cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lattice-Space Quantization of a Nonlinear Field Theory

A method for the approximate diagonalization of certain types of quantum field Hamiltonians is developed which is not limited to weakly nonlinear systems. It consists in omitting the gradient terms in zero order, and diagonalizing the resulting Hamiltonian by replacing the field defined in a continuum space by a field defined in a lattice space. This unperturbed system is equivalent to a countably infinite number of uncoupled nonlinear oscillators, which are then coupled together when the gradient terms are included as a perturbation. The method is applied to the quantization of the classical nonlinear meson theory that was introduced in an earlier paper to provide a qualitative explanation of the saturation of nuclear forces, according to which a positive ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ term is added to the field Hamiltonian. Although the quantized theory is manifestly noncovariant, it is found that a single-particle solution exists that has an approximately relativistic relation between energy, momentum, and rest mass. It turns out to be essential that the lattice constant be kept finite, as all computed physical quantities become meaningless in the continuum limit (in which the lattice constant approaches zero). It is shown that these particles obey Einstein-Bose statistics, and that they scatter from each other. Nucleons are introduced as classical sources for the meson field, and calculations are made on the nucleon isobaric state, interaction of mesons with nucleons and heavy nuclei, and nucleon-nucleon interaction. Most of the results of the earlier classical theory have close counterparts in the present quantized theory. The possibility of extending the method to the quantization of both meson and nucleon fields when they are strongly coupled together is discussed briefly.
Effect of NH4+ on nitrogenase activity in nodule breis and bacteroids from Pisum sativum L

Nodule breis and bacteroid preparations were made from Pisum sativum L. (cv. Trapper) inoculated with a single strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum. The detached nodules were triturated under helium flow. The resultant breis could support C2H2 reduction in N-Tris[hydroxymethyl]methyl-2-aminoethane-sulfonic acid buffer (Tes) without any additions for over an hour. NH4+ was found to inhibit C2H2 reduction and H2 evolution. The inhibition was not dependent on the counterion and was evident immediately after the addition of NH4+ to the reaction mixture. L-Methionine-D,L-sulfoximine, added to inhibit assimilation of NH4+, had no effect on the inhibition. Addition of pyruvate enhanced the rate of C2H2 reduction in breis and partially overcame the inhibition of NH4+. Pyruvate was found necessary for measurable activity in bacteroid preparations. When ATP and an ATP-generating system were used in breis the effect of NH4+ was not observed.
Conversational patterns in late talkers at age 3

Topic choice, topic synchrony, and utterance function during mother–child play sessions at age 3 were examined in 32 late talkers (identified at 24 to 31 months) and 21 comparison children, matched at intake on age, SES, and nonverbal ability. At age 3, late talkers had significantly lower MLUs and IPSyn scores than comparison children. Late talkers and comparison children did not differ in number of utterances, topic initiation, topic synchrony, use of commands, reactions to commands, or conversational fillers. However, late talkers asked significantly fewer questions, provided fewer answers to maternal questions, made fewer declarative statements, and were less likely to elaborate on their own topic than comparison children. Mothers of late talkers produced significantly more utterances and asked many more questions, but otherwise they did not differ from mothers of comparison children. In both groups, children and mothers were highly synchronous. When late talkers were divided into two groups (children with continuing delay vs. “late bloomers” who were within the normal range in MLU), the subgroups did not differ significantly from each other on any conversational measure.
Centroid moment tensor solutions for intermediate-depth earthquakes of the WWSSN-HGLP era (1962-1975)

Abstract Centroid moment tensor solutions are presented for 76 intermediate-depth earthquakes (with reported depths between 130 and 300 km) covering the years 1962–1975. These solutions are obtained by applying the algorithm used for modern events to restricted datasets of analog (WWSSN) and digital (HGLP) seismograms.
“Far Beyond the Western Sea of the Arabs...”: Reinterpreting Claims about Pre-Columbian Muslims in the Americas

AbstractThis article employs a historiographical approach to examine the controversial premise that Muslim explorers reached the Americas well before Columbus. Interestingly, those who originally conceived this premise in the early-to-mid twentieth century were not Muslims, and they emphasized the cultural or geographical (African and/or Arabian) rather than religious origins of alleged explorers to the New World. By the mid-to-late twentieth century, other proponents of the premise had created a popular literature that presented additional “evidence,” including language similarities, narratives, maps of exploration, and material culture artifacts. This evidence, which is described and evaluated herein, involves a number of fields or disciplines such as archaeology, history, and linguistics. Given the fragmentary and sometimes contradictory nature of this evidence, most professionals in varied fields are unconvinced that Islam predates Spanish exploration in the New World. That, however, has not deterred ...
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(glycerol−succinic acid) Dendrimers

The syntheses of novel dendrimers composed of glycerol and succinic acid are described. These “biodendrimers” are composed entirely of building blocks known to be biocompatible or degradable in vivo to natural metabolites and are prepared using a high yield divergent approach. Moreover, the synthetic strategy employed is amenable to the design and development of new materials as demonstrated by the attachment of a photopolymerizable group.
Pest Toxicology: The Primary Mechanisms of Pesticide Action

