bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new fast and fully automated software based algorithm for extracting respiratory signal from raw PET data and its comparison to other methods
Authors: Kesner Adam Leon , Kuntner Claudia
Published: September 2010

Purpose:

Respiratory gating in PET is an approach used to minimize the negative effects of respiratory motion on spatial resolution. It is based on an initial determination of a patient's respiratory movements during a scan, typically using hardware based systems. In recent years, several fully automated databased algorithms have been presented for extracting a respiratory signal directly from PET data, providing a very practical strategy for implementing gating in the clinic. In this work, a new method is presented for extracting a respiratory signal from raw PET sinogram data and compared to previously presented automated techniques.

Methods:

The acquisition of respiratory signal from PET data in the newly proposed method is based on rebinning the sinogram data into smaller data structures and then analyzing the time activity behavior in the elements of these structures. From this analysis, a 1D respiratory trace is produced, analogous to a hardware derived respiratory trace. To assess the accuracy of this fully automated method, respiratory signal was extracted from a collection of 22 clinical FDG‐PET scans using this method, and compared to signal derived from several other software based methods as well as a signal derived from a hardware system.

Results:

The method presented required approximately 9 min of processing time for each 10 min scan (using a single 2.67 GHz processor), which in theory can be accomplished while the scan is being acquired and therefore allowing a real‐time respiratory signal acquisition. Using the mean correlation between the software based and hardware based respiratory traces, the optimal parameters were determined for the presented algorithm. The mean/median/range of correlations for the set of scans when using the optimal parameters was found to be 0.58/0.68/0.07–0.86. The speed of this method was within the range of real‐time while the accuracy surpassed the most accurate of the previously presented algorithms.

Conclusions:

PET data inherently contains information about patient motion; information that is not currently being utilized. We have shown that a respiratory signal can be extracted from raw PET data in potentially real‐time and in a fully automated manner. This signal correlates well with hardware based signal for a large percentage of scans, and avoids the efforts and complications associated with hardware. The proposed method to extract a respiratory signal can be implemented on existing scanners and, if properly integrated, can be applied without changes to routine clinical procedures.
Model‐based calculations of off‐axis ratio of conic beams for a dedicated 6 MV radiosurgery unit
Authors: Yang J. N. , Ding X. , Du W. , Pino R.
Published: September 2010

Purpose:

Because the small‐radius photon beams shaped by cones in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) lack lateral electronic equilibrium and a detector's finite cross section, direct experimental measurement of dosimetric data for these beams can be subject to large uncertainties. As the dose calculation accuracy of a treatment planning system largely depends on how well the dosimetric data are measured during the machine's commissioning, there is a critical need for an independent method to validate measured results. Therefore, the authors studied the model‐based calculation as an approach to validate measured off‐axis ratios (OARs).

Methods:

The authors previously used a two‐component analytical model to calculate central axis dose and associated dosimetric data (e.g., scatter factors and tissue‐maximum ratio) in a water phantom and found excellent agreement between the calculated and the measured central axis doses for small 6 MV SRS conic beams. The model was based on that of Nizin and Mooij [“An approximation of central‐axis absorbed dose in narrow photon beams,” Med. Phys. 24, 1775–1780 (1997)] but was extended to account for apparent attenuation, spectral differences between broad and narrow beams, and the need for stricter scatter dose calculations for clinical beams. In this study, the authors applied Clarkson integration to this model to calculate OARs for conic beams. OARs were calculated for selected cones with radii from 0.2 to 1.0 cm. To allow comparisons, the authors also directly measured OARs using stereotactic diode (SFD), microchamber, and film dosimetry techniques. The calculated results were machine‐specific and independent of direct measurement data for these beams.

Results:

For these conic beams, the calculated OARs were in excellent agreement with the data measured using an SFD. The discrepancies in radii and in 80%–20% penumbra were within 0.01 cm, respectively. Using SFD‐measured OARs as the reference data, the authors found that the calculated OARs were more accurate than those measured with a microchamber or film dosimetry.

Conclusions:

The model produces sufficiently accurate conic beam dosimetric data that can be used to validate direct measurement results for such beams.
Dose optimization in pediatric cardiac x‐ray imaging
Authors: Gislason Amber J. , Davies Andrew G. , Cowen Arnold R.
Published: September 2010

Purpose:

The aim of this research was to explore x‐ray beam parameters with intent to optimize pediatric x‐ray settings in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. This study examined the effects of peak x‐ray tube voltage (kVp) and of copper (Cu) x‐ray beam filtration independently on the image quality to dose balance for pediatric patient sizes. The impact of antiscatter grid removal on the image quality to dose balance was also investigated.

Methods:

Image sequences of polymethyl methacrylate phantoms approximating chest sizes typical of pediatric patients were captured using a modern flat‐panel receptor based x‐ray imaging system. Tin was used to simulate iodine‐based contrast medium used in clinical procedures. Measurements of tin detail contrast and flat field image noise provided the contrast to noise ratio. Entrance surface dose (ESD) and effective dose (E) measurements were obtained to calculate the figure of merit (FOM),, which evaluated the dose efficiency of the x‐ray parameters investigated. The kVp, tube current (mA), and pulse duration were set manually by overriding the system's automatic dose control mechanisms. Images were captured with 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.4, and 0.9 mm added Cu filtration, for 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70 kVp with the antiscatter grid in place, and then with it removed.

