bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic manifestations of flail aortic valve leaflets
Authors: Whipple Robert L. , Morris Douglas C. , Felner Joel M. , Merrill Arthur J. , Miller Joseph I.
Published: February 2007

Six patients with aortic regurgitation secondary to flail aortic valve leaflet syndrome were studied echocardiographically, angiographically, surgically, and pathologically. The etiol ogy of flail aortic leaflet was myxomatous degeneration in four patients and bacterial endocarditis in two. The echocardiographic manifestations of flail aortic valve leaflet are diastolic fluttering of the aortic cusp echoes, abnormal systolic aortic leaflet movement, and abnormal diastolic fluttering echoes in the left ventricular outflow tract. Diastolic fluttering of the aortic valve leaflets is specific echocardiographic evidence of aortic regurgitation due to flail aortic leaflets, and demonstration of diastolic fluttering of the aortic leaflets and diastolic fluttering echoes in the left ventricular outflow tract is direct evidence of flail and prolapsed aortic leaflets.
Cross sectional visualization of the normal heart by the UI octoson
Authors: Kossoff G. , Garrett W. J. , Dadd M. J. , Paoloni H. J. , Wilcken D. E. L.
Published: February 2007

The UI Octoson can provide accurate compound and simple scan cross sectional views of the heart. Sections taken in the transverse, sagittal, and other planes normal and parallel to the long axis of the heart are useful for providing full information that may be obtained by the examination. The views allow the visualization and measurement of most major structures of the heart, giving a more complete description of the geometry of the heart.
Television synchronization of a real time ultrasonic sector scanner
Authors: Schuette William H. , Shawker Thomas H. , Whitehouse Willard C.
Published: February 2007

The interaction of the scan rates of ultrasonic scanning and television recording systems often causes portions of the resultant television image to be either over‐ or under‐scanned. This results in objectionable bright and dark sectors within the ultrasonic image on a television monitor during single‐frame playback. The usual method for dealing with this problem is to exchange time resolution for image quality when preparing pictures for analysis or presentation. Time resolution can be preserved by operating the ultrasonic scanner at a scan rate one‐half of the television frame rate and phase locking the ultrasonic scanner to the television system so that each angular scan of the ultrasonic system is initiated coincident with the beginning of each television frame.
Ultrasonic appearance of a thyroid nodule invested in eggshell calcification
Authors: Gooding Gretchen A. W.
Published: February 2007

The ultrasonic appearance of eggshell calcification in a benign thyroid nodule, including sonography of the pathologic specimen, is presented.
Anatomic variation of portal venous anatomy in the porta hepatis: Ultrasonographic evaluation
Authors: Filly Roy A. , Laing Faye C.
Published: February 2007

The appearance of the portal vein as it crosses anterior to the inferior vena cava and enters the liver at the porta hepatis was evaluated on 100 longitudinal and 100 transverse ultrasonograms. Three major variations were noted on the parasagittal scans, while four major variations were evident on the transverse images. These variations were primarily related to the size of the left portal vein and the angle at which the left portal vein coursed away from the main portal vein. The appearance and course of the proximal right portal vein was extremely constant and may therefore be used as a landmark to detect pathologic processes in the porta hepatis. Detection of altered anatomy in this region may be especially helpful in correctly differentiating dilated intrahepatic bile ducts from normal portal veins.
Verification of human fetal breathing with phased array ultrasound imaging
Authors: Stephen John D. , Birnholz Jason C.
Published: February 2007

Continous observation of fetal movement patterns is a novel and useful capability of new high‐speed ultrasound imaging systems. Confirmatory documentation of human fetal breathing as a component of these movement patterns has been achieved using a phased‐array real time ultrasound sector scanning system.* This system permits direct visualization of fetal breathing movements. Permanent recordings can be made on videotape. Recordings can also be made as a time‐motion echocardiogram during continuous observation of the full sector. Fetal breathing movements were seen in five patients. The earliest period of gestation at which fetal breathing was seen was 20 weeks.
Echocardiographic features in a case of intrapericardial teratoma
Authors: Farooki Zia Q. , Hakimi Mehdi , Arciniegas Eduardo , Green Edward W.
Published: February 2007

An infant presented with symptoms of congestive heart failure. Ultrasound examination revealed a dense layer of echoes at the root of the aorta, a large anterior pericardial effusion, and coarse fluttering of the right ventricular wall. The clinical diagnosis of intrapericardial teratoma was confirmed by cineangiography and surgical resection. The pathological examination was consistent with benign teratoma. A postoperative ultrasound examination revealed absence of pericardial effusion and tumor echoes. This appears to be the first echocardiographic report of a pericardial tumor in an infant.
Ultrasound scanning for monitoring childhood hydronephrosis
Authors: Hasch Ernst
Published: February 2007

Ultrasound scanning of the kidneys in four children with radiologically proven hydronephrosis was undertaken with a new modification: scanning before and after copious intake of fluid. The anteroposterior diameter of the renal pelvis was used as an index of the hydronephrosis. Alterations in the dilatation were followed over a long period. Good agreement with simultaneous IVP was found. Improvement in the degree of hydronephrosis was apparent by reduction and disappearance of the dilatation of the pelvis during fasting as assessed by ultrasonic scanning, although pronounced dilatation was still observed after copious intake of fluid and at IVP. The results indicate that ultrasound scanning is a valuable supplement in the urological evaluation in children and that it can reduce significantly the number of radiological investigations required.
Ultrasonic demonstration of inferior vena caval involvement with right adrenal gland masses
Authors: Bernardino Michael E. , Libshitz Herman I. , Green Barry , Goldstein Harvey M.
Published: February 2007

