bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrast‐to‐noise ratio in functional MRI of relative cerebral blood volume with sprodiamide injection
Authors: Lev Michael H. , Kulke Sarah F. , Sorensen A. Gregory , Boxerman Jerry L. , Brady Thomas J. , Rosen Bruce R. , Buchbinder Brad R. , Weisskoff Robert M.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dependence of contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) on the dose and rate of sprodiamide injection in magnetic resonance relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) imaging. rCBV maps for 35 normal volunteers were constructed from dynamic MR image sets acquired with echo‐planar spin‐echo imaging after intravenous injection of sprodiamide. Doses of .1, .2, and .3 mmol/kg, at rates of 2 ml/second and 5 ml/second, were tested. CNRs and blood/volume ratios of gray to white matter were computed. CNR depended on dose (P < .0001) but was independent of injection rate (P < .69). rCBV ratios of gray to white matter were dose independent (P < .38) and rate independent (P < .97). The dependence of CNR on dose, but not injection rate, has practical implications in optimal protocol design. The independence of gray/white ratios supports the theory underlying the generation of rCBV maps.
Imaging of the lungs using 3he MRI: Preliminary clinical experience in 18 patients with and without lung disease
Authors: Kauczor Hans‐Ulrich , Ebert Michael , Kreitner Karl‐Friedrich , Nilgens Helge , Surkau Reinhard , Heil Werner , Hofmann Dirk , Otten Ernst W. , Thelen Manfred
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to describe the 3He MRI findings of normal pulmonary ventilation in healthy volunteers and to evaluate abnormalities in patients with different lung diseases. Hyperpolarized 3He gas (300 ml, 3 × 105 Pa, polarized to 35–45% by optical pumping, provided in special glass cells) was inhaled by 8 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with different lung diseases. Imaging was performed with a three‐dimensional fast low‐angle shot (FLASH) sequence (TR = 11.8 msec; TE = 5 msec; transmitter amplitude, 5–8 V; corresponding flip angle, <5°) in a single breath‐hold (22–42 seconds). Clinical and radiologic examinations were available for correlation. The studies were performed successfully in eight of eight volunteers and in 8 of 10 patients. The lung parenchyma of volunteers with normal ventilatory function exhibited rather homogeneous intermediate to high signal, whereas patients with chronic obstructive lung disease or bronchiectasis presented with severe signal inhomogeneities with patchy or wedge‐shaped defects. The mass effect of bronchogenic carcinoma, chronic empyema, lymphadenopathy, or pleural effusion caused large signal defects, representing the lesion and adjacent hypoventilation, the extent of which had not been presumed from chest x‐ray or CT. 3He MRI is a promising new modality for the assessment of pulmonary ventilation and its abnormalities. Additional studies are needed to determine its potential clinical role.
Optimization of contrast timing for breath‐hold three‐dimensional MR angiography
Authors: Hany Thomas F. , McKinnon Graeme C. , Leung Daniel A. , Pfammatter Thomas , Debatin Jorg F.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of various factors (age, weight, breathing, saline flush) on the contrast kinetics of a test bolus injection for the purpose of calculating the scan delay for optimized contrast‐enhanced three‐dimensional MR angiography. Initially, the test bolus administration was optimized by evaluating the influence of breathing (breathing versus breath‐hold) and the administration of a saline flush after the contrast injection (no flush versus flush) on the kinetics of a 4‐ml Gd‐DTPA test bolus injection in three healthy volunteers. Subsequently, in 33 patients referred for three‐dimensional MR angiography of the renal arteries, test bolus kinetics were correlated to age, weight, and heart rate. In addition, the image quality of the three‐dimensional MR angiograms was assessed on a four‐point scale with regard to vessel visibility. The administration of a saline flush after the contrast injection significantly shortened the first appearance time (14 versus 16 seconds, P < .05), as well as the time to maximal signal intensity (SI) (6 versus 10 seconds, P < .05) and increased both maximum (67 versus 151 seconds, P < .05) and the SI slope (6.4 versus 20.5 seconds, P < .05). Breath‐holding was shown to have no significant affect on the test bolus kinetics. No correlation was found between physiologic parameters and test bolus kinetics in the patient group. Image quality was graded as sufficient for diagnostic purposes in 32 of 33 patients. The contrast travel time from injection site to the vascular system under consideration cannot be predicted based on physiologic parameters. This time interval can be reliably and accurately determined by a test bolus injection of a small volume of contrast agent followed by a saline flush during normal breathing.
Evaluation of an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide in MRI in a bone tumor model in rabbits
Authors: Bush Charles H. , Mladinich Christopher R. J. , Montgomery William J.
Published: March 2007

Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides (USPIOs) are a class of MRI contrast agents having moderately selective affinity for the reticuloendothelial cells of lymph nodes and bone marrow. This study evaluated a USPIO preparation, Combidex (Code 7227), in MRI of a rabbit bone tumor model. VX2 carcinoma implanted into the tibial marrow of nine subject rabbits was studied. After tumor growth, the subjects underwent MRI of their lesions both before and after intravenous administration of Code 7227. Code 7227 was judged subjectively to conspicuously reduce the signal intensity of normal marrow on some pulse sequences. A hypointense zone outlined the tumor margins on postcontrast imaging, which allowed improved visualization of the soft tissue component of the larger lesions. Accumulation of the contrast agent in a zone of inflammation outside the tumor margin was demonstrated on histologic sections of the lesions. Code 7227 deserves additional study as a potential contrast agent for MRI of bone tumors.
Fat‐saturated contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted MRI in evaluation of osteosarcoma and ewing sarcoma
Authors: Gronemeyer Suzanne A. , Kauffman William M. , Rocha Manoel S. , Steen R. Grant , Fletcher Barry D.
Published: March 2007

To assess contrast‐enhanced (C+), fat‐saturated (FatSat), T1‐weighted (T1W) imaging in the characterization of the soft tissue mass associated with primary bone tumors, we compared it with T2‐weighted (T2W) imaging in patients with osteosarcoma (n = 36) and Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (Ewing sarcoma; n = 11). Periosseous tumor compared with normal muscle had greater contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) on the FatSat T1W C+ image than on T2W for 81% (38/47; P < .0001) of patients. The CNR of periosseous tumor compared with subcutaneous fat was greater on FatSat T1W C+ for 98% (46/47; P < .0001). Radiologists found it easier to evaluate neurovascular bundle proximity to tumor with FatSat T1W C+ images than with T2W for 64% of patients (30/47; P < .0001). They judged FatSat T1W C+ superior to T2W for periosseous tumor conspicuity and visualization of soft tissue necrosis in 62% (29/47; P < .0001). In patients with osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma, FatSat T1W C+ imaging may replace T2W imaging for soft tissue mass evaluation, especially if contrast is being used for dynamic enhancement.
Thoracic outlet syndrome in a throwing athlete diagnosed with MRI and MRA
Authors: Esposito M. D. , Arrington John A. , Blackshear M. N. , Murtagh F. R. , Silbiger M. L.
Published: March 2007

Thoracic outlet syndrome comprises the clinical manifestations in the arm caused by compression of the neuro‐vascular bundle as it leaves the thoracic inlet. The neuro‐vascular bundle is composed of the subclavian artery, the subclavian vein, and the bra‐chial plexus. The symptoms of thoracic outlet or inlet syndrome are most often caused by compression of the nerves of the brachial plexus, which is involved in up to 98% of cases; the remainder are due to vascular compression. MRI with MRA demonstrates well the anatomy of the brachial plexus as well as any vascular compression or occlusion. The relationship of the axillary and subclavian vein to the first rib and subclavius muscle also can be demonstrated. We present a college baseball player who presented with numbness in the fingers of his throwing hand when throwing a baseball. Evaluation with spin‐echo and two‐dimensional time‐of‐flight MR angiographic (MRA) imaging of the thoracic outlet region revealed obstruction of the subclavian vein with the arm abducted. To our knowledge, no such cases have been diagnosed previously with MRI.
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of the liver venous system using the preservation solution as contrast agent
Authors: Krssak Martin , Kontaxis Georg , Backfrieder Werner , Baumgartner Richard , Längle Friedrich , Moser Ewald
Published: March 2007

To investigate whether MRI without using artificial contrast agents can provide sufficient image contrast to visualize the venous tree in the cold stored liver graft, two pig liver grafts were scanned with a multislice turbo spin‐echo sequence with long TE (200 msec). The quality of the data obtained at 1‐T field strength was sufficient for three‐dimensional reconstruction of the hepatic vascular system, potentially useful for liver splitting surgery.
Multibolus stimulated echo imaging of coronary artery flow
Authors: Chao Hui , Burstein Deborah
Published: March 2007

One limitation of traditional bolus tagging techniques for MR angiography is the small amount of blood labeled by one tagging, resulting in a limited filling of the downstream vessels. We describe a multiple bolus technique using stimulated echoes (STE) for imaging coronary flow. A series of radiofrequency (RF) pairs are given with each pair selective at the region of tagging, thus tagging consecutive volumes of blood, and a final nonselective pulse is given to “read out” all of the tagged spins. In this way, multiple boluses of tagged blood are imaged at one time.
Gadolinium‐enhanced breath‐hold three‐dimensional time‐of‐flight MR angiography of the abdominal and pelvic vessels: The value of ultrafast MP‐RAGE sequences
Authors: Yamashita Yasuyuki , Mitsuzaki Katsuhiko , Tang Yi , Namimoto Tomohiro , Takahashi Mutsumasa
Published: March 2007

