bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Murder Rates in New Orleans, La, 2004–2006
Authors: VanLandingham Mark J.
Published: August 2007

Murder rates for New Orleans, La, during 2005 and 2006 were calculated with the best available population trajectories for these 2 atypical years. These calculations showed that the murder rate increased substantially during this period compared with 2004. The increase in 2005 from 2004 was 14%. The best estimate of the increase in the murder rate in 2006 compared with 2004 was 69%; the large increase in 2006 began during the second quarter of that year.
Molecular Characterization of the U.S. Peanut Mini Core Collection Using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Kottapalli Kameswara Rao , Burow Mark D. , Burow Gloria , Burke John , Puppala Naveen
Published: August 2007

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is the secondmost important legume crop in the United States. A limitation to increased peanut productivity is that peanut improvement is hampered by relatively low genetic variability in the germplasm commonly used by breeding programs. To facilitate accessibility to diverse germplasm sources for breeding applications, a core subset of the USDA peanut germplasm was previously established that later was further refined and developed into a mini core collection consisting of 112 accessions. This report details an extensive characterization of genetic diversity and relationships in the U.S. peanut mini core using microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Seventy‐two peanut accessions from the U.S. peanut mini core were genotyped with 73 SSR markers; all but six produced reliable, polymorphic bands. Moderate levels of genetic variation were found with genetic distances (D) values among accessions ranging from 0.088 to 0.254. Distinct groupings of the accessions based on subspecies classification and on botanical (market) type groupings were established. Twelve of the markers, mapped previously to the A genome, were found to be sufficient to identify both subspecies and botanical types and gave a clustering pattern very similar to the entire 67 SSR marker set. The genetic variation observed within U.S. peanut mini core can be utilized for selection of diverse parents for breeding and development of mapping populations.
Impacts of Crop Production Factors on Fusarium Head Blight in Barley in Eastern Saskatchewan
Authors: Fernandez M. R. , Zentner R. P. , DePauw R. M. , Gehl D. , Stevenson F. C.
Published: August 2007

Fusarium head blight (FHB) in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is well established in the eastern Canadian Prairies and appears to be moving westward. A survey of 192 barley crops in eastern Saskatchewan was conducted to determine the impact of agronomic practices on FHB (1999–2002) and Fusarium‐damaged kernels (FDK) (2000–2001). The most common species isolated from spikes and kernels were F. sporotrichioides, F. avenaceum, and F. graminearum, followed by F. poae and F. culmorum Disease tended to be higher under minimum‐till compared with conventional‐ or zero‐till. Fusarium sporotrichioides was favored by a previous cereal crop, whereas F. avenaceum was higher after a pulse crop, and F. graminearum decreased after a pulse but not an oilseed crop. The latter two pathogens were also more prevalent after diversified cropping sequences than after two cereal crops. Summer fallow, or summer fallow alternated with cereals, decreased FDK. Previous glyphosate (Group 9 herbicides) use was associated with increased infection by all Fusarium spp., whereas Group 1 herbicides were associated with increased infection by F. poae and F. sporotrichioides Effects of both herbicide groups depended on tillage system. Number of previous glyphosate applications was also correlated with FHB caused by F. avenaceum and F. graminearum We concluded that in eastern Saskatchewan, barley grown under minimum‐till where glyphosate had been sprayed and following diversified cropping sequences would sustain the greatest damage due to FHB and FDK caused by F. avenaceum and F. graminearum
Impacts of Crop Production Factors on Common Root Rot of Barley in Eastern Saskatchewan
Authors: Fernandez M. R. , Zentner R. P. , DePauw R. M. , Gehl D. , Stevenson F. C.
Published: August 2007

Fusarium head blight (FHB) in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has been spreading on the Canadian Prairies for the last decade. Fusarium spp. causing FHB can also cause crown and root rot of cereal crops. It is therefore of interest to determine the impact of agronomic practices on fungal populations associated with root rot of barley. From 1999 to 2001, 137 barley crops were sampled in eastern Saskatchewan for severity of subcrown internode discoloration and percentage isolation of fungi. Cochliobolus sativus was the most commonly isolated fungus, whereas the most commonly isolated Fusarium spp. included the FHB pathogens F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, and F. graminearum Discoloration caused by C. sativus was favored by conventional‐till, whereas Fusarium spp. increased in reduced tillage systems. Barley grown after a cereal–summer fallow sequence under conventional‐ or minimum‐till had increased levels of C. sativus. Fusarium spp. were most affected by the previously grown crop(s); they were more common in barley grown after a noncereal than a cereal, and after two noncereals, or a noncereal alternated with summer fallow. Previous glyphosate applications were associated with lower C. sativus and higher Fusarium spp. levels in barley grown under minimum‐till management. This suggests changes in fungal communities; however, the mechanism(s) responsible for these changes in fungal levels are not known. Increased infection of ground and underground tissue by FHB pathogens may contribute to its development in succeeding cereal crops. Therefore, measures aimed at reducing root and crown infections by Fusarium spp. may also help reduce FHB development.
Mowing and Nitrogen Source Effects on Ammonia Volatilization from Turfgrass
Authors: Knight Ellen C. , Guertal Elizabeth A. , Wood C. Wesley
Published: August 2007

