bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutational Analysis of the Varicella-Zoster Virus ORF62/63 Intergenic Region
Authors: Jones Jeremy O. , Sommer Marvin , Stamatis Shaye , Arvin Ann M.
Published: February 2006

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) ORF62/63 intergenic region was cloned between the
Renilla
and firefly luciferase genes, which acted as reporters of ORF62 and ORF63 transcription, and recombinant viruses were generated that carried these reporter cassettes along with the intact native sequences in the repeat regions of the VZV genome. In order to investigate the potential contributions of cellular transregulatory proteins to ORF62 and ORF63 transcription, recombinant reporter viruses with mutations of consensus binding sites for six proteins within the intergenic region were also created. The reporter viruses were used to evaluate ORF62 and ORF63 transcription during VZV replication in cultured fibroblasts and in skin xenografts in SCIDhu mice in vivo. Mutations in putative binding sites for heat shock factor 1 (HSF-1), nuclear factor 1 (NF-1), and one of two cyclic AMP-responsive elements (CRE) reduced ORF62 reporter transcription in fibroblasts, while mutations in binding sites for HSF-1, NF-1, and octamer binding proteins (Oct-1) increased ORF62 reporter transcription in skin. Mutations in one CRE and the NF-1 site altered ORF63 transcription in fibroblasts, while mutation of the Oct-1 binding site increased ORF63 reporter transcription in skin. The effect of each of these mutations implies that the intact binding site sequence regulates native ORF62 and ORF63 transcription. Mutation of the only NF-κB/Rel binding site had no effect on ORF62 or ORF63 transcription in vitro or in vivo. The segment of the ORF62/63 intergenic region proximal to ORF63 was most important for ORF63 transcription, but mutagenesis also altered ORF62 transcription, indicating that this region functions as a bidirectional promoter. This first analysis of the ORF62/63 intergenic region in the context of VZV replication indicates that it is a dual promoter and that cellular transregulatory factors affect the transcription of these key VZV regulatory genes.
Relative Dominance of Gag p24-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Is Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Control
Authors: Zuñiga Rosario , Lucchetti Aldo , Galvan Patricia , Sanchez Shyla , Sanchez Carmen , Hernandez Ana , Sanchez Hugo , Frahm Nicole , Linde Caitlyn H. , Hewitt Hannah S. , Hildebrand William , Altfeld Marcus , Allen Todd M. , Walker Bruce D. , Korber Bette T. , Leitner Thomas , Sanchez Jorge , Brander Christian
Published: February 2006

Conflicting data on the role of total virus- and protein-specific cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses in the control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression exist. We present data generated from a Peruvian cohort of untreated, clade B-infected subjects, demonstrating that the proportion of Gag-specific, and in particular p24-reactive, CTL responses among the total virus-specific CTL activity is associated with individuals' CD4 counts and viral loads. Analyses in a second cohort in the United States confirm these findings and point towards a dominant role of Gag-specific immunity in effective control of HIV infection, providing important guidance for HIV vaccine development.
Treatment of plantar fasciitis by LowDye taping and iontophoresis: short term results of a double blinded, randomised, placebo controlled clinical trial of dexamethasone and acetic acid
Authors: Osborne H R , Allison G T
Published: February 2006

Objectives:To determine if, in the short term, acetic acid and dexamethasone iontophoresis combined with LowDye (low-Dye) taping are effective in treating the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Methods:A double blinded, randomised, placebo controlled trial of 31 patients with medial calcaneal origin plantar fasciitis recruited from three sports medicine clinics. All subjects received six treatments of iontophoresis to the site of maximum tenderness on the plantar aspect of the foot over a period of two weeks, continuous LowDye taping during this time, and instructions on stretching exercises for the gastrocnemius/soleus. They received 0.4% dexamethasone, placebo (0.9% NaCl), or 5% acetic acid. Stiffness and pain were recorded at the initial session, the end of six treatments, and the follow up at four weeks.

Results:Data for 42 feet from 31 subjects were used in the study. After the treatment phase, all groups showed significant improvements in morning pain, average pain, and morning stiffness. However for morning pain, the acetic acid/taping group showed a significantly greater improvement than the dexamethasone/taping intervention. At the follow up, the treatment effect of acetic acid/taping and dexamethasone/taping remained significant for symptoms of pain. In contrast, only acetic acid maintained treatment effect for stiffness symptoms compared with placebo (p  =  0.031) and dexamethasone.

Conclusions:Six treatments of acetic acid iontophoresis combined with taping gave greater relief from stiffness symptoms than, and equivalent relief from pain symptoms to, treatment with dexamethasone/taping. For the best clinical results at four weeks, taping combined with acetic acid is the preferred treatment option compared with taping combined with dexamethasone or saline iontophoresis.
Shoulder strength profile in elite junior tennis players: horizontal adduction and abduction isokinetic evaluation
Authors: Silva R T , Gracitelli G C , Saccol M F , de Souza Laurino C Frota , Silva A C , Braga-Silva J L
Published: February 2006

Objective:To establish normative data for muscle performance during isokinetic horizontal abduction and adduction of the shoulder in elite junior tennis players.

