bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic characterisation of traditional chestnut varieties in Italy using microsatellites (simple sequence repeats) markers
Authors: Martín M.A. , Mattioni C. , Cherubini M. , Taurchini D. , Villani F.
Published: April 2010

European chestnut (Castanea sativa) is an important multipurpose tree that has been cultivated for wood and fruit in the Mediterranean basin since ancient times. Cultivation of traditional chestnut varieties has a long tradition in Italy, where cultivars have been selected over centuries as a function of the best nut traits. In this study, 94 grafted chestnuts corresponding to 26 representative cultivars from Italy were evaluated by seven simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to establish whether they corresponded to varieties in the narrow sense. The results allowed 20 genotypes to be identified that corresponded to the same number of clones. In total, 52 alleles were identified, eight of which were exclusive. Cases of homonymies and synonymies were detected. Moreover, our results highlighted a considerable genetic uniformity among ‘Marrone‐type’ cultivars and, on the contrary, a high genetic diversity among the evaluated cultivars demonstrating that this is a valuable germplasm and an important genetic resource to be preserved.
STORAGE AND TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON APPEARANCE AND TEXTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CONVENTIONAL MILK YOGURT
Authors: COGGINS PATTI C. , ROWE DENNIS E. , WILSON JULIE C. , KUMARI SHWETA
Published: April 2010

The effects of storage days (0–56) and temperature (4.4, 7 or 10C) on appearance and textural sensory characteristics of conventional milk yogurt were evaluated. Covariate analysis determined the effects of storage days, temperature and their interaction on 20 sensory variables. Time–temperature interaction and temperature effects were not significant for any sensory response. The sensory variables significantly affected by time were: five of 10 appearance attributes (color description, brightness, evenness, particle intensity, distribution) and six of 10 texture attributes (hand‐felt [HF]: slipperiness, ropiness, firmness; mouthfelt [MF]: viscosity, slipperiness, firmness). Color, particles and distribution increased in intensity over storage and temperature. Slipperiness and firmness increased for both HF and MF textures. Ropiness HF and viscosity MF increased over time. Correlation analyses within each of the two sensory groupings included only those significantly affected by time. Principal component analysis was moderately effective at reducing dimensionality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Appearance and textural attributes of conventional milk yogurt and the effects of storage time and temperature can be monitored using descriptive analysis. Measurement of yogurt's textural attributes includes both mouthfelt and hand‐felt attributes that are equally important to the overall quality of yogurt. This research adds dimensionality to the descriptive textural attributes of yogurt by evaluating both sensory categories. The changing pace of food and dairy science demonstrates the need for descriptive knowledge that can be transferred easily into predictive knowledge. Dairy manufacturers can refer to descriptive studies to characterize the sensory attributes of yogurt at a specific age or storage time to determine marketability of the stored product. Consumers can be critical of the perceived sensory characteristics of foods, thus making it additionally important for the dairy industry to monitor the quality and acceptability of conventional milk yogurt.
CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE FOR GREEN TEA BY CONSUMERS IN THE UNITED STATES, KOREA AND THAILAND
Authors: LEE J. , CHAMBERS IV E. , CHAMBERS D.H. , CHUN S.S. , OUPADISSAKOON C. , JOHNSON D.E.
Published: April 2010

Green tea consumption has been common in some countries for centuries, but in others, it is just finding popularity. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the liking of green tea by consumers in three countries: Korea, where green tea is commonly consumed; Thailand, an Asian country where green tea is generally consumed in a cold form; and the U.S.A., a country where green tea is not commonly consumed, and (2) identify the attributes which appear to influence consumers' liking. The liking of green tea varied depending on the country and the consumer segment. Korean consumers generally liked the green tea samples with various green flavors and moderate bitterness, although a few of the Korean consumer segments liked samples with other flavor profiles. Most of the U.S. consumers liked the tea samples that had brown, fruity or sweet aromatic flavors with little or no green flavors. Thai consumers preferred tea samples with fruity flavors and no green flavor. Regardless of the consumers' origin, the green tea samples with the highest bitterness were disliked.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The current research suggests that familiarity plays a role in tea acceptance. However, various flavor profiles may be acceptable to consumers who are from different countries and are familiar with other flavors of green tea. This suggests that although familiarity plays a role in consumers' acceptance, other factors also contribute to liking. This study has particular implications for the selection of mass‐marketed green teas.
SENSORY PROFILE DEVELOPMENT FOR AN ITALIAN PDO EWE'S MILK CHEESE AT TWO DIFFERENT RIPENING TIMES
Authors: SCINTU MARIA F. , DEL CARO ALESSANDRA , URGEGHE PIETRO P. , PIGA CARLO , DI SALVO RICCARDO
Published: April 2010

The sensory profile technique was applied to the Italian Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Fiore Sardo cheese, made exclusively from raw ewe's milk in artisanal farms in Sardinia. The descriptive sensory analysis was used to find the sensory attributes which characterize this PDO cheese at two different ripening times (105 and 180 days). The product specification states that the cheese must have no less than 105 days of maturation before being sold, while at more than 180 days it is usually used grated.

