bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronary Angiography with Magnetization‐Prepared T2 Contrast
Authors: Brittain Jean H. , Hu Bob S. , Wright Graham A. , Meyer Craig H. , Macovski Albert , Nishimura Dwight G.
Published: March 2007

A magnetization‐prepared, T2‐weighted sequence (T2 Prep) is used to suppress muscle and venous structures. When combined with lipid suppression, this technique improves the visualization of the coronary arteries. T2 Prep was designed to be robust in the presence of flow as well as B0 and B1 inho‐mogeneities and may be combined with virtually any imaging technique. Here, it is implemented with both a single‐slice spiral acquisition and a multi‐slice spiral method that acquires up to 15 slices in a single breath‐holding interval.
Theoretical Model for Water Diffusion in Tissues
Authors: Szafer Aaron , Zhong Jianhui , Gore John C.
Published: March 2007

Water diffusion in a tissue model is studied both analytically and numerically. Tissue is regarded as a periodic array of boxes surrounded by partially permeable membranes (cells), embedded in an extracellular medium, intracellular and extracellular diffusion coefficients may differ. Expressions for the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) in isotropic and noniso‐tropic tissues are derived and compared with Monte Carlo simulations. Calculated ADCs disagree with values obtained from the widely used “fast exchange” formula. Effects of differences between intracellular and extracellularT2relaxation times on measured values of ADC andT2are discussed. The general analysis is specifically applied to the changes occurring in ADC following ischemic insults to brain tissue. It is found that although membranes affect ADC significantly, the observed changes in diffusion cannot be due to reduced membrane permeabilities. They may result from the combined effect of changes in cellular volume fraction, extracellular and intracellular diffusion.
31P NMR Study of Acute Toxic Effects of Cadmium Chloride on Rat Liver
Authors: Yoshioka Hiroshi , Itai Yuji , Mitsumori Fumiyuki
Published: March 2007

In this study, acute effects of cadmium ions (Cd2+) on energy metabolism in rat livers were analyzed in vivo after intravenous administration using 31P NMR. Both inorganic phosphate (Pi) and nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) peaks of in vivo Cdtreated livers gradually decreased over a 6‐h period. In the extract, NTP peaks in Cdtreated livers were lower, as in the in vivo experiments, but the Pi peak was significantly higher than the control. The apparent decrease in Pi in in vivo liver treated with Cd could be caused by the reduced visibility of Pi because of its uptake into mitochondria from cytoplasm, accompanied by the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation by Cd2+. These results indicated that total Pi in the hepatocytes increases after Cd administration. However, only 10% of Pi was visible in Cd‐treated livers in vivo, whereas 34% of Pi was visible in controls. Significant increases in phosphocholine and glycerophosphocholine were also observed in extracts of Cd‐treated livers.
Application of the Accurate Assessment of Intracellular Magnesium and pH from the 31P Shifts of ATP to Cerebral Hypoxia‐Ischemia in Neonatal Rat
Authors: Williams Gerald D. , Smith Michael B.
Published: March 2007

The authors present a high field in vivo demonstration of our 2‐dimensional calibration methods for determining magnesium ion concentration ([Mg]), under conditions of fluctuating pH, from the three 31P NMR chemical shift differences of ATP. The effect of 3 h of hypoxic‐ischemic insult (HI) on intracellular brain [Mg] was evaluated by using a well established 7‐day‐old rat model of cerebral HI. During the final hour of HI, there was a significant increase (P < 0.001) in free magnesium as well as in the ratio of total [Mg]/[ATP]. The normal, HI, and early (1–2 h) recovery values of free [Mg] were 0.336 ± 0.015, 0.519 ± 0.104, and 0.337 ± 0.071 mM, respectively. These results are consistent with the temporal changes in [ATP]. Our assessment of [Mg] and pH for this high error measurement is general for most in vivo applications and may be routinely implemented.
Tmdotp5− as a 23na shift reagent for the in vivo rat kidney
Authors: Seshan Viswanathan , Germann Martha J. , Preisig Patricia , Malloy Craig R. , Dean Sherry A. , Bansal Navin
Published: March 2007

Since transmembrane sodium gradient is essential to many cell functions, there is continuing interest in methods that differentiate intracellular and extracellular Na+. In the kidney, shift reagent (SR) aided 23Na magnetic resonance spectros‐copy (MRS) has been successfully used only in isolated cells, tubules, and the perfused organ. In this report, we demonstrate for the first time that TmDOTP5− can be used to distinguish Na+ compartments in kidneys in vivo. Infusion of 80 mM TmDOTP5− without added Ca2+ produced three resolved 23Na resonances, which we have assigned to intracellular Na+, vascular Na+, and intraluminal Na+. In comparison, infusion of 400 mM DyTTHA3− produced two broad and unresolved resonances. The 31P spectra of the cellular high energy phosphate metabolites indicate that TmDOTP5− is safe for in vivo applications. Washout studies suggest that this SR displays renal clearance similar to that of MR imaging contrast agents. However, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in animals infused with TmDOTP5− was reduced by 49% compared with the GFR in control animals, perhaps due to the hypotensive effects of the SR. We conclude that TmDOTP5− is effectively cleared from the blood of live animals but that a different formulation will be required for clinical application.
Interactive selection of optimal section orientations using real‐time MRI
Authors: Hangiandreou Nicholas J. , Debbins Josef P. , Rossman Phillip J. , Riederer Stephen J.
Published: March 2007