Results:

For a given phantom thickness, as the Cu filter thickness was increased, lower kVp was favored. Examining kVp alone, lower values were generally favored, more so for thinner phantoms. Considering ESD, the 8.5 cm phantom had the highest FOM at 50 kVp using 0.4 mm of Cu filtration. The 12 cm phantom had the highest FOM at 55 kVp using 0.9 mm Cu, and the 16 cm phantom had highest FOM at 55 kVp using 0.4 mm Cu. With regard to E, the 8.5 and 12 cm phantoms had the highest FOM at 50 kVp using 0.4 mm of Cu filtration, and the 16 cm phantom had the highest FOM at 50 kVp using 0.25 mm Cu. Antiscatter grid removal improved the FOM for a given set of x‐ray conditions. Under aforesaid optimal settings, the 8.5 cm phantom FOM improved by 24% and 33% for ESD and E, respectively. Corresponding improvements were 26% and 24% for the 12 cm phantom and 6% and 15% for the 16 cm phantom.

Conclusions:

For pediatric patients, using 0.25–0.9 mm Cu filtration in the x‐ray beam while maintaining 50–55 kVp, depending on patient size, provided optimal x‐ray image quality to dose ratios. These settings, adjusted for x‐ray tube loading limits and clinically acceptable image quality, should provide a useful strategy for optimizing iodine contrast agent based cardiac x‐ray imaging. Removing the antiscatter grid improved the FOM for the 8.5 and 12 cm phantoms, therefore grid removal is recommended for younger children. Improvement for the 16 cm phantom declined into the estimated margin of error for the FOM; the need for grid removal for older children would depend on practical feasibility in the clinical environment.
Monte Carlo calculated TG‐60 dosimetry parameters for the emitter brachytherapy source
Authors: Sadeghi Mahdi , Taghdiri Fatemeh , Hamed Hosseini S. , Tenreiro Claudio
Published: September 2010

Purpose:

The formalism recommended by Task Group 60 (TG‐60) of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) is applicable for sources. Radioactive biocompatible and biodegradable glass seed without encapsulation is a emitter radionuclide with a short half‐life and delivers a high dose rate to the tumor in the millimeter range. This study presents the results of Monte Carlo calculations of the dosimetric parameters for the brachytherapy source.

Methods:

Version 5 of the (MCNP) Monte Carlo radiation transport code was used to calculate two‐dimensional dose distributions around the source. The dosimetric parameters of AAPM TG‐60 recommendations including the reference dose rate, the radial dose function, the anisotropy function, and the one‐dimensional anisotropy function were obtained.

Results:

The dose rate value at the reference point was estimated to be. Due to the low energy beta emitted from sources, the dose fall‐off profile is sharper than the other beta emitter sources. The calculated dosimetric parameters in this study are compared to several beta and photon emitting seeds.

Conclusions:

The results show the advantage of the source in comparison with the other sources because of the rapid dose fall‐off of beta ray and high dose rate at the short distances of the seed. The results would be helpful in the development of the radioactive implants using seeds for the brachytherapy treatment.
Monte Carlo evaluation of scatter mitigation strategies in cone‐beam CT
Authors: Lazos Dimitrios , Williamson Jeffrey F.
Published: September 2010

Purpose:

To investigate the efficacy of two widely used scatter mitigation methods: antiscatter grids (ASGs) and beam modulating with bowtie filters (BTFs), in combination with subtractive scatter correction or zeroth order normalization phantom calibration, for improving image noise, contrast, contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and image uniformity for on‐board cone‐beam CT (CBCT) imaging systems used for image‐guided radiation therapy.

Methods:

PTRAN Monte Carlo CBCT x‐ray projections of head and pelvic phantoms were calculated for combinations of beam‐modulation and scatter rejection methods and images were reconstructed by in‐house developed software. In addition, a simple one‐dimensional analytic model was developed to predict scatter‐to‐primary ratio (SPR) and CNR as a function of cylindrical phantom thickness, ASG transmission, and beam modulation with bow‐tie filters.

Results:

ASGs were found to have slightly negative or no effect on head phantom image CNR and to modestly improve CNR (10%–20%) in pelvic phantom images. However, scatter subtraction and norm‐phantom calibration perform better when applied on data acquired with ASGs. Scatter subtraction improves CT number accuracy, but increases noise, and in high SPR/low primary‐photon transmission scenarios can dramatically reduce CNR and introduce streaking artifacts. The BTF is found to reduce SPR and image noise, resulting in a better trade‐off between CNR and imaging dose, but introduces a circular band artifact.

Conclusions:

Our study shows that ASGs have a modest positive impact in pelvic scans and negative in head scans, scatter subtraction improves the HU accuracy but reduces CNR, while BTF has a clearly positive effect.
Dosimetric variation due to the photon beam energy in the small‐animal irradiation: A Monte Carlo study
Authors: Chow James C. L. , Leung Michael K. K. , Lindsay Patricia E. , Jaffray David A.
Published: September 2010

Purpose:

The impact of photon beam energy and tissue heterogeneities on dose distributions and dosimetric characteristics such as point dose, mean dose, and maximum dose was investigated in the context of small‐animal irradiation using Monte Carlo simulations based on the EGSnrc code.

