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Objective: Small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates are at increased risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. We aimed to investigate the performance of uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI) at 19–24 weeks' gestation to predict the delivery of a SGA neonate in a Chinese population. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using data obtained between January 2010 and June 2018. Doppler ultrasonography was performed at 19–24 weeks' gestation. SGA was defined as birth weight below the 10th centile according to the INTERGROWTH‐21st fetal growth standards. The performance of UtA‐PI to predict the delivery of a SGA neonate was assessed using receiver‐operating‐characteristics (ROC)‐curve analysis. Results: We included 6964 singleton pregnancies, of which 748 (11%) delivered a SGA neonate, including 115 (15%) women with preterm delivery. Increased UtA‐PI was associated with an elevated risk of SGA, both in neonates delivered at or after 37 weeks' gestation (term SGA) and those delivered before 37 weeks (preterm SGA). The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) for UtA‐PI were 64.4% (95% CI, 61.5–67.3%) and 75.8% (95% CI, 69.3–82.3%) for term and preterm SGA, respectively. The performance of combined screening by maternal demographic/clinical characteristics and estimated fetal weight in the detection of term and preterm SGA was improved significantly by the addition of UtA‐PI, although the increase in AUC was modest (2.4% for term SGA and 4.9% for preterm SGA). Conclusions: This is the first Chinese study to evaluate the role of UtA‐PI at 19–24 weeks' gestation in the prediction of the delivery of a neonate with SGA. The addition of UtA‐PI to traditional risk factors improved the screening performance for SGA, and this improvement was greater in predicting preterm SGA compared with term SGA. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic markers for cattle production and reproduction traits. Several publications have reported Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) for carcass-related traits in cattle, but these studies were rarely conducted in pasture-finished beef cattle. Hawai'i, however, has a diverse climate, and 100% of its beef cattle are pasture-fed. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 400 cattle raised in Hawai'i islands at the commercial harvest facility. Genomic DNA was isolated, and 352 highquality samples were genotyped using the Neogen GGP Bovine 100 K BeadChip. SNPs that did not meet the quality control standards were removed using PLINK 1.9, and 85 k high-quality SNPs from 351 cattle were used for association mapping with carcass weight using GAPIT (Version 3.0) in R 4.2. Four models were used for the GWAS analysis: General Linear Model (GLM), the Mixed Linear Model (MLM), the Fixed and Random Model Circulating Probability Unification (FarmCPU), the Bayesian-Information and Linkage-Disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway (BLINK). Results and Discussion: Our results indicated that the two multi-locus models, FarmCPU and BLINK, outperformed single-locus models, GLM and MLM, in beef herds in this study. Specifically, five significant SNPs were identified using FarmCPU, while BLINK and GLM each identified the other three. Also, three of these eleven SNPs ("BTA-40510-no-rs", "BovineHD1400006853", and "BovineHD2100020346") were shared by multiple models. The significant SNPs were mapped to genes such as EIF5, RGS20, TCEA1, LYPLA1, and MRPL15, which were previously reported to be associated with carcass-related traits, growth, and feed intake in several tropical cattle breeds. This confirms that the genes identified in this study could be candidate genes for carcass weight in pasture-fed beef cattle and can be selected for further breeding programs to improve the carcass yield and productivity of pasture-finished beef cattle in Hawai'i and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper knowledge and understanding of climatic variability across different seasons are important in farm management. To learn more about the potential effects of climate change on dairying in Hawaii, we conducted a study on site-specific climate characterization using several variables including rainfall, wind speed (WS), solar radiation, and temperature, at two dairy farms located on Hawai'i Island, Hawai'i, in Ookala named "OK DAIRY" and in Upolu Point named "UP DAIRY." Temperature–humidity index (THI) and WS variations in the hottest four months (June to September) were analyzed to determine when critical thresholds that affect animal health are exceeded. Rainfall data were used to estimate the capacity of forage production in 6-mo wet (November to April) and dry (May to October) seasons. Future projections of temperature and rainfall were assessed using mid- and end-century gridded data products for low (RCP 4.5) and high emissions (RCP 8.5) scenarios. Our results showed that the "OK DAIRY" site received higher rainfall than the "UP DAIRY" site, favoring grass growth and forage availability. In addition, the "UP DAIRY" site was more stressful for animals during the summer (THI 69 to 73) than the "OK DAIRY" site (THI 67 to 70) as the THI exceeded the critical threshold of 68, which is conducive for high-lactating cattle. On the "UP DAIRY" site, the THI did not drop below 68 during the summer nights, which created fewer opportunities for cattle to recover from heat stress. Future projections indicated that air temperature would increase 1.3 to 1.8 °C by mid-century and 1.6 to 3.2 °C by the end-century at both farms, and rainfall will increase at the "OK DAIRY" site and decrease at the "UP DAIRY" site by the end-century. The agriculture and livestock industries, particularly the dairy and beef subsectors in Hawai'i, are