bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Structure and Properties of a 2D Cadmium(II) Coordination Polymer Based on Fluconazole and Isophthalate Ligands
Authors: Pan Gang-Hong , Tang Jing-Niu , Yin Xian-Hong , Tian Wei-Man , Huang Zhong-Jing
Published: November 2013

A Cd(II) complex based on fluconazole and isophthalate ligands, {[Cd(HFlu)(IPA)(H2O)] · H2O}n (1), (HFlu=fluconazole; H2IPA=isophthalic acid) has been synthesized. Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that complex 1 has a 2D network structure including unusual triple hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl and triazolyl groups. The complex has also been characterized by IR, UV=Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetry
Photoreduction of CO to Methanol. The Photolysis of Aqueous Solutions of [Os(NH3)5(CO)]2+
Authors: Kunkely Horst , Vogler Arnd
Published: November 2013

The carbonyl complex [OsII(NH3)5(CO)]2+ undergoes a photolysis in aqueous solution which yields [OsVI(NH3)4N]3+ (Φ=10-3 at λirr =255 nm) and methanol. This photoreduction of CO to CH3OH represents a novel type of photoreactivity of metal carbonyl complexes and could be utilized for an artificial photosynthesis
On the Bennelongia barangaroo lineage (Crustacea, Ostracoda) in Western Australia, with the description of seven new species
Authors: Martens Koen , Halse Stuart , Schön Isa
Published: November 2013

The ostracod genus Bennelongia De Deckker & McKenzie, 1981 is endemic to Australia and New Zealand. Extensive sampling in Western Australia (WA) revealed a high specific and largely undescribed diversity. Here, we describe seven new species belonging to the B. barangaroo lineage: B. timmsi sp. nov., B. gnamma sp. nov., B. hirsuta sp. nov., B. ivanae sp. nov., B. mcraeae sp. nov., B. scanloni sp. nov. and B. calei sp. nov., and confirm the presence of an additional species, B. dedeckkeri, in WA. For five of these eight species, we could construct molecular phylogenies and parsimonious networks based on COI sequences. We also tested for cryptic diversity and specific status of clusters with a statistical method based on the evolutionary genetic species concept, namely Birky’s 4 theta rule. The analyses support the existence of these five species and a further three cryptic species in the WA B. barangaroo lineage. The molecular evidence was particularly relevant because most species described herein have very similar morphologies and can be distinguished from each other only by the shape, size and position of the antero-ventral lapel on the right valve, and, in sexual populations, by the small differences in shape of the hemipenes and the prehensile palps in males. Four species of the WA B. barangaroo lineage occur in small temporary rock pools (gnammas) on rocky outcrops. The other four species are mainly found in soft bottomed seasonal water bodies. One of the latter species, B. scanloni sp. nov., occurs in both claypans and deeper rock pools (pit gnammas). All species, except for B. dedeckkeri, originally described from Queensland, have quite clearly delimited distributions in WA. With the seven new species described here, the genus Bennelongia now comprises 25 nominal species but several more await formal description.
Evolução supérgena do carbonatito de Juquiá (SP)
Authors: Alcover Neto Arnaldo , Toledo Maria Cristina Motta de
Published: November 2013

O intemperismo sobre as rochas carbonatíticas do complexo de Juquiá (SP) gerou uma jazida residual de fosfato apatítico com teores médios de 16% em P2O5 A rocha original é um carbonatito do tipo beforsito, que ocorre de maneira contínua, expondo, no atual nível de erosão, uma área de cerca de 2km² de material carbonatítico, o que não é comum nos maciços alcalinos com carbonatitos, onde estas rochas costumam ocorrer apenas como diques e veios. A rocha primária é formada basicamente por dolomita rica em ferro e manganês e apatita (fluoridroxiapatita). Magnetita, barita e flogopita são acessórios, podendo chegar a 5% do volume da rocha. Barita hidrotermal é facilmente encontrada em veios de até 1m de espessura. A apatita primária pode chegar a 50% do volume da rocha original, sendo este o fator responsável pela manutenção das estruturas primárias em grande parte do manto de alteração e ainda pelos altos teores do minério residual. As fácies de alteração provenientes do carbonatito representam um evento de dissolução dos carbonatos, seguido por reciclagem da apatita primária, com produção de apatita secundária. As composições mineralógica e química dos materiais estudados integradas às suas relações morfológicas permitiram considerações sobre o comportamento dinâmico das principais espécies químicas envolvidas, ressaltando: - lixiviação intensa de CO3(2-), Mg2+, H4SiO4, SO4(2-) e K+, - reciclagem no perfil de PO4(3-), Ca2+, Ba2+ e subordinadamente CO3(2-)e - fixação preferencial e lixiviação eventual de Fe3+, Ti4+, Al3+ e Mn4+.
Editorial
Authors: Editores Os
Published: November 2013

