bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human immunodeficiency virus gp120 glycoprotein detected by a monoclonal antibody to a synthetic peptide
Authors: Chanh Iran C. , Kennedy Ronald C. , Alderete Benjamin E. , Kanda Patrick , Eichberg Jorg W. , Dreesman Gordon R.
Published: February 2007

A chemically synthesized peptide corresponding to the amino acid sequence 503–532 of gp160 of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was used to generate monoclonal antibodies reactive with the env glycoprotein gp120. One monoclonal antibody, 120‐1, was isolated that reacted with the peptide and with HIV antigen(s). Western blot analysis showed reactivity with two bands of 120 kDa and 88 kDa. 120‐1 reacted in indirect immunofluorescence with 15–20% of infected human T cell line A3.01 as early as 4 days post in vitro infection, 2–3 days prior to detectable reverse transcriptase activity in supernatant fluids.
Activation of lymphokine genes during stimulation of cloned T cells
Authors: Herold Kevan C. , Lancki David W. , Dunn Daniel E. , Arai Ken‐Ichi , Fitch Frank W.
Published: February 2007

To study the regulation of lymphokine production by T lymphocytes, we have characterized the activation of lymphokine genes in T cells by measuring the levels of lymphokine mRNA in cloned murine T lymphocytes after stimulation. Lymphokine mRNA was not detected in cells taken after seven days of maintenance culture. Following stimulation of T helper lymphocytes L2 and AD9.1 with concanavalin A, lymphokine mRNA appeared, reached peak levels and disappeared over a 43‐h time period. A single stimulation event resulted in the induction of mRNA for interleukin 2 (IL2), IL3 and interferon gamma. Maximal mRNA levels were generally found at 6 h in the T helper lymphocytes, but could occur as late as 18 h. The lymphokine genes were expressed coordinately; however, in these cloned cells, IL2 mRNA levels appeared to be lower than the other two mRNAs. Lymphokine titers in the supernatant fluids paralleled the appearance of mRNA but IL2 titers began to fall after 12 h probably because of utilization of this lymphokine by the activated cells. In the cytolytic T lymphocyte, L3, qualitatively similar kinetics were found after stimulation by lectin or a clonotypic antibody with peak mRNA levels occurring later (18 h) with the antibody. These studies indicate (a) a single stimulating event activates the lymphokine genes of T cells in a coordinate manner; (b) the appearance of the lymphokines in supernatant fluids represents de novo synthesis of these proteins but the levels of lymphokines measured in supernatant fluids reflects both production and utilization rates, and (c) exposure to IL2 at the time of stimulation is not essential for the production of other lymphokines.
2.4G2, a monoclonal antibody to macrophage Fcγ receptors, reacts with murine T cell Fcγ receptors and IgG‐binding factors
Authors: Daëron Marc , Néauport‐Sautès Catherine , Blank Ulrich , Fridman Wolf H.
Published: February 2007

In order to determine whether T cell Fcγ receptors (FcγR) and IgG‐binding factors (IgG‐BF) are structurally related, we searched for common antigens on these molecules. We found that the anti‐macrophage Fcγ1/γ2bR monoclonal antibody 2.4G2 binds to similar determinant(s) on the macrophage‐like J774 cells and on the FcγR+hybridoma T cells T2D4. On the T cell membrane, these determinants are associated with Fcγ1/γ2bR. They are absent on FcγR hybridoma T cells or the FcR− BW5147 thymoma cells. 2.4G2‐reactive molecules were also detected in soluble material either extracted or released in the supernatant of FcγR+ hybridoma T cells. 2.4G2‐reactive molecules released in the supernatant of T2D4 cells could be absorbed on Sepharose beads coupled to rabbit IgG and they were recovered by acid elution. Conversely, Sepharose beads coupled to 2.4G2 retained molecules which had affinity for rabbit IgG, which suppressed an in vitro antibody response and which had the same molecular weight as IgG‐BF. These results indicate that T cell FcγR and IgG‐BF share common epitopes and that 2.4G2 can serve as an anti‐IgG‐BF antibody.
Differences in the recruitment of virgin B cells into antibody responses to thymus‐dependent and thymus‐independent type‐2 antigens
Authors: Lane Peter J. L. , Gray David , Oldfield Susan , MacLennan Ian C. M.
Published: February 2007

The bone marrow of mammals generate large numbers of B cells throughout life. Most of these have a short life span. The subject of this report is to investigate the extent to which newly formed virgin B cells can be activated by thymus‐dependent (TD) and thymus‐independent type 2 (TI‐2) antigens carrying the hapten 2,4‐dinitrophenyl. The experimental approach used chimeras made between congenic rats of different kappa immunoglobulin light chain allotype. Host (xla) rats were depleted of peripheral B cells by whole body irradiation but had B lymphopoietic capacity conserved by shielding the hind limbs. Their peripheral B cell pool was reconstituted by transfer of xlb thoracic duct lymphocytes from donors immunized previously with the TD carrier. This provides test animals where newly produced virgin B cells only express xla but where initially most peripheral B cells are xlb. The TD antigen tested was able to activated both virgin and memory B cells in the period immediately following immunization. However, long‐term antibody production was attributable to repeated activation of memory B cell clones without further virgin B cell recruitment. By contrast, antibody evoked by the TI‐2 antigen initially was almost exclusively due to activation of donor peripheral B cells. However, over a period following TI‐2 immunization there was a progressive increase in the amount of host antibody produced with corresponding decline of the donor component of the response so that the host response was dominant by six weeks. Control experiments were conducted to show that these effects could not be explained by allotype or isotype‐directed suppression. The cellular basis of these differences was investigated further by studying the rate of repopulation of different B cell compartments in these chimeras by newly formed host and mature donor B cells. The results indicate that the onset of host antibody production to the TI‐2 antigen closely correlated with the appearance of host B cells in the marginal zones of the spleen, whereas good TD host anti‐2,4‐dinitrophenyl responses antedated the appearance of host B cells in this compartment. These results are discussed in relation to other data implicating marginal zone B cells in responses to TI‐2 antigens.
Biochemical characterization of a soluble form of the 53‐kDa monocyte surface antigen
Authors: Bažil Vladimír , Hořejší Václav , Baudyš Miroslav , Krištofová Hana , Strominger Jack L. , Kostka Wladimír , Hilgert Ivan
Published: February 2007