Pesticides are used to control pests before they harm us or our crops. They are selective toxicants in the form and manner used. Pesticides must be effective without human or crop injury. They must also be safe relative to human and environmental toxicology. The study of how the pesticide works on the pest is referred to here as pest toxicology. About 700 pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, act on perhaps 95 biochemical targets in pest insects, weeds, and destructive fungi. Current insecticides act primarily on four nerve targets, i.e., acetylcholinesterase, the voltage-gated chloride channel, the acetylcholine receptor, and the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor, systems which are present in animals but not plants. Herbicides act mostly on plant specific pathways by blocking photosynthesis, carotenoid synthesis, or aromatic and branched chain amino acid synthesis essential in plants but not mammals. Many fungicides block ergosterol (the fungal sterol) or tubulin biosynthesis or cytochrome c reductase, while others disrupt basic cellular functions. A major limiting factor in the continuing use of almost all pesticides is the selection of strains not only resistant to the selecting or pressuring compounds but also cross-resistant to other pesticides acting at the same target. One approach to reinstating control is to shift from compounds with the resistant target site or mode of action to another set which have a sensitive target. This type of pesticide management led to the formation of Resistance Action Committees for insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides with very knowledgable experts to define resistance groups, which are in fact listings of primary target sites in pest toxicology. Continued success in pest and pesticide management requires an understanding of comparative biochemistry and molecular toxicology considering pests, people, and crops. Defining and applying the principles of pest toxicology are critical to food production and human health.
Somite Formation: Where Left Meets Right

Somites are the bilaterally symmetric embryonic precursors of the vertebrate skeleton and axial muscle. Three recent studies reveal that somites form asymmetrically in the absence of retinoic acid signaling. These results uncover an unexpected relationship between somitogenesis and left–right patterning, and suggest that bilateral somite formation is regulated along the left–right axis.
Outcome after laminectomy for lumbar spinal stenosis Part I: Clinical correlations

U All patients who underwent decompressive lumbar laminectomy in the Washtenaw County, Michigan metropolitan area during a 7-year period were studied for the purpose of defining long-term outcome, clinical correlations, and the need for subsequent fusion. Outcome was determined by questionnaire and physical examination from a cohort of 119 patients with an average follow-up evaluation interval of 4.6 years. Patients graded their outcome as much improved (37%), somewhat improved (29%), unchanged (17%), somewhat worse (5%), and much worse (12%) compared to their condition before surgery. Poor outcome correlated with the need for additional surgery, but there were few additional significant correlations. No patient had a lumbar fusion during the study interval. The outcome after laminectomy was found to be less favorable than previously reported, based on a patient questionnaire administered to an unbiased patient population. Further randomized, controlled trials are therefore necessary to determine the efficacy of lumbar fusion as an adjunct to decompressive lumbar laminectomy.
Inhibition of Transvenous Pacing through the Coronary Sinus by the Atrial P Wave: Diagnosis with the Aid of Isoproterenol

A patient with heart block and a demand transvenous pacemaker with the catheter tip inadvertently positioned in the coronary sinus was found to have his pacemaker both sensing and being inhibited by his P waves. Studies with atrial pacing and isoproterenol documented the inhibitory effect of the atrial depolarization. The patient was successfully treated by substituting a fixed rate generator for the demand unit.
Flow of a Johnson–Segalman fluid between rotating co-axial cylinders with and without suction

Abstract The Johnson–Segalman fluid has a non-monotone relationship between the shear stress and velocity gradient in simple shear flows for a certain range of material parameters resulting in solutions with discontinuous velocity gradients for planar and cylindrical Poiseuille flow. This has been used to explain the phenomenon of “Spurt”. Rao and Rajagopal [ Acta Mechania , to be published] have shown that the addition of suction necessarily smoothens the solutions for planar Poiseuille and cylindrical Poiseuille flows. Here we study the effect of a different geometry on the flow of a Johnson–Segalman fluid. The problems of cylindrical Couette flow, cylindrical Couette flow with suction (or injection) and Hamel flow are studied and it is found that the boundary condition can have an interesting effect on the regularity of the solution. The presence of suction increases the regularity of the solution, i.e. solutions with discontinuous velocity gradients are not possible.
The prostate: An increasing medical problem

The prostate gland is the major site of medical problems in the U.S. male. Surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most common surgical procedure performed in males, and the total cost for this surgery exceeds 1 billion dollars per year. The incidence of and mortality from prostate cancer are increasing yearly. Prostate cancer now exceeds lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and is the second leading cause of male cancer deaths. Of all tumors, the prevalence of prostate cancer increases the most rapidly with age. A shift in age distribution favoring an older population will lead to an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States. It is estimated that by the year 2000 there will be a 37% increase in prostate cancer deaths per year and a 90% increase in prostate cancer cases per year. Although the factors responsible for the development and progression of prostate cancer to a clinically manifest form are not known, there is evidence that environmental factors may play a role. It will be important for the future to focus on the etiological factors that may lead to a decrease in the prevalence of prostatic tumors.
Small satellite radiometric measurement system