This volume contains three invited contributions to the Congress Paleoclimas e Evolução Quaternária da América do Sul, promoted and executed by the Associação Brasileira de Estudos do Quaternário - ABEQUA, with the support of the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo - FAPESP, Instituto Geológico-SMA and Instituto Oceanográfico - USP, from July 5 to 8, 1993, in São Paulo - Brasil. Irion et al. deal with the sedimentary history of Amazonia. Markgraf and Anderson with fire ecology in Patagonia. Heusser gives a general treatment of the paleoecology of southemmost South America. ABEQUA presents its best thanks to the authors for the readiness and generosity in accepting the invitation and presenting the papers.
Promotion of Fruits and Vegetables Consumption: Results of a School-Based Intervention in a Sample of 13-15 Years Old Italian Students
Authors: Lazzeri Giacomo , Pilato Valentina , Pammolli Andrea , Simi Rita , Galeone Daniela , Balocchini Emanuela , Giacchi Mariano Vincenzo
Published: November 2013

Background: The …e vai con la frutta (let’s go with fruit) project was designed to respond to the worrying low consumption of fruits and vegetable in the large portion of population, especially in youth. The main objective was to increase fruit and vegetable consumptions at school level.
Methods: In 2010/11, we randomly selected subjects from middle and high schools in five Italian regions. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: intervention (I) and control (C). A questionnaire on fruits and vegetables consumption was administered, at the baseline as well as at end of the period. The sample size was evaluated on the expected frequency of 0.5 for a binomial random variable, of ± 1.54% with IC of 95%.
Results: These results confirmed that adolescent students at baseline survey eat less than the amount of fruits and vegetables consumption recommended by the International guidelines. After the intervention time, we observed an increment in fruits and vegetables consumptions both in middle and high school students. Regarding the impact of the intervention on the factors like knowledge, attitudes and behaviour, there was a positive change in the behaviour only in the intervention group, in coherence with the consumption variations examined.
Conclusions: This study is the first time that fruits and vegetables were offered at such a large scale through vending machines at schools in five regions. Several vending companies under this project agreed to revise the list of healthy snacks offered to eliminate those clearly classified as junk foods.
Relationships among man, environment and sediment transport
Authors: Mahé Gil , Aksoy Hafzullah , Brou Yao Télesphore , Meddi Mohamed , Roose Eric
Published: November 2013

In the Mediterranean the environment is under pressure from agricultural and urban development, changes in agricultural practices and international markets, and climate change. Moreover, many studies show a steady increase in the agro-pastoral pressure and land degradation and their impacts on water resources and soil, and ultimately the lives of local people. But few studies address these issues across the inclusive scale of large river basins. The conference held at Tipaza in Algeria, from which come several papers published in the Journal of Water Science in 2013, was intended to reflect on the topics, methods and tools available to study the relationships among humans, the environment and sediment transport at this large scale, with the result expected to improve the potential for dialogue between researchers and developers who make decisions for regional macro surfaces. The topics discussed at the conference that appear in the articles published here concern the factors responsible for the variability of sediment transport: climate change and anthropogenic changes, such as agricultural activity and water projects; relationships between land-cover/land-use, rainfall-runoff processes and sediment transport; modeling of sediment transport; and the interest of a multi-scale approach, predominantly a spatial one, for addressing the geographical realities of large basins and scale transfer issues, particularly in Mediterranean and semi-arid areas.
Preventive Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and Stress Fracture Incidence Among Collegiate Cross-Country Athletes
Authors: Brumm Lynn F. , Janiski Carrie , Balawender Jenifer L. , Feinstein Adam
Published: November 2013

Context: Stress fractures are common among athletes, particularly distance runners, with many theories regarding the etiologic process of stress fractures and various studies identifying risk factors or suggesting preventive techniques. To our knowledge, no previous studies have discussed the possible causative effects of somatic dysfunction or the preventive capabilities of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).

Objective: To apply a preventive OMT protocol for cross-country athletes to reduce the incidence of stress fractures.

Design: Cohort study.

Methods: Examinations of cross-country athletes at an NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I university were performed by supervising physician–examiners and first- and second-year osteopathic medical students during several consecutive academic years. Athletes re-enrolled in the study each year they continued to be eligible. The intervention included osteopathic structural examination and OMT that focused on somatic dysfunction identified in the pelvis, sacrum, and lower extremities.

Results: More than 1800 participant examinations were performed on 124 male and female participants by 3 supervising physician–examiners and 141 osteopathic medical students over the course of 5 consecutive academic years (2004-2005 to 2008-2009). Data from these academic years were compared with data from the previous 8 academic years (1996-1997 to 2003-2004). An average of 20 new participants enrolled yearly. The number of annual stress fractures per team ranged from 0 to 6 for male participants and 1 to 6 for female participants. The cumulative annual incidence of stress fractures for male participants demonstrated a statistically significant decrease from 13.9% (20 of 144) before intervention to 1.0% (1 of 105) after intervention, resulting in a 98.7% relative reduction in stress-fracture diagnosis (P=.019). The cumulative annual incidence for female participants showed a minimal decrease from 12.9% (23 of 178) before intervention to 12.0% (17 of 142) after intervention, an 8.5% relative reduction in stress-fracture diagnosis (P=.671). The cumulative annual incidence of all participants decreased from 13.4% (43 of 322) before intervention to 7.3% (18 of 247) after intervention, a 45% relative reduction in stress-fracture diagnosis (P=.156).

