cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gap junctional communication and development

Embryonic development requires extensive interaction between cells; cell-to-cell communication through gap junctions may be one mechanism involved. Much correlative evidence suggests gap junctions are involved in cellular interactions during development. Recently, the biological role of junctions has been investigated using antibodies prepared against the major rat liver gap junction protein. Disrupting normal patterns of intercellular communication with such antibodies can drastically perturb development. Recent experiments emphasize, in particular, the importance of gap junctional communication for patterning processes.
Poor Health, Strain, and Substance Use

Agnew’s general strain theory is widely recognized as one of the most prominent explanations of crime and deviance. Recently, scholars have conceptualized poor health as a type of strain that is related to both offending and substance use. The current research builds on this by examining data from the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and focuses on adult respondents. An index of poor health that included eighteen different diseases or conditions that were diagnosed by a doctor in the past year and a more general measure of overall health were created to measure health strain. Results from logistic regression models showed that health strain increased risk of psychological distress and that psychological distress significantly increased the risk of various types of substance use. These findings add to the growing literature on the relationship between poor health and crime/deviance and suggest that more research is needed.
An acidic amino acid-specific protease from germinating soybeans

Abstract The degradation of the β-conglycinin protein reserves in soybean seeds during germination and early growth begins with the proteolysis of its α and α′ subunits by an enzyme called Protease C1. In the pathway, a number of proteolytic intermediates are produced and subsequently degraded. Determination of the N-terminal sequences of these intermediates provides insight regarding the requirements of the cleavage sites. The N-terminal sequence of three such proteolytic intermediates has been determined. The sequence has been located in the published sequences of the β-conglycinin subunits. Comparing these cleavage sites, plus those of two others previously delineated, shows that the P1′ and P4′ positions always bear either a Glu or an Asp residue while the P1 position always bears either a Glu or a Gln residue. In addition, other sites from P3 to P7′ are also rich in either Glu or Asp, and the whole region is predicted to be in an α-helix. Consistent with the observation, synthetic poly- l -Glu inhibits the Protease C1-catalysed degradation of the α and α′ subunits of β-conglycinin. Poly- l -Glu (av. M r = 1000) at 12.5 mM was more effective at inhibiting the reaction than poly- l -Glu (av. M r = 600) or poly- l -Glu (av. M r = 14 300) at the same concentration. Comparing large synthetic polypeptides at 12.5 mM, inhibition by poly- l -Asp (av. M r = 15 000) is as effective as poly- l -Glu (av. M r = 14 300), while poly- l -Ser (av. M r = 15 000) had no effect at all. Poly- d -Glu (av. M r = 15 000) is a better inhibitor than poly- l -Glu of the same size. A serine protease of similar molecular weight as Protease C1 and also capable of catalysing the proteolysis of the α and α′ subunits of β-conglycinin to generate proteolytic intermediates of the same size has been found in mung bean.
Maternal immunization with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in the third trimester of gestation

In a randomized, double blinded study, 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PSV) or conjugate Haemophilus influenzae type b (HbOC) vaccine was administered to 60 healthy women in the third trimester of gestation. Total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 antibodies to pneumococcal serotypes 6B, 14, 19F and 23F were measured by ELISA in mothers prior to immunization, at delivery and 7 months after delivery, and in infants at birth (cord blood), 2 and 7 months after delivery. IgA was evaluated in breast milk at 2 and 7 months, and opsonophagocytic activity in cord blood. PSV was safe and immunogenic in pregnant women. Transplacental transmission of vaccine-specific antibodies was efficient. Maternal immunization with PSV resulted in significantly higher concentrations of pneumococcal antibodies in infants at birth and at 2 months of age, and greater functional opsonophagocytic activity of passively acquired IgG antibody.
Comprehensive Literature Review: Recent Advances in Diagnosing and Managing Patients with Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas are a rare form of thyroid carcinomas; they display an intermediate behavior between well-differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. PDTCs are more aggressive than the well-differentiated, but less aggressive than the undifferentiated or anaplastic, forms. No clinical features can accurately diagnose poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas. Thus, the results of histocytology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular genetics tests aid in diagnosis. Given the aggressiveness of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas and the poor survival rates in patients who undergo surgery alone, a multimodality treatment approach is required. We conducted a comprehensive review of the current diagnostic and therapeutic tools in the management of patients with poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas.
Percolation Dimension of Brownian Motion in $R^3$

Let $B(t)$ be a Brownian motion in $R^3$. A subpath of the Brownian path $B[0,1]$ is a continuous curve $\gamma(t)$, where $\gamma[0,1] \subseteq B[0,1]$ , $\gamma(0) = B(0)$, and $\gamma(1) = B(1)$. It is well-known that any subset $S$ of a Brownian path must have Hausdorff dimension $\text{dim} (S) \leq 2.$ This paper proves that with probability one there exist subpaths of $B[0,1]$ with Hausdorff dimension strictly less than 2. Thus the percolation dimension of Brownian motion in $R^3$ is strictly less than 2.
Predicting maximum heart rate among patients with coronary heart disease receiving β-adrenergic blockade therapy

