bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic imaging of normal intrauterine fetal anatomy
Authors: Flanigan Donald J. , Buttny June H.
Published: February 2007

With the advent and subsequent refinement of gray scale compound scanning, we are now able to obtain in utero a more detailed look at the size, shape, position, and anatomical relationships between the internal organs and vascular structures within the body of a fetus. It is now possible to visualize fetal intracranial structures, lungs, myocardium and valvular structures, liver, spleen, stomach, abdominal aorta, portal venous system, gall bladder, umbilical vein, kidneys, urinary bladder, and genitalia. Fetal extremities, including individual phalanges, are better visualized with gray scale than with bistable sonography.
The antenatal diagnosis of hyperplacentosis, hydramnios and fetal ascites
Authors: Morrison John , Brunello L. P.
Published: February 2007

The diagnostic value ofvolumetric analysis of the products of conception by compound ultrasonic scanning is illustrated by a case of hyperplacentosis, hydramnios, and fetal ascites. The use of this method in the diagnosis of fetal conditions is discussed.
Unusual echographic appearance of a courvoisier gall bladder
Authors: Weeks Landon E. , McCune Bruce R. , Martin James F. , O'Brien Thomas F.
Published: February 2007

A patient who had been jaundiced for more than four months was examined with diagnostic ultrasound. Ultrasound examination revealed that the patient had a solid‐appearing mass in the region of the gall bladder, in addition to findings diagnostic of obstructive jaundice. A probable mass was also noted in the head of the pancreas. The clinical data and representative echographic pictures are presented to emphasize the point that sludge within the gall bladder is echogenic and appears more solid than cystic on a standard echographic examination.
The ultrasonic demonstration of gastric lesions
Authors: Mascatello V. J. , Carrera G. F. , Telle R. L. , Berger M. , Holm H. H. , Smith E. H.
Published: February 2007

Fifteen cases of circumferential gastric antral disease identified by upper gastrointestinal (GI) series over a 12‐month period were studied by grayscale ultrasound. In 93 per cent of the patients studied, a characteristic ovoid anechoic area containing a dense central collection of echoes was identified. The abnormality was located in the midline or slightly to either side, just dorsal to the inferior margin of the liver on longitudinal sections. The lesions studied included primary and secondary malignancy, lymphoma, corrosive gastritis, and granulomatous disease of childhood. In each instance a barium study of the stomach confirmed the location of the lesion. A prospective study of 50 normal individuals revealed one patient in whom the characteristic appearance was found at ultrasound and who subsequently had a normal upper GI series. Thus, although the ultrasound appearance of antral thickening may rarely be found in normal individuals, this characteristic appearance should strongly suggest gastric pathology, necessitating an upper GI series.
Staging of bladder tumors by means of transrectal ultrasonography
Authors: Harada Kazuya , Igari Dairoku , Tanahashi Yoshikatsu , Watanabe Hiroki , Saitoh Masahito , Mishina Teruo
Published: February 2007

Transrectal ultrasonography is a specially devised technique to obtain clear tomograms of the intrapelvic organs, such as the prostate, urinary bladder and seminal vesicles. We used this technique to evaluate 64 patients with bladder tumors. The results were compared with histological findings after exploratory surgery. Ultrasonograms of these tumors were estimated on the basis of bladder wall irregularity, bladder deformity, bladder capacity and extravesical spread of tumor. Each tumor stage showed characteristic ultrasonic features. Extravesical spread of tumor, which was observed in 67 percent of stage D tumors, proved to be an important finding to distinguish stage D tumors from other tumor stages. We suggest these features as diagnostic criteria for ultrasonic staging of bladder tumors.
Reliability of echocardiography in quantitating pericardial effusion: A prospective study
Authors: Prakash Ravi , Moorthy Krishna , Del Vicario Michael , Aronow Wilbert S.
Published: February 2007

A method of estimating the volume of pericardial effusion by echocardiography has used the difference between the cubed diameters at end‐diastole of the pericardium and epicardium. To evaluate the reliability of this technique in quantitating the volume of pericardial effusion in a prospective study, 22 echocardiograms were obtained in six patients before and after 11 separate pericardiocenteses. The correlation coefficient between the actual volume of aspirated pericardial effusion and the echocardiographically estimated volume of aspirated pericardial effusion was r = 0.27 (P not significant). The volume of pericardial effusion aspirated was overestimated or underestimated by echocardiography by more than 100 ml in seven of 11 estimations (64 percent) and by more than 150 ml in five of 11 estimations (45 percent). Therefore, although echocardiography is the procedure of choice in diagnosing the presence of pericardial effusion, it is not an entirely accurate method of quantitating the volume of pericardial effusion. However, echocardiography can differentiate a large effusion from a moderate or small effusion.
False placenta previa: A clinical observation
Authors: Lees Richard F. , Teates C. David
Published: February 2007

A misleading appearance of placenta previa was observed in three sonographic examinations of pregnant women. In these women the fetuses were in a transverse lie and the placentas were implanted on the anterior uterine wall. In these circumstances it appears possible for the lower anterior portion of the uterine wall and the attached portion of the placenta to falsely simulate placenta previa.
Ultrasonic diagnosis of placenta previa: Value of a postvoid scan
Authors: Williamson Daryl , Bjorgen John , Baier Bernard , Worman Marilyn
Published: February 2007

