bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removal of Liquid in a Long Pore Opened at Both Ends Using High-Intensity Aerial Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Ito Youichi , Takamura Eri
Published: July 2010

We experimentally verified a method by which a liquid that has entered a long pore with open ends can be removed from the pore by using the acoustic radiation force produced by high-intensity aerial ultrasonic waves at a frequency of 20 kHz. The intensity of the ultrasonic waves was about 6 to 10 kPa. By using this method, it was confirmed that a liquid in pores of 1.5 to 5.0 mm diameter and 3 to 20 mm length could be instantaneously removed from the pores. This method, which did not use any air flow at a high pressure, has the significant advantage that it does not produce any strong air flow around the pore. We consider the intensity of the ultrasonic waves required to remove the liquid, the time required to remove the liquid, and the quantity of liquid removed, all of which were determined by varying the diameter and length of the pore.
Effect of Deposition Time on Film Thickness and Their Properties for Hydrothermally-Grown Epitaxial KNbO3 Thick Films
Authors: Ishikawa Mutsuo , Einishi Hiro , Nakajima Mitsumasa , Hasegawa Tomohito , Morita Takeshi , Saijo Yoshifumi , Kurosawa Minoru , Funakubo Hiroshi
Published: July 2010

Deposition behavior and the crystal structure of the epitaxial KNbO3 films, grown at 240 °C on (100)cSrRrO3∥(100)SrTiO3 substrates using hydrothermal method, as well as their ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties were systematically investigated. Film deposition was detected to have begun after 2 h from the start, and the thickness increased with increasing the deposition time up to 4 h, but contrary decreased after 9 h due to the etching by KOH. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the films were basically the same regardless of the deposition time. However, the films deposited for 15 h introduces large amount of voids than those for 2 h. Ferroelectric and piezoelectric response of the films deposited for 2 and 15 h were measured to have similar film thickness, but the maximum applied electric field for the 2-h films was twice as that for the 15-h ones. The prototype ultrasonic transducer was fabricated using the KNbO3 films, which were deposited by hydrothermal method at 240 °C for 3 h, and proved to be able to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals above 90 MHz in degassed water.
Quantitative Estimation Method for Liver Fibrosis Based on Combination of Rayleigh Distributions
Authors: Igarashi Yu , Ezuka Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Tadashi , Hachiya Hiroyuki
Published: July 2010

Since the clinical diagnosis based on ultrasonic B-mode images is dependent on the skill of the doctor, the realization of a quantitative diagnostic method using ultrasound echo signals is highly required. We have been investigating the quantitative diagnostic technique mainly on hepatic diseases. In this paper, we present a new analysis method using echo signals for the quantitative estimation of liver fibrosis. To quantitatively determine the stage of liver fibrosis, we propose a model in which the probability density function of echo amplitude is expressed as a combination of two Rayleigh distributions. These two Rayleigh distributions correspond to the echo components from the normal and diseased tissues. In addition, using this amplitude distribution model of echo amplitude, we present the estimation method to obtain the amount of fibrous tissue and stage of fibrotic degeneration of the liver from moments about mean of the echo amplitude. Basic examination using clinical images suggest that the quantitative estimation of liver fibrosis based on a combination of Rayleigh distributions is valid.
Aberration Correction with Low-Frequency Transmission for Medical Acoustic Imaging
Authors: Taki Hirofumi , Sato Toru
Published: July 2010

Phase aberration is one of the major causes of deterioration in the quality of medical acoustic imaging. To suppress the effect of aberration, we employ a focused transmit beam with a low center frequency for the calculation of an aberration correction value set. The aberration correction value set is applied to an imaging process utilizing high-frequency transmission. To evaluate the focus quality under severe aberration conditions, we introduce an evaluation criterion for beam patterns using the second moment of the acoustic field. The result implies that in severe aberration conditions without aberration correction, a low-frequency transmission acquires a better beam pattern, and the aberration correction value set for a high-frequency transmission should be calculated using a low-frequency transmission.
Line-Focus Array Transducers for Effective Actuation of Tissue
Authors: Sawada Tomotaka , Hasegawa Hideyuki , Kanai Hiroshi
Published: July 2010

Acoustic radiation forces induced by ultrasound can be used to apply external forces to an object, and the viscoelastic property of the object can be evaluated by measuring the resultant regional displacement of the object using a different ultrasonic probe for measurement. However, according to safety guidelines for the use of ultrasound, the recommended intensity is below 1 W/cm2 for continuous waves. Therefore, to generate a measurable displacement or strain by acoustic actuation, a method of effectively applying acoustic radiation forces needs to be devised. A potential way to improve the efficiency of acoustic actuation is to use line-focus transducers. However, there are undesired fluctuations in the emitted sound field due to the finite aperture size with uniform apodization when a single-element line-focus transducer (SELFT) is used to emit plane waves, which are focused only in the elevational direction. To suppress such undesired fluctuations, in the present study, a pair of line-focus array transducers (LFATs) was constructed to realize spatially smoother radiation forces by applying an appropriate apodization. As a result, the three dominant undesired peaks in the sound field emitted from a SELFT were suppressed using the LFATs with the examined appropriate apodization, and the displacement distribution induced in a phantom, which was measured by the phased tracking method using the different ultrasonic probe, became spatially smooth.
Two-Dimensional Tracking of Heart Wall for Detailed Analysis of Heart Function at High Temporal and Spatial Resolutions
Authors: Honjo Yasunori , Hasegawa Hideyuki , Kanai Hiroshi
Published: July 2010

