bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: The Tautomerism of Heterocycles. Six‐Membered Heterocycles. Part 1. Annular Tautomerism
Authors: Stanovnik Branko , Tisler Miha , Katritzky Alan R. , Denisko Olga V.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Using temporal variability to improve spatial mapping with application to satellite data
Authors: Kang Emily L. , Cressie Noel , Shi Tao
Published: May 2010

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has a remote‐sensing program with a large array of satellites whose mission is earth‐system science. To carry out this mission, NASA produces data at various levels; level‐2 data have been calibrated to the satellite's footprint at high temporal resolution, although there is often a lot of missing data. Level‐3 data are produced on a regular latitude—longitude grid over the whole globe at a coarser spatial and temporal resolution (such as a day, a month, or a repeat‐cycle of the satellite), and there are still missing data. This article demonstrates that spatio‐temporal statistical models can be made operational and provide a way to estimate level‐3 values over the whole grid and attach to each value a measure of its uncertainty. Specifically, a hierarchical statistical model is presented that includes a spatio‐temporal random effects (STRE) model as a dynamical component and a temporally independent spatial component for the fine‐scale variation. Optimal spatio‐temporal predictions and their mean squared prediction errors are derived in terms of a fixed‐dimensional Kalman filter. The predictions provide estimates of missing values and filter out unwanted noise. The resulting fixed‐rank filter is scalable, in that it can handle very large data sets. Its functionality relies on estimation of the model's parameters, which is presented in detail. It is demonstrated how both past and current remote‐sensing observations on aerosol optical depth (AOD) can be combined, yielding an optimal statistical predictor of AOD on the log scale along with its prediction standard error. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 38: 271–289; 2010 © 2010 Statistical Society of Canada
Temporal proteome profiling of taxol‐induced mitotic arrest and apoptosis
Authors: Bull Vibeke H. , Fargestad Ellen M. , Strozynski Margarita , Thiede Bernd
Published: May 2010

Taxol (Paclitaxel) is a mitotic inhibitor widely used in cancer therapy. Temporal proteome profiling was performed to study changes of proteins during the different cellular states of HeLa cells caused by exposure to taxol. The changes of proteins over time could be associated with various cellular processes such as mitotic arrest, an intermediate between mitotic arrest and apoptosis, apoptosis, and late apoptosis. Calumenin, stress‐induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1), and translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) were assigned to mitotic arrest and selected for further experiments using immunoblotting and subcellular fractionation. Calumenin translocated from membranes to the cytosol during mitotic arrest and late apoptosis, but was significantly reduced in the cytosol during apoptosis. Translocation of STIP1 to the nucleus was observed at apoptosis and to the cytoskeleton at late apoptosis. TCTP increased in the cytosol at mitotic arrest and in membranes at apoptosis. In addition, the quantitative time courses of Bim isoforms revealed differences between BimL and BimS in comparison with BimEL. In summary, temporal proteome profiling of HeLa cells incubated with taxol allowed the assignment of proteins to certain processes and additional experiments with complementary approaches enabled a more comprehensive understanding of spatial changes of selected proteins during mitotic arrest and apoptosis.
Evaluation and suggestions for improvement of seismic design procedures for R/C walls in dual systems
Authors: Kappos Andreas J. , Antoniadis Panagiotis S.
Published: May 2010

This paper aims to shed some further light on the seismic behaviour and design of reinforced concrete (R/C) walls which form part of dual (frame + wall) structures. The significance of post‐elastic dynamic effects is recognized by most seismic codes in the definition of the design action effects on walls, i.e. bending moments and shear forces. However, the resulting envelopes are not always fully satisfactory, particularly in the case of medium‐to‐high‐rise buildings. The relevant provisions of modern seismic codes are first summarized and their limitations discussed. Then an extensive parametric study is presented which involves typical multi‐storey dual systems that include walls with unequal lengths, designed according to the provisions of Eurocode 8 for two different ductility classes (M and H) and two effective peak ground acceleration levels (0.16 and 0.24g). The walls of these structures are also designed according to other methods, such as those used in New Zealand and Greece. The resulting different designs are then assessed by subjecting the structures to a suite of records from strong ground motions, carrying out inelastic time history analysis, and comparing the results with the design action effects. It is found that for (at least) the design earthquake intensity, the first two modes of vibration suffice for describing the seismic response of the walls. The bending moment envelope, as well as the base shear of each wall, is found to be strongly dependent on the second mode effect. As far as the code‐prescribed design action effects are concerned, only the NZ Code was found to be consistently conservative, whereas this was not always the case with EC8. A new method is then proposed which focuses on quantifying in a simple way the second mode effects in the inelastic response of the walls. This procedure seems to work better than the others evaluated herein. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound increases cellular uptake of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanomaterial: Results from human osteosarcoma cell line U2OS
Authors: Wang Yi‐Xiang J. , Leung Ken Cham‐Fai , Cheung Wing‐Hoi , Wang Hao‐Hao , Shi Lin , Wang De‐Feng , Qin Ling , Ahuja Anil T.
Published: May 2010

Purpose:

To determine whether low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is able to facilitate the uptake of a superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanomaterial by cells that do not express high endocytosis capacity.

