bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The emerging Web 2.0 social software: an enabling suite of sociable technologies in health and health care education1
Authors: Kamel Boulos Maged N. , Wheeler Steve
Published: February 2007

Web 2.0 sociable technologies and social software are presented as enablers in health and health care, for organizations, clinicians, patients and laypersons. They include social networking services, collaborative filtering, social bookmarking, folksonomies, social search engines, file sharing and tagging, mashups, instant messaging, and online multi‐player games. The more popular Web 2.0 applications in education, namely wikis, blogs and podcasts, are but the tip of the social software iceberg. Web 2.0 technologies represent a quite revolutionary way of managing and repurposing/remixing online information and knowledge repositories, including clinical and research information, in comparison with the traditional Web 1.0 model. The paper also offers a glimpse of future software, touching on Web 3.0 (the Semantic Web) and how it could be combined with Web 2.0 to produce the ultimate architecture of participation. Although the tools presented in this review look very promising and potentially fit for purpose in many health care applications and scenarios, careful thinking, testing and evaluation research are still needed in order to establish ‘best practice models’ for leveraging these emerging technologies to boost our teaching and learning productivity, foster stronger ‘communities of practice’, and support continuing medical education/professional development (CME/CPD) and patient education.
Variable microsatellite loci isolated from the azure damselfly, Coenagrion puella (L.) (Zygoptera; Coenagrionidae)
Authors: LOWE CHRIS D. , KEMP STEPHEN J. , HARVEY IAN F. , THOMPSON DAVID J. , WATTS PHILLIP C.
Published: February 2007

We isolated and characterized 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the azure damselfly Coenagrion puella (Zygoptera; Coenagrionidae) as part of a study assessing reproductive success and genetic structure in an isolated population of this species. Levels of genetic diversity were assessed in 50 individuals collected from Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire, UK. The number of alleles per microsatellite loci ranged from three to 22 and the observed and expected heterozygosities varied between 0.26 and 0.84 and between 0.23 and 0.91, respectively. Two loci showed significant (P < 0.05) heterozygote deficits, likely because of null (non‐amplifying) alleles; one pair of loci was in linkage disequilibrium.
Effects of Shiny CowbirdMolothrus bonariensisparasitism on different components of House WrenTroglodytes aedonreproductive success
Authors: TUERO DIEGO T. , FIORINI VANINA D. , REBOREDA JUAN C.
Published: February 2007

Avian brood parasites, including cuckoos and cowbirds, have multiple negative effects on their hosts. We analysed the effects of Shiny CowbirdMolothrus bonariensisparasitism on different components (e.g. egg losses, hatching success, chick survival and nest abandonment) of House WrenTroglodytes aedonreproductive success. We also conducted an experiment to discriminate between two mechanisms that may reduce hatching success in parasitized clutches: lower efficiency of incubation due to the increase in clutch volume and disruption of host incubation by the early hatching of Cowbirds. Egg puncturing by Shiny Cowbirds reduced host clutch size at hatching by 10–20%, and parasitized nests had a decrease in hatching success of 40–80%. Egg losses and hatching failures were positively associated with the intensity of parasitism. Brood reduction was greater in parasitized nests, but the growth rate of the chicks that fledged was similar to that in unparasitized nests. The combined effects of egg losses, hatching failures and brood reduction decreased the number of fledged chicks by 80%. In addition, egg puncturing increased the likelihood of nest abandonment by Wrens. Experimental data showed that hatching failures occurred when there was a combination of: (1) an increase in the volume of the clutch by the addition of the Cowbird egg without removal of host eggs, and (2) the addition of the Cowbird egg before the onset of incubation. This was relatively common in House Wren nests, as Cowbirds generally parasitize before the onset of incubation. Our results indicate that Shiny Cowbird parasitism imposes a major impact on House Wrens, as it affects all components of the Wren's reproductive success.
THE URBAN–RURAL INCOME GAP AND INEQUALITY IN CHINA
Authors: Sicular Terry , Ximing Yue , Gustafsson Björn , Shi Li
Published: February 2007

Using new household survey data for 1995 and 2002, we investigate the size of China's urban–rural income gap, the gap's contribution to overall inequality in China, and the factors underlying the gap. Our analysis improves on past estimates by using a fuller measure of income, adjusting for spatial price differences and including migrants. Our methods include inequality decomposition by population subgroup and the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition. Several key findings emerge. First, the adjustments substantially reduce China's urban–rural income gap and its contribution to inequality. Nevertheless, the gap remains large and has increased somewhat over time. Second, after controlling for household characteristics, location of residence remains the most important factor underlying the urban–rural income gap. The only household characteristic that contributes substantially to the gap is education. Differences in the endowments of, and returns to, other household characteristics such as family size and composition, landholdings, and Communist Party membership are relatively unimportant.
URBAN POVERTY IN CHINA AND ITS CONTRIBUTING FACTORS, 1986–2000
Authors: Meng Xin , Gregory Robert , Wan Guanhua
Published: February 2007