Methods:

Three Monte Carlo mouse phantoms, namely, heterogeneous, homogeneous, and bone homogeneous were generated based on the same mouse computed tomography image set. These phantoms were generated by overriding the tissue type of none of the voxels (heterogeneous), all voxels (homogeneous), and only the bone voxels (bone homogeneous) to that of soft tissue. Phase space files of the 100 and 225 kVp photon beams based on a small‐animal irradiator (XRad225Cx, Precision X‐Ray Inc., North Branford, CT) were generated using BEAMnrc. A 360° photon arc was simulated and three‐dimensional (3D) dose calculations were carried out using the DOSXYZnrc code through DOSCTP in the above three phantoms. For comparison, the 3D dose distributions, dose profiles, mean, maximum, and point doses at different locations such as the isocenter, lung, rib, and spine were determined in the three phantoms.

Results:

The dose gradient resulting from the 225 kVp arc was found to be steeper than for the 100 kVp arc. The mean dose was found to be 1.29 and 1.14 times higher for the heterogeneous phantom when compared to the mean dose in the homogeneous phantom using the 100 and 225 kVp photon arcs, respectively. The bone doses (rib and spine) in the heterogeneous mouse phantom were about five (100 kVp) and three (225 kVp) times higher when compared to the homogeneous phantom. However, the lung dose did not vary significantly between the heterogeneous, homogeneous, and bone homogeneous phantom for the 225 kVp compared to the 100 kVp photon beams.

Conclusions:

A significant bone dose enhancement was found when the 100 and 225 kVp photon beams were used in small‐animal irradiation. This dosimetric effect, due to the presence of the bone heterogeneity, was more significant than that due to the lung heterogeneity. Hence, for kV photon energies of the range used in small‐animal irradiation, the increase of the mean and bone dose due to the photoelectric effect could be a dosimetric concern.
Monte Carlo characterization of skin doses in 6 MV transverse field MRI‐linac systems: Effect of field size, surface orientation, magnetic field strength, and exit bolus
Authors: Oborn B. M. , Metcalfe P. E. , Butson M. J. , Rosenfeld A. B.
Published: September 2010

Purpose:

The main focus of this work is to continue investigations into the Monte Carlo predicted skin doses seen in MRI‐guided radiotherapy. In particular, the authors aim to characterize the skin doses over a larger range of magnetic field strength and x‐ray field size than in the current literature. The effect of surface orientation on both the entry and exit sides is also studied. Finally, the use of exit bolus is also investigated for minimizing the negative effects of the electron return effect (ERE) on the exit skin dose.

Methods:

High resolutionGEANT4 Monte Carlo simulations of a water phantom exposed to a 6 MV x‐ray beam (Varian 2100C) have been performed. Transverse magnetic fields of strengths between 0 and 3 T have been applied to a phantom. This phantom is also altered to have variable entry and exit surfaces with respect to the beam central axis and they range from −75° to . The exit bolus simulated is a 1 cm thick (water equivalent) slab located on the beam exit side.

Results:

On the entry side, significant skin doses at the beam central axis are reported for large positive surface angles and strong magnetic fields. However, over the entry surface angle range of −30° to −60°, the entry skin dose is comparable to or less than the zero magnetic field skin dose, regardless of magnetic field strength and field size. On the exit side, moderate to high central axis skin dose increases are expected except at large positive surface angles. For exit bolus of 1 cm thickness, the central axis exit skin dose becomes an almost consistent value regardless of magnetic field strength or exit surface angle. This is due to the almost complete absorption of the ERE electrons by the bolus.

Conclusions:

There is an ideal entry angle range of −30° to −60° where entry skin dose is comparable to or less than the zero magnetic field skin dose. Other than this, the entry skin dose increases are significant, especially at higher magnetic fields. On the exit side there is mostly moderate to high skin dose increases for 0.2–3 T with the only exception being large positive angles. Exit bolus of 1 cm thickness will have a significant impact on lowering such exit skin dose increases that occur as a result of the ERE.
Prospective‐gated cardiac micro‐CT imaging of free‐breathing mice using carbon nanotube field emission x‐ray
Authors: Cao Guohua , Burk Laurel M. , Lee Yueh Z. , Calderon‐Colon Xiomara , Sultana Shabana , Lu Jianping , Zhou Otto
Published: September 2010

Purpose:

Carbon nanotube (CNT) based field emission x‐ray source technology has recently been investigated for diagnostic imaging applications because of its attractive characteristics including electronic programmability, fast switching, distributed source, and multiplexing. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the potential of this technology for high‐resolution prospective‐gated cardiac micro‐CT imaging.

Methods:

A dynamic cone‐beam micro‐CT scanner was constructed using a rotating gantry, a stationary mouse bed, a flat‐panel detector, and a sealed CNT based microfocus x‐ray source. The compact single‐beam CNT x‐ray source was operated at 50 KVp and 2 mA anode current with effective focal spot size. Using an intravenously administered iodinated blood‐pool contrast agent, prospective cardiac and respiratory‐gated micro‐CT images of beating mouse hearts were obtained from ten anesthetized free‐breathing mice in their natural position. Four‐dimensional cardiac images were also obtained by gating the image acquisition to different phases in the cardiac cycle.