Abstract Background The use of β-adrenergic blockade (BB) therapy is common among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), and as a result, these patients often undergo exercise testing while taking these medications. However, evaluation of maximal voluntary effort during exercise testing is often in question because current equations to predict maximum heart rate (HR max ; eg, 220 − age) are based on subjects without heart disease or BB therapy. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an age-specific equation to predict HR max in patients with CHD who are receiving BB therapy. Methods We queried the Henry Ford Preventive Cardiology Outcomes database for patients with a history of myocardial infarction or revascularization procedure; preserved left ventricular function; age, 40 to 80 years; sinus rhythm; and a graded treadmill test with a respiratory exchange ratio ≥1.10. Data were split, based on date, such that tests performed between November 1996 and April 2001 were used as the BB prediction equation development group (n = 334; 73% men) and those performed between May 2001 and April 2002 were used as the BB cross-validation group (n = 94; 84% men). Linear regression was used to develop the equation to predict HR max , based on age, and to calculate the correlation coefficient of the prediction equation among the cross-validation group. Results The resultant prediction equation was HR max = 164 − 0.7 × age ( r 2 = 0.13), with a standard error of the estimate of 18 per minute. Among the cross-validation group, mean predicted HR max was not significantly different from mean measured HR max ( P = .7). The mean error of prediction was −0.4 ± 2.0 per minute (mean ± SEM), and the correlation was r = 0.38. Conclusions This new equation provides a better estimate of HR max for patients with CHD receiving BB therapy than previously reported equations. Additional variables may improve the equation but may not be as convenient to use.
The Motivated Expression of Embarrassment Following a Self‐Presentational Predicament

Two experiments tested hypotheses derived from an interpersonal model of embarrassment. According to this model, people who have suffered a self-presentational predicament are motivated to convey to others that they feel embarrassed as a way of repairing their social image and lowering subjective embarrassment in such situations. In Experiment 1, participants who performed an embarrassing task subsequently expressed greater embarrassment if the researcher did not already know that they were embarrassed than if she was aware of their embarrassment. Experiment 2 showed that embarrassed participants who thought that the researcher did not interpret their blushing as a sign of embarrassment subsequently engaged in alternative self-presentational tactics to improve their damaged social image.
Does 24-hour supervisory staff coverage in the labour and delivery area change the emergency caesarean section rate?

Summary. The influence on the emergency caesarean section rate of 24-h supervisory staff coverage in the labour and delivery area was investigated. In period I (1978–1979), the supervisory staff were inside the hospital from 07.01 to 17.00 hours, and on call at home from 17.01 to 07.00 hours of the next day, and in period I1 (1980–1981), the supervisory staff were inside the hospital 24 h a day. The section rate for fetal distress increased during period II. The rate for maternal complications also increased in the 17.01–24.00 hours shift and decreased in the 07.01–17.00 hours shift during period 11. However, the overall emergency caesarean section rate did not change between the two periods.
Using Web 2.0 to Create an Autism Resource

Web 2.0 tools were used in the creation of an Internet consumer health autism resource aimed at parents and caregivers of those with autism spectrum disorders. Criteria for inclusion and challenges encountered in the creation of the resource are discussed.
ICRU reference dose in an era of intensity-modulated radiation therapy clinical trials: Correlation with planning target volume mean dose and suitability for intensity-modulated radiation therapy dose prescription

Abstract Background and Purpose IMRT clinical trials lack dose prescription and specification standards similar to ICRU standards for two- and three-dimensional external beam planning. In this study, we analyzed dose distributions for patients whose treatment plans incorporated IMRT, and compared the dose determined at the ICRU reference point to the PTV doses determined from dose–volume histograms. Additionally, we evaluated if ICRU reference type single-point dose prescriptions are suitable for IMRT dose prescriptions. Materials and methods For this study, IMRT plans of 117 patients treated at our institution were randomly selected and analyzed. The treatment plans were clinically applied to the following disease sites: abdominal (11), anal (10), brain (11), gynecological (15), head and neck (25), lung (15), male pelvis (10) and prostate (20). The ICRU reference point was located in each treatment plan following ICRU Report 50 guidelines. The reference point was placed in the central part of the PTV and at or near the isocenter. In each case, the dose was calculated and recorded to this point. For each patient – volume and dose (PTV, PTV mean, median and modal) information was extracted from the planned dose–volume histogram. Results The ICRU reference dose vs PTV mean dose relationship in IMRT exhibited a weak positive association (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.63). In approximately 65% of the cases studied, dose at the ICRU reference point was greater than the corresponding PTV mean dose. The dose difference between ICRU reference and PTV mean doses was ⩽2% in approximately 79% of the cases studied (average 1.21% (±1.55), range −4% to +4%). Paired t-test analyses showed that the ICRU reference doses and PTV median doses were statistically similar (p = 0.42). The magnitude of PTV did not influence the difference between ICRU reference and PTV mean doses. Conclusions The general relationship between ICRU reference and PTV mean doses in IMRT is similar to that in 3D CRT distributions. Point doses in IMRT are influenced by the degree of intensity modulation as well as calculation grid size utilized. Although the ICRU reference point type prescriptions conceptually may be extended for IMRT dose prescriptions and used as a representative of tumor dose, new universally acceptable dose prescription and specification standards for IMRT based on RTOG IMRT prescription model incorporating dose–volume specification would likely lead to greater consistency among treatment centers.
Stuttering, cluttering, and phonological complexity: case studies.

