cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Registration of Two Allelic Erect Leaf Mutants of Sorghum

Two allelic sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] erect leaf (erl) mutants were isolated from an Annotated Individually pedigreed Mutagenized Sorghum (AIMS) mutant library developed at the Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit at Lubbock, TX. The two mutants, erl1-1 (Reg. No. GS- 739, PI 673426) and erl1-2 (Reg. No. GS-740, PI 673427), were isolated from two independently pedigreed M3 families mutagenized with ethyl methanesulfonate in a prominent sorghum inbred line, BTx623, which was used to sequence the sorghum genome. Both mutants were backcrossed three times to the wild-type (WT) BTx623 and shown to be a stable recessive mutation on a nuclear gene. The F1 plants of a cross between the two mutants displayed the erect leaf phenotype, indicating the mutations that result in the erect leaf phenotype in the two mutants are allelic. Both mutants have upright and slightly short leaves and reduced height. The panicles from both mutants are smaller than WT even after three backcrosses. As a highly penetrant trait mediated by a single gene, these mutants may serve as a novel resource to design canopy architecture for optimizing radiation capture and use efficiency to increase biomass and grain yield.
A hybrid method for reliable registration of digitally reconstructed radiographs and kV x-ray images for image-guided radiation therapy for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common tumor site treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). However, due to patient and organ motions, treatment-induced physiological changes, and different daily filling in the bladder and rectum, the position of the prostate in relation to the fixed pelvic bone can change significantly. Without a reliable guiding technique, this could result in underdosing the target and overdosing the critical organs. Therefore, image-guided localization of the prostate must be performed prior to each treatment, which led to the development of a new radiation treatment modality, the image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). One form of IGRT is to implant three gold seed markers into the prostate gland to serve as a fixed reference system. Daily patient setup verification is performed by using the gold seed markers-based image registration rather than the commonly used bony landmarks-based approach. In this paper, we present an efficient and automated method for registering digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR) and kV X-ray images of the prostate with high accuracy using a hybrid method. Our technique relies on both internal fiducial markers (i.e. gold seed markers) implanted into the prostate and a robust, hybrid 2D registration method using a salient-region based image registration technique. The registration procedure consists of several novel steps. Validation experiments were performed to register DRR and kV X-ray images in anterior-posterior (AP) or lateral views and the results were reviewed by experienced radiation oncology physicists.
Limited Field of View Reconstruction in Computerized Tomography

A generalized method for the reconstruction of a region of interest within a slice in the presence of beam hardening is introduced. The method, limited field of reconstruction (LFV), is based on variable sampling of the projection data and a post-reconstruction correction scheme. An initial reconstruction of the whole slice is performed using the coarsely sampled projections. The low resolution reconstructed image is used to estimate the bone and tissue thicknesses along each ray. The bone and tissue lengths obtained from the first low resolution image are then used in subtracting the contribution of the external region from the region of interest and to correct for beam hardening. The finely sampled corrected projections are used in reconstructing a high resolution image of the region of interest without artifacts from the external region and beam hardening. Computer simulation results are presented and applicability of the present correction method to practical scanners is discussed.
TGF-β1 Regulates the Expression of Multiple Max-Interacting Transcription Factors in Balb/MK Cells: Implications for Understanding the Mechanism of Action of TGF-β1

Appropriate transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) signaling is required to preserve homeostasis of diverse tissues during development. At the cellular level, one function of TGF-beta1 that is critical for preserving homeostasis is the ability to arrest cell growth. TGF-beta1 arrests growth by blocking the function of the c-myc proto-oncogene. c-myc function is determined by the level of c-myc expression relative to other Max-interacting transcription factors, and TGF-beta1 has been shown to inhibit c-myc expression by inhibiting c-myc transcription. However, whether TGF-beta1 might also increase the expression of a Max-interacting factor that blocks myc function by competing with myc for Max binding is not known. Therefore, we determined the effect of TGF-beta1 on the expression of Max-interacting transcription factors in Balb/MK cells. We found unexpectedly that Balb/MK cells express both N-myc and c-myc. The pattern of N-myc expression during the cell cycle differs from that of c-myc, indicating that mRNA accumulation is controlled by mechanisms specific to each gene. TGF-beta1 rapidly inhibits N-myc mRNA expression; thus N-myc is a novel target of TGF-beta1 in Balb/MK cells. More importantly, we found that TGF-beta1 induces the expression of the putative tumor suppressor genes Mad4 and Mxi1 in both the Balb/MK and Mv1Lu cell lines. Mad4 and Mxi1 are novel targets of TGF-beta1, known to inhibit cell growth by antagonizing the interaction of Myc with Max. Thus, our results suggest that the induction of Mad4 and Mxi1 may function in tandem with the inhibition of N-myc and c-myc to mediate the growth inhibitory function of TGF-beta1.
Complementary psychotherapy in dermatology: hypnosis and biofeedback