vulnerable to climate changes as higher temperatures and less rainfall will have adverse effects on cattle. The findings in this study demonstrated how both observed and projected changes in climate support the development of long-term strategies for breeding and holistic livestock management practices to adapt to changing climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of maternal colonization with group B streptococcus (GBS), and early onset GBS disease (EOGBSD) after implementation of universal screening.Methods: This was a three-year retrospective cohort study on universal antenatal rectovaginal culture-based screening and intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis (IAP) to colonized women in the public sector in Hong Kong. Routinely collected data including maternal colonization and EOGBSD were retrieved.Results: Of 113,989 GBS screening performed, 21.8% were positive. The colonization rate was higher in the public hospitals (higher risk) than in the Maternal and Child Health Centers (lower risk) (23.7% vs 18.1%, p < .001), while their false negative rates were not greater than expected. Majority of eligible women opted for screening, and colonized women received IAP. There were 29 cases of EOGBSD with clinical signs and a positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid culture. Compared to clinical risk-based screening, EOGBSD incidence decreased after universal screening (1 vs 0.24 per 1000 births, p < .001). Although EOGBSD occurred at a higher rate in preterm than term infants, 86.7% occurred in the latter, and were associated with a false negative screening result (41.3%), lack of screening (20.7%) or unavailability of a colonization result at labour (13.8%).Conclusions: Maternal GBS colonization rate was higher than previously reported, and varied with different risk populations. EOGBSD reduced after universal screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pregnancy, breed, and hair coat on body temperature and sweating rate (SR) of hair sheep. St. Croix White (STX; n = 9) and Dorper x STX (DRPX; n = 9) ewes (3.6 yr of age) were evaluated over 4 d at 126 d of gestation (PREG) and over 4 d at 46 d postpartum (OPEN) in the shade and sun and in the morning (AM; 0900 to 1200 h) and afternoon (PM; 1300 to 1600 h) after a 20 min acclimation to each condition on each day. Data loggers recorded vaginal temperature (VT) at 10-min intervals for 96 h. Rectal temperature (RT) was measured using a digital veterinary thermometer, and respiration rate (RR) was measured as breaths per minute (bpm). Sweating rate was calculated from measured air properties passing over a shaved (300 cm²) and unshaved area of the ewes' body using a portable calorimeter. Data were analyzed using GLM procedures of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) with breed, pregnancy status, sun exposure, and time of day as main effects. Mean temperature, relative humidity, temperature-humidity index, wind speed, and solar radiation on the days of data collection were 28.2°C, 82.8%, 80.3, 4.2 km/h, and 237.5 W/m², respectively. There was no difference (P > 0.10) in RT, RR, and SR between DRPX and STX ewes. The PREG ewes had lower RT (P < 0.007) and SR (P < 0.0001) and higher RR (P < 0.007) than OPEN ewes (38.5 ± 0.2 vs. 39.1 ± 0.2°C, 70.2 ± 3.1 vs. 88.3 ± 3.1 g⋅m-2⋅h-1, and 79.5 ± 2.2 vs. 72.1 ± 2.2 bpm, respectively). During the PM, RR, RT (P < 0.05), and SR (P < 0.006) were higher than in the AM. In the sun, RR (P < 0.001) and SR (P < 0.0001) were higher than in the shade, but there was no difference (P > 0.10) in RT. There was no difference in SR (P > 0.10) between the shaved and unshaved area of the ewe. The DRPX ewes had higher (P < 0.0001) VT than STX ewes. The PREG ewes had higher (P < 0.001) VT than OPEN ewes during the night time and lower VT than the OPEN ewes during the day time (P < 0.0001). The OPEN ewes had a greater (P < 0.009) daily range of VT than PREG ewes did (2.5 ± 0.4 vs. 1.1 ± 0.4°C, respectively), but there was no breed difference (P > 0.10). Hair coat did not have an influence on the SR of the ewes, and PREG ewes appeared to use increased respiration as opposed to sweating to help control RT. The narrower range of body temperature, measured as VT, of PREG compared to OPEN ewes may be a protective mechanism for the developing fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress is a major inhibitor of production in livestock operations, causing severe economic loss. The objective of this study was to explore an alternative way to cool cows in time of heat stress by wetting the udder, as opposed to the common practice of wetting the body. Twelve pregnant, lactating Holstein cows were used in the study. The cows were exposed to four treatments each day over four days. The treatments were: (1) wetting the body without blowing air (n = 24), (2) wetting the body and blowing air (n = 12), (3) wetting only the udder without blowing air (n = 24), and (4) wetting the udder and blowing air directly onto the udder (n = 12). Water was sprayed over both sides of a cow's back until it dripped Similarly, this was done for the udder wetting treatment. Fans were used to blow air onto the wet area and were turned on until measurements of rectal temperature, respiration rate, and skin surface temperature, both at the udder and body (dorsal), were taken. Respiration rates and skin temperatures were higher (p > 0.05) with udder wetting compared to body wetting. However, there was no statistical difference in rectal temperature between both wetting cases with or without blowing air on- to the wet surface. Since rectal temperature is a measure of internal body temperature, it can be concluded that udder wetting alone was as effective as body wetting in abating thermal stress of dairy cows. Blowing air onto the wet udder further lowered udder skin surface temperature. There was