Abstract The phonological complexity of dysfluencies in those who clutter and/or stutter may help us better understand phonetic factors in these two types of fluency disorders. In this preliminary investigation, cases were three 14-year-old males, diagnosed as a Stutterer, a Clutterer, and a Stutterer–Clutterer. Spontaneous speech samples were transcribed, coded for dysfluent words which were then matched to fluent words on grammatical class (i.e., function vs. content), number of syllables and word familiarity. An Index of Phonological Complexity was determined per word, and word frequency, density and phonological neighborhood frequency were derived from an online database. Results showed that compared to fluent words, dysfluent words were more phonologically complex and ‘sparser’, implying that they have fewer phonological neighbors or words in which a single phoneme is added, deleted or substituted. Interpretations and future directions for research regarding phonological complexity in stuttering and cluttering are offered. Educational objectives: 1. The reader can list three key symptoms of cluttering. 2. The reader will define phonological neighborhood density and neighborhood frequency. 3. The reader can calculate the Index of Phonological Complexity (IPC) for a given word. 4. The reader can state two findings from the current study and how each relates to other studies of phonological complexity and fluency disorders.
Politics and the Aesthetics of Absence in Margarida Cardoso’s Cinematic Work

This article analyses African connections in Margarida Cardoso’s cinematography and the theme of the pervasive lack of information and public discussion on the colonial wars in Portugal. Arguing that Um Adeus Portugues/A Portuguese Farewell, directed by Joao Botelho (1985) and for which Cardoso was a production assistant, epitomizes the evasion of the topic in Portuguese society, the article then dwells on A Costa dos Murmurios/The Murmuring Coast (2004), a film which addresses the amnesia of the traumas of the colonial wars through an aesthetics of absence. The main focus is on Cardoso’s visual forms and the power of the image to reveal a ubiquitous absence entrenched in society and leading to violence. References to her documentary Kuxa Kanema (2003), on the audiovisual project of newly independent Mozambique, contextualizes the further claim that the links between film and politics are central to her work.
Increased expression of the FoxP3 functional marker of regulatory T cells following B cell depletion with rituximab in patients with lupus nephritis

B cell depletion may affect T cell activation and costimulation status in rituximab-treated patients with SLE. We examined whether rituximab administration in patients with active lupus nephritis is related to changes in mRNA expression of genes that define regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood lymphocytes, measured by real-time PCR. At the early phase of B cell depletion mRNA levels of CD25, CTLA-4, GITR and the bona fide Treg functional marker FOXP3 increased significantly in all 7 patients examined. In contrast, mRNA levels of the costimulatory/activation T cell molecule CD40L were profoundly reduced, while mRNA levels of TGF-beta, a cytokine contributing to Treg induction, increased significantly in all. During follow-up, increased FOXP3 mRNA persisted in those patients in clinical remission, while in those patients with active disease subsequent decreases were noted. Further studies should examine whether modulation of Tregs by therapeutic B cell depletion contributes and/or predicts lupus disease remission.
NKT and T cells: coordinate regulation of NK-like phenotype and cytokine production

A maturation-dependent change in phenotype and cytokine production from relatively immature CD161(-) or CD161(+), IL-13(+)IL-4(+), IFN-gamma(-), to mature CD161(+)CD56(+) IFN-gamma(+) cells occurs in primary human alpha-galactosyl ceramide-reactive CD1d-restricted natural killer T (NKT) cells under the control of IL-12 and other monokines. Modulation of this process upon alpha-galactosyl ceramide stimulation explains the opposite roles of NKT cells to drive type 1 and type 2 immune responses. Because the same developmental changes occurred and were similarly regulated in T cells, the data establish that NKT cells should no longer be considered a functionally unique regulatory subset. However, the results of their analysis can be taken as a model for immunotherapeutic approaches with T cells for which a nominal or surrogate antigen is defined.
The impact of a brief problem-solving training intervention for relatives of recently diagnosed breast cancer patients