Food price increases and the introduction of radical social welfare and enterprise reforms during the 1990s generated significant changes in the lives of urban households in China. During this period urban poverty increased considerably. This paper uses household level data from 1986 to 2000 to examine what determines whether households fall below the poverty line over this period and investigates how the impact of these determinants has changed through time. We find that large households and households with more nonworking members are more likely to be poor, suggesting that perhaps the change from the old implicit price subsidies, based on household size, to an explicit income subsidy, based on employment, has worsened the position of large families. Further investigation into regional poverty variation indicates that over the 1986–93 period food price increases were also a major contributing factor. Between 1994 and 2000 the worsening of the economic situation of state sector employees contributed to the poverty increase.
Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Yang Ya‐Li , Nanda Navin C. , Wang Xin‐Fang , Xie Ming‐Xing , Lu Qing , He Lin , Lu Xiao‐Fang
Published: February 2007

The objective of this study was to analyze echocardiographic characteristics of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) and to explore the diagnostic value of transthoracic echocardiography. The echocardiagraphic characteristics of 8 patients hospitalized with ALCAPA from 2000 to 2005 were analyzed retrospectively, including the results of real time three‐dimensional echocardiography in one case, and compared with angiographic results. Eight cases included 6 older type patients and 2 infant type patients. Echocardiography showed abnormal vessel inserting into pulmonary artery (PA), continuous shunt into PA and intercoronary collateral signals within the ventricular septum in all cases and bifurcate structure of the abnormal vessel with retrograde filling in 4 cases. The morphological and functional changes and valvular regurgitation induced by insufficient myocardial perfusion were also evaluated. In former 4 patients, 2 cases were misdiagnosed as right coronary artery‐PA fistula and the other 2 cases were given an uncertain diagnosis of anomalous origin of the coronary artery because of the visualization of the echo‐free linear structure which apparently arose from the aorta resembling a normal left coronary artery. The latter 4 patients were correctly diagnosed by excluding the aforementioned interference. The diagnosis of ALCAPA was confirmed by angiocardiography in all patients and by intraoperative findings in 4 patients. Based on the apprehension of ultrasonic features and the enhancement of diagnostic alertness, the echocardiography can evaluate ALCAPA accurately and give more information than angiography. It may be the first diagnostic choice.
Risk Stratification by Treadmill Exercise Echocardiography in Patients with Excellent Exercise Capacity
Authors: Peteiro Jesús , Monserrrat Lorenzo , Bouzas Beatriz , Mariñas Javier , Castro‐Beiras Alfonso
Published: February 2007

Background: The incremental value of exercise echocardiography (EE) has been demonstrated to be maximal in patients with moderate pretest probability for coronary artery disease, but there is a lack of data in patients with low pretest probability or patients with good functional capacity. Methods: To investigate whether such incremental value is maintained in patients with excellent exercise capacity, we studied 1,433 patients who had excellent exercise capacity (≥8 METs for women, ≥10 METs for men). Results: During a follow‐up of 2.3 ± 1.5 years, 42 hard events occurred (cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction). Variables independently associated to hard events were male gender (P = 0.04), % of the age‐predicted maximum heart rate (P = 0.02), chronotropic reserve (P = 0.002), and abnormal EE (P = 0.03; incremental P value of EE = 0.03). Conclusions: EE has incremental value over clinical variables, resting echocardiography, and exercise testing variables in patients with excellent exercise capacity. EE may be preferable to ECG exercise testing even in patients expected to have good exercise capacity.
Mid‐Ventricular Ballooning Heart Syndrome
Authors: Aubert Jean Marc , Ennezat Pierre Vladimir , Tricot Olivier , Darchis Julie , Bauchart Jean Jacques , Auffray Jean Luc , Lesenne Martine , Van Belle Eric , Goldstein Patrick , Asseman Philippe
Published: February 2007

Stress cardiomyopathies have been increasingly reported these last years, especially in women as a transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome. We report six cases in whom, in the context of anxious situations, echocardiograms and ventriculographies revealed mid‐ventricular akinesis with preservation of apical and basal contractilities with normal coronary arteriography. This “mid‐ventricular ballooning heart syndrome ” should probably be classified as a new type of heart stress related syndrome.
Is Transesophageal Echocardiography Necessary before D.C. Cardioversion in Patients with a Normal Transthoracic Echocardiogram?
Authors: Sharifi Mohsen , Parhizgar Alireza , Gupta Punam , Mehdipour Mahshid , Emrani Farnaz , Baldwin David
Published: February 2007

Purpose: Transesophageal echocardiography has emerged as an accepted approach before D.C. cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. The frequency of atrial thrombi detected on transesophageal echocardiography has varied from 7% to 23%. Many patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography have had a previous transthoracic echocardiogram. Though transthoracic echocardiography has a low yield for the detection of intracardiac thrombi, it is highly accurate in diagnosing a structurally abnormal heart. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of thrombi detected by transesophageal echocardiography in patients with an entirely normal transthoracic echocardiogram and hence the advocacy of a selective approach in performing transesophageal echocardiography in patients undergoing D.C. cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. Methods: 112 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation who had undergone transesophageal echocardiography before D.C. cardioversion were evaluated. They all had a transthoracic echocardiogram within the 2 months preceding their transesophageal echocardiogram. Based on their transthoracic echocardiographic study, they were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of patients with a normal transthoracic echocardiogram and Group 2, those with an abnormal study. Results: Thrombi or spontaneous echo contrast were found in 14 of 112 patients (16%). All however were detected in Group 2 patients. There was no patient with a normal transthoracic echocardiogram who had thrombus on his/her transesophageal echocardiogram. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a selective approach may be exercised in the use of transesophageal echocardiography prior to D.C. cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. Patients with an entirely “normal” transthoracic echocardiogram may proceed directly to cardioversion without a precardioversion transesophageal echocardiogram.
Tolerability and Infusion Time of an Accelerated Infusion Dobutamine Echocardiography Protocol
Authors: Pastorius Catherine A. , Knickelbine Thomas , Schum Kevin , Nelson Teresa F. , Harris Kevin M.
Published: February 2007