Materials and Methods:

The human osteosarcoma cell line U2OS and a silica‐coated SPIO functionalized peripherally with amines groups (overall diameter 8 nm) were used in this study. Adherent U2OS cells were labeled with SPIO by incubating with culture media containing the SPIO at 4.5 μg[Fe]/mL. LIPUS with the same parameters as those used in clinical application to accelerate bone fracture healing (1.5 MHz, duty cycle 1:4, spatial‐average temporal‐average intensity 30 mW/cm2) was applied to the cells at the beginning of the labeling process for 0, 0.5, 1, or 3 hours. The total incubation time with SPIO was 12 hours. SPIO labeling efficiency was evaluated with Prussian blue staining and a blueness measurement method, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cell pellets via measuring areas of SPIO‐induced signal void.

Results:

Both Prussian blue staining and in vitro MRI demonstrated that LIPUS application increased the SPIO nanomaterial labeling efficiency for U2OS cells in an exposure‐duration‐dependent manner.

Conclusion:

This study is a “proof of concept” that LIPUS can facilitate the cellular take‐up of SPIO nanomaterial. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1508–1513. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnostic value of minimum apparent diffusion coefficient values in prediction of neuroepithelial tumor grading
Authors: Chen Zhiye , Ma Lin , Lou Xin , Zhou Zhenhong
Published: May 2010

Purpose:

To retrospectively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of diffusion weighted image (DWI) in the prediction of neuroepithelial tumors grading, and to appraise the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of neuroepithelial tumors with histologic findings as a reference standard.

Materials and Methods:

ADC values in 110 patients with pathologically proved neuroepithelial tumors, including 77 astrocytic tumors, 16 oligodendroglial tumors, 11 oligoastrocytic tumors, and 6 ependymal tumors, were investigated retrospectively. The minimum ADC (MinADC) value of tumors was measured postoperatively on ADC maps, avoiding cystic, necrotic, or hemorrhagic components. The Ki‐67 Labeling Index (Ki‐67 LI) was determined by immunohistochemistry. The patients were classified into low (WHO II) and high (WHO III or IV) grade groups. Correlation analysis, Student t‐test, Welch test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and analysis of variance were used for statistical evaluation.

Results:

There was a negative correlation between MinADC value and Ki‐67 LI (P < 0.001). The mean MinADC value (1.057 × 10−3 mm2/s) of low grade group was higher than that (0.773 × 10−3 mm2/s) of high grade group. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.809, and the cutoff MinADC value of 0.900 × 10−3 mm2/s for the differentiation between high and low grade neuroepithelial tumors provided the best combination of sensitivity (85.4%) and specificity (71.0%).

Conclusion:

MinADC value may be a simple and effective optional tool for the prediction of neuroepithelial tumor grading. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1331–1338. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of new diffusion tensor imaging anisotropy measures in the three‐phase plot
Authors: Prados Ferran , Boada Imma , Prats‐Galino Alberto , Martín‐Fernández Josep Antoni , Feixas Miquel , Blasco Gerard , Puig Josep , Pedraza Salvador
Published: May 2010

Purpose:

To evaluate diffusion anisotropy from diffusion tensor imaging using new measures derived from Hellinger divergences and from compositional data distances.

Materials and Methods:

New anisotropy measures obtained from the diffusion tensor imaging were measured and compared with classic ones such as fractional anisotropy (FA) and relative anisotropy (RA). The evaluation was done using the three‐phase plot (3P‐plot). The measures were compared with regard to their sensitivity to detect white and gray matter changes on human DTI data acquired from five normal volunteers. For each volunteer, different volumes of interest located in white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) were considered.

Results:

The proposed Compositional Kullback‐Leibler (KLA) and the classic FA had a similar behavior, although KLA detected better the transitions between white and gray matter. Moreover, KLA showed a better discrimination in areas with great confluence of fibers.

Conclusion:

KLA detects better than FA the difference between WM and GM. This leads KLA to be a good measure for segmenting WM from GM. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1435–1444. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved CHESS imaging with the use of rice pads: Investigation in the neck, shoulder, and elbow
Authors: Moriya Susumu , Miki Yukio , Yokobayashi Tsuneo , Yamamoto Akira , Kanagaki Mitsunori , Komori Yoshiaki , Fujimoto Koji , Ishikawa Mitsunori
Published: May 2010

Purpose:

To investigate the feasibility of rice pads for improving nonuniform fat suppression in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck, shoulder, and elbow using the chemical shift selective (CHESS) technique.

Materials and Methods:

CHESS imaging of the neck, shoulder, and elbow was performed on 10 healthy volunteers with and without the use of rice pads. Images were visually assessed by one radiologist and one radiologic technologist using a four‐point scale. Results were compared using Wilcoxon's signed rank sum test.

Results:

Images with and without rice pads were rated 3.9 and 1.5 for the neck (P = 0.002), 3.85 and 2.5 for the shoulder (P = 0.002), and 3.4 and 2.45 for the elbow (P = 0.004).