Results:

High‐resolution CT images of beating mouse hearts were obtained at 15 ms temporal resolution and 6.2 lp/mm spatial resolution at 10% of system MTF. The images were reconstructed at isotropic voxel size. The data acquisition time for two cardiac phases was . The CT values observed within the ventricles and the ventricle wall were and , respectively. The entrance dose for the acquisition of a single phase of the cardiac cycle was 0.10 Gy.

Conclusions:

A high‐resolution dynamic micro‐CT scanner was developed from a compact CNT microfocus x‐ray source and its feasibility for prospective‐gated cardiac micro‐CT imaging of free‐breathing mice under their natural position was demonstrated.
A Central Role for Free Heme in the Pathogenesis of Severe Sepsis
Authors: Larsen Rasmus , Gozzelino Raffaella , Jeney Viktória , Tokaji László , Bozza Fernando A. , Japiassú André M. , Bonaparte Dolores , Cavalcante Moisés Marinho , Chora Ângelo , Ferreira Ana , Marguti Ivo , Cardoso Sílvia , Sepúlveda Nuno , Smith Ann , Soares Miguel P.
Published: September 2010

Heme from red blood cells released in septic shock worsens organ dysfunction and increases the risk of death, but can be overcome by a scavenger of free heme.
Interfering with Resistance to Smoothened Antagonists by Inhibition of the PI3K Pathway in Medulloblastoma
Authors: Buonamici Silvia , Williams Juliet , Morrissey Michael , Wang Anlai , Guo Ribo , Vattay Anthony , Hsiao Kathy , Yuan Jing , Green John , Ospina Beatriz , Yu Qunyan , Ostrom Lance , Fordjour Paul , Anderson Dustin L. , Monahan John E. , Kelleher Joseph F. , Peukert Stefan , Pan Shifeng , Wu Xu , Maira Sauveur-Michel , García-Echeverría Carlos , Briggs Kimberly J. , Watkins D. Neil , Yao Yung-mae , Lengauer Christoph , Warmuth Markus , Sellers William R. , Dorsch Marion
Published: September 2010

Resistance of medulloblastoma to Smo antagonists can be delayed or prevented by specific drug combinations.
GPR120 Mediates the Benefits of Fish Oil
Authors: Buettner Christoph
Published: September 2010

GPR120, an ω-3 fatty acid sensor expressed in macrophages and fat cells, exerts anti-inflammatory and insulin-like effects.
Detection of Circulating Anti-Mucin 1 (MUC1) Antibodies in Breast Tumor Patients by Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Using a Recombinant MUC1 Protein Containing Six Tandem Repeats and Expressed in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Tang Yan , Wang Li , Zhang Peiyin , Wei Hongfei , Gao Rui , Liu Xinming , Yu Yongli , Wang Liying
Published: September 2010

Mucin 1 (MUC1), a tumor-associated antigen, is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed by normal epithelial cells and overexpressed by carcinomas of epithelial origin. Autoantibodies against MUC1 are often found in circulation, either free or bound to immune complexes, which might contribute to limit tumor outgrowth and dissemination by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and were found favorably predictive of survival in early breast cancer patients. There is no commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for detecting the anti-MUC1 antibodies in human serum thus far. To detect circulating anti-MUC1 antibodies, we established an indirect ELISA (I-ELISA) using a recombinant MUC1 protein containing six tandem repeat sequences of MUC1 after the antigenicity and specificity of the protein were confirmed. The I-ELISA had a sensitivity of 91.3% and a specificity of 94.1% when a competitive I-ELISA was used as a reference test. The results showed that more patients with benign breast tumors (
P
= 0.001) and breast cancer patients before primary treatment (
P
= 0.010) were found to have anti-MUC1 IgG than healthy women; anti-MUC1 IgG before primary treatment was found more than after primary treatment (
P
= 0.016) in breast cancer patients. Interestingly, the anti-MUC1 IgG serum level was reversely correlated to that of CA15-3 antigen in advanced-stage patients (
r
= −0.4294,
P
= 0.046). Our study has demonstrated the suitability of the established I-ELISA for detecting circulating anti-MUC1 antibodies in human serum. Furthermore, we found that circulating anti-MUC1 antibodies may still bind MUC1 shed into blood in stage IV breast cancer, which can support the use of MUC1-target immune therapy strategies.
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Isolates Expressing a Capsule with Epitopes of Both Serotypes 6A and 6B
Authors: Sheppard Carmen L. , Pichon Bruno , George Robert C. , Hall Lucinda M. C.
Published: September 2010

Four
Streptococcus pneumoniae
isolates expressing both 6A and 6B capsular serotypes were detected by a multiplex immunoassay. The sequence of WciP, a GT2-family glycosyltransferase, indicates that point mutation has compromised linkage specificity, allowing two alternative oligosaccharides to be synthesized. This finding highlights that mutation as well as recombination can mediate serotype change.
Evolution and Distribution of the
ospC
Gene, a Transferable Serotype Determinant of Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Barbour Alan G. , Travinsky Bridgit
Published: September 2010