Objectives: A new, accelerated dobutamine–atropine stress echocardiography (DASE) protocol (baseline 20 mcg/kg/min; 40 mcg/kg/min) was compared with a standard protocol in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) to evaluate tolerability, length of infusion, and overall test times, as well as safety. Methods: Patients received the DASE or the standard protocol on an alternating basis (n = 164). Results: Total test time, including patient recovery (HR < 100 bpm), dropped from an average of 19:23–12:12 min (p < 0.0001). Average symptom duration decreased from 5:50 to 3:17 min (p < 0.01). Women had shorter total test times in both accelerated and standard protocols compared to that of men. Conclusions: The accelerated DASE protocol is a well tolerated alternative to standard dobutamine stress testing allowing practitioners to reduce test times without increasing the incidence of arrhythmias. Patients in the accelerated arm also had shorter duration of symptoms.
Correlation Between Doppler Derived dP/dt and Left Ventricular Asynchrony in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Combined Study Using Strain Rate Imaging and Conventional Doppler Echocardiography
Authors: Yildirim Aydin , Soylu Ozer , Dagdeviren Bahadir , Zor Utku , Tezel Tuna
Published: February 2007

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between Doppler‐derived left ventricular (LV) dP/dt and the degree of LV mechanical asynchrony measured by strain rate imaging. Methods and results: The study group consisted of 69 patients with variable degree of LV dysfunction and mitral regurgitation (MR). Conventional echo variables and LV dP/dt were calculated from the MR Doppler spectrum by rate‐pressure‐rise method. Strain rate traces were obtained by 12‐segment model and LV long axis images were analyzed off‐line. The longest time intervals between the peak negative strain rate waves at isovolumic contraction period and peak systole from reciprocal segments were defined as asynchrony index AIc or AIs, respectively. The maximum differences in time‐to‐peak systolic velocities between opposing walls were also measured as asynchrony index by tissue Doppler (AItd). The dP/dt, mean QRS duration, AIc, AIs, and AItd were 836 ± 266 mmHg/sec, 125 ± 31, 38 ± 28, 64 ± 44, and 52 ± 32 m, respectively. No significant correlation between the dP/dt and the LV dimension, ejection fraction or QRS duration was observed. However, dP/dt correlated negatively with AIc, or AIs (r:‐0.78, −0.72, P ≤ 0.0001) and AItd (r:‐0.65, P ≤ 0.001). A cutoff dP/dt value of under 700 mmHg/sec can discriminate patients over median AIs (55 ms) or patients with AIc over 30 ms with high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Doppler‐derived LV dP/dt is related to the degree of LV dyssynchrony rather than the conventional systolic function indices such as EF% in patients with severe heart failure. Noninvasive dP/dt assessment in addition to advanced imaging techniques can be used to define patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
Assessment of Mitral Inflow During Standardized Valsalva Maneuver in Stratification of Diastolic Function
Authors: Wierzbowska‐Drabik Karina , Drożdż Jarosław , Plewka Michał , Kurpesa Małgorzata , Krzemińska‐Pakuła Maria , Kasprzak Jarosław D.
Published: February 2007

Background: We assessed the changes of mitral inflow during Valsalva maneuver (VM) in patients with different stages of left ventricular dysfunction and evaluated their value for the differentiation between normal and pseudonormal filling pattern. Methods: A total of 190 patients (120 with coronary artery disease, and 70 healthy subjects) were examined by transthoracic echocardiography. Mitral E/A ratio, early wave deceleration time (Edt), and pulmonary vein flow (especially atrial reversal parameters (Ar)), were used for the initial stratification to normal, delayed relaxation, pseudonormal, and restrictive profiles. Changes of mitral inflow during VM were compared between 54 normal (N) and 15 pseudonormal (PN). Results: During VM, a similar decrease in early wave peak velocity (–30 ± 18 vs –35 ± 17 cm/sec), peak velocity of atrial wave (–6 ± 16 vs –8 ± 17 cm/sec), and E/A ratio (–0.4 ± 0.4 vs –0.4 ± 0.4) was observed in both groups. Only two filling variables, related to atrial phase of inflow, changed in the opposite direction. In normal pattern, the duration and velocity‐time integral of atrial wave diminished during VM as opposed to pseudonormal subjects (ΔAt –7 ± 39 vs 20 ± 44 msec; P < 0.05 and ΔA vti –0.7±1.8 vs 0.4±2 cm; P < 0.05). Increase in peak atrial velocity and marked decrease in E/A ratio during VM were specific for the restrictive group. Conclusions: Changes of mitral inflow during VM have a moderate diagnostic value for the differentiation of normal and pseudonormal pattern. Increased duration of atrial phase but not increase in atrial velocity allowed the diagnosis of pseudonormalization.
The Prevalence of Valvular Abnormalities in Patients Who Were Referred for Echocardiographic Examination With a Primary Diagnosis of “Heart Murmur”
Authors: Movahed Mohammad‐Reza , Ebrahimi Ramin
Published: February 2007