Previous studies have found high levels of psychological distress in women who have a family history of breast cancer. We evaluated a brief Problem-Solving Training (PST) intervention designed to reduce distress among women with a first-degree relative recently diagnosed with this disease. Participants were randomly assigned to either the PST group (N=144) or a General Health Counseling (GHC) control group (N=197). At baseline, these groups did not differ on any sociodemographic, risk factor, or psychological distress variables. We evaluated the impact of PST, relative to GHC, at the three-month follow-up assessment using a 2 (treatment group)×2 (time of assessment) mixed factor analysis of variance (ANOVA). Although there were significant decreases in both cancer-specific and general distress in both the PST and GHC groups, the magnitude of these decreases did not differ. However, when PST participants were divided into those who regularly practiced the PST techniques and those who did not, significant differences emerged. Participants who regularly practiced the PST techniques had significantly greater decreases in cancer-specific distress [Impact of Event Scale (IEs) intrusion and avoidance subscales] compared to infrequent practicers and GHC participants. Effects on general distress were not found. Additional studies are needed to identify ways to promote the practice of PST techniques and to evaluate other psychosocial interventions for female relatives of breast cancer patients.
Human leukocyte elastase gene expression is regulated by PU.1 in conjunction with closely associated cytidine-rich and Myb binding sites.

Abstract Leukocyte elastase (LE) degrades connective tissue, is involved in the inflammatory process and implicated in cyclic and congenital neutropenia. The human LE gene is within a serine proteinase locus on chromosome 19 pter13.3. Our observations demonstrate that LE gene expression is regulated by PU.1, a cytidine-rich and a Myb binding site. The LE promoter has two cytidine-rich sites at −158 and −185. The −158 is the active site and it is closest to the PU.1 site. Proximity is essential to activity since separation of the −158 and PU.1 sites by a 20-base pair oligonucleotide reduced promoter activity by 50%. This suggests physical interaction between the transcription proteins binding to the PU.1 and −158 sites. The nuclear protein that binds the −158 site is present in B and T lymphocytes and an erythroleukemia cell line in addition to being abundant in the promyelocytic stage of neutrophil maturation when the LE gene is expressed. The protein binding to the −158 site is absent or expressed at low levels in non-hematopoietic cell lines. We have identified the transcription factors essential for human LE gene expression. Comparison with the mouse LE gene shows similarities and differences.
Equilibrium concentration fluctuations in open reactive systems

Abstract We discuss the calculation of local concentration fluctuations, at constant volume and temperature, for an open, non-interacting, chemically-reactive fluid. One conclusion is that even for ideal mixtures, fluctuations cannot be calculated using a grand-canonical theory if the open volume element constitutes a non-negligible part of the total system. It is also shown that the calculation of equilibrium fluctuation for interacting molecules is, in general, not given by the ordinary grand-canonical result. There does exist a coupling between reaction progress fluctuations and concentration fluctuations due to migration.
Two-dimensional SU(N) gauge theory, strings and wings: Comparative analysis of meson spectra and covariance☆

't Hooft's two-dimensional SU(N) gauge theory model for mesons is studied in two different axial gauges. Using numerical techniques employed in aerodynamical wing theory, we compare the bound state spectra in the A+ = 0 and A1 = 0 gauges, finding agreement in the weak coupling limit. Furthermore, Lorentz covariance of the weak coupling A1 = 0 theory is numerically confirmed. We also investigate the massive-end string model, which is equivalent to 't Hooft's A+ = 0 model when the x+ = τ gauge is chosen. We find that the numerical spectrum of the string model in the x0 = τ gauge differs from the x+ = τ gauge string spectrum as well as from the A1 = 0 gauge theory spectrum. A Bethe-Salpeter equation approach to the spectrum of the gauge theory in the A1 = 0 gauge is developed for any coupling. While the strong coupling theory in this gauge presents severe difficulties, the weak coupling limit is shown to be completely consistent.
Odontogenic myxoma of the maxillary sinus: A clinical report

This report describes the transoral maxillary resection of an odontogenic tumor and prosthetic reconstruction with titanium implants placed horizontally in the residual palate. The treatment provided enabled the removal of the lesion and prosthetic restoration of the missing structures, while maintaining optimal facial esthetics and obtaining support, retention, and stability for the prosthesis (Fig. 5).
An MBoC Favorite: Malectin: a novel carbohydrate-binding protein of the endoplasmic reticulum and a candidate player in the early steps of protein N-glycosylation

N-linked glycans are originally transferred as triglucosylated species in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and then subsequently have their glucoses trimmed by ER glucosidases. The lectin molecular chaperones calnexin and calreticulin bind to monoglucosylated glycan side chains. No role had been ascribed to the diglucosylated species until the Schallus et al. (2008) article filled this void. In this paper, a comprehensive study of a newly identified ER carbohydrate-binding protein called malectin was performed. Carbohydrate microarray analysis was used to demonstrate that malectin specifically binds diglucosylated glycans, and nuclear magnetic resonance structural studies exposed the carbohydrate-binding site of malectin. In light of its ER localization, malectin appears to be positioned to play an important role in assisting the maturation and quality control of glycoproteins in the early secretory pathway.
Noninvasive Monitoring of Transient Cardiac Changes with Impedance Cardiography