a strong correlation (R = 0.91) between vaginal and rectal temperatures. Vaginal temperature, which provides the ability to continuously record over a prolonged time by implanting a sensor in the vagina, could be considered as an accurate and reliable measure of body temperature of healthy dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The 10 year outcomes and impact of motor and non-motor features on survival of a cohort of new onset Chinese Parkinson's disease (PD) patients were prospectively studied Method A cohort of new onset PD patients from 1995 to 2002 was recruited from a regional hospital based movement disorder clinic. Subjects were classified into postural instability gait disorder (PIGD), tremor predominant type or mixed subtypes at presentation. All were evaluated yearly for development of sensory complaints, first significant fall, hallucinations, dementia, postural hypotension, speech disturbances, dysphagia and postural instability persisted during 'on' medication state (PIPon). Mortality and predictors of death were determined. Results 171 new onset PD patients were recruited. After a mean follow-up of 11.362.6 years, 50 (29%) patients died. The standardised mortality ratio was 1.1 (CI 0.8 to 1.5, p¼0.34). 83 (49%) developed dementia, 81 (47%) had psychosis and 103 (60%) had sensory complaints. Postural hypotension was found in 58 (34%) patients, 108 (63%) had PIPon, 101 (59%) had falls, 102 (60%) had dysphagia, 148 (87%) had freezing of gait and 117 (68%) had speech disturbances. 46 (27%) were institutionalised whereas 54 (32%) lived independently. Dementia (HR 5.0, 95% CI 2.1 to 13.0), PIPon (HR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 6.8), older onset (HR 1.05, 1 year increase in age, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.1) and PIGD type (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.7) were independent predictors of death. Conclusions 10 years into PD, a significant proportion of patients developed dopa resistant motor and non-motor features. Older onset, PIGD type, PIPon and dementia had a negative impact on survival. Standardised mortality ratio was 1.1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Investigations have shown that environmentally driven epigenetic changes contribute to the etiology of SLE. Here, we hypothesize that aberrant DNA methylation may contribute to the activation of the immune machinery and trigger lupus disease activity. A whole genome methylation array was applied to investigate the DNA methylation changes between 12 pairs of active SLE patients and healthy controls. The results were further confirmed in 66 SLE patients, 102 healthy controls. The methylation statuses of the IL10 and IL1R2 genes were significantly reduced in the SLE patient samples relative to the healthy controls (age-adjusted odds ratios, 64.2 and 16.9, respectively, P<0.0001). There was a trend toward SLE patients having hypomethylated IL10 and IL1R2 genes accompanied by greater disease activity. We observed that the methylation degree of IL10 and IL1R2 genes were reduced in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients as well but the hypomethylation change was more significant in IL1R2 genes than in the IL10 genes in RA patients. This study demonstrated that DNA hypomethylation might be associated with SLE. Hypomethylated IL10 and IL1R2 genes may provide potential epigenetic markers as clinical predictors for autoimmune diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Please cite this paper as: Lee C, Lin S, Lin C, Shih J, Lin T, Su Y. Clinical utility of array comparative genomic hybridisation for prenatal diagnosis: a cohort study of 3171 pregnancies. BJOG 2012;119:614-625. Objective To evaluate the clinical value of prenatal array comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) in screening for submicroscopic genomic imbalances. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Tertiary referral centre. Population From June 2008 to February 2011, 3171 fetuses underwent prenatal array CGH testing and karyotyping at the National Taiwan University Hospital. Indications for invasive prenatal diagnosis included abnormal karyotype, abnormal ultrasound, advanced maternal age and parental anxiety. Methods In all, 2497 fetuses were screened with 1-Mb resolution bacterial artificial chromosome array-based CGH, and 674 fetuses with 60-K oligonucleotide array-based CGH. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, fluorescence in situ hybridization, or 105-K oligonucleotide array CGH provided further confirmation. Main outcome measure Copy number variations identified by array CGH. Results Array CGH detected numerical chromosome anomalies in 37 (1.2%) fetuses, microdeletion/duplication in 34 (1.1%) fetuses, large deletion/duplication in 13 (0.4%) fetuses, benign copy number changes in 13 (0.4%) fetuses and variation of unknown clinical significance in five (0.2%) fetuses. Array CGH was effective in identifying submicroscopic genomic imbalance in fetuses with de novo balance translocations (2/17, 1.8%), supernumerary marker chromosomes (3/6, 50%), and abnormal prenatal ultrasound findings (33/194, 17.0%). Array CGH detected microdeletions/duplications in 12 fetuses with normal karyotype. Conclusion Prenatal array CGH is effective in screening for submicroscopic genomic imbalance. Array CGH may add 8.2% to the diagnostic field, compared with conventional karyotyping, for fetuses with abnormal ultrasound results, and is particularly useful in fetuses with karyotypic balanced translocation or marker chromosomes. There is a 0.52% baseline risk of submicroscopic genomic imbalance, even in women with an uneventful prenatal examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite earlier studies demonstrating in vitro propagation of solid tumour cancer stem cells (CSCs) as non-adherent tumour spheres, it