MR angiography (MRA) was performed in 50 consecutive subjects (mean age, 59 years), who had been referred for abdominal MRA, on a 1.5‐T superconductive unit that used a body phased‐array coil. Three breath‐hold three‐dimensional sequences were evaluated both in phantom and clinical studies: (a) standard fast three‐dimensional gradient‐echo sequence (TR = 15, TE = 6; imaging time, 32 seconds), (b) ultrafast three‐dimensional gradient‐echo sequence (TR = 8.2, TE = 3; imaging time, 18 seconds), and (c) ultrafast magnetization‐prepared (MP) rapid acquisition gradient echo (RAGE) (TR = 5.8, TE = 2.9, inversion time [TI] = 20; imaging time, 15 seconds). The initial 30 patients were randomized into three groups by three separate sequences. For the remaining 20 patients, ultrafast‐gradient‐echo and ultrafast MP‐RAGE sequences were performed. Conventional angiography was performed on 36 patients. Signal measurements of the phantom and clinical images of the aorta, visceral branches of the aorta, iliac arteries, inferior vena cavae, and portal veins were performed. The overall image quality and background fatty tissue contrast of the vessels were rated subjectively. Comparison of images between MRA and conventional angiography also was performed. The contrast between the vessels and background fatty tissue was significantly higher in the ultrafast MP‐RAGE sequence in both quantitative and qualitative analysis, and image‐quality ultrafast MP‐RAGE was superior to the other two sequences (P < .01). The aorta and iliac arteries could be visualized in all pulse sequences, and abnormalities of these vessels were diagnosed correctly. The renal artery was visualized more clearly with the two ultrafast sequences.
Immediate postgadolinium spoiled gradient‐echo MRI for evaluating the abdominal aorta in the setting of abdominal MR examination
Authors: Kelekis Nikolaos L. , Semelka Richard C. , Molina Paul L. , Warshauer David M. , Sharp Tonya J. , Detterbeck Frank C.
Published: March 2007

To assess the reproducibility and image quality of immediate postgadolinium chelate spoiled gradient‐echo MRI in demonstrating disease of the abdominal aorta. All patients (27 patients: 21 men, 6 women) with substantial disease of the abdominal aorta, who underwent abdominal MR examinations at 1.5 T between 1991 and 1995, were entered in the study. Patients were referred for evaluation of suspected aortic disease (14 patients) or other abdominal diseases (13 patients). Three experienced investigators manually measured luminal and external aortic wall diameters and rated image quality, definition of inner and outer walls, extent of disease, and presence of other abdominal abnormalities, in an independent fashion. A cardiovascular surgeon then rated all studies to determine whether clinical management could be based on the MR findings alone. There was 98 to 99% agreement in measurements of luminal and external wall diameter between the three investigators. Overall image quality was rated as good in 77.8 to 88.9% of patients. A total of 31 additional nonaortic abdominal abnormalities were detected by all observers. The cardiovascular surgeon rated 25 of 27 studies as adequate to determine clinical management based on MR findings alone. Immediate postgadolinium spoiled gradient‐echo MRI is a reproducible technique for the demonstration of abdominal aortic disease and possesses good image quality. Advantages of this technique include simultaneous evaluation of other nonvascular diseases of the abdomen, short examination time, and easy implementation as part of routine abdominal MRI scanning protocol.
Effect of artifacts due to flowing blood on the reproducibility of phase‐contrast measurements of myocardial motion
Authors: Drangova Maria , Zhu Yudong , Pelc Norbert J.
Published: March 2007

The reproducibility of myocardial motion trajectories calculated from cine phase‐contrast (PC) velocity data is reduced by artifacts due to the inconsistent motion of intracardiac blood. Spatial presaturation reduces these artifacts but requires a longer sequence TR, with a potentially negative effect on trajectory accuracy and reproducibility. We investigated the effect of spatial presaturation on trajectory reproducibility. A midventricular transaxial slice was imaged in five normal volunteers. The same slice was imaged three times each with sequences using spatial presaturation or not. Because the most serious artifacts originate in the heart chambers and propagate in the phase‐encoded direction, myocardial regions that were in line with the heart chambers (in the phase‐encode direction) had the highest artifact level in the scans without spatial presaturation. The reproducibility of trajectories for regions placed in these areas (the anterior wall, septum and posterior wall in the transaxial scans with phase encoding in the anterior‐posterior direction) improved by a factor of two when presaturation was used (P < .001). In areas that were not in line with the heart chambers (eg, the anterior aspect of the lateral wall in the transaxial scans), the effect of presaturation was not significant. These results correlate well with the measured reduction in artifact level. The reproducibility of myocardial motion trajectories over large areas of the heart is improved to approximately 1 mm when presaturation is used. Therefore, use of presaturation is recommended for myocardial motion studies using cine PC velocity data.
Understanding ‘appropriateness’ in multinational organizations
Authors: Cooper Danielle , Doucet Lorna , Pratt Michael
Published: March 2007

Assessments of the appropriateness and inappropriateness of behaviors may influence conflict, cohesion, and goal attainment in multinational organizations (MNOs). We develop a model of appropriateness that illustrates how various arrangements in MNOs (e.g., geocentric staffing) may work to influence the likelihood of (in‐) appropriateness assessments as well as the magnitude of the reactions (positive or negative) to such assessments via their influence on members' ingroup‐outgroup categorizations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organizational behavior in multinational organizations
Authors: Peterson Mark F. , Thomas David C.
Published: March 2007

