Quantification of Three Dimensional Tongue Motion During Speech Using zHARP.

To understand the role of the tongue in speech production, it is desirable to directly image the motion and strain of the muscles within the tongue. Magnetic resonance tagging-which was originally developed for cardiac imaging-has previously been applied to image both two-dimensional and three-dimensional tongue motion during speech. However, to quantify three-dimensional motion and strain, multiple images yielding two-dimensional motion must be acquired at different orientations and then interpolated-a time-consuming task both in image acquisition and processing.

FUZZY C-MEANS WITH VARIABLE COMPACTNESS.

Fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering has been extensively studied and widely applied in the tissue classification of biomedical images. Previous enhancements to FCM have accounted for intensity shading, membership smoothness, and variable cluster sizes. In this paper, we introduce a new parameter called "compactness" which captures additional information of the underlying clusters.

Synthesis, analysis, in vitro characterization, and in vivo disposition of a lamivudine-dextran conjugate for selective antiviral delivery to the liver.

A liver-selective prodrug (3TCSD) of the antiviral drug lamivudine (3TC) was developed and characterized. 3TC was coupled to dextran ( approximately 25 kDa) using a succinate linker, and the in vitro and in vivo behavior of the conjugate was studied using newly developed size-exclusion and reversed-phase analytical methods. Synthesized 3TCSD had a purity of >99% with a degree of substitution of 6.

Synthesis and in vitro characterization of novel dextran-methylprednisolone conjugates with peptide linkers: effects of linker length on hydrolytic and enzymatic release of methylprednisolone and its peptidyl intermediates.

To control the rate of release of methylprednisolone (MP) in lysosomes, new dextran-MP conjugates with peptide linkers were synthesized and characterized. Methylprednisolone succinate (MPS) was attached to dextran 25 kDa using linkers with 1-5 Gly residues. The release characteristics of the conjugates in pH 4.

Recombinant factor seven therapy for postoperative bleeding in neonatal and pediatric cardiac surgery.

Background: Severe bleeding is a major complication in the postoperative pediatric cardiac surgery patients. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of recombinant factor seven (rFVIIa) therapy in this patient population.

Methods: A retrospective unmatched case-control study for the previous five years in a single institution was undertaken.

A copper(II)-selective PVC membrane electrode based on a macrocyclic ligand, 1,2,5,6,8,11-hexaazacyclododeca-7,12-dione-2,4,8,10-tetraene.

An attempt has been made to develop a highly selective Cu2+-ion selective electrode based on a poly(vinyl chloride) based sensor using 1,2,5,6,8,11-hexaazacyclododeca-7,12-dione-2,4,8,10-tetraene as ionophore with 61.5% DBP in the presence of 29% PVC, 4.5% ionophore and 5% NaTBP as an anion excluder.

Synthesis, Biological, Spectral, and Thermal Investigations of Cobalt(II) and Nickel(II) Complexes of N-Isonicotinamido -2',4'-Dichlorobenzalaldimine.

A new series of 12 complexes of cobalt(II) and nickel(II) with N-isonicotinamido-2',4'-dichlorobenzalaldimine (INH-DCB) with the general composition MX(2) . n(INH-DCB) [M = Co(II) or Ni(II), X = Cl(-) ,Br(-), NO(3) (-), NCS(-), or CH(3)COO(-), n = 2; X = ClO(4) (-), n = 3] have been synthesized. The nature of bonding and the stereochemistry of the complexes have been deduced from elemental analyses, infrared, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibility, and conductivity measurements.

Small colony variant Staphylococcus aureus multiorgan infection.

Small colony variant Staphylococcus aureus colonies are identified in persistent or relapsing S. aureus infections after prolonged antibiotic therapy. An unusual case of multiorgan infection in the absence of prolonged antibiotic therapy in a pediatric patient is reported.

Effect of UV radiation and temperature on mineralization and volatilization of coumaphos in water.

This study was undertaken to determine the dissipation and degradation of coumaphos [O-(3-chloro-4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl) O,O-diethyl phosphorothioate] under different sunlight conditions and at different temperatures. The effect of the ultra violet (UV) component of solar radiation was also studied using quartz tubes in addition to other radiation in the visible range using glass tubes and the results were compared with those obtained under the dark light conditions. Water suspensions of coumaphos were incubated at three temperatures viz.

Application of solid-phase chemistry for the synthesis of 3'-fluoro-3'-deoxythymidine.

Reported solution-phase methods for the synthesis of 3'-fluoro-3'-deoxythymidine (FLT) are cumbersome, require purification of intermediates, and include several protecting/deprotecting steps. To circumvent these problems, a solid-phase strategy was designed for the synthesis of FLT. Thymidine was immobilized on trityl resin via the 5'-hydroxyl group.

A highly selective and sensitive thorium(IV) PVC membrane electrode based on a dithio-tetraaza macrocyclic compound.

A poly(vinyl chloride)-based membrane composed of dithio-tetraaza macrocyclic compound as a neutral carrier with sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) as an anion excluder and nitrobenzene (NB) as plasticizer was prepared and investigated as a Th(IV)-selective electrode. The electrode exhibits a Nernstian slope of 14.2 +/- 0.

Soil microorganisms in cotton fields sequentially treated with insecticides.