Introduction: The prevalence of valvular abnormality and innocent murmur in patients who are referred for echocardiographic evaluation with the diagnosis of “murmur” is not known. The goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of valvular abnormalities in such patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the echocardiograms that were referred with the primary ordering diagnosis of “murmur,” for the presence of valvular abnormalities. For comparison, we used other documented primary reasons for echocardiographic referral, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, etc. Results: In this cohort, 7,684 echocardiogram reports documented primary diagnostic reasons for echocardiographic referral. A total of 3,460 echocardiogram reports (45%) were coded “murmur” as the primary reason for the study referral. There was a higher prevalence of female patient referrals for heart murmur evaluation (61.8% vs. 38.2%). Although, patients with murmur had a higher prevalence of valvular abnormalities, compared to other reasons for echocardiographic examination, the prevalence of valvular abnormality was less than 50% (48.6% vs. 35.5%) in both groups. Despite the higher number of female patients referred with the diagnosis of murmur, the percentage of abnormal valves was lower in women (45.6% vs. 53.4% in men). Conclusion: The prevalence of valvular abnormalities in patients who were referred with the diagnosis of murmur for echocardiographic examination was less than 50%, with a lesser degree found in women. Routine utilization of echocardiography for evaluation of all murmurs may be unwarranted.
Right Ventricular Tissue Doppler and Strain Imaging: Ready for Clinical Use?
Authors: Gondi Sreedevi , Dokainish Hisham
Published: February 2007

Although tissue Doppler (TD) imaging of the left ventricle is now commonly used in clinical settings, TD imaging of the right ventricle (RV) is not routinely practiced. Yet, there are significant data on clinical uses of RV TD imaging, including established normal values using both color and spectral TD.
In acute left ventricular (LV) inferior wall myocardial infarction, depressed RV TD velocities have been shown to correlate with the presence of RV impairment, and with patient outcome. In patients with LV heart failure, TD imaging has been correlated to RV ejection fraction by radionuclide angiography, and is an independent predictor of outcome. In patients with congenital heart disease, RV TD has been especially valuable for assessing RV function, and has been correlated to invasive hemodynamic indices, and RV ejection fraction by magnetic resonance imaging. The RV performance (Tei) index has been calculated and validated using TD‐derived, rather than conventional pulsed Doppler time intervals. RV TD indices have been shown to be useful in the detection of subclinical and clinical disease in morbid obesity, chronic pulmonary, and systemic disease. TD‐derived RV strain imaging can detect segmental myocardial dysfunction, overcoming limitations to conventional TD imaging resulting from tethering. For both TD velocity and strain imaging, however, appreciation of the limitations of these techniques is necessary for their appropriate use. Given its rapid acquisition times, reproducibility, and ease of addition to standard transthoracic echocardiographic protocols, RV TD and strain imaging are important additional modalities in the comprehensive echo‐Doppler assessment of RV function.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF ACQUIRED TRIGEMINAL NERVE DISORDERS IN SIX DOGS
Authors: SCHULTZ RYAN M. , TUCKER RUSSELL L. , GAVIN PATRICK R. , BAGLEY RODNEY , SAVERAID TRAVIS C. , BERRY CLIFFORD R.
Published: February 2007

The medical records and magnetic resonance (MR) images of dogs with an acquired trigeminal nerve disorder were reviewed retrospectively. Trigeminal nerve dysfunction was present in six dogs with histologic confirmation of etiology. A histopathologic diagnosis of neuritis (n=2) or nerve sheath tumor (n=4) was made. Dogs with trigeminal neuritis had diffuse enlargement of the nerve without a mass lesion. These nerves were isointense to brain parenchyma on T1‐weighted (T1W) precontrast images and proton‐density‐weighted (PDW) images and either isointense or hyperintense on T2‐weighted (T2W) images. Dogs with a nerve sheath tumor had a solitary or lobulated mass with displacement of adjacent neuropil. Nerve sheath tumors were isointense to the brain parenchyma on T1W, T2W, and PDW images. All trigeminal nerve lesions enhanced following contrast medium administration. Atrophy of the temporalis and masseter muscles, with a characteristic increase in signal intensity on T1W images, were present in all dogs.
MRI CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTOLOGY OF BONE MARROW LESIONS IN DOGS WITH EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED OSTEOARTHRITIS
Authors: MARTIG SANDRA , BOISCLAIR JULIE , KONAR MARTIN , SPRENG DAVID , LANG JOHANN
Published: February 2007

Signal changes within the bone marrow adjacent to osteoarthritic joints are commonly seen on magnetic resonance (MR) images in humans and in dogs. The histological nature of these lesions is poorly known. In this study, we describe the MR imaging of bone marrow lesions adjacent to the stifle joints of dogs with experimental osteoarthritis over 13 months. Histology of the proximal tibia at the end of the study was compared with the last MR imaging findings. In five adult dogs, the left cranial cruciate ligament was transected. Postoperatively, MR imaging was performed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 13 months. Dogs were euthanised after 13 months and histological specimen of the proximal tibia were evaluated. Bone marrow edema like MR imaging signal changes were seen in every MR examination of all dogs in one or more locations of the proximal tibia and the distal femur. Lesions varied in size and location throughout the whole study with the exception of constantly seen lesions in the epiphyseal and metaphyseal region at the level of the tibial eminence. On histology, hematopoiesis and myxomatous transformation of the bone marrow and/or intertrabecular fibrosis without signs of bone marrow edema were consistent findings in the areas corresponding to the MR imaging signal changes. We conclude that within the bone marrow, zones of increased signal intensity on fat suppressed MR images do not necessarily represent edema but can be due to cellular infiltration. Contrary to humans, hematopoiesis is seen in bone marrow edema‐like lesions in this canine model of osteoarthritis.
CONTRAST‐ENHANCED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGING OF THE AUDITORY TUBE IN MESATICEPHALIC DOGS
Authors: COLE LYNETTE K. , SAMII VALERIE F.
Published: February 2007