This article introduces a special issue of the Journal of Organizational Behavior on organizational behavior in the context of multinational organizations (MNOs). MNOs have distinctive organizational characteristics and operate in national settings that have distinctive institutional and cultural characteristics that together provide a unique context for organizational behavior. We present a taxonomy, which suggests that OB scholars who have done research in the MNO context have given it theoretical meaning in several ways. This context can influence the frequency of occurrence of OB variables, influence their functional relationships, or produce nuanced or unique constructs. The articles in the special issue highlight the OB implications of the conflicting identities that are particularly likely to be found when an organization's different structural components are closely linked to different cultural and formal institutions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Indian Ocean sea‐surface temperature anomaly on Indian summer monsoon precipitation using a regional climate model
Authors: Singh G. P. , Oh Jai‐Ho
Published: March 2007

The present study uses a recent version (Version‐III) of National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Regional Climate Model (RegCM3) to simulate the Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR). Since RegCM3 is used for the first time for such a study over south Asia, its performance was tested for different conditions of ISMR. The RegCM3 is integrated at 60 km horizontal resolution from April 1 to October 1 for three contrasting rain years corresponding to drought (2002), normal (2001) and excess (1994). The monsoon circulation features simulated by the RegCM3 are compared with those of the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)/NCAR reanalysis, and simulated precipitation is validated against observations from the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) data sets. Validation of the wind patterns at lower and upper levels shows that the RegCM3 simulated results are close to the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis. Similarly, the patterns of precipitation distribution simulated by the RegCM3 are close to the GPCC (except over the west coast). Features of intra‐seasonal oscillation during different rain years are also examined by applying a frequency filter and the technique of wavelet analysis to rainfall data. Results indicate that a faster (10–20 days) mode dominated during an excess rain year and a slower (30–60 days) mode during a deficient rain year, which agree well with the observations (GPCC). The influence of increase in sea‐surface temperature (SST) by 0.6 °C on the following summer monsoon circulation and rainfall over India has also been studied. The SST (warm) experiments show that the regional warming of SST over the Indian Ocean enhanced the monsoon precipitation mainly over south peninsular India, west peninsular India and the Indian Ocean and reduced precipitation over northeast India. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Corning creates an inclusive culture to drive technology innovation and performance
Authors: Oshiotse Anthony , O'Leary Richard
Published: March 2007

Corning's technology community, charged with doubling the rate at which technology breakthroughs are transformed into major businesses, has undertaken a bold experiment in social innovation to strengthen the interactional aspects of the innovation process. The initiative, creating an inclusive culture (CiC™), leverages emotional maturity and personal transformation into enhanced organizational capabilities and competitive advantage. Built on a broader model of diversity/inclusion and the CiC™ learning model, the process equips individuals with the language, concepts, skills, and behaviors of inclusion. Next steps include building inclusivity concepts and tools into Corning's reinvigorated innovation process, with a focus on teams and work processes. © 2007 by Anthony Oshiotse and Corning Incorporated.
Reporting on the triple bottom line at Cascade Engineering
Authors: Douglas Traci
Published: March 2007

A private company's decision to go public with its record on sustainability and social responsibility directly linked employees to the company's commitment to good stewardship and brought a sharper focus to the company's plans and actions. It also proved that when it comes to businesses making a positive impact on communities and the environment, size is irrelevant. The company tapped readily available external expertise, learned from the experience of other companies, and used its own “edge of chaos” management style to develop and then refine its triple bottom line reports. As a tool for identifying gaps between practice and promise, the TBL has spurred leaders and employees alike to find more ways to integrate sustainable practices into their day‐to‐day work. © 2006 Cascade Engineering, Inc.
Organizational learning and compensation strategies: Evidence from the Spanish chemical industry
Authors: Jerez‐Gómez Pilar , Céspedes‐Lorente José , Valle‐Cabrera Ramón
Published: March 2007

This study explores the role of compensation strategies in promoting organizational learning capability. By analyzing a sample of 111 Spanish firms from the chemical industry, the authors highlight how compensation strategies can be used to influence employees' commitment to learning and shape their understanding of the overall purpose of the organization. They also show that inappropriate strategies can lead to short‐term efficiencies but damage longer‐term learning.

The study also explores five dimensions of compensation strategy that are linked to organizational learning: job‐based vs. skill‐based pay; pay level relative to the market; fixed pay vs. incentives; individual vs. group incentives; and shortvs. long‐term orientation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Reprinted from Human Resources Management Volume 44, Issue 3.
Expression of cartilage‐related genes in bovine synovial tissue
Authors: Shintani Nahoko , Kurth Tobias , Hunziker Ernst B.
Published: March 2007

The synovium contains mesenchymal stem cells with chondrogenic potential. Although synovial and articular cartilage tissue develop from a common pool of mesenchymal cells, little is known about their genetic commonalities. In the present study, the mRNA levels for several cartilage‐related proteins, namely, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), Sox9, aggrecan, and collagen types I, II, IX, X, and XI, were measured using the real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Our data reveal the synovium of calf metacarpal joints to physiologically express not only type I collagen but also COMP, Sox9, aggrecan, and collagen types X and XI. The mRNA levels for the latter five proteins lie between 2% and 15% of those in articular cartilage. We speculate that these genes are being expressed by chondroprogenitor cells, whose presence in the synovium reflects a common ontogenetic phase in the fetal development of this tissue and of articular cartilage. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25: 813–819, 2007
Investigation of a 200-nJ chirped-pulse Ti:Sapphire oscillator for white light generation
Authors: Dombi P , Antal P
Published: March 2007