A critical need for the US Global Change Research Program is to provide continuous, well-calibrated radiometric data for the earth's radiation budget. This paper describes a new, compact, relatively light-weight, adaptable radiometer which will provide both spectrally integrated measurements and data in selected spectral bands. The radiometer design is suitable for use on small satellites, aircraft, or remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs). An example of the implementation of this radiometer on a small satellite is given. Significant benefits derive from simultaneous measurements of specific narrow (in wavelength) spectral features; such data may be obtained by combining LARI with a compact spectrometer on the same platform. Well-chosen satellite orbits allow one to use data from other satellites (e.g. DMSP) to enhance the data product, or to provide superior coverage of specific locations. 23 refs.
Ligand-induced ErbB receptor dimerization.

Abstract Structural studies have provided important new insights into how ligand binding promotes homodimerization and activation of the EGF receptor and the other members of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases. These structures have also suggested possible explanations for the unique properties of ErbB2, which has no known ligand and can cause cell transformation (and tumorigenesis) by simple overexpression. In parallel with these advances, studies of the EGF receptor at the cell surface increasingly argue that the structural studies are missing key mechanistic components. This is particularly evident in the structural prediction that EGF binding linked to receptor dimerization should be positively cooperative, whereas cell-surface EGF-binding studies suggest negative cooperativity. In this review, I summarize studies of ErbB receptor extracellular regions in solution and of intact receptors at the cell surface, and attempt to reconcile the differences suggested by the two approaches. By combining results obtained with receptor ‘parts’, it is qualitatively possible to explain some models for the properties of the whole receptor. These considerations underline the need to consider the intact ErbB receptors as intact allosterically regulated enzymes, and to combine cellular and structural studies into a complete picture.
Carbonate–ceramic dual-phase membrane for carbon dioxide separation

Abstract A new carbonate–ceramic dual-phase membrane for high temperature CO 2 separation was synthesized from porous La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3− δ (LSCF) supports infiltrated with a eutectic molten carbonate (Li 2 CO 3 /Na 2 CO 3 /K 2 CO 3 ) mixture. Helium permeances of the LSCF support before and after infiltration of molten carbonate were found to be on the order of 10 −6 and less than 10 −10 mol m −2 s −1 Pa −1 respectively. On average, supports were found to increase in weight by 33% after infiltration. High temperature CO 2 permeation experiments were carried out for several membranes of varying thickness under low oxygen partial pressure ( P O 2 = 10 − 4 atm ). Maximum permeances of 2.01, 3.73, 4.63 and 4.77 × 10 −8 mol m −2 s −1 Pa −1 were obtained at 900 °C for dual-phase membranes with thicknesses of 3.0, 1.5, 0.75 and 0.375 mm respectively. A CO 2 /Ar separation factor of at least 225 was achieved at 900 °C for the 0.375 mm thick membrane. The activation energy for CO 2 permeation for these membranes was calculated to be 86.4–89.9 kJ mol −1 depending on membrane thickness. Experimental CO 2 permeation data can be well predicted by a model that considers oxygen ionic conduction in the solid phase of LSCF support in conjunction with structure data for the molten carbonate and LSCF solid phases that was characterized by helium permeation and electrical conductivity measurements.
Retinal regeneration and stem cell therapy in retinitis pigmentosa

Abstract Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the leading cause of hereditary blindness, and there is currently no available treatment that can either significantly slow the progression of this disease or restore lost vision. Amphibians and birds exhibit different strategies for retinal regeneration, including the proliferation of cells in the ciliary margin and transdifferentiation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Muller glia. The mammalian retina does not have the innate ability to regenerate damaged retina, but research is actively exploring pathways that promote endogenous regeneration. Because the inner retinal architecture is largely preserved, even in advanced cases of RP, an alternative is to replace the degenerated photoreceptor cells, thereby replenishing the photoreceptor population. The transplantation of embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, embryonic retinal progenitors (postmitotic photoreceptor precursors), and hippocampal neuronal progenitors have been investigated for this purpose. The encouraging results demonstrate the integration and possible functional connection between the transplanted cells and the inner retinal circuitry of the host. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in this field and their potential for the treatment of RP and other retinal degenerations.
Dispatcher assisted CPR: implementation and potential benefit. A 12-year study.

