezoelectric actuator cantilever with double interdigitated electrode patterns. We investigate the possibility of both flexural and longitudinal actuation capabilities of the double interdigitated electrode patterns applied on a piezoelectric cantilever structure. This monomorph structure has the interdigitated electrode patterns top and bottom. The structure also uses single-crystal relaxor ferroelectric material. We separately pattern interdigitated electrodes on the top and bottom surfaces of a PMN-PT single crystal cantilever beam. The interdigitated electrode design on a surface of the cantilever beam results in an electric field gradient. This results in a flapping actuation. Previously, we showed that the vertical field component induced by the interdigitated electrode is dominant over the horizontal component under input bias voltage, and generates subsequent contraction of the surface along the axial direction after poling. In this paper, we show that a contraction on the top surface and an elongation on the bottom leads to upward bending motion because of the differential contraction along the thickness induced by the interdigitated electrode pattern. Similarly, an equivalent elongation on the top and bottom surfaces is shown to lead to longitudinal motion in the double interdigitated electrode sample.
Effect of 3-methylcholanthrene crystals and solutions on the chorioallantoic membrane of the developing chick embryo.

METAPLASTIC changes of the chorioallantoic membrane of the developing chick embryo, such as keratinization and epidermoid pearl formation, have been reported by several authors1–4.
An analysis of bending waves in Saturn's rings using voyager radio occultation data

Three oscillatory features in the Voyager 1 radio occultation map of Saturn's rings have been identified as the 5:3, 7:4, and 4:2 spiral bending waves excited by the satellite Mimas. The observations are presented and the wave properties are investigated. It is found that the Mimas 7:4 wave is consistent with the linear theory of bending waves, while the Mimas 5:3 wave may not be. A detailed analysis of the Mimas 4:2 bending wave was not possible due to the large optical depth in the region in which it propagates.
Right ventricular function in coronary artery disease as assessed by two-dimensional echocardiography

Two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) was performed in 64 patients with coronary artery disease. There were 46 men and 18 women, aged 58.7 +/- 11.4 years. An apical four-chamber view, a two-chamber right ventricular (RV) view, and a subcostal four-chamber view were obtained in 58 of 64 (91%) patients. Regional wall motion abnormalities ( RWMA ) of the RV free or diaphragmatic wall were detected in 4 of 18 (22%) patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction (IMI) and in 3 of 14 (21%) patients with old IMI. All seven patients with RWMA by 2DE had two or more of the following findings: hypotension, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, atrial arrhythmias, or ventricular tachycardia. The RV ejection fraction by first-pass radionuclide angiography was 19.7 +/- 8.3% in patients with IMI and RV RWMA by 2DE compared to 35.3 +/- 9.6% (p less than 0.005) in patients without. A hyperdynamic RV wall motion was seen in 12 of 15 (80%) patients with acute anterior MI (AMI). No RV RWMA was observed in 17 patients with greater than 75% obstruction of right coronary artery and absent infarction. Thus, RWMA of the right ventricle were detected by 2DE in 22% of patients with IMI and identified patients with clinically significant RV dysfunction, probably due to RV infarction; a compensatory hyperdynamic RV wall motion was observed in 80% of patients with acute AMI.
The Role of Cytoskeletal Proteins in Neutrophil Emigration during Pneumonia in Rabbits

The cytoskeletal proteins, actin and tubulin, are critical in modulating many aspects of the structural, mechanical, and biochemical properties of cells. This study determined if rearrangements of microtubules or filamentous actin were necessary for neutrophil margination within the pulmonary microvasculature or emigration into the alveolar spaces in response to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Microtubule assembly was inhibited using colchicine, and F-actin depolymerization was inhabited using phalloidin. Anesthetized rabbits received an intrabronchial instillation of S. pneumoniae either after intravenous pretreatment with colchicine (1 mg/kg every 2 h) or combined with TRITC-phalloidin (2 microM in instillate). Four hours later, the lungs were fixed and removed. The results show that the intravenous injection of colchicine caused a rapid decrease in circulating neutrophil counts, most likely caused by sequestration within the pulmonary microvasculature, that gradually recovered. In the pneumonic region, colchicine inhibited neutrophil emigration by 74 +/- 5%, but it did not prevent the stimulus-induced increase in margination. Phalloidin inhibited neutrophil emigration by 83 +/- 4%. These studies suggested that microtubule reassembly occurs during neutrophil transit through the normal pulmonary microvasculature and that it is required for migration but not sequestration during pneumonia. Rearrangement of actin filaments in lung cells but not neutrophils are required for neutrophil emigration induced by S. pneumoniae.
Why Race Matters in South Africa

