bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inferior colliculus responses to dual‐site intralamina stimulation in the ventral cochlear nucleus
Authors: Shivdasani Mohit N. , Mauger Stefan J. , Argent Rebecca E. , Rathbone Graeme D. , Paolini Antonio G.
Published: June 2010

A major limitation of the present auditory brainstem implant (ABI) is its inability to access the tonotopic organization of the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN). A previous study by our group indicated that stimulation of single sites within a given VCN frequency region did not always elicit frequency‐specific responses within the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CIC) and in some cases did not elicit a response at all. For this study, we hypothesized that sequential stimulation (with a short interpulse delay of 320 μsec) of two VCN sites in similar frequency regions would enhance responsiveness in CIC neurons. Multiunit neural recordings in response to pure tones were obtained at 58 VCN and 164 CIC sites in anesthetized rats. Among the 58 VCN sites, 39 pairs of sites with similar characteristic frequencies were chosen for electrical stimulation. Each member of a VCN pair was electrically stimulated individually, followed by sequential stimulation of the pair, while recording CIC responses. On average, CIC sites were found to respond to dual‐site VCN stimulation with significantly lower thresholds, wider dynamic ranges, a greater extent of activation with increasing current levels, and a higher degree of frequency specificity compared with single‐site stimulation. Although these effects were positive for the most part, in some cases dual‐site stimulation resulted in increased CIC thresholds and decreased dynamic ranges, extent of activation, and frequency specificity. The results suggest that multisite stimulation within VCN isofrequency laminae using penetrating electrodes could significantly improve ABI stimulation strategies and implant performance. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:4226–4242, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Colour appearance shifts in two different‐sized viewing conditions
Authors: Hsieh Tsuei‐Ju , Chen I‐Ping
Published: June 2010

This study assessed the effect of size on colour appearance, using a colour matching paradigm where two sizes were presented in a setting similar to a normal colour selection interface. Twelve colours sampling the entire range of the colour spectrum were chosen as target stimuli. The target stimuli consisted of either a large (30° by 50°) or a small (0.5° by 0.5°) test field displayed on a cathode ray tube (CRT). In the experiment, a set of small colour samples consisting of the target and its neighboring colours was presented on the screen. Fifty‐seven participants were asked to pick a colour from the sample set that appeared to exactly match the target. Results in CIECAM02 showed a consistent increase in the apparent brightness (Q) but some decrease in saturation (s) for the larger field. Hue shifts were observed to form a systematic pattern. We noticed a discernable trend showing that, for targets of bluish or purplish colour hues, the accuracy of colour matching is lower and colour difference is greater in the condition of the large viewing field. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2010
Investigation of colour size effect for colour appearance assessment
Authors: Xiao Kaida , Luo M. Ronnier , Li Changjun , Cui Guihua , Park Dusik
Published: June 2010

Three psychophysical experiments were conducted to investigate the colour appearance changes between different sizes under various media or viewing conditions. The results are highly consistent that when increase stimulus size, the colour will appear to be lighter and more colourful with little change in hue. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 36, 201–209, 2011;
A deterministic‐control‐based approach to fully nonlinear parabolic and elliptic equations
Authors: Kohn Robert V. , Serfaty Sylvia
Published: June 2010

We show that a broad class of fully nonlinear, second‐order parabolic or elliptic PDEs can be realized as the Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equations of deterministic two‐person games. More precisely: given the PDE, we identify a deterministic, discrete‐time, two‐person game whose value function converges in the continuous‐time limit to the viscosity solution of the desired equation. Our game is, roughly speaking, a deterministic analogue of the stochastic representation recently introduced by Cheridito, Soner, Touzi, and Victoir. In the parabolic setting with no u‐dependence, it amounts to a semidiscrete numerical scheme whose timestep is a min‐max. Our result is interesting, because the usual control‐based interpretations of second‐order PDEs involve stochastic rather than deterministic control. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Existence and uniqueness of weak solutions for precipitation fronts: A novel hyperbolic free boundary problem in several space variables
Authors: Majda Andrew J. , Souganidis Panagiotis E.
Published: June 2010

The determination of the large‐scale boundaries between moist and dry regions is an important problem in contemporary meteorology. These phenomena have been addressed recently in a simplified tropical climate model through a novel hyperbolic free boundary formulation yielding three families (drying, slow moistening, and fast moistening) of precipitation fronts. The last two wave types violate Lax's shock inequalities yet are robustly realized. This formal hyperbolic free boundary problem is given here a rigorous mathematical basis by establishing the existence and uniqueness of suitable weak solutions arising in the zero relaxation limit. A new L2‐contraction estimate is also established at positive relaxation values. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How to reduce packet dropping in a bufferless NoC
Authors: Gómez Crispín , Gómez María E. , López Pedro , Duato José
Published: June 2010