In applications where precise image section positioning is vital, the interactive section rotation and offset capabilities of interactive MRI should be valuable. However, due to the independent nature of these two adjustments, the desired structure may often not be visible in the image after a rotation. Valuable time is wasted during relocation. An algorithm is presented that automatically alters the section offset after a rotation to provide continuous viewing of a marked structure, greatly improving section orientation efficiency. The technique is illustrated in the determination of double oblique angulation for through‐plane imaging of the portal vein. This algorithm is expected to prove useful in applications of interactive MRI requiring precise positioning.
Abbreviated moment‐compensated phase encoding
Authors: Cao Guang , Parker Phd Dennis L. , , Sherrill David S. , Du Yiping P.
Published: March 2007

To achieve correct spatial location of blood vessels, first order gradient moment nulling applied to the phase encoding axes can be used. However, gradient moment nulling prolongs echo time (TE), which may degrade the flow image in regions of complex flow. The fact that abbreviated moment compensated phase‐encoding (AMCPE) can be used to apply partial flow compensation to the phase‐encoding axes to prevent spatial misregistration of vessels without requiring the use of long echo times or using arbitrary chosen TE is demonstrated. AMCPE defines two cutoff lines in k‐space. The flow‐induced phase is completely compensated for values between the cutoff lines and partially compensated beyond the cutoff lines. The AMCPE technique has been tested on both a flow phantom and a human volunteer. The AMCPE images from both the in vivo and the in vitro study demonstrate correctly imaged flow. Computer simulations have been performed to analyze the penalty caused by the incomplete flow compensation. The result shows that the ripple artifacts due to the incomplete flow compensation are unobservable when 60%–70% of k‐space is completely flow compensated.
Analytical expressions for the NMR apparent diffusion coefficients in an anisotropic system and a simplified method for determining fiber orientation
Authors: Hsu Edward W. , Mori Susumu
Published: March 2007

NMR measurements of anisotropic diffusion were studied using a three‐dimensional random‐walk model. It was found that the apparent diffusion coefficient can be expressed in a canonical form as the product of a diagonal matrix, an orthonormal rotation matrix, and a vector representing the encoding magnetic field gradient. The diffusion coefficient can be interpreted as the sum of the corresponding coefficients measured along the principal diffusion axes, weighted by the squares of the directional cosines of the encoding direction with respect to the principal axes. The analysis revealed that determining the orientation of anisotropy, in a cylindrically symmetric system, requires a minimum of four diffusion measurements. A special pulse sequence which minimized gradient cross‐terms and possible restricted diffusion effects was used to characterize diffusion anisotropy in cut chicken gizzards. Diffusion coefficients parallel to the muscle fibers were found to be approximately two to three times larger than those in the transverse direction. Furthermore, the method was successful in detecting the angular change when the sample was rotated by 30°. Results indicate that the proposed approach to measure fiber orientation is valid and may be used to improve the time efficiency of diffusion anisotropy measurements.
Retrospective estimation and correction of physiological fluctuation in functional MRI
Authors: Hu Xiaoping , Le Tuong Huu , Parrish Todd , Erhard Peter
Published: March 2007

Image‐to‐image fluctuation due to physiological motion is a major limitation to the accurate detection of neuronal activity with functional MRI. In this paper, a new and general technique for the estimation and compensation of the physiological effects is presented. By simultaneously monitoring the respiration and heart beat during the acquisition of imaging data, and retrospectively synchronizing the imaging data with physiological activity, physiological effects are estimated and removed. This technique does not rely on the periodicity of the respiration or the heart beat, does not affect the signal changes arising from neuronal activation, and is beneficial to images acquired with any speed. Experimental studies performed with FLASH and EPI sequences have demonstrated that the new technique is effective in reducing physiological fluctuation and improving the sensitivity of functional MRI and is generally applicable.
Pharmacokinetics of the 13C labeled anticancer agent temozolomide detected in vivo by selective cross‐polarization transfer
Authors: Artemov Dmitri , Bhujwalla Zaver M. , Maxwell Ross J. , Griffiths John R. , Judson Ian R. , Leach Martin O. , Glickson Jerry D.
Published: March 2007

The anticancer agent temozolomide labeled with 13C (8‐Carbamoyl‐3‐13C‐methylimidazo‐[5,1‐d]‐1,2,3,5‐tetrazin‐4‐(3H)‐one), was noninvasively detected in subcutaneous RIF‐1 tumors by a selective cross polarization 13C NMR method, at a field strength of 9.4T. Pharmacokinetics of the drug, at a dose of 150 mg/kg, were determined for intravenous and intraperitoneal modes of administration (three animals per mode). The half‐life of the drug in the tumors was approximately 60 min. The uptake and clearance of the drug, however, varied significantly between individual hosts, for both modes of administration. These results demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining pharmacokinetics of anticancer agents for individual tumors without the need for a label that might modify drug activity (e.g., fluorine). The variability of the in vivo measurements, even within the same tumor model, demonstrates the necessity of directly monitoring the tumor to evaluate drug pharmacokinetics.
1H NMR Determination of lactate 13C‐enrichment in skeletal muscle: Using a double quantum filter for the simultaneous editing of 13C‐coupled and 13C‐uncoupled methyl protons resonance
Authors: Bloch Gilles , Jouvensal Laurence , Carlier Pierre G.
Published: March 2007