Ultrasonographic findings in 13 right adrenal gland neoplasms were reviewed. Primary malignancy was the etiology in four patients and metastatic malignancy in nine. Anterior displacement and/or indentation of the posterior aspect of the inferior vena cava was present in nine patients. This sign, although nonspecific, is helpful in the localization and diagnosis of right adrenal lesions.
Sonographic findings in gastroschisis
Authors: Grossman Michael , Fischermann Edward A. , German John
Published: February 2007

The antenatal sonographic appearance of gastroschisis is described. The findings consist of numerous extra‐abdominal „cystic masses”︁ representing loops of fluid‐filled bowel eviscerated through the abdominal defect. This patient also had associated polyhydramnios, possibly on the basis of a functional bowel abnormality.
Prenatal diagnosis of placental tumor by ultrasound
Authors: Asokan Sangarappilai , Chadalavada Krishna , Gardi Rashmikant , Sastry Vasantha
Published: February 2007

A case of placental chorioangioma is reported. To our knowledge, this is the first case diagnosed prenatally by ultrasonography. The complications of chorioangiomas include hydramnios, antepartum hemorrhage and premature labor, fetal demise, low birth weight and toxemia.
Cholelithiasis and acoustic shadowing
Authors: Grossman Michael
Published: February 2007

The importance of the acoustic shadow in the ultrasound diagnosis of cholelithiasis has been stressed in recent reports. In vitro studies of gallstones indicate that the presence and magnitude of the acoustic shadow depend on a number of factors and suggest that a group of small stones may be demonstrable even though no acoustic shadow can be seen.
Persistant corpus luteum cyst of pregnancy: Sonographic evaluation of cause of third trimester bleeding
Authors: Miller Edward I. , Thomas Roger H. , Applegate John W.
Published: February 2007

Corpus luteum cysts are frequently observed in pregnant patients evaluated with diagnostic ultrasound. They are usually regarded as incidental findings because of their limited size and usual pattern of regression by ten weeks. The presence and persistence of larger corpus luteum cysts or other extrauterine masses may complicate pregnancy. A case of a large persistent corpus luteum cyst associated with third trimester bleeding is presented.
Gray scale B scan characteristics of intra‐abdominal cystic masses
Authors: Hill Michael , Sanders Roger C.
Published: February 2007

A comparison of the gray scale characteristics of 119 intra‐abdominal cystic masses was performed. Each cystic mass was evaluated with regard to: (1) The presence or absence of internal echoes, septa, and fluid‐fluid levels; (2) The appearance of the wall; (3) Conformity to adjacent organs and, (4) Changes in the surrounding soft tissues. Abscesses, hematomas, lymphoceles, urinomas, and necrotic tumors were evaluated. Necrotic tumors and some abscesses and hematomas have specific sonographic characteristics. In most cases, a definite diagnosis cannot be made from the sonographic appearance; however, in conjunction with the clinical history, the differential diagnosis can be narrowed to a couple of cystic lesions among the many that may be found in the abdomen. The diagnosis can be confirmed by aspiration under ultrasound. A comparison between these cystic masses and pancreatic pseudocysts, renal cysts, and ovarian cysts was made.
Ultrasonographic demonstration of glaucomatous optic nerve excavation
Authors: Hodes Barton L.
Published: February 2007

Advanced glaucomatous excavation of the optic nervehead can be demonstrated reliably with contact B scan ultrasonography; large physiologic cups do not produce an abnormal optic nervehead pattern. Demonstration of a depression at the surface of the optic nerve insertion must be interpreted as indicative of glaucomatous excavation but should not be used as a contraindication to surgery.
Ultrasonically guided antegrade pyelography of an obstructed solitary pelvic kidney
Authors: Sumner Thomas E. , Crowe James E. , Resnick Martin I.
Published: February 2007

This report emphasizes the value of antegrade pyelography in evaluation of upper urinary tract obstruction. In this case, gray scale ultrasonography was particularly valuable in localizing a solitary obstructed pelvic kidney.
Adult polycystic kidney disease: Ultrasonographic and computed tomographic appearance
Authors: Lawson Thomas L. , McClennan Bruce L. , Shirkhoda Ali
Published: February 2007

Sixteen patients with adult polycystic kidney disease (PKD) were studied by gray scale B mode ultrasonography. The nephrosonographic appearance of adult PKD is a spectrum ranging from kidneys of normal size to enlarged kidneys with multiple variable‐sized cysts. Strong focal cortical echoes were present in patients with only small cysts in the renal cortex. Hepatic cysts, which appeared as sharply marginated anechoic regions within the liver parenchyma, were detected by ultrasound in 50% of our patients. Hepatic and renal cysts appeared on computed tomograms as sharply defined, ovoid areas of low attenuation. There was good diagnostic correlation between ultrasonography and computed tomograms as sharply defined, ovoid areas of low attenuation. There was good diagnostic correlation between ultrasonography and computed tomography. Ultrasound and computed tomography are accurate methods for diagnosis of adult PKD; however, the ability to diagnose quickly and noninvasively both renal involvement and associated extrarenal involvement makes ultrasound the procedure of choice for diagnosis, screening, and followup.
Trophoblastic disease with coexistent fetus: A sonographic and clinical spectrum
Authors: Bree Robert L. , Silver Terry M. , Wicks Jeffrey D. , Evans Elizabeth
Published: February 2007