Twelve expert panelists, whose efficacy was confirmed by variance analysis, identified and evaluated 10 sensory attributes on cheese samples: smoked and rennet for odor; sour and salty for taste, piquant for trigeminal sensation; smoked and rennet for aroma; floury, grainy and friability for texture. The judges were also asked to provide an overall evaluation of sensory typicality.

Cheeses from different farms ripened for 105 days differed significantly for smoked odor, salty, grainy and typicality, whereas the cheeses ripened for 180 days were significantly different for smoked odor, piquant, friability and sensory typicality. The comparison between cheeses from the same farm at 105 and 180 days showed no significant differences.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The quality policy implemented in the European Union (EU) for agricultural products has met with growing interest among producers and consumers. Quality means to satisfy the expectations of the consumers. Indeed, consumers are giving increasing importance to the quality of foodstuffs rather than the quantity, generating a demand for agricultural products with an identifiable geographical origin. This can be obtained by providing certifications, such as Protected Designation of Origin and Protected Geographical Indication, with established characteristics of production and defined product characteristics, including sensory attributes which are strong determinants of acceptability. The study of traditional products, such as Fiore Sardo cheese, can be of considerable benefit to the rural economy (particularly in remote areas) by improving the incomes of farmers and by retaining the rural population in these areas. Moreover, the use of the sensory profile may help to preserve the identity of Fiore Sardo cheese by means of a sensory quality certification.
SENSORY CHARACTERIZATION OF CHEMICAL COMPONENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR CARDBOARD FLAVOR IN WHEY PROTEIN
Authors: WHITSON M.E. , MIRACLE R.E. , DRAKE M.A.
Published: April 2010

Cardboard flavor is one of the most commonly described off‐flavors in whey proteins. The objective of this research was to identify volatile components that are likely sources of cardboard flavor in dried whey protein concentrate and isolates and characterize them by sensory analysis. Cardboard and brown paper samples (n = 5) soaked in deionized water and whey proteins with and without cardboard flavor were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry and descriptive sensory analysis to select the potential contributors to cardboard flavor. Compounds were evaluated by trained sensory panelists using sniff jars, dose‐response experiments and whey protein models. Sensory analysis of the aroma of the chemical standards yielded no single compound exhibiting a cardboard aroma, suggesting that cardboard flavor does not result from one compound but a combination. A combination of compounds (pentanal, heptanal, nonanal, 1‐octen‐3‐one, dimethyl trisulfide) elicited cardboard flavor in whey protein previously deemed free of cardboard flavor.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study established that a combination of pentanal, heptanal, nonanal, 1‐octen‐3‐one and dimethyl trisulfide elicited cardboard flavor in whey protein and can be utilized as a training reference for identifying cardboard flavor. The direct association of specific lipid oxidation products with cardboard flavor in whey protein emphasizes the necessity to control lipid oxidation to reduce this off‐flavor in whey protein ingredients. These compounds could potentially be utilized to instrumentally monitor cardboard flavor in whey protein. Hexanal, while a major indicator for lipid oxidation, was not directly indicative of cardboard flavor in whey protein.
Timing versus duration
Authors: Rizzi Sabina , Ori Carlo , Jevtovic‐Todorovic Vesna
Published: April 2010

Rapidly accumulating evidence indicates that clinically used general anesthesia causes massive, widespread neuroapoptotic degeneration in the developing mammalian brain. Susceptibility to anesthesia‐induced neurotoxicity has been documented in rats, mice, guinea pigs, primates, and in this study, piglets; in short, anesthesia‐induced developmental neuroapoptosis is not species‐dependent. Our findings with piglets, like those in other immature mammals, demonstrate that relatively short exposure to anesthesia is just as detrimental to species with long periods of synaptogenesis as it is to those with short periods of synaptogenesis. However, the highly reproducible findings in different species also indicate that the timing of exposure to anesthesia is critically important; that is, brain regions that are at the peak of synaptogenesis are most vulnerable even when the exposure to anesthesia is relatively brief. Because the peak of synaptogenesis is characterized by intense, highly programmed neuronal communication that is vital for the survival and proper function of immature neurons, we conclude that anesthesia causes severe disturbances in the fine equilibrium between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the developing mammalian brain, ultimately leading to neuronal redundancy and death.
Diabetes aggravates heat stress‐induced blood‐brain barrier breakdown, reduction in cerebral blood flow, edema formation, and brain pathology
Authors: Muresanu Dafin F. , Sharma Aruna , Sharma Hari Shanker
Published: April 2010