Hypnosis has been used for millennia to treat medical and dermatologic problems. The use of biofeedback is more recent, being dependent on instrumentation to measure such parameters as galvanic skin resistance (GSR) and skin temperature. Numerous dermatologic disorders may be improved or cured using hypnosis as an alternative or complementary therapy. Examples include acne excoriee, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, dyshidrotic dermatitis, erythromelalgia, furuncles, glossodynia, herpes simplex, hyperhidrosis, ichthyosis vulgaris, lichen planus, neurodermatitis, nummular dermatitis, postherpetic neuralgia, pruritus, psoriasis, rosacea, trichotillomania, urticaria, verruca vulgaris, and vitiligo. Dermatologic procedure anxiety can also be reduced using hypnosis. Skin problems that have an autonomic nervous system component can be assisted by biofeedback with or without hypnosis. Examples include biofeedback of GSR for hyperhidrosis and biofeedback of skin temperature for Raynaud’s syndrome. Hypnosis may enhance the effects obtained by biofeedback.
X-ray inactivation of saccharomyces during the budding cycle

Es wurde die Beeinflussungsmoglichkeit der tetraploiden Hefezellen durch Rontgenstrahlungsinaktivierung wahrend besonderer Stadien der Keimungsdauer untersucht. Das Kurvenbild der uberlebenden, nichtkeimenden interphasen Zellen ist sigmaformig und ergibt einen Zielwert 4 (target value 4). Die Kurvenbilder der Zellen sind wahrend aller Phasen der Keimungsdauer exponential. Nichtkeimende Zellen zeigen der Inaktivierung gegenuber ein Mindestmass an Widerstand, Zellen im Mittelpunkt der Keimungsdauer ein Hochstmass an Widerstand. Aus diesen Versuchen darf man schliessen, dass eine Wechselbeziehung zwischen der Rontgenstrahlungssensibilitat der Zellen und des Kernsaurezyklus wahrend der Mitose besteht.
Assembly and self-association of oxytricha telomeric nucleoprotein complexes.

Abstract Two types of specific telomeric protein-DNA complex are reconstituted upon incubation of purified Oxytricha telomere protein with (T 4 G 4 ) 4 , an oligodeoxynucleotide of telomeric sequence. The complexes differ in electrophoretic mobility, in protein-DNA contacts, and in the rate of DNA exchange. The patterns of protein-DNA interaction determined by modification interference suggest a model in which the protein can bind either to the two T 4 G 4 repeats at the 3′ end or to two internal repeats; in the latter case, it can make a different set of contacts with the terminal repeat to form the more stable complex. Native telomeric chromatin isolated from Oxytricha contains both types of complexes. The reconstituted monomeric complexes associate to give a high molecular weight form that has an altered chemical footprint. Such interactions may mediate the association of chromosomal telomeres in vivo.
Home health care and burn care: an educational and economical program

Changes in health care reimbursement have challenged providers of health care to work smarter instead of harder, with more efficient and effective use of resources. Patients with burn injuries remain hospitalized for dressing changes that could be completed in the home environment by health care professionals. An early discharge for a select group of patients from a resource-intensive hospital stay to a quality, cost-effective home care program was achieved. An educational program was developed to provide home care nurses the necessary knowledge and skill to care for the patient with burn injuries at home. This program combines didactic classroom lectures with a clinical orientation for home care registered nurses. The outcome for patients is a well-integrated continuity of care with a decreased length of hospital stay.
Blood Pressure Goals and Arterial Stiffness in Chronic Kidney Disease

The association of optimal blood pressure (BP) control and arterial stiffness was evaluated in 172 patients with chronic kidney disease. The authors compared the augmentation index (AIx) of patients who achieved a recommended BP goal (<130/80 mm Hg) with those who did not (≥130/80 mm Hg). The median age was 57 years, 60% were male, and 70% were Caucasian. One-third of patients had achieved a BP goal of <130/80 mm Hg. AIx was significantly lower in patients who achieved BP goal than in those who did not (median AIx, 19% vs 23%; P=.04). AIx remained significantly lower in patients who achieved the BP goal, after adjusting for age, sex, and height (mean effect on AIx, −3.3%; 95% confidence interval, −6.1% to −0.4%; P=.03). Achievement of BP goal of <130/80 mm Hg in chronic kidney disease patients is associated with significantly lower AIx and may reflect a reduction in overall arterial stiffness.
Cytotoxicity of Receptor-Mediated 16α[125I]Iodo-estradiol in Cultured MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Therapeutic strategies using 125I-labeled steroid hormones are attractive in light of the estrogen dependence of many human breast cancers and the favorable microdosimetry resulting from 125I decay. We determined the uptake, specific estrogen receptor (ER) binding, and cytotoxicity of 16 alpha-[125I]iodoestradiol in cultured MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. The cytotoxicity of receptor-mediated 125I appears to be sufficient in MCF-7 cells to warrant in vivo experimentation. Furthermore, cytotoxicity not specific to ERs is minimal within the dose range necessary for ER saturation and specific cell killing. Competitive toxicity studies using nonradioactive 17 beta-estradiol demonstrate an unequivocal relationship between ER binding and clonogenic viability.
THE EFFECT OF A NON-ANDROGENIC TESTISEXTRACT ON THE ESTROUS CYCLE IN RATS