Two monoclonal antibodies, MEM‐15 and MEM‐18, were prepared which recognize a monocyte 53‐kDa antigen. A soluble form of this antigen was found in most normal sera and in urine of some nephrotic patients. Milligram amounts of this glycoprotein were isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography from urine and used for quantitative amino acid and carbohydrate analysis and N‐terminal amino acid sequencing. The reactivity of the isolated antigen with several previously described monoclonal antibodies indicates that it is the antigen previously called MY‐4 or MY‐23. A significant homology exists between the sequenced N‐terminal portion of the antigen and sequences found in the kinase‐related transforming protein src and in the precursor of epidermal growth factor.
Use of Vpß.8 genes in splenic Lyt‐2+ cytotoxic lymphocyte precursors reactive to bm1 or bm14 alloantigen in individual C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Reimann Jörg , Bellan Astrid
Published: February 2007

The cytotoxic response of cell sorter‐purified small Lyt‐2+ splenic cytotoxic lymphocyte precursors from 10 individual C57BL/6 mice to mutant class I H‐2Kbm1 or H‐2Dbm14 allodeterminants was analyzed under limiting dilution conditions. The cytotoxic activity of anti‐bm1‐specific or anti‐bml4‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) populations (selected for a high probability of clonality) was tested against F23 hybridoma cells; F23+ CTL clones lysed F23 hybridoma targets but F23− CTL clones did not. In the C57BL/6 anti‐bml mixed lymphocyte reaction, 36% (range 29–48%) of the generated CTL clones were F23+; in the B6‐anti‐bml4 mixed lymphocyte reaction, 45% (range 34–49%) of the generated CTL clones were F23+. Hence, a large fraction of the anti‐bml‐ or anti‐bm14‐reactive CTL clones from C57BL/6 mice use Vß.8 genes to construct these allospecific T cell receptor phenotypes, but no extensive variation in the use of Vß.8 genes in the construction of allospecific T cell receptor phenotypes of restricted heterogeneity is found in individual mice of the same strain.
Immunochemical analysis of a cell transfected with an HLA‐DR gene reveals a new alloantigenic specificity within HLA‐DRw52
Authors: Tosi Roberto , Tanigaki Nobuyuki , de Préval Claude , Gorski Jack , Mach Bernard
Published: February 2007

The HLA‐DR antigen has been prepared from the surface of a mouse fibroblast cell line transfected with a single HLA‐DR β‐chain gene as well as single HLA‐DR a and invariant chain gene. Since the HLA‐DR β chain gene studied corresponds to the DR βIII locus, the DR serological specificities detected on the transformed cells can be assigned to this locus. The use of the HLA‐DR‐producing mouse cell line has led to the identification of a new serological specificity included within DRw52 and associated with some DR3, some DRw6 and all DR5 haplotypes studied. Most likely this new specificity corresponds to an allelic polymorphism at the DR βIII locus of DRw52 individuals and can serve as a new serological marker for this subset of DR3, DR5 and DRw6 haplotypes.
Evidence for an association between CD23 and the receptor for a low molecular weight B cell growth factor
Authors: Gordon John , Webb Adrian J. , Walker Leonie , Guy Graeme R. , Rowe Martin
Published: February 2007

Low molecular weight B cell growth factor (BCGF) and a monoclonal antibody (MHM6) to the 45‐kDa, B lineage‐restricted, CD23 activation antigen (BLAST‐2; EBVCS) were found to be indistinguishable in their biological effects. Individually, both augmented DNA synthesis in activated, but not resting, B lymphocytes while no additional enhancement resulted from using the two agonists in combination. Furthermore, by increasing the expression of Tac, both MHM6 and BCGF promoted activated B cells to respond more vigorously to the late addition of recombinant interleukin 2. The presence of BCGF during B cell activations was found to down‐regulate the expression of the CD23 antigen while the coating of activated cells with MHM6 antibody diminished their capacity to absorb BCGF activity. The findings demonstrate that CD23 and a low molecular weight BCGF deliver a comparable growth‐promoting signal to activated B cells. A possible relationship between CD23 and the receptor for the low molecular weight BCGF is discussed.
Induction of H‐2‐specific antibodies by injections of syngeneic Sendai virus‐coated cells
Authors: Kievits Femia , Rocca Anna , Opolski Adam , Limpens Jacqueline , Leupers Tine , Kloosterman Tinie , Boerenkamp Walter J. , Pla Marika , Ivanyi Pavol
Published: February 2007