Although NH3 volatilization can be a pathway of N loss from turfgrass systems, the magnitude of this loss has not been well quantified, especially from N sources other than urea. The objective of this research was to evaluate NH3 volatilization as affected by N source and mowing of those N sources. The study consisted of mowing treatments (mowed or not mowed) and N sources: (i) urea, (ii) S‐coated urea, (iii) polymer‐coated urea, (iv) methylene urea, (v) ammonium nitrate, and (vi) composted sewage sludge. Mowing treatments were applied by mowing the N sources, which had been applied to bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) putting greens. The fertilizers were collected and taken to the laboratory for NH3 volatilization measurements, without additional watering. Treatments were applied at an N rate of 14.7 g m−2 to the surface of bentgrass plugs contained in 1‐L jars. Ammonia volatilization over 10 d was measured via boric acid trapping. Two experiments were conducted: one with loamy sand (Exp. 1) and one with an 80:20 sand–peat (v/v) greensmix (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, mowing never affected NH3 volatilization, so mowing was eliminated from Exp. 2. Over the 10‐d measurement period, urea had greatest total NH3 volatilization, with most released in the first 2 d. Polymer‐coated urea released the least NH3, with greatest release 9 and 10 d after treatment. In descending order, amounts of NH3 volatilization were urea, S‐coated urea, methylene urea, composted sewage sludge, ammonium nitrate, and polymer‐coated urea.
Effects of Storage Conditions on the Forage Quality Characteristics and Ergovaline Content of Endophyte‐Infected Tall Fescue Hays
Authors: Norman R. C. , Coblentz W. K. , Hubbell D. S. , Ogden R. K. , Coffey K. P. , Caldwell J. D. , Rhein R. T. , West C. P. , Rosenkrans C. F.
Published: August 2007

Throughout the southern Ozark Highlands, endophyte‐infected tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh] hay often is stored outdoors, without cover. At two research sites (Fayetteville and Batesville, AR), the effects of unprotected storage were assessed for large round bales of tall fescue hay packaged at three diameters (≈1.1, 1.4, and 1.7 m). Bales were stored over winter either inside or outside on wooden pallets and then sampled at three depths (0–0.15 m, 0.15–0.31 m, and 0.31–0.46 m). At both locations, bale diameter had no effect (p > 0.05) on dry matter (DM) recovery or nutritive value. Generally, there was little deterioration of nutritive value during the storage period, regardless of treatment; however, some interactions (p ≤ 0.041) of storage location and sampling depth were observed at each experimental site. Ruminal disappearance kinetics of DM exhibited some statistical differences (p ≤ 0.030) in response to treatment; however, their relative magnitude was generally small, and there was little evidence to suggest biological relevance. After storage, concentrations of ergovaline were not affected (p > 0.05) by baling treatment at Batesville (overall mean 256 μg kg−1); however, this was a 27.3% reduction from the initial concentration immediately after mowing. At Fayetteville this reduction was even greater, falling by 79.4% between standing forage (539 μg kg−1) and samples taken from baled hay after storage (111 μg kg−1). At both sites, bales stored outside on wooden pallets exhibited relatively small changes in nutritive value, disappearance kinetics, and ergovaline at the bale surface relative to the internal portions of the bale.
Potato Leafhopper Injury and Fusarium Crown Rot Effects on Three Alfalfa Populations
Authors: Ariss J. J. , Rhodes L. H. , Sulc R. M. , Hammond R. B.
Published: August 2007

Evidence suggests that homopterous insects and crown‐rotting Fusarium species interact to impose stresses affecting alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) persistence; however, few experiments quantify the combined effects of those two stressors on alfalfa. Our objective was to investigate the effects of Fusarium crown rot and potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae Harris), alone and in combination, on three alfalfa populations differing in resistance to potato leafhopper and Fusarium crown rot. Treatments were Fusarium‐inoculated plus leafhopper‐infested, only leafhopper‐infested, only Fusarium‐inoculated, and uninoculated–uninfested in 35‐wk experiments. Potato leafhoppers were introduced onto plants in greenhouse cages either before or after inoculation with a known crown‐rotting isolate of Fusarium oxysporum Schlect. There were few Fusarium × potato leafhopper or Fusarium × potato leafhopper × population interactions, indicating that overall, the effects of Fusarium and potato leafhopper were additive. Both Fusarium and potato leafhopper injury caused stand losses, and the combined effects of Fusarium and potato leafhopper, under two different inoculation plus infestation sequences, were essentially the same. In the presence of both Fusarium and potato leafhopper, the population having resistance to both organisms had a three‐ to sevenfold increase in plant survival and a three‐ to 4.6‐fold increase in yield compared with the population lacking resistance to either organism.
Estimation of Forage Production of Nilegrass Using Vegetation Reflectance
Authors: Yang Chwen‐Ming , Lee Yuh‐Jyuan , Hong Kuo‐Yuan , Hsu Fu‐Hsing
Published: August 2007