For noninvasive and quantitative measurements of global two-dimensional (2D) heart wall motion, speckle tracking methods have been developed and applied. These methods overcome the limitation of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), which is susceptible to aliasing, by directly tracking backscattered echoes by pattern matching techniques, i.e., the cross-correlation or the sum of absolute differences, in real time. In these conventional methods, the frame rate (FR) is limited to about 200 Hz, corresponding to the sampling period of 5 ms. However, myocardial function during the isovolumic contraction period obtained by these conventional speckle tracking methods remains unclear owing to low temporal and spatial resolutions of these methods. Moreover, the accuracy of the speckle tracking method depends on an important parameter, i.e., the size of the correlation kernel. To track backscattered echoes accurately, it is necessary to determine the optimal kernel size. However, the optimal kernel size has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, correlation kernel size, which determines the tracking accurately, was optimized by evaluating root mean squared (RMS) errors in the lateral and axial displacements of a phantom estimated by speckle tracking methods at high spatial and temporal resolutions. For this purpose, the RF data from the longitudinal-axis cross-sectional view for the interventricular septum (IVS) were acquired on the basis of parallel beam forming (PBF) to improve temporal and spatial resolutions. A wide transmit beam scanned in 7 different directions sparsely and 16 receiving beams were generated for each transmission. The RF data of the phantom and the heart wall were obtained at high spatial (angle intervals of scan lines: 0.375 degrees) and temporal [frame rate (FR): 1020 Hz] resolutions. The determined optimal size of the correlation kernel was 7.9° ×4.8 mm. Estimated displacements of the phantom were in good agreement with the actual displacement at an RMS error of 0.34 mm. Furthermore, the IVS motion during the isovolumic contraction (IC) was analyzed in detail. The speckle tracking method using the optimal kernel size 7.9° ×4.8 mm was applied to multiple points in IVS to estimate 2D displacements during the IC period. In this period, a rapid displacement of IVS at a small amplitude of 1.5 mm, which suggests the expansion of the left ventricle and has not been measured by conventional tracking methods at a low temporal resolution, was detected by 2D tracking. Furthermore, the displacement on the apical side was found to be delayed by 10 ms compared with that on the basal side. These results indicate the potential of this method in the high-accuracy estimation of 2D displacements and detailed analyses of physiological function of the myocardium.
The Sonochemical and Biological Effects of Three Clinically-Used Contrast Agents
Authors: Hassan Mariame A. , Jr. Loreto B. Feril, , Kudo Nobuki , Tachibana Katsuro , Kondo Takashi , Riesz Peter
Published: July 2010

The encapsulation of gas bubbles has resulted in improved stability and added a binding capacity to shells for ultrasound-guided targeted delivery. However, this has also changed the physical and acoustical properties of the final formulation. In this study, we have evaluated three clinically-used contrast agents of different compositions, namely, Levovist, Sonazoid, and SonoVue, with respect to their sonochemical and biological effects at different concentrations. The results showed that both shell elasticity and reactivity played a role in modulating both effects influencing the extent of ultrasound-induced free-radical formation. Microbubbles with elastic shells were found to be more capable of inducing delayed symptoms of cell killing, whereas the combined use of chemically reactive robust shells and high-density gases, such as perfluorocarbons, could exert a protective effect on cells. These conclusions offer new perspectives on how microbubbles interact with biological systems and might be useful in tailoring novel microbubbles in the future.
Fundamental Study on Activation of Aminated Titanium Dioxide Composite by Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Irradiation in Anti-Infective Catheter System
Authors: Nitta Naotaka , Kaya Akio , Yamane Takashi , Hyodo Koji , Okada Masahiro , Furuzono Tsutomu
Published: July 2010

It has been reported that the hydroxyl (OH) radical is produced by irradiating ultrasound to titanium dioxide (TiO2). On the other hand, infection at the exit site of catheter retained in the body has become a serious problem. Therefore, we are developing a novel anti-infective catheter system in which the exit site of a catheter is covered with an aminated titanium dioxide (AmTiO2) composite, which consists of AmTiO2 nanoparticles immobilized on a substrate and exhibits cell adhesiveness, and the anti-infective effect (OH radical production) is induced by irradiating low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to the composite. In this study, the ability to activate TiO2 nanoparticles by ultrasound irradiation was verified in a preliminary experiment, and then the feasibilities that the AmTiO2 composite is activated and that the OH radical is produced by LIFU irradiation were verified by dye decomposition experiment and dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) measurement. In addition, as a trigger for activating the AmTiO2 composite by LIFU irradiation and for producing the OH radical, the decrease in cavitation threshold was suggested.
Infrasonic Noise Measurements in Ocean Using Screened Hydrophones
Authors: Lee Seongwook , Lee Yong-Kuk , Yoo Hai-Soo , Kim Seong-Ryul , Jeong Kap-Sik , Park Yosup , Na Jungyul , Yoon Jong Rak , Lee Phil-Ho
Published: July 2010