Conclusion:

Fat‐suppressed images obtained using the CHESS technique were significantly improved by rice pads for the neck, shoulder, and elbow, indicating that image deterioration with CHESS caused by magnetic field nonuniformity can be improved by rice pads in all body areas. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1504–1507. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Possible pathological basis for false diagnoses of lymph nodes by USPIO‐enhanced MRI in rabbits
Authors: Lei Jing , Xue Hua Dan , Li Zhuo , Li Shuo , Jin Zheng Yu
Published: May 2010

Purpose:

To determine the cause of misdiagnosis of lymph nodes in ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using histological findings in rabbit tumor and inflammatory models.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty‐six rabbits were randomly divided into inflammatory and tumor groups. MRI of the popliteal fossa was performed before and 24 hours after USPIO administration. Diagnoses of popliteal lymph nodes were evaluated based on dedicated criteria and were compared with histological and electronic microscopic findings.

Results:

There were 46 inflammatory and 26 metastatic lymph nodes. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the diagnosis of nodal metastasis were 84.6%, 87.0%, 78.6%, and 90.9%, respectively. There were four false‐negatives with subcapsular metastatic foci and six false‐positives with predominant cortex and paracortex hyperplasia. Electron microscopy showed that in inflammatory nodes, cytophagic bubbles contain many USPIO particles, while in metastatic nodes they contained predominantly cellular residues.

Conclusion:

Diagnosis of lymph node malignancy is largely determined by the location and number of metastatic tumor cells. A profound understanding of the physiological role of macrophages in nodes with tumor burden will contribute to better diagnoses for clinical application. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1428–1434. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐contrast renal artery MRA using an inflow inversion recovery steady state free precession technique (Inhance): Comparison with 3D contrast‐enhanced MRA
Authors: Glockner James F. , Takahashi Naoki , Kawashima Akira , Woodrum David A. , Stanley David W. , Takei Naoyuki , Miyoshi Mitsuharu , Sun Wei
Published: May 2010

Purpose:

To assess the performance of a three‐dimensional (3D) non‐contrast respiratory‐triggered steady state free precession (SSFP) pulse sequence for detection of renal artery stenosis.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 64 patients who had non‐contrast MR angiography (NC MRA) and 3D contrast‐enhanced MRA (CE MRA) performed during the same exam and three patients who had NC MRA followed by conventional catheter angiography within one month of the MRI exam were included in this retrospective study. Two blinded readers evaluated NC MRA images for the presence of significant renal artery stenosis and also rated their diagnostic confidence and evaluated the images for artifact. A similar analysis was performed for CE MRA images by two additional blinded readers, and discrepancies were resolved by consensus reading.

Results:

The 67 patients had 168 main and accessory renal arteries, with significant (>50%) stenosis in 34 arteries on CE MRA or conventional angiography. The two NC MRA readers had sensitivity and specificity for detection of significant stenosis of 94%/82% and 82%/87% respectively on a per renal artery basis.

Conclusion:

There was good agreement between CE MRA and NC MRA for detection of significant renal artery stenosis. This technique should prove useful in evaluating patients with suspected renovascular hypertension who are unable to undergo CE MRA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1411–1418. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fast‐spin‐echo imaging of inner fields‐of‐view with 2D‐selective RF excitations
Authors: Finsterbusch Jürgen
Published: May 2010

Purpose:

To demonstrate the feasibility of two‐dimensional selective radio frequency (2DRF) excitations for fast‐spin‐echo imaging of inner fields‐of‐view (FOVs) in order to shorten acquisitions times, decrease RF energy deposition, and reduce image blurring.

Materials and Methods:

Fast‐spin‐echo images (in‐plane resolution 1.0 × 1.0 mm2 or 0.5 × 1.0 mm2) of inner FOVs (40 mm, 16 mm oversampling) were obtained in phantoms and healthy volunteers on a 3 T whole‐body MR system using blipped‐planar 2DRF excitations.

Results:

Positioning the unwanted side excitations in the blind spot between the image section and the slice stack to measure yields minimum 2DRF pulse durations (about 6 msec) that are compatible with typical echo spacings of fast‐spin‐echo acquisitions. For the inner FOVs, the number of echoes and refocusing RF pulses is considerably reduced which compared to a full FOV (182 mm) reduces the RF energy deposition by about a factor of three and shortens the acquisition time, e.g., from 39 seconds to 12 seconds for a turbo factor of 15 or from 900 msec to 280 msec for a single‐shot acquisition, respectively. Furthermore, image blurring occurring for high turbo factors as in single‐shot acquisitions is considerably reduced yielding effectively higher in‐plane resolutions.

Conclusion:

Inner‐FOV acquisitions using 2DRF excitations may help to shorten acquisitions times, ameliorate image blurring, and reduce specific absorption rate (SAR) limitations of fast‐spin‐echo (FSE) imaging, in particular at higher static magnetic fields. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1530–1537. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intradiscal temperature monitoring using double gradient‐echo pulse sequences at 1.0T
Authors: Wonneberger Uta , Schnackenburg Bernhard , Wlodarczyk Waldemar , Walter Thula , Streitparth Florian , Rump Jens , Teichgräber Ulf K.M.
Published: May 2010

Purpose:

To validate an unspoiled gradient‐recalled echo pulse sequence with dual echo acquisition as a means to increase temperature sensitivity while monitoring intradiscal laser ablation therapy.

Materials and Methods:

Phantom experiments as well as in vitro thermal ablation simulations were performed in an open 1.0T magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. Three methods of noninvasive MR‐thermometry based on the signal void decrease caused by T1‐relaxation time increase (T1), the temperature‐dependent proton resonance frequency (PRF) shift, and a combination of both methods with complex differences (CD) were compared. Temperature accuracy and reliability of temperature distribution were the main assessment criteria.