Computed tomography after contrast medium injection was performed in three mesaticephalic canine cadavers to image the auditory tube. Cadavers were positioned in lateral recumbency for imaging. A myringotomy incision was made in the left tympanic membrane of each dog, and contrast medium was infused into the ear canal and middle ear through a balloon‐tip catheter. With this method, contrast medium filled the left bulla and auditory tube in all three cadavers. Computed tomography following contrast medium injection was effective for evaluation of the canine auditory tube. Future studies are required to determine the usefulness, as well as the safety, of this procedure in the evaluation of the auditory tube in other breeds of dogs as well as dogs with otitis media.
ULTRASOUND IMAGE COMPOUNDING: EFFECT ON PERCEIVED IMAGE QUALITY
Authors: WHATMOUGH CHARLOTTE , GUITIAN JAVIER , BAINES ELIZABETH , BENIGNI LIVIA , MAHONEY PAUL N. , MANTIS POMAGIOTIS , LAMB CHRISTOPHER R.
Published: February 2007

In order to determine the effect of different image compounding functions on perceived image quality, 84 pairs of ultrasound images were collected, mixed, and reviewed by four independent observers who were asked to identify the highest quality image of each pair. Each image in a pair was made using the same orientation, transducer, frequency, and gain settings but different compounding settings. Outcomes were analyzed using logistic regression. Observers judged compound images to be better quality than noncompound images in 69% cases, the same quality in 24%, and poorer quality in 7%. Overall, compound images were considered significantly better quality than noncompound images (P<0.001). Compound images were more likely to be considered better quality than the corresponding noncompound images when combined transmit/receive spatial compounding was used rather than receive‐only spatial compounding or transmit compounding, and when the vector transducer or the curvilinear transducer were used rather than the linear transducer. Observers considered improved border definition and increased signal to noise ratio to be the properties that accounted most often for higher quality of compound images compared with noncompound images.
IMPROVED DETECTION OF METASTATIC HEPATIC HEMANGIOSARCOMA NODULES WITH CONTRAST ULTRASOUND IN THREE DOGS
Authors: O'BRIEN ROBERT T.
Published: February 2007

Three dogs with a splenic hemangiosarcoma were imaged with conventional gray‐scale ultrasound and no lesions were identified in the liver. After administration of intravenous ultrasound contrast medium (Definity®) small, poorly enhanced, hypoechoic nodules were identified in the liver in each dog. The spleen and liver lesions were identified at surgery and the dogs underwent splenectomy and nodule biopsy. All lesions were identified histologically as hemangiosarcoma. These preliminary results suggest that contrast ultrasound may result in improved detectability of metastatic hepatic hemangiosarcoma.
What MAN1 does to the Smads
Authors: Bengtsson Luiza
Published: February 2007

The inner nuclear membrane protein MAN1 has been identified as an important factor in transforming growth factor β/bone morphogenic protein (TGFβ/BMP) signaling. Loss of MAN1 results in three autosomal dominant diseases in humans; all three characterized by increased bone density. Xenopus embryos lacking MAN1 develop severe morphological defects. Both in humans and in Xenopus embryos the defects originate from deregulation of TGFβ/BMP signaling. Several independent studies have shown that MAN1 is antagonizing TGFβ/BMP signaling through binding to regulatory Smads. Here, recent progress in understanding MAN1 functions is summarized and a model for MAN1‐dependent regulation of TGFβ/BMP signaling is proposed.
Management of chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctitis
Authors: AGRAWAL Prachi P , BANSAL Naresh , BAHADUR Anil K , SINGH Kishor , RATHI Arun K
Published: February 2007

Rectal bleeding secondary to radiation proctitis is the most dreaded complication of pelvic radiotherapy. Its management remains a perplexing problem despite the availability of multiple treatment modalities. Patients are usually managed on a “hit and miss” basis at most centers. Steroid, 5‐aminosalicylic acid, short chain fatty acids and sucralfate enemas, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and topical application of 4% formaldehyde all have been used with varying results. Surgical procedures such diversion colostomy or resection of involved segment have been proposed for refractory bleeding. Endoscopic methods are being increasingly adopted in the form of bipolar electrocoagulation, heat probe coagulation, photoablation, Nd:YAG laser and preferably argon plasma coagulation. The utility of conservative approaches remains far below desirable levels. Onset of hemorrhagic recurrence represents a major obstacle that leads to a need for repeated therapeutic sessions and sometimes invocation of radical techniques. This review discusses various treatment modalities and aims to identify their efficacy and limitations. A critical review was conducted of published reports regarding management of chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctitis (CHRP). Although there are few prospective randomized trials, enough evidence is available to conclude that argon plasma coagulation represents the current treatment of choice.
Theology and the Lure of the Practical: An Overview
Authors: McClintock Fulkerson Mary
Published: February 2007