IT HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED that one characteristic of the androgens is that of depression of the gonadotropic activity of the anterior lobe of the pituitary. This subject has been studied in this laboratory and reviewed by Cutuly and Cutuly (i). It is thought that it is because of this characteristic that androgens in adequatedosages will depress the estrogenic cycle in the female rat. It also has been known thatlipoid insoluble non androgenic extracts of the testes could be obtained which wouldcause atrophy of the secondary sex organs of the male rat. The most recent and moststriking demonstration of this effect is due to Vidgoff (2). The present publicationdeals with the effect of non androgenic testicular extracts on the estrous cycle of thefemale rat.
Manufacturability of the X Architecture at the 90-nm technology node

In this paper, we discuss the results from a test chip that demonstrate the manufacturability and integration-worthiness of the X Architecture at the 90-nm technology node. We discuss how a collaborative effort between the design and chip making communities used the current generation of mask, lithography, wafer processing, inspection and metrology equipment to create 45 degree wires in typical metal pitches for the upper layers on a 90-nm device in a production environment. Cadence Design Systems created the test structure design and chip validation tools for the project. Canon’s KrF ES3 and ArF AS2 scanners were used for the lithography. Applied Materials used its interconnect fabrication technologies to produce the multilayer copper, low-k interconnect on 300-mm wafers. The results were confirmed for critical dimension and defect levels using Applied Materials’ wafer inspection and metrology systems.
Organization and execution of the epithelial polarity programme

The epithelial polarity programme (EPP) is organized in response to extracellular cues and executed through the establishment of an apical–basal axis, intercellular junctions, epithelial-specific cytoskeletal rearrangements and a polarized trafficking machinery. Recent studies have provided insights into the interactions of the EPP with the polarized trafficking machinery and how they regulate epithelial polarization and depolarization. Epithelial cells require apical–basal plasma membrane polarity to carry out crucial vectorial transport functions and cytoplasmic polarity to generate different cell progenies for tissue morphogenesis. The establishment and maintenance of a polarized epithelial cell with apical, basolateral and ciliary surface domains is guided by an epithelial polarity programme (EPP) that is controlled by a network of protein and lipid regulators. The EPP is organized in response to extracellular cues and is executed through the establishment of an apical–basal axis, intercellular junctions, epithelial-specific cytoskeletal rearrangements and a polarized trafficking machinery. Recent studies have provided insight into the interactions of the EPP with the polarized trafficking machinery and how these regulate epithelial polarization and depolarization.
A Reprise Of Performance Prediction Methods

Although many of the principles described here may be applied to the performance prediction for a wide variety of electro-optical sensors, the specific types of detectors addressed consist of linear and quasi-linear (TDI) imager based systems which operate in the visible and near-infrared spectrum. By way of background, a brief outline and description of the kinds of sensor systems covered and their modes of operation is presented. This is followed by the description of the techniques applied in arriving at performance predictions.
Diffusion and Osmotic Transfer in Corn Mitochondria

An equation based on the assumption of solute diffusion into an expanding sink is derived and describes the passive swelling of corn shoot (Zea mays L.) mitochondria. The experimental data show that corn mitochondria not only swell due to diffusive forces but also contract according to osmotic phenomena, provided sufficient impermeant solute is included to prevent lysis.
Moving Towards An American Industrial Technology Policy

While the term “industrial policy” has come to be associated by many Americans with too much government involvement in private markets, the United States is nevertheless moving rapidly towards a more active and explicit industrial technology policy. The American policy is certainly different from those of Japan and Western Europe; but the recent emphasis on civilian technology and targeted manufacturing sectors, along with the continuing efforts of state-level technology programs, add up to a much more coherent industrial technology policy than in the past. Although this trend comes at the end of the Cold War and is related to defense conversion efforts, it is part of a larger trend tied to increasing pressure in the area of international competitiveness of American industry. A more pragmatic, less ideological approach emerged, first in numerous state capitals, and is emerging gradually in Washington, DC.
Rapidly tunable optical add-drop multiplexer utilising relaxed beam splitters

A polarisation-independent four-port electro-optic tunable filter in the 1530 nm wavelength regime utilising non-polarising relaxed beam splitters and strain-induced polarisation converters on LiNbO3 with 16 nm tuning range and 46 ns tuning speed is reported.
Subband structure and plasmon-phonon coupled excitations in the accumulation layer of ZnO.

