bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time‐resolved dynamic contrast‐enhanced MR urography for the evaluation of ureteral peristalsis: Initial experience
Authors: Kim Sooah , Jacob Jason S. , Kim Danny C. , Rivera Rafael , Lim Ruth P. , Lee Vivian S.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To determine the feasibility of time‐resolved dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance urography (MRU) for the evaluation of ureteral peristalsis using a data‐sharing 3D gradient echo sequence with spiral k‐space filling.

Materials and Methods

Eight patients (M = 3, F = 5, mean 48.1 years) were referred for MRU for the evaluation for renal mass (n = 3), hematuria (n = 2), urinary tract tuberculosis (n = 1), postoperative bladder cancer (n = 1), and postoperative ureteric reimplantation (n = 1). Dynamic MRU was performed for 120 seconds at 1.5T after intravenous furosemide and gadolinium administration using an oblique sagittal, time‐resolved T1 3D gradient echo sequence with 1 second effective temporal resolution. Study quality was assessed based on artifacts and extent of ureteric visualization. Frequency of peristalsis from the renal pelvis to urinary bladder was evaluated for each subject.

Results

A total of 16 ureters were examined. Image quality was good in four ureters, satisfactory in 11 ureters, and poor in one ureter. Mean peristaltic frequency was 3.5 waves per minute (range, 2.5–6.5 waves/minute) in normal ureters (n =11). Five ureters were considered abnormal (one urinary tract tuberculosis and four postsurgical ureters), and all had decreased or no peristalsis (0–1.5 waves per minute).

Conclusion

MRU using a time‐resolved, data‐sharing 3D contrast‐enhanced technique is able to demonstrate ureteral peristalsis and permits quantification of ureteral peristaltic frequency. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1293–1298. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced mass on contrast‐enhanced breast MR imaging: Lesion characterization using combination of dynamic contrast‐enhanced and diffusion‐weighted MR images
Authors: Yabuuchi Hidetake , Matsuo Yoshio , Okafuji Takashi , Kamitani Takeshi , Soeda Hiroyasu , Setoguchi Taro , Sakai Shuji , Hatakenaka Masamitsu , Kubo Makoto , Sadanaga Noriaki , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Honda Hiroshi
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a combination of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MR imaging (DCE‐MRI) and diffusion‐weighted MR imaging (DWI) in characterization of enhanced mass on breast MR imaging and to find the strongest discriminators between carcinoma and benignancy.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed consecutive breast MR images in 270 patients; however, 13 lesions in 93 patients were excluded based on our criteria. We analyzed tumor size, shape, margin, internal mass enhancement, kinetic curve pattern, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. We applied univariate and multivariate analyses to find the strongest indicators of malignancy and calculate a predictive probability for malignancy. We added the corresponding categories to these prediction probabilities for malignancy and calculated diagnostic accuracy when we consider category 4b, 4c, and 5 lesions as malignant and category 4a, 3, and 2 lesions as benign. In a validation study, 75 enhancing lesions in 71 patients were examined consecutively.

Results

Irregular margin, heterogeneous internal enhancement, rim enhancement, plateau time–intensity curve (TIC) pattern, and washout TIC pattern were the strongest indicators of malignancy as well as past studies, and ADC values less than 1.1 × 10−3 mm2/s were also the strongest indicators of malignancy. In a validation study, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 92% (56/61), 86% (12/14), 97% (56/58), 71% (12/17), and 91% (68/75), respectively.

Conclusion

The combination of DWI and DCE‐MRI could produce high diagnostic accuracy in the characterization of enhanced mass on breast MR imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1157–1165. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnostic accuracy of diffusion‐weighted imaging in differentiating benign from malignant ovarian lesions
Authors: Fujii Shinya , Kakite Suguru , Nishihara Keisuke , Kanasaki Yoshiko , Harada Tasuku , Kigawa Junzo , Kaminou Toshio , Ogawa Toshihide
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To clarify the diagnostic accuracy of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in differentiating benign from malignant ovarian lesions.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed magnetic resonance images of 123 ovarian lesions in 119 patients. We defined lesions with abnormal signal intensity as malignancy and assessed the location of abnormal intensity within the lesions on DWI. We also assessed the mean and lowest apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the solid portion for each ovarian lesion.