Networks on‐chip (NoCs) interconnect the components located inside a chip. In multicore chips, NoCs have a strong impact on the overall system performance. NoC bandwidth is limited by the critical path delay. Recent works show that the critical path delay is heavily affected by switch port buffer size. Therefore, by removing buffers, switch clock frequency can be increased. Recently, a new switching technique for NoCs called Blind Packet Switching (BPS) has been proposed, which is based on removing the switch port buffers. Since buffers consume a high percentage of switch power and area, BPS not only improves performance but also reduces power and area. In BPS, as there are no buffers at the switch ports, packets cannot be stopped and stored on them. If contention arises packets are dropped and later reinjected, negatively affecting performance. In order to prevent packet dropping, some techniques based on resource replication have been proposed. In this paper, we propose some alternative and complementary techniques that do not rely on resource replication. By using them, packet dropping is highly reduced. In particular, packet dropping is completely removed for a very wide network traffic range. Moreover, network throughput is increased and packet latency is reduced. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solid Mechanics
Authors: Wilson Theodore A.
Published: June 2010

The sections in this article are:

Continuum Description of Forces within the Lung: Stress

Boundary Conditions

Nonuniform Deformation: Displacement and Strain

Constitutive Equations

Methods of Problem Solving

Linear Elasticity

Two Elementary Deformations
Static Behavior of the Respiratory System
Authors: Agostoni Emilio , Hyatt Robert E.
Published: June 2010

The sections in this article are:

Lung Volumes

Volume‐Pressure Relations of Respiratory System During Relaxation

Total Respiratory System

Chest Wall and Lung

Effects of Gravity and Posture

Changes Throughout Life Span

Volume‐Pressure Relations of Respiratory System During Static Muscular Efforts

Alveolar Pressure

Abdominal and Thoracic Pressures

Factors Limiting Volume Extremes

Upper Volume Extreme

Lower Volume Extreme
Peripheral Inert‐Gas Exchange
Authors: Wagner Peter D.
Published: June 2010

The sections in this article are:

Basic Principles of Peripheral Tissue Exchange

Inclusion of Pulmonary Gas Exchange in Tissue Inert‐Gas Uptake and Elimination

Comparison of Multicompartment Models With Actual Data

Consideration of Tissue‐Blood Diffusion of Inert Gases

Diffusional Shunts

Intertissue Diffusion

Evaluation of Assumptions

Application of Inert Gases to Measurement of Organ Perfusion

Technique 1: Average Organ Blood Flow by Measurement of Prolonged Inert‐Gas Uptake

Technique 2: Blood Flow by Arterial Bolus Injection and Subsequent Tissue Washout Analysis

Technique 3: Blood Flow by Arterial Bolus Injection and Measurement of Height‐Area Ratio of Concentration‐Time Curve

Technique 4: Local Injection of Tracer and Measurement of Blood Flow by Monitoring Subsequent Removal

Evaluation of Methods for Measuring Tissue Perfusion With Inert Gases
Carbon Monoxide Toxicity
Authors: Coburn Ronald F. , Forman Henry Jay
Published: June 2010

The sections in this article are:

BodyCOStores

Location

Carbon Monoxide Exchanges Between Lung and Body Stores and Processes That Determine HbCOand BodyCOStores

EndogenousCOProduction

Carbon Monoxide Metabolism as aCOSink

Carbon Monoxide Binding to Proteins Found in Mammalian Tissues

Structure and Reactivity ofCO

Carbon Monoxide and O2Competition

Carbon Monoxide Binding to Hb

Effects ofCOBinding to Hb on Oxygenation in Peripheral Tissues

ExtravascularCO‐Binding Proteins
Advances in cellular, subcellular, and nanoscale imaging in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Wessels Johannes T. , Yamauchi Kensuke , Hoffman Robert M. , Wouters Fred S.
Published: June 2010

This review focuses on technical advances in fluorescence microscopy techniques including laser scanning techniques, fluorescence‐resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), stimulated emission depletion (STED)‐based super‐resolution microscopy, scanning confocal endomicroscopes, thin‐sheet laser imaging microscopy (TSLIM), and tomographic techniques such as early photon tomography (EPT) as well as on clinical laser‐based endoscopic and microscopic techniques. We will also discuss the new developments in the field of fluorescent dyes and fluorescent genetic reporters that enable new possibilities in high‐resolution and molecular imaging both in in vitro and in vivo. Small animal and tissue imaging benefit from the development of new fluorescent proteins, dyes, and sensing constructs that operate in the far red and near‐infrared spectrum. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Voltammetric Behavior of Telmisartan and Cathodic Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Method for Its Assay in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Biological Fluids
Authors: Taşdemir İbrahim Hüdai , Akay Mehmet Abdulkadir , Erk Nevin , Kılıç Esma
Published: June 2010

Electrochemical behavior of Telmisartan and optimum conditions for its assay were investigated by using cyclic voltammetry and square‐wave voltammetry. All studies were based on the quasi‐reversible and adsorption‐controlled electrochemical reduction signal of TS at about −1.50 V versus Ag/AgCl at pH 10.0 in Britton‐Robinson buffer. The peak current was found to change linearly with concentration from 1.69 nM (0.87 µg/L) to 27.5 nM (14.15 µg/L). The limit of detection and the limit of quantification were found to be 1.05 nM (0.54 µg/L) and 3.49 nM (1.79 µg/L), respectively. The method was successfully applied to different samples with good recoveries at about 100 %.
Effects of oily contamination and decontamination on the flame resistance of thermal protective textiles
Authors: Mettananda Chathuri V. R. , Crown Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2010