Calculations of electronic subbands and collective excitations are presented for strong accumulation layers in ZnO. Our model for this system is that of a free-electron gas with an effective mass embedded in a dielectric medium that supports lattice vibrations. Allowance is made for the conduction electrons to tunnel into the surface barrier. The effects of a position-dependent effective mass and of exchange and correlation are also considered. Using a nonlocal dielectric response formalism based on the random-phase approximation, we obtain the dispersion and line shapes of both intrasubband and intersubband plasmons. Evidence is found for two-dimensional intrasubband plasmons, as well as intersubband and ``acoustic'' plasmons; the latter have a nearly linear dispersion relation. When lattice vibrations are included, coupled plasmon-phonon modes or ``plasmarons'' are obtained. Some of these modes have been observed in earlier high-resolution electron-energy-loss spectroscopy experiments.
Spatial variability of turbulent mixing in the Abyssal Ocean

Ocean microstructure data show that turbulent mixing in the deep Brazil Basin of the South Atlantic Ocean is weak at all depths above smooth abyssal plains and the South American Continental Rise. The diapycnal diffusivity there was estimated to be less than or approximately equal to 0.1 x 10(-4) meters squared per second. In contrast, mixing rates are large throughout the water column above the rough Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and the diffusivity deduced for the bottom-most 150 meters exceeds 5 x 10(-4) meters squared per second. Such patterns in vertical mixing imply that abyssal circulations have complex spatial structures that are linked to the underlying bathymetry.
AN APPROACH TO RESOLVING SEMANTIC HETEROGENEITY IN A FEDERATION OF AUTONOMOUS, HETEROGENEOUS DATABASE SYSTEMS

An approach to accommodating semantic heterogeneity in a federation of interoperable, autonomous, heterogeneous databases is presented. A mechanism is described for identifying and resolving semantic heterogeneity while at the same time honoring the autonomy of the database components that participate in the federation. A minimal, common data model is introduced as the basis for describing sharable information, and a three-pronged facility for determining the relationships between information units (objects) is developed. Our approach serves as a basis for the sharing of related concepts through (partial) schema unification without the need for a global view of the data that is stored in the different components. The mechanism presented here can be seen in contrast with more traditional approaches such as "integrated databases" or "distributed databases". An experimental prototype implementation has been constructed within the framework of the Remote-Exchange experimental system. Keywords: Autonomy, federation, heterogeneous databases, interoperability, resolution, semantic heterogeneity.
Association of hypometabolism and amyloid levels in aging, normal subjects

Objective: We evaluated the relationship of amyloid, seen on Pittsburgh compound B (PiB)-PET, and metabolism, seen on [ 18 F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET, in normal subjects to better understand pathogenesis and biomarker selection in presymptomatic subjects. Methods: Normal participants (aged 70–95 years; 600 with PiB-PET, FDG-PET, and MRI) were included. We performed a cross-sectional evaluation and subcategorized participants into amyloid-negative ( 2.0) PiB standardized uptake value ratio groups representing different levels of amyloid brain load. Associations with metabolism were assessed in each group. Relationships with APOE e4 carriage were evaluated. Results: Hypometabolism in “Alzheimer disease (AD)-signature” regions was strongly associated with PiB load. Hypometabolism was greater with more positive PiB levels. Additional, more-diffuse cortical hypometabolism was also found to be associated with PiB, although less so. No hypermetabolism was seen in any subset. No significant incremental hypometabolism was seen in APOE -positive vs -negative subjects. Conclusions: Hypometabolism in PiB-positive, cognitively normal subjects in a population-based cohort occurs in AD-signature cortical regions and to a lesser extent in other cortical regions. It is more pronounced with higher amyloid load and supports a dose-dependent association. The effect of APOE e4 carriage in this group of subjects does not appear to modify their hypometabolic “AD-like” neurodegeneration. Consideration of hypometabolism associated with amyloid load may aid trials of AD drug therapy.
Phylogenetic Relationships in Cariceae (Cyperaceae) Based on ITS (nrDNA) and trnT-L-F (cpDNA) Region Sequences: Assessment of Subgeneric and Sectional Relationships in Carex with Emphasis on Section Acrocystis

Abstract With approximately 2,000 species, Carex is the largest genus in the Cyperaceae and is one of the most widespread genera in the world. Relationships within Carex and among the genera of the Cariceae (Carex, Cymophyllus, Kobresia, Schoenoxiphium, and Uncinia) are unclear. For this reason, a molecular phylogenetic study employing nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnT-L-F spacer sequences was undertaken. In addition to creating hypotheses of relationship for the Cariceae and testing classifications of this tribe, a primary goal of this study was to assess relationships within Carex section Acrocystis and identify a monophyletic group for more detailed study. These analyses suggest that Cymophyllus, Kobresia, Schoenoxiphium, and Uncinia are nested within Carex. Three primary clades are suggested: a Carex subgenus Vignea clade, a clade including Carex subgenus Primocarex (for the most part) and the other genera of Cariceae, and a clade predominately comprised of Carex subgenera Carex and Indocarex. A large part of ...
Photodynamic Sensitization of Leishmania amazonensis in both Extracellular and Intracellular Stages with Aluminum Phthalocyanine Chloride for Photolysis In Vitro