Results

The majority of malignant ovarian tumors and mature cystic teratomas, and almost half of the endometriomas, showed abnormal signal intensity on DWI, whereas most fibromas and other benign lesions did not. The main locations of abnormal signal intensity were solid portions in malignant ovarian tumors, cystic components suggestive of keratinoid substances and Rokitansky protuberance in mature cystic teratomas, and intracystic clots in endometriomas. On DW imaging, receiver‐operating characteristic analysis yielded mean Az values of 0.703. There was no significant difference in mean and lowest ADC values between malignant and benign lesions.

Conclusion

DWI of ovarian lesions and ADC values of the solid component are not useful for differentiating benign from malignant ovarian lesions. This knowledge is essential in avoiding misinterpretation in the diagnosis of ovarian lesions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1149–1156. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advanced imaging findings and computer‐assisted surgery of suspected synovial chondromatosis in the temporomandibular joint
Authors: Hohlweg‐Majert Bettina , Metzger Marc C. , Böhm Joachim , Muecke Thomas , Schulze Dirk
Published: October 2008

Synovial chondromatosis of the joint occurs mainly in teenagers and young adults. Only 3% of these neoplasms are located in the head and neck region. Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint is therefore a very rare disorder. Therefore, developing a working, histological confirmation is required for differential diagnosis. In this case series, the outcome of histological investigation and imaging techniques are compared. Based on clinical symptoms, five cases of suspected synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint are presented. In each of the subjects, the diagnosis was confirmed by histology. Specific imaging features for each case are described. The tomography images were compared with the histological findings. All patients demonstrated preauricular swelling, dental midline deviation, and limited mouth opening. Computer‐assisted surgery was performed. Histology disclosed synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint in four cases. The other case was found to be a developmental disorder of the tympanic bone. The diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint can only be based on histology. Clinical symptoms are too general and the available imaging techniques only show nonspecific tumorous destruction, infiltration, and/or residual calcified bodies, they are only for advanced cases. A rare developmental disorder of the tympanic bone—persistence of foramen of Huschke—has to be differentiated. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1251–1257. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Safety of localizing epilepsy monitoring intracranial electroencephalograph electrodes using MRI: Radiofrequency‐induced heating
Authors: Carmichael David W. , Thornton John S. , Rodionov Roman , Thornton Rachel , McEvoy Andrew , Allen Philip J. , Lemieux Louis
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To investigate heating during postimplantation localization of intracranial electroencephalograph (EEG) electrodes by MRI.

Materials and Methods

A phantom patient with a realistic arrangement of electrodes was used to simulate tissue heating during MRI. Measurements were performed using 1.5 Tesla (T) and 3T MRI scanners, using head‐ and body‐transmit RF‐coils. Two electrode‐lead configurations were assessed: a “standard” condition with external electrode‐leads physically separated and a “fault” condition with all lead terminations electrically shorted.

Results

Using a head‐transmit–receive coil and a 2.4 W/kg head‐average specific absorption rate (SAR) sequence, at 1.5T the maximum temperature change remained within safe limits (<1°C). Under “standard” conditions, we observed greater heating (≤2.0°C) at 3T on one system and similar heating (<1°C) on a second, compared with the 1.5T system. In all cases these temperature maxima occurred at the grid electrode. In the “fault” condition, larger temperature increases were observed at both field strengths, particularly for the depth electrodes. Conversely, with a body‐transmit coil at 3T significant heating (+6.4°C) was observed (same sequence, 1.2/0.5 W/kg head/body‐average) at the grid electrode under “standard” conditions, substantially exceeding safe limits. These temperature increases neglect perfusion, a major source of heat dissipation in vivo.

Conclusion

MRI for intracranial electrode localization can be performed safely at both 1.5T and 3T provided a head‐transmit coil is used, electrode leads are separated, and scanner‐reported SARs are limited as determined in advance for specific scanner models, RF coils and implant arrangements. Neglecting these restrictions may result in tissue injury. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1233–1244. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automated Objective Scoring of Histologically Apparent Cartilage Degeneration Using a Custom Image Analysis Program
Authors: Moussavi‐Harami S. Farshid , Pedersen Douglas R. , Martin James A. , Hillis Stephen L. , Brown Thomas D.
Published: October 2008