Borrelia burgdorferi
, an emerging bacterial pathogen, is maintained in nature by transmission from one vertebrate host to another by ticks. One of the few antigens against which mammals develop protective immunity is the highly polymorphic OspC protein, encoded by the
ospC
gene on the cp26 plasmid. Intragenic recombination among
ospC
genes is known, but the extent to which recombination extended beyond the
ospC
locus itself is undefined. We accessed and supplemented collections of DNA sequences of
ospC
and other loci from ticks in three U.S. regions (the Northeast, the Midwest, and northern California); a total of 839
ospC
sequences were analyzed. Three overlapping but distinct populations of
B. burgdorferi
corresponded to the geographic regions. In addition, we sequenced 99
ospC
flanking sequences from different lineages and compared the complete cp26 sequences of 11 strains as well as the cp26
bbb02
loci of 56 samples. Besides recombinations with traces limited to the
ospC
gene itself, there was evidence of lateral gene transfers that involved (i) part of the
ospC
gene and one of the two flanks or (ii) the entire
ospC
gene and different lengths of both flanks. Lateral gene transfers resulted in different linkages between the
ospC
gene and loci of the chromosome or other plasmids. By acquisition of the complete part or a large part of a novel
ospC
gene, an otherwise adapted strain would assume a new serotypic identity, thereby being comparatively fitter in an area with a high prevalence of immunity to existing OspC types.

IMPORTANCE
The tick-borne zoonosis Lyme borreliosis is increasing in incidence and spreading geospatially in North America. Further understanding of the evolution and genetics of its cause,
Borrelia burgdorferi
, in its environments fosters progress toward ecologically based control efforts. By means of DNA sequencing of a large sample collection of the pathogen from across the United States, we studied the gene for the bacterium's highly diverse OspC protein, protective immunity against which develops in animals. We found that the distributions and frequencies of types of OspC genes differed between populations of
B. burgdorferi
in the Northeast, the Midwest, and California. Over time, OspC genes were transferred between strains through recombinations involving the whole or parts of the gene and one or both flanks. Acquisitions of OspC genes that are novel for the region confer to recipients unique identities to host immune systems and, presumably, selective advantage when immunity to existing types is widespread among hosts.
The 2009 H1N1 Pandemic Influenza Virus: What Next?
Authors: Morens David M. , Taubenberger Jeffery K. , Fauci Anthony S.
Published: September 2010

History suggests that the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus faces extinction unless it mutates to avoid already high global population immunity. The immune escape mechanisms potentially at its disposal include antigenic drift, antigenic shift via genetic reassortment, and intrasubtypic reassortment. Going back to the late 19th century, the evolutionary histories of past pandemic viruses are examined in an effort to better understand the nature and extent of the immune pressures faced by the 2009 pandemic virus in the immediate future. While human influenza viruses have often surprised us, available evidence leads to the hope that the current pandemic virus will continue to cause low or moderate mortality rates if it does not become extinct.
Mechanisms for anterior cruciate ligament injuries in badminton
Authors: Kimura Yuka , Ishibashi Yasuyuki , Tsuda Eiichi , Yamamoto Yuji , Tsukada Harehiko , Toh Satoshi
Published: September 2010

Introduction

A high incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries related to sports activities has been reported; however, the injury situation of ACL injury in badminton has not been elucidated. This study investigated the mechanism of ACL injury in badminton using a questionnaire.

Methods

Information on injury mechanism was gathered from interviews with six male and 15 female badminton players who received a non-contact ACL injury playing badminton and underwent ACL reconstruction.

Results

The most common injury mechanism (10 of 21 injuries) was single-leg landing after overhead stroke. Nine of 10 players had injured the knee opposite to the racket-hand side. The second most frequent injury mechanism (eight of 21 injuries) was plant-and-cut while side-stepping or backward stepping. All eight players injured the knee of the racket-hand side. Eleven injuries occurred in the rear court, and six of the 11 injuries occurred during single-leg landing after an overhead stroke.

Conclusion

The knee opposite to the racket-hand side tended to sustain the ACL injuries during single-leg landing after a backhand overhead stroke, whereas the knee of the racket-hand side tended to be injured by plant-and-cut during side or backward stepping. These injury patterns appear to be due to specific movements during badminton.
Beliefs about hydration and physiology drive drinking behaviours in runners
Authors: Winger James M , Dugas Jonathan P , Dugas Lara R
Published: September 2010

Background

Exercise-associated hyponatraemia (EAH) is a dilutional hyponatraemia that is caused primarily by the intake of hypotonic fluid beyond the dictates of thirst and exacerbated by the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion as well as an inability to mobilise osmotically inactive sodium stores. Runners who drink more than to their thirst do so for a reason, and understanding and curtailing this behaviour will probably decrease the incidence of this highly preventable condition.

Objective

To determine the beliefs about fluid replacement held by runners and whether these beliefs are reflected in hydration behaviours.

Methods

An online survey was filled out by 197 runners solicited by personal solicitation, e-mail and flyers distributed at three local races in autumn 2009.