Methods:Thirty six tennis players were evaluated (23 male, 13 female; mean age 14 years (range 12–18)). An isokinetic dynamometer was used to test the shoulder horizontal abductors and adductors at 60 and 180°/s. Absolute and relative peak torque (PT and PT/BW), total work (TW), endurance ratio (ER), and the ratio of the peak torque between horizontal abductors and adductors (HAB/HAD ratio) were recorded. Data were compared for the dominant and non-dominant shoulders, horizontal abductor and adductor muscles, and between players grouped according to age.

Results:The dominant shoulder was significantly (p<0.05) stronger than the non-dominant shoulder in all variables except ER and HAB/HAD ratio. The abductors were significantly (p<0.05) weaker than the adductors in all subjects. The type of backhand (one handed or two handed) did not influence the strength of the shoulder horizontal abductors on the dominant side. The number of years of tennis practice had an effect on muscle strength as evaluated by absolute data (PT and TW) but not relative measurements (PT/BW and TW/BW).

Conclusion:The findings confirm that horizontal abduction and adduction are stronger in the dominant shoulder of junior tennis players. The clinical relevance of these findings is not established, and more studies are needed to compare tennis players with athletes from other sports and non-athletes.
Evolution of the treatment options of ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the elbow
Authors: Langer P , Fadale P , Hulstyn M
Published: February 2006

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) insufficiency is potentially a career threatening, or even a career ending, injury, particularly in overhead throwing athletes. The evolution of treating modalities provides afflicted athletes with the opportunity to avoid premature retirement. There have been several clinical and basic science research efforts which have investigated the pathophysiology of UCL disruption, the biomechanics specific to overhead throwing, and the various types of treatment modalities. UCL reconstruction is currently the most commonly performed surgical treatment option. An in depth analysis of the present treatment options, both non-operative and operative, as well as their respective results and biomechanical evaluation, is lacking in the literature to date. This article provides a comprehensive current review and comparative analysis of these modalities. Over the last 30 years there has been an evolution of the original UCL reconstruction. Yet, despite the variability in modifications, such as the docking technique, interference screw fixation, and use of suture anchors, the unifying concepts of UCL reconstruction are that decreased dissection of the flexor-pronator mass and decreased handling of the ulnar nerve leads to improved outcomes.
Homocysteine induced cardiovascular events: a consequence of long term anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse
Authors: Graham M R , Grace F M , Boobier W , Hullin D , Kicman A , Cowan D , Davies B , Baker J S
Published: February 2006

Objectives:The long term effects (>20 years) of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use on plasma concentrations of homocysteine (HCY), folate, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index, urea, creatinine, haematocrit (HCT), vitamin B12, and urinary testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratio, were examined in a cohort of self-prescribing bodybuilders.

Methods:Subjects (n = 40) were divided into four distinct groups: (1) AAS users still using AAS (SU; n = 10); (2) AAS users abstinent from AAS administration for 3 months (SA; n = 10); (3) non-drug using bodybuilding controls (BC; n = 10); and (4) sedentary male controls (SC; n = 10).

Results:HCY levels were significantly higher in SU compared with BC and SC (p<0.01), and with SA (p<0.05). Fat free mass was significantly higher in both groups of AAS users (p<0.01). Daily energy intake (kJ) and daily protein intake (g/day) were significantly higher in SU and SA (p<0.05) compared with BC and SC, but were unlikely to be responsible for the observed HCY increases. HCT concentrations were significantly higher in the SU group (p<0.01). A significant linear inverse relationship was observed in the SU group between SHBG and HCY (r = −0.828, p<0.01), indicating a possible influence of the sex hormones in determining HCY levels.

Conclusions:With mounting evidence linking AAS to adverse effects on some clotting factors, the significantly higher levels of HCY and HCT observed in the SU group suggest long term AAS users have increased risk of future thromboembolic events.
Liver infiltrating mononuclear cells in children with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: De Biasio M B , Periolo N , Avagnina A , García de Dávila M T , Ciocca M , Goñi J , de Matteo E , Galoppo C , Cañero-Velasco M C , Fainboim H , Muñoz A E , Fainboim L , Cherñavsky A C
Published: February 2006

Objective:To investigate infiltrating cells in the liver of children with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis (AH-1).

Methods:liver biopsies from 24 untreated AH-1 patients (14 children, 10 adults), five patients with hepatitis C virus related chronic hepatitis (HCV), and 10 control liver specimens (CL) were processed for immunohistochemical cell characterisation.

Results:Two different cell distribution patterns were detected in the liver of patients with AH-1: (1) CD4+and CD20+cells were found in the central areas of the portal tracts (portal distribution); (2) CD8+cells were observed at the periphery of the portal space (periportal distribution). Some cell subsets, like CD56, CD57, Fas-L, and Bak, showed a non-defined distribution pattern. The presence of two well defined patterns of cell distribution was not observed in HCV and CL (CD4+, CD20+, and CD8+cells were uniformly distributed in the portal space). In AH-1 and CL, the NK markers CD56 and CD57 were found scattered throughout the liver parenchyma. However, in HCV biopsies, CD56+cells were also clearly increased in both the portal and the periportal areas. Biopsies of AH-1 and HCV patients showed a uniform distribution of Fas-L and Bak in the portal and periportal areas, with Bak staining also detected in the hepatic parenchyma.