The possibility that diabetes influences the outcome of heat stress‐induced brain pathology was examined in our experimental rat model. Because growth hormone (GH) deficiency is an important factor in diabetes, the possible neuroprotective role of GH supplements was also examined in diabetic rats following heat stress. Rats receiving streptozotocine once daily for three days (50 mg/kg, i.p.) and allowed to survive four weeks resulted in diabetes (blood glucose level 18 and 20 mMol/L) compared to controls (blood glucose 4–6 mMol/L). Control or diabetic rats when subjected to four hours' heat stress at 38° C in a biological oxygen demand incubator (BOD) showed profound disruption of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF), brain edema formation, and cell injury. These effects were most pronounced in diabetic rats. Pretreatment with GH (50 μg/kg/min for 10 min before heat stress) significantly attenuated brain pathology in normal animals subjected to hyperthermia. On the other hand, almost a double dose of the growth hormone (80 to 120 μg/g/min for 10 min) is needed in diabetic rats to induce considerable neuroprotection following heat stress. These observations are the first to suggest that diabetic rats are more vulnerable to heat stress‐induced brain pathology and further show that the efficacy of neuroprotective drugs is also severely reduced in diabetic rats. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the dosage of neuroprotective drugs requires adjustment to enhance neuroprotection depending on the patient's endocrine or metabolic status, for example, diabetes mellitus, a finding not reported earlier.
Cerebrolysin reduces blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barrier permeability change, brain pathology, and functional deficits following traumatic brain injury in the rat
Authors: Sharma Hari Shanker , Zimmermann‐Meinzingen Sibilla , Johanson Conrad E.
Published: April 2010

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) induce profound breakdown of the blood‐brain and blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barriers (BCSFB), brain pathology/edema, and sensory‐motor disturbances. Because neurotrophic factors, such as brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), and glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), are neuroprotective in models of brain and spinal cord injuries, we hypothesized that a combination of neurotrophic factors would enhance neuroprotective efficacy. In the present investigation, we examined the effects of Cerebrolysin, a mixture of different neurotrophic factors (Ebewe Neuro Pharma, Austria) on the brain pathology and functional outcome in a rat model of TBI. TBI was produced under Equithesin (3 mL/kg, i.p.) anesthesia by making a longitudinal incision into the right parietal cerebral cortex. Untreated injured rats developed profound disruption of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) to proteins, edema/cell injury, and marked sensory‐motor dysfunctions on rota‐rod and grid‐walking tests at 5 h TBI. Intracerebroventricular administration of Cerebrolysin (10 or 30 μL) either 5 min or 1 h after TBI significantly reduced leakage of Evans blue and radioiodine tracers across the BBB and BCSFB, and attenuated brain edema formation/neuronal damage in the cortex as well as underlying subcortical regions. Cerebrolysin‐treated animals also had improved sensory‐motor functions. However, administration of Cerebrolysin 2 h after TBI did not affect these parameters significantly. These observations in TBI demonstrate that early intervention with Cerebrolysin reduces BBB and BCSFB permeability changes, attenuates brain pathology and brain edema, and mitigates functional deficits. Taken together, our observations suggest that Cerebrolysin has potential therapeutic value in TBI.
Cerebrolysin treatment attenuates heat shock protein overexpression in the brain following heat stress
Authors: Sharma Hari Shanker , Muresanu Dafin , Sharma Aruna , Zimmermann‐Meinzingen Sibilla
Published: April 2010

The possibility that overexpression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the CNS represents a neurodestructive signal following hyperthermia was examined in a rat model using a potent neuroprotective drug, Cerebrolysin (Ebewe Pharma, Austria). Rats subjected to four hours of heat stress in a biological oxygen demand incubator at 38° C developed profound hyperthermia (41.23 ± 0.14° C) and overexpressed HSP 72 kD in several brain regions: cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, brain stem, and spinal cord compared to controls. This HSP overexpression closely correlated with the leakage of blood‐brain barrier permeability and vasogenic edema formation in these brain areas. HSP positive cells are largely confined in the edematous brain regions showing Evans blue leakage. Pretreatment with Cerebrolysin (5 mL/kg, i.v.) 30 minutes before heat stress markedly attenuated hyperthermia (39.48 ± 0.23° C, P < 0.01) and the induction of HSP to all the brain regions examined. Leakage of Evans blue albumin and increase in brain water content in these brain areas are also markedly reduced with Cerebrolysin pretreatment. These results are the first to show that Cerebrolysin, if administered before heat stress, attenuates hyperthermia induced stress reaction and HSP 72 kD induction. Taken together, these novel observations suggest that upregulation of HSP 72 kD in brain represents neurodestructive signals and a reduction in cellular stress mechanisms leading to decline in HSP expression is neuroprotective in nature.
Neuroprotection by hypothermia plus alkalinization of dorsal root ganglia neurons through ischemia
Authors: Kuffler Damien P.
Published: April 2010