Changes in reflectance spectrum of a crop are known to follow the morphological development of vegetation, and thus spectral models combining spectral characteristics correlated with biomass production may be used for yield estimation. Field experiments were conducted to validate use of reflectance spectra (350–2400 nm) to estimate forage production (i.e., aboveground fresh weight) of nilegrass (Acroceras macrumStapf) vegetation from June 2002 to May 2004. Correlation coefficients (r) between spectral reflectance and forage production varied across the spectral range of measurements. A linear relationship (P< 0.010) was found for several wavebands, with the highestrvalue located at 891 nm (r= 0.671;P< 0.010). Of the examined spectral indices, forage production was found to be best correlated with RGREEN/RNIRratio (R2= 0.654,P< 0.001) where RGREENwas reflectance of green light (490–560 nm) maximum and RNIRwas reflectance of the near‐infrared (740–1300 nm) peak. Assessment of forage production was further improved by using a multiple linear regression (MLR) model. The best five‐variable linear regression equation provided the best fit (R2= 0.726,P< 0.001, Mallows' Cp criterion = 6.000). When validating the MLR model with other datasets from different growing seasons, the model gave reasonable prediction values (r= 0.833;P< 0.001) with a slope of 1.086 and root mean square error of 3.891 (N= 21).
Genetic Diversity in Yam Germplasm from Ethiopia and Their Relatedness to the Main Cultivated Dioscorea Species Assessed by AFLP Markers
Authors: Tamiru Muluneh , Becker Heiko C. , Maass Brigitte L.
Published: August 2007

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is widely cultivated in southern Ethiopia, where farmers maintain many named landraces. Nevertheless, little is known about their diversity and species identity. In this study, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were used to investigate the genetic diversity in 48 yam accessions from Ethiopia, and to assess their relatedness to yam species commonly cultivated in West Africa such as D. alata L., D. bulbifera L., D. cayenensis Lam., and D. rotundata Poir. Ten AFLP primer combinations generated 900 fragments, of which 97% were polymorphic. Cluster and principal coordinate analyses revealed that the Ethiopian accessions are distinct from the Dioscorea species widely cultivated in West Africa. A separate analysis of the Ethiopian accessions gave six clusters that represented the various maturity groups and the nonflowering accession in the collection. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 81% of the variation detected was found within collecting areas, while the variation among collecting areas contributed only 19%. The groups detected by AFLP markers were highly consistent with the local yam classification system and also reflected the main structure of morphological diversity.
Effects of treatment with polysulfated glycosaminoglycan on serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and C-reactive protein concentrations, serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activities, and lameness in dogs with osteoarthritis
Authors: Fujiki Makoto , Shineha Joe , Yamanokuchi Kazuto , Misumi Kazuhiro , Sakamoto Hiroshi
Published: August 2007

Objective—To investigate the effects of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) treatment on serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) concentration, matrix metal-loproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) activities, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, and lameness scores in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Animals—16 dogs with osteoarthritis and 5 clinically normal dogs.

Procedures—Dogs with osteoarthritis had a history of chronic lameness, and osteophytes were observed on radiographic evaluation of the affected joint. Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan was administered IM twice a week for a total of 8 treatments to all dogs with osteoarthritis and to clinically normal control dogs.

Results—Lameness scores after PSGAG treatment in osteoarthritic dogs improved in 12 of the 16 dogs. Serum COMP concentrations in osteoarthritic dogs were significantly higher than in control dogs before treatment. Lameness scores in osteoarthritic dogs decreased significantly after treatment, compared with before treatment. Lameness scores of 9 dogs with hind limb lameness improved significantly after treatment; these dogs had corresponding decreases in serum COMP concentrations. After treatment, serum COMP concentrations and lameness scores of 7 dogs with forelimb lameness remained high and were significantly higher than those of dogs with hind limb lameness. Serum MMP-9 activities of dogs with forelimb lameness were significantly higher than in dogs with hind limb lameness after treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—IM administration of PSGAG inhibited COMP degradation in dogs with osteoarthritis. Results indicate that decreases in serum COMP concentrations might be related to improvement in lameness after PSGAG treatment.
Comparison of two doses of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein in absorbable collagen sponges for bone healing in dogs
Authors: Schmiedt Chad W. , Lu Yan , Heaney Kathleen , Muir Peter , Amodie Deborah M. , Markel Mark D.
Published: August 2007

Objective—To determine the effects of 2 doses of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in an absorbable collagen sponge (rhBMP-2/ACS) on bone healing in dogs.

Animals—27 adult dogs.

Procedures—Dogs underwent a mid-diaphyseal (1-mm) tibial osteotomy (stabilized with external skeletal fixation) and received an ACS containing 0.28 mg (0.2 mg/mL) or 0.56 mg (0.4 mg/mL) of rhBMP-2 or no treatment (control dogs). All dogs were examined daily; bone healing was assessed via radiography and subjective lameness evaluation every 2 weeks. After euthanasia at 8 weeks, tibiae were evaluated biomechanically and histologically.