This paper reports an experimental study wherein flame resistance and limiting oxygen index of protective fabrics were determined before and after contamination with oil and after decontamination. Experimental variables were presence of contamination, laundry treatment, number of contamination/decontamination cycles, and fabric type. Although laundering with pre‐wash products alone was the most effective in removing oil, some product residues may have contributed to the increased flammability of some fabrics. Thus, use of that product was truly effective only if combined with detergent. For two fabrics higher flammability was noted after five contamination/decontamination cycles than after one. Of the three fabrics studied, aramid specimens retained the least oil, and although they had the highest flammability both before and after contamination, it increased the least with contamination. The FR cotton/nylon fabric retained the most oil after decontamination, but had better flame resistance than aramid. Much of the oil remained in the interior of cotton fibres making it difficult to remove but also less accessible for vaporization and combustion. For the aramid/FR viscose, energy from combustion of residual oil activated the FR additive, thereby reducing apparent fabric flammability, but this FR transference effect occurred only up to an optimum quantity of oil. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of potential pharmacogenomic markers of clinical efficacy of 5‐fluorouracil in colorectal cancer
Authors: Nobili Stefania , Napoli Cristina , Landini Ida , Morganti Maria , Cianchi Fabio , Valanzano Rosa , Tonelli Francesco , Cortesini Camillo , Mazzei Teresita , Mini Enrico
Published: June 2010

Although adjuvant chemotherapy has significantly increased overall survival in resected Stage III colorectal cancer, disease recurrence is still high (30–40%). 20–25% of Stage II patients also develop recurrent disease. Thus, high‐risk patients may benefit from chemotherapy. As patient response to standard chemotherapy varies, the study of molecular differences in the expression of pharmacologically relevant genes may help clinicians to understand variability and tailor therapy. The expression of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) pathway genes in tumors from 53 Stages II‐III colorectal cancer patients who underwent 5‐FU adjuvant chemotherapy was investigated by reverse transcription quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Patients were dichotomized into high‐ and low‐mRNA expression level groups using median values of gene mRNA levels. Then, a threshold analysis to identify a cut‐off distinguishing recurrent‐ or nonrecurrent‐disease was used. A high degree of interpatient variation in relative tumor expression of study genes was observed. Multiple gene correlations were found, which suggest possible coregulation mechanisms. No statistically significant relationship between experimental data and baseline clinical/pathological characteristics or clinical outcome was observed using gene expression median values. Threshold analysis indicated significant inverse relationships between deoxyuridine triphosphatase (DUT), ferrodoxin reductase (FDXR) or tumor protein p53 (TP53) and disease‐free survival (DFS) in the entire case series and between DUT or NM23‐H1 and DFS in Stage III patients: higher gene expression was associated with shorter DFS. This study provides data on relationships between expression of 5‐FU pathway genes and clinical outcome of colorectal cancer patients undergoing 5‐FU adjuvant chemotherapy and underscores the predictive role of specific genes. Validation in an independent case series is warranted.
Fifty years of cancer incidence: CI5 I–IX
Authors: Parkin D. Max , Ferlay Jacques , Curado Maria‐Paula , Bray Freddie , Edwards Brenda , Shin Hai‐Rim , Forman David
Published: June 2010

The Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) series comprises nine volumes that bring together peer‐reviewed results from population‐based cancer registries worldwide. The aim of each is to make available comparable data on cancer incidence from as wide a range of geographical locations as possible. In addition, the existence of long time series of data allows the evolution of risk in different populations over time to be studied. The CI5 I–IX database brings together the results from all nine volumes, spanning a period of some 50 years. In addition, unpublished annual data, with more diagnostic detail, are made available for many cancer registries with 15 or more years of recent data. We describe the construction and composition of the CI5 databases, and provide examples of how they can be used to prepare tables and graphs comparing incidence rates between populations. This is the classical role of descriptive statistics: to allow formulation of hypotheses that might explain the observed differences (geographically, over time, in population subgroups) and that can be tested by further study. Such statistics are also essential components in the planning and evaluation of cancer control programmes.
Bioengineered hyaluronic acid elicited a nonantigenic T cell activation: Implications from cosmetic medicine and surgery to nanomedicine
Authors: Alijotas‐Reig Jaume , Hindié Mathilde , Kandhaya‐Pillai Renuka , Miro‐Mur Francesc
Published: June 2010