A crop protection system consisting of sequential treatments by six insecticides--dimethoate, monocrotophos, deltamethrin, endosulfan, cypermethrin, and triazophos--at recommended dosages in cotton fields in Punjab, India was investigated for its effects on nontarget soil microorganisms and their activities. Successive applications of the insecticides caused only short-lived adverse effects on the soil microorganisms. None of the insecticides used had any adverse effects on soil fungi as reflected by their total numbers.

Inter-instrument agreement and influence of central corneal thickness on measurements with Goldmann, pneumotonometer and noncontact tonometer in glaucomatous eyes.

Purpose: This study was conducted to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements by the Goldman applanation tonometer (GAT), non contact tonometer (NCT) and the ocular blood flow (OBF) pneumotonometer in different IOP ranges in glaucomatous eyes. The effect of central corneal thickness (CCT) on IOP measurement in chronic glaucomatous eyes using the three different tonometers was also evaluated.

Materials And Methods: IOP measurements of 130 eyes of primary glaucoma patients were performed using GAT by an ophthalmologist while NCT and OBF-pneumotonometer measurements were performed by an experienced optometrist.

Hemorrhagic stress ulceration in a case of appendicitis.

Hemorrhage from stress ulceration in acutely ill children is seen in association with acute respiratory failure, coagulopathy and Pediatric Risk of Mortality Score of 10 or higher. We report an unusual association of clinically significant hemorrhagic stress ulcer with appendicitis in a pediatric patient.

Prospective, long-term evaluation of steroid-induced glaucoma.

Purpose: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) after cessation of steroid use in steroid-induced glaucoma and its control with medication or surgery.

Methods: Thirty-four eyes of 34 patients having steroid-induced glaucoma were prospectively evaluated after cessation of steroid for IOP, visual acuity, and optic disc status at 3 months, and every 3 months for 18 months.

Results: Topical steroid use (73.

Acute renal failure in neonatal sepsis.

Objective: To evaluate the occurrence of acute renal failure (ARF) and the factors associated with it in cases of neonatal sepsis.

Methods: The case control study was conducted in the referral neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary teaching hospital. 200 out born neonates with sepsis admitted to the nursery from January to July 2003 were evaluated for presence of ARF (cases) or not (controls).

Dissipation and leaching of (14)C-monocrotophos in Soil Columns under subtropical climate.

Dissipation and leaching behavior of 14C-monocrotophos was studied for 365 days under field conditions using PVC cylinders. The first set (24 cylinders) was spiked with 1.0 microCi 14C-labeled monocrotophos along with 1.

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of daunorubicin in glaucoma filtering surgery.

Purpose: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect and ocular side effects of daunorubicin (DNR) in drug-modulated trabeculectomy.

Methods: A prospective pilot study was conducted in which 21 Asian patients of Indian origin with high risk factors for failure of trabeculectomy were recruited. An approval from research ethics committee and an informed consent from every patient included in the study were obtained.

Inhaled nitric oxide use in bidirectional Glenn anastomosis for elevated Glenn pressures.

Background: Children frequently undergo bidirectional Glenn anastomosis in the staged surgical management of single ventricle physiology. The purpose of our study was to investigate the role of inhaled nitric oxide therapy in children with marked elevations in Glenn pressures after this surgery.

Methods: A retrospective study over a 30-month period was performed.

Calibration of dynamic molecular rulers based on plasmon coupling between gold nanoparticles.

Pairs of noble metal nanoparticles can be used to measure distances via the distance dependence of their plasmon coupling. These "plasmon rulers" offer exceptional photostability and brightness; however, the advantages and limitations of this approach remain to be explored. Here we report detailed plasmon peak versus separation calibration curves for 42- and 87-nm-diameter particle pairs, determine their measurement errors, and describe experimental procedures to improve their performance in biology, nanotechnology, and materials sciences.

Comparative evaluation of diode laser trabeculoplasty vs frequency doubled Nd : YAG laser trabeculoplasty in primary open angle glaucoma.

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of diode laser trabeculoplasty (DLT) and frequency doubled Nd : YAG laser trabeculoplasty (YLT) in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods: A total of 52 eyes of 35 patients with POAG were included. In all, 25 eyes underwent DLT (Group I) and 27 eyes underwent YLT (Group II).

Biocompatible force sensor with optical readout and dimensions of 6 nm3.

We have developed a nanoscopic force sensor with optical readout. The sensor consists of a single-stranded DNA oligomer flanked by two dyes. The DNA acts as a nonlinear spring: when the spring is stretched, the distance between the two dyes increases, resulting in reduced Förster resonance energy transfer.

Effect of intraoperative intracameral 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose viscoelastic during trabeculectomy.

Background And Objective: To evaluate the effect of intraoperative intracameral injection of 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) on anterior chamber depth and intraocular pressure (IOP) following trabeculectomy in eyes with uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma in a prospective randomized manner.

Patients And Methods: Thirty consecutive eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma scheduled for trabeculectomy were randomized to conventional trabeculectomy without HPMC injection (group I; n = 15) or to intracameral injection of 2% HPMC during trabeculectomy (group II; n = 15). All patients were observed serially on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 and months 1, 3, and 6 postoperatively.

Role of COX-2 selective inhibitors for prevention and treatment of cancer.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme induced by inflammatory and mitogenic stimuli and results in enhanced synthesis of PGs in inflamed and neoplastic tissues. It is associated with cell proliferation and growth, in various cancerous conditions. We review the potential mechanisms of cancer reduction with COX-2 inhibitors and the preclinical evidence suggesting their effectiveness.