Repeat ultrasonic scanning of a suspected placenta previa after voiding is a useful maneuver to demonstrate normal position of the placenta.
The need for color coding in ultrasound mammography
Authors: Baum Gilbert
Published: February 2007

The correct interpretation of echo amplitude patterns of high‐resolution gray scale ultrasonograms of the breast requires the use of calibrated color‐coded isodensitometry, standardized operation of the ultrasound system, amplitude stability of 1 per cent or better, and a constant velocity water‐coupled electro‐mechanical scanner. The same conditions may be required for correct interpretation of the ultrasonograms of the parenchyma of the liver, spleen, ovaries, testes, uterus, thyroid, and tumors. Color coding is not required and may actually be detrimental in the study of gross ultrasonographic anatomy and in disease states that can be identified by simple anatomical distortions. To be of value, rigid standardization and control of the amplitude characteristics and scanning velocity of the system are imperative.
Systolic anterior motion of the tricuspid valve in idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
Authors: Brik Henry , Meller Jose , Bahler Alan S. , Herman Michael V. , Teichholz Louis E.
Published: February 2007

A 37 year old man with combined subpulmonic and subaortic idiopathic hypertrophic stenosis proved by cardiac catheterization had typical echocardiographic findings of idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) and systolic anterior motion of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve. This motion of the tricuspid valve may relate to the subpulmonic infundibular gradient in the same way that the systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral leaflet relates to the subaortic left ventricular gradient in patients with IHSS.
Diagnostic ultrasound – The view from down under
Authors: Kossoff G.
Published: February 2007

This paper was presented at the Dallas meeting of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, November 1, 1977.
Ultrasonic planimetry of the gestation sac as a biometric method in early pregnancy
Authors: Bulic Milan , Vrtar Mladen
Published: February 2007

A new method for determining the area of the gestation sac by thread planimetry is described. Mean weekly values with two standard deviations were determined on a series of 237 measurements of gestation sac area, age five to 11 weeks, in normal pregnancies. The gestation sac area grows curvilinearly from 1.85 cm2 at five weeks to 15 cm2 at 11 weeks. The mean diameter was calculated from the gestation sac area by using an adequate approximation of the irregular gestation sac shape to a circle of the same area. The dependence of the mean gestation sac diameter on gestation age is defined by the regression equation y = 0.46x − 0.95 and the correlation factor r = 0.92. Practical applications of gestation sac planimetry include the determination of gestation age in early pregnancy, and the follow‐up of growth or determination of delayed growth in disturbed or failed early pregnancy.
The influence of ultrasound on the frequency of amniocentesis
Authors: Fried Andrew M. , Gray Diana
Published: February 2007

To determine the effect of development of ultrasonographic guidance techniques on the frequency of amniocentesis, we compared two two‐year periods before and after the use of ultrasound. Statistically significant decreases in both the number of amniocenteses ordered and the number performed were observed. We concluded that ultrasound has been judiciously used and has not prompted an increased use of amniocentesis merely because of improved ease and safety. A slight decrease in the perinatal mortality rate mitigates against any compromise in the standard of antenatal care.
Private practice use of real‐time b scan ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Authors: Hohler Charles W.
Published: February 2007

An informal survey of 25 obstetrics and gynecology practices that use real time B scan ultrasound equipment was carried out to assess the economic and patient‐care impact of such equipment. From this informal survey, it can be seen that the incorporation of real time B scan ultrasound scanning into private practice has become economically feasible and useful for the daily clinical management of obstetric patients. The implications and economics of such changes for obstetric health care costs remain to be assessed.
Signs of fetal death in early pregnancy
Authors: Young G. B. , McDicken W. N.
Published: February 2007

The principal ultrasonic signs of death of the fetus in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy are reviewed and illustrated. Several new signs, one probably due to CO2 in the conceptus, are recorded. The use of two‐dimensional B scanning and multiplanar stereoscopic sonar is made.
Ultrasonic calculation of chorion cavity volume
Authors: Bulic Milan , Vrtar Mladen
Published: February 2007

A method for calculating chorion cavity volume in the first trimester of pregnancy from the ultrasonic projection of the gestation sac is described. The area of the longitudinal and transverse sections were measured, and the volume was calculated from the mean value of the two measurements. The chorion cavity volume increased curvilinearly and approximately exponentially from 2.14 cc at five weeks to 44.38 cc at 11 weeks of gestation. The method was checked by comparing the computed volume and the real volume obtained surgically and by experimenting with an „artificial gestation sac”︁ picture. A good correlation was obtained. The results match data reported in the literature.
Ultrasound evaluation of a near‐term abdominal ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Williams Charles H.
Published: February 2007

Ultrasound confirmation of an abdominal ectopic pregnancy was established by the demonstration of an enlarged but empty uterus and the delineation of the fetal head within the abdominal cavity. Other portions of the fetus could not be demonstrated. The margins and attachments of the placenta could not be accurately delineated prospectively.
The liquid‐filled stomach – an ultrasonic window to the upper abdomen
Authors: Warren Peter S. , Garrett William J. , Kossoff George
Published: February 2007