We report on the optimization of a long-cavity, chirped-pulse Ti:Sapphire oscillator to achieve maximum pulse energy for a given pump source. Effects of the intracavity dispersion on the output spectrum of our laser are studied in detail experimentally. We also present considerations on the cavity length optimization that can be achieved with a given set of resonator mirrors to achieve more energetic pulses. The output of the laser delivered chirped 200 nJ pulses that are compressible to ∼40 fs. These pulses can be ideally used for a white-light and/or few-cycle source with a subsequent extracavity spectral broadening stage.
Atmospheric Plasma Treatment of Porous Polymer Constructs for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Safinia Laleh , Wilson Karen , Mantalaris Athanassios , Bismarck Alexander
Published: March 2007

Porous 3D polymer scaffolds prepared by TIPS from PLGA (53:47) and PS are intrinsically hydrophobic which prohibits the wetting of such porous media by water. This limits the application of these materials for the fabrication of scaffolds as supports for cell adhesion/spreading. Here we demonstrate that the interior surfaces of polymer scaffolds can be effectively modified using atmospheric air plasma (AP). Polymer films (2D) were also modified as control. The surface properties of wet 2D and 3D scaffolds were characterised using zeta‐potential and wettability measurements. These techniques were used as the primary screening methods to assess surface chemistry and the wettability of wet polymer constructs prior and after the surface treatment. The surfaces of the original polymers are rather hydrophobic as highlighted but contain acidic functional groups. Increased exposure to AP improved the water wetting of the treated surfaces because of the formation of a variety of oxygen and nitrogen containing functions. The morphology and pore structure was assessed using SEM and a liquid displacement test. The PLGA and PS foam samples have central regions which are open porous interconnected networks with maximum pore diameters of 49 µm for PLGA and 73 µm for PS foams.

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Electroactive Hyperbranched Polyamide Synthesized by Oxidative Coupling Polymerization within an A2 + B3 Strategy
Authors: Chao Danming , Ma Xiaobo , Lu Xiaofeng , Cui Lili , Mao Hui , Zhang Wanjin , Wei Yen
Published: March 2007

Using an oxidative coupling polymerization of the macromonomers of oligoaniline and p‐phenylenediamine, we have prepared an electroactive hyperbranched polyamide, exhibiting an exciting molecular structure, and interesting spectroscopic and electrochemical properties. The molecular structure of the electroactive polyamide was confirmed by FT‐IR, NMR, elemental analysis and GPC. The hyperbranched polyamide exhibited a conductivity of 7.0 × 10−5 S · cm−1 at room temperature upon a preliminarily protonic‐doped experiment. The UV‐vis spectrum of the synthesized polyamide, which is in the emeraldine oxidation state, showed two bands at 330 and 600 nm, which can be attributed to the transitions in the oligoaniline groups, namely the π‐π* transition in the benzoid ring and the exciton‐type transition between the HOMO orbital of the benzoid ring and the LUMO orbital of the quinoid ring. The electrochemical activity of the hyperbranched polyamide was tested in 1.0 M H2SO4 aqueous solution and showed three redox peaks, which is different from the activity of polyaniline. Moreover, the thermal properties of the polyamide were evaluated by TGA.

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Randomized clinical trial of efficacy of self‐monitoring techniques to treat urinary incontinence in women
Authors: Kincade Jean E. , Dougherty Molly C. , Carlson John R. , Hunter Georgia S. , Busby‐Whitehead Jan
Published: March 2007

Aim

To assess the efficacy of self‐monitoring techniques to reduce urine loss and increase quality of life for women with urinary incontinence.

Methods

The design was a two arm, randomized, clinical trial with a wait list control group and 3‐week intervention. Participants were 224 community‐dwelling women 18 and older with UI. Self‐monitoring was individualized counseling about fluid and caffeine intake, quick pelvic floor muscle contraction, voiding frequency, and management of constipation. The primary outcome measure was grams of urine loss. Secondary outcomes included episodes of urine loss, quality of life, and caffeine and fluid consumption.

Results

The main effect of self‐monitoring on grams of urine loss was significant. After adjusting for baseline urine loss, time in the intervention or in wait list group, age, hormone status, and race the self‐ monitoring group lost an average of 13.3 g less urine and had improved 26.1 points in quality of life compared to the wait list group. The effect of self‐monitoring on episodes of urine loss was not significant in the total sample but was more effective for women who had 9 or more episodes of urine loss, were 65 years or older, and were premenopausal or taking hormone replacement therapy. Participants in the self‐monitoring group reduced their caffeine intake, but did not increase their fluid intake compared to the wait list control group.