Brain and spinal cord (CNS) trauma typically directly kill some neurons leading to permanent neurological deficits. However, they also lead to a number of triggers which in turn frequently kill a vastly larger number of neurons than were killed by the initial insult. The best mechanism for reducing the extent of neurological deficits is to minimize the number of neurons that die immediately due to the trauma, and post‐trauma sequelae. Neuroprotection techniques have taken many diverse forms with a breadth too great for a short review. Therefore, this review is focused on the roles of only a small number of neuroprotective agents, with its primary focus being on neuroprotection provided by hypothermia, alone and when combined with the other methods. Included are also recent results involving a novel neuroprotective technique, tested on adult human dorsal root ganglion neurons, comparing the influences of hypothermia and alkalinization singly, providing fourfold and eightfold increases in neuroprotection, respectively, but when combined providing a 26‐fold increase in neuroprotection. This combinatorial approach to neuroprotection holds great promise for enhancing the degree of neuroprotection clinically following CNS trauma, leading to the preservation of maximal neurological functions.
On Becoming a Statistician—A Qualitative View
Authors: Petocz Peter , Reid Anna
Published: April 2010

In this paper, we highlight some qualitative facets of the discipline of statistics and argue that a qualitative approach, in particular a qualitative methodology known as phenomenography, allows us to research important aspects of statistics pedagogy. We summarize several components of our recent research into students' conceptions of statistics, their learning of statistics, our teaching of statistics, and their perceptions of their future professional work. We have obtained this information on the basis of analyses of several series of interviews with students studying statistics, both as statistics majors and as service students. In each of these cases, the broadest views relate in some way to personal connection, growth, and change. In other words, they contain a strong ontological component—focusing on being or becoming a statistician—above and beyond the standard epistemological component—focusing on the knowledge required to do statistics. We discuss the importance of personal change in becoming a statistician, or an informed professional user of statistics, and investigate the pedagogical conditions under which such change is likely to occur.
Oronasal fistula as a complication of sarcoid disease: case report and review of the literature
Authors: George K. , Cascarini L. , Bentley R.
Published: April 2010

Aim:  To report a new intraoral manifestation of sarcoid disease and review the literature.

Methods:  We present a case of oronasal fistulation as a previously unreported complication of sarcoid disease. A review of the literature was carried out to find documented cases of the oral manifestations of sarcoid disease. The types of intraoral lesions identified were recorded.

Results:  Seventy‐two documented cases of oral sarcoid disease were identified. Soft tissue lesions were the most common, described as nodular or ulcerative and having a predilection for the buccal mucosa. Bony lesions presented as asymptomatic swellings, non‐healing tooth sockets or mobile teeth. As far as we are aware, there are no reported cases of an oronasal fistula occurring as a complication of sarcoid disease.

Conclusion:  Sarcoidosis is a multisystem non‐caseating, granulomatous condition of unknown aetiology, most commonly presenting in young adults. Pulmonary and lymph node involvement are common and although oral lesions can occur, these are rare. This is a case report of a man in his 40s who presented with symptoms associated with an oronasal fistula through the hard palate, secondary to sarcoid disease. To our knowledge, this has not been reported previously in the literature.
The continuing search for Mycobacterium tuberculosis involvement in sarcoidosis: a study on archival biopsy specimens
Authors: Svendsen Claus Bo , Milman Nils , Rasmussen Erik Michael , Thomsen Vibeke Østergaard , Andersen Claus Bøgelund , Krogfelt Karen Angeliki
Published: April 2010

Introduction:  Increasing evidence indicates that mycobacteria may be involved in the aetiology and pathophysiology of sarcoidosis.

Objectives:  To investigate the association between Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection and sarcoidosis.

Methods:  Mediastinal lymph node biopsy specimens (formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded) from 52 Danish patients with sarcoidosis, 50 patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy of other non‐mycobacterial causes (negative controls) and 12 patients with histologically and/or culture‐verified mycobacteriosis (positive controls) were included in the study. Biopsy samples were analysed for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by strand displacement assay and a subset of specimens were examined for bacterial rRNA by fluorescent in situ hybridisation using an eubacterial probe with general bacterial specificity (EUB338).

Results:  One patient with sarcoidosis displayed a positive M. tuberculosis complex test. All negative controls were negative in the test and 5/12 patients with mycobacteriosis were positive in the test. We detected M. tuberculosis complex DNA in 10‐year‐old biopsy samples. Thirty‐six samples were tested with the eubacterial probe; of these, 67% were positive with no difference between patients and controls.

Conclusion:  Our results do not support the hypothesis that M. tuberculosis complex infection is involved in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. However, we stress the importance of excluding mycobacteriosis in the diagnostic workup of sarcoidosis patients.