Effects of screening a hydrophone with open-cell foams are determined to reduce the level of infrasonic background noise, which is the self-noise probably induced by the presence of flow around the hydrophone, in shallow and deep seas. The result obtained in shallow sea with bottom-mounted geometry shows that the level of background noise could be reduced by more than 20 dB below 10 Hz if the hydrophone is screened. Also, the result of ship noise measurement conducted in deep sea with drifting geometry shows that a maximum background noise reduction of 15 dB could be achieved in the infrasonic band without affecting the true acoustic signals.
Direct In situ Measurements of Sound Speed Profile in Thermocline of Lake: The Example of North Lake Biwa in Autumn 2008
Authors: Kitamura Takaharu , Watanabe Yoshiaki
Published: July 2010

In recent years, the rise in water temperature has had an adverse effect on the ecosystem in Lake Biwa. Thus, it is very important to continuously monitor the water temperature. We previously proposed the use of acoustic tomography to monitor the water temperature in Lake Biwa. In autumn, a thermocline develops in Lake Biwa. During this season, the water temperature changes considerably between the warm surface and the cold bottom of the lake, and a circular current develops when the thermocline is formed. It is necessary to ascertain the relationship between the thermocline and the speed of sound. In this study, to determine the relationship between the speed of sound and the water temperature when a thermocline exists, the speed of sound was measured in the north of the lake in autumn 2008. We report the estimated water temperature and the measured speed of sound in Lake Biwa. The speed of sound measured directly was greater than the calculated value for pure water. The existence of the thermocline was also verified at the same time, in which the water temperature changed by about 7.5 °C from the lake surface to a depth of 20 m. The estimated water temperature of the lake assuming nonsaline water was about 0.2 to about 0.5 °C higher than the measured water temperature. To improve the accuracy of the estimated water temperature, the temperature was corrected using a salinity conversion value, which was calculated from the speed of sound measured in situ. The salinity conversion value was used to estimate the water temperature from the speed of sound measured directly in situ in Lake Biwa within an accuracy of 0.1 °C.
The Advent of Home Parenteral Nutrition Support
Authors: Shils Maurice E.
Published: July 2010

I review here some key developments of personal and professional interest, with special reference to total parenteral nutrition (TPN), an area in which I have been involved from 1937 until recently. As a result of basic and biomedical science advances achieved in university and industrial laboratories in numerous countries, many essential nutrients were identified, synthesized, produced, and provided to patients in safe and effective forms both enterally and parenterally. This period also saw important developments in analytic instrumentation. I have had the privilege of seeing major advances in nutrition during my lifetime, and it is my belief and my hope for the future that with the advent of bowel transplants and tissue growth from cells, TPN will be a temporary measure rather than a lifetime regimen.
Evolutionary Adaptations to Dietary Changes
Authors: Luca F. , Perry G.H. , Di Rienzo A.
Published: July 2010

Through cultural innovation and changes in habitat and ecology, there have been a number of major dietary shifts in human evolution, including meat eating, cooking, and those associated with plant and animal domestication. The identification of signatures of adaptations to such dietary changes in the genome of extant primates (including humans) may shed light not only on the evolutionary history of our species, but also on the mechanisms that underlie common metabolic diseases in modern human populations. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the major dietary shifts that occurred during hominin evolution, and we discuss the methods and approaches used to identify signals of natural selection in patterns of sequence variation. We then review the results of studies aimed at detecting the genetic loci that played a major role in dietary adaptations and conclude by outlining the potential of future studies in this area.
Nutrition, Epigenetics, and Developmental Plasticity: Implications for Understanding Human Disease
Authors: Burdge Graham C. , Lillycrop Karen A.
Published: July 2010

There is considerable evidence for induction of differential risk of noncommunicable diseases in humans by variation in the quality of the early life environment. Studies in animal models show that induction and stability of induced changes in the phenotype of the offspring involve altered epigenetic regulation by DNA methylation and covalent modifications of histones. These findings indicate that such epigenetic changes are highly gene specific and function at the level of individual CpG dinucleotides. Interventions using supplementation with folic acid or methyl donors during pregnancy, or folic acid after weaning, alter the phenotype and epigenotype induced by maternal dietary constraint during gestation. This suggests a possible means for reducing risk of induced noncommunicable disease, although the design and conduct of such interventions may require caution. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent advances in understanding the mechanism that underlies the early life origins of disease and to place these studies in a broader life-course context.
Iron Homeostasis and the Inflammatory Response
Authors: Wessling-Resnick Marianne
Published: July 2010

