bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The enantiomeric composition of linalool and linalool oxide in the flowers of kiwifruit (Actinidia) species
Authors: Matich Adam J. , Bunn Barry J. , Hunt Martin B.
Published: April 2009

A survey of linalool enantiomers in kiwifruit (Actinidia) flowers was conducted to determine their potential as sources of these valuable floral fragrances, and revealed a wide range of enantiomeric ratios. While flowers of A. polygama and A. chrysantha contained almost exclusively one enantiomer, most species contained significant amounts of both (R) and (S) isomers. In some species enantiomeric ratios of floral linalool differed between genotypes, full siblings, and in one case clones, and ratios changed from year to year as well as diurnally. Enantioselective biosynthesis of the linalool‐derived furanoid and pyranoid linalool oxides was examined in flowers of an A. chrysantha and an A. polygama genotype. The flowers of both species produced almost exclusively (S)‐linalool. A. chrysantha flowers incubated with rac‐d5‐linalool preferentially processed the (S)‐isomer through to the linalool oxides. However, the A. polygama flowers were less discriminatory in their use of rac‐d5‐linalool and processed significant quantities of d5‐(R)‐linalool as well. Chirality, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Carcinoid Heart Disease
Authors: Franzen Damian , Boldt Andree , Raute‐Kreinsen Ute , Koerfer Reiner , Erdmann Erland
Published: April 2009

In a 56‐year‐old lady, a carcinoid tumor of the terminal ileum metastasized to regional lymph nodes, and the liver was removed by hemicolectomy in 2002. Following a history of cutaneous flushing, diarrhea, and bronchoconstriction 3 years later, a somatostatin therapy was instituted. As flushing and diarrhea resolved and levels of urinary excretion of 5‐hydoxyindoleacetic acid decreased, shortness of breath was progressive and prompted a cardiac exam. Despite poor resolution, echocardiography revealed a thickening of the tricuspid valves (TK) with reduced mobility along with right atrial (RA) and right ventricular (RV) dilatation. The pulmonary valve was unobtrusive. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed extensive fibrous tissue extending from the valvular base to the tip of the tricuspid leaflets. Retraction and immobilization of the TK caused a mild stenosis and a large regurgitant flow. Because medical treatment of tricuspid regurgitation was ineffective, the TK was excised and a Hancock 25‐mm bioprosthetic valve was implanted. The postoperative course was uncomplicated, and the patient recuperated and resumed normal daily activities. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Clinical Manifestation of Myocardial Infarction in Elderly Patients
Authors: Goch Aleksander , Misiewicz Paweł , Rysz Jacek , Banach Maciej
Published: April 2009

Background and Hypothesis

The study aimed to compare the clinical picture and treatment differences in elderly patients (aged 75 years or older) and younger patients (aged below 75 years).

Methods

The study included 80 consecutive patients with myocardial infarction (MI) treated in the Cardiology Ward of the Specialist Hospital in Radom, Poland, in 2005. Analyses were performed retrospectively. The patients were separated into 2 groups according to age. The group I study group consisted of 40 patients aged 75 or over (aged 75–95; mean 81 years) and the group II control group consisted of 40 patients aged below 75 years (aged 42–67; mean 60 years).

Results

In the elderly, as compared with younger subjects, dyspnea, fatigue, and other heart failure symptoms, were more frequently the first symptoms of MI than typical chest pain (p<0.05). ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was also more common (p<0.05). Non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) was more frequently diagnosed in the elderly (p<0.05). In elderly patients there were more women (p<0.05), more patients with previously diagnosed ischemic heart disease (p<0.05), with hypertension (p<0.05), and with diabetes mellitus (p<0.05). Obesity was less frequently diagnosed in the elderly; however the difference was not statistically significant. Dyslipidemia and cigarette smoking were both significantly less common among elderly patients (p<0.05). The elderly were significantly less frequently revascularized (p<0.05). Both fibrinolysis and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were less commonly applied to the elderly (p<0.05). Time from symptom onset to hospital admission was significantly longer in the case of elderly patients (p<0.05). The MI complications and side effects of treatment seemed to be more frequent in the elderly, but only post‐MI heart failure was observed more frequently in this group of patients (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Our observations confirm the differences in the clinical picture of MI in the elderly as described previously. All patients of advanced age should be considered as having the highest risk of death and complications occurrence. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical and Angiographic Features of Small Vessel Stenting in the Drug‐Eluting Stent Era
Authors: Jabara Refat , Gradman Marc , Chen Jack P. , King III Spencer B. , Gadesam Radhika , Chronos Nicolas A. F.
Published: April 2009

Hypothesis

This study was designed to investigate the clinical and angiographic features and procedural outcomes of small‐vessel stenting in a real‐world experience during the transition era between drug‐eluting stents (DES) and bare‐metal stents (BMS).

Methods

Using one of the largest single‐institutional cohorts, this study evaluated all patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 2002 through 2005. Analysis was restricted to patients receiving a single stent or undergoing balloon‐only angioplasty in a single anatomic site. Small‐vessel stents (SVS) were defined as 2.00 to 2.75 mm and large‐vessel stents (LVS) as 3.00 to 4.00 mm in diameter.