Results:

The optimum temperature sensitivity was found using CD in phantom experiments. During in vitro experiments the PRF showed the smallest margin of error (T1: ±1.64°C, PRF: ±1.23°C, CD: ±1.29°C) and the best qualitative evaluation of temperature.

Conclusion:

Intradiscal temperature monitoring with an unspoiled dual‐echo sequence is most accurate with PRF‐thermometry in combination with the long echo time. Magnitude images with an initial short echo time permit high image detail of the heat‐induced lesion. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1499–1503. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation of cognitive dysfunction and diffusion tensor MRI measures in patients with mild and moderate multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hecke Wim Van , Nagels Guy , Leemans Alexander , Vandervliet Evert , Sijbers Jan , Parizel Paul M.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

To compare the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy subjects in every brain voxel and to correlate them with Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) scores.

Materials and Methods

Fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean, longitudinal, and transverse diffusivity are compared between control subjects and MS patients, which were subdivided as mildly and moderately impaired. In addition, PASAT scores are correlated for both MS groups with the diffusion measures. An optimized voxel based analysis (VBA) method, in terms of coregistration, atlas construction, and image smoothing, was thereby used.

Results:

Diffusion differences between the control subjects and the patients with MS were found in the corpus callosum, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, cortico spinal tracts, forceps major, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and cingulum. In addition, we observed significant correlations of the FA and PASAT scores in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus, the forceps minor, the capsula interna and externa, the genu of the corpus callosum, the left cingulum, the superior longitudinal fasciculus, and the corona radiata.

Conclusion:

Diffusion differences were observed between the mildly impaired MS patients and control subjects. In addition, different diffusion measures correlated with PASAT scores for cognitive decline in parietal, frontal, as well as temporal white matter (WM) regions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1492–1498. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A method for measuring the cross sectional area of the anterior portion of the optic nerve in vivo using a fast 3D MRI sequence
Authors: Yiannakas Marios C. , Wheeler‐Kingshott Claudia A.M. , Berry Alaine M. , Chappell Karyn , Henderson Andrew , Kolappan Madhan , Miller David H. , Tozer Daniel J.
Published: May 2010

Purpose:

To investigate the three‐dimensional (3D) fast‐recovery fast spin‐echo accelerated (FRFSE‐XL) sequence as a new application for measuring the intraorbital optic nerve (ION) mean cross‐sectional area in vivo and to determine its value within a commonly used high resolution imaging protocol.

Materials and Methods:

The entire ION was scanned in nine healthy volunteers (mean age 32 ± 4 years) using the 3D FRFSE‐XL sequence and a commonly used high resolution short‐echo fast fluid‐attenuated inversion‐recovery (sTE fFLAIR) sequence with identical slice locations at 1.5T. The mean cross‐sectional area from both sequences was measured on a slice‐by‐slice basis from 3 mm behind the globe to the orbital apex. The reproducibility of both techniques was assessed from repeated scans (scan‐rescan) and repeated image analysis (intraobserver).

Results:

Measurement of the mean cross‐sectional area of the anterior 9 mm segment of the ION was only possible using the 3D FRFSE‐XL sequence with a mean area of 11.6 ± 2.2 mm2 (scan rescan COV = 3.3 ± 1.5, intraobserver COV = 2.4 ± 0.02) whereas the remainder segment of the ION (i.e., 9 mm behind the globe to the orbital apex) could only be measured with the use of the sTE fFLAIR with a mean area of 8.5 ± 1.7 mm2 (scan rescan COV = 4.9 ± 2.5 and intraobserver COV = 3.70 ± 0.03).

Conclusion:

The 3D FRFSE‐XL allows fast and reproducible measurement of the cross‐sectional area of the anterior 9mm segment of the ION, which is not possible using commonly used imaging sequences due to image degradation from motion, and is of complementary value to the existing imaging protocol for ION atrophy quantification. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1486–1491. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prospective cytomegalovirus monitoring during first‐line chemotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Capria Saveria , Gentile Giuseppe , Capobianchi Angela , Cardarelli Luisa , Gianfelici Valentina , Trisolini Silvia Maria , Foà Robin , Martino Pietro , Meloni Giovanni
Published: May 2010

Little is known about the incidence and clinical impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in patients with acute myeloid leukemia at the time of diagnosis and during chemotherapy. The aims of the present study were to assess prospectively the incidence of active CMV infection in 69 consecutive patients with acute myeloid leukemia and to describe the outcomes of treatment. pp65 antigenemia was monitored at diagnosis, post‐induction and post‐consolidation chemotherapy, and whenever CMV reactivation was suspected. Patients with pp65 antigenemia received pre‐emptive anti‐CMV treatment. Fifty‐nine patients achieved complete remission. Baseline CMV serology results were available for 56 of the 59 patients: 52 patients (93%) were IgG positive. The overall incidence of pp65 antigenemia in patients in complete remission after chemotherapy was 35% (21/59): 9 patients after induction and 12 post‐consolidation. Sixteen of the 21 pp65‐positive patients received anti‐CMV treatment: 15 as pre‐emptive therapy and 1 for interstitial CMV pneumonitis. Five patients received no anti‐CMV treatment and did not develop CMV disease. Patients with pp65 antigenemia had more hospital admissions (2.57 vs. 2.16; P = 0.009), while patients with >10 pp65‐positive cells had more clinical complications (8/9 vs. 2/12; P = 0.002). In conclusion, patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving chemotherapy should be monitored for active CMV infection. CMV reactivation in these patients was associated with an increased number of hospital admissions, and high levels of pp65 antigenemia were associated with more clinical complications. Controlled studies are needed to assess the relevance of pre‐emptive anti‐CMV therapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving chemotherapy. J. Med. Virol. 82: 1201–1207, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human papillomavirus infection in urine samples from male renal transplant patients
Authors: Tornesello Maria Lina , Loquercio Giovanna , Tagliamonte Maria , Rossano Fabio , Buonaguro Luigi , Buonaguro Franco Maria
Published: May 2010