Iron and its homeostasis are intimately tied to the inflammatory response. The adaptation to iron deficiency, which confers resistance to infection and improves the inflammatory condition, underlies what is probably the most obvious link: the anemia of inflammation or chronic disease. A large number of stimulatory inputs must be integrated to tightly control iron homeostasis during the inflammatory response. In order to understand the pathways of iron trafficking and how they are regulated, this article presents a brief overview of iron homeostasis. A major focus is on the regulation of the peptide hormone hepcidin during the inflammatory response and how its function contributes to the process of iron withdrawal. The review also summarizes new and emerging information about other iron metabolic regulators and effectors that contribute to the inflammatory response. Potential benefits of treatment to ameliorate the hypoferremic condition promoted by inflammation are also considered.
An Energy-Efficient Data Delivery Scheme for Delay-Sensitive Traffic in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Sabbineni Harshavardhan , Chakrabarty Krishnendu
Published: July 2010

We propose a novel data-delivery method for delay-sensitive traffic that significantly reduces the energy consumption in wireless sensor networks without reducing the number of packets that meet end-to-end real-time deadlines. The proposed method, referred to as SensiQoS, leverages the spatial and temporal correlation between the data generated by events in a sensor network and realizes energy savings through application-specific in-network aggregation of the data. SensiQoS maximizes energy savings by adaptively waiting for packets from upstream nodes to perform in-network processing without missing the real-time deadline for the data packets. SensiQoS is a distributed packet scheduling scheme, where nodes make localized decisions on when to schedule a packet for transmission to meet its end-to-end real-time deadline and to which neighbor they should forward the packet to save energy. We also present a localized algorithm for nodes to adapt to network traffic to maximize energy savings in the network. Simulation results show that SensiQoS improves the energy savings in sensor networks where events are sensed by multiple nodes, and spatial and/or temporal correlation exists among the data packets. Energy savings due to SensiQoS increase with increase in the density of the sensor nodes and the size of the sensed events.
Younger Age Is an Independent Predictor for Poor Survival in Patients with Signet Ring Prostate Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jue , Wang Fen Wei , Hemstreet George P.
Published: July 2010

Objective.The aim of this study was to examine the epidemiology, natural history, treatment pattern, and predictors of long-term survival of signet ring prostate carcinoma (SRPC) patients based on the analysis of the national Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.Methods & Results. Between 1980 and 2004, a total of 93 patients with pathologically confirmed SRPC were identified. The mean age was years old. 82.8% of the patients had poorly or undifferentiated histology grade. 13.9% patients presented with metastatic disease. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cancer-specific survival rates were 94.6%, 89.6%, and 83.8%, respectively. Using multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, younger age (40–50 versus age >70 yrs, ), advanced tumor stage (distant versus local/regional, ), and earlier diagnosis year (before 1995 versus after 1995, ) were predictors of worse cancer specific survival.Conclusions.Despite more aggressive cancer therapy, younger SRPC patients had a worse cancer specific survival. This information could be useful when counseling these patients and emphasizes the need for new strategies and molecular-based therapeutic approaches for younger patients with SRPC.
Identification of Optimal Drug Combinations Targeting Cellular Networks: Integrating Phospho-Proteomics and Computational Network Analysis
Authors: Iadevaia Sergio , Lu Yiling , Morales Fabiana C. , Mills Gordon B. , Ram Prahlad T.
Published: July 2010

Targeted therapeutics hold tremendous promise in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. However, targeting proteins individually can be compensated for by bypass mechanisms and activation of regulatory loops. Designing optimal therapeutic combinations must therefore take into consideration the complex dynamic networks in the cell. In this study, we analyzed the insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) signaling network in the MDA-MB231 breast cancer cell line. We used reverse-phase protein array to measure the transient changes in the phosphorylation of proteins after IGF-1 stimulation. We developed a computational procedure that integrated mass action modeling with particle swarm optimization to train the model against the experimental data and infer the unknown model parameters. The trained model was used to predict how targeting individual signaling proteins altered the rest of the network and identify drug combinations that minimally increased phosphorylation of other proteins elsewhere in the network. Experimental testing of the modeling predictions showed that optimal drug combinations inhibited cell signaling and proliferation, whereas nonoptimal combination of inhibitors increased phosphorylation of nontargeted proteins and rescued cells from cell death. The integrative approach described here is useful for generating experimental intervention strategies that could optimize drug combinations and discover novel pharmacologic targets for cancer therapy. Cancer Res; 70(17); 6704–14. ©2010 AACR.
Prospective Study of Placental Angiogenic Factors and Maternal Vascular Function Before and After Preeclampsia and Gestational Hypertension
Authors: Noori Muna , Donald Ann E. , Angelakopoulou Aspasia , Hingorani Aroon D. , Williams David J.
Published: July 2010

Background—

Preeclampsia is a life-threatening pregnancy syndrome of uncertain origin. To elucidate the pathogenesis, we evaluated the temporal relationships between changes in vascular function and circulating biomarkers of angiogenic activity before and after the onset of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension.