1H NMR simultaneous editing of 13C‐coupled and 13C‐uncoupled methyl protons resonance, using the selection of double quantum coherences by a gradient pulse, was analyzed in vitro and demonstrated in situ on the hindlimb of an exercised rat model postmortem. In vitro calibration showed agreement with theoretical analysis. High‐resolution NMR of muscle extract confirmed the accuracy of the lactate 13C‐enrichment calculated using the in situ NMR data and the calibration factor obtained in vitro.
Regional comparison of tumor vascularity and permeability parameters measured by albumin‐GD‐DTPA and GD‐DTPA
Authors: Su Min‐Ying , Najafi Ahmad A. , Nalcioglu Orhan
Published: March 2007

Sequential albumin‐Gd‐DTPA and Gd‐DTPA dynamic enhancement studies were performed in an animal tumor model for the comparison of regional vascularity and permeability parameters measured by these two different sizes of contrast agents. The early albumin‐Gd‐DTPA enhancement arises from the vascular compartment, and the averaged signal enhancement derived from the first 3 to first 6 images postinjection can be reliably used to assess vascularity. The signal intensity in the images during the period of 5‐10 min post‐albumin‐Gd‐DTPA injection shows a steady linear variation. The intercept of the linear relationship is another indicator of the vascularity and the slope represents the tumor permeability to albumin‐Gd‐DTPA. The Gd‐DTPA enhancement study was analyzed by a two‐compartmental pharmacokinetic model to calculate the regional vascularity and permeability. The permeability parameters measured from albumin‐Gd‐DTPA and Gd‐DTPA show an excellent correlation. The vascularity parameters measured from albumin‐Gd‐DTPA show good linear correlation with the low vascularity groups measured by Gd‐DTPA, but show saturation for the high vascularity groups. The enhancement mechanisms for both contrast agents are discussed to relate the imaging parameters to the physiological variables.
Compensation of multi‐dimensional selective excitation pulses using measured k‐space trajectories
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Peters Terry
Published: March 2007

Multidimensional spatially selective excitation pulses rely on the accuracy of gradient waveforms to achieve desired excitation volumes. Unfortunately, the high gradient slew‐rates and magnitudes required by these pulses often lead to distortion of the waveforms produced by imaging systems resulting in poor selection profiles. In this paper, a k‐space calibration procedure, used to determine the actual trajectory produced by the scanner's field gradients, is extended to two spatial dimensions. This measured information is then incorporated in a selective excitation design technique for correcting the RF pulse envelopes to compensate for gradient waveform induced distortion of the excitation volumes.
Optimization of T2‐selective binomial pulses for magnetization transfer
Authors: Pachot‐Clouard Mathilde , Darrasse Luc
Published: March 2007

Accurate rules have been established to build binomial pulses up to fifth order, for selectively saturating protons at any given T2 with minimum power deposition. Pulse performance and sensitivity to experimental defects have been evaluated; the third order is generally found to be best suited. It is shown, by combining theory and experiment performed at 0.1 T, that matching the saturation pulse to T2 of the motionally restricted pool is essential to reveal exchange with free water protons. It is emphasized that, to date, lack of magnetization transfer contrast with binomial pulses is due mainly to insufficient RF level available with most MR imaging systems, especially at high magnetic field.
Cine Spiral Imaging
Authors: Liao Jan‐Ray , Sommer F. Graham , Herfkens Robert J. , Pelc Norbert J.
Published: March 2007

Interleaved spiral scanning of k‐space is an efficient and fast method for imaging dynamic processes. In this article, a cine version of interleaved spiral imaging is presented. The method is shown to overcome the “lightning‐flash” artifacts of the conventional triggered (gated) method. Compared with the segmented k‐space 2DFT method, it achieves better temporal resolution in a comparable or shorter scan time. Preliminary human studies show that the method is a promising tool for imaging dynamic processes.
Fast anatomical imaging of the heart and assessment of myocardial perfusion with arrhythmia insensitive magnetization preparation
Authors: Tsekos Nikolaos V. , Zhang Yi , Merkle Hellmut , Wilke Norbert , Jerosch‐Herold Michael , Stillman Arthur , Uǧurbil Kǎmil
Published: March 2007

A new contrast preparation based on modified driven equilibrium Fourier transfer is introduced and evaluated for generation of T1‐weighted images for assessment of the myocardial perfusion with contrast agent first‐pass kinetics. The new preparation scheme produces T1 contrast with insensitivity to arrhythmias in prospectively triggered sequential imaging thereby eliminating one of the major sources of problems in potential patient studies with previously employed contrast preparations schemes.
High resolution solid‐state 29si nmr spectroscopy of silicone gels used to fill breast prostheses
Authors: Dorne Laurence , Alikacem Nadir , Guidoin Robert , Auger Michèle
Published: March 2007