Results

A total of 19 580 stents were placed in 10 396 patients. Of 6208 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria, 1630 (26.3%) received SVS, and 4578 (73.7%) received LVS. The SVS group had more female (35.5% vs 26.3%, P < .001) and diabetic patients (27.9% vs 24.2%, P < .003) than the LVS group. Compared with LVS, SVS lesions were shorter (14.5 ± 5.8 mm vs 15.7 ± 6.4 mm, P < .0001) and more complex (66% vs 53% class B2/C lesions, P = .041). Indicators of procedural difficulty, including greater contrast volume, number of devices, total inflation time, and fluoroscopy time, were more commonly observed in the SVS group. After adjustment for confounding factors, the incidence of small treatment vessel diameter was significantly higher among the DES vs the BMS group (odds ratio [OR]: = 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56–2.36).

Conclusions

In addition to identifying distinct patient, lesion, and procedural performance characteristics, our study, one of the largest single‐center experiences in small‐vessel PCI, suggests that the availability of DES substantially increased the use of SVS, as opposed to balloon‐only angioplasty, in this anatomically challenging setting. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Myofibrillogenesis in skeletal muscle cells in zebrafish
Authors: Sanger Joseph W. , Wang Jushuo , Holloway Beth , Du Aiping , Sanger Jean M.
Published: April 2009

The “premyofibril” model of myofibrillogenesis, based on observations in cultured avian muscle cells, proposes that mature myofibrils are preceded by two intermediary structures: premyofibrils and nascent myofibrils. To determine if this model applies to zebrafish skeletal muscle development, we stained developing embryos with antibodies to sarcomeric alpha‐actinin and myosin II. In the youngest muscle cells, sarcomeric alpha‐actinin and non‐muscle myosin II were each localized in linear arrays of small bands that resembled the premyofibrils in avian myocytes. The distribution of muscle‐specific myosin II began as scattered short filaments followed in time by overlapping bundles of filaments and organized A‐bands in the older somites. Alpha‐actinin organization changed from small z‐bodies to beaded Z‐bands and ordered Z‐bands in myofibrils that extended the length of the elongating somites. In older somites with mature myofibrils, premyofibrils were also present at the ends of the mature myofibrils, suggesting that as the cells and somites grew longer, premyofibrils were involved in the elongation of existing mature myofibrils. Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching showed that the exchange of proteins (actin, alpha‐actinin, FATZ, myotilin and telethonin) between sarcoplasm and the Z‐bands of mature myofibrils in zebrafish resembled that seen for the same proteins in cultured avian myotubes, suggesting that myofibril assembly and maintenance in zebrafish share common properties with avian muscle. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HA‐tagging of putative flagellar proteins in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii identifies a novel protein of intraflagellar transport complex B
Authors: Lechtreck Karl‐Ferdinand , Luro Scott , Awata Junya , Witman George B.
Published: April 2009

Proteomic analysis of flagella from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has identified over 600 putative flagellar proteins. The genes encoding nine of these not previously characterized plus the previously described PACRG protein were cloned, inserted into a vector adding a triple‐HA tag to the C‐terminus of the gene product, and transformed into C. reinhardtii. Expression was confirmed by western blotting. Indirect immunofluorescence located all 10 fusion proteins in the flagellum; PACRG was localized to a subset of outer doublet microtubules. For some proteins, additional signal was observed in the cell body. Among the latter was FAP232‐HA, which showed a spotted distribution along the flagella and an accumulation at the basal bodies. This pattern is characteristic for intraflagellar transport (IFT) proteins. FAP232‐HA co‐localized with the IFT protein IFT46 and co‐sedimented with IFT particles in sucrose gradients. Furthermore, it co‐immunoprecipitated with IFT complex B protein IFT46, but not with IFT complex A protein IFT139. We conclude that FAP232 is a novel component of IFT complex B and rename it IFT25. Homologues of IFT25 are encoded in the genomes of a subset of organisms that assemble cilia or flagella; C. reinhardtii IFT25 is 37% identical to the corresponding human protein. Genes encoding IFT25 homologues are absent from the genomes of organisms that lack cilia and flagella and, interestingly, also from those of Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans, suggesting that IFT25 has a specialized role in IFT that is not required for the assembly of cilia or flagella in the worm and fly. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluating the accuracy and impact of registration in dynamic contrast‐enhanced breast MRI
Authors: Hill Andrew , Mehnert Andrew , Crozier Stuart , McMahon Kerry
Published: April 2009

This article presents a quantitative evaluation framework—incorporating a novel heterogeneous biomechanical model—for objectively comparing the accuracy of registration algorithms in dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI of the breast; an evaluation of several algorithms using this framework; and several clinical examples where accurate registration significantly changes the shape of the enhancement curves associated with suspicious regions of interest (ROIs) identified by a radiologist. The experimental results demonstrate: (i) the efficacy of the evaluation framework; (ii) that a good registration algorithm can accurately recover the shapes of voxel enhancement curves from breast DCE‐MRI data containing motion; (iii) that motion of as little as 1 mm can significantly change the shape of the mean enhancement curve for an ROI; and (iv) that accurate registration can significantly change the shape of enhancement curves estimated for small and large ROIs even when there is little or no visible evidence of motion. This suggests that all DCE‐MRI breast data should be spatially aligned using a nonrigid registration algorithm before the analysis of contrast enhancement. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 35B: 106–120, 2009
Magnetic resonance imaging with composite (dual) gradients
Authors: Parker Dennis L. , Goodrich K. Craig , Hadley J. Rock , Kim Seong‐Eun , Moon Sung M. , Chronik Blaine A. , Fontius Ulrich , Schmitt Franz
Published: April 2009