Methods and Results—

Maternal mean arterial pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index, brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation, and serum concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), and soluble endoglin were prospectively measured in 159 women from 10 weeks gestation until 12 weeks postpartum. At 10 to 17 weeks, women who developed preterm preeclampsia had lower serum PlGF (
P
=0.003), higher soluble endoglin (
P
=0.006), and higher sFlt-1:PlGF ratio (
P
=0.005) compared with women who later developed term preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, or normotensive pregnancy. At 10 to 17 weeks, mean arterial pressure inversely correlated with serum PlGF (
r
=−0.19,
P
=0.02); at 18 to 25 weeks, with soluble endoglin (
r
=0.18,
P
=0.02); and at 26 to 33 weeks, with sFlt-1 (
r
=0.28,
P
<0.001). At 23 to 25 weeks, uterine artery pulsatility index correlated with serum soluble endoglin (
r
=0.19,
P
=0.02) and sFlt-1 levels (
r
=0.17,
P
=0.03). Flow-mediated dilatation was higher during a pregnancy with gestational hypertension compared with preeclampsia (
P
=0.001). Twelve weeks postpartum, serum PlGF was higher in women who had a hypertensive pregnancy compared with a normotensive pregnancy (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

These observations support a role for placenta-derived angiogenic biomarkers in the control of maternal vascular resistance of preeclampsia. Gestational hypertension develops differently, with a hyperdynamic circulation and angiogenic biomarker profile similar to normotensive pregnancy. Larger studies of unselected women are needed to ascertain whether measures of these angiogenic biomarkers assist with the prediction and prognosis of preeclampsia and whether postpartum measures of serum PlGF have a role in predicting future cardiovascular disease.
Estradiol Stimulates Capillary Formation by Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Baruscotti Isabella , Barchiesi Federica , Jackson Edwin K. , Imthurn Bruno , Stiller Ruth , Kim Jai-Hyun , Schaufelberger Sara , Rosselli Marinella , Hughes Christopher C.W. , Dubey Raghvendra K.
Published: July 2010

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) repair damaged endothelium and promote capillary formation, processes involving receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Because estradiol augments vascular repair, we hypothesize that estradiol increases EPC proliferation and capillary formation via RTK activation and induction of HO-1. Physiological concentrations of estradiol (10 nmol/L) increased EPC-induced capillary sprout and lumen formation in matrigel/fibrin/collagen systems. Propyl-pyrazole-triol (PPT; 100 nmol/L; estrogen receptor [ER]-α agonist), but not diarylpropionitrile (ER-β agonist), mimicked the stimulatory effects of estradiol on capillary formation, and methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (ER-α antagonist) abolished the effects of estradiol and PPT. Three different RTK activators (vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and stromal derived growth factor 1) mimicked the capillary-stimulating effects of estradiol and PPT. SU5416 (RTK inhibitor) blocked the stimulatory effects of estradiol and PPT on capillary formation. Estradiol increased HO-1 expression by 2- to 3-fold, an effect blocked by SU5416, and PPT mimicked the effects of estradiol on HO-1. The ability of estradiol to enhance capillary formation, increase expression of HO-1, and augment phosphorylation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2, Akt, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 was mimicked by its cell-impermeable analog BSA estradiol. Actinomycin (transcription inhibitor) did not alter the effects of estradiol on RTK activity or vascular endothelial growth factor secretion. We conclude that estradiol via ER-α promotes EPC-mediated capillary formation by a mechanism that involves nongenomic activation of RTKs and HO-1 activation. Estradiol in particular and ER-α agonists in general may promote healing of injured vascular beds by promoting EPC activity leading to more rapid endothelial recovery and capillary formation after injury.
The Sepoys of the Pound and Sandy Row: Empire and Identity in Mid-Victorian Belfast
Authors: Doyle Mark
Published: July 2010

This article examines the place of empire in Belfast’s popular culture during the mid-Victorian era, paying particular attention to how Protestants and Catholics responded to the Crimean War and the Indian “Mutiny” of 1857. It argues that Belfast was a remarkably cosmopolitan city during this period, its people well attuned to—and, in many cases, considerably invested in—the vicissitudes of empire. This is intriguing, for it suggests that the city’s people (and their burgeoning sectarian rivalries) were less parochial than is often assumed—that there was, in a sense, an imperial dimension to their identities. The inhabitants’ attitudes toward the empire also demonstrate that mid-Victorian Belfast was a city of surprising ideological fluidity, that the hard-and-fast divisions that characterized later periods were not yet fully formed. This article therefore offers a useful corrective to those who would see Belfast’s sectarian divisions as somehow inevitable, unchanging, or primordial.
Evaluating Pay-for-Performance Systems: Critical Issues for Implementation
Authors: Glassman Myron , Glassman Aaron , Champagne Paul J. , Zugelder Michael T.
Published: July 2010