We have used 29Si solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study the chemical structure of the silicone gels in virgin and explanted breast prostheses. Despite evidences of alteration in the morphological appearance of the silicone gel inside the breast prosthesis, our results do not reveal changes in the chemical nature and structure of the silicone gels after implantation. In addition to the main 29Si resonance peak at −22.26 ppm that corresponds to the resonance frequency of the D repeat unit of the polysiloxane chains, the high sensitivity of our NMR technique allows the detection of very low concentrations of silicone compounds. Within our experimental detection limit of 0.2%, no signal between −90 ppm and −150 ppm are observed. This indicates that no silica products are present inside the gel of the prostheses. Furthermore, our 29Si NMR spectra indicate differences in the chemical compositions of the silicone gels from different manufacturers.
A novel transverse gradient coil design for high‐resolution mr imaging
Authors: Maier Cynthia F. , Chu Kenneth C. , Chronik Blaine A. , Rutt Brian K.
Published: March 2007

The authors describe a new gradient coil design for high resolution human, animal, specimen, or phantom imaging with high gradient efficiency and a large region of excellent gradient uniformity. Important features of our new design are the simple analytical description of the wire patterns that comprise the design, and ease of construction. Wires are spaced in a sinusoidal distribution around the circumference of the cylinder, and curved in an arcsin shape along the length of the cylinder. This coil produces a magnetic field pointing in a direction transverse to the axis of the coil with a gradient in the direction parallel to the axis of the coil. The same arcsin coil can be used to create a magnetic field pointing in a direction parallel to its axis with a gradient in a direction perpendicular to the coil axis. A prototype coil was constructed; field and inductance calculations were verified. Geometric variations on this coil design were modeled and their performance characteristics compared. This coil design is ideal for rapid implementation of a transverse gradient coil, since no specialized design software is required.
Relaxation enhancement of the transverse magnetization of water protons in paramagnetic suspensions of red blood cells
Authors: Ye Frank Q. , Allen Peter S.
Published: March 2007

The enhancement of the water proton transverse relaxation, ΔR2, brought about by a difference between intra and extracellular paramagnetic susceptibilities in a suspension of red blood cells (RBC) has been evaluated both experimentally and theoretically in terms of (i) the refocusing interval, Δ180, of a CPMG pulse sequence, (ii) the difference in paramagnetic susceptibility, and (iii) the shape of the cell surface. At a hematocrit of 45, the increase in the relaxation enhancement, ΔR2, with increasing Δ180, was a factor of two greater for the naturally biconcave RBC, than for the quasi‐spherical RBC in hypotonic suspensions. This difference could be modeled in terms of a transmembrane correlation time, τ = 5.5 ms, across an RBC surface characterized by a demagnetizing factor which differs by 0.13 from that of a sphere. The increase in ΔR2 with increasing magentization difference between the RBC and its surroundings was found to be marginally less than quadratic, both experimentally and from the model.
A consistent partly cracked XFEM element for cohesive crack growth
Authors: Asferg J. L. , Poulsen P. N. , Nielsen L. O.
Published: March 2007

Present extended finite element method (XFEM) elements for cohesive crack growth may often not be able to model equal stresses on both sides of the discontinuity when acting as a crack‐tip element. The authors have developed a new partly cracked XFEM element for cohesive crack growth with extra enrichments to the cracked elements. The extra enrichments are element side local and were developed by superposition of the standard nodal shape functions for the element and standard nodal shape functions for a sub‐triangle of the cracked element. With the extra enrichments, the crack‐tip element becomes capable of modelling variations in the discontinuous displacement field on both sides of the crack and hence also capable of modelling the case where equal stresses are present on each side of the crack. The enrichment was implemented for the 3‐node constant strain triangle (CST) and a standard algorithm was used to solve the non‐linear equations. The performance of the element is illustrated by modelling fracture mechanical benchmark tests. Investigations were carried out on the performance of the element for different crack lengths within one element. The results are compared with previously obtained XFEM results applying fully cracked XFEM elements, with computational results achieved using standard cohesive interface elements in a commercial code, and with experimental results. The suggested element performed well in the tests. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust load–frequency regulation: A real‐time laboratory experiment
Authors: Bevrani Hassan , Hiyama Takashi
Published: March 2007

This paper addresses a new method for robust decentralized design of proportional‐integral‐based load–frequency control (LFC) with communication delays. In the proposed methodology, the LFC problem is reduced to a static output feedback control synthesis for a multiple delays power system, and then the control parameters are easily carried out using robustH∞control technique. To demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed control strategy, an experimental study has been performed on the Analog Power System Simulator at the Research Laboratory of the Kyushu Electric Power Co. in Japan. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increasing case load of childhood diabetes (0‐14) in Leicestershire
Authors: Burden A C
Published: March 2007