The tradeoff between gradient performance factors, size of the imaging region, and physiological factors such as nerve stimulation typically leads to compromises in gradient design and ultimately suboptimal imaging performance. Local gradient systems can add some performance flexibility, but are cumbersome to set up and remove. In nearly all conventional MRI systems, the use of local gradients precludes the use of the more homogeneous whole body gradients. This article presents the concept of dynamically selectable composite gradient systems where local gradients and whole body gradients can be selected independently and simultaneously. The relative performance of whole body, insert, and composite gradients is predicted for echoplanar, turbo spin echo, and steady state free precession. A realization of the concept is presented. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 35B: 89–97, 2009
An independent multichannel imaging research system for ultrashort echo time imaging on clinical MR systems
Authors: Paley Martyn N.J. , Kryukov Eugeny , Lamperth Michael , Young Ian R.
Published: April 2009

Most clinical magnetic resonance systems do not have access to ultrashort echo time (UTE) imaging. The aim of this project was to develop a fully independent imaging insert for clinical MR systems to provide this new research application without disturbing routine operation. The initial clinical target for the system was improved orthopedic upper limb imaging using ultrashort repeat and echo time acquisitions. Echo times as short as TE = 80 μs were attained for standard 2DFT gradient echo sequences and TE = 25 μs for asymmetrically sampled radial acquisitions using the 160 mm inside diameter symmetrical cylindrical insert gradient set. The spectrometer was able to acquire 32 channels simultaneously with 14 bit resolution at up to 2.5 MS/s and had broadband operation from 250 kHz up to 200 MHz. Only eight active RF channels were constructed and used for this study. Acoustic noise with the insert coil was up to 30 dbA quieter than a whole body gradient system operating at the same gradient strength. The insert provides a useful method of performing UTE imaging using a standard clinical MRI system with no disturbance to normal operation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 35B: 80–88, 2009
A rapidly rotating RF coil for MRI
Authors: Trakic Adnan , Li Bing Keong , Weber Ewald , Wang Hua , Wilson Stephen , Crozier Stuart
Published: April 2009

This article introduces a new concept for spin excitation and signal acquisition in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using rapid rotation of a single radiofrequency (RF) coil about a sample. A rotating RF coil system was constructed for 2 and 4.7 Tesla imaging. The acquired images of biological specimens were comparable to those of a conventional RF coil system. This approach may obviate the need for multiple channels and intricate RF decoupling of many coils, which impede the progress of multichannel array technology. It is hoped that hardware advantages of coil rotation and the additional parameter of rotational velocity will initiate advances in MRI through the development of new sequences and methods. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 35B: 59–66, 2009
Double spiral array coil design for enhanced 3D parallel MRI at 1.5 Tesla
Authors: Mueller Matthias F. , Blaimer Martin , Breuer Felix , Lanz Titus , Webb Andrew , Griswold Mark , Jakob Peter
Published: April 2009

In this study, an alternative volume array coil design for MR head imaging is presented. Superior to standard arrays, it provides smooth sensitivity variations in all three spatial dimensions. This is realized in form of a double‐spiral phased‐array coil, which consists of a +π twisted inner and a –π twisted outer array stacked together. This geometrical arrangement provides sufficient isolation between both single‐spiral arrays allowing sufficient channel isolation. In this work, simulation results of the double‐spiral conductor structure are presented demonstrating the smooth sensitivity variation in all three spatial dimensions. In addition, a prototype 6‐channel double‐spiral volume array coil was built improving the encoding capabilities of the chosen geometry in all dimensions by in vivo 3D MP‐RAGE imaging studies. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 35B: 67–79, 2009
Actinic keratoses
Authors: Criscione Vincent D. , Weinstock Martin A. , Naylor Mark F. , Luque Claudia , Eide Melody J. , Bingham Stephen F. ,   for the Department of Veteran Affairs Topical Tretinoin Chemoprevention Trial Group
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND:

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are established as direct precursors of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), but there is significant controversy regarding the rate at which AKs progress to SCC. The authors of this report studied a high‐risk population to estimate the risk of progression of AK to SCC and to basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and the risk of spontaneous regression of untreated AKs.

METHODS:

Data were obtained from participants in the Department of Veterans Affairs Topical Tretinoin Chemoprevention Trial. Participants were examined every 6 months for up to 6 years. At each examination, the locations on the face and ears of clinically diagnosed AKs and lesions scheduled for biopsy were marked, and high‐resolution digital photographs were taken. These photographs were used later to map and track the presence, absence, or biopsy of each AK across visits.

RESULTS:

In total, 7784 AKs were identified on the face and ears of 169 participants. The risk of progression of AK to primary SCC (invasive or in situ) was 0.60% at 1 year and 2.57% at 4 years. Approximately 65% of all primary SCCs and 36% of all primary BCCs diagnosed in the study cohort arose in lesions that previously were diagnosed clinically as AKs. The majority of AKs (55%) that were followed clinically were not present at the 1‐year follow‐up, and the majority (70%) were not present at the 5‐year follow‐up.

