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We consider several most frequently used growth functions with the aim of predicting live weight of domestic animals. Special attention is paid to the possibility of estimating well the saturation level of animal weight and defining life cycle phases based on animal weight. Parameters of the growth function are most often estimated on the basis of measurement data by applying the least squares (LS) principle. These nonlinear optimization problems very often refer to a numerically very demanding and unstable process. In practice, it is also possible that among the data there might appear several measurement errors or poor measurement samples. Such data might lead not only to unreliable, but very often to wrong conclusions. The least absolute deviations (LAD) principle can be successfully applied for the purpose of detecting and minorizing the effect of such data. On the other hand, by using known properties of LAD-approximation it is possible to significantly simplify the minimizing functional, by which parameters of the growth function are estimated. Implementation of two such possibilities is shown in terms of methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute non-traumatic weakness may be life-threatening if it involves respiratory muscles or is associated with dysautonomia. Most patients presenting with an acute muscle weakness have a worsening neurologic disorder that requires a rapid, systematic approach, and detailed neurologic localization of the findings. In many patients, urgent laboratory tests are needed and may involve neuroimaging. Because acute weakness is a common presenting sign of neurological emergencies, it was chosen as an Emergency Neurological Life Support protocol. An inclusive list of causes of acute weakness is explored, both by presenting complaint and anatomical location, with an outline of the key features of the history, examination, investigations, and treatment for each diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute ischemic stroke is a neurological emergency that can be treated with time-sensitive interventions, including intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular approaches. Extensive study has demonstrated that rapid assessment and treatment are essential to improving neurological outcome. For this reason, acute ischemic stroke was chosen as an Emergency Neurological Life Support protocol. The protocol focuses on the first hour following the onset of neurological deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The plasma generated around the anode during contact glow discharge electrolysis (CGDE) is a rich source of hydroxyl (als that can efficiently degrade organic contaminants in aqueous solutions. The degradation of textile azo dyestuffs, Reactive Yellow 176 (Y3RS), Reactive Red 239 (R3BS) and Reactive Black 5 (B5), by anodic CGDE was investigated in the presence of chloride (Cl−) ions. The degradation kinetics of the dyes was dependent on the concentration of Cl− ions and on the respective dye being treated. R3BS degradation was inhibited by Cl− ions in the range of 0–0.01M. When the Cl− ion concentration was less than 0.02M, the dyes followed pseudo first-order degradation kinetics. For concentrations greater than 0.02M, the degradation of Y3RS and B5 was significantly enhanced compared to the degradation of R3BS and deviated from first-order reaction kinetics. The presence of Cl− ions (0.03M) did not appear to improve dye mineralization but resulted in the formation of adsorbable organic halogens (AOX). The results indicated that the AOX could be abated with prolonged electrolytic treatment. This observation is significant for the assessment of the environmental impact of this technology for wastewater treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, considering the problem of low computing and low precision for the least square (LS) algorithm pilot- based in OFDM system, a novel channel estimation algorithm based on discrete Fourier transform (DFT) by transform domain, the proposed method will force time domain response value to zero beyond the length of cycle, the precision of estimation is improved, and setting threshold for time domain response within the length of the cycle to further reduce the noise on the impact of channel estimation. The proposed algorithm retains the advantages of LS algorithm, improve the accuracy of channel estimation, and simulation results show the effectiveness of algorithm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study examines the influence of various determinants on foreign direct investment (hereafter FDI) for two Central Asian countries: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. For empirical investigation simple linear regression model and the method of least squares (LS) have been used. The empirical results reveal that market size of the host country proxy used (gross domestic product), official development assistance, one year lagged FDI and inflation are the significant determinants of FDI affecting FDI inflows in Kazakhstan during the period considered. The explanatory variables inflation, official development assistance, and one year lagged