Why Race Matters in South Africa. By Michael MacDonald. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2006. 245p. $45.00. Given that more than a decade has passed since the initiation of the “new dispensation,” a book about the present and future of South Africa that reassesses connections with the past seems appropriate. In this book, Michael MacDonald investigates the evolution of racism and racialism and their linkages to state legitimacy and governance. This empirical examination of South African politics and political economy is well ensconced in the literature. The author provides a rigorous case analysis within the literature of race and class.
NEW STAKES AND STANDARDS, SAME OL' SPENDING? EVIDENCE FROM NEW YORK CITY HIGH SCHOOLS

Abstract In 1996, New York State began requiring all graduating high school students (starting with the Class of 1999) to pass rigorous end-of-course exams in five subjects. This study explores whether high school resources have been reallocated in the wake of these new standards and whether reallocation patterns differ among high- and low-graduation-rate schools. Using a six-year panel of school-level data, we model resources as a function of school and student characteristics, school graduation rates, and school fixed effects. Regression analyses reveal increases in direct services spending, while the percentage of more experienced and educated teachers fell. We find little evidence, though, of differential patterns related to graduation rates, with the exception of teacher licensure and nonpersonnel expenditures. The findings suggest that schools may have limited ability to redeploy nonteacher resources in the short term. While other funds may be reallocated, these represent a small share of total scho...
The effect of complex solvents on the structure and dynamics of protein solutions: The case of Lysozyme in trehalose/water mixtures

We present a Molecular Dynamics simulation study of the effect of trehalose concentration on the structure and dynamics of individual proteins immersed in trehalose/water mixtures. Hen egg-white Lysozyme is used in this study and trehalose concentrations of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 100% by weight are explored. Surprisingly, we have found that changes in trehalose concentration do not change the global structural characteristics of the protein as measured by standard quantities like the mean square deviation, radius of gyration, solvent accessible surface area, inertia tensor and asphericity. Only in the limit of pure trehalose these metrics change significantly. Specifically, we found that the protein is compressed by 2% when immersed in pure trehalose. At the amino acid level there is noticeable rearrangement of the surface residues due to the change in polarity of the surrounding environment with the addition of trehalose. From a dynamic perspective, our computation of the Incoherent Intermediate Scattering Function shows that the protein slows down with increasing trehalose concentration; however, this slowdown is not monotonic. Finally, we also report in-depth results for the hydration layer around the protein including its structure, hydrogen-bonding characteristics and dynamic behavior at different length scales.
The overlap of functional abdominal pain in pediatric Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND Children with Crohn's disease (CD) may report abdominal pain despite clinical remission, suggesting that functional abdominal pain (FAP) may be playing a role. The aim of this study was to explore the presence and impact of FAP in children with CD in remission. METHODS Children, aged 9 to 17 years, with CD were enrolled. Demographic information, the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index, and the Children's Depression Inventory were obtained. Disease remission was defined by physician global assessment, normal laboratories findings, absence of 3 or more stools a day, nocturnal stooling, bloody diarrhea, concurrent steroid therapy, strictures, or disease flare within 6 months. FAP was defined as patients with abdominal pain and CD remission. Rates of depression (Children's Depression Inventory >9) were compared. RESULTS Of 307 children, 139 reported abdominal pain. Of this group, 18 of 139 (13%) children met the criteria for FAP. Despite clinical remission, 8 of 18 patients with CD having FAP were classified with active disease by Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index. These patients had a higher rate of depression than patients with CD in remission with no abdominal pain (55.6% versus 29.9%; P = 0.03), similar to patients with abdominal pain from active CD (55.6% versus 44.8%; P = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS A proportion of children with CD in remission have FAP. These children are at significant risk of depression. Future studies are needed to determine whether depression contributes to functional pain development or if pain itself leads to depression. Especially given that functional pain may exaggerate disease activity, clinicians caring for children with CD and FAP should consider evaluating for depressive disorders before escalating therapy.
Comparison of viscoelastic properties of suture versus porcine mitral valve chordae tendineae.