The sonographic and clinical spectrum of coexistent live fetus and trophoblastic disease is illustrated and discussed. Two patients with a single placenta with trophoblastic change I and one patient with two placentas, one normal and one with a hydatidiform mole, are described. The clinical and sonographic abnormalities in all three patients were characteristic. In the two patients with single placenta, the histologic findings were minimal. The clinical and sonographic presentations of coexistent mole and fetus are described and etilogy is discussed. The implication of the lack of histologic confirmation of hydatidiform mole suggests a spectrum of findings in trophoblastic disease.
The ultrasonic appearance of the umbilical cord
Authors: Morin Francois R. , Winsberg Fred
Published: February 2007

We have used a combination of linear‐array real time and contact sector scanning to image the umbilical veins and arteries. The best images are made perpendicular to the cord. The arteries spiral the vein and the cord is a tortuous structure. Thus there is considerable variability of the appearance of the arteries and veins depending upon the plane of the section.
Biliary cystadenoma and cystadenocar cinoma: Gray scale ultrasound appearance
Authors: Carroll Barbara A.
Published: February 2007

The gray scale echographic appearance of biliary cystadenoma/cystadenocarcinoma is described. The characteristic findings are a cystic, multiloculated intrahepatic mass with thick, highly echogenic internal septations. Findings are similar to those in pancreatic and ovarian cystadenomas/cystadenocarcinomas.
The echocardiographic correlate of a systolic click appearing after open mitral commissurotomy
Authors: Clements Stephen D. , Cobbs B. Woodfin , Dorney Edward R. , Logue R. Bruce , Chang Sonia
Published: February 2007

An echocardiographic correlate for a post‐valvulotomy mid‐systolic click is described. Simultaneous echocardiographic and phonocardiographic studies demonstrated that the click was temporally related to a sudden midsystolic posterior motion of part of the mitral valve apparatus. This temporal relationship suggests that the sudden change in position of portions of the mitral valve resulted in the loud midsystolic click. In our patient the sudden leaflet movement associated with the click was apparently a localized abnormality.
Differential diagnosis of intrahepatic shadowing on ultrasound examination
Authors: Weeks Landon E. , McCune Bruce R. , Martin James F. , O'Brien Thomas F.
Published: February 2007

Significant sonic shadowing originating from a structure within the hepatic parenchyma is unusual and often denotes pathology. The differential diagnosis (choledocholithiasis, air in the biliary tree, calcified tissue, foreign bodies, and shadowing from normal structures) is reviewed and examples are presented.
A planar hypohamiltonian graph with 48 vertices
Authors: Zamfirescu Carol T. , Zamfirescu Tudor I.
Published: February 2007

We present a planar hypohamiltonian graph on 48 vertices, and derive some consequences. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 55: 338–342, 2007
Coupled‐column liquid chromatography combined with postcolumn photochemical derivatization and fluorescence detection for the determination of herbicides in groundwater
Authors: Mughari Ahmed R. , Martínez Galera María , Parrilla Vázquez Piedad , Santiago Valverde Rosario
Published: February 2007

This study examines the application of coupled‐column LC‐photochemically induced fluorimetry‐fluorescence detection (LC‐LC‐PIF‐FD), demonstrating its potential for the quantitative and selective detection of six herbicides, including propanil and the phenylureas monuron, monolinuron, chlorotoluron, diuron and neburon in groundwater samples. An AQUASIL C18 50×4.6 mm2 id column coupled to an AQUASIL C18 150×4.6 mm2 id column for analyte clean‐up and determination were used, respectively. A simple SPE with C18 cartridges was carried out, yielding average recoveries between 80 and 112% (n = 6) with RSDs between 0.5 and 9%. The LODs ranged from 0.0083 to 0.0833 μg/L in the groundwater samples.
Quantitative determination of haloperidol in tablets by high performance thin‐layer chromatography
Authors: Mennickent Sigrid , Pino Loreto , Vega Mario , Godoy Carmen Gloria , de Diego Marta
Published: February 2007

A densitometric high performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was developed and validated for the quantitative analysis of haloperidol in tablets. Chromatographic separation was achieved on precoated silica gel F 254 HPTLC plates using a mixture of acetone/chloroform/n‐butanol/acetic acid glacial/water (5:10:10:2.5:2.5 v/v/v/v/v) as the mobile phase. Quantitative analysis was carried out at a wavelength of 254 nm. The method was linear in the 10–100 ng/μL range, with a determination coefficient of 0.999. The coefficients of variation for precision were not higher than 2.35%. The detection limit was 0.89 ng/μL, and the quantification limit was 2.71 ng/μL. The accuracy ranged from 97.76 to 100.33%, with a CV not higher than 4.50%. This method was successfully applied to quantify haloperidol in real pharmaceutical samples, including the comparison with HPLC measurements. The method was fast, specific, with a good precision and accuracy for the quantitative determination of haloperidol in tablets.
Comparison between HPLC and HPTLC densitometry for the determination of icariin from Epimedium koreanum extracts
Authors: Pozharitskaya Olga N. , Kosman Vera M. , Shikov Alexander N. , Demchenko Dmitry V. , Eschenko Anna Yu. , Makarov Valery G.
Published: February 2007