Renal allograft recipients have a well‐documented increased incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related malignancies and preventive strategies should be specifically implemented. While in females the use of the Papanicolau test and HPV detection assay are used currently as a screening test for cervical cancer, no diagnostic procedures have been implemented to monitor HPV infection in males. The aim of this study was to test for HPV infection and to determine the spectrum of viral genotypes in urine samples of men with renal transplants. The study included 88 patients who underwent kidney transplantation between 1999 and 2005. HPV sequences were detected by nested PCR, using the broad‐spectrum consensus‐primer pairs MY09/MY11 and the new MGP system, and characterized by nucleotide sequence analysis. Overall, 43 (48.9%) samples were found positive for HPV sequences and the most common genotypes were HPV 16 (53.5%) and HPV 54 (9.3%) followed by HPV 6, 53, 56, 58, 66, 11, 12, 20, 45, 62, and 71, in descending order of prevalence. The majority of HPV 16 isolates were classified as European and only one as African‐1 variant on the basis of nucleotide signature present within the MGP L1 region. The high prevalence of HPV 16 among renal allograft recipients suggests that an HPV‐16‐based preventive or therapeutic vaccine may be effective for prevention or treatment of HPV‐related neoplasia in this group of immune compromised patients. J. Med. Virol. 82:1179–1185, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Viral respiratory infections in hospitalized and community control children in Alaska
Authors: Singleton Rosalyn J. , Bulkow Lisa R. , Miernyk Karen , DeByle Carolynn , Pruitt Lori , Hummel Kimberlee Boyd , Bruden Dana , Englund Janet A. , Anderson Larry J. , Lucher Lynne , Holman Robert C. , Hennessy Thomas W.
Published: May 2010

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Alaska Native children from the Yukon Kuskokwim (YK) Delta is associated with a hospitalization rate five times higher than that reported for the general US child population. The role of other viral respiratory pathogens has not been studied in this population. YK Delta children <3 years of age hospitalized with respiratory infections and same aged community control children were prospectively enrolled between October 2005 and September 2007. Polymerase chain reaction detection of viruses was performed on nasopharyngeal samples. Characteristics of hospitalized and asymptomatic control children were analyzed. From October 2005 to September 2007, 440 hospitalized and 425 control children were analyzed. Respiratory viruses were detected in 90% (395) of hospitalized children: 194 (44%) rhinovirus, 131 (30%) adenovirus, 102 (23%) RSV, 77 (18%) para influenza viruses (PIV), 66 (15%) human metapneumovirus (hMPV), 23 (5%) influenza, and 25 (6%) coronavirus. Fifty‐two percent (221) of control children had a virus detected, most commonly rhinovirus (33%), and adenovirus (16%). RSV, PIV, hMPV, and influenza were significantly more common in hospitalized cases than control children, but rhinovirus, adenovirus, and coronavirus were not. RSV and hMPV were associated with higher severity of illness. In this study, RSV remains the most important virus associated with respiratory hospitalization, although hMPV and PIV were also common. RSV and hMPV were associated with more severe illness. Rhinovirus and adenovirus were detected in two‐thirds of hospitalized children, but their frequent detection in control children made their role in respiratory hospitalization uncertain. J. Med. Virol. 82:1282–1290, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation between rotavirus A genotypes detected in hospitalized children and sewage samples in 2006, Córdoba, Argentina
Authors: Barril P.A. , Giordano M.O. , Isa M.B. , Masachessi G. , Ferreyra L.J. , Castello A.A. , Glikmann G. , Nates S.V.
Published: May 2010