Results—Control dogs required antimicrobial treatment for pin-site–related complications more frequently than did rhBMP-2/ACS–treated dogs. At 4 and 6 weeks, weight bearing was greater in dogs treated with rhBMP-2/ACS (0.2 mg/mL) than in control dogs, albeit not significantly. Compared with control treatment, both doses of rhBMP-2/ACS accelerated osteotomy healing at 4, 6, and 8 weeks, and the 0.2 mg/mL dose enhanced healing at 2 weeks; healing at 6 weeks was greater for the lower-dose treatment than for the higher-dose treatment. Histologically, healing at 8 weeks was significantly improved for both rhBMP-2/ACS treatments, compared with control treatment. Among groups, biomechanical variables did not differ, although less osteotomy-site failures occurred in rhBMP-2/ACS–treated groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In dogs that underwent tibial osteotomy, rhBMP-2/ACS (0.2 mg/mL) appeared to accelerate bone healing and reduce lameness (compared with control treatment) and apparently augmented bone healing more than rhBMP-2/ACS (0.4 mg/mL). Compared with control dogs, rhBMP-2/ACS–treated dogs required antimicrobial treatments less frequently.
Subchondral bone density and cartilage degeneration patterns in osteoarthritic metacarpal condyles of horses
Authors: Young Benjamin D. , Samii Valerie F. , Mattoon John S. , Weisbrode Steven E. , Bertone Alicia L.
Published: August 2007

Objective—To evaluate and correlate patterns of subchondral bone density and articular cartilage degeneration (derived by use of gross, histologic, and computed tomographic [CT] examinations) in equine third metacarpal condyles with and without osteoarthritis.

Sample Population—8 metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints (n = 4 horses) without osteoarthritis and 6 osteoarthritis-affected MCP joints (4).

Procedures—Horses were euthanized. The third metacarpal condyles of the joints were examined grossly and via CT (3 slice images/condyle). For 6 condylar zones, mean bone density and pattern of density distribution were determined. Data for osteoarthritis-affected and control joints were compared. Histomorphometric point count analyses identified areas of bone density for comparison with CT density measurements.

Results—Osteoarthritis-affected condyles had heterogeneous subchondral bone with focal resorptive lesions and patterned sclerosis, whereas control condyles had symmetric bone density distribution. In osteoarthritis-affected condyles, bone density determined via gray scale image density analysis was greater (dorsal and medial pattern), compared with control condyles, and differed among zones because of resorption and sclerosis. With regard to bone density in osteoarthritis-affected condyles, histologic findings correlated with CT images, and bone lesions were significantly correlated with cartilage lesions.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In horses, heterogeneous distribution and greater subchondral bone density were characteristic of osteoarthritis-affected condyles, compared with control condyles. Subchondral bone lesions correlated with overlying cartilage lesions in osteoarthritis-affected MCP joints. Identification of CT image characteristics appears to predict the presence of a cartilage lesion in MCP joints of horses with osteoarthritis.
Effects of hypertonic sodium bicarbonate solution on electrolyte concentrations and enzyme activities in newborn calves with respiratory and metabolic acidosis
Authors: Bleul Ulrich T. , Schwantag Silvia C. , Kähn Wolfgang K.
Published: August 2007

Objective—To determine concentrations of electrolytes, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, and hemoglobin; activities of some enzymes; and Hct and number of leukocytes and erythrocytes of newborn calves in relation to the degree of acidosis and treatment with a hypertonic sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) solution.

Animals—20 acidotic newborn calves with a blood pH < 7.2 and 22 newborn control calves with a blood pH ≥ 7.2.

Procedures—Approximately 10 minutes after birth, acidotic calves were treated by IV administration of 5% NaHCO3 solution. The amount of hypertonic solution infused was dependent on the severity of the acidosis.

Results—Treatment resulted in a significant increase in the mean ± SEM base excess from −8.4 ± 1.2 mmol/L immediately after birth to 0.3 ± 1.1 mmol/L 120 minutes later. During the same period, sodium concentration significantly increased from 145.3 ± 0.8 mmol/L to 147.8 ± 0.7 mmol/L. Mean chloride concentration before NaHCO3 administration was significantly lower in the acidotic calves (99.6 ± 1.1 mmol/L) than in the control calves (104.1 ± 0.9 mmol/L). Calcium concentration in acidotic calves decreased significantly from before to after treatment. Concentrations of potassium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus were not affected by treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Administration of hypertonic NaHCO3 solution to acidotic neonatal calves did not have any adverse effects on plasma concentrations of several commonly measured electrolytes or enzyme activities. The treatment volume used was smaller, compared with that for an isotonic solution, which makes it more practical for use in field settings.
Retention of acetaminophen in an in vitro model of solid-phase gastric emptying of animals
Authors: Wyse Cathy A. , Marshall Will G. , Preston Tom , Yam Philippa S.
Published: August 2007

Objective—To apply an in vitro model for assessment of the solid-phase binding capacity of acetaminophen and thus assess the reliability of this marker for evaluation of solid-phase gastric emptying in vivo in animals.

Sample Population—4 test meals.

Procedures—A spectrophotometric method for detection of acetaminophen was validated and applied for assessment of the percentage retention of acetaminophen in the solid phase of 4 test meals. The gastric milieu was simulated by incubating each meal in artificial gastric juice for 2 hours in a shaking water bath maintained at 37°C. Solid-phase retention was then assessed 3 times by measuring the amount of acetaminophen that had leached into the liquid phase.