The capacity of the B cell immunoglobulin receptor to recognize complexes of Sendai viral and H‐2b antigens was investigated by studying the antibody response to injections of syngeneic Sendai virus‐coated (SV+) spleen cells in C57BL/6 (B6) mice. Almost all mice produced alloreactive anti‐H‐2 lymphocytotoxic antibodies. In contrast, such antibodies were found very exceptionally in mice injected with normal (SV−) cells or with Sendai virus (SV) only. The reaction pattern of the cytotoxic antibodies induced was variable and ranged from almost anti‐private to widely cross‐reactive serotypes. The results of reactions on H‐2‐congenic, ‐recombinant and ‐mutant mouse strains, and of capping and immunoprecipitation experiments showed that the cytotoxic antibodies were directed against H‐2 class I molecules. The anti‐H‐2 antibodies exhibited enhanced binding for SV+ target cells, but absorption experiments showed that this was not the result of cross‐reactions with cell surface Sendai viral determinants or with a molecular complex of H‐2 plus SV. This conclusion was supported by the observation that syngeneic SV+ cells were not the predominant targets for the induced lymphocytotoxic antibodies. Our results do not support the existence of MHC‐restricted antiviral antibodies, but show the induction of anti‐class I H‐2 alloantibodies by injections with syngeneic SV‐coated cells. We present a model for regular induction of anti‐H‐2 antibodies without intentional alloimmunization.
Interleukin 4 (IgG1 induction factor): a multifunctional lymphokine acting also on T cells
Authors: Severinson Eva , Naito Takayuki , Tokumoto Hidekado , Fukushima Daikuchi , Hirano Atsuchi , Hama Kazuaki , Honjo Tasuku
Published: February 2007

A cDNA encoding the murine interleukin 4 (IL4) (IgG1 induction factor/B cell‐stimulating factor no. 1) was recently cloned (Noma et al., Nature 1986. 319: 640; Lee et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1986. 83: 2061). In this report we tested recombinant IL4 in various T cell assays. It was found that IL4 activated the murine T cell line CTLL to increased DNA synthesis but not to growth. It also activated normal concanavalin A (Con A)‐stimulated T cells both to increased DNA synthesis and to growth. These T cell growth factor‐like activities were not inhibitable by anti‐IL2 receptor antibodies. Evidence is given that both Lyt‐2+ and L3T4+ T cells responded to IL4. Finally, IL4 acted synergistically with phytohemagglutinin or Con A on normal T lymphocytes as well as on thymocytes. These data, as well as those of others, imply that lymphokines have a broader range of activity than previously anticipated.
The use of hybrid hybridomas to target human cytotoxic T lymphocytes
Authors: Lanzavecchia Antonio , Scheidegger Doris
Published: February 2007

This study describes a general strategy to produce hybrid monoclonal antibodies that are capable of targeting human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) against any cell carrying the appropriate target antigen. This is done by fusing a HAT‐sensitive, G418‐resistant anti‐T3 hybridoma with immune spleen cells (or with other hybridomas) that produce antibodies against the desired target antigen. In the hybrid hybridomas the reassortment of Ig heavy and light chains results in the production of bifunctional antibody molecules. Because of their double specificity, these antibodies are able to bridge human CTL to target cells and trigger cytotoxic function. We have isolated several stable hybrid hybridomas in which one specificity is against T3 and one either against HLA antigens (class II, DC‐1, A3), human Ig (IgM, IgE, x), Toxoplasma gondii or an ovary carcinoma‐associated antigen. In all of these cases we show that culture supernatants can efficiently and specifically target any CTL clone against any target cell that possesses the relevant surface antigen recognized by the antibody. Furthermore, the killing requires as little as 0.1 ng/ml of antibody, occurs at effector to target ratios comparable to those used in conventional cytotoxic assays and does not affect bystander cells. Nonspecific killing of Fc receptor‐positive cells can be avoided using F(ab′)2 fragments. As an example, we show that it is possible to (a) change the major histocompatibility complex class and allospecificity of a CTL clone and (b) target CTL against non‐major histocompatibility complex antigens such as Ig, parasites and tumor‐associated antigens.
Interferon‐γ induces expression of the interleukin 2 receptor gene in human monocytes
Authors: Rambaldi Alessandro , Young Diane C. , Herrmann Friedhelm , Cannistra Stephen A. , Griffin James D.
Published: February 2007

Interferon‐γ induces surface expression of interleukin 2 (IL 2) receptors on human monocytes and the monocytic cell line U937. Freshly prepared peripheral blood monocytes and U937 cells were found to lack detectable IL2 mRNA, but exposure of these cells to interferon‐γ induced IL2 receptor message at 6 h of culture. At least two IL2 receptor transcripts were detected (3.5 and 1.5 kb) in both monocytes and U937 cells, similar in size to IL2 receptor transcripts in activated T cells. These results show that interferon‐γ induces expression of the monocyte IL2 receptor gene.
Characterizing doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells using an integrated microfluidic device
Authors: Ye Nannan , Qin Jianhua , Liu Xin , Shi Weiwei , Lin Bingcheng
Published: February 2007