Hyaluronan is known to act as a filling material of extracellular matrices and as an adhesive substrate for cellular migration. Consequently, it is widely used in aesthetic medicine and surgery, and it would be expected to be used in nanomedicine. Previous clinical case reports associated hyaluronic acid implants to delayed immune‐mediated adverse effects. A series of experiments to evaluate immune cell activation supported by this dermal filler and nanomedical biomaterial were performed. The study comprised a total of 12 individuals. Four healthy individuals, none with cosmetically injected dermal filler, were considered as control. Five individuals carried injections of hyaluronic acid dermal filler. Three individuals carried injections of hyaluronic acid dermal filler and presented delayed adverse effects related to the dermal filler. Hyaluronic acid–stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) produced low levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Phytohemagglutinine (PHA)‐stimulated PBMC from patients with hyaluronic implants presenting adverse effects showed a slight increase in the production of interferon (IFN)‐γ and higher expression of CD25, CD69, or CD71. In conclusion, hyaluronic acid administration elicited a laboratory evidence of immune cell activation. Production of low levels of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro could be an observation for low‐grade inflammation in vivo resulting in T cell activation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Synthesis, crystal structure, and fungicidal activity of novel 1,5‐diaryl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐oxyacetate derivatives
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Shi Hong , Li Yufeng , Zhu Hongjun
Published: June 2010

magnified image

A series of ethyl 2‐(1,5‐diaryl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yloxy)acetate derivatives (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i) have been efficiently synthesized by the reaction of 1,5‐diaryl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐ols (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i) with ethyl 2‐bromoacetate. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by 1H NMR spectra and elemental analysis, and the crystal structure of the compound ethyl 2‐(5‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yloxy)acetate (5c) was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The compound 5c belongs to triclinic system with space group P(‐1), a = 5.8170(12) Å, b = 11.804(2) Å, c = 12.783(2) Å, α = 83.89(2)°, β = 89.24(3)°, γ = 89.73(3)°, Formula weight: 356.80, Triclinic V = 872.7(3) Å3, Dc = 1.358 mg/m3, Z = 2, F (000) = 372. Bioassay results indicated that the compound ethyl 2‐(5‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yloxy)acetate (5d) exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against Gibberella zeae at the dosage of 10 μg/mL. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Iliac vein compression syndrome: An underdiagnosed cause of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Naik Ami , Mian Taimur , Abraham Aney , Rajput Vijay
Published: June 2010

Iliac vein compression syndrome (CS) is a rare cause of deep venous thrombosis. It is caused by an anatomic anomaly in which the right common iliac artery overlies the left common iliac vein causing mechanical compression. Subsequent endothelial changes within the vessels have the potential to spur thrombus formation. Aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions must be implemented upon suspicion to avoid long‐term complications. We report on a 19 year old male who presented with ICS. We discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and current treatment options. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Single‐shot T1 mapping using simultaneous acquisitions of spin‐ and stimulated‐echo‐planar imaging (2D ss‐SESTEPI)
Authors: Shi Xianfeng , Kim Seong‐Eun , Jeong Eun‐Kee
Published: June 2010

The conventional stimulated‐echo NMR sequence only measures the longitudinal component while discarding the transverse component, after tipping up the prepared magnetization. This transverse magnetization can be used to measure a spin echo, in addition to the stimulated echo. Two‐dimensional single‐shot spin‐ and stimulated‐echo‐planar imaging (ss‐SESTEPI) is an echo‐planar‐imaging‐based single‐shot imaging technique that simultaneously acquires a spin‐echo‐planar image and a stimulated‐echo‐planar image after a single radiofrequency excitation. The magnitudes of the spin‐echo‐planar image and stimulated‐echo‐planar image differ by T1 decay and diffusion weighting for perfect 90° radiofrequency and thus can be used to rapidly measure T1. However, the spatial variation of amplitude of radiofrequency field induces uneven splitting of the transverse magnetization for the spin‐echo‐planar image and stimulated‐echo‐planar image within the imaging field of view. Correction for amplitude of radiofrequency field inhomogeneity is therefore critical for two‐dimensional ss‐SESTEPI to be used for T1 measurement. We developed a method for amplitude of radiofrequency field inhomogeneity correction by acquiring an additional stimulated‐echo‐planar image with minimal mixing time, calculating the difference between the spin echo and the stimulated echo and multiplying the stimulated‐echo‐planar image by the inverse functional map. Diffusion‐induced decay is corrected by measuring the average diffusivity during the prescanning. Rapid single‐shot T1 mapping may be useful for various applications, such as dynamic T1 mapping for real‐time estimation of the concentration of contrast agent in dynamic contrast enhancement MRI. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compressed sensing reconstruction for magnetic resonance parameter mapping
Authors: Doneva Mariya , Börnert Peter , Eggers Holger , Stehning Christian , Sénégas Julien , Mertins Alfred
Published: June 2010

Compressed sensing (CS) holds considerable promise to accelerate the data acquisition in magnetic resonance imaging by exploiting signal sparsity. Prior knowledge about the signal can be exploited in some applications to choose an appropriate sparsifying transform. This work presents a CS reconstruction for magnetic resonance (MR) parameter mapping, which applies an overcomplete dictionary, learned from the data model to sparsify the signal. The approach is presented and evaluated in simulations and in in vivo T1 and T2 mapping experiments in the brain. Accurate T1 and T2 maps are obtained from highly reduced data. This model‐based reconstruction could also be applied to other MR parameter mapping applications like diffusion and perfusion imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo venous blood T1 measurement using inversion recovery true‐FISP in children and adults
Authors: Wu Wen‐Chau , Jain Varsha , Li Cheng , Giannetta Mariel , Hurt Hallam , Wehrli Felix W. , Wang Danny J. J.
Published: June 2010