Conclusion: There was a statistically significant decrease in the cumulative annual incidence of stress fractures in male, but not female, cross-country athletes after receiving OMT.
Axioms, Osteopathic Culture, and a Perspective From Geriatric Medicine
Authors: Noll Donald R. , Sthole Havilah Julia , Cavalieri Thomas A.
Published: November 2013

Osteopathic medicine is a rapidly growing discipline in health care that has much to offer the wider biomedical community. A distinction of the osteopathic medical profession is the importance of an overall guiding philosophy. Despite the osteopathic medical profession's success, there remains concern about the profession's ability to maintain its unique identity. Among many factors that have contributed to the profession's success, certain axioms from its earliest days are pertinent to the profession's identity. Maintaining a knowledge and appreciation of osteopathic axioms can play an important role in safeguarding the profession's identity. These axioms encapsulate osteopathic philosophy and, moreover, are universally useful for patient care. As osteopathic geriatricians, the authors explore the value and meaning of these axioms for anyone who treats patients, but especially for the care of the elderly. The authors also propose a new axiom, derived from the experience of 2 of the authors: “First try to blame it on the medications.”
Subcutaneous Pellet Testosterone Replacement Therapy: The “First Steps” in Treating Men With Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Gray Kendra M. , DeRosa Angela
Published: November 2013

The authors describe the case of a 36-year-old man who presented with hormone level concerns 6 months after a rock climbing accident that resulted in paraplegia. Hypogonadism was diagnosed, and the patient received subcutaneous pellet testosterone replacement therapy. Within 6 months, the patient had substantial improvement in muscle function and was able to take several steps with the assistance of crutches or a walker. This case highlights the potential improvement in quality of life and overall prognosis resulting from the subcutaneous pellet form of testosterone when used as part of the overall treatment plan in such patients. Considering the overwhelming preponderance of hypogonadism in men with spinal cord injuries, the standard of care for such patients should include screening, laboratory hormone evaluation, and prompt treatment for testosterone deficiency.
Predicting Coverage of Transverse Subcostal Sonography With the Use of Previous Computed Tomography Before a Sonographic Liver Examination
Authors: Kang Tae Wook , Rhim Hyunchul , Lee Min Woo , Kim Wooil , Park Jung Gu
Published: November 2013

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the coverage of transverse subcostal sonography in the supine position by using computed tomography (CT) performed before a sonographic liver examination as a predictor of sonographic coverage.

Methods

A total of 124 patients (87 men and 37 women; mean age, 55.55 years; range, 24–79 years) who underwent abdominal CT and subsequent liver sonography were enrolled. All patients were assessed for the coverage of transverse subcostal sonography in the supine position by consensus of 2 radiologists. We evaluated the correlation between the level of the posterior rib against the liver dome on axial CT and a sonographic coverage scoring system using Spearman partial correlation analysis. The optimal cutoff value of the liver position and other potential factors associated with sonographic coverage were analyzed.

Results

Among age, sex, body mass index, interposition of bowel around the gallbladder fossa, atrophic changes from cirrhotic liver, and liver position, liver position was the only independent factor associated with sonographic coverage (P < .001). Liver position and the sonographic coverage score were moderately negatively correlated, with statistical significance (r = −0.44; P < .001). The optimal cutoff value for the level of the hepatic dome was at the 10th posterior rib on axial CT.

Conclusions

Liver position is the only independent factor associated with the coverage of transverse subcostal sonography in the supine position. If it is above the 10th posterior rib level, we can predict difficulty in adequate sonographic coverage of the liver.
Assessment of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction Based on the Intraventricular Velocity Difference by Vector Flow Mapping
Authors: Chen Ming , Jin Jia-mei , Zhang Yuhui , Gao Yi , Liu Sheng-lin
Published: November 2013

Objectives

The diastolic intraventricular velocity difference represents diastolic function of the left ventricle (LV). Here we analyzed the LV diastolic intraventricular velocity difference in patients with impaired LV function based on the ventricular flow rate profile by vector flow mapping.

Methods

Patients with LV diastolic dysfunction were divided into 2 groups: chronic heart failure with restricted filling (group 1; n = 27) and hypertension with abnormal relaxation (group 2; n = 34). Healthy participants were identified as controls (group 3; n = 22). Left ventricular inflow color Doppler findings were analyzed by the vector profile model with the vector flow mapping technology offline. The flow velocity rates at the base and apex of the LV were measured from vector profiles with the vector flow mapping technology. The diastolic intraventricular velocity difference was calculated from flow velocity rates.