An ultrasonic window to the upper abdomen is created by (a) filling the fasting stomach with methylcellulose suspension, (b) administering glucagon intravenously, and (c) examining the patient prone. Glucagon relaxes the gastric musculature and the prone position allows the stomach gas to rise to the fundus. This enables assessment of the relationships of the stomach to adjacent structures and permits display of structures forming the stomach bed. The equipment used was a commercially available water‐delay system with wide‐aperture focused transducers. The system gives good resolution and allows the gastric musculature to be distinguished from the mucosa and its overlying mucus.
Ultrasonography in renal lymphoma
Authors: Kaude Juri V. , Lacy George D.
Published: February 2007

Ultrasonographic findings in malignant lymphoma of the kidneys in four patients are described. In three patients the kidneys were diffusely infiltrated by anechoic masses showing good acoustic transmission. One solitary lymphoma had the ultrasonographic characteristics of any other kidney tumor. Ultrasonographic differential diagnosis of renal masses should include malignant lymphoma.
Prenatal ultrasonic diagnosis of epignathus
Authors: Kang Kil Won , Hissong Samuel L. , Langer Alvin
Published: February 2007

This case demonstrated a mass seen on an ultrasound scan performed prior to amniocentesis to determine fetal maturity. It emphasizes the importance of scanning the entire contents of the amniotic sac rather than simply looking at the portion for which the examination was ordered. It is important to recognize such lesions to prepare for adequate management of the airway in the neonate, to prepare for surgical excision as soon as feasible, and to prepare the family for the birth of a baby with a congenital abnormality.
Hemotocolpos: Diagnosis made by ultrasound
Authors: Little H. Kaye , Crawford D. Beatty , Meister Karen
Published: February 2007

A 14 year old girl presented with acute urinary retention. Ultrasonography made an important contribution in the diagnosis of hematocolpos. This is the first case reported in the literature.
Neonatal detection and evaluation of infantile polycystic disease by gray scale echography
Authors: Thomas John L. , Sumner Thomas E. , Crowe James E.
Published: February 2007

Infantile polycystic disease (IPCD) is an uncommon pathologic entity involving the kidneys and liver. Gray scale echography can detect this pathologic process within the kidneys, despite the presence of renal failure. In addition, the sonic study may detect associated hepatic abnormalities even though isotopic liver scan is normal. These capabilities make the ultrasonic examination uniquely suited for evaluating patients with IPCD.
Photographic techniques for retrieving echocardiographic images from substandard recordings
Authors: Silverman Norman H. , Bunker William E.
Published: February 2007

A technique is described for photographing damaged echocardiograms with a lithographic film. This is a high contrast film that reproduces either black or white, without intermediate gray tones, depending on exposure time. Standard photographic manipulations were used to improve the quality of the final print.
Electronic area and perimeter measurement of ultrasonic images
Authors: Fleming J. E. E. , Hall A. J. , Robinson H. P. , Wittmann B. K.
Published: February 2007

An electronic system for measuring area and perimeter directly on cross‐sectional ultrasonic images is described. The resulting values are unaffected by the distortions common to display monitors or errors in the display scale factor. The results of accuracy tests are given, including a comparison with measurements by planimeter and map‐measurer.
Principles and applications of a dynamically focused phased array real time ultrasound system
Authors: Morgan Carlisle L. , Trought William S. , Clark William M. , von Ramm Olaf T. , Thurstone Frederick L.
Published: February 2007

The physical principles and clinical applications of a high‐resolution, dynamically focused phased‐array real time ultrasound system are described. Advantages of the real time technique include rapid survey capability, efficient selection of an appropriate tomographic plane, identification of pulsating structures, and dynamic studies. The capabilities of a high resolution phased array with extended dynamic focusing to a range of 15‐20 cm are demonstrated in vascular, abdominal, and obstetric imaging. Appropriate clinical examples showing normal and pathological anatomy are presented. Comparisons with conventional B scans are illustrated.
Ultrasonographic demonstration of a simple ureterocele and dilated ureter in an adult
Authors: Brenner R. James , Demartini William J. , Gooding Gretchen A. W. , Hedgcock Marcus W.
Published: February 2007

A 54 year old man was found to have a simple ureterocele with a dilated ureter. Ultrasonography demonstrated the ureterocele as an echo‐free structure at the base of the bladder without involvement of the bladder wall. The course of the dilated ureter and its entrance into the bladder were clearly defined.
Characterization of graphs which admit vertex‐transitive embeddings
Authors: Širáň Jozef , Tucker Thomas W.
Published: February 2007

We present necessary and sufficient conditions for a graph to admit a vertex‐transitive embedding on some surface. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 55: 233–248, 2007
Correction of proton resonance frequency shift temperature maps for magnetic field disturbances using fat signal
Authors: Shmatukha Andriy V. , Harvey Paul R. , Bakker Chris J.G.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To improve the immunity of the proton resonance frequency shift (PRFS) method of MRI temperature mapping against magnetic field disturbances. Since PRFS is a phase‐sensitive method, it misinterprets magnetic field disturbances as artifact temperature changes. If not corrected, the resulting temperature artifacts can completely obscure the true temperature estimation, especially if the temperature elevations are small.