Routine rotavirus A (RV‐A) surveillance is based on clinical cases, so only symptomatic infections are reported. The objective of this study was to determine whether the RV‐A genotypes and cold seasonal pattern described in patients with diarrhea is reflected by sewage surveillance, which could be representative of the RV‐A genotypes circulating in the population. The genotype distribution of RV‐A in effluent samples from a local sewage treatment plant was compared to those from local clinical cases. A total of 52 sewage samples and 70 stool specimens from children with acute non‐bacterial diarrhea were collected from January to December 2006. The effluent specimens were concentrated and RNA extracts from concentrated sewage and clinical samples were genotyped for the rotavirus VP7 gene. The proportional distribution of the RV‐A G‐genotypes in sewage and clinical samples during the cold season was similar: G1 accounted for 26.6% of the typed sewage isolates and 28.8% of the clinical infections; G3 type accounted for 21.9% and 25.8%; G2 type 15.6% and 10.6%; G4 type 17.2% and 21.2%; G8 type 1.6% and 0%; and the G9 type 17.2% and 13.6%, respectively. A similar picture of RV‐A genotype detection was obtained in sewage samples collected during the cold and warm seasons. The results indicate that there is a correlation between genotypes of RV‐A isolates from human diarrheic patients and of those from sewage samples. In addition, sewage monitoring highlighted the uniform all‐year RV‐A circulation, which was in contrast to the peak incidence of RV‐A infection in the community. J. Med. Virol. 82: 1277–1281, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of PCR‐LDR‐nucleic acid detection strip in detection of YMDD mutation in hepatitis B patients treated with lamivudine
Authors: Xu Gaolian , You Qimin , Pickerill Sam , Zhong Huayan , Wang Hongying , Shi Jian , Luo Ying , You Paul , Kong Huimin , Lu Fengmin , Hu Lin
Published: May 2010

Chronic hepatitis B virus (CHBV) infection causes cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Lamivudine (LAM) has been successfully used to treat CHBV infections but prolonged use leads to the emergence of drug‐resistant variants. This is primarily linked to a mutation in the tyrosine–methionine–aspartate–aspartate (YMDD) motif of the HBV polymerase gene at position 204. Rapid diagnosis of drug‐resistant HBV is necessary for a prompt treatment response. Common diagnostic methods such as sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis lack sensitivity and require significant processing. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the usefulness of a novel diagnostic method that combines polymerase chain reaction (PCR), ligase detection reaction (LDR) and a nucleic acid detection strip (NADS) in detecting site‐specific mutations related to HBV LAM resistance. We compared this method (PLNA) to direct sequencing and RFLP analysis in 50 clinical samples from HBV infected patients. There was 90% concordance between all three results. PLNA detected more samples containing mutant variants than both sequencing and RFLP analysis and was more sensitive in detecting mixed variant populations. Plasmid standards indicated that the sensitivity of PLNA is at or below 3,000 copies per ml and that it can detect a minor variant at 5% of the total viral population. This warrants its further development and suggests that the PLNA method could be a useful tool in detecting LAM resistance. J. Med. Virol. 82: 1143–1149, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular and clinical characteristics of hepatitis B virus in Korea
Authors: Ahn Sang Hoon , Yuen Lilly , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Littlejohn Margaret , Chang Hye Young , Damerow Hans , Ayres Anna , Heo Jeong , Locarnini Stephen , Revill Peter A.
Published: May 2010

Korea is an endemic area of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection but very little is known about the molecular characteristics of HBV isolates from Korean patients or the association with disease progression. The complete HBV genome sequences from 53 Korean patients with chronic hepatitis B, advanced cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were analyzed to identify (i) subgenotype distribution and genetic diversity and (ii) signature mutations associated with liver disease progression. With the exception of 1 patient infected with HBV/B, all 52 patients (98.1%) were infected with HBV/C, subgenotype C2. These strains were 98.4% identical and the frequency of amino acid substitutions occurring within key immunological epitopes increased with disease severity. A number of amino acid/nucleotide substitutions were associated with HCC, namely sR24K (HBsAg), SI126T (HBsAg), and pcA1846T (precore gene) mutations (P = 0.029, 0.001, and 0.008, respectively). HBV harboring deletions in the pre‐S region were also associated with increased liver disease severity (chronic hepatitis B vs. cirrhosis, P = 0.040; chronic hepatitis B vs. HCC, P = 0.040). Despite the high degree of sequence conservation, several key HBV mutations were associated with disease progression. Prospective studies with larger cohorts of patients are required to evaluate further the clinical manifestation of HBV/C2 in Korea. J. Med. Virol. 82: 1126–1134, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surgical technique refinements in head and neck oncologic surgery
Authors: Liu Jeffrey C. , Shah Jatin P.
Published: May 2010

The head and neck region poses a challenging arena for oncologic surgery. Diseases and their treatment can affect a myriad of functions, including sight, hearing, taste, smell, breathing, speaking, swallowing, facial expression, and appearance. This review discusses several areas where refinements in surgical techniques have led to improved patient outcomes. This includes surgical incisions, neck lymphadenectomy, transoral laser microsurgery, minimally invasive thyroid surgery, and the use of vascularized free flaps for oromandibular reconstruction. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:661‐668. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regional treatment of colorectal liver metastasis
Authors: Kulaylat Mahmoud N. , Gibbs John F.
Published: May 2010

Compared to systemic chemotherapy, intraarterial administration of tumoricidal agents with or without systemic chemotherapy in the treatment of nonresectable metastatic colorectal cancer is associated with superior response rate. The time‐to‐hepatic progression is also increased but the effect on overall survival is variable. When combined with other treatment modalities the number of patients who benefit from the treatment increases. In a subgroup of patients with resectable disease, hepatic artery infusion of chemotherapy as adjuvant therapy may be beneficial. Progression of the disease, hepatic and systemic toxicity, and complexity of the surgical aspects of the treatment limit the routine use of this treatment modality. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:693‐698. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Refinements of surgical technique in soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: Karakousis Constantine P.
Published: May 2010