Most organizations use a merit pay or pay-for-performance system (PFP) to improve employee performance. Despite its popularity, a PFP system can be difficult to implement. Success depends on several issues. These include adequate funding, suitable job characteristics, and appropriate performance feedback. Moreover, even under the best circumstances, PFP systems may cause unintended consequences such as dysfunctional behavior, unethical conduct and even employment discrimination. Still, when the critical issues for proper implementation are appropriately addressed, a PFP system is and should continue to be a successful management tool to enhance employee performance in the workplace.
Politics, Careerism, and the Voluntary Departures of U.S. District Court Judges
Authors: Hansford Thomas G. , Savchak Elisha Carol , Songer Donald R.
Published: July 2010

Prior studies hypothesize that judges time their retirements to allow a like-minded president to select their replacements. We propose a modification to this argument and theorize that during the earlier part of a district court judge’s career, it is the likelihood of elevation to an appeals court and other career-oriented concerns that affect whether the judge resigns or stays on the bench. It is during the latter stage of a judge’s career when the desire to be replaced with a like-minded judge affects the retirement decision. Our analysis reveals that judges who are not yet pension eligible are influenced by being passed over for appeals court nominations as well as financial incentives to leave for private practice. Only judges who have attained pension eligibility appear to consider their ideological compatibility with the president when deciding to call it quits.
Validation of a Novel Semiautomated Segmentation Method for MRI Detection of Cartilage-Related Bone Marrow Lesions
Authors: Dijkstra A.J. , Anbeek P. , Yang K.G. Auw , Vincken K.L. , Viergever M.A. , Castelein R.M. , Saris D.B.F.
Published: July 2010

Objective:

To determine the relationship of bone marrow lesions (BMLs) with phenomena such as clinical symptoms, histological subchondral bone damage, and development of osteoarthritis, a reliable and reproducible method to localize and quantify BMLs accurately is indispensable. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to develop and validate a novel semiautomated segmentation method based on the KNN classification technique on T2-weighted (T2w) SPIR and proton density-weighted (PDw) magnetic resonance images (MRIs), as this would provide an accurate, reliable, and reproducible tool.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty PDw and T2w SPIR MRIs were selected and manually segmented as a learning set for the software system. The manual segmentations were considered the gold standard. Automated segmentation based on the KNN classification technique was carried out on the same MRIs. To determine the accuracy and validity of the system, the automated segmentations were compared to the gold standard using the Dice Similarity Index (DSI).

Results:

The KNN classification system resulted both visually and statistically in an accurate segmentation of BMLs on T2w SPIR MRIs with an excellent mean optimal DSI of 0.702 (±0.202; range, 0.409-0.908). Elimination of specific areas smaller than 10 voxels improved the accuracy. The accuracy was independent of BML size. The segmentation of BMLs on PDw MRIs was less reliable with a mean optimal DSI of 0.536 (±0.156).

Conclusion:

Although the applicability of this method is limited on PDw MRIs, the KNN classification system provides an accurate, reliable, and reproducible tool for semiautomated segmentation of BMLs in T2w SPIR MRIs of the knee.
Interferon gamma licensing of human dendritic cells in T-helper–independent CD8+ alloimmunity
Authors: Lemoine Roxane , Velge-Roussel Florence , Herr Florence , Felix Romain , Nivet Hubert , Lebranchu Yvon , Baron Christophe
Published: July 2010

The high frequency of allogeneic reactive CD8+ T cells in human and their resistance to immunosuppression might be one of the reasons why successful tolerance-inducing strategies in rodents have failed in primates. Studies on the requirement for T-helper cells in priming CD8+ T-cell responses have led to disparate findings. Recent studies have reported CD8+-mediated allograft rejection independently of T-helper cells; however, the mechanisms that govern the activation of these T cells are far from being elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide-treated dendritic cells (DCs) were able to induce proliferation and cytotoxic activity of allogeneic CD8+ T cells independently of CD4+ T cells, while adding mycophenolic acid (MPA) to LPS abolished this capacity and resulted in anergic CD8+ T cells that secreted high levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-β. Interestingly, we demonstrated that MPA inhibited the LPS-induced synthesis of tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-12, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in DCs. Importantly, we found that adding exogenous IFN-γ to MPA restored both the synthesis of cytokines and the ability to activate CD8+ T cells. However, adding IL-12 or tumor necrosis factor-α had no effect. These results suggest that IFN-γ has an important role in licensing DCs to prime CD4-independent CD8 allogeneic T cells via an autocrine loop.
RH genotyping in a sickle cell disease patient contributing to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation donor selection and management
Authors: Fasano Ross M. , Monaco Alessandro , Meier Emily Riehm , Pary Philippe , Lee-Stroka A. Hallie , Otridge John , Klein Harvey G. , Marincola Francesco M. , Kamani Naynesh R. , Luban Naomi L. C. , Stroncek David , Flegel Willy A.
Published: July 2010