Dry extracts of the aerial parts of Epimedium koreanum were quantified by HPLC and high performance TLC (HPTLC). A gradient HPLC method was used for the quantification of the prenylflavone glycoside icariin at 270 nm. A direct HPTLC assay was developed for the determination of icariin at 270 nm. The UV detection of both analytical assays were used to examine the purity of icariin peaks and compared with the standards. The assays provide good accuracy, reproducibility, and selectivity for the quantitative analysis of icariin. The icariin contents of five different dry extracts were compared by HPLC and HPTLC densitometry. The quantitative results of both analytical methods did not show any statistically significant differences between them, although a trend to slightly lower mean values could be found for the HPLC method.
The coating performance of adipic acid modified and methacrylated bisphenol‐ A based epoxy oligomers
Authors: Bayramoğlu Gülay , Kahraman M. Vezir , Kayaman‐Apohan Nilhan , Güngör Atilla
Published: February 2007

In the present work adipic acid modified and methacrylated bisphenol A based epoxy resins were prepared. The structures of oligomers were characterized by FT‐IR. UV curable clear coatings were applied on aluminum substrates. The physical and mechanical properties of UV‐cured coatings such as gel content, solvent resistance, hardness, gloss, flexibility and tensile tests were examined. In addition, the thermal behavior of coatings was also evaluated. It is observed that the tensile properties and thermal stabilities of modified epoxy methacrylate coatings mainly depend on the adipic acid content. The best results were obtained with 5 wt% adipic acid modification. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computerised assessment of quality of life in oncology patients and carers
Authors: Carter Gregory , Lewin Terry , Rashid Ghizala , Adams Catherine , Clover Kerrie
Published: February 2007

Objectives: To examine the feasibility of a computerised assessment and to compare resulting quality of life scores among oncology carers and patients.

Methods: Six hundred and twenty‐two subjects (carers n = 234, patients n = 388) attending an oncology or haematology clinic completed the WHO‐Quality of Life‐BREF (WHOQOL‐BREF) and demographics on a personal computer. Age‐ and gender‐standardised scores for carers and patients were compared to community norms. Carers were compared with patients using six three‐way ANOVAs.

Results: In total, 60.3% (234/388) of the patients had an accompanying carer attempt the survey and 93.6% (219 of 234) completed all items. The four domains of the WHOQOL‐BREF had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach alpha coefficients). Carers had lower quality of life on three domains (physical, psychological and environmental), and patients on two domains (physical and psychological), compared with the general community. Carers had higher overall satisfaction with their health than patients (standardised difference of 0.52 units—moderate effect).

Conclusion: A computerised system for assessing quality of life was feasible and found that carers and patients had significant impairments in quality of life. Clinicians and services interested in quality of life for carers and patients may use computerised assessments to identify those with poorer quality of life. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Principal Component Analysis‐Ranking as a Variable Selection Method for the Simulation of 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectra of Xanthones Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Jalali‐Heravi Mehdi , Shahbazikhah Parviz , Zekavat Behrooz , Ardejani Mazian S.
Published: February 2007

A Quantitative Structure‐Property Relationship (QSPR) relating atom‐based calculated descriptors to 13C NMR chemical shifts was developed to accurately simulate 13C NMR spectra of polyhydroxy and methoxy substituted dibenzo pyrons (xanthones). A dataset consisting of 35 xanthones was employed for the present analysis. A set of 132 topological, geometrical, and electronic descriptors representing various structural characteristics was calculated for each of 497 unique carbon atoms in the dataset. Principal Component Analysis (PCA)‐ranking and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) were used as descriptor selection and model building methods, respectively. Analyses of the results revealed a correlation coefficient and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.998 and 1.42 ppm, respectively, for the prediction set.
Modelling the impact and potential mitigation of cold water pollution on Murray cod populations downstream of Hume Dam, Australia
Authors: Sherman Bradford , Todd Charles R. , Koehn John D. , Ryan Tom
Published: February 2007

A one‐dimensional hydrodynamic reservoir model is coupled with a stochastic fish population model to examine the impacts of cold water pollution (CWP) on the Australian freshwater fish, Murray cod, downstream of Hume Dam, Australia. Mitigation of CWP through the introduction of selective withdrawal capabilities to access near‐surface water is predicted to increase discharge temperatures during the crucial spring‐early summer post‐spawning period by 4–6°C for normal operating conditions, that is, a full reservoir in early spring. No improvement in discharge temperature was predicted for drought conditions characterized by relatively low storage levels in early spring. The predicted temperature increase using selective withdrawal increased the predicted average minimum female population abundance by 30–300% depending on the assumed spawning behaviour. Increased discharge temperatures appear to be achievable and are expected to reduce the stress currently impacting Murray cod populations due to CWP during crucial post‐spawning periods. This provides evidence that mitigation of this problem may assist in rehabilitating Murray cod populations in the Murray River downstream of Hume Dam. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variable length path coupling
Authors: Hayes Thomas P. , Vigoda Eric
Published: February 2007