Materials and Methods

Since the fat protons experience the same magnetic field disturbances as the water protons, but no temperature‐related frequency shift, the fat signal has been used for correcting PRFS temperature maps for the disturbances. A simple correction method is proposed that has either better compensation capability than the phase correction methods previously reported or higher spatial and temporal resolution than the spectroscopic correction methods previously reported. The evaluated method is based on the utilization of several gradient and spin echoes acquired within one repetition interval with water‐ and fat‐selective scans.

Results

In a series of phantom experiments, the improved method is shown to enable the reconstruction of accurate temperature maps in spite of interscan motion, suboptimal fat–water separation, and a wide range of magnetic field disturbances.

Conclusion

Our approach can be used for the guidance of thermal therapies involving tissues containing fat or surrounded by fat. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous determination of vitexin‐2′′‐O‐glucoside, vitexin‐2′′‐O‐rhamnoside, rutin, and hyperoside in the extract of hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.) leaves by RP‐HPLC with ultraviolet photodiode array detection
Authors: Cheng Shan , Qiu Feng , Huang Jia , He Junqi
Published: February 2007

RP‐HPLC with UV photodiode array detection (UV‐DAD) was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of vitexin‐2′′‐O‐glucoside, vitexin‐2′′‐O‐rhamnoside, rutin, and hyperoside in the extract of hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.) leaves. The analytes of interest were separated on a Diamonsil C18 column (250×4.6 mm id, 5 μm) with the mobile phase consisting of THF/ACN/methanol/0.05% phosphoric acid solution (pH 5.0) (18:1:1:80 v/v/v/v). The flow rate was set at 1.0 mL/min and the eluent was detected at 340 nm for the four flavonoids. The method was linear over the studied range of 1.00–100 μg/mL for the four analytes of interest with the correlation coefficient for each analyte greater than 0.999. The LOD and LOQ were 0.03 and 0.10 μg/mL, 0.03 and 0.10 μg/mL, 0.05 and 0.15 μg/mL, 0.10 and 0.30 μg/mL for vitexin‐2′′‐O‐glucoside, vitexin‐2′′‐O‐rhamnoside, rutin, and hyperoside, respectively. The optimized method was successfully applied to the analysis of four important flavonoids in the extract of hawthorn leaves. The total amounts of the four flavonoids were 22.2, 62.3, 4.27, and 8.24 mg/g dry weight for vitexin‐2′′‐O‐glucoside, vitexin‐2′′‐O‐rhamnoside, rutin, and hyperoside in the extract of hawthorn leaves, respectively.
Preparation and properties of diatomite composite superabsorbent
Authors: Qi Xiaohua , Liu Mingzhu , Chen Zhenbin , Liang Rui
Published: February 2007

A novel diatomite composite superabsorbent was synthesized by solution polymerization of partially neutralized acrylic acid and diatomite, using N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinking agent and hydrogen peroxide and L‐ascorbic acid as a redox initial system. The influences of some reaction conditions, such as diatomite content, neutralization degree of acrylic acid, amount of initiator, amount of crosslinking agent, monomer concentration, and the reaction temperature on swelling characteristic were investigated. The water absorbency of the sample prepared at optimum conditions was 99 g/g in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution. The results of swelling rate measurement showed that diatomite composite superabsorbent had better swelling rate than that of poly(sodium acrylate) prepared in the same conditions. Other properties, i.e. water retention, reswelling ability and resistance to salt, were also examined. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In search of the antecedents of adolescent authoritarianism: the relative contribution of parental goal promotion and parenting style dimensions
Authors: Duriez Bart , Soenens Bart , Vansteenkiste Maarten
Published: February 2007

Although research drew attention to the importance of both parental goal promotion and parental rearing style in explaining adolescent authoritarian submission (Right‐Wing Authoritarianism or RWA) and authoritarian dominance (Social Dominance Orientation or SDO), research failed to examine their combined effects. This study examines the relative contribution of parenting goals (i.e. extrinsic vs. intrinsic and conservation goals) and styles (i.e. need support and regulation) and their interactions in the prediction of adolescent RWA and SDO. Cross‐sectional analyses show that, whereas parenting goals and styles and their interactions predict RWA, SDO is predicted by parental goals only. However, in a second, longitudinal study, changes in RWA and SDO were predicted by parenting goals only. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of insightful disclosure in outcomes for women in peer‐directed breast cancer groups: a replication study
Authors: Lieberman Morton
Published: February 2007

This study was stimulated by the recent publication (Health Commun 2006;19(2):133–142) who reported the effects of insightful disclosure on outcomes in' peer‐led internet breast cancer support groups. The present study attempted to replicate their hypotheses using the same methods for coding insightful disclosure as well as parallel outcome measures. Four hypotheses are tested; writing a higher percentage of insightful disclosure words will be associated with: (1) fewer BC concerns; (2) reduction in the emotional distress; (3) better physical health; and (4) few functional limitations. New members (N = 77) to BC bulletin boards (BB) were recruited through BB postings and/or e‐mails. We asked them to fill out questionnaires measuring depression and quality of life, when they joined the BB, and again six months later. Two questionnaires (CESD and FACTB [Functional Well being, Physical well being, and Breast cancer Concerns]) were administered and repeated six months later. For two of the four outcome measures (Functional Well being and Breast Cancer Concerns), insightful disclosure played a crucial and significant role, the other two showed a trend toward significance (CESD and Physical well being). The three control variables, stages, years of cancer and level of participation all had effects on the outcomes, varying with the type of outcome measure. The findings, in this study, support Shaw et al. hypotheses. In their study, only one outcome measure, reduction of emotional distress was significant. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The number of regulatory T cells in prostate cancer is associated with the androgen receptor and hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐2α but not HIF‐1α
Authors: Fox Stephen B. , Launchbury Rosalind , Bates Gaynor J. , Han Cheng , Shaida Nadeem , Malone Peter R. , Harris Adrian L. , Banham Alison H.
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND

Regulatory T cells (TR) mediate peripheral immunological tolerance and are implicated in tumor progression. Because prostate cancer is being investigated for treatment by immunotherapy, we have assessed tumor TR in prostate cancers.

METHODS

TR cells were identified by FOXP3 in tissue microarrays (TMAs) from 146 radical prostatectomies and correlated with clinicopathological tumor parameters and prostatic specific antigen rise (PSA).

RESULTS

Twenty of 146 tumors contained no TR. The mean of the average for the remaining 146 patients was 7.24. There was a significant correlation between TR and androgen receptor (P = 0.003) and with hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐2α (P = 0.007) but not HIF‐1α (P = 0.25). There was no significant correlation between TR numbers and stage, capsular invasion, urethral margins, vascular invasion, Gleason score, pre‐operative PSA, or time to PSA recurrence (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

TR in prostate tumors shows significant heterogeneity and may be the result of hormonal and hypoxic signaling. Targeting these may reduce TR in tumors allowing more successful immune therapies. Prostate 67: 623–629, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interactions between process and utility systems
Authors: Pearson Katherine
Published: February 2007

Utility systems have many connections to processes, both physical and electrical. This interconnectivity introduces common mode failures and the potential for crosscontamination. This article uses “real‐plant” incidents to illustrate what can happen when the hazards of interactions between process and utility systems are not identified or understood. Some tools to evaluate interactions between process and utility systems are discussed. The reactivity matrix tool, which can help evaluate crosscontamination issues, is introduced. Individual types of utility systems and issues specific to them are discussed. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog:, 2007.
Packing vertices and edges in random regular graphs
Authors: Beis Mihalis , Duckworth William , Zito Michele
Published: February 2007

In this paper we consider the problem of finding large collections of vertices and edges satisfying particular separation properties in random regular graphs of degree r, for each fixed r ≥ 3. We prove both constructive lower bounds and combinatorial upper bounds on the maximal sizes of these sets. The lower bounds are proved by analyzing a class of algorithms that return feasible solutions for the given problems. The analysis uses the differential equation method proposed by Wormald [Lectures on Approximation and Randomized Algorithms, PWN, Wassaw, 1999, pp. 239–298]. The upper bounds are proved by direct combinatorial means. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2008
Controlled Assembly of Spherical Nanoparticles: Nanowires and Spherulites
Authors: Striolo Alberto
Published: February 2007

A large variety of nanoparticles hold extraordinary promise for practical applications in catalysis, materials science, medicine, and so on. It is, however, necessary to assemble them into supramolecular aggregates with desired structural properties. In this work we explore the self‐assembly of spherical nanoparticles induced by interactions that, due to entropic effects, may become anisotropic. The spherical nanoparticles considered attract each other via square‐well potentials, mimicking dispersive interactions. To induce anisotropic effects, short polymer brushes are bound to the nanoparticles but only on the equatorial plane. The brushes are treated as tangent‐hard‐sphere chains. Nanoparticles with such morphology could be synthesized experimentally. Monte Carlo calculations are conducted to assess the properties of the self‐assembled nanostructures as a function of the length of the brushes and of the depth of the particle–particle square‐well potential. Our results indicate that for strongly attractive particle–particle interactions it is possible to obtain supramolecular spherulites (employing short brushes) or uniform dispersions (using long brushes). At some intermediate lengths of the polymer brushes, the formation of one‐dimensional wires occurs. Our results are useful for designing responsive nanoparticles that reversibly assemble yielding uniform dispersions, nanowires, or spherulites depending on the solution conditions.
Ganzglastreppe mit transparenten SGP‐Klebeverbindungen – Konstruktion und statische Berechnung
Authors: Peters Stefan , Fuchs Andreas , Knippers Jan , Behling Stefan
Published: February 2007

Auf der glasstec 2006 in Düsseldorf, der weltweit größten Messe der glaserzeugenden und glasverarbeitenden Industrie, wurde von der Firma Seele eine Ganzglastreppe mit einer freien Spannweite von sieben Metern errichtet. Die beiden tragenden Wangen bestehen aus jeweils einer mehrlagigen Floatglasscheibe ohne Stoß. Neben der großen Spannweite der Glasscheiben ist vor allem die Verwendung einer neuartigen Klebetechnik mittels hochtransparenter SGP (SentryGlas® Plus)‐Folien bemerkenswert. Im Mittelpunkt dieses Aufsatzes stehen das statische Konzept der Treppe sowie die Ausführung und Bemessung der Klebeverbindungen.
Stahlglas‐Bauweise – Rechnerische und experimentelle Nachweise am Beispiel einer Treppe
Authors: Maier Wolfgang , Baumjohann Jens , Priebe Jürgen , Rücker Martin , Siemer Peter , Voßbeck Marc
Published: February 2007