African individuals harbor molecular RH variants, which permit alloantibody formation to high-prevalence Rh antigens after transfusions. Genotyping identifies such RH variants, which are often missed by serologic blood group typing. Comprehensive molecular blood group analysis using 3 genotyping platforms, nucleotide sequencing, and serologic evaluation was performed on a 7-year-old African male with sickle cell disease who developed an “e-like” antibody shortly after initiating monthly red blood cell (RBC) transfusions for silent stroke. Genotyping of the RH variant predicted a severe shortage of compatible RBCs for long-term transfusion support, which contributed to the decision for hematopoetic stem cell transplantation. RH genotyping confirmed the RH variant in the human leukocyte antigen–matched sibling donor. The patient's (C)ces type 1 haplotype occurs in up to 11% of African American sickle cell disease patients; however, haplotype-matched RBCs were serologically incompatible. This case documents that blood unit selection should be based on genotype rather than one matching haplotype.
What is a pilot or feasibility study? A review of current practice and editorial policy
Authors: Arain Mubashir , Campbell Michael J , Cooper Cindy L , Lancaster Gillian A
Published: July 2010

Background

In 2004, a review of pilot studies published in seven major medical journals during 2000-01 recommended that the statistical analysis of such studies should be either mainly descriptive or focus on sample size estimation, while results from hypothesis testing must be interpreted with caution. We revisited these journals to see whether the subsequent recommendations have changed the practice of reporting pilot studies. We also conducted a survey to identify the methodological components in registered research studies which are described as 'pilot' or 'feasibility' studies. We extended this survey to grant-awarding bodies and editors of medical journals to discover their policies regarding the function and reporting of pilot studies.

Methods

Papers from 2007-08 in seven medical journals were screened to retrieve published pilot studies. Reports of registered and completed studies on the UK Clinical Research Network (UKCRN) Portfolio database were retrieved and scrutinized. Guidance on the conduct and reporting of pilot studies was retrieved from the websites of three grant giving bodies and seven journal editors were canvassed.

Results

54 pilot or feasibility studies published in 2007-8 were found, of which 26 (48%) were pilot studies of interventions and the remainder feasibility studies. The majority incorporated hypothesis-testing (81%), a control arm (69%) and a randomization procedure (62%). Most (81%) pointed towards the need for further research. Only 8 out of 90 pilot studies identified by the earlier review led to subsequent main studies. Twelve studies which were interventional pilot/feasibility studies and which included testing of some component of the research process were identified through the UKCRN Portfolio database. There was no clear distinction in use of the terms 'pilot' and 'feasibility'. Five journal editors replied to our entreaty. In general they were loathe to publish studies described as 'pilot'.

Conclusion

Pilot studies are still poorly reported, with inappropriate emphasis on hypothesis-testing. Authors should be aware of the different requirements of pilot studies, feasibility studies and main studies and report them appropriately. Authors should be explicit as to the purpose of a pilot study. The definitions of feasibility and pilot studies vary and we make proposals here to clarify terminology.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B, C, HIV and syphilis markers among refugees in Bari, Italy
Authors: Tafuri Silvio , Prato Rosa , Martinelli Domenico , Melpignano Livio , De Palma Maria , Quarto Michele , Germinario Cinzia
Published: July 2010

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) serological markers and the prevalence of VDRL positive subjects in a population of refugees of various nationalities, living in the Asylum Seeker Centre in Bari Palese, Southern Italy.

Methods

The study was carried out in the period May-July 2008 and recruited only voluntarily enrolled healthy refugees. HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HCV and anti-HIV virus antibodies were detected. VDRL syphilis screening was also carried out on the serum samples.

Results

A total of 529 refugees, 442 males and 87 females, aged between 7 and 52 years, were studied. Of these, 510 were from Africa and 19 from Asia.

Forty-four individuals (8.3%) were HBsAg positive and 241 (45.6%) were anti-HBc positive. A total of 24 (4.5%) individuals were anti-HCV positive. Eight asylum seekers (1.5%) were HIV positive. VDRL tests were performed on 269 subjects and 4 (1.5%) were positive. 12.3% of the study population had serological markers of chronic and transmissible infections with potential blood-borne or sexual transmission.

Conclusions

In Italy, a suitable protocol is necessary for the early diagnosis of infectious diseases on entering Asylum Centres, so allowing the adoption of prevention measures to safeguard the health of the individuals, the residents and workers in the Centres and the general population.
Effectiveness of counseling for anxiety and depression in mothers of children ages 0-30 months by community workers in Karachi, Pakistan: a quasi experimental study
Authors: Ali Niloufer S , Ali Badar S , Azam Iqbal S , Khuwaja Ali K
Published: July 2010

Background

The prevalence of anxiety/depression is quite high during the perinatal period but unfortunately its detection and treatment have been less than satisfactory. Moreover, many women are reluctant to take pharmacotherapy for fear of excretion of drugs into their breast milk. This study assesses the effectiveness of counseling from minimally trained community health workers in reducing anxiety/depression, the rate of recurrence and the interval preceding recurrence in women during first two and a half years after childbirth.