The causes of childhood diabetes in Leicestershire were determined from 1920 onwards. Results demonstrate a statistically significant increase in case numbers since 1950. Three possible reasons for this are given which are: change in ascertainment, involving the development of community‐based care for diabetes in Leicestershire from the 1950s; a possible altered concept of diabetes and its diagnosis; and, most likely, that there has been a real increase in the incidence of diabetes. Given this increased workload on health care services, it is concluded that although diabetes care in Leicestershire was good in the 1960s, more health professionals are needed in Leicestershire and in the UK in order to equal the care given in past years.
Diabetic clinic defaulters — who are they and why do they default?
Authors: Archibald L K , Gill G V
Published: March 2007

To investigate the problem of diabetic clinic defaulting, we studied patients who had lapsed from follow‐up for at least 12 months and were referred back during one calendar year. Of the 37 investigated in detail, sex distribution, age, diabetes duration, treatment and BMI were not significantly different from a control group of regular clinic attenders. However, defaulters had a higher HbA1 (10.0 ± 2.5% v 8.5 ± 2.0%, p <0.01) and more micro‐and macrovascular complications (20 v 11, p < 0.05). Most complications had not been present at the time of default from clinic (mean period of lapse was 26 ± 14 months).

Reasons given for default included: overcrowded clinic; prolonged waiting; seeing different doctors; and not seeing the consultant often enough. Defaulting is thus a common problem and is associated with poor glycaemic control and increased complication rates. Better education and more “user‐friendly” clinics may reduce the problem.
Metformin: Is its use contraindicated in the elderly?
Authors: Chalmers J , McBain A M , Brown I R F , Campbell I W
Published: March 2007

Seventy NIDDM patients (40⩽65y, 30 > 65y) established on metformin for a mean of five years were studied; in both groups, plasma metformin levels correlated with the serum creatinine concentration but bore no relationship to the age of the patients. There was no correlation between age and the postprandial blood lactate levels. Where the serum creatinine concentration was less than 120μmol/1 in patients aged 65y or less, and 140μmol/1 in those over 65y, then plasma metformin levels were in the accepted therapeutic range (1–5μg/ml) and post‐prandial blood lactate levels were not elevated to any clinically significant degree (mean: 1.66mmol/l ⩽65y, 1.53mmol/l > 65y, normal range 0.3–1.4mmol/l). Selecting patients by renal function as estimated by serum creatinine rather than by age alone is recommended for metformin therapy.
Adolescents' views about glycaemic control
Authors: Challen A H , Davies A G , Baum J D , Williams R J W
Published: March 2007

We have investigated the views of young people aged 10–17 years (n=87) and their parents (n=85) about glycaemic control. Standardised interview schedules and diabetes‐specific psychometric scales were used, and glycaemic control was assessed by the mean glycated haemoglobin during the six months before and after the interview.

Glycaemic control was related to the level of blood glucose values the young people aimed for, and the level they found worryingly high. Sixty‐nine per cent reported knowledge of complications: this knowledge was associated with a negative attitude to diabetes but was unrelated to glycaemic control Poor understanding of diabetes was associated with young age at diagnosis, and with paternal manual occupation. The educational implications of these results are discussed.
Case history notes designed as an aid to professional education. Advanced diabetic microvascular disease secondary to impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Chalmers J , Campbell IW , Tan SY , Thomson D , Winney RJ
Published: March 2007

A case of advanced diabetic microvascular disease secondary to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) with server proliferative retinopathy, end‐stage diabetic nephropathy and chronic peripheral neuropathy is described. There was concomitant large vessel disease with Fournier's gangrene and left below‐knee amputation. The diabetic patient had been informed some 20 years earlier that he had a ‘tendency to diabetes’ but no formal treatment was given and no follow‐up arranged. It is important to avoid the term ‘mild diabetes’ and recognise that patients with IGT require proper dietary advice and follow‐up assessment so that the severe microangiopathy (and macroangiopathy) seen in this case may be prevented.
Diabetes care in the frail elderly
Authors: Tong P , Baillie SP , Roberts SH
Published: March 2007

The prevalence of diabetes increases with age and with increasing age and fralty many elderly people move into residential care. An audit of diabetes care was carried out in 25 trail diabetic patients in residential care comparing them with 25 diabetic patients living in their own homes. The two groups were matched for age, sex and treatment type. Those in residential care received fewer services than those in their own homes, in terms of: annual review (44% vs 84%, p= 0.008); access to a chiropodist (60% vs 96%, p=0.006); an optician (36% vs 70%, p=0.01); a dietitian (48% vs 60%, NS). No significant differences in complication rates were found though more than half in both groups had cataracts. Mean HbA1c and BMI were not significantly different between the two groups. These findings suggest that the provision of diabetes care to frail elderly diabetic patients in residential care is relatively poor, and reappraisal of the provision of health care in this group is needed.
Does the employment of an on‐site dietitian improve the uptake of dietetic care in general practice diabetes clinics?
Authors: Bradshaw C
Published: March 2007