Objectives: Our objectives are to describe details of the dispatcher assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instruction program we implemented during a 12 years study and to provide estimates of the potential number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests that might benefit from such instruction based on data from the last 77 months. Methods: Basic data were obtained for all episodes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the city of Seattle, as well as all emergency medical services (EMS) dispatches for suspected cardiac arrest. In addition to EMS run reports, data sources included audio tapes of dispatches, and interviews of callers. These data were used in a potential benefit analysis. Results: Over a period of 77 months, 54% (3320/6130) of cardiac arrests received advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) by Seattle Fire Department emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. We estimated that 29.9% (994/3320) of cardiac arrests in Seattle treated by EMS could have theoretically benefited from dispatcher assisted CPR. No serious adverse consequences of a dispatcher assisted CPR program were observed. Failure to identify a cardiac arrest by dispatchers was largely attributed to deviation from a well-defined protocol. However, non-arrests identified, initially as arrests appeared to be unavoidable. Conclusions: In the city of Seattle, some 29.9% of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims who received ACLS had the potential to benefit from dispatcher assisted CPR.
Immune recognition of serum albumin—XIII. Autoreactivity with rabbit serum albumin of rabbit antibodies against bovine or human serum albumins and autoimmune recognition of rabbit serum albumin

Abstract Recently, this laboratory reported an autoreactivity of myoglobin (Mb)‡ antisera with the Mb of the species in which the antisera are raised. Also, animals injected with autologous Mb mounted an autoimmune antibody and T-lymphocyte proliferative response against this protein. This posed the possibility that autoimmune recognition might be a general phenomenon not confined only to sequestered proteins such as Mb. Using RSA, we have demonstrated unambiguously that RSA cross-reacted with rabbit antisera to bovine (BSA) or to human (HSA) albumin. In exchange experiments, 125I-labelled RSA was bound by the IgG in the immune complexes isolated from rabbit antisera to BSA or HSA. Also, 125I-antibodies were bound by RSA-adsorbents. Both binding activities were inhibited specifically by RSA. RSA was isolated from three rabbits and each rabbit was immunized with its own RSA. In each rabbit autoantibodies were found by exchange between immune complexes and the rabbit's own [125I]-RSA. Also, 125I-antibodies from each rabbit were bound by adsorbents of the rabbit's own RSA. Inhibition studies, data on preimmune sera and on antisera against other proteins confirmed the specificity of the binding. The findings confirm the universality of autoimmune recognition and lend support to our previous suggestion that antigenic sites are ‘structurally-inherent’ in the protein.
Young Brains on Drugs

The debates over legalization, decriminalization, and medical uses of marijuana in the United States are missing an essential piece of information: scientific evidence about the effects of marijuana on the adolescent brain. Much is known about the effects of recreational drugs on the mature adult brain, but there has been no serious investigation of the risks of marijuana use in younger users. In April 2014, a controversial study* suggested that “casual” use of marijuana is associated with structural abnormalities in the brains of young people (aged 18 to 25), particularly in regions vital to emotion, motivation, and decision-making. The fact that the findings are preliminary and disputed indicates that rigorous research is needed to inform discussions about the public health benefits and risks of legalized marijuana.
Femtogram-Level Thermophysical Property Measurement of Polymeric Samples Using Heated Microcantilevers

This article investigates thermophysical property measurement of femtogram-level polymeric samples by using the 3ω method on a heated microcantilever probe. A localized thermal scooping method was employed to acquire 449 fg of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sample, measured gravimetrically, directly onto the heater of the cantilever. It is shown that the sample case has a 3ω signal that is smaller in magnitude than the bare case, suggesting that sample properties could be determined using the processes discussed here. A finite element analysis (FEA) model was also developed to compute the steady periodic behavior of the cantilever in the frequency domain. In order to drastically reduce the computational cost and consider the transient effect of the surrounding air, the FEA model implements the complex thermal conductance of the air as the boundary condition rather than modeling the air as a separate domain. The comparison of the modified model with the model that includes the air in the system reveals that the running time has improved by one order of magnitude while showing excellent agreement. The obtained results will expand the characterization and functionality of microcantilevers leading to advancements in localized thermal analysis.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Efficacy of Heavy-Resistance Training for Active Women over Sixty: Muscular Strength, Body Composition, and Program Adherence

Objective: To determine the effects of resistance training on muscular strength, body composition (percent fat and lean tissue mass), and program adherence in active women over 60 years of age. Design: This study was designed as a stratified, randomized, non-blinded trial. Subjects were stratified into rank-ordered pairs by level of physical activity according to the Blair Seven-Day Recall, then randomly assigned into either a weight-training (WT, n = 18) or control (CON, n = 18) group. Participants and Setting: Thirty-six women over the age of 60 (67.1 ± 1.5, x ± SE) were recruited from the San Diego community. All subjects had to be engaging in some form of aerobic exercise at least 3 days each week for a minimum of 6 months. Measurements and Intervention: Subjects engaged in isotonic training 3 days/week on Polaris machines at a target intensity of 80% of the 1 repetition maximum (1 RM) for three sets of seven exercises selected to train major muscle groups of the trunk and upper and lower body. The 1 RM was re-tested every 6 weeks in WT and the workload adjusted to maintain target intensity. The 1 RM was tested at 0, 12, and 24 weeks in CON. Body fatness and lean tissue mass, excluding skeletal mass, were assessed at 0 and 24 weeks by dual energy radiography using a total body scan. Results: Increases in muscle strength of the weight trainers were significant for all seven exercises (5%–65%), with the greatest gains in the shoulder and trunk muscles. Percent body fat of weight trainers decreased significantly (from 38.8% to 37.9%, P < 0.05), while lean tissue mass increased by 1.5 kg (P < 0.01). No changes in body composition were observed in control subjects. Overall program adherence was 83% (15 weight trainers and 15 control women completed the study). Monthly attendance averaged 86.8 ± 3.3%, with no incidence of injury during the training sessions. Conclusions: These data indicate that heavy-resistance weight training is safe and enjoyable for older women and that meaningful gains in muscular strength and body composition can be made even in women who are already highly active.
Phage Wrapping with Cationic Polymers Eliminates Nonspecific Binding between M13 Phage and High pI Target Proteins