Methods

In a quasi-experimental study, community women from two under-privileged communities were trained in data gathering, teaching healthy child-rearing practices, basic counseling skills, and screening for anxiety/depression by using an indigenously developed questionnaire, the Aga Khan University Anxiety and Depression Scale (AKUADS). The diagnosis was further confirmed by a clinical psychologist using DSM IV criteria. After obtaining consent, 420 women were screened and 102 were identified as having anxiety/depression. Screening was carried out after 1, 2, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months of a live birth. Only 62 out of 102 agreed to be counseled and received eight weekly sessions. AKUADS was re-administered at 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the beginning of counseling; this was followed by the clinical psychologist's interview for confirmation of response. After recovery, screening was continued every 3 months for detection of recurrence throughout the study period. Out of the women who had declined counseling 12 agreed to retake AKUADS after 4 and 8 weeks of diagnosis. Independent samples t-test, chi-square test, Repeated Measures ANOVA and Kaplan Meier technique were used for the analysis.

Results

A significant decline in level of anxiety/depression was found in both the counseled and the non-counseled groups at 4 and 8 weeks (p-value < 0.001) but the counseled group fared better than the non-counseled for recovery, reduction in the rate of recurrence and increase in the duration before relapse.

Conclusions

As our results cannot be generalized; further studies need to be carried out, to assess the benefit of incorporating minimal counseling skills in the training of community health workers.
Experimental validation of convection-diffusion discretisation scheme employed for computational modelling of biological mass transport
Authors: Carroll Gráinne T , Devereux Paul D , Ku David N , McGloughlin Timothy M , Walsh Michael T
Published: July 2010

Background

The finite volume solver Fluent (Lebanon, NH, USA) is a computational fluid dynamics software employed to analyse biological mass-transport in the vasculature. A principal consideration for computational modelling of blood-side mass-transport is convection-diffusion discretisation scheme selection. Due to numerous discretisation schemes available when developing a mass-transport numerical model, the results obtained should either be validated against benchmark theoretical solutions or experimentally obtained results.

Methods

An idealised aneurysm model was selected for the experimental and computational mass-transport analysis of species concentration due to its well-defined recirculation region within the aneurysmal sac, allowing species concentration to vary slowly with time. The experimental results were obtained from fluid samples extracted from a glass aneurysm model, using the direct spectrophometric concentration measurement technique. The computational analysis was conducted using the four convection-diffusion discretisation schemes available to the Fluent user, including the First-Order Upwind, the Power Law, the Second-Order Upwind and the Quadratic Upstream Interpolation for Convective Kinetics (QUICK) schemes. The fluid has a diffusivity of 3.125 × 10-10 m2/s in water, resulting in a Peclet number of 2,560,000, indicating strongly convection-dominated flow.

Results

The discretisation scheme applied to the solution of the convection-diffusion equation, for blood-side mass-transport within the vasculature, has a significant influence on the resultant species concentration field. The First-Order Upwind and the Power Law schemes produce similar results. The Second-Order Upwind and QUICK schemes also correlate well but differ considerably from the concentration contour plots of the First-Order Upwind and Power Law schemes. The computational results were then compared to the experimental findings. An average error of 140% and 116% was demonstrated between the experimental results and those obtained from the First-Order Upwind and Power Law schemes, respectively. However, both the Second-Order upwind and QUICK schemes accurately predict species concentration under high Peclet number, convection-dominated flow conditions.

Conclusion

Convection-diffusion discretisation scheme selection has a strong influence on resultant species concentration fields, as determined by CFD. Furthermore, either the Second-Order or QUICK discretisation schemes should be implemented when numerically modelling convection-dominated mass-transport conditions. Finally, care should be taken not to utilize computationally inexpensive discretisation schemes at the cost of accuracy in resultant species concentration.
Hypoxia modulates human eosinophil function
Authors: Nissim Ben Efraim Alon H , Eliashar Ron , Levi-Schaffer Francesca
Published: July 2010

Background

Eosinophils are involved in various inflammatory processes including allergic inflammation during which angiogenesis has been documented. Angiogenesis is most likely connected to the hypoxia which characterizes inflamed tissues. Eosinophils produce VEGF and are pro-angiogenic. However, to the best of our knowledge no study has been performed to verify the existence of a direct link between eosinophils, hypoxia and angiogenesis in allergic inflammation.

Objective

To characterize eosinophil function and angiogenic potential under hypoxic conditions.

Methods

Human peripheral blood eosinophils were cultured in normoxic or hypoxic conditions with or without cytokines. Viability and apoptosis were assessed by Annexin V/PI staining. Anti- or pro-apoptotic protein levels, HIF-1α levels and MAPK phosphorylation were analyzed by immunoblot analysis. Angiogenic mediator release was evaluated by ELISA.

Results

Hypoxic eosinophils were more viable than normoxic ones after up to three days. In addition in hypoxia, anti-apoptotic Bcl-XL protein levels increased more than pro-apoptotic Bax levels. Hypoxia increased VEGF and IL-8 release. In hypoxic eosinophils high levels of HIF-1α were observed, particularly in the presence of GM-CSF. MAPK, particularly ERK1/2 inhibitors, decreased hypoxia-mediated VEGF release and HIF-1α expression.

Conclusion

Eosinophils respond to hypoxia by up-regulation of survival and of some of their pro-angiogenic functions indicating a correlation between eosinophilic inflammation and angiogenesis.