Please cite this paper as: Svendsen CB, Milman N, Rasmussen EM, Thomsen VØ, Andersen CB and Krogfelt KA. The continuing search for Mycobacterium tuberculosis involvement in sarcoidosis: a study on archival biopsy specimens. Clin Respir J 2011; 5: 99–104.
A case of refractory adult‐onset Still’s disease treated with anakinra
Authors: LAHIRI Manjari , TENG Gim‐Gee
Published: April 2010

Adult‐onset Still’s disease (AOSD) often presents both a diagnostic and a therapeutic challenge. We report a 40‐year‐old Chinese woman, in whom multiple adjustments of drug combinations were required before successful control of the patient’s disabling symptoms. The patient failed multiple therapies including non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoid, methotrexate (MTX), cyclosporine, leflunomide and infliximab. Treatment was complicated by hyperglycemia, glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis, worsening hypertension and vaginal candidiasis. She suffered recurrent hospitalisation for active disease, developed carpal joint erosions and lost her employment over the course of 1 year. In view of refractoriness to multiple conventional therapies, anakinra was initiated in combination with MTX with a rapid and sustained improvement in clinical and laboratory parameters over 12 months. However, radiographic damage ensued despite aggressive therapies.
Pararenal retroperitoneal Castleman’s disease mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: KIM Ki‐Jo , CHO Chul‐Soo , CHOI Jin‐Jung
Published: April 2010

A 41‐year‐old man diagnosed initially as probable systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) visited our hospital complaining of a persistent painful oral ulcer and multiple spots like coffee beans on his trunk. Antibodies except for anti‐dsDNA and anti‐histone antibodies and other serologies were negative. Conventional cytotoxic and immunomodulatory agents did not have any effect on these lesions. Computed tomography for evaluating persistent dry cough incidentally showed a huge mass in the left mid‐retroperitoneum. Surgical treatment was done and the final diagnosis was Castleman’s disease (CD). CD is a relatively rare disorder characterized by a massive non‐malignant tumor of lymphoid tissues, with unknown etiology. It commonly presents as a localized soft tissue mass within the mediastinum or neck, and rarely in the retroperitoneal space. Since some cases of CD may share systemic, immune and histopathologic features of autoimmune disease, exact diagnosis is difficult to make based on the clinical and laboratory clues alone. We report herein an unusual case with pararenal retroperitoneal CD mimicking SLE.
Retinopathy due to antimalarial drugs in patients with connective tissue diseases: are they so innocent? A single center retrospective study
Authors: KOBAK Senol , DEVECI Hulya
Published: April 2010

Introduction:  Antimalarial medications are basal active drugs used for the treatment of various rheumatological conditions. Their common side‐effects include eye damage.

Aim:  The aim of this study is to determine the safety of antimalarial medications used for rheumatological conditions and the incidence of retinopathy.

Material and methods:  Eighty‐five patients with rheumatological conditions, who were followed in our rheumatology clinics between 2005 and 2009 while under chloroquine (CQ) and/or hydroxychloroquine (HQ) treatment were included in the study. Indirect ophthalmoscopic examination with 90 dioptry lens, frontal segment examination and macular visual area test were applied to all patients. Severity of retinopathy was evaluated as mild initial defect in the macula, or severe visual area loss.

Results:  Retinopathy findings were detected in 21 out of 85 patients (24.7%). Of these patients, 12 had mild initial defects while nine had severe visual area loss. Of 21 patients, eight were on HQ and 13 were on CQ treatment. Of the patients seen with findings of retinopathy, 17 had comorbid hypertension (HT) and six had diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients receiving CQ are under higher risk compared to those on HQ treatment (P = 0.001). Patient age, disease duration, HT and DM presence had no statistically significant effect on retinopathy development (P = 0.144, P = 0.305, P = 0.258, P = 0.395, respectively).

Conclusion:  The incidence of retinopathy among patients using antimalarial medications as observed in this study was relatively high. Based on these results, it is essential to emphasize the importance of close monitoring in patients receiving antimalarial medications and evaluation of visual findings before treatment initiation.
Assessment of endothelial function as a marker of cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: KHAN Faisel
Published: April 2010

The endothelium is a major regulator of cardiovascular function and maintains an atheroprotective role through several mechanisms, including vasodilatation, inhibition of platelet aggregation, having anticoagulant and profibrinolytic effects, and having an anti‐inflammatory effect. Early changes in the normal functioning of the endothelium are key initiating factors in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. These changes are present well before the presentation of clinical symptoms. Thus, researchers have focused much attention on developing methods for reliable non‐invasive testing of endothelial function to allow early detection and monitoring and progression of subclinical atherosclerosis. To date, there is a wide range of methods in use to assess endothelial function, each with its own advantages and limitations. Ideally, the tests should be non‐invasive to allow repeated measurements and be applicable in normal healthy subjects and also in children. Given the wide range of regulatory functions of the endothelium, it is not surprising that there is no single measure of endothelial function that provides all the necessary information regarding vascular integrity in different vascular beds. Therefore, a combination of tests examining different components of the vascular system is more appropriate. Since patients with rheumatoid arthritis have increased mortality due to cardiovascular disease, assessment of endothelial function could prove to be useful tools in the identification and monitoring of cardiovascular risk. The purpose of this review is to give a brief overview of some of the commonly used techniques for assessment of endothelial function, and in particular on those that have been used in studies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Coping in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: The Costs and Benefits of Realistic versus Unrealistic Weight Evaluations
Authors: Meier Stefanie , Kohlmann Carl‐Walter , Eschenbeck Heike , Gross Cornelia
Published: April 2010