A time‐efficient method is described for in vivo venous blood T1 measurement using multiphase inversion‐recovery‐prepared balanced steady‐state free precession imaging. Computer simulations and validation experiments using a flow phantom were carried out to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method for measuring blood T1 by taking advantage of the continuous inflow of fresh blood with longitudinal magnetization undisturbed by previous radiofrequency pulses. In vivo measurement of venous blood T1 in the sagittal sinus was carried out in 26 healthy children and adults aged 7–39 years. The measured venous blood T1 values decreased with age as a whole (P = 0.006) and were higher in females than males (P = 0.013), matching the expected developmental changes and gender differences in human hematocrit level. The estimated mean blood T1 values were highly correlated with normal hematocrit levels across age and gender groups (Spearman's r = 0.93, P = 0.008). The longitudinal repeatability of this technique was 4.0% as measured by the within‐subject coefficient of variation. The proposed multiphase inversion recovery‐prepared balanced steady‐state free precession imaging method is a feasible technique for fast (<1 min) and reliable in vivo venous blood T1 measurement and may serve as an index of hematocrit level in individual subjects. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transverse relaxometry with stimulated echo compensation
Authors: Lebel R. Marc , Wilman Alan H.
Published: June 2010

Presented is a fitting model for transverse relaxometry data acquired with the multiple‐refocused spin‐echo sequence. The proposed model, requiring no additional data input or pulse sequence modifications, compensates for imperfections in the transmit field and radiofrequency (RF) profiles. Exploiting oscillatory echo behavior to estimate alternate coherence pathways, the model compensates for prolonged signal decay from stimulated echo pathways yielding precise monoexponential T2 quantification. Verified numerically and experimentally at 4.7 T in phantoms and the human brain, over 95% accuracy is readily attainable in realistic imaging situations without sacrificing multislice capabilities or requiring composite or adiabatic RF pulses. The proposed model allows T2 quantitation in heterogeneous transmit fields and permits thin refocusing widths for efficient multislice imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Free‐breathing myocardial perfusion MRI using SW‐CG‐HYPR and motion correction
Authors: Ge Lan , Kino Aya , Griswold Mark , Carr James C. , Li Debiao
Published: June 2010

First‐pass perfusion MRI is a promising technique to detect ischemic heart disease. Sliding window (SW) conjugate‐gradient (CG) highly constrained back‐projection reconstruction (HYPR) (SW‐CG‐HYPR) has been proposed to increase spatial coverage, spatial resolution, and SNR. However, this method is sensitive to respiratory motion and thus requires breath‐hold. This work presents a non‐model‐based motion correction method combined with SW‐CG‐HYPR to perform free‐breathing myocardial MR imaging. Simulation studies were first performed to show the effectiveness of the proposed motion correction method and its independence from the pattern of the respiratory motion. After that, in vivo studies were performed in six healthy volunteers. From all of the volunteer studies, the image quality score of free breathing perfusion images with motion correction (3.11 ± 0.34) is improved compared with that of images without motion correction (2.27 ± 0.32), and is comparable with that of successful breath‐hold images (3.12 ± 0.38). This result was further validated by a quantitative sharpness analysis. The left ventricle and myocardium signal changes in motion corrected free‐breathing perfusion images were closely correlated to those observed in breath‐hold images. The correlation coefficient is 0.9764 for myocardial signals. Bland–Altman analysis confirmed the agreement between the free‐breathing SW‐CG‐HYPR method with motion correction and the breath‐hold SW‐CG‐HYPR. This technique may allow myocardial perfusion MRI during free breathing. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Positive contrast imaging of iron oxide nanoparticles with susceptibility‐weighted imaging
Authors: Eibofner Frank , Steidle Günter , Kehlbach Rainer , Bantleon Rüdiger , Schick Fritz
Published: June 2010

Superparamagnetic iron oxide particles can be utilized to label cells for immune cell and stem cell therapy. The labeled cells cause significant field distortions induced in their vicinity, which can be detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In conventional imaging, the signal voids arising from the field distortions lead to negative contrast, which is not desirable, as detection of the cells can be masked by native low signal tissue. In this work, a new method for visualizing magnetically labeled cells with positive contrast is proposed and described. The technique presented is based on the susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) post‐processing algorithm. Phase images from gradient‐echo sequences are evaluated pixel by pixel, and a mask is created with values ranging from 0 to 1, depending on the phase value of the pixel. The magnitude image is then multiplied by the mask. With an appropriate mask function, positive contrast in the vicinity of the labeled cells is created. The feasibility of this technique is proved using an agar phantom containing superparamagnetic iron oxide particles–labeled cells and an ex vivo bovine liver. The results show high potential for detecting even small labeled cell concentrations in structurally inhomogeneous tissue types. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A rapid and robust numerical algorithm for sensitivity encoding with sparsity constraints: Self‐feeding sparse SENSE
Authors: Huang Feng , Chen Yunmei , Yin Wotao , Lin Wei , Ye Xiaojing , Guo Weihong , Reykowski Arne
Published: June 2010