Recent reports have advocated the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) suture for replacement or reinforcement of ruptured or elongated mitral valve chordae tendineae. The mechanical properties of PTFE (Gore-TexTM) and other sutures were determined and compared to those of porcine mitral valve chordae. The results were analyzed to assess how closely chordal mechanical function may be simulated by synthetic suture materials. Chordae tendineae and suture samples were tested in uniaxial tension using an INSTRON Model 1000 at strain rates of 5 and 10 mm/min. The stress (g/mm2) was plotted versus strain, and the elastic modulus determined as the slope of the curve. Chordae tendineae exhibited a nonlinear viscoelastic stress/strain behavior. The elastic modulus of both suture types tested was significantly higher than that of the chordae. However, the PTFE suture did exhibit some viscoelastic characteristics (hysteresis and creep) that begin to approach the chordal behavior. Chordal viscoelastic behavior results from the inherent composite structure (collagen, elastin, endothelium, water, and ground substance). As yet, no synthetic materials are able to imitate this behavior with the appropriate tensile strength and fatigue resistant characteristics. At present, PTFE appears to be the best synthetic alternative for chordal replacement, due to its limited viscoelastic capabilities. Nevertheless, the need to more nearly approximate the mechanical behavior of mitral valve chordae tendineae with synthetic material warrants further investigation.
Triamcinolone Acetonide Spray (Reformulated) in the Treatment of Topical Steroid-Responsive Dermatoses

ABSTRACT: The environmental and health hazards from chlorofluorocarbons are well documented. Triamcinolone acetonide spray was reformulated, incorporating isobutane as the propellant and used on 50 patients with a wide variety of corticosteroid responsive dermatosis. The efficacy of triamcinolone in the treatment of these dermatoses was not altered by the isobutane.
Bone lipids and fatty acids of Peru fish

The neurocranium of the vieja, Pimelometopon darwini, and the cojinoba, Seriolella violacea, contained 29.5 and 26% lipid (as percent dry weight), mostly as triacylglycerol. The anchoveta, Engraulis ringens; sardina, Sardinops sagax sagax; doncella, Halichoeres dispilis; and mackerel, Scomber japonicus, contained less lipid in the neurocranium (3.3–18.4%). Polyunsaturated fatty acids, dominated by 20:5 and 22:6, were highest for S. violacea (10.6–56.1%) and P. darwini (12.2–28.9%). Lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids were found in E. ringens. The major monosaturated fatty acids in all Peruvian fish included 16:1n7, 18:1n9 + 11, and 18:n7, whereas the major saturated fatty acids were 14:0 and 16:0 with lesser amounts of 18:0.
SU‐D‐220‐01: Hybrid X‐Ray/Ultrasound Imaging Approach for Patient Positioning and Real‐Time Tracking in IGRT

Purpose: Projection x‐ray imaging and telerobotic diagnosticultrasound can complement each other as image guided radiation therapy(IGRT) tools. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an IGRTsystem and workflow that integrates these two modalities for patient positioning and real‐time tracking. Methods: In the designed workflow, pre‐treatment positioning is performed by stereoscopic x‐ray imaging of target surrogates, such as implanted fiducial markers. When the target is in position, a reference soft‐tissue ultrasoundimage of the target is acquired using a novel telerobotic ultrasoundsystem. During treatment beam delivery, the ultrasoundsystem continuously acquires spatially localized soft tissueimages concurrently with the acquisition of megavoltage (MV) x‐ray cine images from the treatment beam. Target position is monitored in real‐time using both modalities. Ultrasound monitoring signals result from comparison of the reference image template to the current ultrasoundimage using cross correlation based techniques. X‐ray monitoring signals rely on tracking fiducial markers visible in the MV images. To evaluate the approach experimentally, an intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT) plan for a tissue‐mimicking multi‐modality phantom with implanted gold markers was simulated. The phantom was placed on a motion stage, and target shifts before and during treatment were simulated. Results: Target displacements were monitored in real‐time by the ultrasoundsystem and detected below 3 mm. The displacements were subsequently confirmed with kV x‐ray localization, and the target was repositioned. During IMRT delivery, view of fiducial markers was blocked by multi‐leaf collimator leaves in some MV cine images.Ultrasound complemented MV image tracking by successfully monitoring the target during periods of marker blockage. Conclusions: Strengths of x‐ray and ultrasound modalities may be combined to achieve an IGRTsystem capable of (1) absolute pre‐treatment patient positioning, and (2) robust real‐time displacement monitoring during beam delivery without additional dose to the patient.
Observation and analysis of accidental three-level double resonances in the 6 μm laser-stark spectrum of 15NH3

Abstract A series of accidental three-level double resonances are observed in the non-linear Stark spectrum of 15 NH 3 obtained with a CO laser and an intracavity cell. These are assigned as Doppler-free two-photon absorptions originating in the a(4.3) ground state level and terminating in the s2ν 2 + ν 1 +1 (6.4) level, with an exactly resonant s2ν 2 (5.3) intermediate state. These results have important implications for electric-field strength calibration standards and for establishing transferrable frequency standards in the CO laser region.
A computational study of the keto–enol equilibria of sulphur substituted analogues of hydroxycyclopropenone