FDI found are statistically significant determinants of FDI inflows, while, market size found insignificant in case of Azerbaijan. However, the empirical results indicate strong effects by the regressors on FDI inflows in Kazakhstan than Azerbaijan. Thus, findings of the study suggest effective measures to augment FDI inflows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lynch syndrome (LS) is caused by inherited germline mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes. It is one of the commonest forms of inherited predisposition to colorectal cancer (CRC), accounting for 2-5% of all CRC. LS is characterized by early age of onset, with a tendency for multiplicity and an increased risk for extra-colonic tumors at particular sites. In this study we have evaluated the frequency of extra-colonic tumors in 60 unrelated LS families fulfilling the Amsterdam criteria (ACI. ACII) from the Oncotree database of the Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Registry of the AC Camargo Hospital. All families' pedigree was extensively analyzed, varying from 2 to 6 generations with a total of 2,095 individuals evaluated. As expected, colorectal cancer was the most frequent tumor in the families (334 cases). We found 200 extracolonic tumors among all individuals with a higher ratio in women (123 cases) than men (77 cases). By far, breast cancer (32 cases) was the most frequent extracolonic manifestation in women followed by endometrial (20 cases) and uterine cervix cancer (20 cases). For man, prostate (16 cases) and stomach (12 cases) cancer were the most frequent extracolonic tumors. It is well know that establishing the diagnosis is challenging and requires knowledge and surveillance. Thus, recognition of individuals and families with hereditary predisposition to cancer according to clinical and molecular features, combined with intensive surveillance and management programs, can contribute substantially to improve results related to the diagnosis and characterization of LS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the training-based channel estimation (TBCE) and semi-blind channel estimation (SBCE) schemes in Rayleigh flat fading multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels are investigated. First, least squares (LS), linear minimum mean square error (LMMSE), maximum likelihood (ML), and maximum a posteriori (MAP) channel estimators are presented and simulated. Owing to faster processing and lower bit error rate (BER), the LS estimator is the proper choice for both TBCE and SBCE-ML. It is illustrated that when the number of transmitter and/or receiver antennas increases, the performance of both TBCE and SBCE-ML schemes significantly improves. In addition, Alamouti coding has more effect on the performance of SBCE-ML rather than TBCE. Comparing LS-based TBCE and LS-based SBCE-ML, the simulation results introduce the most appropriate channel estimation method that uses an iterative algorithm. This new proposed method is based on LS estimator and ML detector. Simulation results of this investigation show that LS-based SBCE-ML method compared with LS-based TBCE method in different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) offers lower BER, 25% higher processing time, and 100 times lower training bits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the thoughts and topics we have discussed and worked on for a very long time with Bridget Somekh, we would like to present the theoretical relationship between lesson studies, action research and practical knowledge in teacher education. Inspired by the pedagogical philosophy of lesson studies, participatory action research, and core reflection of Korthagen's approach, we have carried out an educational innovation and research project in a master's degree on educational innovation, offered online for Spanish-speaking teachers by three universities in Andalusia (southern Spain). In particular, we analyse the possibilities of lesson studies as an action research model in which observation, action, reflection and cooperation between participants should help to reconstruct the theories in use that teachers count on in their school practice. Let us offer Bridget this brief tribute, from Spain, to thank her and recognise her important work in teaching and cooperation ever since her first visit to Andalusia in 1985. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A two-dimensional model combining the finite element method and the cellular automaton technique was developed to simulate dendritic growth occurring in the molten pool during the laser-engineered net shaping (LENS) process. Based on the simulation results and previously published experimental data, empirical expressions describing the relationship between the cooling rate and the dendrite arm spacing (DAS) were proposed. In addition, the influence of LENS process parameters, such as the moving speed of the laser beam, the layer thickness and the substrate size, on the DAS was also discussed. Finally, different dendrite morphologies calculated at different locations were explained based on local solidification conditions. The simulation results showed good agreement with previously published experiments. This