Conclusions:Despite clinical and genetic differences, there was a similar distribution of liver infiltrating mononuclear cells in children and adults with AH-1. These results raise the possibility of reclassifying cryptogenic chronic hepatitis by immunohistochemical analysis of infiltrating liver cells.
Clinical rotation in pathology: description of a case based approach
Authors: Bezuidenhout J , Wasserman E , Mansvelt E , Meyer C , van Zyl G , Orth H , Els A
Published: February 2006

Background:The implementation of a system based, integrated curriculum at the Faculty of Health Sciences of Stellenbosch University, Western Cape, South Africa, resulted in less contact time for the pathology disciplines during theoretical modules, while a weekly rotation in pathology was introduced during clinical training in the fourth and fifth years.

Objective:To describe a problem based approach for this rotation.

Methods:Students are presented with a clinical “paper” case daily, integrating as many of the pathology disciplines as possible to demonstrate the interdependence of the various disciplines. They receive chemical pathology tutorials, visit the various laboratories, and receive practical training in fine needle aspiration biopsy. On the final day, the case studies are assessed and discussed.

Results:Most students appreciated all activities. This rotation enhanced student interactivity and autonomy and guaranteed immediate feedback. On evaluation of the rotation it was found that the students enjoyed the rotation, learnt something new, and realised the value of group work.

Conclusions:This innovation integrates pathology with clinical practice and illustrates the use of laboratory medicine in the management of common diseases seen in this country. Students appreciate learning practical skills and having to request special investigations under a pathologist’s supervision changes their approach to pathology requests. Familiarity with the pathology environment empowers the student to use pathology with greater ease. A bank of case studies that can be expanded to include all medical disciplines will facilitate the application of a problem based approach and enhance communication between the basic science disciplines and the clinical and pathology disciplines.
Accuracy of frozen section in the diagnosis of liver mass lesions
Authors: Rakha E , Ramaiah S , McGregor A
Published: February 2006

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative frozen sections diagnosis of liver lesions thought to be malignant tumours.

Methods:285 frozen sections of liver from 173 patients were reviewed. The examinations were done between 1998 and 2004.

Results:Final histological diagnosis was divided into positive (32%) and negative (68%) for malignancy. In four cases (2%), diagnosis was deferred to paraffin section. There was one false positive and two false negative diagnoses. Sensitivity was 96.9% and specificity was 99.1%, and the overall accuracy to determine the lesions was 95%. The cases were further analysed to ascertain the nature of diagnostic difficulties, which comprised pathological misinterpretation, sampling error, and technical imperfections. Biliary hamartoma was the most common entity that was confused with malignant tumours in frozen sections.

Conclusions:The data are in accordance with those of similar studies in other sites, and confirm that the frozen section is an accurate and reliable method for intraoperative diagnosis of suspected liver lesions.
Expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor κβ ligand (RANKL) and tumour necrosis factor related, apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) in breast cancer, and their relations with osteoprotegerin, oestrogen receptor, and clinicopathological variables
Authors: Cross S S , Harrison R F , Balasubramanian S P , Lippitt J M , Evans C A , Reed M W R , Holen I
Published: February 2006

Background:Receptor activator of nuclear factor κβ ligand (RANKL) has an important role in bone remodelling, and tumour necrosis factor related, apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) can induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Their functions are linked by their interactions with osteoprotegerin (OPG).

Objective:To investigate the expression of RANKL and TRAIL in a large series of unselected breast cancers and to analyse the relations between these expressions and the expression of OPG, oestrogen receptor, and clinicopathological variables.

Methods:395 breast cancers were sampled into tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry undertaken for RANKL and TRAIL.

Results:There was strong expression of RANKL in 14% of the cancers and strong expression of TRAIL in 30%. Expression of RANKL had a negative association with expression of oestrogen receptor (p = 0.036). Expression of TRAIL had a negative association with the Nottingham Prognostic Index (p = 0.021). There was a significant negative relation between expression of RANKL and TRAIL (p<0.005). Unsupervised cluster analysis produced a dendrogram that showed a clear division into two groups, and the expression of oestrogen receptor was significantly higher in one of those groups (p = 0.012).

Conclusions:There is apparent loss of expression of RANKL in 86% of breast cancers; those tumours that retain expression tend to be oestrogen receptor negative and of a high histological grade. There is strong expression of TRAIL in 30% of breast cancers and these tend to be of better prognostic type. These results may be important in the processes of metastasis to bone and the apoptotic cell death pathway in cancer.
COX-2 expression in ampullary carcinoma: correlation with angiogenesis process and clinicopathological variables
Authors: Perrone G , Santini D , Verzì A , Vincenzi B , Borzomati D , Vecchio F , Coppola R , Antinori A , Magistrelli P , Tonini G , Rabitti C
Published: February 2006

Background:There is evidence that the anti-neoplastic effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is attributable to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition, but the exact mechanisms whereby COX-2 can promote tumour cell growth remain unclear. One hypothesis is the stimulation of tumour angiogenesis by the products of COX-2 activity. To data, there have been few clinicopathological studies on COX-2 expression in human ampullary carcinoma and no data have been reported about its relation with tumour angiogenesis.

Objective:To investigate by immunohistochemistry the expression of COX-2 and the angiogenesis process in a series of primary untreated ampullary carcinomas.