Impedance cardiography (IC) has been used to monitor the pumping function of the heart in terms of stroke volume or cardiac output. We explored the extent to which IC can be used for monitoring transient effects of cardiac alterations on a beat-to-beat basis. A four-spot-electrode configuration was used in the present design. The spatial arrangement of the four electrodes was carefully selected to obtain an optimal result. A constant current source provided a 4 mA, 20 kHz sinusoidal excitation current. Analog signal processing was developed to demodulate and amplify the resultant impedance information, eliminate low frequency motion artifacts and incidental breathing artifacts. Experiments were performed on normal healthy volunteers. Impedance waveforms were recorded from each subject beginning from a supine position then moving to an upright position. Breath holding was maintained throughout the procedure. The impedance waveform, Z, its first derivative dZ/dt, the DC component, Z 0, and electrocardiogram were recorded simultaneously and continuously. The results showed a significant increase in the relative impedance levels from supine to transient state and then decreased during the upright position. Additionally, the supine position had a higher (dZ/dt)max than sitting resulting in a reduction in stroke volume. The increased impedance from supine to sitting verified the physiological findings obtained by others. The results of this investigation illustrate the ability of impedance cardiography to effectively monitor the dynamic cardiovascular function under transient conditions.
Role of Sonic hedgehog in patterning of tracheal–bronchial cartilage and the peripheral lung

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) was conditionally deleted in respiratory epithelial cells of the embryonic lung in vivo. Deletion of Shh before embryonic day (E) 13.5 resulted in respiratory failure at birth. While lobulation was not perturbed, the lungs were hypoplastic, with reduced branching of peripheral lung tubules, evident from E13.5. Smooth muscle and endothelial cells were absent or reduced, the latter in relationship to the loss of peripheral lung parenchyma. Tracheal-bronchial ring abnormalities occurred when Shh was deleted between E8.5 and E12.5. Deletion of Shh later in gestation (after E13.5) caused mild abrogation of peripheral branching morphogenesis but did not disrupt tracheal-bronchial development. Defects in branching morphogenesis and vascularization seen in Shh null mutant (Shh(-/-)) mice were substantially corrected when SHH was ectopically expressed in the respiratory epithelium; however, peripheral expression of SHH failed to correct cartilage abnormalities in the trachea and bronchi, indicating a spatial requirement for SHH expression near sites of cartilage formation. Expression of SHH by the respiratory epithelium plays an important role in the patterning of tracheal-bronchial mesenchyme required for formation of cartilage rings in conducting airways. SHH regulates branching morphogenesis and influences differentiation of the peripheral lung mesenchyme required for formation of bronchial and vascular smooth muscle.
Zero levels of momentum mappings for cotangent actions

Abstract We show that zero level sets of momentum mappings for cotangent actions are coisotropic, even when the momentum mapping is singular. The proof applies to both the finite- and infinite-dimensional cases. We use this result to show that vacuum Yang-Mills theory is indeed first class in the sense of Dirac.
Silent synapses and the emergence of a postsynaptic mechanism for LTP

Silent synapses abound in the young brain, representing an early step in the pathway of experience-dependent synaptic development. Discovered amidst the debate over whether long-term potentiation reflects a presynaptic or a postsynaptic modification, silent synapses — which in the hippocampal CA1 subfield are characterized by the presence of NMDA receptors but not AMPA receptors — have stirred some mechanistic controversy of their own. Out of this literature has emerged a model for synapse unsilencing that highlights the central role for postsynaptic AMPA-receptor trafficking in the expression of excitatory synaptic plasticity.
Meige syndrome: An unusual cause of involuntary facial movements

Dental and allied health professionals are on occasion confronted with patients who exhibit abnormal facial movements. These patients may be seeking a diagnosis or may relate a specific problem resulting from the uncontrolled and involuntary orofacial movements. A complete description of the various conditions associated with abnormal facial movements is beyond the scope of this article. Instead, these authors present a case with dental symptoms that were masking a more serious underlying progressive neurologic disorder. Appropriate referral to the neurology service is essential so that treatment of the underlying cause may precede, rather than follow, empiric management of these patients' symptoms.
Control of a single phase H-Bridge multilevel inverter for grid-connected PV applications

This paper proposes a control scheme for a single phase H-bridge multilevel converter for photovoltaic applications. This control approach permits each H-bridge module supply different power levels, allowing an independent maximum power point tracking of each photovoltaic (PV) panel. Since no intermediate stages such boost DC-DC converters are needed, a high efficient solution is obtained compared to the standard PV converter systems. Additionally, this topology offers other advantages such as the operation at lower switching frequency and low current ripple. Simulation results of a two series connected H-bridge rectifier with maximum power point tracking for different conditions are presented.
The Indian English of Tibeto-Burman language speakers