Results

Most runners (58%) drink only when thirsty. Runners drinking to a set schedule are significantly older, more experienced and faster than those drinking when thirsty. Gastrointestinal distress is the most frequently cited (71.5%) reason to avoid overhydration. Runners have a poor understanding of the physiological consequences of hydration behaviours that frequently reflect messages of advertising.

Conclusions

Runners at highest risk of EAH exhibit behaviour that is shaped by their beliefs about the benefits and risks of hydration. These beliefs are frequently based on misconceptions about basic exercise physiology.
Cryptogenic colitis due to occult cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Marks Daniel J B , Smith Philip J , Rahman Farooq Z , Miller Robert F , Ledermann Jonathan A , Bloom Stuart L
Published: September 2010

Colitis secondary to cytomegalovirus infection is well recognised and usually straightforward to diagnose. Here two cases are reported in whom all initial investigations failed to demonstrate the presence of virus, with potential adverse consequences for its treatment. A case is made for empirical antiviral therapy despite negative investigations if clinical suspicion is high.
Physical injuries resulting from intimate partner violence and disclosure to healthcare providers: results from a New Zealand population-based study
Authors: Fanslow Janet L , Robinson Elizabeth M
Published: September 2010

Background

Few studies document the health burden attributable to intimate partner violence (IPV) at the population level.

Objectives

To document injuries resulting from IPV and women's use of healthcare for treatment of IPV injuries using the New Zealand Violence Against Women Study.

Methods

A cross-sectional household survey was conducted using a population-based cluster sampling scheme. In total, 2855 women aged 18–64 years were interviewed about their experience of IPV, injuries resulting from violence, and their use of healthcare services.

Results

Of the 956 women who had experienced physical and/or sexual IPV in their lifetime, half were injured at least once as a result of the violence. The most common injuries were abrasions and bruises; followed by cuts, punctures, bites; and injuries to the eye or ear. Many women reported that they needed healthcare for treatment of IPV injuries, yet most (86%) did not receive healthcare on all occasions it was needed. Half of ever-injured women who received treatment told a healthcare provider the reason for their injury. Among those who did not disclose, shame was the most frequent reason for not telling, followed by fear of further violence.

Conclusions

This population-based study documents the injury-burden created by IPV, to individuals, healthcare systems, and the population. Implications include supporting healthcare providers to respond to victims of violence and the need for prevention strategies at the population level
A longitudinal study of the life histories of people with spinal cord injury
Authors: Sullivan Martin , Paul Charlotte E , Herbison G Peter , Tamou Peina , Derrett Sarah , Crawford Maureen
Published: September 2010

Background

Approximately 70–80 New Zealanders have spinal cord impairment (SCI) due to injury (2/3) or disease (1/3) each year. They had been socialised as non-disabled people. Following paralysis, interrelationships between body, self and society change. Little is known of the impact of these changes on life histories, life chances and life choices of people with SCI. This has negative implications for the design of rehabilitation and disability support services in New Zealand. Furthermore, the trajectory of disability is affected by previous socioeconomic conditions. How specific supports following SCI (eg, rehabilitation and compensation funded by the Accident Compensation Corporation; ACC) can change this trajectory is unknown.

Objectives

To explore the interrelationships of body, self and society for people with SCI and how these have shaped life chances, life choices and subjectivity. To investigate how entitlement to rehabilitation and compensation through ACC affects socioeconomic and health outcomes.

Setting

New Zealand.

Design

A prospective cohort study; mixed methods.

Participants

112 people with SCI admitted for the first time to one of New Zealand's two spinal units without serious cognitive injury.

Data

Structured interviews with all participants (n=112); qualitative interviews with a selected subgroup (n=20); clinical data collected at the time of admission. Exposures include: demographics, comorbidity, previoius health and socioeconomic status, SCI resulting from illness or injury, income support, health and social services.

Outcome measures

Socioeconomic status, health, participation and life satisfaction.

Analysis

Descriptive statistics; differences tested by paired t tests or McNemar tests; multiple regression and mixed models. Qualitative analysis will be interpretive.
Authorisation, altruism and compulsion in the organ donation debate
Authors: Cronin Antonia J , Harris John
Published: September 2010

The report from the Organ Donation Taskforce looking at the potential impact of an opt-out system for deceased donor organ donation in the UK, published in November 2008, is probably the most comprehensive and systematic inquiry to date into the issues and considerations which might affect the availability of deceased donor organs for clinical transplantation. By the end of a thorough and transparent process, a clear consensus was reached. The taskforce rejected the idea of an opt-out system.