Methods:Tissue samples from 40 archival ampullary carcinomas were analysed for COX-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and an endothelial cell marker von Willebrand factor (vWF) by immunohistochemistry, using specific antibodies.

Results:COX-2 expression was detected in 39 tissue samples (97.5%), of which two (5%) were graded as weak, 26 (65%) as moderate, and 11 (27.5%) as strong. Only one lesion (2.5%) was negative for COX-2 expression. VEGF expression was detected in 36 tissue samples (90%). A significant positive correlation was found between COX-2 and VEGF expression. No statistic correlation was found between COX-2 expression and microvessel density.

Conclusions:COX-2 is highly expressed in ampullary carcinomas. This suggests an involvement of the COX-2 pathway in ampullary tumour associated angiogenesis, providing a rationale for targeting COX-2 in the treatment of ampullary cancer.
Role of Epstein-Barr virus DNA measurement in plasma in the clinical management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a low risk area
Authors: Kalpoe J S , Douwes Dekker P B , van Krieken J H J M , Baatenburg de Jong R J , Kroes A C M
Published: February 2006

Objective:To evaluate the role of quantitative measurement of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in the clinical management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in a low tumour risk area (western Europe).

Methods:22 consecutive Dutch NPC patients (11 europid) were studied. EBV DNA load in pretreatment and post-treatment plasma samples was determined. Three patients were also sampled at frequent intervals during treatment. RNA in situ hybridisation for the detection of EBV encoded RNAs (EBERs) was carried out on tumour biopsies of all cases.

Results:All patients with EBER positive NPC (20/22) showed a positive EBV DNA load in plasma at the time of diagnosis (median EBV DNA level, 4.1 log10copies/ml). Patients with EBER negative NPC had no detectable EBV DNA in plasma. After treatment, complete remission was achieved in all cases and concurrently EBV DNA in plasma became undetectable in all patients. In the three longitudinally evaluated cases, EBV DNA load gradually declined towards undetectable levels within three weeks after start of treatment. Two patients developed a distant metastasis with concomitant increases in EBV viral load. In addition, one EBER positive patient developed an EBER negative metastasis in the neck during follow up and in this case EBV DNA load remained undetectable at the time of recurrence.

Conclusions:Plasma EBV DNA load measurement appears to be useful in a low tumour risk area. However, development of local recurrences may not always coincide with raised levels of EBV DNA.
High-frequency promoter hypermethylation of the deleted in liver cancer-1 gene in multiple myeloma
Authors: Song Y-F , Xu R , Zhang X-H , Chen B-B , Chen Q , Chen Y-M , Xie Y
Published: February 2006

Background:Deleted in liver cancer-1 (DLC-1) is a tumour suppressor gene that is inactive in liver carcinogenesis. It encodes a ρ-guanosine triphosphatase-activating protein (ρ-GAP) and maps to one of the deleted regions (8p21.3–22). Little is known, however, about the methylation status of theDLC-1promoter in myeloma cells.

Aim:To identify whether methylation ofDLC-1was associated in pathogenesis of multiple myeloma.

Methods:Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect DLC-1 transcripts in RPMI 8226, U266, OPM-2 and XG-2 cell lines. The methylation status was determined by methylation-specific PCR followed by bisulphite DNA sequencing in these four cell lines and in the bone marrow of 14 patients with multiple myeloma and 4 normal patients. DLC-1 mRNA expression in cells with or without treatment with 5-aza-deoxycytidine (5-aza-CdR) or trichostatin A (TSA) was investigated by real-time RT-PCR.

Results:RPMI 8226 and U266 showed complete methylation and XG-2 showed partial methylation.DLC-1was expressed only in OPM-2 cell lines that showed no methylation.DLC-1methylation was shown in 11 of 14 (78%) patients with multiple myeloma and none of the normal controls. The exposure of cell lines to 5-aza-CdR or TSA resulted in the up regulation ofDLC-1gene expression.

Conclusions:DLC-1methylation is often present in multiple myeloma and has a key role inDLC-1silencing.
Differential expression and distribution of epithelial adhesion molecules in non-small cell lung cancer and normal bronchus
Authors: Boelens M C , van den Berg A , Vogelzang I , Wesseling J , Postma D S , Timens W , Groen H J M
Published: February 2006

Background:Changes in epithelial cell interactions have been implicated in carcinogenesis, tumour invasion and metastasis.

Aim:To screen for altered expression of epithelial adhesion genes in lung cancer development.

Methods:Gene expression profiles were assessed with cDNA expression arrays in eight non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and eight normal bronchi obtained from the same patient. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RNA in situ hybridisation (ISH) were used to confirm the most prominently expressed adhesion molecules and to investigate their distribution at protein and mRNA levels.

Results:43 differentially expressed cancer-related genes were identified in adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and normal bronchus. Five of these genes are related to epithelial adhesion—that is, integrin α3 (ITGA3), integrin β4 (ITGB4), desmoplakin I and II (DSP), plakoglobin, and desmocollin 3 (DSC3). ITGA3 and ITGB4, showing predominantly cell–matrix staining, were up regulated in adenocarcinoma and SCC, respectively. ITGB4 also showed strong staining in SCC with IHC and ISH. Components of the desmosome adhesion complex DSP, plakoglobin and DSC3 were strongly up regulated in SCC and showed a distinct cell–cell staining pattern. DSP and plakoglobin were predominantly present at central, more differentiated tumour cells, whereas DSC3 showed a stronger staining in the peripheral basal cells of SCC tumour areas.