The method of enforcing sparsity during magnetic resonance imaging reconstruction has been successfully applied to partially parallel imaging (PPI) techniques to reduce noise and artifact levels and hence to achieve even higher acceleration factors. However, there are two major problems in the existing sparsity‐constrained PPI techniques: speed and robustness. By introducing an auxiliary variable and decomposing the original minimization problem into two subproblems that are much easier to solve, a fast and robust numerical algorithm for sparsity‐constrained PPI technique is developed in this work. The specific implementation for a conventional Cartesian trajectory data set is named self‐feeding Sparse Sensitivity Encoding (SENSE). The computational cost for the proposed method is two conventional SENSE reconstructions plus one spatially adaptive image denoising procedure. With reconstruction time approximately doubled, images with a much lower root mean square error (RMSE) can be achieved at high acceleration factors. Using a standard eight‐channel head coil, a net acceleration factor of 5 along one dimension can be achieved with low RMSE. Furthermore, the algorithm is insensitive to the choice of parameters. This work improves the clinical applicability of SENSE at high acceleration factors. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Botulinum neurotoxin‐A does not spread to distant muscles after intragastric injection: A double‐blind single‐fiber electromyography study
Authors: Osio Maurizio , Mailland Enrico , Muscia Francesco , Nascimbene Caterina , Vanotti Alessandra , Bana Cristina , Corsi Fabio , Foschi Diego , Mariani Claudio
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to perform a careful neurophysiological examination to identify subclinical signs of botulinum toxin spread distant to the injection site following intragastric injection for obesity treatment. Single‐fiber electromyography of extensor digitorum communis and repetitive stimulation of abductor digiti minimi were performed before and 8 days after multiple intragastric injections of botulinum toxin A (Botox, 200 U per patient) or placebo. The study was performed in a randomized double‐blind fashion. No patient in either group displayed results indicative of neuromuscular dysfunction either before or after the treatment. No significant change in muscle jitter was observed when comparing baseline with the after‐treatment evaluation in either group, and no significant differences between groups were observed. After intragastric botulinum toxin injection no subclinical sign of distant spread was observed. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Chronic pain has a small influence and mood has no influence on vibrotactile perception thresholds among working women
Authors: Sandén Helena , Wallin B. Gunnar , Hagberg Mats
Published: June 2010

In chronic diffuse upper limb pain physical abnormalities are usually absent. The aims of our study were to investigate: (1) the function of somatosensory pathways and (2) the influence of mood on vibration perception. Measurements were made of: (i) vibrotactile perception thresholds (VPTs) and nerve conduction in working women with (n = 35) and without (n = 65) chronic diffuse upper limb pain, and (ii) perceived stress and energy using a two‐dimensional mood adjective checklist. The groups did not differ in any nerve conduction measurements. Women with chronic pain had raised VPTs in the radial and ulnar nerve areas, but not in the median nerve area. Neither perceived stress nor energy appeared to influence the VPT. Increases of VPTs in chronic diffuse upper limb pain may be due to peripheral nerve affliction, but our findings support the idea that they may also be secondary to pain and may be related to a central nervous mechanism. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Proteomic profiling of cancer—opportunities, challenges, and context
Authors: Arnott David , Emmert‐Buck Michael R
Published: June 2010

The article by Roesch‐Ely and colleagues in a recent issue of The Journal of Pathology describes the use of proteomic techniques to examine mucosal biopsies in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) and in corresponding control samples. The authors were able to determine the anatomical site of origin of the biopsies based on modelling of multiplex protein datasets, and to use the information to analyse field cancerization as a means of predicting tumour recurrence. Although the study included only a relatively small number of cases, and will require future validation in a larger patient cohort, the results point to the potential of proteomics to increase our understanding of cancer biology, and in this instance to offer clinical value. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring Portfolio Strategic Performance Using Key Performance Indicators
Authors: Sanchez Hynuk , Robert Benoît
Published: June 2010

It is difficult to find indicators for measuring the achievement of objectives during the progress of project portfolios. This article presents an approach for developing key strategic performance indicators considering this limitation. The indicators proposed help measure the achievement of a portfolio's strategic objectives taking into account the realization of key benefits. This approach helps identify strategic interdependences between projects that the portfolio is composed of, facilitating the understanding of how the performance of a single project affects the overall performance of a portfolio. The key performance indicators can also be used for monitoring the materialization of risks and opportunities influencing the strategic performance of a portfolio.
Oral antihistamines: concise guide to properties and current use
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Farooque Sophie
Published: June 2010

Steve Chaplin and Dr Sophie Farooque provide an overview of the indications and properties of oral antihistamines and their current recommended place in therapy. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Resveratrol restores lysophosphatidylcholine‐induced loss of endothelium‐dependent relaxation in rat aorta tissue coinciding with inhibition of extracellular‐signal‐regulated protein kinase activation
Authors: Min Zhang , Kang Liu , Lin Li , Jinghua Fan , Junna Song , Baolin Liu
Published: June 2010