Abstract Keto–enol equilibria in mono- and di-thio substituted analogues of hydroxycyclopropenone is studied using ab initio and density functional theory methods. Five structural isomers of C3H2OS and three isomers of C3H2S2 were fully optimized in the gas phase at HF, MP2 and B3LYP levels of theory in combination with the cc-pVTZ basis set. Two different Self-Consistent Reaction Field approaches, namely, the Onsager-Dipole and the Polarizable Continuum Model were used to investigate the effect of an aqueous solvent on the extent of tautomerisation at the HF/cc-pVTZ and B3LYP/cc-pVTZ model chemistries. In addition, gas phase electronic and Gibbs free energies for the eight molecules were computed using the Complete Basis Set CBS-QB3 method, and the G3 approach, in order to evaluate highly accurate relative energies. As in the case of the hydroxycyclopropenone–cyclopropanedione system, computational results support the fact that the enol forms of the mono- and di-thio substituted analogues are favoured overwhelmingly relative to keto structures. Resonance stabilization arising from aromaticity present in these three-membered cyclic ring systems is posited, and is understood on the basis of Huckel theory.
Rarefied gas dynamics aspects of pharmaceutical freeze-drying

Abstract Freeze-drying is a low-pressure, low-temperature condensation pumping process widely used in manufacture of bio/pharmaceutical products. Because of the need to avoid the aggressive evaporation drying, typical operating pressures in freeze-drying are below 100 Pa. Understanding relevant rarefied flow physics can help improve freeze-drying systems and processes. The paper presents various rarefied gas dynamics aspects of freeze-drying including thermal creep and conduction, pressure and concentration-gradient driven flows and sonic expansion flows with icing. In particular, flow through the duct where the Knudsen number is small enough is modeled using conventional CFD techniques. The effect of the hardware on flow in the duct is discussed in detail. Furthermore, flow and icing in the freeze-drying condenser is modeled using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) technique. The effect of duct length on the uniformity of mass flux and ice accretion rates are discussed. It is found that by increasing the duct length, there is a trade-off between increased residual pressure and improved uniformity. The simulations show that by augmenting the DSMC method with conventional CFD technique in appropriate regimes, the gas dynamics in the entire freeze-dryer system can be modeled numerically for given sublimation rate and geometry.
Isolation of Lineage-Restricted Neuronal Precursors from Multipotent Neuroepithelial Stem Cells

We have identified a neuronal-restricted precursor (NRP) cell that expresses E-NCAM (high polysialic-acid NCAM) and is morphologically distinct from multipotent neuroepithelial (NEP) cells (Kalyani et al., 1997) and spinal glial progenitors (Rao and Mayer-Proschel, 1997). NRP cells self renew over multiple passages in the presence of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and differentiate in the presence of retinoic acid and the absence of FGF into postmitotic neurons. NRP cells can also be generated from multipotent E10.5 NEP cells. Clonal analysis shows that NRP cells arise from a NEP progenitor that generates other restricted CNS precursors. The NEP-derived NRPs undergo self renewal and can differentiate into multiple neuronal phenotypes. Thus, a direct lineal relationship exists between multipotential NEP cells and more restricted neuronal precursor cells present in vivo at E13.5 in the spinal cord.
The 2-characters of a group and the group determinant

Abstract A new look at Frobenius' original papers on character theory has produced the following: (a) the group determinant determines the group (Formanek-Sibley); (b) the group is determined by the 1-, 2- and 3-characters of the irreducible representations (Hoehnke-Johnson); and (c) pairs of non-isomorphic groups exist with the same irreducible 1- and 2-characters (Johnson-Sehgal). The examples produced in Johnson and Sehgal have large orders but, recently, McKay and Sibley have proved that the ten Brauer pairs of order 256 have the same irreducible 2-characters. It is shown here that the pairs of non-isomorphic groups of order p3, p and odd prime, have the same irreducible 2-characters. Further results are given on the k-characters of the regular representation/rod a shorter proof of the result mentioned in (c) is indicated. A criterion is given which is sufficient for the 3-character of an arbitrary representation to determine the group.
Brain tissue pressure in focal cerebral ischemia.