Histologic assessment of cartilage degradation has traditionally involved semiquantitative techniques, the most commonly utilized being the Mankin scale. Such assessments depend on human observer subjectivity, and thus have drawn criticism on the basis of associated inter‐ and intraobserver variability. We report a newly developed computational image analysis procedure for fully automated and fully objective assessment of the Mankin scale. Image processing routines were developed in a widely used programming environment (Matlab®) to analyze cartilage degradation. One hundred and twenty‐five histology images incorporating a wide range of degradation features were analyzed by the algorithm and by seven observers experienced in cartilage histologic assessment. Based on random effects linear statistical models, the computer program performed well, showing a correlation of 0.88 between its Mankin scores and latent (average of human observers') image scores. Regarding the four subcomponents of the Mankin scale, computer program correlations with observer scores were best for surface defect and proteoglycan depletion, but less favorable for cellularity and tidemark invasion. While limitations exist with image processing techniques, the new algorithm provides an objective and automated method for analyzing cartilage histology sections, consistent with human observer grading. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 522–528, 2009
Density functional study on the structural conformations and intramolecular charge transfer from the vibrational spectra of the anticancer drug combretastatin‐A2
Authors: Padmaja L. , Ravikumar C. , Sajan D. , Hubert Joe I. , Jayakumar V. S. , Pettit G. R. , Faurskov Nielsen O.
Published: October 2008

Combretastatin‐A2 (CA2), a potential anticancer drug in advanced preclinical development, is extracted from the medicinal plant Combretum caffrum. The NIR‐FT Raman and FT‐IR spectral studies of the molecule were carried out and ab initio calculations performed at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level to derive the equilibrium geometry as well as the vibrational wavenumbers and intensities of the spectral bands. The vibrational analysis showed that the molecule has a similar geometry as that of cis‐stilbene, and has undergone steric repulsion resulting in twisting of the phenyl ring with respect to the ethylenic plane. Vibrational analysis was used to investigate the lowering of the stretching modes, and enhancement of infrared band intensities of the C–H stretching modes of Me2 may be attributed to the electronic effects caused by back‐donation and induction from the oxygen atom. Analysis of phenyl ring modes shows that the CA2 stretching mode 8 and the aromatic C–H in‐plane bending mode are equally active as strong bands in both IR and Raman spectra, which can be interpreted as the evidence of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) between the OH and OCH3groups via conjugated ring path and is responsible for bioactivity of the molecule. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrostacking online sample pre‐concentration capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection for β2‐agonists in human urine
Authors: Zheng Lihui , Tong Ping , Zheng Xinyu , Chi Yuwu , Chen Guonan , Zhang Lan
Published: October 2008

A simple, rapid, sensitive and specific method using capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled with electrostacking and amperometric detection (AD) has been developed for the simultaneous separation and determination of clenbuterol (CLB), terbutaline (TER), salbutamol (SAL) and formoterol (FMT). In this paper, the CE separation and AD conditions were investigated in detail. The optimum conditions were: pH 8.6 Na2B4O7‐H3BO3 buffer solution (20.0 mmol/L), 9 kV for the separation voltage, and 1000 mV (versus Ag/AgCl) for the detection potential. When the sample which was dissolved in 70% ACN‐water mixture solution was injected 60 s by 15 kV electrokinetic injection, the best stacking effects was obtained. Under the optimum conditions, the enhancement factors of these β2‐agonists had been greatly improved more than 5500‐fold compared with the conventional electrokinetic injection. And then an excellent linear response was obtained with LODs (S/N = 3) of 0.098, 0.024, 0.063 and 0.920 pmol/L for CLB, TER, SAL and FMT in urine, respectively. The precision weas determined in both intra‐day (n = 5) and inter‐day (n = 15) assays, and the RSDs were not more than 2.1 and 3.4% for migration time and peak current, respectively. The proposed method has been applied to analyze human urine samples successfully.
Preparation and characterization of a lamotrigine imprinted polymer and its application for drug assay in human serum
Authors: Mohajeri Seyed Ahmad , Ebrahimi Soltan Ahmed
Published: October 2008