Current trends in practical theology are found both within and outside of the typical divisions of theological education into the four fields of biblical studies, church history, systematic theology/ethics, and the so‐called ‘practical fields’. Although this fourth area was initially confined to ministerial/clerical practices, attention to the full complexities of lived faith have compelled developments that transcend that limiting definition, even if the constraints of that structure have not entirely disappeared. Movement from pastoral care as psychological treatment of individuals to its wider framing through contextual‐political understandings illustrates the impact of critical social theory and liberation theologies. Interest in philosophical accounts of phronesis and bodily habitus that overcome the split between belief and practice shape and expand what counts as work in systematic theology. Continuing debates include the degree to which dynamics of power through political and global forces must be factored into lived faith and the desire to protect Christian identity versus appropriating knowledges from other ‘sciences’ of the human. Developments in religious studies on lived religion expand the complexity of the category practice and challenge traditional categories in theological education.
Self-manslaughter and the forensic classification of self-inflicted death
Authors: Cholbi M
Published: February 2007

By emphasising the intentions underlying suicidal behaviour, suicidal death is distinguished from accidental death in standard philosophical accounts on the nature of suicide. A crucial third class of self-produced deaths, deaths in which agents act neither intentionally nor accidentally to produce their own deaths, is left out by such accounts. Based on findings from psychiatry, many life-threatening behaviours, if and when they lead to the agent’s death, are suggested to be neither intentional nor accidental, with many apparently suicidal behaviours being of this sort, especially the so-called “cries for help”. This category may be usefully analogised to the existing legal category of manslaughter.
A proposed rural healthcare ethics agenda
Authors: Nelson W , Pomerantz A , Howard K , Bushy A
Published: February 2007

The unique context of the rural setting provides special challenges to furnishing ethical healthcare to its approximately 62 million inhabitants. Although rural communities are widely diverse, most have the following common features: limited economic resources, shared values, reduced health status, limited availability of and accessibility to healthcare services, overlapping professional–patient relationships and care giver stress. These rural features shape common healthcare ethical issues, including threats to confidentiality, boundary issues, professional–patient relationship and allocation of resources. To date, there exists a limited focus on rural healthcare ethics shown by the scarcity of rural healthcare ethics literature, rural ethics committees, rural focused ethics training and research on rural ethics issues. An interdisciplinary group of rural healthcare ethicists with backgrounds in medicine, nursing and philosophy was convened to explore the need for a rural healthcare ethics agenda. At the meeting, the Coalition for Rural Health Care Ethics agreed to a definition of rural healthcare ethics and a broad-ranging rural ethics agenda with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of patient care in rural America. The proposed agenda calls for increasing awareness and understanding of rural healthcare ethics through the development of evidence—informed, rural-attuned research, scholarship and education in collaboration with rural healthcare professionals, healthcare institutions and the diverse rural population.
Individual choice in the definition of death
Authors: Bagheri A
Published: February 2007

While there are numerous doubts, controversies and lack of consensus on alternative definitions of human death, it is argued that it is more ethical to allow people to choose either cessation of cardio-respiratory function or loss of entire brain function as the definition of death based on their own views. This paper presents the law of organ transplantation in Japan, which allows people to decide whether brain death can be used to determine their death in agreement with their family. Arguably, Japan could become a unique example of individual choice in the definition of death if the law is revised to allow individuals choose definition of death independently of their family. It suggests that such an approach is one of the reasonable policy options a country can adopt for legislation on issues related to the definition of death.
Global bioethics at UNESCO: in defence of the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights
Authors: Andorno R
Published: February 2007

The Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on 19 October 2005 is an important step in the search for global minimum standards in biomedical research and clinical practice. As a member of UNESCO International Bioethics Committee, I participated in the drafting of this document. Drawing on this experience, the principal features of the Declaration are outlined, before responding to two general charges that have been levelled at UNESCO’s bioethical activities and at this particular document, are outlined. One criticism is to the effect that UNESCO is exceeding its mandate by drafting such bioethical instruments—in particular, the charge is that it is trespassing on a topic that lies in the responsibility of the World Health Organization. The second criticism is that UNESCO’s reliance on international human rights norms is inappropriate.
A HYBRID TWO-STAGE FLOWSHOP SCHEDULING PROBLEM
Authors: HE LONGMIN , SUN SHIJIE , LUO RUNZI
Published: February 2007

This paper considers a batch scheduling problem in a two-stage hybrid flowshop that consists of m dedicated parallel machines in stage 1 and a batch processor in stage 2. The processing time of a batch is defined as the largest processing time of the jobs contained in that batch. The criterion is to minimize the makespan, the time by which all operations of jobs have been processed. For such a problem, we present a polynomial time algorithm for the case with all jobs having the same processing time on the batch processor. An approximation algorithm with a competitive ratio 2 for the general case is also presented.
THE TYPE I DELAYED REPAIR POLICY
Authors: CASTRO I. T. , SANJUÁN E. L.
Published: February 2007