✓ Twenty-three anesthetized cats underwent permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in a study of the relationships of regional cerebral blood flow, ventricular fluid pressure, brain tissue pressure, and ischemic edema formation. A pressure gradient of 8 mm Hg developed between ischemic tissue and normally perfused tissue during a 4-hour observation period after occlusion. Brain water accumulated as tissue pressure rose, while blood flow in the same area fell. The data suggest, but do not prove, that ischemic brain edema causes tissue pressure to rise focally, and that blood flow to the ischemic zone is compromised further by the resultant hydrostatic pressure gradient.
The public health need for patient-reported measures and health behaviors in electronic health records: a policy statement of the Society of Behavioral Medicine

Erratum to: Transl. Behav. Med. DOI 10.1007/s13142-011-0017-3 The prior issue of TBM included a public health policy statement entitled, “The public health need for patient-reported measures and health behaviors in electronic health records: a policy statement of the Society of Behavioral Medicine.” [TBM, 1(1), 108–109]. Authorship of the statement was incorrectly attributed to Russ Glasgow and Karen M. Emmons. The correct author attribution is The SBM Health Policy Committee.
A cheap and easy method for 3D C-arm reconstruction using elliptic curves

For quantitative C-arm fluoroscopy, we had earlier proposed a unified mathematical framework to tackle the issues of pose estimation, correspondence and reconstruction, without the use of external trackers. The method used randomly distributed unknown points in the imaging volume, either naturally present or induced by placing beads on the patient. These points were then inputted to an algorithm that computed the 3D reconstruction. The algorithm had an 8° region of convergence, which in general could be considered sufficient for most applications. Here, we extend the earlier algorithm to make it more robust and clinically acceptable. We propose the use of a circle/ellipse, naturally found in many images. We show that the projection of elliptic curves constrain 5 out of the 6 degrees of freedom of the C-arm pose. To completely recover the true C-arm pose, we use constraints in the form of point correspondences between the images. We provide an algorithm to easily obtain a virtual correspondence across all the images and show that two correspondences can recover the true pose 95% of the time when the seeds employed are separated by a distance of 40 mm. or greater. Phantom experiments across three images indicate a pose estimation accuracy of 1.7° using an ellipse and two sufficiently separated point correspondences. Average execution time in this case is 130 seconds. The method appears to be suffciently accurate for clinical applications and does not require any significant modification of clinical protocol.
Explicit Generators of the Invariants of Finite Groups

Abstract Let R denote a commutative (and associative) ring with 1 and let A denote a finitely generated commutative R -algebra. Let G denote a finite group of R -algebra automorphisms of A . In the case that R is a field of characteristic 0, Noether constructed a finite set of R -algebra generators of the invariants of G . This paper proves that the same construction produces a set of generators of the invariants of G when | G |! is invertible in R . Generators of the invariants of G are also explicitly described in the case that G is solvable and | G | is invertible in R .
The surgical management of Rapunzel syndrome: a case series and literature review

Abstract Background/Purpose The surgical removal of a trichobezoar is the rare end complication of the psychiatric disorders trichotillomania and trichophagia. The more severe form of the disease is termed Rapunzel syndrome , where the bezoar extends from the gastric body beyond the pylorus into the duodenum. Traditional therapy has included endoscopy, often with subsequent laparotomy, and associated psychiatric intervention. We present the largest and most recent series of patients with trichobezoars managed in a single institution. Methods A retrospective review of all cases of trichobezoar at our institution from 2003 to 2011 was performed. Demographic data, presenting complaints, imaging, surgical treatment, and subsequent management were collected. Results All 7 patients were female, ages 5 to 23 years (mean, 11.5 years). Although multiple imaging modalities were necessary for preoperative diagnosis, most patients were accurately diagnosed without endoscopic evaluation (85%). All patients required an exploratory laparotomy for definitive treatment. At laparotomy, 5 patients were found to have postpyloric extension of the trichobezoar (71%). One of 7 patients had a wound infection postoperatively. There were no other surgical complications or recurrences requiring further exploration. Conclusions Our series of trichobezoar patients appear to have a high rate of Rapunzel syndrome, and perhaps postpyloric extension should be considered the rule rather than the exception. Our series demonstrates that diagnosis can be established with a thorough history combined with radiography, and treatment should be a combination of laparoscopy and/or laparotomy with psychiatric consultation.
Treatment of nocturnal headbanging by behavioral contracting

Abstract A treatment program for the successful elimination of the nocturnal headbanging syndrome (NHS) in a 16-year-old male is described. The therapy consisted mostly of (a) providing the client immediate feedback on the occurance of NHS, and (b) making available contracted rewards for satisfying NHS-free sleep periods. The case is noteworthy because environmental conditions, particularly the mother-son relationship, were pronounced in the history and course of the NHS. After six meetings over an eight-month period there was a marked reduction of the original presenting condition.
Functional Association of Nmi with Stat5 and Stat1 in IL-2- and IFN γ-Mediated Signaling