Conclusions:Lack of cellular adhesion may have an important role in the metastatic potency of a primary tumour. A possible association of strong presence and normal-distributed desmosomal molecules in SCC with the less frequent and late pattern of metastasis in SCC as compared with adenocarcinoma is suggested.
Relevance of postmortem radiology to the diagnosis of fatal cerebral gas embolism from compressed air diving
Authors: Cole A J , Griffiths D , Lavender S , Summers P , Rich K
Published: February 2006

Aims:To test the hypothesis that artefact caused by postmortem off-gassing is at least partly responsible for the presence of gas within the vascular system and tissues of the cadaver following death associated with compressed air diving.

Methods:Controlled experiment sacrificing sheep after a period of simulated diving in a hyperbaric chamber and carrying out sequential postmortem computed tomography (CT) on the cadavers.

Results:All the subject sheep developed significant quantities of gas in the vascular system within 24 hours, as demonstrated by CT and necropsy, while the control animals did not.

Conclusions:The presence of gas in the vascular system of human cadavers following diving associated fatalities is to be expected, and is not necessarily connected with gas embolism following pulmonary barotrauma, as has previously been claimed.
Do we need to measure total serum IgA to exclude IgA deficiency in coeliac disease?
Authors: Sinclair D , Saas M , Turk A , Goble M , Kerr D
Published: February 2006

Background:Screening for IgA deficiency in patients with coeliac disease is essential because of the increased incidence of IgA deficiency associated with the disease, which usually relies on the estimation of IgA levels in each case.

Aim:To devise a method of excluding IgA deficiency without measuring total serum IgA in each case.

Materials and methods:The optical density readings on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of 608 routine samples received for tissue transglutaminase (TTG) antibody testing for coeliac disease were compared with their total IgA concentrations. Dilution experiments were also carried out to ensure linear relationships between optical density on ELISA and IgA concentrations and to compare the sensitivities for TTG and endomysium antibodies in TTG-positive samples.

Results and discussion:A clear relationship was shown between total IgA concentration and TTG optical density readings by ELISA. To ensure a positive TTG result if antibodies are present, it was possible to recommend an optical density level above which all samples have sufficient IgA. Samples with optical density <0.05 should be investigated further by estimating total IgA and, if low, samples should be subjected to immunofluorescence microscopy testing for IgA and IgG endomysium antibodies.

Conclusions:An easier, more cost-effective and practical way of excluding IgA deficiency in the investigation on coeliac disease is reported.
Hypoplasia and neuronal immaturity of the hypoglossal nucleus in sudden infant death
Authors: Ottaviani G , Matturri L , Mingrone R , Lavezzi A M
Published: February 2006

Objective:To report the case of five month old female baby with a history of episodes of gastro-oesophageal reflux and pneumonia. Her sudden death offered a unique insight into the possible role of delayed neuronal maturation and hypoplasia of the hypoglossal nucleus in representing a likely morphological substrate of sudden death.

Methods:Morphometric analysis was carried out with an Image-Pro Plus Image analyser (Media Cybernetics) on both sides of the brain stem.

Results:Hypoplasia and neuronal immaturity of the hypoglossal nucleus were demonstrated, accompanied by hypoplasia of the arcuate nucleus.

Conclusions:Much attention should be paid to the possible role of the hypoglossal nucleus in determining a lethal outcome in infancy through impairment of deglutition and subsequent recurrent episodes of pneumonia, and as a necropsy finding.
RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION IN D-DIMENSIONAL LATTICES
Authors: ESPÍNDOLA AQUINO L. , PENNA T. J. P. , SILVEIRA JAYLSON J.
Published: February 2006

The rural-urban migration phenomenon is analyzed by using an agent-based computational model. Agents are placed on lattices which dimensions varying from d =2 up to d =7. The localization of the agents in the lattice defines that their social neighborhood (rural or urban) is not related to their spatial distribution. The effect of the dimension of lattice is studied by analyzing the variation of the main parameters that characterizes the migratory process. The dynamics displays strong effects even for around one million of sites, in higher dimensions (d =6, 7).
THE INFLUENCE OF SPECIES' NUMBER AND THE DENSITY OF VACANT SITES ON THE DEFENSIVE ALLIANCE
Authors: HE MINGFENG , CAI YU , WANG ZHIRUI , PAN QIU-HUI
Published: February 2006

The multi-species ecological system with cyclic dominance and vacant sites is studied. The theme is the forming problem of species' defensive alliances in the corresponding systems. György Szabó and Gustavo Arial Sznaider have discussed the forming problem of species' defensive alliance in Phys. Rev. E69, 031911 (2004). Now, this problem is discussed in depth. The following conclusions are obtained: Firstly, the necessary and sufficient condition of forming defensive alliances is that the number of species is even. Secondly, in the condition where the number of species is an even number, for any density of vacant sites, there is three forms of defensive alliance as follow:

• Deadlock — the habitats of specie's individuals in each alliance interweave together.