M13 phage have provided scaffolds for nanostructure synthesis based upon self-assembled inorganic and hard materials interacting with phage-displayed peptides. Additionally, phage display has been used to identify binders to plastic, TiO2, and other surfaces. However, synthesis of phage-based materials through the hybridization of soft materials with the phage surface remains unexplored. Here, we present an efficient “phage wrapping” strategy for the facile synthesis of phage coated with soluble, cationic polymers. Polymers bearing high positive charge densities demonstrated the most effective phage wrapping, as shown by assays for blocking nonspecific binding of the anionic phage coat to a high pI target protein. The results establish the functional group requirements for hybridizing phage with soft materials and solve a major problem in phage display—nonspecific binding by the phage to high pI target proteins.
Recent advances in the chemistry of well-defined olefin and acetylene metathesis catalysts

Abstract Several types of tungstenacyclobutadiene complexes have now been isolated. Three have distorted trigonal-bipyramidal structures in which the WC 3 ring system lies in the trigonal plane. One of them, W(C 3 Et 3 )-[OCH(CF 3 ) 2 ] 3 , has been shown to metathesize acetylenes by a reaction which is first order in both tungsten and acetylene. The structure and spectroscopy of W(η 5 -C 5 H 5 )[C(Ph)C(CMe 3 )C(Ph)]Cl 2 show it to contain a non-planar, localized WC 3 ring which is fluxional in the NMR time scale, possibly by formation of a tungstenatetrahedrane intermediate. Many functionalized alkylidyne complexes have been prepared. Such complexes often decompose in the presence of functionalized acetylenes, but some are viable metathesis catalysts for functionalized acetylenes. Several examples of decomposition products, including a ‘deprotonated’ tungstenacyclobutadiene complex, are provided. Both molybdenum and rhenium neopentylidyne complexes can be prepared, but none so far has been shown to be a well-behaved acetylene metathesis catalyst. Finally, we have shown that W(CCMe 3 )(OCMe 3 ) 3 can be protonated by hydrogen halides or phenols to give neopentylidene complexes which, when pure, do not react readily with internal olefins.
It's a small world, after all!

The title of this Editor’s Page is not only a song by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, and a major attraction at several Disney theme parks that my kids used to love when they were young. It also applies increasingly to the world in general, and to the field of Echocardiography in particular. I was reminded just how small the world really is on a recent trip to participate in the 12 Annual Scientific Sessions of the European Association of Echocardiography (EAE), also known as EuroEcho 2008, which was held in Lyon, France. Lyon is the third largest city in France, and dates to the period of the Roman Empire. At that time, Lyon was the capital of the three Gauls, and known as Lugdunum (“the hill of light”). Today, one can still visit the Roman Amphitheatre des Trois Gaules at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers. Readers interested in both history and bacterial endocarditis will know that the aggressive coagulase negative Staphylococcal species S. lugdunensis was first described in 1988 and named after Lyon, where it was isolated. The invitation to speak at EuroEcho 2008 was a special opportunity for me, since I lived in Lyon in 1975-6 while doing research at the Hopital Cardiologique de Lyon. During my service in the Cardiology Branch of what is now the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) between 1972-5, I learned to interpret echocardiograms, but I actually learned to perform them (using an M-mode echocardiograph) in Lyon. While there, I was able to write several papers (in French) that were published in the French cardiology literature. I still have some good friends in Lyon and many fond memories of living in France, learning the language, and enjoying the culture and the cuisine. Returning to Lyon for a few days was a real treat! For those who have never attended a EuroEcho meeting, American echocardiographers might think of it as the “European equivalent” of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) Annual Scientific Sessions. Much like the ASE’s Scientific Sessions, EuroEcho is a high caliber scientific meeting and well attended by professionals from around the world. The 12 Annual Meeting of the EAE was held under the leadership of EAE President Professor Petros Nihoyannopoulos of London, and organized by a Programme Committee chaired by Professor Jose Luis Zamorano of Madrid. In my opinion, the quality of the scientific program, the expertise of the presenters, and the enthusiasm of the large audience was superb, and certainly on par with the ASE’s Annual Scientific Sessions. In addition, as has been my experience at other international echocardiography meetings in Europe, Asia, and South America, the social events provided a superb opportunity for colleagues from around the world to mingle in a relaxed atmosphere, and to cement old acquaintances and make new ones. Participating in high quality scientific sessions, seeing the excellent work being done by others, advancing my own knowledge,
The feasibility of the additional process for improving pattern collapse in develop process