CONCLUSIONS:

In the current study, the authors quantified the malignant potential of clinically diagnosed AKs for both SCC and BCC, although many did not persist, and the results suggested that AKs may play a greater role in the overall burden of keratinocyte carcinomas than previously documented. Cancer 2009. Published 2009 by the American Cancer Society.
Osteosarcoma of the jaw/craniofacial region
Authors: Guadagnolo B. Ashleigh , Zagars Gunar K. , Raymond A. Kevin , Benjamin Robert S. , Sturgis Erich M.
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND:

The current study was performed to evaluate outcomes in patients with osteosarcoma of the head and neck (OHN) who were treated with surgery with or without radiotherapy (RT).

METHODS:

Between 1960 and 2007, 119 patients with OHN underwent macroscopic total resection with or without RT. The median age of the patients was 33 years (range, 7‐77 years). Of these 119 patients 92 (77%) underwent surgery alone whereas 27 (23%) patients were treated with combined modality treatment (CMT) comprised of surgery and RT (median dose, 60 Gray [Gy]; range, 50‐66 Gy).

RESULTS:

The median follow‐up was 5.8 years. Overall survival (OS) rates at 5 years and 10 years were 63% and 55%, respectively. Corresponding disease‒specific survival (DSS) rates were 67% and 61%, respectively. Stratified analysis by resection margin status demonstrated that CMT compared with surgery alone improved OS (80% vs 31%;P= .02) and DSS (80% vs 35%;P= .02) for patients with positive/uncertain resection margins. Multivariate analysis indicated that CMT for patients with positive/uncertain resection margins improved OS (P< .0001). A total of 44 (37%) patients experienced local disease recurrence (LR) and 25 (21%) developed distant metastases (DM). There was no difference noted with regard to DSS if disease recurrence was isolated (LR vs DM: 26% vs 29%, respectively, at 5 years;P= .48) The use of CMT versus surgery alone improved local control (LC) (75% vs 24%;P= .006) for patients with positive/uncertain resection margins. The rate of surgical complications was 28% at 5 years. The rates of RT‐associated complications were 40% and 47% at 5 years and 10 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of the current study indicated that RT in addition to surgery improves OS, DSS, and LC for patients with OHN who have positive/uncertain resection margins. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Clinical features and prognostic factors in patients with bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma receiving external beam radiotherapy
Authors: He Jian , Zeng Zhao‐Chong , Tang Zhao‐You , Fan Jia , Zhou Jian , Zeng Meng‐Su , Wang Jian‐Hua , Sun Jing , Chen Bing , Yang Ping , Pan Bai‐Sheng
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND:

The current study was performed to identify clinical features and independent predictors of survival in patients with bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS:

Patients (n = 205) with bone metastases from HCC received external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) between 1997 and 2007. Demographic variables, laboratory values, tumor characteristics, and treatment modalities were determined before EBRT. The total radiation dose ranged from 32 to 66 grays (Gy) (median, 50 Gy) and was focused on the involved bone.

RESULTS:

In 80 of 205 (39.0%) patients with bone metastasis from HCC, tumors were characterized by osteolytic, expansile soft‐tissue masses. Overall pain relief from EBRT occurred in 204 patients (99.5%). No consistent dose‐response relation was found for palliation of bone metastases with doses between 32 and 66 Gy (P = .068), but the retreatment rate was higher in patients with expansile soft tissue. On univariate analysis, shorter survival was associated with poorer Karnofsky performance status (KPS), higher γ‐glutamyltransferase and α‐fetoprotein levels, tumor size >5 cm, uncontrolled intrahepatic tumors, multifocal bone lesions, involvement of spinal vertebrae, extraosseous metastases, and a shorter disease‐free interval after an initial diagnosis of HCC. On multivariate analysis, pretreatment‐unfavorable predictors were associated with lower KPS, higher tumor markers, and uncontrolled intrahepatic tumor when KPS was considered. The median survival was 7.4 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of the current study provide detailed information regarding clinical features, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors for HCC with bone metastases in a relatively large cohort of patients treated with EBRT. These prognostic factors will help in determining which dose and fraction are appropriate. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
When medical evidence alone is simply not enough
Authors: O'Donnell Michael A.
Published: April 2009

A report in this issue by Messing and colleagues on postoperative bladder chemotherapy does much to demonstrate that medical evidence alone is not always sufficient to enable the efficient implementation of changes in clinical practice. Practice patterns, information dissemination, advocacy programs, guidelines, logistics, and reimbursement policies must all synchronize to promote effective change.
Cytologic, flow cytometry, and molecular assessment of lymphoid infiltrate in fine‐needle cytology samples of Hashimoto thyroiditis
Authors: Zeppa Pio , Cozzolino Immacolata , Peluso Anna Lucia , Troncone Giancarlo , Lucariello Antonio , Picardi Marco , Carella Carlo , Pane Fabrizio , Vetrani Antonio , Palombini Lucio
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND:

The thyroidal lymphoid infiltrate (TLI) in Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) represents the substrate from which thyroid lymphoma may arise. The objective of the current study was to classify the TLI in HT by comparing the cytologic features with flow cytometry (FC) data and evaluating the κ/λ light chain ratio and its molecular assessment.