In this work we introduce a new maintenance policy called the delayed repair policy. For delayed repair models, repair facilities are not always available. If the repair facilities are not available and a failure of the system occurs, the repair is delayed until the repair facilities are available again. In this work, we suppose that the repair facilities are available only during a time interval of the working period. We study this maintenance policy under the designation type I delayed repair policy. We analyze this strategy repair and we obtain bounds for the optimal type I delayed repair policy.
GeV MONOENERGETIC ELECTRON BEAM WITH LASER PLASMA ACCELERATOR
Authors: MALKA V. , LIFSCHITZ A. F. , FAURE J. , GLINEC Y.
Published: February 2007

Laser plasma accelerators produce today ultra short, quasi-monoenergetic and collimated electron beams with potential applications in material science, chemistry and medicine. The laser plasma accelerator used to produce such an electron beam is presented. The design of a laser based accelerator designed to produce more energetic electron beams with a narrow relative energy spread is also proposed here. This compact approach should permit a miniaturization and cost reduction of future accelerators and associated X-Free Electrons Lasers (XFEL).
MeV PROTON SOURCES FOR PLASMA DYNAMICS INVESTIGATIONS ON PS TIMESCALES
Authors: BORGHESI M. , KAR S. , ROMAGNANI L. , CECCHETTI C. A. , ANTICI PATRIZIO , AUDEBERT PATRICK , FUCHS JULIEN , JUNG R. , OSTERHOLZ J. , TONCIAN T. , WILLI O. , GALIMBERTI M. , GIZZI L. A. , CECCHERINI F. , LISEYKINA T. V. , MACCHI A. , GRISMAYER T. , MORA P. , SCHIAVI A.
Published: February 2007

The interaction of high-intensity laser pulses with matter releases instantaneously ultra-large currents of highly energetic electrons, leading to the generation of highly-transient, large-amplitude electric and magnetic fields. We report results of recent experiment in which such phenomena have been studied by using proton probing techniques able to provide maps of the electrostatic fields with high spatial and temporal resolution. The dynamics of ponderomotive channelling in underdense plasmas have been studied with this technique, as also the process of Debye sheath formation and MeV ion front expansion at the rear of laser-irradiated thin metallic foils.
PROSPECTS OF HIGH ENERGY LABORATORY ASTROPHYSICS
Authors: NG JOHNNY S. T. , CHEN PISIN
Published: February 2007

Ultra high energy cosmic rays (UHECR) have been observed but their sources and production mechanisms are yet to be understood. We envision a laboratory astrophysics program that will contribute to the understanding of cosmic accelerators with efforts to: 1) test and calibrate UHECR observational techniques, and 2) elucidate the underlying physics of cosmic acceleration through laboratory experiments and computer simulations. Innovative experiments belonging to the first category have already been done at the SLAC FFTB. Results on air fluorescence yields from the FLASH experiment are reviewed. Proposed future accelerator facilities can provided unprecedented high-energy-densities in a regime relevant to cosmic acceleration studies and accessible in a terrestrial environment for the first time. We review recent simulation studies of non-linear plasma dynamics that could give rise to cosmic acceleration, and discuss prospects for experimental investigation of the underlying mechanisms.
NOVEL ACCELERATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE PHYSICS OF MASSIVE NEUTRINOS
Authors: TERRANOVA F. , BULANOV S. V. , ESIRKEPOV T. , KIRIYAMA H. , TAJIMA T. , COLLIER J. L. , MIGLIOZZI P. , PEGORARO F.
Published: February 2007

In the forthcoming decades, the physics of massive neutrinos will pose unprecedented challenges to traditional acceleration techniques. In this talk we revise the main motivations for pursuing neutrino oscillation studies with novel ν sources and, particularly, we consider the opportunities offered by laser-plasma accelerators. The existence of efficient ion acceleration regimes in collective laser-plasma interactions opens up the possibility to develop neutrino and, more generally, high-energy physics facilities in conjunction with projects for inertial confinement nuclear fusion (ICF) and neutron spallation sources. Moreover, parametric amplification techniques allow pulse compression implementations that do not fall in contradiction with current designs for ICF drivers. We discuss the conditions under which these efficient regimes can be put into operation and the perspectives for their empirical verification.
GUIDING OF HIGH LASER INTENSITIES IN LONG PLASMA CHANNELS
Authors: LEVIN M. , EISENMANN S. , PALCHAN T. , ZIGLER A. , SUGIYAMA K. , NAKAJIMA K. , KAGANOVICH D. , HUBBARD R. F. , TING A. , GORDON D. F. , SPRANGLE P. , FRAENKEL M. , MAMAN S. , HENIS Z.
Published: February 2007

Plasma channels have been widely used to guide intense laser pulses over many Rayleigh lengths. Using optimized segmented capillary discharges, we demonstrated guided propagation of ultra short (100 fs) high intensity (1016 W/cm-2, limited by the laser system) pulses over distances up to 12.6 cm and intensities above 1018W/cm2 for 1.5cm boron nitride capillary. Both radial and longitudinal density profiles of plasma channels were studied under various discharge conditions. A new diagnostic technique is presented in which the transport of a guided laser pulse at different delay times from the initiation of the discharge is sampled on a single discharge shot. Using external, 10 nsec Nd YAG laser of several tenths of milijoules to ignite polyethylene capillaries we have demonstrated channels of various length in density range of 1017 - 1019 cm -3 and up to 25% deep. The longitudinal profiles were found to be remarkably uniform in both short and long capillaries. The Boron Nitride capillary has provided a guiding medium that can withstand more than 1000 shots. Using these capillaries we have guided laser intensities above 1018W/cm2. The laser ignition of capillary discharge provided reliable almost jitter free approach. The concerns related to influence of relatively high current density flow through capillary on the injected electrons were studied extensively by us both theoretically and experimentally using a simple injection method. The method is based on the interaction of a high intensity laser pulse with a thin wire placed near capillary entrance. The influence of magnetic fields was found to be insignificant. Using this method we have studied transport of electrons though capillary discharge.
STUDY OF COMPTON BACKSCATTERING BETWEEN RELATIVISTIC ELECTRON BEAM AND SASE LIGHT
Authors: KASHIWAGI SHIGERU , KURODA RYUNOSUKE
Published: February 2007