The study analysed differences in coping strategies between obese and non‐obese children and adolescents (age: 8–14 years) in response to a social stressor. Physicians' diagnoses of obesity and self‐reports on height and weight as well as gender and age were considered. A sample of 757 participants responded to an established German coping questionnaire. In addition to general coping strategies, two more potentially weight‐related coping strategies were assessed. Adolescent obese girls who reported height and weight realistically showed particularly little social support‐seeking behavior. Media use in general increased with age, but was especially high for adolescent obese boys who evaluated themselves as obese. Finally, girls in general and obese children and adolescents who evaluated themselves as overweight or obese showed higher stress‐related eating. With regard to coping it seems to be a disadvantage for obese children and adolescents to see themselves as obese. In contrast, obese children and adolescents who have unrealistically positive self‐evaluations of their weight report coping strategies similar to those reported by normal weight children and adolescents. It is assumed that positive self‐evaluations of body weight prevent especially obese adolescents from inactivity and social isolation. Findings are relevant for the design of interventions to treat obesity.
Primary malignant melanoma in the oesophagus of a foal
Authors: Caston S. S. , Fales‐Williams A.
Published: April 2010

A 2‐month‐old filly was evaluated for severe colic. Ultrasound, abdominocentesis and physical examination findings prompted an abdominal exploratory surgery. Perforation of the stomach was discovered during the surgery. The filly was humanely subjected to euthanasia under anaesthesia andpost mortemexamination was performed. In addition to gastric and duodenal ulceration, a thickened, black area of the proximal oesophagus was discovered. Histopathology of the lesion revealed primary malignant melanoma. Although rare, primary melanoma can occur in noncutaneous locations.
Automatic In-Process Chatter Avoidance in the High-Speed Milling Process
Authors: van Dijk N. J. M. , Doppenberg E. J. J. , Faassen R. P. H. , van de Wouw N. , Oosterling J. A. J. , Nijmeijer H.
Published: April 2010

High-speed milling is often used in industry to maximize productivity of the manufacturing of high-technology components, such as aeronautical components, mold, and dies. The occurrence of chatter highly limits the efficiency and accuracy of high-speed milling operations. In this paper, two control strategies are presented that guarantee a chatter-free high-speed milling operation by automatic adaptation of spindle speed and feed. Moreover, the proposed strategies are robust for changing process conditions (e.g., due to heating of the spindle or tool wear). An important part of the control strategy is the detection of chatter. A novel chatter detection algorithm is presented that automatically detects chatter in an online fashion and in a premature phase such that no visible marks on the workpiece are present. Experiments on a state-of-the-art high-speed milling machine underline the effectiveness of the proposed detection and control strategies.
Minimax State/Residual-Energy Constrained Shapers for Flexible Structures: Linear Programming Approach
Authors: Vossler Matthew , Singh Tarunraj
Published: April 2010

The focus of this paper is on the design of shaped profiles subject to transient state constraints and terminal energy limits. The issue of robustness to modeling errors is addressed by formulating a minimax optimization problem in a linear programming framework, permitting the generation of near-globally optimal shaped profiles. To illustrate the proposed technique, a deflection-limited/residual energy constrained, controller design for flexible structures undergoing rest-to-rest maneuvers will be presented. Techniques for improving robustness by the addition of state sensitivity equations, which increases the robustness in the vicinity of the nominal model, are explored. Results for the benchmark oscillator illustrate the benefit of the proposed approach over traditional designs.
Extended Angular-Velocity Vold–Kalman Order Tracking
Authors: Pan Min-Chun , Wu Cheng-Xue
Published: April 2010

Dynamic signals acquired from rotary machines can be characterized by the order tracking (OT) techniques. The extracted order components correspond to the operation of specific machine elements and reflect their current healthy or faulty states. The study extends the angular-velocity Vold–Kalman OT scheme to simultaneously extract multiple order components. Theoretical derivation is illustrated with simulation of processing three synthetic signals to show its merit. Additionally, as an example to validate its effectiveness, the improved OT scheme is used to process pass-by noise emitted from an electric scooter with a planetary-gear-set transmission system. The gear-meshing orders are effectively decoupled from structure-borne resonances.
Motion Control of a Container With Slosh: Constrained Sliding Mode Approach
Authors: Richter Hanz
Published: April 2010