METHODS:

Fine‒needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed in 34 patients with HT with nodular or diffuse palpable enlargement of the gland. Two or 3 passes were performed to prepare traditional smears, FC, and immunophenotyping, and RNAlater suspensions for molecular assessment. FC was performed using the following antibodies: CD3, CD5, CD4, CD8, CD10, CD19, and κ and λ light chains. In 4 cases, high molecular weight DNA was extracted and used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the variable diversity joining region of the heavy chain immunoglobulin (Ig) genes (IgH). Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate possible associations between clinical ultrasound presentation, cytologic pattern, and TLI phenotype. Light chain expression was evaluated as the percentage of the expressing cells (≤20% and >20%) and as the κ/λ ratio.

RESULTS:

Smears were classified as “lymphocytic,” “lymph node‐like,” or “mixed.” FC demonstrated T cells (CD3 positive [+], CD5+) in all cases, and T cells and B cell (CD19+, CD10+/‐) lymphocytes in 22 cases. Light chains were expressed in 30 cases (in <20% of the gated cells in 13 cases and in >20% of the gated cells in 17 cases). Five cases demonstrated small κ/λ ratio imbalances and PCR analysis demonstrated diffuse bands in the gel and Gaussian curves at the heteroduplex. Statistical analysis indicated significant associations between the “lymphocytic” pattern and T‐cell phenotype and between the “lymph node‐like” pattern and B‐cell phenotype. A significant association also was observed between light chain restriction and low light chain expression (P < .005).

CONCLUSIONS:

The cytologic pattern of TLI in HT is quite representative of the clinical presentation and phenotypic cell type. Small light chain imbalances are not sustained by heavy chain Ig gene (IgH) rearrangements. FNA coupled with FC may contribute to making the distinction between florid TLI and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
The indeterminate thyroid fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Nayar Ritu , Ivanovic Marina
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND:

To date, thyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) has been used by clinicians as the screening test of choice to determine whether surgery is required and this is what the pathology report should communicate. Standard terminology for reporting thyroid FNA has not been implemented yet, and pathologists have used various reporting systems to communicate results. A significant source of confusion among both pathologists and clinicians has been the use of the indeterminate category. On the basis of an analysis of 1150 thyroid FNAs in 2000, this institution modified the reporting of thyroid biopsy results into 6 categories, including unsatisfactory. The indeterminate category was separated into 3 subroups: 1) indeterminate for neoplasia (IND), 2) follicular neoplasm (FN), and 3) suspicious for malignancy (SUSP). Repeat FNA in 6 months to 12 months was recommended for IND and surgery for FN and SUSP categories.

METHODS:

To determine the validity of this approach, the outcomes of this reporting system from July of 2000 to December of 2006 were analyzed. The IND category was used for 2 subsets of cases: (a) those that morphologically fall into the gray zone between adenomatoid nodule (AN) and FN, for Hurthle cell nodule (hyperplasia vs neoplasm), and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis with concern for neoplasia; and (b) for suboptimal specimens due to low epithelial cellularity or collection artifacts.

RESULTS:

Among 5194 thyroid nodules, the IND category comprised 18%. FNA follow‐up was done in 21% of IND cases: 58% were benign/negative and did not require surgery based on cytology alone. Surgical follow‐up in 46% of IND showed 52% were benign/negative, and 42% were follicular/Hurthle cell adenomas. The surgical yield of malignancy in IND was low (6%) when compared with the FN category, which was 14% (more than 2× that of the IND category), and the SUSP category, which was 53% (almost 9× that of the IND category).

CONCLUSIONS:

A 6‐tier reporting system for thyroid FNA was effective for determining which patients needed surgery versus follow‐up FNA and also guided the clinician on the extent of surgery. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
An adaptive mesh refinement solver for large‐scale simulation of biological flows
Authors: Botti Lorenzo , Piccinelli Marina , Ene‐Iordache Bogdan , Remuzzi Andrea , Antiga Luca
Published: April 2009

The observation that hemodynamic forces play an important role in the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system has led to the need for characterizing in vivo hemodynamics on a patient‐specific basis. However, the introduction of computational hemodynamics in clinical research contexts is bound to the availability of integrated workflows for analyses on large populations. Since such workflows must rely on automated geometry‐driven mesh generation methods, the availability of robust solvers featuring adaptive mesh refinement strategies is essential to ensure that the approach can be adopted on a large scale. In this paper, we present an open‐source solver for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations based on the libMesh finite elements library, featuring adaptive mesh refinement and parallelization. The solution scheme is a second‐order velocity correction in rotational form. By presenting numerical tests on benchmark cases, we demonstrate that the coupling of this solution strategy with adaptive mesh refinement leads to a solver with good accuracy characteristics despite the relative simplicity of the scheme adopted. The availability of this solver within the Vascular Modeling Toolkit project leads to a widely available, seamless pipeline from images to simulation ready to be applied in clinical research environments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The red‐shift effect and radiation decay on black hole spacetimes
Authors: Dafermos Mihalis , Rodnianski Igor
Published: April 2009