work contributes to the understanding of microstructure formation and the resulting mechanical properties of LENS-built parts as well as providing a fundamental basis for optimization of the LENS process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. To investigate the expression of CD44 and hyaluronan in vulvar squamous cell carcinomas, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) and lichen sclerosus (LS) cases. Design. Retrospective study. Setting. Kuopio University Hospital in Finland. Samples and methods. A total of 18 vulvar squamous cell carcinomas, 22 VIN and 14 LS cases were studied by immunohistochemistry and histochemistry. Co-localization of these markers was also studied by dual fluorescence staining. Main outcome measures. Expression and cellular localization of CD44 and hyaluronan. Results. In the normal squamous cell epithelium and in most LS samples, CD44 and hyaluronan were expressed homogeneously along plasma membranes with extensive co-localization. In carcinomas and VIN, both CD44 and hyaluronan were mostly irregular and without co-localization. In most VIN samples, CD44 was membranous, while hyaluronan was intracellular in 45% of the cases. CD44 showed both plasma membrane and intracellular localization in 39% of the carcinomas and in 94% of the cases hyaluronan was located only intracellularly. In LS, stromal hyaluronan staining was stronger than in carcinomas ( p = 0.01). CD44 and hyaluronan staining was not associated with the grade of VIN, while there was good differentiation in carcinomas associated with preserved membranous CD44 ( p = 0.012). Hyaluronan was not associated with the grade or stage of cancer. Conclusions. Differences in hyaluronan and CD44 expression in VIN and squamous cell carcinomas compared to normal epithelium suggest that they have a role in vulvar malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The least-squares (LS), simplified regressed least-squares (SRLS), best linear unbiased prediction for estimated breeding values (BLUP-I) and best linear unbiased prediction for expected breeding values (BLUP-II) methods were used to estimate the breeding value of 27 Rathi sires for productive life (PL) from performance records of 227 daughters calving at Livestock Research stations Nohar and Bikaner of Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan. Model for LS included fixed effect of sire, farm, period and season of birth ignoring the sire group effect. Model for BLUP included fixed effect of farm, period, season of birth and sire group as fixed effects and sires within sire group as a random effect. The lowest range of breeding value (189.24 days) was estimated by BLUP-II method, while the highest range of breeding value (618.38 days) was observed by LS method. The LS method is not suitable for evaluating the sires with lesser number of progenies per sire. BLUP indicates the real transmitting ability of a bull and is therefore a better estimate of the breeding worth of a bull. The estimates of rank correlation between BLUP-II and BLUP-I was 0.99 indicated that these methods were more or less similar in ranking the sires for their merit. However, better predictability of BLUP-II method could be concluded while appraising the genetic merit of Rathi sires. The sire numbers 210, 302, 2472, 101 and 102 remained common in top five sires with maximum breeding values both in BLUP-II and BLUP-I methods. These sires were recommended for extensive breeding purposes to effect rapid genetic improvement in Rathi cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies suggest that ultraviolet (UV) A1 phototherapy is an effective treatment for localized scleroderma (LS); however, the optimum UVA1 dose remains to be determined. Objective: We sought to compare the immediate and long-term efficacy of low- versus medium-dose UVA1 phototherapy for plaque-type LS. Methods: Three comparable plaques in 16 patients were treated with 20 J/cm2 UVA1, 70 J/cm2 UVA1, or no irradiation. In total, 30 treatments were given. Skin thickness was determined by high-frequency ultrasound examination and clinical scoring. Assessments were done at baseline, immediately after treatment, and 3, 6, and 12 months thereafter. Results: Ultrasound measurement showed a significantly greater reduction of skin thickness with 70 J/cm2 than with 20 J/cm2 at all time points of the study except immediately after UVA1 treatment. The clinical score of the irradiated plaques also decreased substantially but failed to detect a significant difference between the two dose regimens. Limitations: Our results only pertain to plaque-type LS and are limited by a small sample size. Conclusion: Medium-dose provides for better long-term results than low-dose UVA1 in LS as shown by ultrasound assessment. With clinical scoring, no significant difference between the two UVA1 dose regimens was detected, indicating that ultrasound measurement is a more sensitive method for quantifying treatment-induced skin changes in patients with LS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We design an optimal superimposed training (SIT) scheme for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. Linear minimum mean square error (MMSE) and least square (LS) channel estimator are developed. The proposed optimal SIT consists of two parts, optimal training sequences deduced with respect to the channel estimate''s mean square error (MSE) and optimal power allocation between training and data derived by minimizing the averaged channel capacity lower bound. The relationship between bit error ratio (BER) and averaged capacity bound is investigated under the optimal SIT. Simulation results validate our optimum design. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) together with high order modulation scheme requires accurate channel estimation to perform coherent demodulation. In this paper, improved channel estimation methods based on a parametric channel approximation model are proposed for the OFDM system using pilot subcarriers. This channel model is called fraction taps channel approximation (FTCA) model, which is defined as a finite impulse response (FIR) on some definitive delay taps that have a fraction tap delay spacing relative to the sampling interval. Then, based on the FTCA channel model, the minimum mean square error (MMSE) and least square (LS) estimators are derived. Simulations over non-sample-spaced channels prove that the use of the FTCA channel model can effectively eliminate the problem of multi-path delay estimation and reduce the signal subspace dimension of the channel correlation matrix, where the full-rank estimators using pilot subcarriers can be adopted, and consequently, improve the channel estimation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of three GPS kinematic data processing models, Least Squares (LS), Kalman filtering and H ∞ filtering are discussed and their advantages and disadvantages are compared. With observational data and pertinent data processing software, the applicable condition, context and effect of the three models are experimented. Results show that when the mobile platform is in uniform motion, the accuracy of the three models are almost equal; when the mobile platform is in stochastic acceleration, the accuracy of H ∞ filtering model is superior to that of LS, while that of Kalman filtering is the worst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, type2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Apelin and chemerin are identified as adipokines and adipose tissue markers. Several adipose-derived peptides are known to influence food intake, including apelin, whose expression is regulated by insulin and chemerin. Oxidative stress thought to be involved in the development of complications associated with obesity. Objective: To study the nature of correlation between serum and liver levels of apelin, chemerin and oxidative parameters in obese rats with and without antioxidant. Aiming to clarify the pathophysiology of obesity. Material and Methods: Thirty adult male albino rats, divided into three equal groups. Group I (control), group II (obese) and group III (obese and Lepidium sativum (LS) as an antioxidants). At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for estimation of the serum levels of chemerin, apelin, fasting glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (IR), lipid profile, reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition to tissue homogenous extracts of liver were taken for the levels of MDA, CAT, chemerin and apelin. Results: After eight weeks, high fat diet group showed a significant increase in serum levels of apelin, chemerin, fasting glucose, insulin, IR, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) & MDA and a significant decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) & GSH. HFD also caused a significant increase in tissue levels of MDA, CAT & chemerin and a significant decrease in apelin, compared to control group. While addition of LS to HFD caused a significant decrease in serum levels of apelin, chemerin, fasting glucose, insulin, IR, TC, TG, LDL-C & MDA and a significant increase in HDL-C & GSH. LS also caused a significant decrease in tissue levels of MDA, chemerin & insignificant decrease in CAT and a significant increase in apelin, compared to HFD group. Conclusion: This study showed a significant positive correlation between liver & serum chemerin and between liver and serum MDA. On the other hand, it showed a significant negative correlation between liver and serum apelin and liver CAT and serum GSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Neuropeptide W (NPW) is a recently identified neuropeptide that binds to G-protein-coupled receptor (GPR) 7, which is highly expressed in several discrete regions of the rodent brain including the central amygdaloid nucleus and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Although several reports suggested that NPW is implicated in the regulation of energy homeostasis and nociception, the precise physiological role of NPW has remained unclear. In this study, we examined distribution of NPW messenger RNA and NPW immunoreactivity in the adult rat brain. NPW-immunoreactive (ir) cells were detected in the ventral tegmental area, periaqueductal gray, and Edinger–Westphal nucleus. NPW-ir fibers were observed in several brain regions, including the lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, dorsomedial