Results

The diastolic intraventricular velocity difference calculated from vector flow mapping was significantly lower in both groups with LV diastolic dysfunction than the control group (mean ± SD, 79.95 ± 9.88 cm/s in controls versus 40.35 ± 6.80 cm/s in group 1 and 48.50 ± 6.03 cm/s in group 2; P < .001 for both). The diastolic intraventricular velocity difference had a significant association with the ejection fraction (P = .0002) and deceleration time (P = .0306). The peak atrial contraction velocity was negatively related to the diastolic intraventricular velocity difference (P = .0003).

Conclusions

The diastolic intraventricular velocity difference derived from the LV velocity rate by the vector profile model on vector flow mapping can be potentially used for quantitative assessment of LV diastolic function. Vector flow mapping proved to be clinically practical for reflecting LV diastolic dysfunction in pathologic states.
Distal Pectoralis Major Tears
Authors: Lee Sun Joo , Jacobson Jon A. , Kim Sung-Moon , Fessell David , Jiang Yebin , Girish Gandikota , Magerkurth Olaf
Published: November 2013

Objectives

Distinction between musculotendinous tears of the pectoralis major and distal tendon avulsions is important, as the latter typically requires surgical repair. The objective of this study was to characterize the sonographic appearances of surgically proven distal tendon avulsion tears of the pectoralis major.

Methods

A retrospective search of the radiology database (2001–2011) revealed 22 cases of pectoralis major tears on sonography, of which 9 had surgical correlation. Sonograms were retrospectively characterized by 3 fellowship‐trained musculoskeletal radiologists in consensus with respect to the location and size of the fluid collection and the presence of tendon or tendonlike tissue superficial to the biceps brachii tendon.

Results

At surgery, complete distal tendon avulsions or tears of the sternal head of the pectoralis were present in all 9 cases: isolated in 6 and combined with clavicular head tears in 3. The location of the fluid collection was at the musculotendinous junction in 89% (8 of 9) and medial to the biceps brachii tendon in 11% (1 of 9), with a mean largest dimension of 3.8 cm (range, 0.7–6.2 cm). In no case was fluid seen at the humeral attachment of the pectoralis. In 67% (6 of 9), linear thickened hypoechoic tissue was seen superficial to the biceps brachii tendon, which simulated an abnormal but intact tendon, whereas in 33% (3 of 9), a normal distal pectoralis tendon was seen.

Conclusions

Surgically proven distal pectoralis major tendon avulsions most commonly showed fluid collections at the musculotendinous junction and not at the humeral shaft, with either a normal tendon or hypoechoic tendonlike tissue over the biceps brachii long‐head tendon. These findings may potentially cause misdiagnosis of distal tendon avulsions or tears as musculotendinous injuries.
Sonographically Guided Costotransverse Joint Injections
Authors: Deimel George W. , Hurdle Mark F. B. , Murthy Naveen , Cartwright J. Adam , Smith Jay , Pingree Matthew J.
Published: November 2013

Objectives

The primary purpose of this study was to describe and validate a novel sonographically guided costotransverse (CTRV) joint injection technique.

Methods

The bilateral T3–T10 CTRV joints of an unembalmed cadaveric specimen were localized using a 12–3‐MHz linear array transducer. A 22‐gauge, 2.5‐in spinal needle was directed into the CTRV joint using an in‐plane, lateral‐to‐medial approach under direct sonographic guidance. After needle placement, 3‐dimensional computed tomographic (CT) images were obtained to assess the locations of the needle tips. This step was followed by injection of an iodinated contrast agent and repeated CT to assess the contrast flow pattern. An experienced musculoskeletal radiologist reviewed the CT images and assessed the accuracy of the injections (intra‐ or extra‐articular). For intra‐articular injections, a quantitative assessment of the percentage of injectate within the joint was performed.

Results

A total of 16 sonographically guided CTRV joint injections were completed on a single torso‐pelvis specimen. Using our technique, 11 of 16 sonographically guided CTRV joint injections (68.8%) placed the contrast agent into the target joint. Quantitative analysis of the arthrograms showed 6 of 11 intra‐articular injections (54.5%) with greater than 50% injectate within the joint capsule.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this study is the first to determine the feasibility of sonographically guided CTRV joint injections. Overall, 68.8% of injection attempts produced acceptable CTRV joint arthrograms, which compares favorably to a previously reported 76% accuracy rate for fluoroscopically guided CTRV joint injections. Although these injections are technically challenging, the use of sonographic guidance to perform CTRV joint injections is feasible and warrants further investigation to establish its role in the management of patients presenting with thoracic pain syndromes.
Charts for Fetal Age Assessment Based on Fetal Sonographic Biometry in a Population From Cali, Colombia
Authors: Briceño Freddy , Restrepo Humberto , Paredes Ricardo , Cifuentes Rodrigo
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To create reference charts for fetal age assessment based on fetal sonographic biometry in a population of pregnant women living in the third largest city in Colombia and compare them with charts included in ultrasound machines.