We consider solutions to the linear wave equation □gϕ = 0 on a (maximally extended) Schwarzschild spacetime with parameter M > 0, evolving from sufficiently regular initial data prescribed on a complete Cauchy surface Σ, where the data are assumed only to decay suitably at spatial infinity. (In particular, the support of ϕ may contain the bifurcate event horizon.) It is shown that the energy flux F(𝒮) of the solution (as measured by a strictly timelike T̃ that asymptotically matches the static Killing field) through arbitrary achronal subsets 𝒮 of the black hole exterior region satisfies the bound F(𝒮) ≤ C E(v + u), where v and u denote the infimum of the Eddington‐Finkelstein advanced and retarded time of 𝒮, v+ denotes max{1, v}, and u+ denotes max{1, u}, where C is a constant depending only on the parameter M, and E depends on a suitable norm of the solution on the hypersurface t ≐ u + v = 1. (The bound applies in particular to subsets 𝒮 of the event horizon or null infinity.) It is also shown that ϕ satisfies the pointwise decay estimate |ϕ| ≤ C Ev in the entire exterior region, and the estimates |rϕ| ≤ CR̃E(1 + |u|)−1/2 and |r1/2ϕ| ≤ CR̃Eu in the region {r ≥ R̃} ∩ J+(Σ) for any R̃ > 2M. The estimates near the event horizon exploit an integral energy identity normalized to local observers. This estimate can be thought to quantify the celebrated red‐shift effect. The results in particular give an independent proof of the classical result |ϕ| ≥ C E of Kay and Wald without recourse to the discrete isometries of spacetime. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Situ Discrimination between Axially Complexed and Ligand‐Free Co Porphyrin on Au(111) with Tip‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Domke Katrin F. , Pettinger Bruno
Published: April 2009

Simultaneous chemical and topographic information about cobalt tetraphenyl‐porphyrin (CoTPP) adlayers formed on a Au(111) single crystal is obtained with tip‐enhanced Raman (TER) spectroscopy. We distinguish in situ between sample areas covered with an ordered adlayer of CoTPP and areas covered with a spontaneously formed disordered phase. The Raman vibrational fingerprints collected from the nanometer‐sized near‐field region just below a scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) tip are correlated with the adsorbate structures seen in the STM images. We assign the TER spectral features of the disordered phase to CoTPP complexes with CO and/or NO axial ligands, whereas the TER spectrum obtained from the ordered phase does not show any indication of additional axial complexation of CoTPP.
CD22 expression on blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasms and reactivity of anti‐CD22 antibodies to peripheral blood dendritic cells
Authors: Reineks Edmunds Z. , Osei Ebenezer S , Rosenberg Arlene , Auletta Jeffrey , Meyerson Howard J.
Published: April 2009

We identified CD22 expression on a blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) neoplasm presenting as a leukemia in a child. CD22 expression, as determined by the antibody s‐HCL‐1, was also noted on the neoplastic cells from three additional patients with blastic pDC tumors identified at our institution. Subsequently we determined that peripheral blood pDCs react with the s‐HCL‐1 antibody demonstrating that normal pDCs express CD22. Evaluation of five additional anti‐CD22 antibodies indicated that staining of pDCs with these reagents was poor except for s‐HCL‐1. Therefore, the detection of CD22 on pDCs is best demonstrated with the use of this specific antibody clone. All anti‐CD22 antibodies stained conventional DCs. We also evaluated the reactivity of the anti‐CD22 antibodies with basophils and noted that the pattern of staining was similar to that seen with pDCs. The studies demonstrate that normal DCs and pDC neoplasms express CD22, and highlight clone specific differences in anti‐CD22 antibody reactivity patterns on pDCs and basophils. © 2009 Clinical Cytometry Society.
The Jamming problem in IEEE 802.11‐based mobilead hocnetworks with hidden terminals: Performance analysis and enhancement
Authors: Li Yun , Wang Chonggang , Zhao Weiliang , You Xiaohu
Published: April 2009

The hidden‐terminal problem significantly degrades the performance of IEEE 802.11 DCF. Many previous works have investigated its influence on the throughput of CSMA‐based medium access control (MAC) protocols, especially IEEE 802.11 DCF. In this paper, we introduce a newJamming problemfor IEEE 802.11‐based mobilead hocnetworks, which is caused by hidden terminals. An analytical model is established for this problem. Based on this model, an adaptive DCF (ADCF), is designed to solve the jamming problem through adaptively adjusting the minimum contention window of hidden terminals. Simulation results effectively demonstrate that the proposed A‐DCF can avoid the jamming and in turn greatly improve channel utilization and throughput. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A reliable overlay video transport protocol for multicast agents in wireless mesh networks
Authors: Baek Jinsuk , Fisher Paul S. , Jo Minho , Chen Hsiao‐Hwa
Published: April 2009