Results—Acetaminophen was poorly retained in the solid phase of all the test meals examined in the study. There was also a large degree of variability in the percentage retention for each meal when the experiment was repeated 3 times.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Analysis of the results of this in vitro study confirmed that acetaminophen may not be an appropriate marker of solid-phase gastric emptying. The acetaminophen gastric emptying test should be applied only for the assessment of liquid-phase emptying in animals.
Microchemical and surface evaluation of canine tibial plateau leveling osteotomy plates
Authors: Lackowski William M. , Vasilyeva Yulia B. , Crooks Richard M. , Kerwin Sharon C. , Hulse Donald A.
Published: August 2007

Objective—To determine the microchemical and surface composition of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) plates before and after explantation.

Sample Population—7 TPLO plates surgically removed from host dogs 6 to 54 months after implantation; 2 raw unpolished-and-unpassivated 316L TPLO plates; and 2 heat-treated, polished-and-passivated, and cleaned 316L TPLO plates.

Procedures—Samples were removed by use of standard techniques to ensure the plate surface was not damaged. Sample pieces were dissolved and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine bulk elemental composition. Other sample pieces were investigated by use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for determination of sample morphology, near-surface elemental composition, and surface elemental composition, respectively. To investigate the possibility of corrosion in situ, some samples were chemically corroded and analyzed.

Results—ICP-MS confirmed that elemental composition of samples was consistent with 316L stainless steel. The SEM and EDS analyses revealed trace amounts of polishing materials and a nonuniform carbonaceous biofilm on < 1% of the surface area of samples removed from the host dogs. The XPS analysis indicated an increase in the chromium-to-iron ratio on passivated surfaces, with no difference between passivated samples before implantation and after explantation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Composition of the TPLO plates was consistent with 316L stainless steel. No chemical or topographic changes were detected in TPLO plates that had been implanted in dogs for up to 54 months. A small amount of biofilm was evident on the surface of 2 plates.
Suspected panosteitis in a camel
Authors: Levine David G. , Smith Jennifer J. , Richardson Dean W. , Brown Valerie , Beech Jill , Habecker Perry , Adam Emma
Published: August 2007

Case Description—A 6-month-old male Bactrian camel was examined because of a 3-week history of lameness of the left hind limb.

Clinical Findings—Lameness was initially detected in the left hind limb but resolved and was detected in the right hind limb during treatment. Lameness increased during periods of rapid growth. Radiography revealed multiple small opacities of the medullary cavity of several long bones throughout treatment. Core bone biopsies of lesions in the tibiae revealed lamellar bone with areas of loose connective tissue, osteoblasts in the medullary cavity, and periosteal new bone formation, all which were consistent with panosteitis.

Treatment and Outcome—Palliative treatment was attempted with epidural and transdermal administration of analgesics. Flunixin meglumine was administered PO, which coincided with an abrupt increase in serum creatinine concentration. Performance of multiple diagnostic bone biopsies led to remission of clinical signs of pain.

Clinical Relevance—Panosteitis should be a differential diagnosis for shifting limb lameness in young camels. Bone biopsies can be useful for diagnosis of panosteitis and possible relief of pain associated with the disease. Bactrian camels may be susceptible to the renal toxicity of flunixin meglumine, especially when dehydrated.
Reconfigurable architectures for parallel execution of image processing tasks
Authors: Gorgoń M.
Published: July 2007

Reconfigurable computers are becoming third, after general purpose processors and digital signal processors, programmable computing systems. In the present paper, a new definition of parallelism adequate for fine-grain parallel systems is introduced. Computing power requirements for high definition, real-time vision system are discussed. A survey of reconfigurable solutions for image processing and the latest research work carried on at the AGH Laboratory of Biocybernetics are presented.
Children making faces: the effect of age and prompts on children's facial composites of unfamiliar faces
Authors: Paine Carina B. , Pike Graham E. , Brace Nicola A. , Westcott Helen L.
Published: July 2007

The police do not usually ask child witnesses (under 10‐years) to construct facial composites, as it is believed that they could not create images of sufficient accuracy. The main aim of the current experiment was to evaluate whether this age limit is a suitable threshold by comparing composites made by children of age 6‐, 8‐ and 10‐years and adults. Additionally, as children's lack of vocabulary to describe faces was considered a likely factor, a technique based on visual prompts was devised to obtain facial descriptions, and compared to construction based on verbal prompting. The experiment involved participants' construction of composites, which were subsequently evaluated subjectively (ranking and rating tasks) and objectively (matching task). Although adults' and older children's composites were, on average, more accurate than those of the younger children, the results demonstrated that children from the age of 6‐years were able to produce facial composites of an unfamiliar face. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eye movements when looking at print advertisements: the goal of the viewer matters
Authors: Rayner Keith , Miller Brett , Rotello Caren M.
Published: July 2007