Methods

The study data were obtained from women with a single pregnancy and confirmed gestational age between 12 and 40 completed weeks. All women were recruited specifically for the study, and every fetus was measured only once for biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length. Polynomial regression models for gestational age as a function of each fetal measurement were fitted to estimate the mean and standard deviation. Percentile curves of gestational age were constructed for each fetal measurement using these regression models.

Results

Biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length were measured in 792 fetuses. Tables and charts of gestational age were derived for each fetal parameter. A cubic polynomial model was the best‐fitted regression model to describe the relationships between gestational age and each fetal measurement. The standard deviation was estimated by simple linear regression as a function of each fetal measurement. Comparison of our gestational age mean z scores with those calculated by reference equations showed statistically significant differences (P < .01).

Conclusions

We present a set of reference charts, tables, and formulas for fetal age assessment based on fetal sonographic biometry. The results support the recommendation that these charts and tables could be more appropriate for assessing fetal age in Colombian populations than those currently included in the software of ultrasound machines.
Sonographic Findings Predictive of Central Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients With Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Yoo Yeon Hwa , Kim Jeong-Ah , Son Eun Ju , Youk Ji Hyun , Kwak Jin Young , Kim Eun-Kyung , Park Cheong Soo
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To analyze sonographic findings suggesting central lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma and to evaluate the influence of associated chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on the diagnostic performance of sonography for predicting central lymph node metastasis.

Methods

A total of 124 patients (101 female and 23 male; mean age, 47.5 years; range, 21–74 years) underwent sonographically guided fine‐needle aspiration in central lymph nodes from January 2008 to July 2011. Sonographic features of size, shape, margin, thickening of the cortex, cortical echogenicity, presence of a hilum, cystic changes, calcification, and vascularity of enlarged lymph nodes were analyzed before fine‐needle aspiration and classified into 2 categories (probably benign and suspicious). Sonographic findings were correlated with the pathologic diagnosis and associated chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic performance of sonography for predicting central lymph node metastasis according to the associated thyroiditis.

Results

Fifty‐one lymph nodes (39.5%) were malignant, and 73 (60.5%) were benign. On univariate analysis, size, shape, margin, cortical thickening, cortical echogenicity, cystic changes, calcification, and vascularity were significantly different between the benign and metastatic nodes (P < .05). On multivariate analysis, eccentric cortical thickening (odds ratio, 26.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.26–216.66) and hyper echogenicity of the cortex (odds ratio, 18.46; 95% CI, 2.44–139.64) were significantly associated with malignant nodes (P < .05). The area under the curve values for sonography for predicting metastasis were 0.756 (95% CI, 0.618–0.894) in chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis–positive patients and 0.971 (95% CI, 0.938–1.000) in negative patients.

Conclusions

Eccentric cortical thickening and cortical hyperechogenicity were the sonographic findings predictive of central lymph node metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma. The diagnostic performance of sonography for predicting metastasis was superior in chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis–negative patients than in positive patients.
Shear Wave Elastography for Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Zhang Binglan , Ma Xuelei , Wu Nana , Liu Lei , Liu Xiaoxiao , Zhang Jing , Yang Jinrong , Niu Ting
Published: November 2013

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of shear wave elastography for identification of benign and malignant thyroid nodules using meta‐analysis.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched. Patients' clinical characteristics, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were extracted. The diagnostic odds ratio and summary receiver operating characteristic curve were used to examine the accuracy of shear wave elastography. A meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical utility of shear wave elastography for identification of benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

Results

The summary sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules by shear wave elastography were 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–0.90) and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87–0.92), respectively. The pooled positive likelihood ratio was 7.39 (95% CI, 4.09–13.35), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.20 (95% CI, 0.13–0.29). The summary diagnostic odds ratio was 41.35 (95% CI, 17.38–98.41), and the summary area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.92 (Q* = 0.8538).

Conclusions

Shear wave elastography has high sensitivity and specificity in the evaluation of thyroid nodules and can potentially reduce unnecessary fine‐needle aspiration biopsies.
Application of Real‐time Ultrasound Elastography for Differential Diagnosis of Breast Tumors
Authors: Gong Xia , Wang Yi , Xu Ping
Published: November 2013

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical value of real‐time ultrasound elastography in differentiating malignant from benign breast tumors and to determine an optimal cutoff for the traced area ratio by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis for differential diagnosis between malignant and benign breast masses.

Methods

From October 2010 to June 2011, 102 patients with 192 breast tumors were enrolled. Conventional sonograms and real‐time elastograms were obtained from the patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates for sonography and elastography were calculated, and an ROC analysis was performed.