To investigate whether resveratrol could restore the lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)‐induced loss of endothelium‐dependent relaxation in in vitro cultured rat aorta tissue, first the effect of resveratrol on the loss of EDR was examined in this preparation. The results showed that resveratrol effectively attenuated the inhibition of LPC (10 μm) on both endothelium‐derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in a concentration‐dependent manner (1, 10, 100 μm). In addition, resveratrol inhibited elevated K+‐induced vascular contracture, but had no significant effects on ACh (1 μm)‐induced endothelium‐dependent relaxation (EDR). A similar tendency was also observed with PD 98059 (30 μm), a selective inhibitor of ERK. When the cells were exposed to LPC (20 μm) the mRNA expression of eNOS and COX‐1 mRNA were down‐regulated, followed by a local induction of iNOS and COX‐2. Resveratrol and PD 98059 successfully reversed the effects of LPC on relative mRNA expressions. Both resveratrol and PD 98059 inhibited the activation of ERK induced by LPC. These findings demonstrate that resveratrol can restore the LPC‐induced loss of EDR in rat aorta and protect the endothelium against LPC‐induced injuries via the inhibition of the inflammation‐like response. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eriobotrya japonica improves hyperlipidemia and reverses insulin resistance in high‐fat‐fed mice
Authors: Shih Chun‐Ching , Lin Cheng‐Hsiu , Wu Jin‐Bin
Published: June 2010

The effect of Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. (loquat) on insulin resistance was examined in mice fed a high‐fat (HF) diet. First, the mice were divided randomly into two groups: the control (CON) group was fed a low‐fat diet, whereas the experimental group was fed with a 45% HF diet for 10 weeks. After 6 weeks of induction, the HF group was subdivided into five groups and was given orally loquat or not for 4 weeks afterward. It was demonstrated that loquat was effective in ameliorating the HF diet‐induced hyperglycemia, hyperleptinemia, hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia, as well as in decreasing the levels of free fatty acid (FFA), but increasing the adipose PPARγ (peroxisomal proliferator‐activated receptor γ) and hepatic PPARα mRNA levels. Loquat significantly decreased the body weight gain, weights of white adipose tissue and visceral fat accompanying the suppressed leptin mRNA levels. Loquat not only suppressed the hepatic mRNA levels of enzymes involved in fatty acid and triacylglycerol synthesis and lowered the sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) mRNA level, but also affected fatty acid oxidation enzyme levels. These regulations may contribute to triacylglycerol accumulation in white adipose tissue. The findings provide a nutritional basis for the use of loquat as a functional food factor that may have benefits for the prevention of hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Berberine inhibits SREBP‐1‐related clozapine and risperidone induced adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 cells
Authors: Hu Yueshan , Kutscher Eric , Davies Gareth E.
Published: June 2010

Weight gain is a common and potentially serious complication associated with the treatment of second generation antipsychotics such as clozapine and risperidone. Increased peripheral adipogenesis via the SREBP‐1 pathway could be one critical mechanism responsible for antipsychotic drug‐induced weight gain. Berberine, a botanic alkaloid, has been shown in our previous studies to inhibit adipogenesis in cell and animal models. MTT was used to determine the cytotoxic effects of clozapine and risperidone in combination with berberine. Differentiation of 3T3‐L1 cells was monitored by Oil‐Red‐O staining and the expression of SREBP‐1 and related proteins was determined by real‐time RT‐PCR and western blotting. The results showed that neither clozapine nor risperidone, alone or in combination with berberine had significant effects on cell viability. Eight days treatment with 15 μm clozapine increased adipogenesis by 37.4% and 50 μm risperidone increased adipogenesis by 26.5% during 3T3‐L1 cell differentiation accompanied by increased SREBP‐1, PPARγ, C/EBPα, LDLR and Adiponectin gene expression. More importantly, the addition of 8 μm berberine diminished the induction of adipogenesis almost completely accompanied by down‐regulated mRNA and protein expression levels of SREBP‐1‐related proteins. These encouraging results may lead to the use of berberine as an adjuvant to prevent weight gain during second generation antipsychotic medication. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radical scavenging and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory activities of standardized extracts of Ficus racemosa stem bark
Authors: Ahmed Faiyaz , Siddesha Jalahalli M. , Urooj Asna , Vishwanath Bannikuppe S.
Published: June 2010

The present study evaluated the radical scavenging and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of cold and hot aqueous extracts of Ficus racemosa (Moraceae) stem bark. The extracts were standardized using HPLC. Radical scavenging activity was determined using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory activity using rabbit lung and partially purified porcine kidney ACE. HPLC profiles of cold aqueous extract (FRC) showed the presence of bergenin, an isocoumarin, while hot aqueous extract (FRH) was found to contain ferulic acid, kaempferol and coumarin in addition to bergenin. FRH showed significantly higher (p ≤ 0.01) radical scavenging activity than FRC and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), consequently resulting in a significantly lower (p ≤ 0.01) IC50 value than FRC and BHT. Both the extracts exhibited a dose dependent inhibition of porcine kidney and rabbit lung ACE. FRH showed significantly higher (p ≤ 0.01) activity than FRC with lower IC50 values of 1.36 and 1.91 μg/mL respectively, for porcine kidney and rabbit lung ACE, compared with those of FRC (128 and 291 μg/mL). Further, a significant correlation (r = 0.893; p ≤ 0.05) was observed between radical scavenging activity and ACE‐inhibitory activity. This is the first report on the ACE‐inhibitory activity of F. racemosa stem bark suggesting its potential to be utilized as a therapeutic alternative for hypertension. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer with coaxial multi‐electrode cell (‘O‐trap’): first experimental demonstration
Authors: Misharin A. S. , Zubarev R. A. , Doroshenko V. M.
Published: June 2010