Apoptosis has now established its importance in numerous areas of biology and is recently receiving great attention as an important topic related to the development of diseases. In this work, an integrated microfluidic device was developed to characterize doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. A continuous concentration gradient of stimulator (doxorubicin) was generated in the upstream network and used to perfuse downstream cultured HepG2 cells. The appropriate fluorescent dyes were introduced into cells from the inlets connected to the cell culture chambers, allowing one to distinguish apoptotic cells from nonapoptotic or necrotic cells. The resultant fluorescence of cellular population was monitored and quantified with single‐cell resolution to infer the apoptosis process being studied. The feasibility of studying apoptosis was demonstrated by measuring several apoptotic events, including morphological alterations, plasma membrane phosphatidylserine externalization, and mitochondrial membrane potential collapse. This microfluidic device, integrating the cell culture, stimulation, staining, and washing steps into a single device, can simultaneously generate a number of experimental conditions and investigate multiple parameters relating stimulation to apoptosis. It offers a unique platform to characterize various cellular responses in a high‐throughput fashion, which is otherwise impossible with conventional methods.
Analysis of solute transport in a divergent flow tracer test with scale‐dependent dispersion
Authors: Chen Jui‐Sheng , Chen Chia‐Shyun , Chen Chih Yu
Published: February 2007

It has been known for many years that dispersivities increase with solute displacement distance in a subsurface. The increase of dispersivities with solute travel distance results from significant variation in hydraulic properties of porous media and was identified in the literature as scale‐dependent dispersion. In this study, Laplace‐transformed analytical solutions to advection‐dispersion equations in cylindrical coordinates are derived for interpreting a divergent flow tracer test with a constant dispersivity and with a linear scale‐dependent dispersivity. Breakthrough curves obtained using the scale‐dependent dispersivity model are compared to breakthrough curves obtained from the constant dispersivity model to illustrate the salient features of scale‐dependent dispersion in a divergent flow tracer test. The analytical results reveal that the breakthrough curves at the specific location for the constant dispersivity model can produce the same shape as those from the scale‐dependent dispersivity model. This correspondence in curve shape between these two models occurs when the local dispersivity at an observation well in the scale‐dependent dispersivity model is 1·3 times greater than the constant dispersivity in the constant dispersivity model. To confirm this finding, a set of previously reported data is interpreted using both the scale‐dependent dispersivity model and the constant dispersivity model to distinguish the differences in scale dependence of estimated dispersivity from these two models. The analytical result reveals that previously reported dispersivity/distance ratios from the constant dispersivity model should be revised by multiplying these values by a factor of 1·3 for the scale‐dependent dispersion model if the dispersion process is more accurately characterized by scale‐dependent dispersion. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The insolvent state: analyzing organized procedures for restructuring the bankrupt sovereign
Authors: Khachaturian Alex
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this Article is to examine the impetus behind the movement for a sovereign bankruptcy procedure. The intention is to look at what has (and has not) been said on this issue and evaluate the soundness of various proposals. Part II of this Article looks at the background of international debt crises and the underlying discussions that have taken place on this issue in the international arena. Part III looks at more recent thinking on the subject, sheds light on Argentina's catastrophic global debt crises, and discusses the statutory and market‐oriented solutions for sovereign debt crises. Part IV concludes that the way forward, for now, is to include majority action provision in bond contracts while encouraging responsible internal governance for sovereigns. Such an approach is beneficial until the international market revisits an overarching proposal. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Family history of cancer in children with acute leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma or non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma: The ESCALE study (SFCE)
Authors: Rudant Jérémie , Menegaux Florence , Leverger Guy , Baruchel André , Nelken Brigitte , Bertrand Yves , Hartmann Olivier , Pacquement Hélène , Vérité Cécile , Robert Alain , Michel Gérard , Margueritte Geneviève , Gandemer Virginie , Hémon Denis , Clavel Jacqueline
Published: February 2007

The role of a family history of cancer in the etiology of childhood hematopoietic malignancies was investigated using the data from the ESCALE study. ESCALE, a population‐based case–control study, was carried out in France over the period, 2003–2004. A total of 773 cases of acute leukemia (AL), 130 of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), 163 of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and 1,681 population‐based controls were included. The controls were randomly selected from the French population and were frequency matched with the cases on age and gender. Cancer history in first‐ and second‐degree relatives was reported by the mothers in a structured telephone questionnaire that was the same for the cases and controls. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using an unconditional regression model taking into account the stratification variables and potential confounders. A family history of cancer was associated with an increased risk of HL (OR = 1.5 [1.0–2.2]) and NHL (OR = 1.8 [1.3–2.5]), but not AL (OR = 1.0 [0.9–1.2]). The ORs were higher when at least 2 relatives had a history of cancer or when 1 case occurred before age 46 years. Only HL was significantly associated with a family history of hematopoietic malignancies (OR = 2.0 [1.0–3.8]), mainly because of a significant association with a history of HL (OR = 5.4 [1.3–22]). In conclusion, the study findings support the hypothesis of familial susceptibility to childhood lymphoma, but do not suggest familial susceptibility to childhood AL. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrasonography of hemorrhagic splenic cysts
Authors: Propper Richard A. , Weinstein Barbara J. , Skolnick M. Leon , Kisloff Barry
Published: February 2007