Study of Compton backscattering with relativistic high-intense electron beam and single-pass free electron laser (FEL) is carried out to produce high-brightness short X-ray pulse. The single-pass FEL such as SASE is high power coherent light source and the wavelength of the FEL can be tuned changing magnetic field strength of wiggler or undulator continuously. In our study, the relativistic electron beam is generated using a linear accelerator, which is a driver for the FEL. The electron beam is used for both the Compton backscattering and the generation of SASE light. The preliminary experiment of X-ray generation based on Compton backscattering with high-intensity electron beam and infrared SASE light is planed using the L-band linear accelerator at the Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (ISIR), Osaka University. We will describe the preliminary experiment and the result of numerical studies.
DEVELOPMENT OF LASER BASED SYNCHROTRON X-RAY SOURCE
Authors: ALBERT FELICIE , SHAH RAHUL , PHUOC KIM TA , BURGY FREDERIC , ROUSSEAU JEAN-PHILIPPE , ROUSSE ANTOINE , PUKHOV ALEXANDER , KISELEV SERGEI
Published: February 2007

By focusing an ultraintense laser onto a helium gaz jet, a collimated beam of ultrafast broadband X-ray radiation can now be generated. The X-ray radiation results from the betatron oscillations of relativistic electrons in the laser created plasma channel. Thus, just as in a synchrotron, the spectral and flux properties of the X-ray beam can be linked to the electron beam through the plasma wiggler strength. The radiation has been observed within 1-10 keV with filters and presents a divergence of as low as 20 mrad. In addition, this source possesses the unique properties to be ultrafast and perfectly synchronized with the laser system, which opens the way toward new types of pump probe experiments.
MULTI-BEAM COMPTON SCATTERING MONOCHROMATIC TUNABLE HARD X-RAY SOURCE
Authors: UESAKA MITSURU , SAKAMOTO FUMITO , FUKASAWA ATSUSHI , OGINO HARUYUKI , YAMAMOTO TOMOHIKO , MENG DE , DOBASHI KATSUHIRO , MIYOSHI TOSHINOBU , HIGO TOSHIYASU , AKEMOTO MITSUO , URAKAWA JUNJI
Published: February 2007

Compton scattering hard X-ray source which consists of an X-band (11.424 GHz) electron linear accelerator and YAG laser is under construction at Nuclear Professional School, the University of Tokyo (UTNS). Monochromatic hard X-rays are required for variety of medical and biological applications. Our scheme of the hard X-ray source is to produce a monochromatic hard X-ray via collision between 35 MeV electron beam and 2.5 J/10 nsec Nd : YAG laser. In order to increase the efficiency of the X-ray yield, we adopt a laser pulse circulation system. In our case, the laser pulse circulation system can increase the X-ray intensity of up to 50 times. Main features of our scheme are to produce monochromatic tunable hard (10-40 keV) X-rays with the intensities of 108-109 photons/sec. In addition, X-ray energy can be changed with rapidly by 40 ms by introducing two different wavelength lasers (YAG fundamental (1064 nm), 2nd harmonic (532 nm)) and optical switch. This quick energy change is indispensable to living specimens and very difficult by a large SR light source and others. We designed a laser pulse circulation system to increase the X-ray yield 10 times higher (up to 108 photons/RF pulse, 109 photons/sec). It can be proved that the laser total increases 10 times higher by principle experiment with lower energy laser (25 mJ/pulse). Dual-energy X-ray CT and subtraction X-ray CT are available to determine 3D distribution of atomicc number density and electron density, and specified atomic distribution, respectively. Here, the construction status of the X-band beam line and the application plan of the hard X-ray will be reported.
INTERACTION OF INTENSE SHORT LASER PULSES WITH AIR AND DIELECTRIC MATERIALS
Authors: EISENMANN S. , KATZIR Y. , ZIGLER A. , FIBICH G. , LOUZON E. , EHRLICH Y. , HENIS Z. , PECKER S. , FISHER D. , FRAENKEL M.
Published: February 2007

A study of the propagation of intense short laser pulses in air and the interaction of these pulses with distant targets is described. It is shown that the beam filamentation pattern can be controlled by introducing beam astigmatism. In addition, it is demonstrated that the collapse distance of intense femtosecond laser beams scales as P -1/2 for input powers that are moderately above the critical power for self focusing, and that at higher powers the collapse distance scales as P -1. Related to the interaction of intense short pulses with distant targets, it is measured that the threshold fluence for optical damage in wide gap materials is lower by up to 20% for negatively chirped pulses than for positively chirped, at pulse durations ranging from 60 fs to 1 ps.