Using the coiled-coil region of Stat5b as the bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen, we identified the association of Nmi, a protein of unknown function previously reported as an N-Myc interactor. We further show that Nmi interacts with all STATs except Stat2. We evaluated two cytokine systems, IL-2 and IFNgamma, and demonstrate that Nmi augments STAT-mediated transcription in response to these cytokines. Interestingly, Nmi lacks an intrinsic transcriptional activation domain; instead, Nmi enhances the association of CBP/p300 coactivator proteins with Stat1 and Stat5, and together with CBP/p300 can augment IL-2- and IFNgamma-dependent transcription. Therefore, our data not only reveal that Nmi can potentiate STAT-dependent transcription, but also suggest that it can augment coactivator protein recruitment to at least some members of a group of sequence-specific transcription factors.
The Continuing Challenge of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Lower respiratory tract infections have been a major cause of morbidity and mortality among humans since the dawn of history. The initial hope that the era of antibiotics would remove this scourge has been replaced by the more realistic view that although antimicrobial agents represent a major therapeutic advance, they have not yet solved all of the problems of lower respiratory tract infections. The pneumococcus, for example, causes mortality in a certain number of patients despite antimicrobial therapy. An even greater challenge is being imposed by the emergence of antimicrobial resistance among important bacterial pathogens, especially Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Acute lower respiratory infections in childhood: opportunities for reducing the global burden through nutritional interventions

Inadequate nutrition and acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) are overlapping and interrelated health problems affecting children in developing countries. Based on a critical review of randomized trials of the effect of nutritional interventions on ALRI morbidity and mortality, we concluded that: (1) zinc supplementation in zinc-deficient populations prevents about one-quarter of episodes of ALRI, which may translate into a modest reduction in ALRI mortality; (2) breastfeeding promotion reduces ALRI morbidity; (3) iron supplementation alone does not reduce ALRI incidence; and (4) vitamin A supplementation beyond the neonatal period does not reduce ALRI incidence or mortality. There was insufficient evidence regarding other potentially beneficial nutritional interventions. For strategies with a strong theoretical rationale and probable operational feasibility, rigorous trials with active clinical case-finding and adequate sample sizes should be undertaken. At present, a reduction in the burden of ALRI can be expected from the continued promotion of breastfeeding and scale-up of zinc supplementation or fortification strategies in target populations.
Influence of Planting Date and Weed Interference on Sweet Corn Growth and Development

Crop planting date and canopy density influence interactions between weeds and sweet corn (Zea mays L.); however, little is known about sweet corn growth response to weed interference. Field studies were conducted in 2004 and 2005 near Urbana, IL, to quantify the influence of planting date and weed interference on growth of sweet corn height, leaf area, aboveground biomass, and phenological development. Crop growth response to weed interference (presence or absence) was determined for sweet corn planted early May (EARLY) and late June (LATE). Dominant weed species included barnyard-grass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv.], common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.), common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), green foxtail [Setaria viridus (L.) Beauv.], redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medicus) at densities ranging from 95 to 256 plants m -2 . Weed interference reduced sweet corn's absolute height growth rate, maximum leaf area index (LAI), absolute LAI growth rate, with some of the largest effects on crop growth observed in the EARLY planting date. Silk emergence was delayed by weeds for EARLY planted sweet corn, but not LATE. Moreover, the LATE planting date resulted in 9% taller crop plants with 36% lower maximum LAI. Relative to an EARLY planting date, lower yield losses due to weeds for LATE sweet corn correspond to greater resiliency of crop growth and silk emergence to weed interference.
Entering the Ivory Tower: Characteristics of Successful Counseling Psychology Faculty Applicants

Although counseling psychologists have a long history of studying their own professional development, no data exist describing the characteristics of successful academic job applicants. This study describes the demographic and scholarly characteristics of 27 recently hired faculty members in counseling psychology programs, and the nature of the positions that they filled. Consistent with expectations, our results indicate that research productivity is a function of academic rank. Our data also indicate that recent Ph.D. graduates are applying for academic positions with an established history of publications and professional presentations. Almost half of all available faculty positions identified in this study were the result of faculty retirements. Other characteristics of successful academic hires and the positions that they filled are discussed.
Neurobiology of suicidal behavior in post-traumatic stress disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a frequent and severe disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. People with PTSD suffer from a range of symptoms that interfere with their capacities to enjoy normal life. Post-traumatic stress disorder is frequently comorbid with other psychiatric disorders. Multiple lines of evidence suggest an important relationship between PTSD and suicidal behavior. This association has been observed both in clinical and in general population samples, and is irrespective of the type of trauma that led to PTSD. High rates of suicidal behavior have been found among PTSD patients exposed to combat trauma, physical or sexual abuse, intimate partner violence and natural disasters. Neurobiological changes observed in PTSD include alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, increased noradrenergic activity, and changes in the serotonergic and other neurotransmitter systems. Further studies of the role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of PTSD may help to develop new modalities to treat PTSD and suicidal behavior in persons with PTSD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)
Transcriptional regulation of myelin associated glycoprotein gene expression by cyclic AMP.