Results

Tumors with an elasticity grade of 4 or higher were defined as malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of elastography were 92.65%, 73.39%, and 81.25%, respectively. These values were similar to those for conventional sonography. However, when the techniques were combined, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy increased to 88.23%, 95.97%, and 93.23%. A value of 1.65 was determined to be the traced area ratio cutoff by the ROC analysis and was used in this study for differential diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this value were 76.47%, 96.77%, and 89.58%, respectively.

Conclusions

Both conventional sonography and ultrasound elastography could be used to differentiate malignant and benign breast tumors. If these techniques were combined, the diagnostic values would improve. In addition, a traced area ratio of 1.65 could be used as a cutoff to differentiate benign and malignant breast tumors.
Comparison of Sonography With Sonographically Guided Fine‐Needle Aspiration Biopsy and Core‐Needle Biopsy for Initial Axillary Staging of Breast Cancer
Authors: Ahn Hye Shin , Kim Sun Mi , Jang Mijung , La Yun Bo , Kim Sung-Won , Kang Eunyoung , Park So Yeon , Moon Woo Kyung , Choi Hye Young
Published: November 2013

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the roles of sonography and sonographically guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy and core‐needle biopsy for initial axillary staging of breast cancer.

Methods

Of 220 patients with breast cancer who underwent preoperative or prechemotherapy sonography for axillary staging, 52 patients who underwent sonographically guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy and core‐needle biopsy for cortical thickening or a compressed hilum of lymph nodes on sonography were prospectively enrolled. Sonography and fine‐needle aspiration biopsy/core‐needle biopsy findings were compared with final pathologic results from sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection.

Results

Forty‐eight patients met the final study criteria; we excluded 4 who had received primary systemic chemotherapy and showed negative fine‐needle aspiration biopsy/core‐needle biopsy results and negative final postoperative pathologic results. The positive predictive value of axillary sonography was 54%. The sensitivity and specificity of fine‐needle aspiration biopsy were 73% and 100%, respectively, and those of core‐needle biopsy were 77% and 100%. Results did not differ significantly between sonographically guided core‐needle biopsy and fine‐needle aspiration biopsy. The complication rates of fine‐needle aspiration biopsy and core‐needle biopsy were both 4%, and fine‐needle aspiration biopsy and core‐needle biopsy cost $180 and $350, respectively.

Conclusions

Both sonographically guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy and core‐needle biopsy were useful for axillary staging of breast cancer with high sensitivity. However, fine‐needle aspiration biopsy is recommended based on the advantages of low cost and minimal invasiveness.
Automated B‐Line Scoring on Thoracic Sonography
Authors: Brattain Laura J. , Telfer Brian A. , Liteplo Andrew S. , Noble Vicki E.
Published: November 2013

With the proliferation of portable sonography and the increase in nontraditional users, there is an increased need for automated decision support to standardize results. We developed algorithms to evaluate the presence or absence of “B‐lines” on thoracic sonography as a marker for interstitial fluid. Algorithm performance was compared against an average of scores from 2 expert clinical sonographers. On the set for algorithm development, 90% of the scores matched the average expert scores with differences of 1 or less. On the independent set, a perfect match was achieved. We believe that these are the first reported results in computerized B‐line scoring.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Torcular Herophili Thrombosis
Authors: Has Recep , Esmer Aytul Corbacioglu , Kalelioglu Ibrahim , Yuksel Atil , Pata Ozlem , Demirbas Reyhan
Published: November 2013

Prenatally diagnosed thrombosis of the torcular herophili is very rare, and it is sometimes misdisgnosed due to unfamiliarity. Sonography with color Doppler imaging is the key imaging modality for prenatal diagnosis of torcular herophili thrombosis. Typical prenatal sonographic findings include a well‐defined triangular anechoic collection in the occipital region and an echogenic structure within the collection, which represents the thrombus. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging is usually used as an adjunctive modality for prenatal diagnosis, as it confirms the diagnosis by providing more precise anatomic information and better characterization of the lesion. We present 2 cases of thrombosis of an ectatic torcular herophili with serial sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging examinations, as well as a review of the literature regarding the prenatal diagnosis of torcular herophili thrombosis.
The value of the neuropsychological assessment for adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A case study
Authors: Sparrow Joanne , Grant Therese , Connor Paul , Whitney Nancy
Published: November 2013

Sparrow, J., Grant, T., Connor, P., & Whitney, N. (2013). The value of the neuropsychological assessment for adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A case study. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 2(3), 79-86. doi:10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.107 (http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.107)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term that reflects the range of potential effects resulting from Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE). Individuals with FASD may demonstrate cognitive, functional and adaptive challenges that are as debilitating as those experienced by individuals with the full fetal alcohol syndrome. This case study describes a young mother with PAE who was enrolled in a three-year intensive case management program and who was suspected of having FASD. Authors describe the neuropsychological battery that was administered and how assessment results were used to help members of a multidisciplinary team reframe their thinking and respond to the client’s neuropsychological strengths and impairments by adjusting their language, expectations and interventions accordingly. Recognized as a valued member throughout the assessment and intervention process, the client learned to develop strategies that supported her autonomy and self-advocacy.
Editorial: Special Issue on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Popova Svetlana , Chambers Christina
Published: November 2013