A constrained sliding mode control methodology developed by the author is applied to the motion control of an open container filled with liquid. The objective is to control the position of the container to meet the performance and robustness requirements, and to specify a safe operating set, i.e., the set of initial conditions from which the system can be operated without exceeding a prescribed liquid level and additional constraints. A conventional sliding mode regulator is designed first to address nominal performance in the sliding mode. Then, a robustly invariant cylinder formed as the Cartesian product of an ellipsoid, and a closed interval is constructed using linear matrix inequalities. A set of constraint qualification conditions are evaluated to ensure that the intersection of the cylinder and the state constraints is robustly positively invariant, constituting the required operating set. Simulations and experimental results corresponding to a high-speed transfer validate the methodology.
Chatter Detection in Machining Using Nonlinear Energy Operator
Authors: Al-Regib Emad , Ni Jun
Published: April 2010

A normalized chatter detection index, which is independent of cutting conditions, is critical for machining process monitoring and control. This paper introduces a novel method for on-line machine-tool chatter detection. The method characterizes the significant transition in the cutting dynamics at the onset of chatter by the changes in the instantaneous energy of the machining system. This technique utilizes the relation between the Teager–Kaiser nonlinear energy operator and time-frequency (Wigner) distribution to develop a normalized chatter detection index. The validity of this technique is demonstrated with the actual experimental cutting data obtained from turning and milling processes.
Four‐dimensional intensity‐modulated radiation therapy planning for dynamic tracking using a direct aperture deformation (DAD) method
Authors: Gui Minzhi , Feng Yuanming , Yi Byongyong , Dhople Anil Arvind , Yu Cedric
Published: April 2010

Purpose:

Planning for the delivery of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to a moving target, referred to as four‐dimensional (4D) IMRT planning, is a crucial step for achieving the treatment objectives for sites that move during treatment delivery. The authors proposed a simplistic method that accounts for both rigid and nonrigid respiration‐induced target motion based on 4D computed tomography (4DCT) data sets.

Methods:

A set of MLC apertures and weights was first optimized on a reference phase of a 4DCT data set. At each beam angle, the apertures were morphed from the reference phase to each of the remaining phases according to the relative shape changes in the beam's eye view of the target. Three different planning schemes were evaluated for two lung cases and one pancreas patient: (1) Individually optimizing each breathing phase; (2) optimizing the reference phase and shifting the optimized apertures to other breathing phases based on a rigid‐body image registration; and (3) optimizing the reference phase and deforming the optimized apertures to the other phases based on the deformation and translation of target contours. Planning results using scheme 1 serves as the “gold standard” for plan quality assessment; scheme 2 is the method previously proposed in the literature; and scheme 3 is the method the authors proposed in this article. The optimization results were compared between the three schemes for all three cases.

Results:

The proposed scheme 3 is comparable to scheme 1 in plan quality, and provides improved target coverage and conformity with similar normal tissue dose compared with scheme 2.

Conclusions:

Direct aperture deformation method for 4D IMRT planning improves upon methods that only consider rigid‐body motion and achieves a plan quality close to that optimized for each of the phases.
Beam‐centric algorithm for pretreatment patient position correction in external beam radiation therapy
Authors: Bose Supratik , Shukla Himanshu , Maltz Jonathan
Published: April 2010

Purpose:

In current image guided pretreatment patient position adjustment methods, image registration is used to determine alignment parameters. Since most positioning hardware lacks the full six degrees of freedom (DOF), accuracy is compromised. The authors show that such compromises are often unnecessary when one models the planned treatment beams as part of the adjustment calculation process. The authors present a flexible algorithm for determining optimal realizable adjustments for both step‐and‐shoot and arc delivery methods.

Methods:

The beam shape model is based on the polygonal intersection of each beam segment with the plane in pretreatment image volume that passes through machine isocenter perpendicular to the central axis of the beam. Under a virtual six‐DOF correction, ideal positions of these polygon vertices are computed. The proposed method determines the couch, gantry, and collimator adjustments that minimize the total mismatch of all vertices over all segments with respect to their ideal positions. Using this geometric error metric as a function of the number of available DOF, the user may select the most desirable correction regime.

Results:

For a simulated treatment plan consisting of three equally weighted coplanar fixed beams, the authors achieve a 7% residual geometric error (with respect to the ideal correction, considered 0% error) by applying gantry rotation as well as translation and isocentric rotation of the couch. For a clinical head‐and‐neck intensity modulated radiotherapy plan with seven beams and five segments per beam, the corresponding error is 6%. Correction involving only couch translation (typical clinical practice) leads to a much larger 18% mismatch. Clinically significant consequences of more accurate adjustment are apparent in the dose volume histograms of target and critical structures.