Conclusions

Since self‐monitoring techniques are simple, safe, inexpensive, and within the scope of practice for most health professionals, they should be considered as first steps to treat women with UI. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:507–511, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The use of craft activities as an occupational therapy treatment modality in Norway during 1952–1960
Authors: Horghagen Sissel , Josephsson Staffan , Alsaker Sissel
Published: March 2007

The purpose of the present study was to explore the use of craft activities as occupational therapy treatment modalities in Norway during the period 1952–1960. Data were obtained through in‐depth interviews with six retired occupational therapists on their experiences in using crafts. Data were analysed through textual analysis and this resulted in four themes: craft activities identified as a therapeutic tool; ambivalence in how to frame the intervention; practice relative to power relationships; and occupational therapists and patients as equals. A limitation of the present study was that participants drew on their screened memories in the context of contemporary practice, which may omit or distort the historical truth. Further research is needed to document the effect of contemporary therapeutic use of craft activities, and to bring forward how occupational therapists and clients value the craft activities of today in the context of their lives. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons. Ltd.
Relationships: the key to effective occupational therapy practice with urban Australian Indigenous children
Authors: Nelson Alison , Allison Heather
Published: March 2007

The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate what constitutes a socially and culturally appropriate occupational therapy service for urban Indigenous Australian families in Brisbane, Queensland. A qualitative methodology was used with data collected in two distinct parts. Part 1 comprised interviews and focus groups with 25 stakeholders in a newly established occupational therapy service for Indigenous children. Part 2 consisted of semi‐structured questionnaires completed by 50 occupational therapists in Queensland. Results revealed guidelines for developing culturally relevant practice around 5 main themes. These were the need to: 1. develop effective relationships, 2. develop particular personal qualities, 3. understand the background of both the client and the therapist, 4. both gain and give knowledge, and 5. address logistical issues of service delivery. This study was limited to an evaluation of one service and included only teachers, parents and health service personnel. These practice guidelines could be applied to other settings with other Indigenous children, and their effectiveness evaluated from the perspectives of Indigenous children. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nutrient mixture including vitamin C, L‐lysine, L‐proline, and epigallocatechin is ineffective against tumor growth and metastasis in a syngeneic neuroblastoma model
Authors: Lode Holger N. , Huebener Nicole , Strandsby Anne , Gaedicke Gerhard
Published: March 2007

Background:

The replacement of established evidence‐based cancer therapy protocols (mainstream therapy) by unevaluated complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a challenge in pediatric oncology. We tested the hypothesis that oral application of L‐lysine and ascorbic acid (Lysin C Drink®) in combination with epigallocatechin‐gallate (EGCG) and amino‐acids (Epican forte®) is effective in a preclinical model of neuroblastoma.

Methods:

Primary tumors and spontaneous metastases were induced in A/J mice by injection of NXS2 neuroblastoma cells. Mice were treated by daily oral gavage with L‐lysine and ascorbic acid (Lysin C Drink®) (equivalent to 150 mg ascorbic acid/day/mouse) (treatment A) or with EGCG plus ascorbic‐ and amino‐acids (Epican forte®) (9.2 mg/mouse) (treatment B). Treatment A was started in the prophylactic setting (7 days before tumor cell injection) as well as in the therapeutic setting (1 day after tumor cell inoculation). Finally, treatment B was evaluated alone and in combination with treatment A in the therapeutic setting. The effect on primary tumor growth and the development of spontaneous liver metastases was evaluated.

Results:

L‐lysine and ascorbic acid (Lysin C Drink®) and EGCG plus ascorbic‐ and amino‐acids (Epican forte®) are ineffective in reduction of primary tumor growth and prevention of spontaneous liver metastases in this model.

Conclusions:

Neither a formal clinical development nor the use of these substances can be recommended for neuroblastoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:284–288. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carotid cavernous fistula in CNS choriocarcinoma
Authors: Lawton Cynthia Tallent , Deveikis John , Rumboldt Zoran , Tuite Gerald , Cavalier MaryEllen
Published: March 2007

Carotid artery‐cavernous sinus fistulas (CCFs) are infrequently reported in the pediatric population, and are rarely reported in conjunction with CNS neoplasms. The authors present a 7‐year‐old girl with CNS choriocarcinoma who acutely developed left eye proptosis and conjunctival injection. Computed tomography angiography revealed a CCF, which was endovascularly embolized with detachable coils. There may be a direct cause‐and‐effect relationship between choriocarcinoma and development of CCFs. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:893–895. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early hospital discharge versus continued hospitalization in febrile pediatric cancer patients with prolonged neutropenia: A randomized, prospective study
Authors: Ahmed Nabil , El‐Mahallawy Hadir A. , Ahmed Ibrahim A. , Nassif Shimaa , El‐Beshlawy Aamal , El‐Haddad Alaa
Published: March 2007

Background

Hospitalization with single or multi‐agent antibiotic therapy has been the standard of care for treatment of febrile neutropenia in cancer patients. We hypothesized that an empiric antibiotic regimen that is effective and that can be administered once‐daily will allow for improved hospital utilization by early transition to outpatient care.

Procedure

Febrile pediatric cancer patients with anticipated prolonged neutropenia were randomized between a regimen of once‐daily ceftriaxone plus amikacin (C + A) and imipenem monotherapy (control). Afebrile patients on C + A satisfying “Early Discharge Criteria” at 72 hr continued treatment as outpatients. We compared the outcome, adverse events, duration of hospitalization, and cost between both groups.