The treatment of rat glioma C6 cells with 10μ isoproterenol (Ipt) for 4 days upregulated the expression of the myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) gene by approximately 55-fold over the control value. The constant presence of Ipt in the medium was required for the maximal upregulation, as time-restricted exposures to the drug produced only partial, or no upregulation of the gene. No difference in the MAG mRNA stability could be detected in Ipt-treated vs untreated cells indicating that the drug upregulates the MAG gene at transcriptional level. Serum (FCS) strongly attenuated the response of the MAG gene to Ipt. The stimulatory effect of Ipt was profoundly reduced by supermine and H-89, indicating that protein kinase A-dependent protein phosphorylation is involved in the MAG gene activation. Within 30 min after Ipt administration, the c-fos gene was upregulated by 10-fold, and thereafter, its message level decreased and stabilized at approximately 3-fold over control. In contrast, the c-jun gene was downregulated to approximately 20% of control within 30 min after Ipt administration. Subsequently, its message level rose and fell once again within 12 h to approximately half of control, and returned to control level within 72 h. Transfection of C6 cells with progressively deleted pCAT constructs containing up to 861 bp of the MAG gene upstream region demonstrated that active core promoter of the gene is located within 138 bp upstream from the initiation start site. Additional sequences contain both activating and repressive cis-elements. Practically no upregulation of the CAT activity could be elicited by challenging the transfected cells with Ipt, indicating that AP-1 sites (14 within the 861 bp region) are not solely responsible for the Ipt-induced upregulation of the MAG gene, and that the responsible cis-elements map further upstream from the transcriptional unit. Wiley-Liss, Inc.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND STOCK MARKET BASED MEASURES OF CORPORATE DIVERSIFICATION

This study examines the relationship between corporate diversification and financial performance. The use of a stock market based measure of diversification allowed a much larger database than in previous studies and overcame the subjective nature of measuring internal diversification. Because previous researchers found that firm size affected performance, size was controlled in this analysis. The authors conclude that there is no statistically significant relationship between the degree of internal diversification and financial performance.
The kinetics of the inhibition of thyroidal iodide accumulation by thiocyanate: a reexamination.

The kinetics of the inhibition of 131I- transport into the propylthiouracil-blocked thyroids of iodine-deficient rats by thiocyanate were studied. Analysis was in terms of Wollman and Reed’s (3) 2-compartment model and utilized a digital computer. In control rats, the exit rate constant for thyroidal 131I- (k2) was around 0.06 min-l. The measure of 131I- entry into the gland, unidirectional clearance (k1), was about 14 μl. mg-l. min-1. The lower dose ofNaSCN used (0.5 mg) depressed k1 only slightly, but raised k2 over 3-fold. The higher dose (5 mg) resulted in a k1 value less than 1/4 that of controls, and a k2 almost 10 times higher than the control value. The effect of NaSCN thus is a more marked enhancement of k2 than decrease of k1. In addition to probable inhibition of intrathyroidal recirculation of I-1, NaSCN may affect the permeability of thyroid cells to I-. (Endocrinology 85: 603, 1969)
IL-22 Promotes Fibroblast-Mediated Wound Repair in the Skin

Skin wound repair requires complex and highly coordinated interactions between keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and immune cells to restore the epidermal barrier and tissue architecture after acute injury. The cytokine IL-22 mediates unidirectional signaling from immune cells to epithelial cells during injury of peripheral tissues such as the liver and colon, where IL-22 causes epithelial cells to produce antibacterial proteins, express mucins, and enhance epithelial regeneration. In this study, we used IL-22(-/-) mice to investigate the in vivo role for IL-22 in acute skin wounding. We found that IL-22(-/-) mice displayed major defects in the skin's dermal compartment after full-thickness wounding. We also found that IL-22 signaling is active in fibroblasts, using in vitro assays with primary fibroblasts, and that IL-22 directs extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression and myofibroblast differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. These data define roles of IL-22 beyond epithelial cross talk, and suggest that IL-22 has a previously unidentified role in skin repair by mediating interactions between immune cells and fibroblasts.
The Global Schmidt law in star forming galaxies