Leishmania amazonensis , a causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis, is susceptible in vitro to light-mediated cytolysis in the presence of or after pretreatment with the photosensitizer aluminum phthalocyanine chloride. Cytolysis of both promastigotes and axenic amastigotes required less photosensitizer (e.g., one μg · ml −1 ) and a lower light dose (e.g., 1.5 J · cm −2 ) than did the mammalian cells examined for comparison. Exposure of Leishmania cells to the photosensitizer alone had little effect on their viability, as judged from their motility, growth, and/or retention of green fluorescent proteins genetically engineered for episomal expression. Fluorimetric assays for cell-associated and released green fluorescence proteins proved to be even more sensitive for the evaluation of cell viability than microscopy for the evaluation of motility and/or integrity. Axenic amastigotes pretreated with the photosensitizer infected macrophages of the J774 line but were lysed intracellularly when the infected cells were exposed to light. Addition of the photosensitizer to the already infected cells produced no effect on their intracellular parasites. However, light irradiation lysed these macrophages and also those infected with parasites preincubated with the photosensitizer at a concentration of 5 μg · ml −1 or higher. Photosensitized Leishmania cells are highly susceptible to cytolysis, apparently due to the generation of reactive oxidative species on light illumination, suggestive of inefficiency of their antioxidant mechanisms. Efficient delivery of photosensitizers to intracellular Leishmania is expected to increase their therapeutic potentials against leishmaniasis.
A Long-term Perspective on Biodiversity and Marine Resource Exploitation in Fiji's Lau Group

I present research investigating biodiversity and human interaction with the local environment through three perspectives on diverse islands in Fiji's Lau Group. First, I generated long-term data on marine diversity and exploitation through zooarchaeological analyses of fauna from sites spanning the region's prehistoric human occupation. The study areas are representative of regional fauna and local geographic variation in island size and structure. Each island also varies in terms of human occupation and degree of impacts on marine and terrestrial environments. Second, my ethnographic work recorded modern marine exploitation patterns by Lauan communities. Third, marine biological surveys documented living faunas. Together this information is used to explore the marine environment over the three millennia of human occupation. Using data derived from my multipronged study I discuss potential causes of ecological change in this tropical marine setting. My findings include the following: (1) data indicate that relative intensity of human occupation and exploitation determines modern composition and biological diversity of marine communities because human disturbance occurred more extensively on larger islands than on smaller islands in Lau; (2) Lauans appear to have targeted similar suites of marine fauna across their 3,000 years of history on these islands; (3) Lauans have had a selective effect on marine biodiversity because particular species are/were targeted according to local standards of ranking and preference; (4) marine resources existing today have withstood over 3,000 years of human impacts and therefore may have life history traits supporting resilience and making conservation efforts worthwhile.
Lycopene Metabolite, Apo-10′-Lycopenoic Acid, Inhibits Diethylnitrosamine-Initiated, High Fat Diet–Promoted Hepatic Inflammation and Tumorigenesis in Mice

Obesity is associated with increased risk in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and mortality. An important disease control strategy is the prevention of obesity-related hepatic inflammation and tumorigenesis by dietary means. Here, we report that apo-10'-lycopenoic acid (APO10LA), a cleavage metabolite of lycopene at its 9',10'-double bond by carotene-9',10'-oxygenase, functions as an effective chemopreventative agent against hepatic tumorigenesis and inflammation. APO10LA treatment on human liver THLE-2 and HuH7 cells dose dependently inhibited cell growth and upregulated sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a NAD(+)-dependent protein deacetylase that may suppress hepatic carcinogenesis. This observed SIRT1 induction was associated with decreased cyclin D1 protein, increased cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 protein expression, and induced apoptosis. APO10LA supplementation (10 mg/kg diet) for 24 weeks significantly reduced diethylnitrosamine-initiated, high fat diet (HFD)-promoted hepatic tumorigenesis (50% reduction in tumor multiplicity; 65% in volume) and lung tumor incidence (85% reduction) in C57Bl/6J mice. The chemopreventative effects of APO10LA were associated with increased hepatic SIRT1 protein and deacetylation of SIRT1 targets, as well as with decreased caspase-1 activation and SIRT1 protein cleavage. APO10LA supplementation in diet improved glucose intolerance and reduced hepatic inflammation [decreased inflammatory foci, TNFα, interleukin (IL)-6, NF-κB p65 protein expression, and STAT3 activation] in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, APO10LA suppressed Akt activation, cyclin D1 gene, and protein expression and promoted PARP protein cleavage in transformed cells within liver tumors. Taken together, these data indicate that APO10LA can effectively inhibit HFD-promoted hepatic tumorigenesis by stimulating SIRT1 signaling while reducing hepatic inflammation.
Nadolol for the treatment of infantile hemangioma