Cysts arising from the spleen are much less common than those arising from other organs such as kidney, liver, and ovary (1). Hemorrhagic cysts of the spleen are rare (1), but we have encountered two patients with this entity. The ultrasonograms in each patient demonstrated gravity‐dependent layering of two fluids of distinctly different echogenicity. The fluids were contained within a spherical mass. Acoustic enhancement was exhibited behind the mass in each case. This suggested the diagnosis of hemorrhagic cyst.
Ultrasound evaluation of hydronephrosis of pregnancy
Authors: Erickson L. M. , Nicholson S. F. , Lewall D. B. , Frischke Lauraline
Published: February 2007

Four hundred ninety‐two patients, including 449 pregnant patients, 39 nonpregnant control patients, and 4 patients with pelvic masses, had renal ultrasonography using gray scale technique. Measurements of renal pelvic diameters in the normal pregnant patients revealed an overall incidence of 63 percent renal pelvic dilatation over the nonpregnant controls. Maximum normal renal pelvic diameters were 1.1 cm on the right and 0.9 cm on the left. The maximum normal expected renal pelvic diameter (97.5 percent confidence level) in pregnancy is 2.7 cm on the right and 1.8 cm on the left in the last two trimesters of pregnancy. There was no significant difference between primiparous and multiparous patients, but pregnant patients were significantly different from controls in every trimester (p < 0.01). Maximum dilatation occurred at 24–28 weeks of gestation. The right renal pelvis was enlarged to the greatest degree in 90 percent of normal patients. Patients with pelvic masses showed a similar pattern of right‐sided hydronephrosis.
Beat‐to‐beat variability of echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular end diastolic diameter and performance
Authors: Belenkie Israel
Published: February 2007

Echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular dimensions and performance correlate well with similar data from other sources. However, little attention has been paid to the beat‐to‐beat variations in these parameters in individual subjects. Considerable variability in measurements of left ventricular end diastolic diameter (EDD), R‐R interval, mean circumferential fiber shortening velocity (Vcf), and ejection fraction (EF) has been demonstrated in subjects in both sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation. The coefficients of variation have varied from 2.5 to 9 percent, 2.1 to 11.2 percent, 4.4 to 11.0 percent, and 3.4 to 7.8 percent, respectively, in different individuals in sinus rhythm and from 2.0 to 7.9 percent, 2.1 to 20.7 percent, 4.9 to 30.0 percent, and 1.9 to 90.0 percent, respectively, in different patients in atrial fibrillation. Recent ultrasound studies of the interrelationships among preload, afterload, cycle length, and indices of left ventricular performance have yielded variable results. In this study the relationships between both EDD and R‐R interval and echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular function were analyzed in individual subjects in both sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation. Changes in EDD and, to a lesser extent, cycle length were shown to be accompanied by predictable changes in indices of left ventricular function. EDD correlated better than did R‐R interval with Vcf and EF in 8 of 10 and 10 of 10 normal subjects, respectively, and in 9 of 11 and 7 of 11 patients in atrial fibrillation, respectively. The data suggest that preload has a more important effect than cycle length on left ventricular performance.
Ultrasonic real‐time guidance for percutaneous puncture
Authors: Saitoh Masahito , Watanabe Hiroki , Ohe Hiroshi , Tanaka Shigeki , Itakura Yasuhiro , Date Seiki
Published: February 2007

Real‐time scanning was applied to the sonically guided puncture technique. A special puncture attachment connected to the ultrasound sector scanner was developed for this purpose. A puncture needle is introduced into the scanning plane through the canal in the attachment. Excellent real‐time images of both the target lesion and the needle can be clearly seen on the oscilloscope during the puncture procedure. Puncture not only for cystic structures but also for solid masses can be made easily and safely by this new technique. Successful applications of the technique have been carried out for renal cyst puncture, percutaneous antegrade pyelography, percutaneous nephrostomy, percutaneous renal biopsy, and perineal prostatic biopsy.
Atrial septal thickness and area in normal heart specimens and in those with ostium secundum atrial septal defects
Authors: Rosenquist Glenn C. , Sweeney Lauren J. , Ruckman Roger N. , McAllister Hugh A.
Published: February 2007

This anatomic study suggests that an understanding of the thickness of the atrial septum should allow better visualization of most portions of the blade‐shaped atrial septum during cross‐sectional echocardiography, both in normal subjects and in patients with ostium secundum atrial septal defects. The thickness measurements also demonstrate that difficulties in imaging the atrial septum are a function of resolution limits of existing echocardiographic equipment.
Analysis of biparietal diameter as an accurate indicator of gestational age
Authors: Kurtz Alfred B. , Wapner Ronald J. , Kurtz Robert J. , Dershaw D. David , Rubin Carl S. , Cole‐Beuglet Catherine , Goldberg Barry B.
Published: February 2007

To date, there have been 25 studies attempting to correlate biparietal diameter and gestational age; of these, 17 meet specific criteria and thus are included in this evaluation. Although all studies have shown an increase in biparietal diameter with advancing gestational age, between 17 wk and term there is a discrepancy of approximately 3 wk. In this evaluation the charts are compared and the variations analyzed. An ideal table is constructed by combining the mean gestational age, calculated from a statistical analysis, and the variation at each millimeter point, determined by comparison of all the studies. It is hoped that this new 90% composite table, which consists of a range of gestational ages in weeks for each biparietal diameter, will not only provide more realistic indications of fetal age but also will serve as a reminder to sonographers, obstetricians, and patients of the relative accuracy and variations of biparietal diameter measurements.
Physical factors influencing numerical echo‐amplitude data extracted from B‐scan ultrasound images
Authors: Jaffe Conrade C. , Harris Daniel J.
Published: February 2007