and posterior hypothalamus, central amygdaloid nucleus, CA1 field of hippocampus, interpeduncular nucleus, inferior colliculus, lateral parabrachial nucleus, facial nucleus, and hypoglossal nucleus. NPW-ir fibers were most abundantly observed in the central amygdaloid nucleus and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, which are regions implicated in fear and anxiety. These results suggest that NPW might be involved in the regulation of stress and emotive responses, especially in fear and anxiety-related physiological and behavioral functions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this third work, we evaluated the degree of conversion (DC) versus depth of dental filling composite named Prodigy Condensable™ using infrared spectroscopy. Confirming previous results, there was a gradual reduction of DC with increasing depth but the composite exhibited extreme values of DC, an upper value (45.9%) on the surface and a lower one (6.1%) at a depth of 5mm. The composite presented the worst performance among materials studied. The composite formulation was 80% of inorganic fillers and BisfenolA/dimethacrylate (BisGMA) (18%)/triethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (TEGDMA) (2.0%) as monomers. As stated before, type/ratio/viscosity of monomers and type, amount, size and size distribution of fillers all together had an important role in the cure reaction contributing to the final performance of the composite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the previous work we evaluated in vitro the degree of conversion (DC) as a function of depth of a photo-initiated dental restoration composite with the trade name Fill Magic ™, using FT-IR as the characterization technique. The DC showed a tendency to decrease with increasing depth, attaining values in the range of 40–50% and indicating that a high amount of residual monomer has remained. We stated that several factors, such as monomer viscosity and ratio, size of fillers and great difference in refractive indices of the organic and inorganic constituents, could contribute to decreasing the DC. In this work, we present the results of DC of another commercial composite, Surefil ™, polymerized under the same conditions as reported previously. The DC also decreased with increasing depth but reached lower values (40–26%) than the first composite. Through the same ordinary techniques used in the preceding work we found that the composite formulation is 83.3% of inorganic fillers, 15.4% of BisfenolA/dimethacrylate (BisGMA) and 1.3% of triethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (TEGDMA) as monomers. The statistical analysis indicated that the results were significant at the 95% level. Additionally, the observed low DC we mainly attributed to complexity of the filler and low content of BisGMA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Attempts to mineralize a variety of s-triazine herbicides and dyes containing the triazine ring by the photocatalytic TiO2 method or by the Fenton process have typically terminated at cyanuric acid as the end product or at precursors such as ammelide, rather than at CO2 for the carbons and NH4 + and/or NO3 − ions for the nitrogens, when such triazines are subjected to l (free or otherwise) oxidation. A recent study on the fate of triazoles (e.g. amitrole) in UV-illuminated titania dispersions [N. Watanabe, S. Horikoshi, A. Kawasaki, H. Hidaka, N. Serpone, Environ. Sci. Technol. 39 (2005) 2320] produced ring-expanded triazine intermediates that ultimately also terminated at cyanuric acid despite efforts to totally mineralize the triazole substrates. Another study [Y.-C. Oh, W.S. Jenks, J. Photochem. Photobiol. A: Chem. 162 (2004) 323] reported that the cyanuric acid ring is degraded by free ls produced from the Fenton reagent and from UV-illuminated TiO2 aqueous dispersions at various pHs (2–12) whose particle surface was fully fluorinated [C. Minero, G. Mariella, V. Maurino, E. Pelizzetti, Langmuir 16 (2000) 2632]. Our own studies have been unable to degrade cyanuric acid in Fenton solutions, in UV-irradiated naked TiO2 and fluorinated TiO2 dispersions, except in a hydrothermal/supercritical aqueous medium [S. Horikoshi, Y. Wada, N. Watanbe, H. Hidaka, N. Serpone, New J. Chem. 27 (2003) 1216] and as reported earlier by others on titania modified by metal complexes. Using various analytical methods (e.g. ESI-MS spectrometry, HPLC-ion chromatography, and UV/visible spectroscopy), we failed to detect any intermediates and mineralized end products that might have resulted from the degradation of this recalcitrant species. We also report ESR and electrochemical results for the characterization of naked TiO2 and fluorinated TiO2 specimens. Clearly, cyanuric acid remains a recalcitrant species where ls are the oxidizing agents. The number of ls produced from UV-irradiated TiO2 (naked) and fluorinated TiO2 depend on the incident light irradiance; at low light irradiance a greater number of ls are formed on naked TiO2, whereas at high light irradiance a greater number of ls seems to form in fluorinated TiO2 (F/TiO2) than on naked TiO2 dispersions owing to a rapid degradation of the DMPO spin trap by surface-bound