• Relative preponderance — the different of the number of species' individuals between the two defensive alliances keeps steadily.

• Absolute preponderance — the different of the number of species' individuals between the two defensive alliances enlarges continuously.

This paper discusses the relations between the number of species and the forming of the defensive alliances, and shows the corresponding three statistical distributions of discrete density of vacant sites when there are four species.
DERIVING ENERGY-LEVEL GAP FOR AN ARBITRARY NUMBER OF COUPLED IDENTICAL OSCILLATORS BY VIRTUE OF THE INVARIANT EIGEN-OPERATOR METHOD
Authors: SONG TONG-QIANG , FAN HONG-YI
Published: February 2006

By virtue of the invariant eigen-operator method, we obtain the energy-level gap for an arbitrary number of identical one-dimensional, harmonically coupled oscillators.
INTEGRABLE COUPLINGS FOR THE ABLOWITZ–LADIK LATTICE THROUGH ENLARGING ASSOCIATED LAX PAIRS
Authors: ZHANG NING , XU XI-XIANG , YANG HONG-XIANG
Published: February 2006

A direct way to construct integrable couplings for discrete systems is introduced through enlarging associated spectral problems. As an application, the procedure for the Ablowitz–Ladik lattice soliton hierarchy is employed.
KINETICS AND THERMAL STABILITY OF Nd55Al20Fe25 BULK METALLIC GLASS
Authors: XIA L. , DONG Y. D.
Published: February 2006

In this work, we studied the thermal stability and kinetics of Nd 55 Al 20 Fe 25 bulk metallic glass (BMG) with distinct glass transition and multistage crystallizations. The kinetics of glass transition and crystallizations were investigated using the Kissinger method and the ideal glass transition temperature of the alloy was obtained via Lasoka's equation. The thermal stability of the BMG was investigated by means of continuous transformation diagrams obtained from the extension of Kissinger analysis. It is suggested that the stability limit of the supercooled liquid, i.e. Kauzmann temperature, could also be regarded as the long-term stability criteria of the BMG.
Σ ATOMS AND NUCLEON DENSITY DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: DABROWSKI JANUSZ
Published: February 2006

It is shown that the measured cross section for the Σ production reactions, the observed properties of Σ atoms, and the two-body hyperon-nucleon data indicate that the ΣN interaction is well represented by the Nijmegen model F of the hyperon-nucleon interaction. It is demonstrated how the strong-interaction shifts and widths measured in Σ- Pb atoms may be used to obtain information on the nucleon density distributions in Pb .
TOWARD A NEW PARAMETERIZATION OF THE GOGNY FORCE: NEUTRON MATTER AND NUCLEAR BINDING ENERGIES
Authors: CHAPPERT F. , GIROD M.
Published: February 2006

A new parameterization of the effective Gogny interaction is investigated. It has the property of fitting the neutron matter Equation Of State (EOS) as predicted by a variational calculation. Its properties in nuclear matter (saturation point, compressibility, …) and in nuclei (binding energies) are presented.
NUCLEAR LEVEL DENSITY AT FINITE TEMPERATURES
Authors: BARTEL J. , POMORSKI K. , NERLO-POMORSKA B.
Published: February 2006

Selfconsistent mean-field calculations have been performed with the SkM* Skyrme force for 140 spherical even-even nuclei at temperatures 0≤T≤4 MeV . Single-particle level densities for this sample of nuclei are determined for various temperatures. The average dependence of the single-particle level density on mass number A and isospin is given and compared with previous estimates obtained using the relativistic mean-field and different semiclassical approaches.
BETA DECAY MODES AND THE STRUCTURE OF A=96, A=98 AND A=100 NUCLEI
Authors: ZAJAC KRYSTYNA
Published: February 2006

The Gamov–Teller transitions were investigated within the boson model based on the idea of proton–neutron interaction and describing the 0+ and 1+ levels of A = 96 - 100 nuclei.
COVARIANT DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY FOR COLLECTIVE EXCITATIONS IN NUCLEI FAR FROM STABILITY
Authors: RING P.
Published: February 2006

Modern methods for the description of the nuclear many-body system use the concepts of density functional theory (DFT) and of effective field theory (EFT). Relativistic Hartree Bogoliubov (RHB) theory is a covariant version of this method, which takes into account Lorentz symmetry and pairing correlations in a fully self-consistent way. This theory has been used in the past for a very successful phenomenological description of ground state properties of nuclei all over the periodic table. Recently is also has been extended for the investigation of excited states. We discuss the calculation of rotational bands within cranked RHB-theory and recent investigations of vibrational excitations within the framework of relativistic Quasiparticle Random Phase Approximation (QRPA).
EXOTIC DEFORMATIONS IN THE ACTINIDE REGION
Authors: MAZUREK K. , DUBRAY N. , DUDEK J. , SCHUNCK N.
Published: February 2006

Minimisation of the total nuclear energies in the 5-dimensional deformation space {α20,α22,α30,α32,α40} gives us a possibility to examine more realistically the total energy surfaces in the (β,γ) space but also in the exotic (α30,α32) projections. Basing on those results we have performed also a multi-dimensional calculations in the space of tetrahedral symmetry preserving deformations.
SUPPORT FOR THE CHIRAL INTERPRETATION OF PARTNER BANDS IN 128Cs – THE ELECTROMAGNETIC PROPERTIES
Authors: GRODNER E. , SREBRNY J. , ZALEWSKA I. , MOREK T. , DROSTE CH. , KOWALCZYK M. , MIERZEJEWSKI J. , PASTERNAK A. A. , KOWNACKI J. , KISIELIŃSKI M.
Published: February 2006