Viewers looked at print advertisements as their eye movements were recorded. Half of them were asked to rate how much they liked each ad (for convenience, we will generally use the term ‘ad’ from this point on), while the other half were asked to rate the effectiveness of each ad. Previous research indicated that viewers who were asked to consider purchasing products in the ads looked at the text earlier and more often than the picture part of the ad. In contrast, viewers in the present experiment looked at the picture part of the ad earlier and longer than the text. The results indicate quite clearly that the goal of the viewer very much influences where (and for how long) viewers look at different parts of ads, but also indicate that the nature of the ad per se matters. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regression of the tumor after withdrawal of cyclosporine in relapsed extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kako Shinichi , Izutsu Koji , Oshima Kumi , Sato Hiroyuki , Kanda Yoshinobu , Motokura Toru , Chiba Shigeru , Kurokawa Mineo
Published: July 2007

The prognosis of patients with advanced‐stage extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKL) has been generally poor, and several anecdotal reports have suggested the role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). A potential advantage of allogeneic HSCT may be the graft‐versus‐lymphoma (GVL) effect. The susceptibility to the GVL effect, however, has been shown to vary according to histologic subtypes, and it has been hardly documented yet whether ENKL is susceptible to the GVL effect. Here we report a patient with advanced‐stage ENKL who underwent allogeneic HSCT from an HLA one‐allele mismatched related donor, whose clinical course after HSCT suggested the potent GVL effect against ENKL. A 43‐year‐old female underwent allogeneic HSCT for advanced‐stage, chemorefractory ENKL, and achieved complete response. In 4 months after the transplantation, however, the ENKL relapsed in multiple sites. These lesions markedly responded to the discontinuation of immunosuppressive agents and disappeared. Except for a temporal exacerbation of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, she has been free from disease for more than a year without other treatments against lymphoma. The clinical course of the current patient suggests the potent GVL effect against ENKL. Allogeneic HSCT, including that with reduced‐intensity regimens, is a promising treatment option for high‐risk ENKL. Am. J. Hematol. 82:937–939, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development and characterization of a novel method to analyze global gene expression profiles in endothelial cells derived from primary tissues
Authors: Bai Xiangyang , Huang Mei , Wu Jingyi , Huang Xiaoyuan , Yan Lingling , Lu Yunping , Wang Shixuan , Xu Gang , Zhou Jianfeng , Ma Ding
Published: July 2007

Homogenous cells separated directly from clinical samples with laser capture microdissection (LCM) contain their original transcript messages, which accurately reflects the physiological and pathological changes of the cell before fixation. Analysis of such samples provides a direct understanding of in vivo physiological and pathological processes. The development of modern large‐scale analytical techniques have given us a chance to determine the entire transcript profile of interesting cells. Therefore, LCM and gene expression microarray analysis are becoming common tools across a broad range of disciplines, particularly in the basic and clinical biomedical sciences. However, the combination of these technologies is limited in the study of vascular endothelial cell (VEC) since the precise location and separation of VECs is not easily realized and the requirement for relatively large amount of intact RNA for labeling and hybridization is not easily available. In this report, we describe an approach for tissue fixation and isolation of RNA from laser‐captured cells retrieved from frozen sections, which had previously been subjected to immunohistochemistry and subsequently subjected to linear amplification and gene expression microarray analysis. Our results demonstrate that nanogram quantities of total RNA isolated from about 3,000 VECs can be amplified and that the amplified RNA can generate enough signal intensity for GeneChip analysis. analysis. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A case of de novo partial tetrasomy of distal 6p and review of the literature
Authors: Stohler Ryan , Kucharski Ellen , Farrow Emily , Torres‐Martinez Wilfredo , Delk Paula , Thurston Virginia C. , Vance Gail H.
Published: July 2007

We report on a 3‐year‐old girl with bilateral eyelid colobomas, bulbous nose, blepharophimosis, blepharoptosis, sensorineural hearing loss, atrial septal defect, psychomotor retardation, and growth delay. Cytogenetic analysis showed additional material of unknown origin on the short arm of chromosome 8. Whole chromosome paint FISH identified the additional material to originate from chromosome 6. Subtelomeric metaphase FISH analysis detected a bright signal pattern for the 6p subtelomere probe on the derivative 8 as well as two short arm signals for the normal chromosomes 6. Interphase FISH with the 6p subtelomere probe demonstrated four 6p signals. Interestingly, metaphase FISH with a probe for the 8p subtelomere region demonstrated a signal for 8p just proximal to the translocated material. Comparative genomic hybridization studies confirmed tetrasomy of the 6p subtelomere region from 6p25.1 → 6p25.3. Thus our patient represents the first reported case of “pure” partial tetrasomy 6p, meaning the tetrasomy was not associated with a significant deletion of chromosome arm 8p. We compare here this case with previously reported cases of partial trisomy 6p and the resulting phenotypes. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“Holding your breath”: Interviews with young people who have undergone predictive genetic testing for Huntington disease
Authors: Duncan Rony E. , Gillam Lynn , Savulescu Julian , Williamson Robert , Rogers John G. , Delatycki Martin B.
Published: July 2007