Measurements of Hα, H I, and CO distributions in 61 normal spiral galaxies are combined with published far-infrared and CO observations of 36 infrared-selected starburst galaxies, in order to study the form of the global star formation law over the full range of gas densities and star formation rates (SFRs) observed in galaxies. The disk-averaged SFRs and gas densities for the combined sample are well represented by a Schmidt law with index N = 1.4 ± 0.15. The Schmidt law provides a surprisingly tight parametrization of the global star formation law, extending over several orders of magnitude in SFR and gas density. An alternative formulation of the star formation law, in which the SFR is presumed to scale with the ratio of the gas density to the average orbital timescale, also fits the data very well. Both descriptions provide potentially useful "recipes" for modeling the SFR in numerical simulations of galaxy formation and evolution.
Apparent diurnal variations of arctic stratospheric temperatures

The diurnal variations of radiosonde temperature data for Narsarssuak (BW-1) Greenland, from 1946–1948 are inspected and compared with data for Thule, Alert, Eureka and Resolute. Observations were taken at BW-1 at local noon and midnight. In winter and spring the stratospheric temperatures there show a tendency for the difference, noon minus midnight, to diminish or even become negative. Similar patterns for apparent night warming in the lower stratosphere are found also at the other stations. The eight years of more recent and reliable arctic data which now exist should be made available to help determine the reality of this anomaly. Adiabatic semi-diurnal vertical motions required to produce the observed night warming amount to 1 or 2 cm/sec. It is suggested that atmospheric tides may be a contributing cause.
The Comparative Study of the Planets

Whoa, another entry in the unending sequence o f symposium proceedings? Well, yes, but so what! Does it provide an up-to-date review of the field? Or does it provide a cluster of new results unavailable elsewhere in a convenient form? Is the scientific quality high? And for the bottom line, does a positive answer to these questions imply that the value is consistent with the cost either personally or for local (departmental) acquisition?
Implications of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and JC virus for the etiology of MS

JCV infects oligodendrocytes and, to a lesser extent, astrocytes in the brain and spinal cord and causes the demyelinating disease known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in immunocompromised individuals. The possibility exists that this opportunistic infection reactivates from a latent state in the brain. It is proposed that the pathogenetic immune response in a multiple sclerosis (MS) brain may be directed predominantly toward antigens of a DNA virus, such as JCV, which is latent in glial cells. The target antigens could be synthesized only during transient viral reactivation or could persist, thus explaining the two basic patterns of neurological symptoms in MS. It is further proposed that the viral genome as a minichromosome becomes focally distributed in glial cells following vertical passage in dividing progenitor cells after infection early in life. The concept that the host response to a single agent can evoke two distinct pathologies (PML and MS) derives from a chronic mycobacterial infection of peripheral nerves - leprosy.
Inhibition of carboxylesterases by benzil (diphenylethane-1,2-dione) and heterocyclic analogues is dependent upon the aromaticity of the ring and the flexibility of the dione moiety

Benzil has been identified as a potent selective inhibitor of carboxylesterases (CEs). Essential components of the molecule required for inhibitory activity include the dione moiety and the benzene rings, and substitution within the rings affords increased selectivity toward CEs from different species. Replacement of the benzene rings with heterocyclic substituents increased the K(i) values for the compounds toward three mammalian CEs when using o-nitrophenyl acetate as a substrate. Logarithmic plots of the K(i) values versus the empirical resonance energy, the heat of union of formation energy, or the aromatic stabilization energy determined from molecular orbital calculations for the ring structures yielded linear relationships that allowed prediction of the efficacy of the diones toward CE inhibition. Using these data, we predicted that 2,2'-naphthil would be an excellent inhibitor of mammalian CEs. This was demonstrated to be correct with a K(i) value of 1 nM being observed for a rabbit liver CE. In addition, molecular simulations of the movement of the ring structures around the dione dihedral indicated that the ability of the compounds to inhibit CEs was due, in part, to rotational constraints enforced by the dione moiety. Overall, these studies identify subdomains within the aromatic ethane-1,2-diones, that are responsible for CE inhibition.
Using Storytelling Theatrics for Leadership Training

The ProblemHow can leaders learn to use power in ways that minimize oppression and resistance, and instead are more liberating? As perceived oppression leads to resistance, leaders who are untraine...