Der vorliegende Beitrag behandelt den Nachweis der Tragsicherheit eines Stahlglas‐Tragwerks am Beispiel einer auf der Messe glasstec2004 ausgestellten freitragenden Glastreppe. In einem ersten Beitrag in dieser Zeitschrift wurde die Treppe bereits hinsichtlich der Konstruktion ihrer wichtigsten Details vorgestellt und das zur Stahlglas‐Bauweise gehörige Sicherheitskonzept in seinen Grundzügen erläutert. Hier werden die Nachweise beschrieben, die konkret für dieses Tragwerk zu erbringen sind und neben rechnerischen Nachweisen auch Bauteilversuche an einzelnen Tragwerkselementen sowie eine abschließende Probebelastung einschließen.
Stahl‐Beton‐Haftverbindungen für Verbundbrücken – Versuche und Bemessung
Authors: Thomann Michel , Lebet Jean‐Paul
Published: February 2007

Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die ausgeführten experimentellen und analytischen Untersuchungen über neuartige Stahl‐Beton‐Verbindungen für Verbundbrücken, so genannte “Haftverbindungen“. Ihre Festigkeit beruht auf der Reibung an mehreren in geeigneter Weise angeordneten Kontaktflächen. Diese Verbindungen haben den Vorteil, daß sie einen einfachen und schnellen Einbau von vorgefertigten Platten erlauben, wobei das Betonieren auf der Baustelle auf ein Minimum begrenzt wird. Die experimentellen Ergebnisse zeigen, daß diese Verbindungen einen großen Längsschubwiderstand und gegenüber der traditionellen Verbundart (Kopfbolzendübel) eine sehr hohe Steifigkeit haben. Ihre Duktilität dagegen ist deutlich geringer. Anhand der experimentellen Resultate wurde ein Rechnungsmodell für den Tragwiderstand dieser Verbindung entwickelt. Dieses Modell berücksichtigt sowohl die beobachtete behinderte Querverformung als auch das Materialverhalten der Kontaktflächen. Das Modell wurde für eine Parameterstudie verwendet, aus welcher gewisse Resultate dargestellt und diskutiert werden. Aus diesem wird eine vereinfachte Berechnungsmethode abgeleitet. Zusätzlich werden Entwurfsrichtlinien und einige Empfehlungen für die Ausführung vorgeschlagen. Das Verhalten von Stahl‐Beton‐Verbundträger mit Haftverbindung wird ebenfalls kurz besprochen.
Glass beads/x‐ray fluorescence analyses of 42 components in felsic rocks
Authors: Nakayama Kenichi , Shibata Yasuhiro , Nakamura Toshihiro
Published: February 2007

Fused borate glass beads were used for the determination of 42 components (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Sn, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, Hf, Ta, W, Pb, Th, and U) in felsic rocks using x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). Low‐dilution glass beads with 1:1 sample‐to‐flux ratios (called 1:1 glass beads) were prepared using the double‐fusing method to measure Sc, Sn, Cs, Hf, Ta, and rare earth elements. Double‐fusing, which uses two heating stages with intervening cooling to room temperature, was used to prepare homogeneous 1:1 glass beads. Pulverized rock samples of less than 20 µm modal diameter enabled us to prepare homogeneous 1:1, 1:2, and 1:10 glass beads. The glass bead thickness was set as constant because the fluorescent x‐ray intensity of heavier elements, such as Rb, Sr, Y, and Zr, was influenced by thickness of 1:10 glass beads. Mutual interference of the nine analytical lines, V Kα, Cr Kα, Y Kα, Zr Kα, Nb Kα, Ba Lα, Ce Lα, Er Lα, and Yb Lα, was corrected using the intensities of Ti Kα, V Kα, Rb Kα, Sr Kα, Y Kα, Rb Kα, Ba Lα, Zr Kα, and Ni Kβ, corresponding to each overlap. Calibration curves of the 42 components showed good linearity (coefficient of determination, r = 0.991–1.000). The calibration ranges, indicating lower and upper limits of detection, were 1.6–58 to 0.03–7.6 mass ppm for the major elements (Na2O, MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, P2O5, K2O, CaO, TiO2, MnO, and Fe2O3) in 1:10 glass beads, 0.2–0.5 to 50–100 mass ppm for Rb, Sr, Y, and Zr in 1:10 glass beads, 0.3–6.0 to 20–230 mass ppm for minor elements (V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Nb, Ba, W, Pb, Th, and U) in 1:2 glass beads, and 0.7–8.9 to 20–220 mass ppm for trace elements (Sc, Sn, Cs, Hf, Ta, and rare earth elements) in 1:1 glass beads. Using this method, we determined 42 components in two granites from Japan, weathered granite, obsidian, and rhyolite. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of Illyrian terracotta figurines of Aphrodite and other ceramic objects using EDXRF spectrometry
Authors: Civici N.
Published: February 2007