Results of the DSAM lifetime measurements in supposed chiral partner bands of 128 Cs and 132 La are presented. Experimental reduced transition probabilities in 128 Cs are compared with theoretical calculations done in the frame of the Core-QuasiParticle Coupling model. The electromagnetic properties and energy pattern of partner bands show that 128 Cs is the best candidate revealing the chiral symmetry breaking phenomenon.
SIMULATIONS OF TRANSITIONS FROM REGULAR TO STOCHASTIC PHYLLOTACTIC PATTERNS
Authors: JEUNE BERNARD , BARABÉ DENIS
Published: February 2006

The paper deals with a statistical method to analyze irregular phyllotactic patterns. To characterize the degree of order in phyllotactic systems, we determine the variation of the angle of divergence of a given leaf with regard to the preceding one. By knowing the range of uncertainty of the angle of divergence, it is possible to determine from which leaves rank a system becomes completely disorganized. We show that there is a quantitative link between the degree of uncertainty of the angle of divergence, and the number of regularly and randomly distributed leaves. To quantify this relationship, we deduced a formula from numerical simulations involving different ranges of uncertainty that can be observed in the angle of divergence in three different phyllotactic patterns: distichous (two orthostichies), opposite-decussate (four orthostichies) and spiral (137°). A χ2statistical test allows us to determine the threshold of transition between ordered and disordered phyllotactic patterns with a fixed level of confidence. By using the sho mutants described by Itoh et al.1as a case study, we show that this formula is useful mainly for analyzing the degree of order in phyllotactic mutants from two complementary points of view: the number of regularly distributed leaves and the degree of uncertainty of the divergence angle.
ROLE OF FORCE OF INFECTION IN AN ECO-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL MODEL
Authors: KUNDU KUSUMIKA , CHATTOPADHYAY J.
Published: February 2006

In this paper, the model of Chattopadhyay and Bairagi1has been modified by considering the horizontal incidence as standard incidence in lieu of mass action incidence. Our observations indicate that the modified system around the positive equilibrium is stable for a wider range of force of infection. Numerical experiments are performed to observe the effect of disease transmission on different types of functional responses. We finally conclude that the mechanistic nature of disease transmission should be known for predicting the dynamics of such systems.
GLOBAL ASYMPTOTIC STABILITY FOR THE SIV EPIDEMIC MODEL WITH IMPULSIVE VACCINATION AND INFECTION AGE
Authors: LIU HELONG , XU HOUBAO , YU JINGYUAN , ZHU GUANGTIAN
Published: February 2006

In this paper, we study the application of a pulse vaccination strategy to eradicate hepatitis B and C modeled by SIV epidemic model. Since infection age is an important factor of hepatitis progression, we incorporate the infection age into the model. In this model, we consider the infectiousness of latent individuals. We derive the condition in which eradication solution is a global attractor, this condition depends on pulse vaccination proportion p and interpulse time T. We also obtain the condition of the global asymptotic stability of the solution. The condition shows that large enough pulse vaccination proportion and relatively small interpulse time lead to the eradication of hepatitis B and C. Moreover the results of the theoretical study might be instructive to the epidemiology of HIV.
MACRODYNAMIC COOPERATIVE COMPLEXITY OF BIOSYSTEMS
Authors: LERNER VLADIMIR S.
Published: February 2006

The introduced dynamic macrocomplexity (MC) is an indicator of the phenomena and parameters of the cooperative dynamic process in a complex system with the macrolevel's dynamics and random microlevel's stochastics. The MC, arising from the unification (or decomposition) of the system's elements, is defined by the information measure, allowing for both analytical formulation and computer evaluation. The MC cooperative mechanism is analyzed using the minimax variation principle of Information Macrodynamics (IMD). When applied, this principle creates a transition from a local, unstable process' movement to a local, stable process — the former associated with the current influx of information that precedes cooperation and the latter continuing after the cooperation with incoming information and its accumulation. This transition enables producing the cooperative phenomena, in particular, the contributions from different superimposing processes, measured by the MC. The IMD optimal consolidation process forms the information hierarchical network (IN) consisting of the model eigenvalues' sequential cooperation by three. The MC of such optimal cooperative triplets' structure is measured by the IN's triplet's code as an algorithm of the minimal program. The MC covers the Kolmogorov's complexity, which measures a deterministic order over a stochastic disorder by a minimal program, as well as the statistical complexity.