Guidelines recommend that predictive genetic testing for Huntington disease (HD) should be deferred until the age of majority (18 years in most countries). However, opposition to these guidelines exists, with some professionals arguing that testing may be beneficial for young people, and should be considered much earlier. Empirical evidence is unable to substantiate either position. We aimed to (1) explore the experience of predictive genetic testing for HD from the young person's perspective and to (2) document the impact that testing has upon various aspects of young people's lives. Eight young people who had undergone predictive genetic testing for HD were interviewed. They ranged in age from 17 to 25 years at the time of their test. Four were female and two had received a gene‐positive test result. Interviews were taped, transcribed and analyzed thematically. Three themes emerged related to the time before the test was performed: “Living as though gene‐positive,” “Risk behaviors,” and “Complex pasts.” Two themes emerged related to the time after testing: “Identity difficulties” and “Living again.” When the young people spoke about their experiences of predictive testing, they placed these within a broader context of growing up in a family affected by HD. For some of the young people, uncertainty about their genetic status constituted a barrier in their lives and prevented them from moving forward. Testing alleviated these barriers in some cases and helped them to move forward and make significant behavioral changes. Not one of the young people interviewed regretted undergoing predictive testing. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Search for correlations between FBN1 genotype and complete Ghent phenotype in 44 unrelated Norwegian patients with Marfan syndrome
Authors: Rand‐Hendriksen Svend , Tjeldhorn Lena , Lundby Rigmor , Semb Svein Ove , Offstad Jon , Andersen Kai , Geiran Odd , Paus Benedicte
Published: July 2007

In monogenic disorders, correlation between genotype and phenotype is a premise for predicting prognosis in affected patients. Predictive genetic testing may enable prophylaxis and promote clinical follow‐up. Although Marfan syndrome (MFS) is known as a monogenic disorder, according to the present diagnostic criteria a mutation in the gene FBN1 is not sufficient for the diagnosis, which also depends on the presence of a number of clinical, radiological, and other findings. The fact that MFS patient cohorts only infrequently have been examined for all relevant phenotypic manifestations may have contributed to inconsistent reports of genotype–phenotype correlations. In the Norwegian Study of Marfan syndrome, all participants were examined for all findings contained in the Ghent nosology by the same investigators. Mutation identification was carried out by robot‐assisted direct sequencing of the entire FBN1 coding sequence and MLPA analysis. A total of 46 mutations were identified in 44 unrelated patients, all fulfilling Ghent criteria. Although no statistically significant correlation could be obtained, the data indicate associations between missense or splice site mutations and ocular manifestations. While mutations in TGF‐domains were associated with the fulfillment of few major criteria, severe affection was indicated in two cases with C‐terminal mutations. Intrafamilial phenotypic variation among carriers of the same mutation, suggesting the influence of epigenetic facors, complicates genetic counseling. The usefulness of predictive genetic testing in FBN1 mutations requires further investigation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bifid tongue: A rare feature associated with infants of diabetic mother syndrome
Authors: James Aaron W. , Culver Kathy , Hall Bryan , Golabi Mahin
Published: July 2007

Infants born to diabetic mothers (IDM) are well documented to have a higher rate of congenital malformations. Sacral agenesis/hypogenesis and caudal dysgenesis are classically linked to maternal diabetes, but many other types of anomalies are more frequent. In this case report, we describe a male infant born to a diabetic mother who in addition to other typical congenital abnormalities was born with an impressive bifid tongue. Accompanying congenital anomalies include unilateral microphthalmia, bilateral microtia, cleft palate, micropenis with unilateral cryptorchidism, bilateral radial hypoplasia, unilateral pre‐axial polydactyly, and mid‐line central nervous system defects including arhinencephaly and pituitary hypoplasia. Review of the literature reveals an additional case of an infant with a bifid tongue born to a diabetic mother [Comess et al., 1969]. In conclusion, bifid tongue without oral hamartoma, a rare congenital anomaly, can be an associated finding in IDM. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystallization of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) by exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets
Authors: Miloaga Dana G. , Hosein Hazel‐Ann A. , Misra Manjusri , Drzal Lawrence T.
Published: July 2007

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) has been shown to be efficiently nucleated by exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP). The nucleating effect of xGnP was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Nonisothermal crystallization of PHB from the melt required lower activation energies for PHB containing 1 wt % and 3 wt % xGnP (−214 and −102 kJ/mol respectively) than for pure PHB (−60 kJ/mol). A kinetic study of the PHB/xGnP crystallization employing a modified form of the Avrami equation revealed that the presence of xGnP increased the PHB crystallization temperature, as well as the crystallization rates, and generated smaller and more numerous spherulites. Optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy confirmed the incorporation of xGnP into the lamellar structure of the PHB spherulites and provided insight into the influence of xGnP on spherulite size and lamellae thickness. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in different solvents
Authors: Pan Kai , Jiang Long , Zhang Juan , Dan Yi
Published: July 2007

The reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate was investigated in different solvents: xylene, N,N‐dimethylformamide, and pyridine. The polymerizations were uncontrolled, using 2,2′‐bipyridine as a ligand in xylene and pyridine because the catalyst (CuBr2/2,2′‐bipyridine complex) had poor solubility in the xylene system. In the pyridine system, the solubility of the catalyst increased, but the solvent could complex with CuBr2, which influenced the control of the polymerization. In the N,N‐dimethylformamide system, the catalyst could be dissolved in the solvent completely, but the N(CH3)2 group in N,N‐dimethylformamide could also complex with CuBr2, so the polymerization could not be well controlled. The ligand of 4,4′‐di(5‐nonyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine was also investigated in xylene; the introduction of the CH(C4H9)2 group enabled the CuBr2/4,4′‐di(5‐nonyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine complex to easily dissolve in xylene, and the polymerizations were well controlled. The number‐average molecular weight increased linearly with the monomer conversion from 4280 to 14,700. During the whole polymerization, the polydispersities were quite low (1.07–1.10). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Antiwrinkle treatment of cotton fabric with a mixed sol of TEOS‐TTB/DMDHEU
Authors: Huang Kuo‐Shien , Yang Kerh‐Luen , Lin Shyh‐Jer , Lian Wei‐Tsang
Published: July 2007

This research explored the effect of a mixed sol on the physical properties of a treated fabric, and confirmed the crosslinkage of SiO2 and dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) using Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In the experiment, DMDHEU was applied to a cotton fabric and different mole ratios of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS)/titanium (IV) n‐butoxide (TTB) were added. The mixture was then subjected to immersion, padding, drying, and curing. The results showed that hydrogen bonds had formed between SiO2 and DMDHEU. The treated fabric had improved antiwrinkle properties, tensile‐strength retention, and yellowing degree when the mole ratio of TEOS was increased. By contrast, the softness of the fabric showed the opposite trend. When the mole ratio of TEOS/TTB was set at 10/1, the treated fabric showed a significant reduction of its antiwrinkle properties under both dry and wet conditions. The fabric treated with TEOS/TTB was superior to the traditionally treated fabric in terms of its ultraviolet (UV) light resistance. When the mole ratio of TEOS/TTB was 2.5/1 or 5.0/1, the addition of 10% DMDHEU during the treatment of the cotton fabric, followed by drying for 5 min at 80°C and curing at 150°C for 2 min, resulted in the fabric having improved and more balanced physical properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Friction and wear properties of NBR/PVC composites
Authors: Huang Xinwu , Tian Nong , Wang Tingmei , Wang Kun , Xue Qunji
Published: July 2007

Acrylonitrial butadiene rubber (NBR)/Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites with different PVC content were prepared. The effect of PVC content on the mechanical strength and tribological properties of the NBR/PVC composites was investigated. The morphologies of the worn traces and debris of NBR/PVC composites and worn traces of mating ball were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was found that the friction and wear of NBR/PVC was lower than that of NBR without PVC. The NBR/PVC composite with 30% PVC content showed the best synthetic mechanical and tribological properties. The inferior elastic properties and the lesser deformation under the applied load of composites with PVC resulted in hysteric force and adhesion force decrease, which leading to a lower friction and wear of NBR/PVC composites. The frictional failure unit of NBR70/PVC30 composite being smaller should be an important reason of the wear of the composite being lowest. The lubricating effect of PVC played an important role in decreasing the friction coefficient and wear of NBR/PVC composites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Esterification effect of maleic anhydride on swelling properties of natural fiber/high density polyethylene composites
Authors: Naik J. B. , Mishra S.
Published: July 2007

The natural fibers (banana, hemp, and sisal) and high density polyethylene were taken for the preparation of natural fiber/polymer composites in different ratios of 40 : 60 and 45 : 55 (w/w). These fibers were esterified with maleic anhydride (MA) and the effect of esterification of MA was studied on swelling properties in terms of absorption of water, at ambient temperature, and steam. It was found that the steam penetrates more within lesserperiod of time than water at ambient temperature. Untreated fiber composites show more absorption of steam and water in comparison to MA‐treated fiber composites. The more absorption of water was found in hemp fiber composites and less in sisal fiber composites. Steam absorption in MA‐treated and untreated fiber composites are higher than the water absorption in respective fiber composites. The natural fiber/polymer composites containing low amount of fibers show less absorption of steam and water at ambient temperature than the composites containing more amount of fibers in respective fiber composites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Moisture diffusion into palm/polypropylene composites in sodium chloride solutions
Authors: Kahraman Ramazan , Abu‐Sharkh Basel F.
Published: July 2007

A previous study showed that it was feasible to use wood fibers obtained from palm‐tree branches to reinforce polypropylene. It was the objective of this study to investigate the moisture‐sorption characteristics of palm‐fiber/polypropylene composites and the effect of using a compatibilizer on that important material property. The results of the investigation showed that the amount of moisture absorbed at saturation by polypropylene during immersion in distilled water and various salt solutions increased significantly with the introduction of palm fiber into the polymer. On the other hand, the use of maleated (maleic anhydride modified) polypropylene (Epolene E‐43) as the compatibilizer did not have a significant effect on the amount of moisture intake of palm/polypropylene composites at saturation. However, there was a significant change in the moisture‐diffusion rate with the incorporation of the Epolene E‐43 compatibilizer into the composites: the compatibilizer resulted in a significant increase in the diffusion rate. The moisture diffusivity was not affected by the solution type for the palm/polypropylene composite specimens without any compatibilizer, but some increase in the mass diffusivity was observed as the purity of the solution increased (as the salt concentration decreased) when the Epolene E‐43 compatibilizer was used in the palm/polypropylene composites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007