The primary modality of treatment for a localized soft tissue sarcoma is surgical resection. Adjuvant or neoadjuvant radiation helps reduce the rate of local recurrence. The rate of limb preserving resection is 94% in our series. Local recurrence can be re‐excised in 95% of the patients, with limb preservation in 90%. Retroperitoneal sarcomas present difficulties in resection but with optimal techniques the complete resectability rate approaches 95% with 5‐ and 10‐year survivals rates of 65% and 56%. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:730‐738. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advances in the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer
Authors: Ng Thomas , Vezeridis Michael P.
Published: May 2010

Surgical resection remains the predominant modality in the management of esophageal cancer. Transthoracic and transhiatal esophagectomy are the procedures that are most frequently performed. Minimally invasive esophagectomy is feasible but will require further evaluation with well‐designed trials and long‐term follow‐up before it can be widely adopted. Technical improvements have lowered the rate of cervical anastomotic leak and improved the management of thoracic anastomotic leak. Outcome studies demonstrated that the optimal mortality, morbidity, and survival outcomes are obtained when esophageal resections are performed by experienced surgeons in high‐volume institutions. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:725‐729. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Salvage of pelvic recurrence of colorectal cancer
Authors: Varker Kimberly A. , Wanebo Harold J.
Published: May 2010

Although the incidence of locally recurrent colorectal cancer has been reduced by improved surgical techniques and the frequent use of multimodality therapy, pelvic recurrence remains a significant problem. Radiation or chemotherapy may provide palliation but it is often short‐lived. For fit candidates without evidence of extrapelvic disease, surgical resection (anterior resection, abdominoperineal resection, pelvic exenteration, or abdominosacral resection) may be the most appropriate treatment. For patients with unresectable disease, isolated pelvic perfusion may provide effective palliation. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:649‐660. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ein Lasersystem, viele Anwendungen
Authors: Schilling Niels , klotzbach Udo , Hendow Sami T. , Guerreiro Paulo T.
Published: May 2010

Die fortschreitende Entwicklung der Faserlaser ermöglicht auf Grund der brillanten Strahlqualität dieser Systeme immer neue Anwendungsmöglichkeiten in der industriellen Fertigung. Gleichzeitig werden etablierte Prozesse von Festkörper‐ und Gaslasern aufgrund des guten Wirkungsgrades auf die Anwendung des Faserlasers ausgelegt. Trotz vieler wirtschaftlicher Vorteile dieses Lasersystems gegenüber etablierten Lasersystemen sind die Anschaffungskosten bei Kaufüberlegungen vor allem für kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen ausschlaggebend. Wichtige Kennzeichen zum Amortisieren des Systems sind weitreichende Einsatzspektren und die Möglichkeit der spezifischen Prozessoptimierung.
Mit Hybridanlagen anforderungsgerecht produzieren
Authors: Ernst Max
Published: May 2010

Immer individuellere Aufträge erfordern immer flexiblere Produktionsprozesse. Mit Standardanlagen lässt sich das nur mit erhöhtem Kostenaufwand realisieren. Dagegen ermöglichen individuell gefertigte Maschinen, die beispielsweise das Laserschweißen und ‐schneiden in einem integrieren, das passgenaue Optimieren der Prozessabläufe und eine ungleich höhere Prozesssicherheit – und dies bei einem zumeist geringeren Kostenaufwand.
Resetting the Laser Market
Authors: Hausken Tom
Published: May 2010

The last year was one of the worst declines for the laser market in many years, in an industry used to steady growth. Reset to about the same level as 2003–2004, the drop destroyed profits, jobs, and forced some companies to close. If you survived 2009, you are already better off than many.

On the positive side, it's all up from here. Our forecast shows growth in every segment from this new low point; a downturn with an upward‐sloping bottom. This downturn was sudden and companies reacted quickly. Revenues hit bottom in early 2009, already turning around by mid‐2009. Current indications are that output continues to grow in 2010.
Current awareness in prenatal diagnosis
Authors:   John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: May 2010

In order to keep subscribers up‐to‐date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of prenatal diagnosis. Each bibliography is divided into 22 sections: 1 Reviews; 2 General Interest; 3 Normal Fetal Development; 4 Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis; 5 First Trimester Diagnosis; 6 Second Trimester Diagnosis; 7 Fetal Imaging: General; Ultrasound; MRI; Doppler; 8 Maternal Serum Screening for Aneuploidy; 9 Screening for Carriers of Genetic Abnormality; 10 Molecular Cytogenetics: Metaphase Cytogenetics/FISH; Array CGH; 11 Fetal Cells in Maternal Circulation; 12 Fetal DNA/RNA in Maternal Body Fluids; 13 Fetal Therapy; 14 Psychosocial and Ethical Aspects; 15 Epidemiology and Environmental Factors; 16 Developmental and Placental Pathology; 17 Genetic Counseling. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author. If, in the preceding period, no publications are located relevant to any one of these headings, that section will be omitted
Neural network‐based model for dual‐junction solar cells
Authors: Patra Jagdish C.
Published: May 2010