The results of a controlled trial of providing up‐to‐date on‐site dietetic advice in primary health care diabetes clinics in a deprived FHSA area in the North of England are described. Performance of these practices are compared with similar practices who utilise the existing open access service in the district. The study was part of a continuing audit cycle involving all practices with diabetes clinics in the district. Data were collected over one month. In the 10 practices that had an on‐site dietitian, 191 patients were offered appointments. There was a 92% attendance rate; in the previous year 89% had a record of an HbA1c, 85% had a record of fundoscopy and 89% had seen the dietitian. By contrast, in the six practices who had open access to a centrally‐based dietitian, 81 patients were offered an appointment, there was a 70% attendance rate (p<0.001), 74% had a record of an HbA1c (p<0.001), and 84% had a record of fundoscopy. Only 52% of this group had seen the dietitian (p <0.001). There was no significant difference in the HbA1c level as a percentage of Hb in either group.

It is concluded that there is an association between the placing of a dietitian in general practice diabetes clinics and an improvement in the uptake of dietetic advice.
The human insulin issue: One district's response to individuals. Case studies and lessons learnt
Authors: Robson SC , James PT , Power R , Roberts SH
Published: March 2007

A systematic but individual approach was employed in one District with all diabetic patients who requested the change from human insulin to animal insulin. Psychometric assessments and clinical interviews were recorded throughout the process. There are strong suggestions that problems with control were erroneously attributed by the patients to the human insulin, and this view was given validity by the media. Nevertheless, accepting patients' preferences and giving them control led to a good outcome in terms of emotional adjustment. This approach demonstrates a patientcentred approach wherein objective medical evidence is but one source of information upon which to base clinical practice.
Family attitudes to different management regimens in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Forsander G
Published: March 2007

Conventional treatment of children with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus in Sweden consists of about three weeks of hospital care. In a prospective, randomised study a new regimen involving early discharge to a training apartment with integrated biomedical and family psychotherapeutic treatment was compared with conventional treatment. Thirty‐eight children, with their parents' consent, were randomised to one or other regimen.

One week after discharge, family satisfaction, as measured by closedend questions regarding information (p<0.05), attention received and division of responsibility between parents and staff (p<0.05) and emotional response to the treatment (p<0.05) was significantly higher in the study group. Sevent‐eight per cent of the written comments were entirely positive in the study group compared to 42% of the answers of the control group.

The results of this study have implication for the initial delivery of care to children with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus.
Ectopic mineralisation of insulin injection sites
Authors: Yugambaranathan K , Ray S , Jowett N J
Published: March 2007

Lipodystrophy of injection sites is a common complication of insulintreated diabetes often associated with difficulty in glycaemic control. We describe an unusual and previously unreported case of secondary mineralisation of a patient's injection sites which produced a bone‐hard abnormality making subsequent injections there impossible.
Short‐term results of an open trial of very low calorie diet or intensive conventional diet in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Paisey RB , Harvey P , Rice S , Belka I , Bower L , Dunn M , Paisey RM , Frost J , Goldman P , Ash I
Published: March 2007

An assessment of short‐term feasibility, safety and efficacy of intensive conventional diet with life‐style advice (ICD) and very low calorie diet (VLCD) has been conducted in obese Type 2 diabetic subjects and obese non‐diabetic patients. The study will continue for three years and comprises 19 non‐diabetic subjects on VLCD, 14 diabetic subjects on VLCD, and 14 diabetic subjects on ICD.

At three months both VLCD groups showed significant reductions in weight, BMI, waist measurement, waist/hip ratio, serum cholesterol and triglycerides and serum fructosamine, even though antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic treatments had been discontinued. All the patients had returned to a low fat conventional diet by six months, at which time weight losses were maintained at 11 kg for the diabetic and 21 kg for the non‐diabetic groups. Waist and waist/hip ratio remained significantly improved in the diabetic group, though median systolic and diastolic blood pressures, serum fructosamine, cholesterol and triglycerides were less than at baseline but not significantly so.

In the non‐diabetic VLCD group, waist, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, serum cholesterol and triglycerides but not waist/hip ratio were all significantly less at six months compared with baseline.

The ICD diabetic group showed significant reductions only in weight (2kg) and BMI (1 unit) at three months, though by six months there was a weight loss of a median of 3kg and a significant fall of 11 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure.

One severe hypoglycaemic attack occurred in a diabetic on VLCD and one myocardial infarction in a diabetic in the ICD group.

This analysis of the acute phase of the study shows favourable results, and such interventions could readily be incorporated into hospital or primary healthcare diabetes programmes. Long‐term studies of large groups of Type 2 diabetic patients will be required in order to assess effects on outcome.
Predicting DNA‐binding amino acid residues from electrostatic stabilization upon mutation to Asp/Glu and evolutionary conservation
Authors: Chen Yao Chi , Wu Chih Yuan , Lim Carmay
Published: March 2007