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) against lamotrigine (LTG) was prepared, characterized, and its recognition properties were compared with a blank nonimprinted polymer (NIP). Two classes of binding sites were found in the MIP – high affinity (KD= 16.2 μM) and low affinity (KD= 161.3 μM). Selectivity of the synthesized MIP was examined using compounds with similar structures or therapeutic uses to LTG. In compounds which had structural similarity to LTG, the presence of amine groups appeared to affect binding to the MIP, however overall shape of the molecule was also important. Under the optimal conditions developed, other anticonvulsant drugs tested did not bind the MIP. A molecularly imprinted SPE (MISPE) procedure was developed which had a recovery of 84–89%, interday variation of less than 3.4% and intraday variation of less than 2.8%. The MISPE procedure was compared with a routine liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) procedure used for the HPLC determination of LTG in serum from patients. The data indicated that the MIP synthesized showed both good selectivity and high affinity for LTG and could be used for the extraction of the drug from serum samples or as the receptor layer for an LTG selective biosensor.
Finite element simulations of seismic effects on retaining walls with liquefiable backfills
Authors: Dewoolkar Mandar M. , Chan A. H. C. , Ko Hon‐Yim , Pak Ronald Y. S.
Published: October 2008

Finite element simulations of two centrifuge tests on the same cantilever retaining wall model holding liquefiable backfill were conducted using the Biot formulation‐based program DIANA–SWANDYNE II. To demonstrate the effects due to different pore fluids in seismic centrifuge experiments, water was used as the pore fluid in one experiment whereas a substitute pore fluid was used in the second experiment. The cantilever wall model parameters were determined by comparing simulations with measurements from free‐vibration tests performed on the model wall without backfill. The initial stress conditions for dynamic analysis for the soil backfill were obtained by simulating static loads on the retaining wall from the soil backfill. Level‐ground centrifuge model results were used to select the parameters of the Pastor–Zienkiewicz mark III constitutive model used in the dynamic simulations of the soil. The effects due to different pore fluids were captured well by the simulations. The magnitudes of excess pore pressures in the soil, lateral thrust and its line of action on the wall, and wall bending strains, deflections, and accelerations were predicted well. Predictions of settlements and accelerations in the backfill were less satisfactory. Relatively high levels of Rayleigh damping were needed to be used in the retaining wall simulations in order to obtain numerically stable results, which is one of the shortcomings of the model. The procedure may be used for engineering purpose dealing with seismic analysis of flexible retaining walls where lateral pressures, bending strains and deflections in the wall are typically of importance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The public issue life cycle and corporate political actions in China's transitional environment: a case of real estate industry
Authors: Tian Zhilong , Fan Shuai
Published: October 2008

Based on the ‘structured content analysis’ of the longitudinal data from a journal of Chinese real estate industry during last 11 years, this paper studies the nature of public issue life cycle and corresponding corporate political actions (CPAs) in a transitional economy. This paper finds out that in a transitional economy like China: (1) a new stage called ‘policy trial’ and double steps of policy introduction were found in the public issue life cycle; (2) the possible outcomes of Chinese public issues are partially consistent with Tombari's arguments; (3) the evolution of CPAs takes a more complex and different path compared with that in the West. In general, this paper provides an available research perspective (the public issue life cycle model) for firms to manage and monitor their external political environment by effectively developing CPAs in a transitional economy.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wavelet analysis of shock and vibration on the truck bed
Authors: Nei Daisuke , Nakamura Nobutaka , Roy Poritosh , Orikasa Takahiro , Ishikawa Yutaka , Kitazawa Hiroaki , Shiina Takeo
Published: October 2008

Vibrations are usually analysed by the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm, and this method is efficient for analysing frequency characteristics of vibrations during transportation. However, the nature of vibrations during transportation is non‐stationary, and the FFT method is not sufficient for dealing with such a non‐stationary, time‐dependent data in some cases. In this study, vibration data were analysed for non‐stationary events using a wavelet algorithm. Although apparent changes in frequency characteristics of vibrations were not observed, a continuous wavelet transform sufficiently detected the time dependence of frequency characteristics. When strong shocks were contained in vibration data, wavelet power spectra were significantly increased corresponding to shocks, and the changes were over a wide range of frequencies. The analysis using discrete wavelet transform indicated that shock signals were located in several decomposition levels, and this was dependent on shock direction. Locally amplified detail coefficients and a subsequent reconstruction successfully generated shock‐added vibration data, considering the frequency characteristics of actual shocks. This procedure is expected to be used as a shock generation method in vibration tests. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composite beam composed of steel and pre‐cast concrete. (Modularized Hybrid System, MHS) Part II: analytical investigation
Authors: Hong Won‐Kee , Kim Jin‐Min , Park Seon‐Chee , Kim Seung‐Il , Lee Seung‐Geun , Lee Ho‐Chan , Yoon Ki‐Joon
Published: October 2008