Purpose The successful use of nadolol as an alternative to propranolol therapy in three cases of infantile hemangioma is reported. Summary Infantile hemangioma is a benign vascular neoplastic disorder that affects up to 10% of newborns and can lead to deformity or local complications in severe cases. Propranolol, administered alone or in combination with corticosteroids, is increasingly used to treat infantile hemangioma, but its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and potentially cause central nervous system adverse effects has prompted research on alternative β-blocker therapies for the disorder that have more favorable safety profiles, including nadolol. This article describes the use of nadolol to treat three pediatric patients with a buccal or genital hemangioma who developed adverse reactions (mainly, irritability and sleep disturbances) or resistance to initial treatment with propranolol. The patients were 10 months, 12 months, and 4 years of age, respectively, when hemangioma treatment was initiated. The results of nadolol therapy were favorable, with involution of lesions and gradual disappearance of propranolol-associated adverse effects occurring in all three cases. As with any use of β-blocker therapy in a pediatric patient, a cardiac workup is advised before the start of nadolol therapy; blood pressure and heart rate monitoring should be performed at one and two hours after the first dose and continued during dose escalation. Conclusion Nadolol was an effective alternative to propranolol in three pediatric patients with hemangiomas.
Long term digital preservation - An end user’s perspective

The issue of long term preservation of digital data has, in recent years, become a critical issue with many diverse groups and organisations recognising the need to preserve digital documents before they fall victim to digital obsolescence. However, there is a distinct lack of discussion regarding the needs of future end users of such preserved documents. This is surprising, given that it is the end user who ultimately determines what information should be archived and in what way. Furthermore, it is essential that a preserved document retains its authenticity and usability through time and is easily interpreted by future end users. To this extent, we present in this paper details of our case study: an emulation framework to preserve 2D and 3D anthropometric data. We describe the testing of this emulation environment, by anthropometric experts, against the original environment and compare the two based on a given set of usability and authenticity criteria.
Macaque Middle Temporal Neurons Signal Depth in the Absence of Motion

The middle temporal (MT) visual area is widely accepted to play important roles in motion processing. It is unclear, however, whether MT contributes to visual perception during the viewing of static scenes, when there is little retinal image motion during the interval between saccades. Some previous studies suggest that MT neurons give little or no response to stationary stimuli that are flashed onto the receptive field, but no previous study has directly examined the fidelity with which MT neurons code visual information in moving versus stationary stimuli. In this study, we compare the ability of MT neurons to signal binocular disparity in moving versus stationary random-dot stereograms. Although responses to moving stimuli are typically stronger, many MT neurons give robust responses to stationary stereograms, and some MT neurons actually prefer stationary patterns to those moving at any tested speed. These responses to stationary stimuli are not caused by monitor refresh or microsaccades. Disparity tuning curves for moving and stationary stimuli are nearly identical in shape for most neurons. Although the disparity discriminability of MT neurons is generally higher for moving stereograms when responses are averaged over the entire 1.5 sec trial epoch, discriminability is comparable for moving and stationary stimuli during the first 200-300 msec of the response. Thus, in a normal time interval between saccades, MT neurons signal the binocular disparity of stationary stimuli with high fidelity. These findings show that MT can be a reliable source of visual information during the viewing of static scenes.
Analytical resources for assessment of clinical genetics services in public health: current status and future prospects.

Context — Genetics services are not well integrated into the public health programs of most states, nor has there been effective use of clinical and program databases in the design, evaluation, and monitoring of public health genetics services at the state level. Objective — To evaluate the availability and current use of population-based clinical genetics databases, including birth defects surveillance programs, in state-level public health genetics programs. Design — Mail survey to state genetics coordinators in 50 states and 3 territories during 1996 with an update in 1997. Results — Thirty states had birth defects surveillance programs; data from these resources were used in public health genetics program planning and management in only 15 states. Thirty states or territories had clinical genetics services databases. Most states had newborn screening program databases; few linked these records to vital statistics for programmatic purposes. Only 24 states had individual record databases for the Children with Special Health Care Needs program; 8 states had databases for maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening, and 7 had statewide cytogenetics registries. Conclusion — Population-based databases concerning aspects of public health genetics are largely unavailable at the state level. Where these databases exist, they are poorly integrated into state public health genetics program activities. More attention should be paid to the development and use of clinical data programs for the assessment, monitoring, and assurance of genetics issues with relevance to population health.
An electrical model with junction temperature for light-emitting diodes and the impact on conversion efficiency

We present an electrical model for quantum-well light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with a current-spreading layer. The LEDs studied have a multiquantum well (MQW) between p-GaN and the n-GaN grown on sapphire. The model consists of a diode connected with a series resistor resulting from the combined resistance of the p-n junction, contacts, and current spreader. Based upon this model, the I-V curve of the diode itself without the series resistance is extracted from the measured LED I-V curve. The model also includes an empirical diode current equation which was sought by matching the extracted I-V curve. In the seeking process, junction temperature (T/sub j/) rather than case temperature (T/sub c/) was used in the equation. The diode model allows one to calculate the reduction on conversion efficiency caused by the series resistor. Results show that the current-spreading layer causes 20% of the efficiency reduction at T/sub j/=107/spl deg/C.
Musician Advantages in Music Perception: An Issue of Motivation, Not Just Ability