We present a new technique for constructing and analyzing couplings to bound the convergence rate of finite Markov chains. Our main theorem is a generalization of the path coupling theorem of Bubley and Dyer, allowing the defining partial couplings to have length determined by a random stopping time. Unlike the original path coupling theorem, our version can produce multistep (non‐Markovian) couplings. Using our variable length path coupling theorem, we improve the upper bound on the mixing time of the Glauber dynamics for randomly sampling colorings. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2007
Bemessungsschubmodulwerte für Verbundglasscheiben
Authors: Wellershoff Frank
Published: February 2007

Verbundglasscheiben bestehen aus zwei oder mehr Glasschichten, die durch Zwischenschichten aus transparenten Folien oder Harzen miteinander verbunden werden. Erstrebenswert ist daher eine Bemessung, die ein Zusammenwirken der einzelnen Schichten erfaßt. Basierend auf der Sandwichtheorie existieren verschiedenste Bemessungsmodelle, die als wesentlichen Parameter einen Schubmodulwert der Zwischenschicht beinhalten. Da die polymeren Zwischenschichten rheologische Materialeigenschaften aufweisen, ist ihr Schubmodul von der Materialtemperatur und der Belastungszeit abhängig. Mangels Kenntnis von Belastungsverläufen und korrelierten Materialtemperaturen werden für die Lastfälle Wind und Schnee derzeit sehr konservative Annahmen getroffen, die zu unwirtschaftlichen Bemessungen führen.

Auf der Basis meteorologischer Daten des Deutschen Wetterdienstes sowie Meßreihen an Verbundglasscheiben werden dreidimensionale Belastungskollektive für Wind‐ und Schneelasten, bestehend aus Belastungshöhe und Belastungsdauer, sowie der gleichzeitigen Materialtemperatur bestimmt. In einem weiteren Schritt werden Bemessungsschubmodulwerte abgeleitet, die alle rheologischen Effekte implizieren.
The use of a variable cut‐off value of cervical length in women admitted for preterm labor before and after 32 weeks
Authors: Palacio M. , Sanin‐Blair J. , Sánchez M. , Crispi F. , Gómez O. , Carreras E. , Coll O. , Cararach V. , Gratacós E.
Published: March 2007

Objective

To determine whether the optimal cut‐off value to predict low risk of preterm delivery in women admitted for preterm labor should be adjusted for gestational age.

Methods

A cohort of 333 women with singleton pregnancies admitted with preterm labor and intact membranes between 24 and < 36 weeks' gestation was studied. The women were categorized according to prematurity into one of two groups: those admitted at < 32 weeks (Group 1, very preterm) and those admitted at ≥ 32 weeks (Group 2, preterm). Transvaginal ultrasound was performed 24–48 h after admission and cervical length measured. The predictive value of different cut‐off points was explored. Outcome variables were spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days of admission and delivery at < 34 weeks.

Results

The mean ( ± SD) gestational ages at admission and delivery were 31.9 ( ± 2.6) and 37.5 ( ± 2.2) weeks, respectively, and the mean ( ± SD) cervical length was 30.4 ( ± 8.9) mm. The rates of spontaneous delivery within 7 days and at < 34 weeks were 6.3 and 7.0%, respectively. The cut‐off value of 15‐mm cervical length showed a sensitivity, negative predictive value and false positive rate for delivery within 7 days of 0, 96.5 and 2.7% in the very preterm group, and 35.3, 94.6 and 4% in the preterm group, respectively. For a cut‐off point of 25 mm, these values were 75, 99 and 14.3%, and 70.6, 96.8 and 24.5%.

Conclusions

The predictive value of different cut‐off points of cervical length is similar at different gestational ages. However, the higher false positive rate after 32 weeks' gestation might justify the adoption of gestational‐age related cut‐off values in clinical protocols. In women admitted at < 32 weeks' gestation, a cut‐off point of 25 mm may be used to predict a low risk of preterm delivery, whereas in women admitted at 32 weeks or later, 15 mm might be more appropriate. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compressible turbulent flows: Aspects of prediction and analysis
Authors: Friedrich R.
Published: February 2007

Compressible turbulent flows are an important element of high‐speed flight. Boundary layers developing along fuselage and wings of an aircraft and along engine compressor and turbine blades are compressible and mostly turbulent. The high‐speed flow around rockets and through rocket nozzles involves compressible turbulence and flow separation. Turbulent mixing and combustion in scramjet engines is another example where compressibility dominates the flow physics. Although compressible turbulent flows have attracted researchers since the fifties of the last century, they are not completely understood. Especially interactions between compressible turbulence and combustion lead to challenging, yet unsolved problems. Direct numerical simulation (DNS) and large‐eddy simulation (LES) represent modern powerful research tools which allow to mimic such flows in great detail and to analyze underlying physical mechanisms, even those which cannot be accessed by the experiment. The present lecture provides a short description of these tools and some of their numerical characteristics. It then describes DNS and LES results of fully‐developed channel and pipe flow and highlights effects of compressibility on the turbulence structure. The analysis of pressure fluctuations in such flows with isothermal cooled walls leads to the conclusion that the pressure‐strain correlation tensor decreases in the wall layer and that the turbulence anisotropy increases, since the mean density falls off relative to the incompressible flow case. Similar increases in turbulence anisotropy due to compressibility are observed in inert and reacting temporal mixing layers. The nature of the pressure fluctuations is however two‐facetted. While inert compressible mixing layers reveal wave‐propagation effects in the pressure and density fluctuations, compressible reacting mixing layers seem to generate pressure fluctuations that are controlled by the time‐rate of change of heat release and mean density variation as sources in the pressure Poisson equation rather than wave propagation phenomena. This opens new challenges to turbulence modellers and underlines the need to treat compressibility effects via the full Reynolds stress equations.
Biomodification of fats and oils: Trials withCandida lipolytica
Authors: Bati N. , Hammond E. G. , Glatz B. A.
Published: March 2007