Binding of polyanionic DNA depends on the cluster of electropositive atoms in the binding site of a DNA‐binding protein. Such a cluster of electropositive protein atoms would be electrostatically unfavorable without stabilizing interactions from the respective electronegative DNA atoms and would likely be evolutionary conserved due to its critical biological role. Consequently, our strategy for predicting DNA‐binding residues is based on detecting a cluster of evolutionary conserved surface residues that are electrostatically stabilized upon mutation to negatively charged Asp/Glu residues. The method requires as input the protein structure and sufficient sequence homologs to define each residue's relative conservation, and it yields as output experimentally testable residues that are predicted to bind DNA. By incorporating characteristic DNA‐binding site features (i.e., electrostatic strain and amino acid conservation), the new method yields a prediction accuracy of 83%, which is much higher than methods based on only electrostatic strain (57%) or conservation alone (50%). It is also less sensitive to protein conformational changes upon DNA binding than methods that mainly depend on the 3D protein structure. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spray deposit patterns and persistence of diflubenzuron in some terrestrial components of a forest ecosystem after application at three volume rates under field and laboratory conditions
Authors: Sundaram Kanth M. S.
Published: March 2007

Spray deposit patterns and persistence of diflubenzuron [1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐ 3‐(2,6‐difluorobenzoyl)urea] in white pine (Pinus strobus L.) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) canopies, forest litter and soil were studied after aerial application of a 250 g kg−1 wettable powder formulation, ‘Dimilin® WP‐25’, at 70 g active ingredient (a.i.) ha−1, using three volume rates (10, 5 and 2.5 liters ha−1) over three blocks in a mixed forest near Kaladar, Ontario, Canada, during 1986. Spray droplets were sampled at ground level using ‘Kromekote®’ cards, and diflubenzuron deposits were collected on glass plates. Droplets were the largest (with a volume median diameter of 250 μm) at the 10 liters ha−1 rate, resulting in the highest number of droplets per cm2 on the Kromekote cards and deposits of diflubenzuron on glass plates. Deposits on foliage, litter and soil were also correspondingly the highest. At the 5.0 and 2.5 liters ha−1 rates, volume median diameter values were smaller (195 and 150 μm, respectively) and deposits on the substrates were markedly lower. In the spray block that received 10 liters ha−1, diflubenzuron persisted in foliage as long as 120 days after treatment, but it lasted for only about a week in forest litter and soil samples. At 5 and 2.5 liters ha−1, diflubenzuron failed to persist in foliage as long, and residues in litter and soil, which were barely above the quantification limit, persisted only for a few days.

Laboratory studies, conducted under constant meteorological conditions using different droplet‐size spectra, showed that deposit levels were not affected when the volume median diameter of the spray cloud decreased from 253 μm to 145 μm, but were markedly reduced as this progressively decreased from 92 to 37μm. The dissimilarities between the field and laboratory findings were attributed to meteorological and other factors influencing droplet deposition on tree canopy in aerial applications of pesticides over forests.
Technical and commercial aspects of biocontrol products
Authors: Powell Keith A. , Jutsum Alan R.
Published: March 2007

The global agrochemical market in 1991 was $26800 million, yet biological products were reported to account for only $120 million of sales per annum—less than 0.5 % of the total. The majority of these sales are attributed to bio‐insecticides of which Bacillus thuringiensis accounts for over 90%, but B. thuringiensis could be described as a biologically produced insecticide, rather than a true biocontrol agent. Biological products have technical limitations, including extreme specificity, sensitivity to environmental factors and problems with robustness of the formulations, but ironically, it is these limitations which also give biological control an image of environmental acceptability. Nonetheless, some of the limitations will be overcome and sales will increase, but primarily in niche situations such as the control of soil‐borne diseases and the control of insect pests showing resistance to agrochemicals. In order for significant inroads to be made into such niche markets it is imperative that progress with biological products is not impaired by over‐regulation, and a rational approach by all regulatory bodies is required. Overall, though, agrochemicals are likely to continue to be the major method of crop protection for the foreseeable future, and the biological control field now needs clear, well‐defined goals if current successful niche products can be the basis for future success rather than a limited experiment in alternative technology.
Extended summaries sci pesticides group symposium biological control: Use of living organisms in the management of invertebrate pests, pathogens and weeds.
Authors: Krebs Birgit , Junge Helmut , Ockhardt Andrea , Hoding Birgit , Heubner Dagmar , Erben Ulrike
Published: March 2007

The following are extended summaries based on material presented at a meeting of the SCI Pesticides Group, held on 19‐20 October 1992 at the SCI, 14/15 Belgrave Square, London SWIX 8PS, UK. The summaries published here are entirely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board of Pesticide Science.
Electron inelastic mean free paths: influence of the modelling energy‐loss function
Authors: de la Cruz W. , Yubero F.
Published: March 2007

Accurate quantitative surface analysis using electron spectroscopies is of paramount importance in nanoscale‐based technology of today. In this context, an appropriate description of the electron inelastic mean free paths (IMFP) is mandatory. We have studied the influence of several model dielectric descriptions of the momentum‐dependent energy‐loss function (ELF), beyond the extensively used Penn's approach, on the calculation IMFP in the 200–2000 eV kinetic energy range. It is found that the theoretical description of the ELF based on the extended Mermin oscillators predicts systematically lower values for IMFP than those obtained by Penn's approach. The deviations are of 6–8% in the 1000–2000 eV energy range and increase up to 10–15% at 200–400 eV, depending upon the particular material and kinetic energy considered. A phenomenological expression is proposed to correct this effect. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling and control of synchronous generators for wide‐range variable‐speed wind turbines
Authors: Ramtharan Gnanasambandapillai , Jenkins Nicholas , Anaya‐Lara Olimpo
Published: March 2007

