Factitious orbital emphysema: an unusual presentation of Munchausen''s syndrome

The role of radical cystectomy as the standard treatment of localised infiltrating bladder malignancy is challenged by the development radiotherapy and chemotherapy combinations. The published studies are difficult to compare because of large differences in the patients selection criteria and in the assessment of local involvement (only clinical in combined treatment, based on pathology and therefore unquestionable in surgical series). The advantages of radical surgery are its precedence and a well-established technique, simplified follow-up procedures and seemingly higher survival rates acquired after 3 years. Conversely, the combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy allows bladder preservation in about 40% of the patients (at 5 years), but only in 23% without bladder relapses. A complete initial endoscopic resection is the best and only prognostic factor of these results which nevertheless needs a very carefully and endless follows. The comparison of the quality of life achieved by both treatment modalities remains insufficiently documented.     

Adhesion properties of mutants of Staphylococcus aureus defective in fibronectin-binding proteins and studies on the expression of fnb genes

Staphylococcus aureus 8325-4 has the potential to express two distinct cell wall-associated fibronectin-binding proteins called FnBPA and FnBPB. In order to test if both proteins are expressed in S. aureus and if both are required for promoting bacterial adhesion to fibronectin-coated surfaces, insertion mutations were isolated in each gene. A DNA fragment encoding tetracycline resistance was inserted into fnbA and a fragment encoding erythromycin resistance was inserted into fnbB. A double fnbAfnbB mutant was also constructed. The fnbA and fnbB single mutants showed no significant reduction in their adhesion to polymethylmethacrylate coverslips that had been coated in vitro with fibronectin. However, the double mutant was completely defective in adhesion. Monospecific antibodies directed against the non-conserved N-terminal regions of both proteins confirmed the lack of expression of FnBPs in the mutant strains. Wild-type fnbA and fnbB genes cloned seperately on a multicopy plasmid were each able to restore fully the adhesion-defective phenotype of the 8325-4 fnbAfnbB mutant. This demonstrates that both fnb genes are expressed in S. aureus and that both contribute to the ability of strain 8325-4 to adhere to fibronectin-coated surfaces. The double mutant was also defective in adhesion to coverslips that had been removed from tissue cages implanted subcutaneously in guinea-pigs, which suggests that fibronectin is important in promoting attachment of S. aureus to biomaterial in vivo.     

AMLCD flicker model considering the V/sub T/ shift in a-Si:H TFT

The observed development of flicker with time in active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) panels has been correlated to the threshold voltage shift of the thin film transistors (TFTs) used in panels. The effect of a threshold voltage shift on the panel flicker was calculated using a flicker model developed here. One set of AMLCD panels used for the flicker characterization employed top-gate TFTs, while a second set employed bottom-gate TFTs. Optical measurements to determine the flicker voltage as a function of aging were performed on both types of panels. Electrical characterization of the TFTs extracted the threshold voltage from the C-V measurement. Samples of the TFTs were available on the kerf strips for both panel types, and ensured that the optically characterized panels and the TFTs electrically characterized were manufactured in the same batch for each of the two panel types.     

Undersea fiber optic cable communications system of the future: Operational, reliability, and systems considerations

The systems and operational requirements, reliability, and cost estimates for several undersea fiber optic cable communications systems of varying capacities, data transmission rates, and link distances are analyzed in detail to highlight relevant design tradeoff parameters. It is shown that systems with a high data rate per fiber are more economical and reliable than low data rate systems with multiple fibers. This study concludes that undersea optic cable systems can soon provide reliable broad-band digital services.     

Pressure dependence of hole mobility in In1?xGaxAsyP1?y and its relation to alloy scattering

Pressure-induced changes in the hole mobility of the quaternary alloy In1?xGaxAsyP1?y up to 15 kbar indicate that alloy scattering plays an important part in the determination of the low field hole mobility.     

Starting up the upstarts

Venture capitalists pour $1 billion a year into health care--and that investment may be the most overlooked indicator of new business opportunities. Signs show that companies focused on consolidation and cost-cutting are off the A list for risk capital. Instead, venture capitalists are targeting start-ups that save money on the front lines by truly managing care.     

Stripping analysis of zinc in natural waters utilizing the medium exchange method

Stripping analysis with medium exchange is employed for the flow analysis of zinc in natural waters. In order to minimize the interference due to the hydrogen evolution current, that masks the zinc peak in analysis of acidified natural waters, more suitable electrolyte is transferred (following the deposition step) into the detector. A flow cell with a stationary mercury film disk electrode is employed. Measurements can be performed in the presence of oxygen in the sample solution, utilizing an oxygen free exchange solution.     

Using the nominal group technique to elicit roadblocks to an MRP II implementation

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used as one element of an action research program with a Fortune 100 company to facilitate a Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II) implementation. The results of a NGT with the project team were that top management involvement was seen as the most critical roadblock to the implementation. This diagnosis led to a NGT with top management where top management diagnosed the need for more education and more top management involvement. It is argued that the NGT process, because it is general and robust, is particularly effective in dealing with the human and structural issues of a MRP II or Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) implementation.