Various oil‐accumulating yeasts were tested for their ability to produce lipase and live on fats and oils as carbon sources. Of these,Candida lipolytica seemed most promising, and the possibility was explored of modifying fats and oils by fermenting them withC. lipolytica and extracting the modified oil deposited in the yeast cells. Oxygen was required for the growth of yeast on fats and oils, but unless the oxygen level was controlled at a low value after cell populations peaked, most of the substrate oil was converted to citrates rather than accumulating as oil. Oil accumulation byC. lipolytica from a corn oil substrate was slightly depressed by excess nitrogen in the medium. The yeasts were able to use about 18 g/l of oil in 72 hr. At substrate oil levels greater than 18 g/l, the dry yeasts were 60% oil, and about 45–57% of the substrate oil was recovered as yeast oil. The fatty acid composition of the yeast oil was quite similar to that of the substrate oil under optimum conditions of deposition. Sterols, but not tocopherols, were transferred from the substrate to the yeast oil.Candida lipolytica oil was high in free fatty acids. The greatest potential for biomodification by fermentation withC. lipolytica seems to be in altering glyceride structure.
Functionalization at the double bond region of jojoba oil: II. Diels‐alder adducts of jojobatetraene
Authors: Shani A.
Published: March 2007

Diels‐Alder products derived from jojobatetraene and several dienophiles are synthesized and described. Singlet oxygen forms a cyclic peroxide. The adducts introduce a new line of chemicals derived from jojoba oil.
Effect of temperature on soybean seed constituents: Oil, protein, moisture, fatty acids, amino acids and sugars
Authors: Wolf R. B. , Cavins J. F. , Kleiman R. , Black L. T.
Published: March 2007

Soybean plants were grown at day/night temperatures of 24/19 C until the beginning of seed development, and then transferred to 5 different temperature regimes (18/13, 24/19, 27/22, 30/25 and 33/28 C) in the CSIRO phytotron. Mature seeds that developed under these conditions were analyzed for variances in composition. Fatty acid composition was strongly affected by temperature: linolenic and linoleic acids decreased markedly whereas oleic acid increased as the temperature increased; palmitic and stearic acids remained unchanged. Oil content was positively correlated with temperature, and protein content increased at the highest temperature. Of the sugars analyzed, sucrose concentration decreased by 56% with a 15 C increase in temperature, and stachyose showed a slight reduction; other sugars remained unchanged. Amino acid composition was generally stable; however, methionine increased with increased temperature during seed development. Moisture content was unaffected.
Raman spectroscopic analysis of thecis/trans isomer composition of edible vegetable oils
Authors: Bailey Glen F. , Horvat Robert J.
Published: March 2007

A new method is presented for determining thecis/trans isomer content of edible vegetable oils. The intensities of Raman lines near 1656 and 1670 cm−1 are associated with thecis andtrans configuration, respectively. A precision of ca. 1% can be obtained in thecis/trans isomer analysis of binary mixtures of methyl esters and triglycerides of monoenes and dienes and of hydrogenated vegetable oils. The spectroscopic data also provide the iodine value of vegetable oils or isolated fractions with precision for a single determination of ca. 1%.
Double blind placebo control trial of large neutral amino acids in treatment of PKU: Effect on blood phenylalanine
Authors: Matalon R. , Michals‐Matalon K. , Bhatia G. , Burlina A. B. , Burlina A. P. , Braga C. , Fiori L. , Giovannini M. , Grechanina E. , Novikov P. , Grady J. , Tyring S. K. , Guttler F.
Published: February 2007

Large neutral amino acids (LNAA) have been used on a limited number of patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) with the purpose of decreasing the influx of phenylalanine (Phe) to the brain. In an open‐label study using LNAA, a surprising decline of blood Phe concentration was found in patients with PKU in metabolic treatment centres in Russia, the Ukraine, and the United States. To validate the data obtained from this trial, a short‐term double‐blind placebo control study was done using LNAA in patients with PKU, with the participation of three additional metabolic centres – Milan, Padua and Rio de Janeiro. The results of the short trial showed significant lowering of blood Phe concentration by an average of 39% from baseline. The data from the double‐blind placebo control are encouraging, establishing proof of principle of the role of orally administered LNAA in lowering blood Phe concentrations in patients with PKU. Long‐term studies will be needed to validate the acceptability, efficacy and safety of such treatment.
Finiteness of the set of solutions of Plateau's problem for polygonal boundary curves
Authors: Jakob Ruben
Published: February 2007