ls taking place on the naked particle surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The degree of conversion (DC) of a commercial photo-activated dental composite at different depths evaluated by a reliable method, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), is reported. The polymerization reaction was carried out in cylindrical specimens with depth from 1 to 5mm using a halogen light curing unit (450nm, 21,200J/cm2). FT-IR spectra of the material before and after the cure reaction were taken and the ratio of heights between absorptions at 1637cm−1 (variable) and 1610cm−1 (reference) was used to determine DC. The DC showed a tendency to decrease with increasing depth, attaining values in the range of 40–50%. The low values of DC indicated that a large amount of residual monomer has remained. The factors that could contribute to decreasing of DC were the monomers viscosities and ratio, size of fillers and great difference in refractive indices of organic and inorganic constituents. Additionally, the composite formulation was investigated by commonly used techniques, such as, thermogravimetry (TGA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), light scattering (LS) and proton-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The composite is composed of: 78.6% inorganic fillers, 20.6% BisfenolA/dimethacrylate (BisGMA) and 0.8% triethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (TEGDMA) as monomers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Translational research has become a strategy which describes the steps from in vitro experimental therapy, its translation into experimental animals and finally to humans. However, this translation of hypotheses from one of these levels to another faces a number of difficulties which are currently of major interest for the development of therapeutics. In particular, in the previously untreatable motor neuron diseases, the steps from genes to transgenic animals and finally to the patient have proven difficult. High expectations have not met with the transfer of numerous therapies from experimental animals to men; there are many in- and outside the field which already question the value of animal models. It is the opinion of the authors that we should not dismiss the models before we have not defined generally accepted standards of protocols for therapeutic studies in experimental animals. Only if a generally agreed standardized and validated methodology in mice cannot predict the human response to therapeutics, an animal model should be abandoned. In contrast, the value of translating genetic findings to experimental animals and men is currently shown for motor proteins; in particular the functional impact of dynactin and dynein for the integrity of motor neurons of rodents and men are in the center of interest. Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use the approach of “optimal” switching to design the adaptive control because the design among multiple models is intuitively more practically feasible than the traditional adaptive control in improving the performances. We prove that for a typical class of nonlinear systems disturbed by random noise, the multiple model adaptive switching control based on WLS (Weighted Least Squares) or projected-LS (Least Squares) is stable and convergent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: ObjectivesThis study was designed to examine the dimensions and morphology of left atrial (LA) and distal pulmonary veins (PVs) using multidetector helical computed tomography (MDCT).: BackgroundDetailed knowledge of LA and PV anatomy will assist in the development of techniques for ablative intervention. Multidetector helical computed tomography is a method for multidimensional imaging of cardiac anatomy.: MethodsMultidetector helical computed tomography was used to image the LA and PVs in 70 subjects with and 47 subjects without atrial fibrillation (AF). Accuracy of the MDCT data was confirmed by correlation with echocardiography and endocardial electrogram recordings.: ResultsLeft atrial and PV dimensions were significantly larger in AF versus non-AF subjects, men versus women, and subjects with persistent versus paroxysmal AF. There were no differences between groups in morphologic detail.: ConclusionsMultidetector helical computed tomography images of the LA and PVs are accurate and provide detailed anatomic information. Significant differences in dimensions but not morphologic detail were apparent between groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectivesWe compared catheter-based electromechanical mapping (NOGA system, Biosense-Webster, Haifa, Israel) with positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for prediction of reversibly dysfunctional myocardium (RDM) and irreversibly dysfunctional myocardium (IDM) in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction. Furthermore, we established the optimal discriminatory value of NOGA measurements for distinction between RDM and IDM.: BackgroundThe NOGA system can detect viable myocardium but has not been used for prediction of post-revascularization contractile function in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.: MethodsTwenty