remains controversial as to whether CSCs can be maintained in vitro. Additional validation of the CSC properties of tumour spheres would support their use as CSC models and provide an opportunity to discover additional CSC cell surface markers to aid in CSC detection and potential elimination.Methods: Primary tumour cells isolated from 13 surgically resected colon tumour specimens were propagated using serum-free CSC-selective conditions. The CSC properties of long-term cultured tumour spheres were established and mass spectrometry-based proteomics performed.Results: Freshly isolated CD133(+) colorectal cancer cells gave rise to long-term tumour sphere (or spheroids) cultures maintaining CD133 expression. These spheroid cells were able to self-renew and differentiate into adherent epithelial lineages and recapitulate the phenotype of the original tumour. Relative to their differentiated progeny, tumour spheroid cells were more resistant to the chemotherapeutic irinotecan. Finally, CD44, CD166, CD29, CEACAM5, cadherin 17, and biglycan were identified by mass spectrometry to be enriched in CD133(+) tumour spheroid cells.Conclusion: Our data suggest that ex vivo-expanded colon CSCs isolated from clinical specimens can be maintained in culture enabling the identification of CSC cell surface-associated proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweating and respiration rates, and skin (dorsal) and core (rectal) temperatures of 12 Holstein dairy cows were measured in controlled environments at the William Parker Agricultural Research Complex, University of Arizona-Tucson. The focus of the study was: (1) to establish the pattern (linear or periodic) of sweating, (2) to establish whether skin or core temperature drives sweating, (3) to determine how cows respond to a prolonged solar exposure, and (4) to compare dairy cows physiological responses to hot and humid versus hot and dry environmental conditions. The 12 cows were divided into two groups of six cows each and were housed alternately between two chambers. The two chambers were identical, but one (experimental chamber) included solar lamps to simulate solar load. The cows were alternately exposed to 550 W/m² solar load, THI at 79.6, and air velocity in the measurement area (dorsal surface) was maintained at 1.0 m/s. Skin temperature was greater than 35 °C (threshold for heat stress). There was considerable variation in sweating rates between cows. Cows sweat in a cyclic manner, and the results suggest that skin temperature is the primary driving force for sweating. The maximum sweating rate of dairy cows was around 660 g/m²-h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the performance of an iodine-releasing filter medium for use as a protective device against airborne pathogens. Methods and Results: The filter’s physical and viable removal efficiencies (VRE) were investigated with challenges of MS2 bacteriophage aerosols, and the infectivity of MS2 collected on the filter was analysed. To test a proposed inactivation mechanism, media containing thiosulfate or bovine serum albumin (BSA) were put in impingers to quench and consume I2 released from the filter. In direct plating experiments, treated filters presented significantly higher VREs than did untreated filters; however, collection in excess BSA decreased VRE by half and in thiosulfate the apparent VRE decreased drastically. No significant difference in infectivity of retained viruses on treated and untreated filters was observed at the same environmental condition. Conclusions: Evidence presented herein for competition by dissolved I2 in infectivity assays supports a mechanism of induced displacement and capture of I2. It also requires that dissociation of iodine from the filter and capture of iodine by MS2 aerosols as they pass through the filter be factored in the design of the assessment methodology. The filter’s strong retention capability minimizes reaerosolization but also makes it difficult to discriminate the antimicrobial effect at the surface. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study shows the direct plating assay method to be sensitive to interference by iodine-releasing materials. This requires reevaluation of earlier reports of VRE measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the study that assesses the role of three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler in diagnosing placenta accreta and compares its performance with gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasonography. It cites that the study was performed to 170 pregnant women and found out that 39 patients at the time of delivery are positive of placenta accrete and its variants. The study concludes that 3D power Doppler can be useful as complementary technique for placenta accrete diagnosis.

Objective: To determine the value of simultaneous visualization of the cross-sectional view of both atrioventricular (AV) valves, the pulmonary artery and the aorta (en-face view of the AV valves and great vessels) in the identification of fetuses with transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of volume datasets obtained with the spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) technique from 56 fetuses with and 30 fetuses without congenital heart defects. Volume datasets were reviewed offline to compare the en-face view of the AV valves and great vessels between fetuses with normal echocardiography and those with TGA. Results: The en-face view of both AV valves and great vessels in fetuses with TGA displayed the main pulmonary artery situated side-by-side with the aorta ('big-eyed frog' sign). In contrast, fetuses with normal hearts did not have this characteristic sonographic sign. This novel sonographic sign also helped to identify additional cases of TGA in 17 fetuses with complex heart defects. Conclusion: The big-eyed frog sign may prove helpful in the prenatal diagnosis of TGA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the value of simultaneous visualization of the cross-sectional view of both atrioventricular (AV) valves, the pulmonary artery and the aorta in the identification of fetuses with transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Results reveal that the en-face view of both AV valves and great vessels in fetuses with TGA manifested the main pulmonary artery located side-by-side with the aorta. Fetuses with normal harts did not have this characteristic sonographic sign.