This paper introduces the concept of a wide flange steel beam with the bottom flange encased in pre‐cast concrete. These composite beams utilize the merits of both steel and concrete materials. The effective interaction between the two materials can reduce the size of the steel beams. The reinforcement and the concrete are pre‐integrated with the bottom flange of the steel beam at a manufacturing plant. In this paper, the analytical investigation of the flexural moment strength of the composite beams at both the yield limit state and the maximum load limit state is performed and compared with the experimental results. The depth of the equivalent rectangular stress block of the beams is obtained using an equilibrium equation when both the compression steel reinforcements are present. The post‐yield behaviour of the composite beams is also investigated based on the normalized effective stiffness
equation image
versus the normalized drift ratio
equation image
. The stiffness of the composite beams degrades gradually with sufficient ductility and dissipating energy capability. A six‐step procedure provides a fast, effective and accurate way of investigating the post‐yield behaviour of the composite beams. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of Axillary Lymph Node Metastases in Breast Cancer: Is There a Role for Minimal Axillary Surgery?
Authors: Yip C. H. , Taib N. A. , Tan G. H. , Ng K. L. , Yoong B. K. , Choo W. Y.
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Axillary nodal status is one of the most important prognostic factors in breast cancer. In the present study we used it to determine the predictors of axillary lymph node metastases in breast cancer and to determine if there is a group of patients in whom minimal axillary surgery is indicated.

Methods

This article reports a retrospective study of 953 patients with T1 and T2 invasive breast carcinomas seen in the University Malaya Medical Centre between January 2001 and December 2005, where axillary dissection was done.

Results

Of the 953 patients, 283 (29.7%) had breast‐conserving surgery, and the rest had mastectomies. In this series, 463 patients (48.6%) were younger than 50 years of age; 365 patients (38.3%) had lymph node involvement. The Malays tend to have more axillary node metastases (45.1%) than the Chinese (36.9%); however, there was no significant relationship between age and race and lymph node involvement. Some 23.9% of grade 1 cancers were node positive, compared to 42.9% of grade 2/3 cancers. Tumor size ranged from 0.2 cm to 5 cm; 55.5% of tumors were T2 (>2–5 cm). There were only 13 (1.4%) T1a tumors (>0.1–0.5 cm). Node involvement was documented in 7.7% of T1a tumors, 12.3% of T1b tumors (>0.5–1 cm), 29.2% of T1c tumors, and 48.2% of T2 tumors. In patients who had no lymphovascular invasion (LVI), 24.4% had axillary node metastases, compared with 52.2% of patients where LVI was reported. On univariate analysis, our study found that tumor diameter >2 cm, presence of lymphovascular invasion, and higher tumor grade (2 & 3) were factors significantly associated with a higher risk of nodal metastases. On multivariate analysis, however, only lymphovascular invasion and tumor size were independent predictors based on the logistic regression.

Conclusions

In T1 tumors, axillary lymph node dissection will overtreat almost 75% of cases; therefore a sentinel lymph node biopsy is justified in these tumors. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has been shown to reduce the complications of formal axillary dissection, such as shoulder stiffness, pain, and lymphedema. In patients with T2 tumors, where almost 45% have lymph node involvement, sentinel node biopsy may not be cost effective.
Population Health Metrics for Surgery: Effective Coverage of Surgical Services in Low‐Income and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Ozgediz Doruk , Hsia Renee , Weiser Thomas , Gosselin Richard , Spiegel David , Bickler Stephen , Dunbar Peter , McQueen Kelly
Published: October 2008

Background

Access to surgical services is emerging as a crucial issue in global public health. “Effective coverage” is a health metric used to evaluate essential health services in low‐ and middle‐income countries. It measures the fraction of potential health gained that is actually realized for a given intervention by integrating the concepts of need, use, and quality.

Methods

This study applies the concept of effective coverage to surgical services by considering injuries and obstetric complications as high‐priority surgical conditions in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Results

Effective coverage for both is poor, but it is less well defined for traumatic conditions compared to obstetric conditions owing to a lack of data.