Results

A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 129 febrile episodes in pediatric cancer patients with prolonged neutropenia. No adverse events were seen in 32 children (84% of study arm) treated on an outpatient basis. We found a statistically significant difference between the duration of hospitalization of the C + A group [median 5 days] and control [median 9 days](P < 0.001), per episode antibiotic cost (P < 0.001) and total episode cost (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the response to treatment at 72 hr or after necessary antimicrobial modifications.

Conclusions

We conclude that pediatric febrile cancer patients initially considered at risk for sepsis due to prolonged neutropenia can be re‐evaluated at 72 hr for outpatient therapy. The convenience, low incidence of adverse effects, and cost benefit of the once‐daily regimen of C + A may be particularly useful to reduce the overall treatment costs and duration of hospitalization. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:786–792. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of packing pressure on fiber orientation in injection molding of fiber‐reinforced thermoplastics
Authors: Shokri Parvin , Bhatnagar Naresh
Published: March 2007

Injection molding of fiber‐reinforced polymeric composites is increasing with demands of geometrically complex products possessing superior mechanical properties of high specific strength, high specific stiffness, and high impact resistance. Complex state of fiber orientation exists in injection molding of short fiber reinforced polymers. The orientation of fibers vary significantly across the thickness of injection‐molded part and can become a key feature of the finished product. Improving the mechanical properties of molded parts by managing the orientation of fibers during the process of injection molding is the basic motivation of this study. As a first step in this direction, the present results reveal the importance of packing pressure in orienting the fibers. In this study, the effects of pressure distribution and viscosity of a compressible polymeric composite melt on the state of fiber orientation after complete filling of a cavity is considered experimentally and compared with the simulation results of Moldflow analysis. POLYM. COMPOS. 28:214–223, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Compressive behavior of biaxial spacer weft knitted fabric reinforced composite at various strain rates
Authors: Liu Wenjian , Sun Baozhong , Hu Hong , Gu Bohong
Published: March 2007

The in‐plane and out‐of‐plane compressive properties of biaxial weft knitted E‐glass fabric reinforced vinyl ester composite at quasi‐static strain rate of 0.001/s and high strain rates from 700/s to 2200/s were tested to investigate the strain rate effect on the compressive behavior. The compressive tests were conducted on split Hopkinson pressure bar at high strain rate and on MTS 810.23 system at quasi‐static state. The experimental results indicated the strain rate sensitivity of compressive stiffness, failure stress, and strain of the composite in both out‐of‐plane and in‐plane compressive direction. The compressive stiffness and failure stress linearly increased with the increase of strain rate. The failure strain linearly decreased with the increase of strain rate. As the strain rate increased, the main failure mode at out‐of‐plane compression is the interlaminar shear failure and at in‐plane direction is the delamination. At the high strain rate of 2200/s, the composite coupon was compressed into debris with the shear or delamination failure. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:224–232, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reactive extrusion of poly(ethylene terephthalate)–(ethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate)–organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Alyamac Elif , Yilmazer Ulku
Published: March 2007

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of component concentrations and addition order of the components on the final properties of ternary nanocomposites composed of poly(ethylene terephthalate), organoclay, and an ethylene–methyl acrylate–glycidyl methacrylate (E‐MA‐GMA) terpolymer acting as an impact modifier for PET. In this context, first, the optimum amount of the impact modifier was determined by melt compounding binary PET‐terpolymer blends in a corotating twin‐screw extruder. The amount of the impact modifier (5 wt%) resulting in the highest Young's modulus and moderate elongation at break was selected owing to its balanced mechanical properties. Thereafter, by using 5 wt% terpolymer content, the effects of organically modified clay concentration and addition order of the components on the properties of ternary nanocomposites were systematically investigated. Mechanical testing revealed that different addition orders of the materials significantly affected the mechanical properties. Among the investigated addition orders, the best sequence of component addition (PI‐C) was the one in which poly(ethylene terephthalate) was first compounded with E‐MA‐GMA. Later, this mixture was compounded with the organoclay in the subsequent run. In X‐ray diffraction analysis, extensive layer separation associated with delamination of the original clay structure occurred in PI‐C and CI‐P (Clay + Impact Modifier followed by PET) sequences with both 1 and 3 wt% clay contents. X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that at these conditions exfoliated structures resulted as indicated by the disappearance of any peaks due to the diffraction within the consecutive clay layers. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:251–258, 2007. © Society of Plastic Engineers
Mechanical properties of injection molded long fiber polypropylene composites, Part 1: Tensile and flexural properties
Authors: Kumar K. Senthil , Ghosh Anup K. , Bhatnagar Naresh
Published: March 2007