English as spoken as a second language in India (IE) has developed different sound patterns from other varieties of English. While most descriptions of IE have focused on the English of speakers whose first languages belong to the Indo-Aryan or Dravidian families, in this study, I examine the phonetic and phonological characteristics of the English produced by speakers of three Indian L1s from the Tibeto-Burman language family (Angami, Ao, and Mizo). In addition to describing aspects of Tibeto-Burman Indian English, a previously unreported Indian English variety, I also examine how and why this variety of English differs from General Indian English. The English of Tibeto-Burman L1 speakers seems to form a variety distinct from Indian English, most noticeably in terms of the lack of retroflexion of coronal consonants, the devoicing of word-final obstruents, the simplification of consonant clusters, the presence of post-vocalic [p], and the reduced set of vowel contrasts. Most of these can be traced to transfer from the L1 phonology, with the coda devoicing and cluster reductions reflecting simplification in terms of markedness, following developmental sequences found in second language acquisition.
Cointegration, real exchange rate and modelling the demand for broad money in Japan

The literature on the demand for the Japan's broad money addresses two controversial issues: the form (log level or log difference) in which variables enter the money demand function and the question of whether financial innovation and deregulation caused shift(s) in the money demand relationship. Log-level specifications of the money demand function have been shown to exhibit large shifts, whereas log-first-differences and error-correction specifications do not. Our paper demonstrates that the appropriate specification for the Japanese money demand function is that which uses cointegration and error-correction procedures.
Breastfeeding patterns and determinants in the Near East: an analysis for four countries.

Few detailed studies of the determinants of breastfeeding behaviour have been carried out, especially in the Middle East. We provide a comparative investigation of patterns and determinants of breastfeeding in four Middle East countries (Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia and Yemen) based on WFS data. Differences in factors influencing ever-breastfeeding, continuing breastfeeding from very short to moderate durations, and extending breastfeeding into the second year are observed, indicating ‘structural shifts’ in the determinants of breastfeeding. Differences between countries are also found which can only roughly be associated with differences in modernization and urbanization. Lack of consistently negative effects of women's education and work status variables is attributed to the extremely low levels of both in the region. Interesting results are observed regarding effects of pill use and sex of child (boys being breastfed longer), suggesting the need for thorough studies to explain these findings further.
SU-E-I-61: Modification of An Anthropomorphic Phantom to Accommodate OSL Dosimeters

Purpose: To modify an anthropomorphic (Rando) phantom designed for use with TLD dosimeter chips to accept OSL dosimeters. Methods: An adult male anthropomorphic phantom (Alderson Rando) has arrays of 5mm holes in each phantom slice that are designed to accept TLD dosimeter chips. Current OSL dosimeters are available in a small, 1 cm × 1 cm form factor that is convenient for external use clinically, but will not fit into the 5mm holes in Rando. The first (top) ten slices of an adult male Rando phantom (head and neck) were modified by machining 2mm slots 1.2 cm wide x 1.7 cm deep centered over the existing holes to allow placement of OSL dosimeters. Placing the slots coincident with the existing holes minimizes the amount of material removed from the phantom. Results: Each modified hole in the phantom required the removal of approximately 0.25 cmA3 of phantom material. The use of OSL dosimeters has greatly simplified the measurement process and reduced the total time required to load, unload, and read the dosimeters. For the head and neck, a total time of approximately 4 hours is required for loading, scanning, unloading, and reading OSL chips. With TLD dosimeters, the time for the equivalent data collection was 10‐12 hours. Conclusion: Total time for dosimetry measurements using TLD chips in Rando is significant due to the care required in handling TLDs, as well as the time required for the anneal and read processes. Modification of the Rando phantom has greatly increased the efficiency of making in‐phantom dose measurements. The total material removed from the phantom to accommodate the OSL dosimeters is less than 1% of the total material and so should have a negligible impact on overall phantom attenuation.
Energy partition among fragments and electrons in high field dissociation.

We present an experimental investigation for chlorine molecules and their atomic fragments in which high field molecular dissociation is followed by fragment ionization. It is shown that the intensity dependence of the photoelectron and atomic photofragment energy spectra provides a direct measure of the fragments' ac-Stark shift. Furthermore, we observe an unusually strong above-threshold ionization photoelectron series associated with the two-photon ionization of the excited chlorine fragment. This implies that the fragments are experiencing field strengths in excess of the ``low field'' saturation. These results are compared to a single-channel quantum-defect calculation.
Zero-frequency current noise for the double-tunnel-junction Coulomb blockade.