Conclusions

More primary and secondary data are critical to measure effective coverage and to estimate the resources required to improve access to surgical services in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
The Change in Surgical Practice from Subtotal to Near‐Total or Total Thyroidectomy in the Treatment of Patients with Benign Multinodular Goiter
Authors: Tezelman Serdar , Borucu Ismail , Senyurek (Giles) Yasemin , Tunca Fatih , Terzioglu Tarik
Published: October 2008

Background

Although total thyroidectomy is the procedure of choice in patients with thyroid carcinoma, this surgical approach has emerged as a surgical option to treat patients with benign multinodular goiter (BMNG), especially in endemically iodine‐deficient regions. The aim of this study was to review our experience with patients with BMNG in an endemically iodine‐deficient region treated by either subtotal or total/near‐total thyroidectomy, and to document whether total or near‐total thyroidectomy decreased the rate of completion thyroidectomy for incidentally diagnosed thyroid carcinoma in comparison to the patients with BMNG treated initially by subtotal thyroidectomy.

Methods

Two thousand five hundred ninety‐two patients with BMNG were included. There were 1695 bilateral subtotal thyroidectomies (group 1) and 1211 total or near‐total thyroidectomies (group 2) for BMNG during this period. All patients were euthyroid and had no history of hyperthyroidism, radiation exposure, or familial thyroid carcinoma. Any patient with preoperative or perioperative suspicion of malignancy or hyperthyroidism was excluded.

Results

Bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy was performed in 1695 patients (58.3%) in group 1 and total or near‐total thyroidectomy in 1211 patients (41.7%), in group 2, respectively. The incidence of incidental thyroid carcinoma was found to be 7.2% (n = 210/2906). Although the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidim and transient or permanent unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy were not significantly different between the two groups, transient hypoparathyroidism was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (8.4% vs. 1.42%; p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 52.98). The incidence of thyroid carcinoma was significantly higher in group 2 (10.7%, n = 129/1211) than in group 1 (4.68%, n = 81/1695) (p < 0.001; OR = 39.1).Thirty‐eight patients in group 1 (2.24%) underwent completion thyroidectomy, whereas completion thyroidectomy has been not indicated in group 2 (p = 0.007). Two of 38 patients (5.26%) had thyroid papillary microcarcinoma on their remnant thyroid tissue. The rate of recurrent goiter was 7.1% in group 1. The average time to recurrence in group 1 was 14.9 ± 8.7 years. Six of 121 patients with recurrent disease (4.95%) has been operated on.

Conclusions

Subtotal thyroidectomy resulted in a significantly higher rate of completion thyroidectomy for incidentally diagnosed thyroid carcinoma compared with total or near‐total thyroidectomy in patients with BMNG. The extent of surgical resection had no significant effect on the rate of permanent complications. We recommend total or near‐total thyroidectomy in BMNG to prevent recurrence and to eliminate the necessity for early completion thyroidectomy in case of a final diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma.
Global Musculoskeletal Health: Inaugural Meeting of the International Society of Orthopaedic Centers
Authors: Sculco Thomas P. , Klinghoffer Ilsa P.
Published: October 2008

The International Society of Orthopaedic Centers (ISOC) was founded in 2006 to function as a think tank for leading international orthopaedic academic centers. ISOC's mission is to facilitate the exchange of ideas and cutting edge practices among these centers and to work together on patient care, education, and research in order to make global improvements in orthopaedic care. The inaugural meeting, hosted by Hospital for Special Surgery on May 17–19, 2007, is described here.
Vielfarben-Fluoreszenz-in-situ-Hybridisierung
Authors: Liehr T.
Published: October 2008

Die molekulare Zytogenetik ist ein wesentliches Instrument der Diagnostik und Forschung an menschlichen Chromosomen. Die Fluoreszenz-in-situ-Hybridisierung (FISH) ist hierbei die maßgebliche Technik. Seit Mitte der 1990er Jahre wurde eine Vielzahl verschiedener Vielfarben-FISH-Sondensets für unterschiedliche Fragestellungen etabliert und verfügbar gemacht. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird diese Entwicklung aufgezeigt und dargestellt. Die der Vielfarben-FISH zugrunde liegenden Prinzipien, deren vielfältigen Spielarten und Anwendungen werden zusammengefasst. Schließlich wird eine Prognose bezüglich der Bedeutung der molekularen Zytogenetik im künftigen Zusammenspiel mit den Chiptechnologien getroffen.
Research on the Rice Proteome: The Contribution of Proteomics Technology in the Creation of Abiotic Stress-Tolerant Plants
Authors: Komatsu Setsuko
Published: October 2008