two experiments examined effects of regulatory fit and music training on performance on one subtest of the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA). Participants made same-different judgments about melody pairs, while either gaining points for correct answers (gains condition) or losing points for incorrect answers (losses condition). In Experiment 1, participants were told that the test was diagnostic of their music ability and then were asked to self-identify as a musician or a nonmusician. In Experiment 2, participants were given either a promotion-focus prime (a performance-based opportunity to gain entry into a raffle) or a prevention-focus prime (a raffle ticket was awarded at the start of the experiment and participants prevented its loss by maintaining a certain level of performance). Consistent with a regulatory fit hypothesis, nonmusicians and promotion-primed participants performed better in the gains condition than the losses condition, while musicians and prevention-primed participants performed better in the losses condition than the gains condition. Experiment 2 additionally revealed that regulatory fit effects were stronger for musicians than nonmusicians. This study demonstrates that regulatory fit impacts performance on the MBEA and highlights the importance of motivational orientation with respect to musician performance advantages in music perception.
Talking to the older adult about advance directives

Discussing advance care plans with elderly patients can improve the experience of end-of-life care for patients, families, and health care teams. Specific goals for any particular discussion should be based on patients' particular clinical circumstances. Physicians should focus on patients' overall values and goals and should provide emotional support during the discussion. Decisions made during the advance care planning process should be documented.
The 'alternative' EMT switch

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential process in embryonic development and is aberrantly induced in many disease settings. Work carried out by Chonghui Cheng's laboratory addressed the involvement of alternative RNA splicing in EMT and its link to tumour progression. They describe a switch in CD44 expression from variant isoform(s) to the standard isoform and showed, for the first time, that this is required for normal epithelial cells to undergo EMT. In addition, they link expression of the CD44 standard isoform with high-grade breast cancer and to activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway and apoptosis resistance in a mouse model of recurrent disease.
In vitro effect of light-cure dental adhesive on IL-6 release from LPS-stimulated and unstimulated macrophages.

The objective of this study was to measure IL-6 release from LPS-stimulated and -unstimulated macrophages exposed to extracts from fresh and aged Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus™ adhesive disks (5 mm in diameter by 2 mm in thickness) light cured for 10, 20, or 40 s. One set of disks was aged for 16 weeks at 4°C. Extracts were prepared by incubating three disks in 1 mL of serum-free culture medium for 72 h at 37°C. Then macrophages (RAW 264.7) were exposed to the extracts (6.25–50 μL) for 72 h at 37°C/5% CO2. Supernatants were analyzed for cytokine levels (ELISA), and the monolayer of cells was assessed for viability (MTT assay). Unlike adhesive disk age, curing time affected cell viability. Disk extracts cured for 10 s were more cytotoxic (p < 0.05) than were extracts from 20- or 40-s cured disks. Macrophage release of IL-6 was stimulated significantly (p < 0.01) by extracts from fresh 10-s cured disks, up to 777 pg/mL and by 2 μg/mL of LPS (1174 pg/mL). The LPS response was significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed by 50 μL of extracts, which may be related to the enhanced cytotoxicity exhibited by LPS in combination with extracts. This study has demonstrated the possibility that IL-6 release is stimulated by light-cure dental adhesive applications using 10-s curings. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 65A: 89–94, 2003
Subtle Neuromuscular Defects in Utrophin-deficient Mice

Utrophin is a large cytoskeletal protein that is homologous to dystrophin, the protein mutated in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. In skeletal muscle, dystrophin is broadly distributed along the sarcolemma whereas utrophin is concentrated at the neuromuscular junction. This differential localization, along with studies on cultured cells, led to the suggestion that utrophin is required for synaptic differentiation. In addition, utrophin is present in numerous nonmuscle cells, suggesting that it may have a more generalized role in the maintenance of cellular integrity. To test these hypotheses we generated and characterized utrophin-deficient mutant mice. These mutant mice were normal in appearance and behavior and showed no obvious defects in muscle or nonmuscle tissue. Detailed analysis, however, revealed that the density of acetylcholine receptors and the number of junctional folds were reduced at the neuromuscular junctions in utrophin-deficient skeletal muscle. Despite these subtle derangements, the overall structure of the mutant synapse was qualitatively normal, and the specialized characteristics of the dystrophin-associated protein complex were preserved at the mutant neuromuscular junction. These results point to a predominant role for other molecules in the differentiation and maintenance of the postsynaptic membrane.
Vascular Steal of the Portal Vein After Orthotopic Liver Transplant: Intraoperative Sonographic Diagnosis