As EUV(Extreme Ultraviolet) Lithography has been delayed because of technical difficulties, ArF-immersion technology is continued to be utilized in the several future years. To progress constantly chip’s minimization and pattern shrink with ArF wavelength, the adoption of aggressive SRAF(Sub Resolution Assist Feature) is inevitable. This trend is giving the big challenge in Photomask industry such as pattern collapse, pattern wiggling and bending. Generally, the reduction of the resist thickness is being tried to solve these problems. But this approach has the limitation, because of depending on the margin of etch process. Additionally, finding appropriate resist must be evaluated by a variety of experiments for verifying the stability of the process. According to several papers, the main reason of pattern collapse is the unbalanced capillary force at drying step in develop process. The capillary stresses (σ) experienced by the resist can be described as shown in equation (1.1) and Figure 1[1].
The many facets of multiple myeloma

M ULTIPLE MYELOMA is a neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells, generally originating in the bone marrow. These globulin-producing plasma cells may be immature (myeloma cells). Most of the clinical features are due to marrow infiltration and bone destruction by plasma cells. Multiple myeloma is most common in patients between 45 and 70 yr of age. The disease is characterized by bone pain, particularly in the back (with or without pathologic fracture), weakness, soft-tissue masses, renal insufficiency, neurologic symptoms, and frequent infections.“r6 Abnormal laboratory findings include anemia, hyperglobulinemia, hypercalcemia and hyperuricemia. The alkaline phosphatase is typically normal in uncomplicated cases. Serum or urine electrophoresis shows a characteristic M-type protein peak, and bone marrow study reveals an increase in plasma or myeloma cells.24 The natural history of myeloma is undergoing constant study.” The abnormal electrophoretic changes and even plasma cell proliferation in the marrow may be present for a long period before clinical or radiologic evidence of disease is found. Radiographically, the typical myeloma shows multiple small osteolytic lesions with sharp punched-out margins (Fig. 1). However, the roentgen appearance is extremely variable (Table l), and these variations will be emphasized in the following discussion.
ECG T-Wave Monitor for Potential Early Detection and Diagnosis of Cardiac Arrhythmias

T-wave abnormalities are gaining significance in the realm of electrocardiogram diagnostics. In particular, T-wave alternans are proving to be powerful predictive indicators of potentially fatal arrhythmias. T-wave morphology monitoring and analysis are the means by which alternans and other abnormalities are detected. We have presented a preliminary design of an analog T-wave monitor to provide a characteristic description of the beat-to-beat T-wave morphology in terms of its maximum leading edge and trailing edge slopes, and its area. Experimental results showed that data from the analog T-wave monitor compared well with those predicted theoretically. Current design of the T-wave monitor, once improved, can find use in the screening, diagnosis, and early detection of T-wave abnormalities in clinical settings.
Bruxism after brain injury: Successful treatment with botulinum toxin-A

Bruxism, the rhythmic grinding of teeth--usually during sleep--is not an infrequent complication of traumatic brain injury. Its prevalence in the general population is 21%, but its incidence after brain injury is unknown. Untreated, bruxism causes masseter hypertrophy, headache, temporomandibular joint destruction, and total dental wear. We report a case of complete resolution of postanoxic bruxism after treatment with botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A). The patient was a 28-year-old man with no history of bruxism who sustained an anoxic brain injury secondary to cardiac arrest of unknown etiology. On admission to our rehabilitation unit 2 months after the injury, the patient presented with severe bruxism and heavy dental wear. The patient was injected with a total of 200 units of BTX-A to each masseter and temporalis. There was total resolution of bruxism 2 days after injection, with no complications. On follow-up 3 months after injection, the patient remained free of bruxism. We propose that botulinum toxin be considered as a treatment for bruxism secondary to anoxic brain injury. Further studies regarding muscle selection and medication dosage are warranted to elucidate the toxin's efficacy in this condition.
Synthesis of marinobufagin and marinobufotoxin from telecinobufagin

Telecinobufagin (I) wurde in Marinobufagin (IVa) und in Marinobufotoxin (V) ubergefuhrt. Hauptreaktionsschritte: Umsetzung des Olefins II zum Halohydrin III mit anschliessender Epoxydierung (III→IVa). Das so erhaltene Marinobufagin (IVa) wurde mit Arginin-monohydrochlorid unter Verwendung der MCA-Technik zu Marinobufotoxin (V) kondensiert.
Switchgrass Morphological Development Predicted from Day of the Year or Degree Day Models