We compute the zero-frequency current noise numerically and in several limits analytically for the Coulomb-blockade problem consisting of two tunnel junctions connected in series. At low temperatures over a wide range of voltages, capacitances, and resistances it is shown that the noise measures the variance in the number of electrons in the region between the two tunnel junctions. The average current, on the other hand, is linearly related to the mean number of electrons for an asymmetric pair of junctions. Thus, the noise provides additional information about transport in these devices which is not available from measuring the current alone.
Virtual Reality Bronchoscopy Simulation: A Revolution in Procedural Training

Background In the airline industry, training is costly and operator error must be avoided. Therefore, virtual reality (VR) is routinely used to learn manual and technical skills through simulation before pilots assume flight responsibilities. In the field of medicine, manual and technical skills must also be acquired to competently perform invasive procedures such as flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB). Until recently, training in FFB and other endoscopic procedures has occurred on the job in real patients. We hypothesized that novice trainees using a VR skill center could rapidly acquire basic skills, and that results would compare favorably with those of senior trainees trained in the conventional manner. Methods We prospectively studied five novice bronchoscopists entering a pulmonary and critical care medicine training program. They were taught to perform inspection flexible bronchoscopy using a VR bronchoscopy skill center; dexterity, speed, and accuracy were tested using the skill center and an inanimate airway model before and after 4 h of group instruction and 4 h of individual unsupervised practice. Results were compared to those of a control group of four skilled physicians who had performed at least 200 bronchoscopies during 2 years of training. Student's t tests were used to compare mean scores of study and control groups for the inanimate model and VR bronchoscopy simulator. Before-training and after-training test scores were compared using paired t tests. For comparisons between after-training novice and skilled physician scores, unpaired two-sample t tests were used. Results Novices significantly improved their dexterity and accuracy in both models. They missed fewer segments after training than before training, and had fewer contacts with the bronchial wall. There was no statistically significant improvement in speed or total time spent not visualizing airway anatomy. After training, novice performance equaled or surpassed that of the skilled physicians. Novices performed more thorough examinations and missed significantly fewer segments in both the inanimate and virtual simulation models. Conclusion A short, focused course of instruction and unsupervised practice using a virtual bronchoscopy simulator enabled novice trainees to attain a level of manual and technical skill at performing diagnostic bronchoscopic inspection similar to those of colleagues with several years of experience. These skills were readily reproducible in a conventional inanimate airway-training model, suggesting they would also be translatable to direct patient care.
Enzymatic synthesis of sialyl Lex and derivatives based on a recombinant fucosyltransferase

Abstract A recombinant human Lewis α(1,3/1,4)fucosyltranferase has been studied for its acceptor substrate specificity and used in the synthesis of sialyl Lex and derivatives.
Evaluation of nonhormonal cytotoxic chemotherapy in the Nb rat (Pr‐90) prostatic carcinoma

The Nb rat prostate adenocarcinoma occurs spontaneously. The frequency of occurrence is increased by hormone induction. Tumors are classified as autonomous or estrogen or androgen dependent, based on their response to hormone manipulation. These rats provide a unique animal model for the evaluation of biological activity, hormone dependency, and the screening of therapeutic modalities. This report evaluates the use of cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin and methotrexate on the autonomous Pr-90 tumor. Methotrexate and Adriamycin were evaluated at two different concentrations, which demonstrated statistically significant results. Cyclophosphamide treatment resulted in complete tumor regression in eight of 12 tumors. Evidence of Adriamycin cardiotoxicity was found at autopsy.
New surgical approach for giant paraesophageal hernia repair: closure of the esophageal hiatus anteriorly using the left triangular ligament.

Background: Obtaining a tension-free repair for giant paraesophageal hernias (PEH) is often challenging. Many different techniques have been proposed, including laparoscopic posterior hiatoplasty with the use of prosthetic or biologic mesh as well as the use of autologous teres or falciform ligament flaps. In this report, we describe the use of the left triangular ligament as an onlay autologous vascularized flap to bridge the anterior residual defect after posterior cruroplasty. Methods: A novel technique of paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair is described. Posterior hiatoplasty is performed, including the approximation of the diaphragmatic crural fibers to the extent possible. The left triangular ligament is then mobilized and sutured to the right and left crural fibers lining the esophageal hiatus to seal the anterior residual diaphragmatic defect. Results: This technique has been performed in 4 patients with a mean age of 71 years and a 3:1 female to male ratio. The average hiatal defect size was 5.5 cm and the average length of operation was 122 min. There was no evidence of radiologic or clinical recurrence on follow-up. Conclusion: The use of the left triangular ligament flap is feasible and may be a valuable tool for closure of an anterior diaphragmatic defect in giant PEHs. Additional studies to validate its long-term function are needed.
Catalytic Reactions Using Transition-Metal-Complexes Toward Solar Fuel Generation