It is proved that for a simple, closed, extreme
polygon

\Gamma \subset \mathbb{R}^{3}

every immersed, stable minimal surface spanning
Γ
is an isolated point of the set of all minimal surfaces spanning
Γ
w.r.t. the

C^{0}

-topology. Since the subset of immersed, stable minimal surfaces spanning
Γ
is shown to be closed in the compact set of all minimal surfaces spanning
Γ
, this proves in particular that
Γ
can bound only
finitely
many immersed, stable minimal surfaces.
Modulation of tight junction barrier function by outer membrane proteins of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli: Role of F‐actin and junctional adhesion molecule‐1
Authors: Puthenedam Manjula , Williams Peter H. , Lakshmi B.S. , Balakrishnan Arun
Published: February 2007

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a major cause of infantile diarrhea. In this work we investigated the effect of outer membrane proteins (OMP) of EPEC on barrier integrity and the role of actin, junctional adhesion molecule (JAM) and signaling pathways contributing to these changes. Barrier function was assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). OMP of wild type EPEC, eaeA and maltoporin mutants decreased TER levels of Caco‐2 cells. The OMP of espB mutant was deficient in decreasing TER of Caco‐2 cells. The proteinase K‐digested wild type OMP and EAF mutant OMP did not cause any change in barrier function. Our previous studies have demonstrated that EPEC OMP induced changes in cadherin junctions of Caco‐2 cells. Immunofluorescence revealed disruption in actin cytoskeleton by EPEC OMP. However, no change in expression of junctional adhesion molecule‐1 was observed. NF‐κB inhibitor slightly blocked the decrease in TER and protected against actin disruption while ERK1/2 inhibitor had no effect in blocking these changes. In conclusion, our data suggest that the OMP of EPEC alter intestinal barrier function by disrupting actin cytoskeleton and signaling pathways like NF‐κB may have a role in regulating barrier changes.
The diverse members of the mitochondrial carrier family in plants
Authors: Haferkamp Ilka
Published: February 2007

Sequencing of plant genomes allowed the identification of various members of the mitochondrial carrier family (MCF). In plants, these structurally related proteins are involved in the transport of solutes like nucleotides, phosphate, di‐ and tricarboxylates across the mitochondrial membrane and therefore exhibit physiological functions similar to known isoforms from animal or yeast mitochondria. Interestingly, various studies led to the recognition of MCF proteins which mediate the transport of different substrates like folates, S‐adenosylmethionine, ADPglucose or ATP, ADP and AMP in plastids.
THE TWO LOCATIONS OF GANGLIONS CAUSING RADIAL NERVE PALSY
Authors: YAMAZAKI H. , KATO H. , HATA Y. , MURAKAMI N. , SAITOH S.
Published: March 2007

Ganglions associated with radial nerve palsy at two different locations were identified at the elbow in 14 patients. The first type, found in 13 patients, arose from the anterior capsule of the proximal radioulnar joint and was located proximal to the proximal edge of the supinator muscle. It compressed the main radial nerve anteriorly. The second type, which has not been reported before in patients without abnormalities in the elbow joint, was found in the remaining patient. It was located in the supinator muscle, distal to the proximal edge of the supinator muscle, and compressed the posterior interosseous nerve against the proximal radius. Magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to identify ganglions in a wide area around the elbow. This examination should be carried out in view of the possible presence of both types of ganglion. Magnetic resonance imaging also provides more accurate information than computed tomography or ultrasonography about the location and characteristics of the mass.
Bilateral Volar Lunate Dislocation
Authors: DIMITRIOU C. G. , CHALIDIS B. , POURNARAS J.
Published: February 2007

A 12 years follow-up of a case of bilateral volar lunate dislocation treated by open reduction and K-wire stabilisation of both wrists six days after injury is described. Despite aseptic necrosis of both lunates, the patient is pain free and has useful function, without the development of lunate ischaemia and collapse, carpal instability or posttraumatic osteoarthritis.
The impact of economic factors and acquisition reforms on the cost of defense weapon systems
Authors: Smirnoff James P. , Hicks Michael J.
Published: February 2007

This paper evaluates how defense budget instability, consolidation of the defense industry, acquisition reform, war, and cost estimating error are related to cost overruns in major Department of Defense Acquisition projects from 1979 to 2002. Employing a panel model of service specific cost overruns, with fixed effects, we find that funding instability in O&M and R&D budgets had large impacts on procurement costs overruns. We further found that unexpected inflation and armed conflict led to higher levels of Procurement cost overruns. Finally we found that the acquisition reforms of the Nunn–McCurdy Act of 1982, the Packard Commission Recommendations of 1986 and the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994 resulted in significant reductions in procurement cost overruns.
Aspectual coercion and the typology of change of state predicates
Authors: KOONTZ-GARBODEN ANDREW
Published: February 2007

The point of departure of this paper is the consideration of how words with the meanings of property concept states (states that are lexicalized as adjectives in languages that have that lexical category, cf. Dixon 1982), e.g. ‘red’, are related to words denoting their corresponding change of state, e.g. ‘redden’. It is shown that while many languages relate words with these meanings to one another via some morpholexical process, this is not so in the Polynesian language Tongan. A detailed case study shows that in this language there are no non-causative change of state lexemes based on property concepts. Rather, these meanings are derived pragmatically from verbs denoting the corresponding state via aspectual coercion (Moens & Steedman 1988, Jackendoff 1997, de Swart 1998, Zucchi 1998, Michaelis 2004). This finding is shown to have consequences for the understanding of the typology of change of state predicates (Koontz-Garboden 2005, 2006, Koontz-Garboden & Levin 2005) and for theories of event structure: (a) the typological space is broader than previously thought and (b) theories of event structure need to be reconsidered in order to account for the postlexical derivation of meaning.
Weather, climate, and farmers: an overview
Authors: Stone Roger C. , Meinke Holger
Published: March 2007