Popova, S., & Chambers, C. (2013). Editorial: Special Issue on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 2(3), 1-2. doi:10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.172 (http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.172)We, as guest editors, are very excited and proud to introduce the first Special Issue on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) of the International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time any existing journal has produced an issue specifically dedicated to FASD.
Commentary: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Burd Larry , Kerbeshian Jacob
Published: November 2013

Burd, L., & Kerbeshian, J. (2013). Commentary: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 2(3), 3-6. doi:10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.173 (http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.173)Alcohol use is now the third leading risk factor for worldwide global disease burden, in terms of disability adjusted life years (Lim et al., 2012). In the developed world, about 40% of women of childbearing age drink alcohol, and many are drinking at or around the time of conception (Maier & West, 2001; Paintner, Williams, & Burd, 2012a). Rates of alcohol use among women are increasing across much of the world. Current prevalence estimates suggest that several hundred thousand individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are born each year (May, Gossage, & Kalberg, 2009). This is especially tragic in light of the fact that we have effective prevention methods as well as office-based interventions for prenatal alcohol exposure.
A practical testing battery to measure neurobehavioral ability among children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Kalberg Wendy O. , May Phillip A. , Blankenship Jason , Buckley David , Gossage J. Phillip , Adnams Colleen M.
Published: November 2013

Kalberg, W., May, P., Blankenship, J., Buckley, D., Gossage, J., & Adnams, C. (2013). A practical testing battery to measure neurobehavioral ability among children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 2(3), 51-60. doi:10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.83 (http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.83)Aim: To determine a brief, practical battery of tests that discriminate between children with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and unexposed controls.Design: Children received dysmorphology exams and a targeted battery of cognitive and behavioral tests, and their mothers were interviewed about maternal risk factors. Children diagnosed with an FASD and children unexposed to alcohol prenatally were compared on cognitive-behavioral test results.Setting: A community in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.Participants: Sixty-one first-grade children with FASD and 52 matched normal controls.Measures: Statistical analyses of maternal drinking behavior and the children’s test performances.Findings: Self-reported maternal drinking patterns before, during, and after pregnancy were used to confirm prenatal exposures to alcohol in the group of children diagnosed with FASD. With this sample of children diagnosed with FASD and completely unexposed controls, the adverse effects of maternal drinking on children’s performance are corroborated. Results of the battery of standardized cognitive and behavioral tests indicate highly significant differences (p ≤ .001) between the two groups on intelligence, perceptual motor skills, and planning, and on logical, spatial, short term, long term, and working memory abilities. Furthermore, a binary logistical regression model of only three specific cognitive and behavioral tests, including Digit Span A+B (Wald = 3.90), Absurd Situation (Wald = 4.73), and Word Association (Wald = 6.85) correctly classified 77.6% of the child participants as FASD or controls.Conclusions: A brief, practical set of tests can discriminate between children with and without FASD and provide useful information for interventions for affected children.
Measuring water accumulation rates using GRACE data in areas experiencing glacial isostatic adjustment: The Nelson River basin
Authors: Lambert A. , Huang J. , van der Kamp G. , Henton J. , Mazzotti S. , James T. S. , Courtier N. , Barr A. G.
Published: November 2013

Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite‐derived total water storage can be obscured by glacial isostatic adjustment. In order to solve this problem for the Nelson River drainage basin in Canada, a gravity rate map from 110 months (June 2002 to October 2011) of GRACE gravity data was corrected for glacial isostatic adjustment using an independent gravity rate map derived from updated GPS vertical velocities. The GPS‐based map was converted to equivalent gravity rate using a transfer function developed from GPS and absolute‐g data at colocated sites. The corrected GRACE gravity rate map revealed a major positive anomaly within the drainage basin, which was independently shown by hydrological data to be due to changes in water storage. The anomaly represents a cumulative increase at its center of about 340 mm of water, reflecting a progression from extreme drought to extremely wet conditions.
Wind‐driven Arctic freshwater anomalies
Authors: Stewart K. D. , Haine T. W. N.
Published: November 2013

Large freshwater (FW) anomalies have been observed in the Arctic FW budget and exports in the last decade but their origin is unclear. This letter examines if the large‐scale wind conditions might be responsible. We employ an idealized model forced by wind conditions that generate FW budget anomalies. Anticyclonic (cyclonic) winds cause an increase (decrease) of FW in the Western Arctic. For anticyclonic winds, the magnitude and timescale of the FW accumulation in the Western Arctic are similar to observations. Importantly, a cyclonic shift in the winds can only generate a realistically large release event if the Western Arctic is anomalously fresh beforehand. Given that the Western Arctic presently stores excess FW, the findings suggest that a present‐day shift to cyclonic winds will generate a large release of liquid FW from the Arctic through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
RCM‐E simulation of substorm growth phase arc associated with large‐scale adiabatic convection
Authors: Yang Jian , Wolf Richard A. , Toffoletto Frank R. , Sazykin Stanislav
Published: November 2013