A new video transport protocol for multicast agents in wireless mesh networks (WMNs) is proposed in this paper. The proposed protocol enables a significant reduction in the transmission overhead, while providing reliable communication for its use in multicast applications. This proposed reliable protocol provides a practical approach for an overlay peer‐to‐peer multicast facility supported within the application layer. This obviates the need to give upgraded routers capable of handling multicast broadcasting or modify the existing protocol stack. The protocol tolerates partial losses in multimedia transmissions, while supporting control of the delay sensitivity of such transmissions in WMNs. The key issue in this protocol is the ability to detect packet loss, anticipate retransmission requests, and use the anticipated retransmission requests to transmit the lost packets prior to requests from other receiving agents. The proposed protocol allows for the receiver to determine if retransmission of lost packets is required, ensuring the greatest flexibility needed for a reliable multicast protocol. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Message transmission techniques for low traffic P2P services
Authors: Hsu Ching‐Hsien , Hsu Chi‐Guey , Chen Shih‐Chang , Chen Tai‐Lung
Published: April 2009

With the advance of network technology peer‐to‐peer (P2P) has become a new network application model for state‐of‐the‐art‐distributed computing bringing about a lot of research. Message transmission is the most important fundamental operation in the accomplishing of scalable and reliable service in P2P networks. In this paper, different message transmission strategies aimed at reducing the amount of querying and thus increasing resource utilization are presented. The advantages of these techniques are that they are simple, have low complexity and are easy to implement. The experimental results show that the proposed methods were successful in reducing network traffic under different unstructured P2P overlay networks. The detailed analysis points out the properties and also suggests an improved message transmission mechanism for different P2P environments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simpler and more accurate throughput analysis of a DS CDMA/unslotted ALOHA system with two user classes based on M/M/infinity queueing model
Authors: Tseng Shu‐Ming , Kuo Yu‐Chin , Chang Yi‐Cheng , Tseng Der‐Feng
Published: April 2009

We propose that the throughput performance of the DS CDMA unslotted ALOHA system with two user classes is analyzed by the M/M/infinity queueing model without the death rate approximation. The previous scheme uses the M/D/infinity queueing model with the death rate approximation. The new analysis method is simpler than the previous one because four‐dimensional summation is replaced by two‐dimensional summation in the packet success probability calculation. The speed of new analysis program is 250 times faster than that of the previous one. In the numerical results, we consider the cases when the message arrival rates of the two classes are equal or not equal, and the access control is present or not. It shows that the proposed scheme has more accurate analyzed throughput than the previous one does. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of an inhibitory antibody fragment to human tissue factor using phage display technology
Authors: Meiring S.M. , Vermeulen J. , Badenhorst P.N.
Published: April 2009

Tissue factor is involved in the etiology of thrombotic diseases initiating the thrombosis associated with the inflammation that occurs during infection. The prevention of blood coagulation and inflammation is of primary importance in a number of pathological situations. A single‐chain variable antibody fragment of molecular weight of 26 kD that inhibits the action of human tissue factor was selected by phage display technology, purified and tested for its tissue factor inhibitory effect, purified on a protein A column, and its purity evaluated on SDS‐PAGE. The effects of the antibody fragment on prothrombin times, Factor Xa production, and thrombin generation were assessed with increasing fragment concentrations, using chromogenic and fluorometric substrates. The antibody fragment dose‐dependently prolonged the prothrombin time (IC50=0.5 μM) and delayed the lag phase before the thrombin generation burst and the peak thrombin concentration in the thrombin generation assay. The effect on thrombin generation was more pronounced in thrombophilic plasma than in normal plasma. Antibody‐based tissue factor inhibitors therefore may provide an effective treatment for thrombotic disease without serious bleeding complications. Drug Dev Res 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel implantable collagen–chitosan–soybean phosphatidylcholine composite film for the sustained delivery of mitomycin C
Authors: Hou Zhenqing , Sun Qian , Wang Qian , Han Jing , Wang Yuqian , Zhang Qiqing
Published: April 2009

An implantable mitomycin C (MMC) delivery system (MMC‐film), incorporating polylactide (PLA)–MMC nanoparticles in a composite film from blends of collagen–chitosan–soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC) with a mass ratio of 4:1:1, was developed and evaluated. PLA–MMC nanoparticles were prepared using an improved emulsion/solvent evaporation technique and then dispersed uniformly within the film to result in a final MMC loading content of 0.8 mg/cm2. Drug release studies were performed in pH 7.4 PBS at 37°C with drug analysis using UV/vis spectrometer at 366 nm. The MMC‐film exhibited more fractional drug release and a longer time to reach release equilibrium as compared with PLA‐MMC nanoparticles. In vivo, the MMC‐film was implanted at subcutaneous tumor sites of hepatoma‐bearing mice, and the curative effect was compared with those of drug‐free film. The growth of the tumors was dose‐dependently inhibited by MMC‐film. Histopathological analysis of specimens taken from tumor tissues harvested indicated that MMC‐film was lethal to hepatoma cells. Additionally, post mortem visual examination and microscopic images showed no sign of internal infection and fibrous encapsulation in any animals after 20 days of implantation of the MMC‐film or drug‐free film. It was concluded that the system provides great potential for local sustained delivery of MMC at the site of tumor or tumor resection for therapeutic purposes. Drug Dev Res 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Switch from a dominant Th1‐associated immune profile during the pre‐diabetic phase in favour of a temporary increase of a Th3‐associated and inflammatory immune profile at the onset of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ryden Anna , Stechova Katerina , Durilova Marianna , Faresjö Maria
Published: April 2009