The results obtained during the study of some Illyrian terracotta figurines of Aphrodite and related ceramics that belong to 3rd century B.C. are presented. The objects were found under water close to the banks of the Seferan Lake, which is situated about 2 km from the ancient Illyrian settlement of Belsh (central Albania). Most of the figurines were covered with a black layer of nonuniform thickness. X‐ray fluorescence was used for the determination of the type of raw materials used for the manufacture of the terracotta figurines and for the investigation of the objects' provenance. The analytical results obtained from the samples allowed us to conclude that the objects found in the Seferan Lake should have been made from local clays. The analyses performed on the black cover material showed that this layer is made of an iron‐rich material. It is not clear whether the black layer was intentionally applied during the manufacture of the figurines or was formed owing to the weathering of the objects under water. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EDXRF characterisation of elemental contents in PM2.5 in a medium‐sized Swedish city dominated by a modern waste incineration plant
Authors: Aboh Innocent Joy Kwame , Henriksson Dag , Laursen Jens , Lundin Magnus , Pind Niels , Lindgren Eva Selin , Wahnström Tomas
Published: February 2007

Energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis of airborne particles has previously been shown to be a powerful technique for identifying key elements or elemental ratios for identification of important sources of air pollution. In the present work the technique was used for assignment of major sources of aerosol particles (PM2.5) in a medium sized Swedish city in southwestern Sweden, in which a new incinerator of household and industrial waste had recently been installed. Data on particle mass and black carbon contents in PM2.5 were also recorded together with SO2 and NO2 during the same study period. In spite of the small data set it was possible to identify five major sources for collected PM2.5, namely, waste incineration together with other local sources, oil incineration, biomass burning, long‐distance transport and traffic emissions. Major characteristic elements for the respective sources were identified from regression analysis of the data and from information obtained in previous studies. A receptor model based on the use of trace observations was used for quantitative calculation of the source contribution to PM2.5. The relative strength of the identified sources was seen to change when the variables included in the analysis were varied in number and character, although the same sources remained. It must be noted that the quantitative contribution from the different sources may be treated only as informative at present, since the number of observations are small compared to the number of variables. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of Kohonen neural network to exploratory analyses of synchroton radiation x‐ray fluorescence measurements of sunflower metalloproteins
Authors: Garcia Jerusa S. , da Silva Gilmare A. , Arruda Marco A. Z. , Poppi Ronei J.
Published: February 2007

This paper describes the utilization of Kohonen neural network in an exploratory analytical study of metalloproteins based on eight metallic descriptors (K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn). The metal ions were detected by synchroton radiation x‐ray fluorescence (SRXRF) in 43 bands of proteins from sunflower leaves after electrophoretic separation. The application of Kohonen NN reduced the data dimensionality from eight to only two without information loss, making it possible to find a few protein bands that can represent all the sunflower proteins studied. The potentiality of the simultaneous utilization of electrophoresis, SRXRF and Kohonen NN for qualitative/quantitative metallomic studies is demonstrated, mainly when a large number of proteins and metallic ions need to be evaluated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of mercury in the kidney via source‐excited x‐ray fluorescence
Authors: Grinyer J. , Popovic M. , Chettle D. R.
Published: February 2007

Non‐invasive detection of kidney Hg in vivo is important in order to prevent detrimental health effects in occupationally exposed persons. In this study, preliminary results of a 109Cd source‐based x‐ray fluorescence system for the detection of Hg in the kidney are presented. The system includes a single 50 mm diameter HPGe detector with a 109Cd source mounted on the detector face for backscatter measurement geometry. A detection limit of 3.9 ppm was obtained during a bare kidney phantom feasibility study. In order to simulate an in vivo measurement, kidney phantoms were also placed inside a water tank representing the torso. The detection limit was 5.0 ppm at 1 cm phantom depth, as measured to the phantom boundary. As expected, Hg sensitivity decreased with kidney depth owing to the attenuation of incident 109Cd γ‐rays and emitted characteristic Hg K x‐rays, so that at a phantom depth of 4 cm the detection limit was 44 ppm. Further improvements to the detection limit will allow future in vivo kidney Hg measurements of chronically exposed workers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On control of shear flow of an upper convected Maxwell fluid
Authors: Renardy M.
Published: February 2007

We consider parallel shear flow of an upper convected Maxwell fluid. A control is available in the form of a body force. The system of equations governing the velocity and shear stress is equivalent to a damped linear wave equation, and well known results imply that it is controllable if the time interval is sufficiently long for waves to propagate back and forth across the uncontrolled region. On the other hand, the issue of controlling normal stresses is far more difficult. If the control is available in the entire flow region, then normal stresses can be controlled, subject to a necessary positive definiteness constraint. On the other hand, if the control is confined to a subinterval, then the normal stresses are not controllable.
Isospectral families of high‐order systems
Authors: Lancaster P. , Prells U.
Published: February 2007

Earlier work of the authors concerning the generation of isospectral families of second order (vibrating) systems is generalized to higher‐order systems (with no spectrum at infinity). Results and techniques are developed first for systems without symmetries, then with Hermitian symmetry and, finally, with palindromic symmetry. The construction of linearizations which retain such symmetries is discussed. In both cases, the notion of strictly isospectral families of systems is introduced – implying that properties of both the spectrum and the sign‐characteristic are preserved. Open questions remain in the case of strictly isospectral families of palindromic systems. Intimate connections between Hermitian and unitary systems are discussed in an Appendix.
Expression of rice Ca2+‐dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) genes under different environmental stresses
Authors: Wan Bingliang , Lin Yongjun , Mou Tongmin
Published: February 2007