Substorm auroral breakup often occurs on a longitudinally elongated arc at the end of a growth phase. We present an idealized high‐resolution simulation with the Rice Convection Model‐Equilibrium (RCM‐E) to investigate how large‐scale adiabatic convection under equilibrium conditions can give rise to an auroral arc. We find that a thin arc that maps to the magnetic transition region at r ~ 8 RE emerges in the late growth phase. The simulation implies that the arc in the premidnight sector is associated with a sheet of additional region 1 sense field‐aligned current (FAC) just poleward of the main region 2 FAC, while the arc in the postmidnight sector is associated with the poleward portion of the main upward region 2 FAC. Explanations for the location and the thickness of the arc are proposed, based on the simulation.
Prediction of the AU, AL, and AE indices using solar wind parameters
Authors: Luo Bingxian , Li Xinlin , Temerin M. , Liu Siqing
Published: November 2013

An empirical model that predicts the AU index, a measure of the Earth's east electrojet, derived from magnetometers in the Northern Hemisphere, is introduced together with an improved AL model which, combined with the AU model, produces an AE model. All models are based on solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field parameters and the solar F10.7 index for the years 1995 to 2001. The linear correlation coefficient (LC) between the 10 min averaged AU index and the model is 0.846 for the years 1995–2001. The LC for the updated AL model is 0.846, and using AE=AU−AL, the LC for the AE model is 0.888. The better LC of the AE model over AU and AL models is because AU and AL are better correlated than their errors. The models show that (1) solar ultraviolet intensity plays a significant role in auroral activity by changing the ionospheric conductivity and scale height. Increasing solar ultraviolet intensity increases the eastward electrojet as measured by AU but decreases the westward electrojet as measured by AL; (2) solar wind dynamic pressure also affects the auroral electrojet indices, although they are much more strongly dependent on the solar wind velocity and the interplanetary magnetic field; (3) AU and AL behave differently during geomagnetic storm main phases: AU, unlike AL, can drop to a small value during storms; (4) the longer averaged auroral electrojets indices can be predicted well but shorter timescale variations are less predictable.
Investigation of the transient cosmic ray decreases observed by voyagers in 2007: A numerical approach
Authors: Luo Xi , Zhang Ming , Feng Xueshang , Mendoza‐Torres J. E.
Published: November 2013

In 2006 and 2007, Voyager 1 and 2 recorded a series of cosmic ray transient decrease events. It is believed that these transient decrease events are caused by the Local Merged Interaction Region (LMIR). Incorporating a LMIR model with our cosmic ray transport code, we investigate the causes for these cosmic ray transient decrease events. The simulation shows that the interaction between LMIR and termination shock (TS) affect the cosmic ray transport in the heliosheath, even if the observed location is beyond latitude extent of the LMIR. To further understand these transient decrease events observed by voyagers, we simulate a scenario of two LMIRs propagating into the heliosheath. One of the LMIRs arrived at Voyager 2 at 2007.43 and the other at 2007.55. They went further to interact with the TS at 2007.56 and 2007.76 separately, causing the cosmic ray intensity decreases observed by Voyager 1 which was about 10 AU beyond the TS.
Evaluation of different approaches to modeling the second‐order ionospheric delay on GPS measurements
Authors: Garcia‐Fernandez M. , Desai S. D. , Butala M. D. , Komjathy A.
Published: November 2013

This work evaluates various approaches to compute the second order ionospheric correction (SOIC) to Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements. When estimating the reference frame using GPS, applying this correction is known to primarily affect the realization of the origin of the Earth's reference frame along the spin axis (Z coordinate). Therefore, the Z translation relative to the International Terrestrial Reference Frame 2008 is used as the metric to evaluate various published approaches to determining the slant total electron content (TEC) for the SOIC: getting the slant TEC from GPS measurements, and using the vertical total electron content (TEC) given by a Global Ionospheric Model (GIM) to transform it to slant TEC via a mapping function. All of these approaches agree to 1 mm if the ionospheric shell height needed in GIM‐based approaches is set to 600 km. The commonly used shell height of 450 km introduces an offset of 1 to 2 mm. When the SOIC is not applied, the Z axis translation can be reasonably modeled with a ratio of +0.23 mm/TEC units of the daily median GIM vertical TEC. Also, precise point positioning (PPP) solutions (positions and clocks) determined with and without SOIC differ by less than 1 mm only if they are based upon GPS orbit and clock solutions that have consistently applied or not applied the correction, respectively. Otherwise, deviations of few millimeters in the north component of the PPP solutions can arise due to inconsistencies with the satellite orbit and clock products, and those deviations exhibit a dependency on solar cycle conditions.