The conceptual design of the O‐trap Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT‐ICR) cell addresses the speed of analysis issue in FT‐ICR mass spectrometry. The concept of the O‐trap includes separating the functions of ion excitation and detection between two different FT‐ICR cell compartments. The detection compartment of the O‐trap implements additional internal coaxial electrodes around which ions with excited cyclotron motion revolve. The expected benefits are higher resolving power and the lesser effect of the space charge. In this work we present the first experimental demonstration of the O‐trap cell and its features, including the high ion transfer efficiency between two distinct compartments of an ICR cell after excitation of the coherent cyclotron motion. We demonstrate that utilization of the multiple‐electrode detection in the O‐trap provides mass resolving power enhancement (achieved over a certain time) equal to the order of the frequency multiplication. In an O‐trap installed in a 5 T desk‐top cryogen‐free superconducting magnet, the resolving power of R = 80 000 was achieved for bradykinin [M + 2H]2+ (m/z 531; equivalent to 100 000 when recalculated for m/z 400) in 0.2 s analysis time (transient length), and R = 300 000 at m/z 531 for a 1 s transient. In both cases, detection on the third multiple of the cyclotron frequency was implemented. In terms of the acquisition speed at fixed resolving power, such performance is equivalent to conventional FT‐ICR detection using a 15 T magnet. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of18O‐exchange and base‐catalyzedN‐dealkylation with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry to identify carbinolamide metabolites
Authors: Bessire Andrew J. , Vaz Alfin D. N. , Walker Gregory S. , Wang Wei Wei , Sharma Raman
Published: June 2010

Oxidation ofN‐alkyl‐substituted amides is a common transformation observed in metabolism studies of drugs and other chemicals. Metabolism at the alpha carbon atom can produce stable carbinolamide compounds, which may be abundant enough to require complete confidence in structural assignments. In a drug discovery setting, rapid structural elucidation of test compounds is critical to inform the compound selection process. Traditional approaches to the analysis of carbinolamides have relied upon the time‐consuming synthesis of authentic standards or purification of large enough quantities for characterization by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We describe a simple technique used in conjunction with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) which demonstrates the chemical identity of a carbinolamide by its distinctive ability to reversibly exchange [18O]water through an imine intermediate. A key advantage of the technique is that the chromatographic retention times of metabolites are preserved, allowing direct comparisons of mass chromatograms from non‐treated and [18O]water‐treated samples. Metabolites susceptible to the treatment are clearly indicated by the addition of 2 mass units to their original mass. An additional test which can be used in conjunction with18O‐exchange is base‐catalyzedN‐dealkylation ofN‐(α‐hydroxy)alkyl compounds. The use of the technique is described for carbinolamide metabolites of dirlotapide, loperamide, and a proprietary compound. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hemisynthesis and structural characterization of flavanol‐(4,8)‐vitisins by mass spectrometry
Authors: Nave Frederico , Teixeira Natércia , Mateus Nuno , de Freitas Victor
Published: June 2010

Vitisins constitute the major group of pyranoanthocyanins naturally occurring in red wines. Regarding their chemical structure, only carboxypyranoanthocyanins have been detected and quantified in red wines, but no vitisin with substitutions in the carbons of the A ring has been identified. However, considering the chemical reactions that take place in red wine, the existence of flavan‐3‐ol‐(4,6/8)‐vitisins is expected. This paper reports for the first time the structural identification of catechin‐vitisin A and catechin‐vitisin B based on their mass data and fragmentation patterns. This work also provides some chromatographic and visible spectroscopic features of these pigments and documents the existence of both in red table wines. Moreover, it is also proposed that Cat‐Vit A pigments arise from the cycloaddition of pyruvic acid to an anthocyanin moiety of a flavanol‐anthocyanin adduct rather than by direct nucleophilic attack of a vitisin A on the carbocation C4 of catechin. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric investigation of stilbenoids in cell cultures of Vitis vinifera L., cv. Malvasia
Authors: Mulinacci Nadia , Innocenti Marzia , Santamaria Anna Rita , la Marca Giancarlo , Pasqua Gabriella
Published: June 2010

Cell suspension cultures of Vitis vinifera L., particularly after elicitation, have shown the ability to biosynthesize several stilbenoids. In this work the application of specific tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments and the integration with data from UV‐vis spectra, available only for the main compounds of the extract, allowed the detection of over 20 different stilbenoids. Up to eight monoglicosides, both monomers and dimers, a high number of dimer forms (up to 17), belonging to the group of viniferins and to their oxidized derivatives, were identified in the extract of Malvasia cell cultures. Moreover, the selectivity and sensitivity of the method allowed detection also of a few cis derivatives (up to 3) present in very low concentrations and presumably produced by the light exposure during treatment of the sample. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there are no literature data on MS/MS experiments targeted to simultaneously study monomeric and dimeric stilbenoids, both as free and glycosilated forms, in a complex mixture from V. vinifera cell suspension cultures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.