We tested recently published linear equations for predicting developmental morphology of warm-season perennial grasses on three cultivars of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). Mean stage count (MSC, based on the Nebraska system) of `Cave-in-Rock' and `Kanlow' switchgrass was measured at Ames, IA, and MSC of Cave-in-Rock and `Alamo' switchgrass was measured at Stephenville, TX, during 1995. Measured MSC was compared with MSC estimated from day of the year (DOY) or growing degree day (GDD; base of 10°C) equations. The DOY equation more closely estimated MSC for switchgrass grown at Ames than at Stephenville. The GDD equation did not work well for any cultivar at either location. The equations did not work as well in Texas, probably because of genotypic interactions with daylength and climate for developmental morphology. These results indicate that the DOY equation may be useful with some varieties of switchgrass in the central Great Plains.
Integration and visualization of host–pathogen data related to infectious diseases

Motivation: Infectious disease research is generating an increasing amount of disparate data on pathogenic systems. There is a growing need for resources that effectively integrate, analyze, deliver and visualize these data, both to improve our understanding of infectious diseases and to facilitate the development of strategies for disease control and prevention. Results: We have developed Disease View, an online host–pathogen resource that enables infectious disease-centric access, analysis and visualization of host–pathogen interactions. In this resource, we associate infectious diseases with corresponding pathogens, provide information on pathogens, pathogen virulence genes and the genetic and chemical evidences for the human genes that are associated with the diseases. We also deliver the relationships between pathogens, genes and diseases in an interactive graph and provide the geolocation reports of associated diseases around the globe in real time. Unlike many other resources, we have applied an iterative, user-centered design process to the entire resource development, including data acquisition, analysis and visualization. Availability and Implementation: Freely available at http://www.patricbrc.org; all major web browsers supported. Contact: cmao@vbi.vt.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Male Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Presenting as Bloody Nipple Discharge: A Case Report and Literature Review

Male breast carcinoma accounts for 1% of all diagnosed breast carcinoma. Pure ductal carcinoma in situ in men is extremely rare. Unfortunately, male breast cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage because of the minimal awareness of presenting symptoms by the patient and sometimes by the health care provider. Because of this late presentation, the overall prognosis is less favorable. This case is presented to emphasize the importance of recognizing bloody nipple discharge as a clinical sign of male ductal carcinoma in situ and an opportunity for early diagnosis.
A multiregional study of nurses' beliefs and attitudes about work safety and patient assault.

Objective: The study attempted to increase understanding of nursing staff members' beliefs and concerns about work safety and patient assault. Metbods: A study conducted at a university-affiliated psychiatricfacility in California in the late 1980s was replicated in five other psychiatric settings. Data were collected using the Attitudes Toward Patient Physical Assault Questionnaire, containing 31 statements designed to elicit nurses' beliefs about safety concerns, staff performance, and legal issues related to assaults. Results: A total of 557 nursing staff members at the six sites responded to the questionnaire; 84 percent were female. The majority (76 percent) had been physically assaulted at least once, but 71 percent reported feeling safe in their work environment most of the time. Compared with female staff members, males tended to believe that assaults were to be expected, that assaulted staff have personality traits that make them vulnerable to assault, and that legal action against assaultive pat...
The Effectiveness and Ease of Implementation of an Academic Vocabulary Intervention for Linguistically Diverse Students in Urban Middle Schools

The present study aims to advance the extant research base by evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of an academic vocabulary program designed for use in mainstream middle school classrooms with high proportions of language minority learners. The quasi-experimental, mixed-methods study was conducted in 21 classes (13 treatment matched to 8 control) in seven middle schools in a large district, with 476 sixth-grade students (346 language minority learners, 130 native English speakers). Classroom observations and teacher logs indicated the 18-week program was implemented with good fidelity and that the approach contrasted sharply with the standard district English language arts (ELA) curriculum. Multilevel modeling indicated that the program resulted in significant effects on several aspects of vocabulary knowledge, including meanings of taught words (d = 0.39; p < .0001), morphological awareness (d = 0.20; p = .0003), and the word meanings as presented in expository text (d = 0.20; p = .0227). The program also yielded marginally significant, but promising effects on a depth of word knowledge measure (d = 0.15; p =0.0830) and a norm-referenced measure of reading comprehension (d = 0.15; p = .0568). No effects were found on a norm-referenced vocabulary measure. These effects were comparable for language minority learners and their native–English-speaking classmates. Data from teachers shed light on the challenges of meeting students’ diverse instructional needs and the roles of curriculum and professional networks in building instructional capacity. The findings show promise in developing effective multifaceted vocabulary instruction for implementation by ELA teachers in middle school classrooms with high numbers of language minority learners.
ProteinQuant Suite: a bundle of automated software tools for label‐free quantitative proteomics