Innovative polymers and composites are broadening the range of applications and commercial production of thermoplastics. Long fiber‐reinforced thermoplastics have received much attention due to their processability by conventional technologies. This study describes the development of long fiber reinforced polypropylene (LFPP) composites and the effect of fiber length and compatibilizer content on their mechanical properties. LFPP pellets of different sizes were prepared by extrusion process using a specially designed radial impregnation die and these pellets were injection molded to develop LFPP composites. Maleic‐anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA‐g‐PP) was chosen as a compatibilizer and its content was optimized by determining the interfacial properties through fiber pullout test. Critical fiber length was calculated using interfacial shear strength. Fiber length distributions were analyzed using profile projector and image analyzer software system. Fiber aspect ratio of more than 100 was achieved after injection molding. The results of the tensile and flexural properties of injection molded long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene with a glass fiber volume fraction of 0.18 are presented. It was found that the differences in pellet sizes improve the mechanical properties by 3–8%. Efforts are made to theoretically predict the tensile strength and modulus using the Kelly‐Tyson and Halpin‐Tsai model, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:259–266, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastic Engineers
Development of UHMWPE modified PP/PET blends and their mechanical and abrasive wear behavior
Authors: Chand Navin , Naik A. M. , Khaira H. K.
Published: March 2007

In this study, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate blend were modified by incorporating different percentages of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) ranging from 1 to 5 phr. Modified blends were prepared by melt mixing the PP/PET blend and UHMWPE. Ultimate tensile strength of UHMWPE filled blend was determined at 10, 20, 50, and 100 mm/min cross head speeds of testing. It was found that increase of cross head speed from 10 to 100 mm/min increases the tensile strength of PP/PET/UHMWPE blends. Maximum ultimate tensile strength is exhibited by the blend containing 2 phr UHMWPE. Breaking strain of the UHMWPE modified and unmodified PP/PET blend increased with the increase of cross head speed due to the highly entangled chain structure of UHMWPE. Shore A hardness of the filled blends also increased from 341 to 356, which is highest for 2 phr UHMWPE. High stress abrasive wear of UHMWPE modified blend was determined by using Suga abrasion tester, model NUS‐1 Japan. Wear rate of the PP/PET(90/10) blends having 1, 2, and 5 phr of UHMWPE was determined at different loads such as 1, 3, 5, and 7 N and sliding distances from 6.4 m to 25.6 m. Wear rate values show that UHMWPE has prominent effect on abrasive wear of PP/PET blends. Addition of 2 and 5 phr UHMWPE improved the wear resistance of PP/PET blends at different loads, which has been explained on the basis of improved bonding as compared with pure PP/PET blend and increased hardness. Maximum abrasive wear rate reduction was achieved by adding 2 phr UHMWPE in PP/PET(90/10) blend. POLYM. COMPOS. 28:267–272, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Discovering robust protein biomarkers for disease from relative expression reversals in 2‐D DIGE data.
Authors: Anderson Troy J. , Tchernyshyov Irina , Diez Roberto , Cole Robert N. , Geman Donald , Dang Chi V. , Winslow Raimond L.
Published: March 2007

This study assesses the ability of a novel family of machine learning algorithms to identify changes in relative protein expression levels, measured using 2‐D DIGE data, which support accurate class prediction. The analysis was done using a training set of 36 total cellular lysates comprised of six normal and three cancer biological replicates (the remaining are technical replicates) and a validation set of four normal and two cancer samples. Protein samples were separated by 2‐D DIGE and expression was quantified using DeCyder‐2D Differential Analysis Software. The relative expression reversal (RER) classifier correctly classified 9/9 training biological samples (p<0.022) as estimated using a modified version of leave one out cross validation and 6/6 validation samples. The classification rule involved comparison of expression levels for a single pair of protein spots, tropomyosin isoforms and α‐enolase, both of which have prior association as potential biomarkers in cancer. The data was also analyzed using algorithms similar to those found in the extended data analysis package of DeCyder software. We propose that by accounting for sources of within‐ and between‐gel variation, RER classifiers applied to 2‐D DIGE data provide a useful approach for identifying biomarkers that discriminate among protein samples of interest.
From the genome sequence to the proteome and back: Evaluation of E. coli genome annotation with a 2‐D gel‐based proteomics approach
Authors: Maillet Isabelle , Berndt Peter , Malo Céline , Rodriguez Sabrina , Brunisholz René A. , Pragai Zoltan , Arnold Sabine , Langen Hanno , Wyss Markus
Published: March 2007

The ambition of systems biology to understand complex biological systems at the molecular level implies that we need to have a concrete and correct understanding of each molecular entity and its function. However, even for the best‐studied organism, Escherichia coli, a large number of proteins have never been identified and characterised from wild‐type cells, and/or await unravelling of their biological role. Instead, the ORF models for these proteins have been predicted by suitable algorithms and/or through comparison with known, homologous proteins from other organisms, approaches which may be prone to error. In the present study, we used a combination of 2‐DE, MALDI‐TOF‐MS and PMF to identify 1151 different proteins in E. coli K12 JM109. Comparison of the experimental with the theoretical Mr and pI values (4000 experimental values each) allowed the identification of numerous proteins with incorrect or incomplete ORF annotations in the current E. coli genome databases. Several inconsistencies in genome annotation were verified experimentally, and up to 55 candidates await further investigation. Our findings demonstrate how an up‐to‐date 2‐D gel‐based proteomics approach can be used for improving the annotation of prokaryotic genomes. They also highlight the need for harmonization among the different E. coli genome databases.