Proteomics techniques have identified a vast number of proteins that participate in the growth of plants or their adaptation to environmental stresses. Functional analysis of those proteins will contribute to the development of high-yielding crops through artificial manipulation of the basic life phenomena of plants or through the assessment of their stress tolerance. The conditions in almost all farmlands are suboptimal for plant growth, resulting in a calculation that causes the loss to three quarters of the potential yield of crops. Breeding of stress-tolerant cultivars has been hampered by the paucity of information on molecular events underlying stress tolerance. A comparative analysis of the response of plants to stress at the protein level, together with physiological measurements, will assist in identifying the genes and pathways that are crucial for stress tolerance. This review examines analyses of the rice proteome under abiotic stress and the potential contribution of proteomics technology in the creation of abiotic stress-tolerant plants.
Invariant mRNA and mitotic protein breakdown solves the Russian Doll problem of the cell cycle
Authors: Cooper Stephen , Shedden Kerby , Vu‐Phan Dang
Published: October 2008

It has been proposed that cyclical gene expression occurs at a large number of different times during the cell cycle. The existence of a large number of cycle‐specific variations in mRNA and protein during the eukaryotic cell cycle raises the problem of how cell‐cycle variations are regulated. This is the “infinite regression” or Russian Doll problem where postulating a cell‐cycle specific control element pushes the explanation of cell‐cycle variation back one step to the problem of how that control element varies during the cell cycle.

PCR studies on unperturbed cells indicate Cyclin mRNA content is invariant during the cell cycle. Furthermore, calculations reveal that variations in mRNA content do not account for observed protein variations.

Continuous and constant gene expression during the cell cycle, continuous protein accumulation, and protein breakdown only within the mitotic window solves the Russian Doll problem or infinite regression problem. These results, and theoretical ideas support an alternative view of the cell cycle where many of the proposed control systems do not exist.
In union lies strength: Collaborative competence in new product development and its performance effects
Authors: Mishra Anant A. , Shah Rachna
Published: October 2008

It is widely recognized that new product development (NPD) is a highly interdependent process, yet efforts to empirically model the interdependence and examine its effect on firm performance are scarce. Our study addresses this research gap. We model firms’ abilities to collectively collaborate with suppliers, customers, and internal employee teams in NPD as collaborative competence and examine its impact on project and market performance. Using responses collected from 189 NPD managers, we find empirical evidence for collaborative competence and its differential impact on project and market performance. Specifically, we find that collaborative competence has a direct impact on project performance, but its impact on market performance is indirect, mediated through project performance. The results have significant managerial implications; achieving superior market performance from inter‐ and intra‐organizational involvement is contingent on achieving superior project performance, and companies that fail to achieve desired project performance outcomes will also fail in achieving market performance goals.
What is to be done? Succession from the League of Communists of Croatia
Authors: Pickering Paula M. , Baskin Mark
Published: October 2008

Croatia’s complex and violent transition contributed to conditions under which ex-communists have exerted significant influence over multiple post-Communist parties. In the 1990s, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) led by President Franjo Tudjman employed war to impose a semi-authoritarian system that further weakened the electoral prospects of the most logical Communist successor party—the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The SDP-led coalition’s win in the 2000 elections ushered in conditions that enabled a deeper democratization in Croatia that brought it closer toward integration into the EU. HDZ’s loss in 2000 and EU leverage then helped compel HDZ to reform and to continue work toward meeting EU accession requirements.
Conditions of formation of the Atbashi Ridge eclogites (South Tien Shan)
Authors: Simonov V.A. , Sakiev K.S. , Volkova N.I. , Stupakov S.I. , Travin A.V.
Published: October 2008