The MC specific consists of providing a precise complexity measure of a dynamic irreversible process, which evaluates the aforementioned forms of complexities in bits of information. The geometrical space curvature conceals information of the cooperative structures in the cells' form, whose code, in particular, measures the cooperative complexity. The process' trajectory, located in this geometrical space, acquires a sequence of the code cells.
DIFFRACTION OF AN ACOUSTIC WAVE BY A PLATE IN A UNIFORM FLOW: A NUMERICAL APPROACH
Authors: JOB S. , LUNÉVILLE E. , MERCIER J.-F.
Published: February 2006

We study the diffraction in time harmonic regime of an acoustic wave by a rigid plate in the presence of a uniform flow in a duct. Contrary to prior analytical studies, using Wiener–Hopf techniques and thus restricted to semi-infinite plates, we use a finite elements method which allows us to deal with plates of finite length. To take into account irrotational perturbations induced by the trailing edge of the plate, a potential formulation requires the introduction of a vortex sheet behind the plate. The key point of the method is to get access at the singular coefficient of the velocity potential near the trailing edge, in order to cancel it using the so-called Kutta–Joukowski condition. This approach leads to an efficient finite elements method, and numerical computations are presented: we show the amplitude of the vortex sheet versus the Mach number and the plate length and the dissipated acoustic power versus the Mach number and the frequency. This method is extended to the case of two aligned plates to analyze the influence of the choice of the boundary condition on the downstream plate which interacts with a vortex sheet.
FOCUSED ULTRASONIC WAVE IN SUBMERGED CANCELLOUS BONE
Authors: GILBERT ROBERT P. , LIN WEI , XU YONGZHI
Published: February 2006

In this paper we present some results from our research on the interrogation of cancellous bone using ultrasound. Cancellous bone is known to be poroelastic in structure and, hence, Biot's equations may be applicable. In order to do the interrogation we consider using focused, ultrasonic, waves, symmetric about the axis of propagation. This suggests that we formulate the Biot equations using cylindrical coordinates. Our results provide relations involving the velocities of the transmitted waves and the Biot coefficients and these have clinical applications to the determination of osteoporosis of the cancellous bone.
FAULT-TOLERANT PARALLEL ALGORITHMS FOR ADAPTIVE MATCHED-FIELD PROCESSING ON DISTRIBUTED ARRAY SYSTEMS
Authors: CHO KILSEOK , GEORGE ALAN D. , SUBRAMANIYAN RAJ
Published: February 2006

Continuous innovations in adaptive matched-field processing (MFP) algorithms have presented significant increases in computational complexity and resource requirements that make development and use of advanced parallel processing techniques imperative. In real-time sonar systems operating in severe underwater environments, there is a high likelihood of some part of systems exhibiting defective behavior, resulting in loss of critical network, processor, and sensor elements, and degradation in beam power pattern. Such real-time sonar systems require high reliability to overcome these challenging problems. In this paper, efficient fault-tolerant parallel algorithms based on coarse-grained domain decomposition methods are developed in order to meet real-time and reliability requirements on distributed array systems in the presence of processor and sensor element failures. The performance of the fault-tolerant parallel algorithms is experimentally analyzed in terms of beamforming performance, computation time, speedup, and parallel efficiency on a distributed testbed. The performance results demonstrate that these fault-tolerant parallel algorithms can provide real-time, scalable, lightweight, and fault-tolerant implementations for adaptive MFP algorithms on distributed array systems.
SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NGOs AS USERS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL DISCLOSURE
Authors: DANASTAS LAUREN , GADENNE DAVID
Published: February 2006

This research examines social and environmental NGO usage of corporate social disclosure. The research confirms that social and environment groups are users of corporate social disclosure, however in contrast to earlier NGO studies, such as Tilt (1994), Annual Reports appear to be no longer the preferred medium of use. The results reveal a relative consistency in NGO viewpoints regarding corporate social disclosure across time, and show that NGOs view corporate social disclosure as low in credibility and insufficient even when relevant.
INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY SUPPORT VIA CHANCE DISCOVERY, GENETIC ALGORITHMS, AND DATA MINING
Authors: LLORÀ XAVIER , GOLDBERG DAVID E. , OHSAWA YUKIO , MATSUMURA NAOHIRO , WASHIDA YUICHI , TAMURA HIROSHI , YOSHIKAWA MASATAKA , WELGE MICHAEL , AUVIL LORETTA , SEARSMITH DUANE , OHNISHI KEI , CHAO CHEN-JU
Published: February 2006

Creativity protocols and methodologies tend to be time consuming if applied manually. This paper presents how information technologies can support innovation and creativity for collaborative scenario creation and discussion. The fusion of change discovery, genetics algorithms, data mining, and computer-supported collaborative tools provide computational models of innovation and creativity. The proposed technology allows groups of participants in a creative processes to have pervasive access to the analysis of the current scenario in real time. This paper introduces such innovation technologies gathered in the DISCUS project, and summarizes the usage of DISCUS on marketing research workshops.
FUZZY INTERSECTION GRAPHS OF FUZZY SEMIGROUPS
Authors: SEN M. K. , CHOWDHURY G. , MALIK D. S.
Published: February 2006

Let S be a semigroup. This paper studies the intersection graphs of fuzzy semigroups. It is shown that the fuzzy intersection graph Int(G(S)), of S, is complete if and only if S is power joined. If Γ(S) denotes the set of all fuzzy right ideals of S, then the fuzzy intersection graph Int(Γ(S)) is complete if and only if S is fuzzy right uniform. Moreover, it is shown that Int(Γ(S)) is chordal if and only if for a,b,c,d ∈ S, some pair from {a,b,c,d} has a right common multiple property. It is also shown that if Int(G(S)) is complete and S has the acc on subsemigroups, then S is cyclic.