Spontaneous splenorenal shunts (SSRSs) are portosystemic connections between the splenic vein and the left renal vein (LRV) that develop commonly in patients with portal hypertension. (1) They reportedly occur in 18% to 19% of patients evaluated for a liver transplant. (2),(3) As the liver become more cirrhotic, a major steal phenomenon may occur, whereby blood is shunted from the high-resistance venous bed of the liver to the lower systemic pressure of the LRV. (4) Not infrequently, an SSRS will go undetected during orthotopic liver transplantation because dissection is limited to the right upper quadrant. The importance of these shunts may be underappreciated preoperatively by the radiologist. Usually, if small, these shunts will involute without incident when the lower-resistance allograft is implanted. (5),(6) Larger varices, those greater than 10 mm at the level of transition into the LRV, are more likely to steal blood from the liver, causing allograft failure and possibly death. (4),(7),(8) It is therefore important to document on preoperative imaging the size and location of portosystemic varices in any patient being evaluated for liver transplantation. We present a case in which intraoperative sonography showed a large SSRS that impaired hepatic portal inflow after transplantation, ultimately resulting in the patient's death.
Seeded Fault Testing and Classification of Dynamically Loaded Floating Ring Compressor Bearings

This paper investigates a variety of signal-monitoring and data-driven processing techniques to classify seed faults imposed on floating ring main crankshaft compressor bearings. Simulated main bea...
Mehrzustandsmodelle in der berufsunfÄhigkeitsversicherung

In dieser Arbeit stellen wir ein aktuarielles Modell fur die BerufsunfAhigkeitsversicherung vor, das auf der Theorie der zeitstetigen Markov-Prozesse basiert. Wir zeigen, da\ es die bisher in Deutschland verwendete Kalkulationsmethode umfa\t und gleichzeitig wesentlich flexibler ist. So erlaubt es die Behandlung vielfAltiger Produktvarianten, wie z. B. beliebige Kombinationen von Vertragsdauer, Karenzzeit, Wartefrist, Rentenzahlungsdauer etc., ohne da\ dazu neue Gro\en bestimmt werden mussen. Vielmehr beruht das Modell auf vier grundlegenden ubergangsintensitAten. Diese konnen ohne gro\en Aufwand geschAtzt werden, wodurch das vorliegende Modell praktisch anwendbar wird. In this article, we describe an actuarial model for disability insurance that is based on the theory of continuous Markov processes. It generalizes the model currently used in Germany and is much more flexible. Without additional estimations, a great variety of product features can be modelled, for example arbitrary combinations of contract duration, waiting time, benefit payment periods etc. The model is based on four transition intensities which can be estimated without too much difficulty thus making the model useful in practice.
Simultaneous Solution of the Three Ancient Problems

(1964). Simultaneous Solution of the Three Ancient Problems. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 37, No. 5, pp. 310-311.
106 FUNGAL INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN: FREQUENCY, ASSOCIATIONS, OUTCOMES, AND MANAGEMENT.

Infections with fungi are usually very serious and may be increasing in incidence in pediatric inpatients. The underlying factors leading to this increase are not fully understood. We reviewed our experience from a single institution with pediatric fungal infections. Methods The hospital microbiology database was searched for cultures of fungi in the Children9s Hospital during an 18-month period from January 2004-June 2005. The medical records were reviewed and data pertaining to demographics, cultures, outcomes, antimicrobial use, and hospital course were collected and analyzed. Results A total of 43 cases were noted in the period. Of these, a majority (77%) were in the NICU. The case-specific mortality rate was 20.9%, with most of it (78%) in the neonatal age. Average age was 13 months (range 0.25-132), and 65% were males. Prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, and intraventricular hemorrhage were the commonest associated features. Eighty-four percent of patients were on antibiotics at the time of fungal isolation, with 70% on multiple drugs. The commonest antimicrobial used was vancomycin (58%), followed by aminoglycosides (47%) and ampicillin (42%). Fungus was cultured from the blood in 42 cases (98%), with occasional cultures from the urine, sputum, and peritoneum. Cultures stayed positive for four or greater blood draws in 58% of patients indicating prolonged clearance times. The commonest isolate was C. albicans (58%) followed by C. parapsilosis (33%). Amphotericin formulations were used in 91% cases with 35% combined with fluconazole. Central lines were found in 49% of cases. Average ICU stay was 92 days and total stay 101 days. Conclusions Fungal infections are common in our patients with most in the NICU. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial use was noted in most at the time of fungal infection. Mortality rate is higher in this group compared to a similar cohort. This study indicates potential areas for infection control and rational antimicrobial use. Based on these results, we will plan a prospective study of fungal infections in children.
Miscellaneous Design Notes

The chapter presents a number of important topics that do not belong to any particular one of the preceding ones, but rather a number of them. It begins with a presentation of various requirements for control surface design. It also details a method to size ailerons based on roll rate responsiveness and fundamentals of pitch and yaw controls. Then a design checklist designed for GA aircraft is presented. It details a number of important issues, intended to help the project engineer identify crucial capabilities and pitfalls, and how to either design them into the airplane or avoid them. This is followed by a number of examples of possible fixes to faulty aerodynamic characteristics. Since the airplane is a compromise of many focus areas, it is always possible the design will suffer in one or more areas. Aircraft designers have been imaginative in the past and have come up with various means to improve this or fix that, without it having been a part of the original design. It is helpful to the aspiring designer to know there are possible solutions to an imperfect design.