patients (19 males, age [mean ± SD] 60 ± 16 years, ejection fraction [EF] 29 ± 6%) underwent viability testing with NOGA and PET or SPECT before revascularization. Left ventricular function was studied at baseline and six months after revascularization.: ResultsThe EF increased to 34 ± 13% at six months (p < 0.05 vs. baseline). The 58 RDM and 57 IDM regions differed with regard to unipolar voltage amplitude (UVA) (9.2 ± 3.9 mV vs. 7.6 ± 4.0 mV, p < 0.05), normalized UVA (106 ± 54% vs. 75 ± 39%, p < 0.05), and tracer uptake (76 ± 17% vs. 60 ± 20%, p < 0.05). The NOGA local shortening did not distinguish between RDM and IDM (6.4 ± 5.8% vs. 5.4 ± 6.6%). By receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, myocardial tracer uptake had better diagnostic performance than UVA (area under curve [AUC] ± SE: 0.82 ± 0.04 vs. 0.63 ± 0.05, p < 0.05) and normalized UVA (AUC ± SE: 0.70 ± 0.05, p < 0.05). Optimal threshold was defined as the value yielding sensitivity = specificity for prediction of RDM. Sensitivity and specificity were 59% at a UVA of 8.4 mV, 65% at a normalized UVA of 83%, and 78% at a tracer uptake of 69%.: ConclusionsThe NOGA system may discriminate RDM from IDM with optimal discriminatory values for UVA and normalized UVA of 8.4 mV and 83%, respectively. However, the diagnostic performance does not reach the level obtained by PET and SPECT in patients with severe heart failure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ethanol-induced activation (LDA) is a measure of alcohol action on behavior and a predictor of future human alcoholism. Previous studies have shown that the long sleep (LS) and short sleep (SS) selected lines of mice differ in LDA and that two to five genes specify this phenotypic difference. The current study examines the genetic components of LDA in the ILS and ISS mice that are inbred derivatives of LS and SS and examines the effects of inbreeding on LDA. We provide estimates of heritability and number of loci that are consistent with those found in previous studies of the LS and SS. We conclude that LDA is a polygenic trait, specified by two to six loci, which have not been affected by inbreeding or genetic drift in the ILS and ISS populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the reorientation dynamics of small spin probe 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl (TEMPO) in cis-1,4-poly(isoprene) (cis-1,4-PIP10k) from electron spin resonance (ESR) and the free volume of cis-1,4-PIP10k from positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) in relation to the high-frequency relaxations of cis-1,4-PIP10k using light scattering (LS) as well as to the slow and fast processes from broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) and neutron scattering (NS). The hyperfine coupling constant, 2Azz′(T), and the correlation times, τc(T), of cis-1,4-PIP10k/TEMPO system as a function of temperature exhibit several regions of the distinct spin probe TEMPO dynamics over a wide temperature range from 100 K up to 350 K. The characteristic ESR temperatures of changes in the spin probe dynamics in cis-1,4-PIP10k/TEMPO system are closely related to the characteristic PALS ones reflecting changes in the free volume expansion from PALS measurement. Finally, the time scales of the slow and fast dynamics of TEMPO in cis-1,4-PIP10k are compared with all of the six known slow and fast relaxation modes from BDS, LS and NS techniques with the aim to discuss the controlling factors of the spin probe reorientation mobility in polymer, oligomer and small molecular organic glass-formers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reflectance transformation imaging (RTI) is a multilight-based imaging technique that can provide relevant information on both local microgeometry and visual appearance of a studied surface. The pixelwise angular reflectance is modeled to allow the relighting of the surface appearance under any arbitrary light direction. The primary methods used to model this local reflectance in each pixel are polynomial texture mapping, hemispherical harmonics, and, more recently, discrete modal decomposition. For all these methods, a uniform distribution of the light positions over the hemisphere is an implicit hypothesis. However, it is not always possible to satisfy this condition in practice. As a result of this nonuniform distribution, several artifacts can affect the reconstruction and alter the quality of the visual appearance assessment. To address this issue, we propose a methodology consisting of the estimation of the spatial distribution of the lighting directions used during RTI acquisitions based on a local density estimation. These local density values are used afterward to weight the least square regression and thus correct the contributions of each image to the RTI acquisition. This methodology is applied on three surfaces with visual singularities, which present different reflectance responses. From the presented results, it can be concluded that it is necessary to take into account this nonuniformity in order not to alter the quality of reconstruction/relighting from RTI data and the subsequent inspection task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]