In simplifying the evaluation and quantification of high-throughput label-free quantitative proteomic data, we introduce ProteinQuant Suite. It comprises three standalone complementary computer utilities, namely ProtParser, ProteinQuant, and Turbo RAW2MGF. ProtParser is a filtering utility designed to evaluate database search results. Filtering is performed according to different criteria that are defined by the end-user. ProteinQuant then utilizes this parsed list of peptides and proteins in conjunction with mzXML or mzData files generated from the raw files for quantification. This quantification is based on the automatic detection and integration of chromatographic peaks representative of the liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) elution profiles of identified peptides. Turbo RAW2MGF was developed to extend the applicability of ProteinQuant Suite to data collected from different types of mass spectrometers. It directly processes raw data files generated by Xcalibur, a ThermoElectron data acquisition software, and generates a MASCOT generic file (MGF). This file format is needed since the protein identification results generated by the database search employing this file format include information required for the precise identification and quantification of chromatographic peaks. The performance of ProteinQuant Suite was initially validated using LC/MS/MS generated for a mixture of standard proteins as well as standard proteins spiked in a complex biological matrix such as blood serum. Automated quantification of the collected data resulted in calibration curves with R2 values higher than 0.95 with linearity spanning over more than 2 orders of magnitude with peak quantification reproducibility better than 15% (RSD). ProteinQuant Suite was also applied to confirm the binding preference of standard glycoproteins to Con A lectin using a sample consisting of both standard glycoproteins and proteins. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are you listening? Exploring a developmental knowledge-action dissociation in a speech interpretation task

Young children sometimes act inappropriately despite appearing to know what to do. Dissociations of this kind raise important questions about the organization and development of knowledge and action systems. The present study investigated a knowledge‐ action dissociation in 6-year-olds performing a speech interpretation task and tested the hypothesis that knowledge‐action dissociations stem from a general difficulty resolving conflicting cues. When knowledge and action measures were equated in terms of the amount of conflict that needed to be resolved for a correct response, children’s knowledge no longer appeared to outstrip their ability to act appropriately. Implications of the findings for competing views of knowledge representation and knowledge‐ action system organization are discussed.
Divergent approach to the bisanthraquinone natural products: total synthesis of (S)-bisoranjidiol and derivatives from binaphtho-para-quinones.

The development of the first asymmetric synthesis of a chiral anthraquinone dimer is outlined, resulting in the first total synthesis of (S)-bisoranjidiol. Rather than a biomimetic dimerization retrosynthetic disconnection, the anthracenyl ring systems are generated after formation of the axially chiral binaphthalene framework. This synthetic strategy has enabled the synthesis of several analogues. Key features of the synthesis include the enantioselective coupling of a hindered 2-naphthol containing substitution peri to the site of C–C bond formation, the regioselective oxidation of 8,8′-hydroxylated binaphthols to binaphtho-para-quinones, and a tandem regioselective Diels–Alder/aromatization reaction.
Utility of Hepatitis C Viral Load Monitoring on Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA loads serve as predictors of treatment response during interferonbased therapy. We evaluated the predictive ability of HCV RNA levels at end of treatment (EOT) for sustained virologic response (SVR12) during interferon-sparing direct-acting antiviral therapies. Methods. HCV genotype 1–infected, treatment-naive patients were treated with sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 24 weeks (n = 55), sofosbuvir and ledipasvir for 12 weeks (n = 20), sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, and GS-9669 for 6 weeks (n = 20), or sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, and GS-9451 for 6 weeks (n = 19). Measurements of HCV RNA were performed using the Roche COBAS TaqMan HCV test and the Abbott RealTime HCV assay. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of HCV RNA less than the lower limit of quantification (<LLOQ) at EOT for SVR12 were calculated. Results. All 55 patientstreated with sofosbuvirand ribavirin had HCV RNA <LLOQ at EOT by the Roche and Abbott assays, but only 38 achieved SVR12(PPV, 69%). Among patientstreated with sofosbuvirand ledipasvir with or without GS9669 or GS-9451, 100% (59/59) had HCV RNA <LLOQ by the Roche assay and 1 relapsed (PPV, 98%). By the Abbott assay, 90% (53/59) had HCV RNA <LLOQ, of whom 1 patient relapsed (PPV, 98%). Notably, 6 patients with HCV RNA ≥LLOQ at EOT (range, 14–64 IU/mL) achieved SVR12 (NPV, 0%). Quantifiable HCV RNA (range, 15–57 IU/mL) was measured 2 weeks posttreatment in 4 individuals, and 4 weeks posttreatment in 1 patient (14 IU/mL). Conclusions. Contrary to past experience with interferon-containing treatments, low levels of quantifiable HCV RNA at EOT do not preclude treatment success.
Vertical 1.3 mu m optical modulator in silicon-on-insulator

Reported is a new optical intensity modulator at 1.3 mu m which utilizes a Fabry-Perot resonant cavity implemented by silicon-on-insulator technology to achieve a high modulation depth. A p-i-n diode modulator is placed outside the cavity. The 1.3 mu m light comes in from the top, bounces back-and-forth inside the Fabry-Perot cavity, and is partially reflected back and partially transmitted through. At resonance, the reflectance is minimized. Forward biasing the p-i-n diode modulates the phase of the laser light inside the cavity and shifts the resonance of the cavity to convert the phase modulation to intensity modulation. Device fabrication and testing are outlined. >