Design and development of solar cells can be substantially improved by using models which can provide accurate estimation of complex device characteristics. The artificial neural network (NN)‐based models which learn from examples is an effective modeling technique that overcomes the deficiencies of conventional analytical techniques. In this paper, we propose NN‐based modeling techniques for estimation of behavior of dual‐junction (DJ) GaInP/GaAs solar cells involving complex phenomena, e.g., tunneling effect and complex interactions between the junctions. With extensive computer simulations we have compared performance of NN‐based models with that of a sophisticated device simulator, ATLAS form Silvaco. We have shown that the NN‐based models are able to estimate the solar cell characteristics close to that of the experimentally measured response. Compared with the response from ATLAS‐based models, the NN‐based models provide better results in estimation of tunneling phenomenon, determination of external quantum efficiency and I–V characteristics of DJ solar cells. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐band gap copolymers containing thienothiadiazole units: Synthesis, optical, and electrochemical properties
Authors: Kmínek Ivan , Výprachtický Drahomír , Kříž Jaroslav , Dybal Jiří , Cimrová Věra
Published: May 2010

Novel low‐band gap alternating copolymers consisting of 9,9‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)fluorene and 4,6‐di(2‐thienyl)thieno[3,4‐c][1,2,5]thiadiazole and its 3,3″‐dialkyl derivatives were synthesized by Suzuki copolymerization reaction, and their photophysical and electrochemical properties were studied. The copolymers possess small optical band gap 1.3–1.4 eV. The absorption covers the whole visible spectral region. The long‐wavelength absorption maxima in thin films located at approximately 750–785 nm are significantly red shifted compared with those in solution, indicating strong intermolecular interactions. The introduction of alkyl chains to the thiophene units increases the molecular weights of soluble fractions and solubility of the final copolymers, leading to the improved processability of thin films. Polymer solutions exhibited solvatochromism and thermochromism, which is strongly supported by the involvement of the alkyl chains. The copolymers exhibited ambipolar redox properties and reversible electrochromic behavior. The electronic properties are influenced only slightly by alkyl substituents. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2743–2756, 2010
Proton conductive polyimide ionomer membranes: Effect of NH, OH, and COOH groups
Authors: Saito Jumpei , Tanaka Manabu , Miyatake Kenji , Watanabe Masahiro
Published: May 2010

A new series of sulfonated polyimide (SPI) copolymers containing NH, OH, or COOH groups were synthesized by the polycondensation of 1,4,5,8‐naphthalnetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3′‐bis(sulfopropoxy)‐4,4′‐diaminobiphenyl, and 3‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐(3‐aminophenyl)‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole (SPI‐8‐m), 3,5‐bis(4‐aminophenyl)‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole (SPI‐8‐p), 3,6‐diaminocarbazole (SPI‐9), 3,5‐diamino‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole (SPI‐10), bis(3‐aminopropyl)‐amine (SPI‐11), 2,6‐diaminopurine (SPI‐12), 2,4‐diamino‐6‐hydroxyprymidine (SPI‐13), or 3,5‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)benzoic acid (SPI‐14). The obtained SPIs were soluble in polar organic solvents and gave tough and flexible membranes by solution casting. The SPI membranes having NH and COOH groups showed high thermal (decomposition temperature ≈200 °C) and mechanical (maximum stress >22 MPa) stability. Introducing NH groups, especially triazole and carbazole groups, was effective in improving proton conductive properties of SPI membranes at low humidity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2846–2854, 2010
Micelles and reverse micelles with a photo and thermo double‐responsive block copolymer
Authors: Jin Qiao , Liu Gongyan , Ji Jian
Published: May 2010

A novel photo and thermo double‐responsive block copolymer was developed to fabricate micelles and reverse micelles in aqueous solution. The block copolymer was synthesized by ATRP block copolymerization of a spiropyran‐ containing methacrylate (SPMA) with di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (DEGMMA). By facile control of the photo irradiation and solution temperature, PSPMA‐core and PDEGMMA‐core micelles can be obtained, respectively. The thermo‐ and photo‐responsive micelles were used as smart polymeric nanocarriers for controlled encapsulation, triggered release, and re‐encapsulation of model drug coumarin 102. The double‐responsive self‐assembly and disassembly were tracked by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2855–2861, 2010
Unsaturated, biobased polyesters and their cross‐linking via radical copolymerization
Authors: Jasinska Lidia , Koning Cor E.
Published: May 2010

Biobased, unsaturated polyesters derived from isosorbide, maleic anhydride, and succinic acid were synthesized and characterized. The presence of maleic anhydride units in the structure of the polyesters allowed converting them into cured coatings by radical copolymerization with crosslinking agents such as 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate, N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone, acrylic acid or methacrylamide. The investigated polyesters were obtained via bulk polycondensation, catalyzed by titanium(IV) n‐butoxide. 2D NMR and MALDI‐Tof‐MS spectroscopy proved that this polymerization resulted in isomerization of maleic acid units into fumaric ones and in the formation of slightly branched structures by the reaction of isosorbide (end) groups with main chain unsaturated bonds. Moreover, some double bonds proved to have reacted with the condensation by‐product water. The resulting polyesters displayed the expected correlation between variables such as molecular weight and content of unsaturated bonds and their Tg values. Since the thermal properties of the obtained polyesters were appropriate for coating applications, the polymers were crosslinked with unsaturated monomers by radical copolymerization. The crosslinking process was studied using FTIR spectroscopy and by measurements of the soluble part of the cured coatings. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2885–2895, 2010