A novel method for generating an antigen-specific cancer vaccine and immunotherapy has emerged using a DNA vaccine. However, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) have a limited life span, which hinders their long-term ability to prime antigen-specific T cells. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has a role in cell survival. This study explored the intradermal administration of DNA encoding CTGF with a model tumor antigen, human papilloma virus type 16 E7. Mice vaccinated with CTGF/E7 DNA exhibited a dramatic increase in E7-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell precursors. They also showed an impressive antitumor effect against E7-expressing tumors compared with mice vaccinated with the wild-type E7 DNA. The delivery of DNA encoding CTGF and E7 or CTGF alone could prolong the survival of transduced dendritic cells (DCs) in vivo. In addition, CTGF/E7-transduced DCs could enhance a higher number of E7-specific CD8+ T cells than E7-transduced DCs. By prolonging the survival of APCs, DNA vaccine encoding CTGF linked to a tumor antigen represents an innovative approach to enhance DNA vaccine potency and holds promise for cancer prophylaxis and immunotherapy.Gene Therapy (2008) 15, 1007–1016; doi:10.1038/gt.2008.25; published online 20 March 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most research proposed so far for fuzzy pattern classification has not considered the characteristic of data distribution in a given data set during the process of clustering. This paper proposes an approach that can appropriately cluster a given data set automatically based on data distribution of a given data set without the need of specifying the number of resultant clusters and setting up subjective parameters. Some special data distributions, such as stripe- or belt-shaped distributions, can therefore be nicely clustered for better pattern classification. Statistical concept is applied to define weights of pattern features so that the weight of a pattern feature is proportional to the contribution the feature can provide to the task of pattern classification. The proposed weight definition not only reduces the dimensionality of feature space so as to speed up the classification process but also increases the accuracy rate of classification result. The experiments in this paper demonstrate the proposed method has fewer fuzzy rules and better classification accuracy than other related methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the effect of left ventricular (LV) shape on contractility and ejection function. In this study, a new contractility index is developed in terms of the wall stress (σ*, normalized with respect to LV pressure) by means of an LV ellipsoidal model. Using cine-ventriculography data, the LV ellipsoidal model (LVEM) major (B) and minor axes (A) are derived for the entire cardiac cycle. Thereafter, a new contractility index (CONT1) is derived as dσ*/dt, incorporating the LV ellipsoidal shape factor. Also, another contractility index (CONT2) was developed in terms of the generated σ* at the start of ejection phase, and maximized with respect to B/Ashape parameter, to obtain the optimal value of B/Aover the physiological ranges of the ratio of myocardial volume and LV volume. The in vivovalue of B/Aat the start of ejection is compared with this optimal value, and the LV contractility is evaluated in terms of the proximity of the in vivo B/Ato the optimal B/A. The results indicate that a non-optimal less-ellipsoidal shape (or more spherical) is associated with decreased contractility (and poor systolic function) of the LV, associated with a failing heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PC clusters have recently received considerable interest as cost-effective parallel platforms for CPU-intensive applications. A cluster of PCs generally comprises of a collection of heterogeneous process elements (PEs). To make effective use of a PC cluster, a parallel program, which is characterised by a node- and edge-weighted directed acyclic graph (DAG), can usually be decomposed into a set of precedence-constrained atomic tasks such that PEs are able to accommodate these tasks and minimise the overall program-completion time. Consequently, techniques for task matching and scheduling become extremely important for effectively harnessing the computing power of the target cluster-based system. This work presents a constructive algorithm based on ant colony optimisation (ACO). The proposed algorithm, namely ACO-TMS, adopts a new state transition rule that reduces the time required when finding the satisfactory scheduling results. The proposed algorithm also integrates a local search procedure that proposed to help improve the scheduling results. The performance of this algorithm is demonstrated by comparing it against other existing algorithms, such as the genetic-algorithm-based scheduling method and the dynamic priority scheduling (DPS) heuristic, in terms of overall schedule length of randomly generated DAGs. Experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the genetic algorithm and the DPS heuristic algorithm for high communication to computation and heterogeneous computing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transconductance and the transresistance