In this article we acknowledge the life saving potential of organ transplants and seek to highlight the difficulties that arise when the issue of organ shortage competes with concerns over choice and authorisation in the context of deceased donor organ donation.
Water-soluble manganese(III) corroles and corresponding (nitrido)manganese(V) complexes
Authors: Saltsman Irena , Goldberg Israel , Gross Zeev
Published: September 2010

Corroles that carry either two or three ortho-pyridyl groups at the meso-carbon atoms form stable manganese(III) complexes, from which corresponding water-soluble derivatives are obtained via N-alkylation. These syntheses and the spectroscopic features are disclosed, together with the molecular structure of the manganese(III) corrole that carries three ortho-pyridylium groups. All the manganese(III) corroles may be transformed to stable (nitrido)manganese(V) complexes, whose NMR spectra provide invaluable structural information regarding the identity and number of atropoisomers.
Synthesis, physicochemical properties and electrochemistry of morpholine-substituted phthalocyanines
Authors: Burat Ayfer K. , Koca Atıf , Lewtak Jan P. , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: September 2010

The synthesis, spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of new phthalocyanines bearing four morpholine and four chloro units is reported. Two-step synthesis involved efficient nucleophilic substitution of 4,5-dichlorophthalonitrile as the key step. The free-base phthalocyanine and its several complexes have been characterized using UV-vis, IR, 1H NMR , 13C NMR and mass spectroscopic data. Voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical studies show that while cobalt phthalocyanine gives both metal- and ring-based, diffusion-controlled, multi-electron and reversible/quasi-reversible redox processes, other complexes give ring-based, multi-electron and reversible/quasi-reversible redox processes.
Chiral "basket handle" binaphthyl porphyrins: synthesis, catalytic epoxidation and NMR conformational studies
Authors: Rose Eric , Gallo Emma , Raoul Nicolas , Bouché Léa , Pille Ariane , Caselli Alessandro , Lequin Olivier
Published: September 2010

Three "basket handle" porphyrins have been prepared by condensation of tetrakis-(α,β,α,β-2-aminophenyl)porphyrin atropoisomer with 1,1′-binaphthyl, 2,2′-dimethoxy, -3,3′-dicarbonylchloride, -3,3′-diacetylchloride and -3,3′-dipropanoylchloride. The epoxidation of styrene with the three iron catalysts, obtained after metalation of the free porphyrins, occurs with good yields and moderate ee up to 54%. These porphyrins showed unexpected conformational differences, as revealed by NMR spectroscopy. In particular, variable temperature NMR studies showed that the methoxy group in one of them undergoes intermediate conformational exchange on the 1H NMR time scale at room temperature. Lowering the temperature to -50 °C revealed the presence of four states in slow exchange on the NMR time scale. These results evidence a dynamic conformational equilibrium of the binaphthyl handles that adopt different, asymmetric positions with respect to the porphyrin plane.
Porphyrin (porphine) — A neglected parent compound with potential
Authors: Senge Mathias O. , Davis Mia
Published: September 2010

Porphine is the parent compound of a family of biologically and chemically relevant compounds called porphyrins. The potential of these compounds is enormous and it would be advantageous to use the porphine (porphyrin) unit as a building block for the synthesis of diverse porphyrin complexes with a wide range of applications. However, despite first being synthesized over 70 years ago, porphine has not been utilized to its full extent due to low yield syntheses and poor solubility. Recent advances have now overcome many of these problems. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the advances made in porphine chemistry to illustrate the inherent potential of this simple compound.
FRACTURE TESTING OF NANOSCALE THIN FILMS INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPE
Authors: KUMAR SANDEEP , HAQUE M. A.
Published: September 2010

To visualize the fracture mechanisms in nanoscale thin films while measuring their fracture properties, we developed an experimental setup to carry out the experiments in-situ in the transmission electron microscope. The setup includes a 3 mm × 5 mm micro-electro-mechanical testing chip with actuators and sensors to measure fracture toughness of notched specimens. Fracture experiments were performed on about 125 nm thick free-standing aluminum thin film specimens with average grain size of about 50 nm. The specimens fractured at uniform far field stress of 470 MPa with stress intensity factor of 0.8–1.1 MPa m1/2. Commonly cited deformation mechanisms, such as dislocation-based plasticity and grain boundary sliding processes were not observed even at the notch tip, where the calculated stress considering the concentration factor exceeded 4 GPa. We propose that for grain sizes below 50 nm, dislocation motion confined at grain boundaries and grain rotation emerge to be significant processes in thin film deformation.
THERMAL EFFECT ON THE BENDING BEHAVIOR OF CURVED FUNCTIONALLY GRADED PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATORS
Authors: ZAMAN MOSTAFA , YAN ZHI , JIANG LIYING
Published: September 2010

This paper provides a study of the bending behavior of a circularly curved functionally graded piezoelectric cantilever actuator under an applied electric load and heat conduction. As a special case, the curved piezoelectric actuator is assumed to have graded property for the piezoelectric parameter g31 only in the thickness direction, which is expanded by Taylor series. Based on the theory of linear piezoelectricity, the analytical formulations are developed by introducing the Airy stress function. Numerical simulations are made to show the effects of material gradient and heat conduction on the bending behavior of the actuators. It is found that the electroelastic field of the curved actuator is significantly influenced by the thermal load. The results will be very helpful for the design and optimization of curved functionally graded piezoelectric actuators when these devices experience heat transfer.
ELASTO-VISCOPLASTIC WAVE THERMOMETRY FOR SINGLE CRYSTALLINE SILICON PROCESSING
Authors: QI XUELE , LIU LI , SUH C. STEVE , CHONA RAVI
Published: September 2010