The replacement of analog‐scan converters by digital‐scan converters in commercially available B‐scan ultrasound equipment provides easily available numerical echo‐amplitude data from regions or organs of interest, once the image has been created. These values vary with, and are influenced by, a variety of physical variables, including transducer power output, time‐gain compensation, signal threshold, preprocessing digital signal level assignment, frequency, and acoustic beam width. Unless vigorous efforts are made to standardize these variables, clinical reports using numerical analysis as disease descriptors should be viewed critically.
Neonatal intracranial pathology demonstrated by high‐frequency linear array ultrasound
Authors: Sauerbrei Eric E. , Harrison Philip B. , Ling Emily , Cooperberg Peter L.
Published: February 2007

We have performed a total of 126 ultrasound scans of the brain in 86 different neonatal patients with a 7.0 MHz linear array transducer (6.5 cm in length), using the anterior fontanelle as a scanning window. Thirty‐one patients had demonstrable abnormalities confirmed by CT while 49 patients were normal. Using this technique we were able to reliably define normal lateral ventricles, subependymal hemorrhages, hematomas, intraventricular hemorrhages, hydrocephalus, and porencephalic cysts.
Determination of volume of arterial blood flow by an ultrasonic device
Authors: Uematsu Sumio
Published: February 2007

This paper describes the results of a reevaluation of the reliability of a newly developed ultrasonic volume flow meter which was developed by Yoshimura and his co‐workers (1978). Measurements of volume blood flow (cc/sec) by this new technique were compared withmeasurement by the electromagnetic flow meter. Experiments were performed with an in vitro model as well as with physiological pulsatile flow in an animal model. Results of the study indicated a high degree of correlation between values measured by both techniques with a correlation coefficient of 0.99. I believe that this is an important technical development in the field of noninvasive quantitative determination of blood flow.
Cholecystosonography in children with sickle cell disease: Technical approach and clinical results
Authors: Cunningham Jerome J. , Houlihan Stephen M. , Altay C.
Published: February 2007

Forty‐five children with sickle cell anemia were studied with meticulous cholecystosonograms using a 5‐MHz thyroid transducer. Good‐quality images were obtained. The most informative and useful view was the left‐side‐down decubitus study with the ultrasound gantry angled 45% to the anteroposterior axis. Rotating the patient rapidly through 360 degrees did not increase the information content of the examination. We found that one third of a random group of children with sickle cell anemia will have gallstones and one fifth will have “sludge”. A kinked deformity of the gallbladder may simulate a gallstone. Neither age, sex, weight, physical findings (except for hepatomegaly), nor a variety of biochemical measurements of the blood will be of much value in predicting gallbladder disease in any given patient.
Ultrasound in the diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Authors: Blumhagen Joel D. , Coombs John B.
Published: February 2007

Abdominal B‐scan ultrasound imaging was performed on 35 infants who presented with vomiting. A thick hypoechoic ring was visualized in 21 of the 23 patients found at surgery to have hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The ring was shown to represent the hypertrophied circular muscle of the pylorus. Each side of the ring measured 4 mm or more in thickness in the positive studies. None of the patients without hypertrophic pyloric stenosis showed this finding, although thinner hypoechoic rings were often seen, representing parasagittal sections of distal antral muscle.
Sonographic evaluation of the incompetent cervix
Authors: Bernstine Richard L. , Lee Sung Ho , Crawford William L. , Shimek Maurice P.
Published: February 2007

Ultrasound can provide objective information in diagnosing incompetency of the internal os of the cervix during pregnancy and in evaluating the need for surgical correction. Attention must be paid to the technical aspects of the examination, and the examiner must be familiar with normal variations in the configuration.
Ultrasonic diagnosis of nuchal encirclement by the umbilical cord: A case and methodological report
Authors: Jouppila Pentti , Kirkinen Pertti
Published: February 2007

A method for the diagnosis of nuchal coiling of the umbilical cord before labor using a combination of real‐time and Doppler ultrasonic equipment is presented in this case report. The applicability of the method is discussed. Further evaluation in routine obstetric practice is still required.
Anthropomorphic breast phantoms for assessing ultrasonic imaging system performance and for training ultrasonographers: Part II
Authors: Madsen Ernest L. , Zagzebski James A. , Frank Gary R. , Greenleaf James F. , Carson Paul L.
Published: February 2007

Three prototype anthropomorphic breast phantoms are discussed. The phantoms were constructed using ultrasonically tissue‐mimicking materials; these materials mimic various tissue parenchymae in terms of attenuation, speed of sound, density, and scatter level. Realistic artifacts related to refraction and reflection at interfaces between different simulated parenchymae are produced. The phantoms represent premenopausal breasts, and they complement one another. Two of them represent the dense breasts of women under 30 years of age, and one represents that of a woman between 35 and 40 years of age. Of the former two, one produces what is apparently above‐average refraction effects in the region of the peripheral fat layer; the other produces more typical refraction effects. Simulated tumors, cysts, and calcifications of various sizes are suspended in the glandular regions. Such phantoms are valuable for use in developmental testing of state‐of‐the‐art ultrasound machines, quality assurance testing of clinical machines, and training of sonographers in breast imaging.
An echographic evaluation during the early puerperium of the uterine wound after caesarean section
Authors: Burger Nicolaas F. , Darazs Blanka , Boes Elsje G. M.
Published: February 2007