modes might act as the bridge transferring from voltage mode to current mode and vice versa, respectively. This paper presents a new mixed-mode (including voltage, current, transconductance, and transresistance modes) high-order universal filter structure using n+1 differential difference current conveyors (DDCCs), n grounded capacitors and n+2 grounded resistors, which are the minimum components necessary for realising an nth-order mixed-mode universal filtering response (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, band-reject, and all-pass) from the same topology. Moreover, the proposed circuit simultaneously achieves nearly all of the main advantages. H-Spice simulation results confirm the theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alphavirus vectors have emerged as a promising strategy for the development of cancer vaccines and gene therapy applications. In this study, we used the replication-defective vaccine vector SIN replicon particles from a new packaging cell line (PCL) to develop SIN replicon particles encoding calreticulin (CRT) linked to a model tumor antigen, human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E7 protein. The linkage of CRT to E7 in SIN replicon particles resulted in a significant increase in E7-specific CD8+ T-cell precursors and a strong antitumor effect against E7-expressing tumors in vaccinated mice. SINrep5-CRT/E7 replicon particles enhanced presentation of E7 through the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I pathway by infecting dendritic cells (DCs) directly and pulsing DCs with lysates of cells infected by SINrep5-CRT/E7 replicons. Vaccination of immunocompromised (BALB/c nu/nu) mice with SINrep5-CRT/E7 replicon particles also generated significant reduction of lung tumor nodules, suggesting that antiangiogenesis may contribute to the antitumor effect of SINrep5-CRT/E7 replicon particles. Furthermore, SINrep5-CRT/E7 replicon particles generated long-term in vivo tumor protection effects and antigen-specific memory immunities. We concluded that the CRT strategy used in the context of SIN replicon particles facilitated the generation of a highly effective vaccine for cancer prophylaxis and immunotherapy.Cancer Gene Therapy (2006) 13, 873–885. doi:10.1038/sj.cgt.7700956; published online 28 April 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feeding ecology of leptostracans is not well-known. In the present study, species of Nebalia (Crustacea: Leptostraca) were captured every month for 1 year from Lobster Bay, Hong Kong, using baited traps. Captured individuals fell into a size range of 0.36–3.64 mm and 0.95–5.52 mm in carapace and total lengths, respectively. They were divided into different reproductive stages based on the morphology of the second pair of antennae and thoracopods. Sexual dimorphism becomes apparent between 0.7–1.5 mm (CL) and 1.4–3.2 mm (TL). Most individuals collected were sexually differentiated, but immature (79.7% of the captured individuals), followed by post-ovigerous (11.4%) and ovigerous (8.9%) females. Sexually undifferentiated juveniles were rare (3.9%). The sex ratio of the immature individuals approached 1:1 with a propensity towards male dominance. Not one mature male was captured. Although females with setose thoracopod endopods, indicating that they were ovigerous, were captured frequently, only two were carrying eggs. The two brooding females had clutch sizes of 11 and 17 eggs. Alternate peaks in relative abundance of ovigerous and post-ovigerous females were identified, the latter following the former. Reproductive activities occurred mainly in April–May and October–December, indicating that two cohorts are recruited. Catches using baited traps could be explained by the reproductive season of Nebalia sp. High catches were usually associated with the months of highest reproductive activity, low catches with peaks in post-ovigerous females. It is therefore concluded that not all individuals at various reproductive stages are attracted to carrion and hence adopt a scavenging feeding mode. Catches of Nebalia sp. in Hong Kong possibly reflect their annual cycle of reproductive activity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diaphragmatic eventration is the upward displacement of the abdominal viscera secondary to a thin or paralytic diaphragm. Its clinical presentations and radiographic pictures are similar to those of diaphragmatic hernia. Prenatal diagnosis of diaphragmatic eventration is extremely rare. A pregnant woman was referred to us because of abnormal cardiac findings noted at 20 weeks of gestation. A diagnosis of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection was made on the basis of our findings of right atrial enlargement with an abnormal vascular channel drainage to it. The infant was born via cesarean section at 40 weeks and developed complications of cyanosis immediately after birth. Postnatal imaging studies and surgical findings disclosed right side diaphragmatic eventration with liver and associated vasculature upward displacement into the right pleural cavity. The cardiac structure was otherwise normal. We conclude that when an abnormal vessel tracing and unexplainable cardiac chamber asymmetry is encountered, diaphragmatic eventration should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses. Correct recognition and transferral to the hospital for neonatal assistance may lead to timely and appropriate management of these fetuses. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 64-year-old woman presented with a 2-week history of an asymptomatic mass involving the lower lip. Histopathological examination showed a well-circumscribed tumour composed of many lobules separated by thin, fibrous connective tissue. Individual lobules were composed of round or polyhedral tumour cells, which had a characteristic finely granular and vacuolated cytoplasm and eccentric hyperchromatic nuclei. Positive staining was observed with Periodic acid–Shiff, and immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin, α-1 antitrypsin, and S-100 protein resulting in a final diagnosis of acinic cell carcinoma. Acinic cell carcinoma represents a well-established, although uncommon, entity in the classification of neoplasms of salivary gland origin. The parotid salivary gland is the most frequent site of acinic cell carcinoma, whereas the lip is a particularly unusual site. The unusual presentation of this tumour may lead to confusion with a mucocele. Given these findings, we suggest that acinic cell carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any mucocele-like mass on the lower lip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate the influence of hypoxia and molecular events in endothelial and embryonic stem cells. Materials and Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mouse embryoid body (EB) cells were subjected to hypoxic conditions for different time courses. DNA fragmentation assay, quantification of apoptotic cells by TUNEL assay measured by flowcytometry, and Western blot analysis for the molecular events of apoptosis were performed. Results: DNA fragmentation could be identified under hypoxic conditions in HUVECs and mouse EBs. The DNA fragmentation increased when the hypoxic interval was extended. In situ internucleosomal DNA fragmentation-TUNEL assay also found that the percentages of apoptotic cells increased gradually in HUVECs and mouse EBs when the hypoxic interval was extended. Furthermore, the levels of expression of p53 and Bax both increased in hypoxic conditions. Conclusions: Hypoxia increases both HUVEC and mouse EB apoptosis, which is associated with increase in p53/Bax expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship of large and vascularized chorioangiomas to adverse pregnancy outcome is well recognized. We present a patient with a large placental tumor and signs of impending fetal cardiac failure. The angioarchitecture of the tumor depicted by three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound enabled us to accurately diagnose a placental chorioangioma. During the follow-up period, quantitative flow data obtained using 3D power Doppler indicated altered hemodynamics in the tumor and concomitant improvement in the condition of the fetus, enabling us to manage the mother conservatively. Spontaneous delivery occurred at 38 weeks without any complications. This report demonstrates the potential value of 3D power Doppler in prenatal diagnosis and monitoring of pregnancies complicated by large, vascularized chorioangioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larsen syndrome consists of skeletal dysplasia with multiple joint dislocations and a characteristic facies. The basis of this abnormality is a generalized mesenchymal disorder involving connective tissues. We describe our findings in a woman who was referred at 28 weeks' gestation due to multiple fetal anomalies suspected initially at an 18-week ultrasound examination. On three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound we found the fetus had bilateral genu recurvatum. Further 3D examination at 36 weeks confirmed the lower limb anomaly and revealed facial anomalies that led to the diagnosis of Larsen syndrome. An elective Cesarean section was performed at 38 weeks' gestation to minimize neurological sequelae. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed postnatally and showed pachygyria, colpocephaly and agenesis of the corpus callosum. In this case, 3D ultrasound facilitated the prenatal diagnosis of Larsen syndrome. A careful prenatal investigation for other associated anomalies such as those of the cardiovascular or neurological systems is warranted with this diagnosis. These associated lesions are likely to have a greater impact on prognosis than the classic symptoms of Larsen syndrome and a collaborative approach is necessary to optimize delivery and postnatal management of an affected fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fetus with a huge hepatic tumor was detected by sonography at 36 weeks of gestation. The mass appeared as a single, solid and polylobular tumor located in the right lobe of the liver. Foci of hemorrhage, necrosis and some tiny calcifications were seen. The adjacent right kidney appeared normal but was displaced. The right adrenal gland was not visualized. Three-dimensional power Doppler sonography further depicted the corresponding vascular anatomy of the tumor, including its vascularization pattern and blood supply. The tumor was situated to the right of the umbilical vein and portal sinus, possibly deriving its blood supply from the portal circulation. The fundamental findings suggested the diagnosis of hepatoblastoma by exclusion of other possibilities. The baby was delivered by Cesarean section at 36 weeks' gestation, due to signs of fetal distress. Unfortunately, hypotension, tachycardia, and tachypnea developed shortly after birth. Surgical intervention was performed, but intractable bleeding occurred intra-operatively. The infant died at 6 days of age. Autopsy confirmed the diagnosis of hepatoblastoma. We believe this is the first reported case of the antenatal diagnosis of congenital hepatoblastoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fetus with a large supratentorial cyst and cardiomegaly was encountered at 33 weeks of gestation. The cyst appeared as an aneurysmal, fluid-filled structure extending posteriorly with a finger-like appendage. Using color flow mapping, we disclosed rapid in-and-out blood flow with marked turbulence within the cyst. For evaluation of its blood supply and venous drainage of the vascular malformation, a three-dimensional reconstruction of the power Doppler image was conducted. The results revealed that the