Ca2+‐dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) play an essential role in plant Ca2+‐mediated signal transduction. Twenty‐nine CDPK genes have been identified in the rice genome through a complete search of genome and full‐length cDNA databases. Eight of them were reported previously to be inducible by different stress stimuli. Sequence comparison revealed that all 29 CDPK genes (OsCPK1‐29) contain multiple stress‐responsive cis‐elements in the promoter region (1 kb) upstream of genes. Analysis of the information extracted from the Rice Expression Database indicates that 11 of the CDPK genes are regulated by chilling temperature, dehydration, salt, rice blast infection and chitin treatment. RT‐PCR and RNA gel blot hybridization were performed in this study to detect the expression 19 of the CDPK genes. Twelve CDPK genes exhibited cultivar‐ and tissue‐specific expression; four CDPK genes (OsCPK6, OsCPK13, OsCPK17 and OsCPK25) were induced by chilling temperature, dehydration and salt stresses in the rice seedlings. While OsCPK13 (OsCDPK7) was already known to be inducible by chilling temperature and high salt, this is the first report that the other three genes are stress‐regulated. OsCPK6 and OsCPK25 are up‐regulated by dehydration and heat shock, respectively, while OsCPK17 is down‐regulated by chilling temperature, dehydration and high salt stresses. Based on this evidence, rice CDPK genes may be important components in the signal transduction pathways for stress responses. Findings from this research are important for further dissecting mechanisms of stress response and functions of CDPK genes in rice.
Misoprostol versus oxytocin for the reduction of postpartum blood loss
Authors: Baskett T.F. , Persad V.L. , Clough H.J. , Young D.C.
Published: February 2007

Objective: To compare the effect of 400 μg of oral misoprostol with 5 U of intravenous oxytocin in the reduction of postpartum blood loss and prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. Methods: In a prospective, double‐blind, randomized controlled trial conducted in a tertiary maternity hospital 622 women received either 400 μg of oral misoprostol or 5 U of intravenous oxytocin after delivery of the anterior shoulder or within 1 min of delivery. The primary outcome was a hematocrit drop of 10% or greater 24 h postpartum. The secondary outcomes were a hemoglobin drop of 30 mg/L or greater, the use of additional oxytocin, an estimated blood loss greater than 1000 mL, manual removal of the placenta, a blood transfusion, and shivering and fever (≥ 38 °C) as adverse effects of misoprostol. Results: There was no difference between the 2 groups regarding the primary outcome (a ≥ 10% hematocrit drop occurred in 3.4% and 3.7% of the participants in the oxytocin and misoprostol groups, P = 0.98). The rate of use of additional oxytocin was higher in the misoprostol group (51% versus 40.5%, P = 0.01). Shivering was confined to the misoprostol group (6.8%), and fever occurred in 12.5% of the women in the misoprostol group and 0.3% of the women in the oxytocin group. Conclusion: The routine use of 400 μg of oral misoprostol was no less effective than 5 U of intravenous oxytocin in reducing blood loss after delivery, as assessed by change in postpartum hematocrit. The adverse effects of misoprostol were mild and self‐limiting.
ABDUCTOR POLLICIS LONGUS TRANSFER TO RESTORE INDEX ABDUCTION IN SEVERE CASES OF CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Authors: NEMOTO K. , AMAKO M.
Published: February 2007

Transfer of the abductor pollicis longus tendon to restore index abduction was performed simultaneously with ulnar nerve decompression in severe cases of cubital tunnel syndrome. Eighteen elbows in 18 patients were evaluated with an average follow-up period of 46 (range 12–120) months. The status of the ulnar nerve palsy was evaluated by the Yasutake’s scoring method. The mean score improved from 48 points pre-operatively to 78 points at final follow-up (maximum score 100 points). Pinch strength improved from 39% of the opposite side pre-operatively to 81% finally and it reached a plateau one year postoperatively. Despite this improvement in pinch strength, atrophy of the interosseous muscle did not disappear in nine of 12 patients with a follow-up of more than two years. All patients were satisfied with the results of increased strength and stability in pinching ability. No complications occurred.
THE EFFECT OF THERMAL PRECONDITIONING OF THE LIMB ON FLEXOR TENDON HEALING
Authors: HEALY C. , MULHALL K. J. , PATRICK D. FITZ , KAY E. W. , BOUCHIER-HAYES D.
Published: February 2007

Thermal preconditioning reduces inflammation by inducing cytoprotective heat shock proteins. We evaluated the role of limb thermal preconditioning in a rabbit model of flexor tendon repair. The treatment groups underwent limb preconditioning by elevating the limb temperature to 41.5 °C for 20 minutes. The animals were sacrificed three and six weeks after flexor tendon repair. Heat shock protein72 expression of the treated limb was measured at 18 hours. Macroscopic analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in adhesion formation in the three week treatment group. The inflammatory infiltrate was significantly reduced for both treatment groups. The difference in ultimate tensile strength was not significant. We conclude that thermal preconditioning of the limb before flexor tendon repair decreases inflammation and adhesion formation in a rabbit model and has the potential to improve clinical outcome of flexor tendon surgery.