Serial echographic evaluation of the uterine wound after lower uterine segment caesarean section was performed on 48 puerperal patients. Similar examinations after vaginal delivery were carried out on 14 puerperal patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether evidence of abnormal healing could be detected by this method. Although three distinctive patterns were noted, no correlation with clinical findings could be made and no conclusions could be drawn.
Relation of in vivo blood flow to ultrasound echogenicity
Authors: Machi Junji , Sigel Bernard , Beitler Julio C. , Coelho Julio C. U. , Justin Jeffrey R.
Published: February 2007

The mechanism of echogenicity of flowing blood during real‐time ultrasonography was investigated experimentally in vivo by scanning venous and arterial blood and venous blood subjected to varying degrees of obstruction. Luminal echoes were more intense in flowingblood of the vena cava than in aortic blood of dogs. Vena cava and portal echoes increased in intensity as flow was decreased progressively by obstruction. We believe that an important cause of echogenicity of flowing blood is red cell aggregation which is greatest at low shear rates (low flow velocity). Echogenicity decreases with increase in shear rate (higher flow velocity) which causes red cell disaggregation.
Ultrasound identification of lateral ventricular asymmetry in the human neonate
Authors: Horbar Jeffrey D. , Leahy Kathleen A. , Lucey Jerold F.
Published: February 2007

Sonography was used to investigate left‐right asymmetries of the brain in 66 human neonates with gestational ages of 28–44 wk. The body of the left lateral ventricle was larger than the right in 21 infants (31.8%), whereas the right was larger than the left in only four infants (6.1%) (p <0.001). Asymmetry of the lateral ventricles can be detected in the normal neonatal brain using sonography.
Diastolic mitral gradient without associated valvular stenosis: Usefulness of two‐dimensional echocardiography for a correct diagnosis
Authors: Perrenoud J. J. , Frangos A. , Bopp P.
Published: February 2007

A diastolic gradient across the mitral valve is generally indicative of mitral valve stenosis. In the present study, echocardiography was used to demonstrate two less common causes of left ventricular inflow obstruction: one patient had a fibromuscular membrane beneath the valve, the other a large vegetation attached to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. Echocardiography proved to be the optimal imaging technique in each case.
Critical evaluation of continuous‐wave Doppler probes for carotid studies
Authors: Douville Y. , Arenson J. W. , Johnston K. W. , Cobbold R. S. C. , Kassam M.
Published: February 2007

The field response characteristics of 12 commercially available continuouswave (CW) Doppler ultrasound probes have been measured by a vibrating target method. These characteristics are discussed in relation to their application for quantitative evaluation of the carotid arteries. Because of poorly behaved field characteristics, short depths of penetration, and insufficient beam width, some of the probes may not be suitable for such evaluations.
Characteristics of hypernephromas as seen with ultrasound and computed tomography
Authors: Pamilo Martti , Suramo Ilkka , Päivänsalo Markku
Published: February 2007

The structure of 20 hypernephromas as seen with ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) were compared. The hypervascular and necrotic areas, as well as the areas of normal tumoral enhancement in CT, were seen as markedly, moderately, or minimally echogenic or had mixed areas of minimal and marked echogenicity in US.
Measurement of liver volume by ultrasound and computed tomography
Authors: Fritschy P. , Robotti G. , Schneekloth G. , Vock P.
Published: February 2007

A morphometric method to calculate liver volumes from transverse sections is evaluated (point‐integrating method). In the first part of the study, 10 liver specimens were investigated by computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US); the calculated volumes were compared to the volumes obtained by water displacement of the organs. While CT showed an ideal agreement (r = 0.994), volumes calculated from US sections correlated less well (percentage differences from + 12.5% to −9%, r =0.915). In the second part of the study, the livers of 10 randomly selected patients were investigated by CT and US. Liver volumes were calculated using the point‐integration method. Compared to the CT examination, US results show a good correlation with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.977. The point‐integration method is very valuable to measure organ volumes from transverse sections. The method can be applied “offline” to photographic films, data do not have to be recorded electronically. The time required to calculate the volume of an organ is comparable to other methods.
Ultrasound does not affect human lymphocyte transformation in vitro
Authors: Katoh Arthur K. , Charoensiri Surin
Published: February 2007

The lymphocyte transformation test has been used in testing the effect of ultrasound on human lymphocytes. The test utilizes the mitogenic lectins, phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen to stimulate the incorporation of 3H‐thymidine into resting lymphocytes after several days in culture. Ultrasound, which is increasingly used in diagnostic radiology, has been reported as an immunosuppressive agent in mice. Lymphocyte transformation has been used clinically as a test measuring the effectiveness of immunoenhancing and immunosuppressive therapies. The experiments reported here do not demonstrate an immunosuppressive role for ultrasound on human lymphocytes.
Computer assisted analysis of fetal age in the third trimester using multiple fetal growth parameters
Authors: Hadlock Frank P. , Deter Russell L. , Harrist Ron B. , Park Seung K.
Published: February 2007