vascular malformation was supplied by a small contralateral aneurysm from the branches of Willis' circle, draining posteriorly into an abnormal falcine sinus and then into the superior sagittal sinus. No other fetal abnormality such as hydrocephalus or hydrops was discovered. The prenatal diagnosis of an aneurysm of the vein of Galen was made on the basis of the gray-scale, color Doppler findings, and also the angioarchitecture obtained by three-dimensional power Doppler imaging. The woman was admitted at 37 weeks of gestation due to labor onset and delivered the baby via the vaginal route without complication. Postnatal angiography and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of an aneurysm of the vein of Galen, and the angioarchitecture depicted it before birth. We suggest that three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography may assist in the diagnosis of an aneurysm of the vein of Galen, and precisely delineate the complicated corresponding vasculature. This may guide postnatal management and predict the prognosis more accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:A case report.Objectives:This study discusses a case of spinal segmental myoclonus caused by thoracic myelopathy, mimicking hiccup spasms. Spinal myoclonus caused by thoracic myelopathy is extremely rare. It can be misdiagnosed as chronic intractable hiccups due to similar clinical manifestations.Setting:Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.Methods:A 42-year-old man presented with a history of involuntary jerky movement of the upper abdominal wall muscles that had been continuing for over 3 years. A neurological examination, brain computed tomography and electroencephalogram did not reveal a cause of the symptoms. Electromyography was performed on the abdominal muscles and the findings revealed were compatible with spinal myoclonus. The spinal myoclonus had started in the abdominal muscles, with a spinal magnetic resonance imaging revealing a disc protrusion compressing the anterior spinal cord.Results:The cause of the spinal myoclonus was determined to be spinal myelopathy due to mild T7 disc protrusion. The patient refused surgical or invasive interventions and was conservatively treated with clonazepam. The symptoms were reported to be less frequent following the treatment.Conclusion:Compressive myelopathy developed from disc protrusion may cause spinal myoclonus mimicking as hiccup spasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical pregnancy is frequently associated with extensive hemorrhage which, in severe cases, may be stopped only by hysterectomy. We report a case of an anembryonic cervical pregnancy diagnosed at 10 weeks, and associated with a large arteriovenous malformation. The patient was conservatively managed with simple selective uterine artery embolization. After embolization, her vaginal bleeding ceased and the level of serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin decreased rapidly. No additional treatment was given. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and the cervical mass had disappeared at the follow-up 4 months later. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of conservative management of cervical pregnancy simply by uterine artery embolization. The role of three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography in the assessment of cervical pregnancy and in monitoring the therapeutic response is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe two cases of pelvic arteriovenous malformation diagnosed with the aid of three-dimensional color power angiography. In both cases, ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) increased to significant levels (8413 and 1560 mIU/ml, respectively); however, neither an intrauterine nor an adnexal gestational sac could be found. In each case, we observed an adnexal mass with several tortuous areas exhibiting abundant turbulent flow. The diagnosis of arteriovenous malformation was made and further assessment by three-dimensional color power angiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was carried out. The complex vascular anatomy of arteriovenous malformation, including its feeding vessels and drainage, was clearly depicted by three-dimensional color power angiography and correlated well with magnetic resonance angiography. Levels of ß-hCG decreased in subsequent tests, and eventually became negative 2–3 months later without any intervention. We believe that an involutional ectopic pregnancy induced the rapid growth of the arteriovenous malformations within the mesosalpinx. Three-dimensional color power angiography can be performed quickly and easily, using existing ultrasound equipment. It improves our understanding of complicated vasculature, and thus is a useful adjunct to two-dimensional and color Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of arteriovenous malformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red-brown tattoos are usually treated with a frequency-doubled Q-switched (QS) neodymium : yttrium–aluminum–garnet Nd:YAG laser (532 nm), because red and pink pigments show maximum absorption between 500 and 570 nm. Using a QS laser for red-brown tattoo removal has sometimes led to paradoxical darkening of the tattoo pigments, and this darkened grey-black colour may be difficult to remove. A woman with red-brown cosmetic tattoos on her eyebrows was treated using a QS Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) initially with low fluence and subsequently with increasing fluences at 6-weekly intervals. After the first treatment, a slight darkening of the tattoo pigments was seen, but this faded and complete clearance was achieved after five treatments. There was no downtime during every treatment and there were no scars, pigmentary alterations or textural changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]