Background

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease dominated by loss of self‐tolerance resulting in depletion of the β‐cells. This study aims to confirm previous observations of a dominant T‐helper (Th)1‐like profile during the period close to onset of disease. Further, to follow the immune response from onset to 2 years duration, the study focused on spontaneous as well as autoantigen‐induced immune profile.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected 4 days and 1 and 2 years after diagnosis of T1D children, from healthy children carrying the human leukocyte antigen‐risk genes and from high‐risk children (ICA ≥ 20 IJDF units). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). Cytokines and chemokines were detected in cell‐culture supernatants by protein microarray (naive T‐cells; interleukin (IL)‐7, Th1; interferon‐γ, tumour necrosis factor‐β, Th2; IL‐5, Th3; transforming growth factor‐β, T‐regulatory cell type 1; IL‐10 and inflammatory cytokines; tumour necrosis factor‐α, IL‐6 and chemokines; monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, monokine upregulated by IFN‐γ) in relation to clinical outcome (C‐peptide).

Results

High‐risk children showed a dominant Th1‐associated profile with high spontaneous and GAD65‐induced secretion. The mitogen PHA instead induced a Th2‐associated response exclusively in high‐risk children. In contrast, newly diagnosed T1D children showed a pronounced Th3‐associated cytokine profile as well as a burst of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines secreted both spontaneously and by GAD65 and PHA stimulation. The immune response to GAD65 and PHA, however, diminished with duration of disease.

Conclusion

A dominant Th1‐associated immune profile was observed during the pre‐diabetic phase. This Th1 dominance, however, diminished in favour of a temporary increase in a Th3‐associated and inflammatory immune profile at the onset of disease. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vanadium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Oxidation of Sulfides Using Schiff Base Ligands Derived from β‐Amino Alcohols with Two Stereogenic Centers
Authors: Wu Yinuo , Liu Juntao , Li Xingshu , Chan Albert S. C.
Published: April 2009

Novel Schiff base ligands derived from β‐amino alcohols with two stereogenic centers were prepared and used in the preparation of optically pure sulfoxides by using aqueous hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. A variety of sulfides were smoothly converted into the corresponding sulfoxides catalyzed by the chiral vanadium–Schiff base complex. Good yields (>80 %) with excellent enantioselectivities (>99 % ee) were obtained in most cases. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Fabrication and fluorescence imaging of human low‐density lipoprotein coatings for highly efficient capillary electrophoresis separation of basic proteins
Authors: Yin Junfa , Song Yuling , Wang Zhixin , Wang Hailin
Published: April 2009

Here we present a unique fabrication of capillary coatings by using a native protein–phospholipid assembly, human low‐density lipoprotein (LDL). By taking advantage of its constituents of apoproteins and phospholipids, two types of LDL coatings (non‐covalent and covalent) were constructed. The non‐covalent LDL coatings were prepared through physical adsorption of its phospholipids on fused silica, and the covalent coatings were prepared through covalent bonding of its apoproteins with the aminopropyl‐modified silica. These coatings were subjected to CE separation of basic proteins (lysozyme, cytochrome c, ribonuclease A, and α‐chymotrypsinogen A). Although both types of the coatings display efficient separation of the four proteins while effectively inhibiting the undesirable adsorption, the covalent LDL coatings provide higher separation efficiency (0.67–2.01×105 theoretical plates/m) and longer coating‐life. Results also reveal that the LDL coatings can hydrophobically interact with proteins and provide options for tuning the separation selectivity of proteins besides their inherent electrophoretic mobility. By using SYPRO Orange staining and fluorescence imaging, the coverage and homogeneity of the LDL coatings along the capillary were further visually characterized. It was found that the coverage of LDL particles in the covalent coatings was much higher than that in the non‐covalent coatings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the enhanced CE protein separation by lipoprotein coating. In virtue of the apoproteins–phospholipids structure, the LDL coatings are potentially useful in various LDL‐related binding studies and complex bio‐analysis.
Direct on‐line analysis of neutral analytes by dual sweeping via complexation and organic solvent field enhancement in nonionic MEKC
Authors: Cao Jun , Li Bin , Chang Yan‐Xu , Li Ping
Published: April 2009

Conventionally, neutral compounds cannot be separated by nonionic micelle capillary electrophoresis. In this report, the development of a novel on‐line preconcentration technique combining dual sweeping based on complexation and organic solvent field enhancement is applied to the sensitive and selective analysis of three neutral glucosides: ginsenoside Rf, ginsenoside Rg1, and ginsenoside Re. Nonionic micelle detectability by CE is demonstrated through effective focusing of large sample volumes (up to 38% capillary length) using a dual sweeping mode. This results in a 50‐ to 130‐fold improvement in the LODs relative to conventional injection method. Neutral compounds sweeping is examined in terms of analyte mobility dependence on borate complexation, solvent viscosity difference, and Brij‐35 interaction. Enhanced focusing performance by this hyphenated method was demonstrated by a greater than fourfold reduction in glucoside bandwidth, as compared with common sweeping (devoid of organic solvent‐mediated sweeping method in the sample matrices). Moreover, separation efficiencies greater than a million theoretical plates can be achieved by sweeping large sample volumes into narrow zones. The designated method was also tested for its ability to determine the presence of glucosides in the crude extracts obtained from plant sample.