The modelling and control of a wide‐range variable speed wind turbine based on a synchronous generator are presented. Two different methods to control the operation of the synchronous generator are investigated, i.e. load angle control and instantaneous vector control. The dynamic performance characteristics of these control strategies are evaluated and compared using three model representations of the generator: a non‐reduced order model including both stator and rotor transients, a reduced order model with stator transients neglected, and a steady‐state model that neglects generator electrical dynamics. Assessment on the performance of grid‐side controller is shown during network fault and frequency variation. A simplified wind turbine model representation is also developed and proposed for large‐scale power system studies. Simulation results in Matlab/Simulink are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endocrinology and expectations in 1930s America: Louis Berman's ideas on new creations in human beings
Authors: NORDLUND CHRISTER
Published: March 2007

In the first half of the twentieth century, hormones took pride of place as life's master molecules and the endocrinologist took precedence over the geneticist as the scientist offering the means to control life. But, as with molecular genetics and biotechnology today, the status of endocrinology was not based solely on contemporary scientific and medical practices. To a high degree it was also reliant on expectations or visions of what endocrinologists would soon be able to do. Inspired by the approach of social studies of techno-scientific expectations, the aim of this article is to explore some of the great expectations connected to the development of endocrinology in the 1930s. The analysis is based on popular books written by the American physician and endocrinologist Louis Berman. The paper argues that Berman thought not only that it was perfectly possible to understand human nature through hormone analysis but that endocrinologists would be able to control, design and ‘improve’ humans by using hormone replacement therapy. Furthermore, in contrast to most of the eugenics of his time, Berman suggested that the whole population of the world should be improved. As a political activist he wanted to contribute to the development of new human beings, ‘ideal normal persons’, thereby reaching an ‘ideal society’. That HRT could involve risks was something that he seems not to have taken into account.
The Impact of Occupational Pensions on Retirement Age
Authors: ARKANI SEPIDEH , GOUGH ORLA
Published: March 2007

This article contributes to the debate about retirement age and the extent to which occupational pensions influence the decision to retire. It uses the waves of Labour Force Survey (1984–91) and Quarterly Labour Force Survey (1992–2003) to review the changes in the actual average retirement age in the UK during the period 1984–2003 by gender and ethnicity. The article investigates the link between occupational pension schemes and the actual retirement age of men and women. It explores the impact of pension type on employees' expected retirement age and the decision to take early retirement using the English Longitudinal Survey of Ageing (2002–03).
A ‘trivial’ variant: filled thirds in the Office for St Thomas Becket
Authors: CHEUNG SALISBURY MATTHEW
Published: March 2007

The sources of medieval Offices contain a vast number of characteristics which demand comparative study; consequently, analyses of the repertory necessitate the use of a limited set of data upon which observations can be made. While apparently ‘trivial’ variants may be of limited use at the outset, they contribute to the understanding of the repertory and may provide key information to support the relationships between sources. One of these subtle variants is the filling in of a melodic third by the enclosed pitch. An examination of the instances of filled thirds in a selection of sources of the Office for St Thomas Becket offers evidence for an established source grouping. The author attempts to address the question why these filled thirds would exist in sources of relatively new chant melodies. Finally, proposals for further study of filled thirds and similar variants in the plainchant repertory are outlined.
An examination of the influence of eating location on the diets of Irish children
Authors: Burke SJ , McCarthy SN , O'Neill JL , Hannon EM , Kiely M , Flynn A , Gibney MJ
Published: March 2007

Objectives

To examine the influence of eating location on the quality of the diets of Irish children and to compare intakes at home with intakes at other people's homes and intakes outside the home, and to compare intakes at various locations outside the home.

Design

Food intake was measured using a 7-day weighed diary in 594 children from the Republic of Ireland (aged 5–12 years). Details of where the food was prepared or obtained were also recorded.

Results

Eighty-nine per cent of all eating occasions occurred at home; < 6% occurred at both other people's homes and outside the home (takeaway, restaurant, shop, other). The percentage of food energy from fat was above the recommended 35% at other people's homes and outside the home, specifically at takeaways and restaurants. Fibre and micronutrient intakes (per 10 MJ) were significantly higher at home than at the other locations (P < 0.05). Within the ‘out’ locations, fibre and micronutrient intakes were generally higher at restaurants and lower at shops. High consumers of foods outside the home had a statistically significant, but relatively small decline in nutrient intakes compared with non- or low consumers. Chips and processed potatoes, meat products, savouries, sugars and confectionery, and savoury snacks made the greatest contribution to foods consumed outside the home.

Conclusions

The main focus of nutrition policies to improve the diets of Irish children should be the home environment rather than the food service sector. However, guidelines could call for better food choices outside the home to improve nutrient intakes.