Conclusions:

The algorithm achieves improvements in delivery accuracy using standard delivery hardware without significantly increasing total treatment session duration. It encourages parsimonious utilization of all available DOF. Finally, in certain cases, it obviates the need of a robotic couch having six DOF for the correction of patient displacement and rotations.
Contrast‐enhanced spectral mammography with a photon‐counting detector
Authors: Fredenberg Erik , Hemmendorff Magnus , Cederström Björn , Åslund Magnus , Danielsson Mats
Published: April 2010

Purpose:

Spectral imaging is a method in medical x‐ray imaging to extract information about the object constituents by the material‐specific energy dependence of x‐ray attenuation. The authors have investigated a photon‐counting spectral imaging system with two energy bins for contrast‐enhanced mammography. System optimization and the potential benefit compared to conventional non‐energy‐resolved absorption imaging was studied.

Methods:

A framework for system characterization was set up that included quantum and anatomical noise and a theoretical model of the system was benchmarked to phantom measurements.

Results:

Optimal combination of the energy‐resolved images corresponded approximately to minimization of the anatomical noise, which is commonly referred to as energy subtraction. In that case, an ideal‐observer detectability index could be improved close to 50% compared to absorption imaging in the phantom study. Optimization with respect to the signal‐to‐quantum‐noise ratio, commonly referred to as energy weighting, yielded only a minute improvement. In a simulation of a clinically more realistic case, spectral imaging was predicted to perform approximately 30% better than absorption imaging for an average glandularity breast with an average level of anatomical noise. For dense breast tissue and a high level of anatomical noise, however, a rise in detectability by a factor of 6 was predicted. Another improvement was found to be within reach for an optimized system.

Conclusions:

Contrast‐enhanced spectral mammography is feasible and beneficial with the current system, and there is room for additional improvements. Inclusion of anatomical noise is essential for optimizing spectral imaging systems.
A signature dissimilarity measure for trabecular bone texture in knee radiographs
Authors: Woloszynski T. , Podsiadlo P. , Stachowiak G. W. , Kurzynski M.
Published: April 2010

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to develop a dissimilarity measure for the classification of trabecular bone (TB) texture in knee radiographs. Problems associated with the traditional extraction and selection of texture features and with the invariance to imaging conditions such as image size, anisotropy, noise, blur, exposure, magnification, and projection angle were addressed.

Methods:

In the method developed, called a signature dissimilarity measure (SDM), a sum of earth mover's distances calculated for roughness and orientation signatures is used to quantify dissimilarities between textures. Scale‐space theory was used to ensure scale and rotation invariance. The effects of image size, anisotropy, noise, and blur on the SDM developed were studied using computer generated fractal texture images. The invariance of the measure to image exposure, magnification, and projection angle was studied using x‐ray images of human tibia head. For the studies, Mann–Whitney tests with significance level of 0.01 were used. A comparison study between the performances of a SDM based classification system and other two systems in the classification of Brodatz textures and the detection of knee osteoarthritis (OA) were conducted. The other systems are based on weighted neighbor distance using compound hierarchy of algorithms representing morphology (WND‐CHARM) and local binary patterns (LBP).

Results:

Results obtained indicate that the SDM developed is invariant to image exposure (2.5–30 mA s), magnification, noise associated with film graininess and quantum mottle , blur generated by a sharp film screen, and image size . However, the measure is sensitive to changes in projection angle , image anisotropy , and blur generated by a regular film screen. For the classification of Brodatz textures, the SDM based system produced comparable results to the LBP system. For the detection of knee OA, the SDM based system achieved 78.8% classification accuracy and outperformed the WND‐CHARM system (64.2%).

Conclusions:

The SDM is well suited for the classification of TB texture images in knee OA detection and may be useful for the texture classification of medical images in general.
Energy dependence and dose response of Gafchromic EBT2 film over a wide range of photon, electron, and proton beam energies
Authors: Arjomandy Bijan , Tailor Ramesh , Anand Aman , Sahoo Narayan , Gillin Michael , Prado Karl , Vicic Milos
Published: April 2010

Purpose:

Since the Gafchromic film EBT has been recently replaced by the newer model EBT2, its characterization, especially energy dependence, has become critically important. The energy dependence of the dose response of Gafchromic EBT2 film is evaluated for a broad range of energies from different radiation sources used in radiation therapy.

Methods:

The beams used for this study comprised of kilovoltage x rays (75, 125, and 250 kVp), gamma (662 KeV), gamma (1.17–1.33 MeV), megavoltage x rays (6 and 18 MV), electron beams (6 and 20 MeV), and proton beams (100 and 250 MeV). The film's response to each of the above energies was measured over the dose range of 0.4–10 Gy, which corresponds to optical densities ranging from 0.05 to 0.74 for the film reader used.

Results:

The energy dependence of EBT2 was found to be relatively small within measurement uncertainties for all energies and modalities.

Conclusion:

For relative and absolute dosimetry of radiation therapy beams, the weak energy dependence of the EBT2 makes it most suitable for clinical use compared to other films.