Challenges in linking meteorological and climatological information with a wide range of farming decisions are addressed in this paper. In particular, while a considerable amount of weather and climate information is now available for farmers, some types of information under development or already operational, particularly climate forecasting, formation, may be ill‐suited for use by farmers for their decision‐making. Case studies show it is particularly important for those key farm decisions that are amenable to weather and climate information to be identified clearly so that weather and climate information can be better tailored to suit farming decisions. A participatory approach provides farmers with ownership of the processes associated with development of weather and climate information and facilitates advances in linking climate and weather information and forecasts to farm decisions. Decision‐support systems provide useful output when used with farmer discussion groups. Developing appropriate interdisciplinary systems to connect climate, weather, and agronomic information, especially including forecasting systems, with farm management is needed if uptake of weather and climate information by farmers is to be successful. Provision of output of climate change scenario and trend information to aid long‐term strategic farm management decisions needs to be considered, especially in regions where more vulnerable farming zones exist. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Agrometeorological support of fruit production: application in SW Slovenia
Authors: Suŝnik Andreja , Matajc Iztok , Kodriĉ Ivan
Published: March 2007

Fruit growing in Slovenia has become one of the more important agricultural production branches over the last two decades. Due to climate variability over a relatively small area of 20,000 km2, irrigation practices are not only important but also indispensable agrotechnical measures for obtaining permanent, high quality crop yields in the northeastern and southwestern parts of the country. Hence, accurate estimation of water consumption by agricultural crops with the inclusion of metorological monitoring is essential in the field of water management. As a decision support tool, the Slovenian Agrometeorological Information System (SAgMIS) developed by Agrometeorological Department in the Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia (EARS) and introduced 10 years ago has improved significally over the last two years. Transfer of actual and forecasted agrometeorological data to the end users has been quick and accurate, with the last version of mobile data dissemination in testing use. A case study of water use by irrigated peach trees in the plantation orchards of lower Vipava valley was undertaken from 1996 to 2004. A variety of irrigation systems with diverse irrigation water applications was introduced for the purposes of studying irrigation water benefits derived from accurate weather data and forecasts. The results showed that important savings in the amount of irrigation water used, on an annual average of 20%, could be achieved with accurate and timely irrigation forecasts during the vegetation periods. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Is overweight a risk factor for wheezing in pre-school children? A study in 14 Brazilian communities
Authors: Saldiva S R D M , Escuder M M , Venâncio S I , Benicio M H A , Assis A M O , Oliveira L P M , Barreto M L
Published: February 2007

Objective

To evaluate the association between overweight and wheezing in pre-school children in 14 small Brazilian communities.

Methods

Cross-sectional epidemiological study, conducted between 2001 and 2002. A sample of 3453 children under 5 years of age was taken from nine communities in the state of Bahia and five in the state of São Paulo. Data on housing, family and children were obtained by applying structured questionnaires in loco. Weight and height for each child were also measured. The association between wheezing and overweight was assessed by unconditional logistic multivariate regression models.

Results

Overweight children had a greater frequency of wheezing and an odds ratio of 2.57 (95% confidence interval 1.51–4.37) was estimated after controlling for several potential confounding variables. The magnitude of the risk was not affected by several different model specifications.

Conclusion

Excess weight is associated with increased risk for wheezing in this population of children below 5 years of age.
Increased prevalence of hyperthyroidism as an early and transient side-effect of implementing iodine prophylaxis
Authors: Gołkowski Filip , Buziak-Bereza Monika , Trofimiuk Małgorzata , Bałdys-Waligórska Agata , Szybiński Zbigniew , Huszno Bohdan
Published: February 2007

Objective

To assess the prevalence of hyperthyroidism just after implementation of iodine prophylaxis among adults from an area with iodine deficiency.

Study design and subjects

A total of 1648 adults (age 16 years and older) were sampled from an area of southern Poland during two nationwide epidemiological surveys. Of these, 1424 adults with negative medical history for thyroid disorders qualified for final analysis. The authors compared thyroid dysfunction in participants prior to (1989–1990) and after implementation of iodine prophylaxis (1997–1999).

Setting

The southern part of Poland.

Results

We found an increase in the serum concentration of anti-thyroid microsomal antibodies from 4.9% in the years 1989–1990 to 12.1% after introduction of iodised household salt (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of hyperthyroidism (defined as thyroid-stimulating hormone < 0.4 μU ml− 1) significantly increased in the equivalent period from 4.8 to 6.5% (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

We concluded that a sudden rise in iodine intake after implementation of iodine prophylaxis among adults from the area with iodine deficiency may lead to an increase in thyroid autoimmunity and prevalence of hyperthyroidism. Those possible early side-effects appear to be only temporary and are acceptable when compared with the evident benefits of adequate iodine intake.