Solar energy is a more abundant source of energy than any other source. Many researchers consider solar generation of fuels (stored in the form of chemical bonds such as hydrogen from water and methanol from CO2) as the best and essential solution for saving the Earth, yet sunlight-driven water splitting or CO2 reduction to methanol/ methane remains a formidable problem. In this review we present our personal views about what we need to pursue as chemists who are interested in coordination chemistry and theoretical chemistry in the upcoming decade in order to develop efficient and robust catalysts for water splitting and CO2 reduction, search for sustainable pathways for energy generation, and contribute to the most important yet challenging problem facing the world in this century. We focus our discussion on the following three subjects: (1) Water oxidation by ruthenium molecular catalysts instead of the manganese O2-forming clusters in Photosystem II; (2) H2 production and oxidation by catalysts containing inexpensive metals; and (3) Photogeneration of renewable hydride donors, carriers of a proton and two electrons, to replace the NADP+/NADPH coenzyme for the reduction of CO2 and related species.
Intracellular study of the cat's primary auditory cortex

Abstract Intracellular recordings were obtained from 139 neurons in unanesthetized muscle-relaxed cat's primary auditory cortex. Patterns of nerve spike activity evoked by tone bursts, noise bursts, and clicks were similar to those observed extracellularly. Transmembrane recordings exhibited both excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs). For cells which had high or moderate rates of spontaneous spike activity, there was always a close relationship between synaptic input reflected in the average evoked membrane potential and the pattern of spike responses shown in the poststimulus time histogram. Active inhibition had an important role in the determination of patterns of spike activity. Acoustically evoked suppression of spike activity was always accompanied by evoked IPSPs. For cells which had low spontaneous spike activity, evoked IPSPs and subthreshold EPSPs were observed which did not apparently change the pattern of spikes from the cell. Thus evoked PSPs were obtained for a larger set of acoustic stimuli than evoked patterns of spikes. Quantitative data concerning patterns of response evoked by tone bursts, noise bursts, and clicks are given. Records were obtained from 28 ‘idle’ cells. These were presumably neuroglia. Resting potentials of these cells were not modified by acoustic stimuli.
Two-Camera Video Technique for Recording and Teaching Procedures Involving Fluoroscopy

Industrial-type vidicon television cameras and image-orthicon television readouts from intensified flouoroscopic images provides a production system for instructional video tapes. These can be used for demonstration or teaching of fluoroscopic-examination techniques without the hazard of radiation to the observer, and without crowding the examination room.
Metal-enhanced fluorescence from thermally stable rhodium nanodeposits

Different density rhodium nanoparticulate substrates were fabricated by electron-beam physical vapor deposition in order to study the fluorescence of close-proximity fluorophores to the high thermally stable rhodium nanoparticles. We observed an apparently constant metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF), when fluorophores were placed in close proximity to rhodium nanoparticles before and after autoclaving of the substrates. Fluorophores with different emission wavelength maxima and free-space quantum yields have also been studied and can undergo different enhancements, a 2.5-fold increase in far-field luminescence was observed from 15 nm Rh films for Tinopal, and up to a 10-fold enhancement was observed for fluorescein. Similarly, the near-field fluorescence enhancement values were estimated to be ∼125 and 500 fold, respectively. Further, the electromagnetic field distributions around different size Rh nanoparticles were simulated using FDTD to understand the wavelength dependence of the e-field. Our findings show that the decay time of fluorophores was not reduced near to the rhodium substrates, suggesting only an enhanced electric field component is the mechanism for fluorescence enhancement.
Arab/Jewish Intergroup Dialogue Courses: Building Communication Skills, Relationships, and Social Justice

Tensions emanating from the Israeli/Palestinian conflict lead to misunderstanding, segregation, and conflict between Arab and Jewish students on U.S. college campuses. Teaching about this conflict presents particular challenges for faculty and student affairs staff. This study uses a participatory action research method that engages Arab and Jewish students in understanding and changing issues of concern to their own campus communities. A qualitative analysis of the final papers and interviews from the students in Arab/Jewish intergroup dialogue courses indicated that the students had different pre-perceptions of each other, experienced conflict and strong emotions in the dialogue, and reported outcomes that progressed from the development of communication and listening skills to critical self-reflection, perspective-taking and empathy, development of friendships, and action for social change. The students continued to struggle with understanding each other and maintaining relationships. Recommendations f...
Evaluation of fracture risk and potential drug holidays for postmenopausal women on long-term bisphosphonate therapy.

This is the publisher's version, also available electronically from http://www.dovepress.com/evaluation-of-fracture-risk-and-potential-drug-holidays-for-postmenopa-peer-reviewed-article-IJWH
On the Predictions of Carbon Deposition on the Nickel Anode of a SOFC and Its Impact on Open-Circuit Conditions

This work has been supported by an award from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, grant number KUS-11-010-01, and a grant from the Tsinghua-Cambridge-MIT Low Carbon Energy University Alliance.
Systems biology of vintage and terroir: adding some flavor to the wine grape transcriptome

High-throughput genomic tools provide an unprecedented opportunity to study the impact of environmental variables on complex phenotypes at the genome scale. We welcome the establishment of an experimental framework that uses omics approaches to determine the effect of the climate and viticultural practices on the grape berry physiology. However, in this commentary, we argue that genomics and genetics studies of wine grapes need to be integrated with descriptive sensory analysis of their resulting wines.