Laser-induced stress wave thermometry (LISWT) is a non-contact thermal diagnostic technique for the rapid thermal processing (RTP) of silicon wafers using laser-generated, ultrasonic, dispersive stress waves. The required knowledge base for establishing LISWT as a viable alternative to current pyrometric technology for temperature measurement up to 1000°C with ±1°C resolution is presented. A 3D elasto-viscoplastic wave model is developed for describing wave behaviors from being elastic to viscoplastic subject to the RTP annealing temperature ranging from room temperature to exceeding 1000°C. The model is a system of nine coupled first-order hyperbolic equations formulated based on the kinematics of elasto-plastic deformation, conversion of linear momentum and a temperature-dependent viscoplastic constitutive law for single crystalline silicon derived from the material models developed by Hassen–Sumino and Tsai. The group velocity of the wave propagating in silicon wafer is a nonlinear function of temperature. As nonlinearity becomes prominent at high temperature for high frequency components, low frequency components are preferably exploited to achieve the desired thermal resolution at high temperature.
LOGARITHMIC SINGULARITY IN A CRACK PROBLEM
Authors: CHEN Y. Z.
Published: September 2010

A single crack problem is studied. In the problem, the tractions applied on both crack faces are same in magnitude and same in direction. In this case, it is shown that a logarithmic singularity exists in the vicinity of crack tip in addition to the inverse half singularity. A complete expression for the singular stresses at the vicinity of crack tip is obtained.
WKB ANALYSIS OF THE BUCKLING OF A NEO-HOOKEAN CYLINDRICAL SHELL OF ARBITRARY THICKNESS SUBJECT TO AN EXTERNAL PRESSURE
Authors: SANJARANI POUR M.
Published: September 2010

By using the WKB method to solve the eigenvalue problem that results from a linear bifurcation analysis, we show that for a cylindrical shell of arbitrary thickness made of a neo-Hookean material which is subjected to an external hydrostatic pressure, the circular cross-section buckles into a non-circular shape at a value of μ1 which depends on A1/A2 and the mode number, where A1 and A2 are the undeformed inner and outer radii, and μ1 is the ratio of the deformed inner radius to A1. We show that this problem is amenable to the WKB method based on the largeness of the mode number. Similar to the case of a Varga cylindrical tube [Sanjarani Pour, 2005], the dependence of μ1 on A1/A2 has a boundary layer structure. Simple asymptotic expressions for the bifurcation condition are obtained. It has been shown that the asymptotic results obtained in the outer and inner regions agree with the numerical results. The two sets of results obtained for the eigenfunction with the aid of WKB and determinant methods are almost indistinguishable.
A HYBRID SCHEME FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL INCOMPRESSIBLE TWO-PHASE FLOWS
Authors: CAI LI , ZHOU JUN , ZHOU FENG-QI , XIE WEN-XIAN
Published: September 2010

We present a hybrid scheme for computations of three-dimensional incompressible two-phase flows. A Poisson-like pressure equation is deduced from the incompressible constraint, i.e., the divergence-free condition of the velocity field, via an extended marker and cell method, and the moment equations in the 3D incompressible Navier–Stokes equations are solved by our 3D semi-discrete Hermite central-upwind scheme. The interface between the two fluids is considered to be the 0.5 level set of a smooth function being a smeared out Heaviside function. Numerical results are offered to verify the desired efficiency and accuracy of our 3D hybrid scheme.
Maternal obesity induces fibrosis in fetal myocardium of sheep
Authors: Huang Yan , Yan Xu , Zhao Jun X. , Zhu Mei J. , McCormick Richard J. , Ford Stephen P. , Nathanielsz Peter W. , Ren Jun , Du Min
Published: September 2010

Maternal obesity (MO) has harmful effects on both fetal development and subsequent offspring health. The impact of MO on fetal myocardium development has received little attention. Fibrogenesis is regulated by the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/p38 signaling pathway. Using the well-established model of MO in pregnant sheep, we evaluated the effect of MO on TGF-β/p38 and collagen accumulation in fetal myocardium. Nonpregnant ewes were assigned to a control diet [Con, fed 100% of National Research Council (NRC) nutrient recommendations] or obesogenic diet (OB, fed 150% of NRC recommendations) from 60 days before conception. Fetal ventricular muscle was sampled at 75 and 135 days of gestation (dG). At 75 dG, the expression of precursor TGF-β was 39.9 ± 9.9% higher ( P < 0.05) in OB than Con fetal myocardium, consistent with the higher content of phosphorylated Smad3 in OB myocardium. The phosphorylation of p38 tended to be higher in OB myocardium ( P = 0.08). In addition, enhanced Smad complexes were bound to Smad-binding elements in 75 dG OB fetal myocardium measured by DNA mobility shift assay (130.2 ± 26.0% higher, P < 0.05). Similar elevation of TGF-β signaling was observed in OB fetal myocardium at 135 dG. Total collagen concentration in OB was greater than Con fetal myocardium (2.42 ± 0.16 vs. 1.87 ± 0.04%, P < 0.05). Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 were higher in the Con group compared with OB sheep (43.86 ± 16.01 and 37.23 ± 7.97% respectively, P < 0.05). In summary, MO results in greater fetal heart connective tissue accumulation associated with an upregulated TGF-β/p38 signaling pathway at late gestation; such changes would be expected to negatively impact offspring heart function.