A new technique is described for predicting menstrual age in the third trimester of pregnancy (28–42 weeks) using multiple fetal growth parameters (biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length). Evaluation of this technique in 177 normal third trimester pregnancies demonstrated that significant improvement in the variability in predicting menstrual age can be achieved when two or more parameters are used collectively instead of a single parameter used individually. The optimal combination prior to 36 weeks was biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, and femur length, while after 36 weeks the optimal combination was head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length. The use of these combinations resulted in smaller mean errors, standard deviations, and maximum errors. Regression equations and tables of normal values are provided to facilitate the use of this dating method.
Biparietal diameter in premature rupture of membranes: Errors in estimating gestational age
Authors: Wolfson Robert N. , Zador Ivan E. , Halvorsen Philip , Andrews Brenda , Sokol Robert J.
Published: February 2007

Experience on our clinical service suggested that the real‐time ultrasonically measured fetal biparietal diameter (BPD) might not accurately estimate gestational age in the preterm pregnancy complicated by premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Of 2510 consecutive pregnancies for which the BPD could be obtained on ultrasound examination at or beyond 26 weeks gestation, 122 were complicated by PROM. For pregnancies with and without PROM, the relationship, if any, between BPD and gestational age at the time of examination was determined by regression analysis and the resulting equations compared by F test. The regression equations were found to be significantly different (F = 17.2, P < 0.01); the BPD was found to underestimate the true gestational age in the presence of PROM. To model the situation in which the pregnancy is recognizably very premature, the BPD/gestational age relationship was evaluated at ≤ 30 weeks. In these pregnancies the correlation of gestational age with BPD was not statistically significant in the presence of PROM. These results indicate that in the presence of PROM, the BPD may not be a reliable estimator of the gestational age of the fetus. In the presence of PROM, gestational age dependent management decisions would be better based on clinical and ultrasound criteria rather than the ultrasonically determined BPD.
Nonvolumetric assessment of ventricular function by two‐dimensional echocardiography in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Shea Peder M. , Glover Matthew U. , Handler Jeffrey B. , Nelson Dennis P. , Vieweg W. V. R.
Published: February 2007

Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was prospectively predicted by nonvolumetric parameters obtained by M‐mode and two‐dimensional (2DE) echocardiography in 55 patients with angiographically proven coronary artery disease. In particular, the mitral E‐point to septum separation (EPSS) could predict the angiographic ejection fraction (EF) according to the formula %EF = 74 – 2 (EPSS) with a correlation of 0.81 and a standard error of the estimate (SEE) of 12%. An EPSS of greater than 10 mm predicted ventricular dysfunction with a sensitivity of 0.81 and a specificity of 0.93. A Wall Motion Score (WMS), obtained by summing segmental wall motion assessed as normal = 4, hypokinetic = 3, akinetic = 2, dyskinetic = 1, for each of seven segments and dividing by seven (the number of segments evaluated), also correlated with the angiographic EF (r = .76). An abnormal WMS was found to be less than 3.3 and together with an EPSS greater than 10 mm, these parameters had a sensitivity of 0.90, a specificity of 0.92, and predictive value of 0.90 for ventricular dysfunction, as evidenced by an EF of less than 0.51. We conclude that the EPSS has as great a predictive value for the EF as the more vigorous quantitative volumetric echocardiographic estimates. Together with the WMS, these parameters are of considerable clinical value in detecting ventricular dysfunction.
Ventricular systolic time intervals by simultaneous echocardiographic recording of the semilunar valves during the first days of life: A study of normal newborn infants
Authors: Yoshida Yoshiro , Baylen Barry G. , Emmanouilides George C. , Knouse Mary
Published: February 2007

A modified ultrasonic method was used to image simultaneously the semilunar valves in order to study comparative neonatal right and left ventricular systolic time intervals (STI) and phasic respiration. We obtained 72 serial M‐mode echocardiograms from 24 normal term infants during the first 3 days of life. Right and left ventricular pre‐ejection period (RPEP, LPEP), ejection times (RVET, LVET), and STI ratios (RPEP/RVET, LPEP/LVET) did not vary with respiratory variation during the first days of life; aortic (Q‐Ac) and pulmonic valve (Q‐Pc) closure intervals were uninfluenced by respiration. Widening of Ac‐Pc interval beyond 15 msec was present in 56% by day 3. The RPEP/LVET was greater than LPEP/LVET on the first day–‐a finding previously described in infants with dextro‐transposition of the great arteries. Relatively fixed duration of right ventricular systole (Q‐Pc) and the absence of inspiratory widening of the Ac‐Pc interval, despite decreasing pulmonary vascular resistance, may be related to differences of right ventricular compliance and pulmonary vascular capacitance in the newborn infant.
The sonography of renal columnar hypertrophy
Authors: Leekam Roger N. , Matzinger Mary Anne , Brunelle Monica , Gray Robin R. , Grosman Harvey
Published: February 2007

An enlarged Column of Bertin is a frequent cause of renal pseudotumor. In a retrospective study of the ultrasound findings in 11 patients with columnar hypertrophy, we have attempted to establish objective sonographic criteria of this entity. Columnar hypertrophy appears as a renal mass with the following characteristics: (1) indents the renal sinus laterally; (2) clearly defined from the renal sinus; (3) largest dimension of less than 3 cm; (4) continuous or contiguous with the renal cortex; and (5) Echogenicity close to that of the cortex. Two minor criteria are also presented, and the present appropriate use of the criteria is suggested.