New data on the conditions and time of formation of eclogites in the Atbashi Ridge (South Tien Shan) were obtained. The PT-conditions of crystallization of high-pressure minerals from eclogites have been established: 23–25 kbar, 510–570 °C. Analysis of fluid inclusions showed that the metamorphic processes of the eclogite formation involved salt-aqueous fluids (up to 6–12 wt.% NaCl). Primary fluid inclusions were trapped by omphacite and garnet on their high-pressure (23–25 kbar) crystallization. The pressures determined from thermodynamic data on the inclusions (6–7.2 kbar) reflect the adaptation of the host-mineral matrix to the decrease in ambient parameters, which led to the fluid re-equilibration in the inclusions. The pseudosecondary inclusions in omphacite, quartz, and garnet reflect the conditions of regressive processes running on the ascent of eclogites at pressures of up to 4.5–6.2 kbar. The stepwise 40Ar/39Ar dating showed that the high-pressure minerals from the Atbashi Ridge eclogites crystallized at 324–327 Ma. Data on trace and rare-earth elements indicate that the protoliths of two established types of eclogites (with characteristics of N-MORB and plateau basalts) formed synchronously as a result of the interaction of MOR magmatic systems with plateau-basaltic plume magmatism. These protoliths were basic paleo-oceanic complexes, whose fragments are localized as ophiolites in the Atbashi Ridge structures. The maximum time gap between the formation of ancient oceanic crust and the eclogite metamorphism in the subduction zones of the studied associations is ~120 Myr.
Fissured quartz and the problem of study of pre-Riphean metamorphosed residual crust of weathering on the Chuya-Nechera granites of the Patom upland
Authors: Sharov V.N.
Published: October 2008

The recognition of pre-Riphean metamorphosed residual crust of deep chemical weathering on the Chuya-Nechera (Chuya-Kodar) granites on the basis of found gravel-like quartz-sericite rocks (apparently, residual products of feldspar hydrolysis) is still debatable. Study of this crust in relation with deep-level hypergenesis shows that it consists of not only quartz pseudogravelstones of dispersed paleozone but also pseudoquartzite schists, pseudoquartzites of lithomarge paleozone, and physically weathered granites of clastic and fissure zones in its bottom. Inequigranular (pisolitic, fine- and thin-grained) fissured quartz differentiated with depth is the main indicator of this crust. This quartz and associated sericite are the lithified and metamorphosed direct (hydrolysate alumina), side (hydrolysate silica), and residual (large-ingrowth quartz) products of the chemical decomposition of feldspar. Some of them accumulated in situ — in lateritic crust, and others were redeposited — first, in the lower layers of the weathering profile and then, in the residual crust. The early quartz and sericite accumulations in the weathering profile date the formation of peneplain, and the late ones, marking the residual crust, date the beginning of the marginal-sea transgression onto the passive continental margin, the peneplain erosion, and the origin of the Bodaibo inner trough.
The system of neotectonic faults in southeastern Altai: orientations and geometry of motion
Authors: Novikov I.S. , Emanov A.A. , Leskova E.V. , Batalev V.Yu. , Rybin A.K. , Bataleva E.A.
Published: October 2008

The implications of recent seismological and resistivity data for the geometry and orientations of neotectonic faults are generally consistent with the morphotectonic model of Gorny Altai as an area of crustal failure at the junction of two relatively stable blocks. The model predicts motions under general NW compression mainly on right-lateral strike-slip faults accompanied by systems of pinnate reverse and extensional faults.

The locations and mechanisms of aftershocks that followed the 2003 Chuya earthquake (Gorny Altai) indicate long seismic activity generated by a neotectonic NW right-lateral strike-slip fault which separates the North Chuya and South Chuya ranges from the Kurai-Chuya system of intermontane basins. The plane of the northwestern termination of the active fault zone dips in the SE direction, beneath the ranges, at about 70°.

MT data show two types of conductors that reach the surface, namely, nearly vertical zones along neotectonic faults between the blocks not involved into vertical motion, according to morphotectonic evidence, and inclined zones between the uplifted (subsided) blocks. We interpret the former as strike-slip faults and the latter as reverse or reverse oblique faults, which always dip beneath the uplifted blocks and record the general compressional setting.
New type of Cambrian section in eastern part of West Siberian Plate (based on Vostok-1 stratigraphic well data)
Authors: Kontorovich A.E. , Varlamov A.I. , Emeshev V.G. , Efimov A.S. , Klets A.G. , Komarov A.V. , Kontorovich V.A. , Korovnikov I.V. , Saraev S.V. , Filippov Yu.F. , Varaksina I.V. , Glinskikh V.N. , Luchinina V.A. , Novozhilova N.V. , Pegel T.V. , Sennikov N.V. , Timokhin A.V.
Published: October 2008

A new type of Cambrian section penetrated by the Vostok-1 stratigraphic test well in the east of the West Siberian Plate, Tomsk Region, is described in terms of paleontology. It can be considered a key section for this region. According to a complex of geological and geophysical characteristics, the section in the depth range of 2766–5010 m was divided into the Churbiga, Paidugina, Pudzhelga, Podelga, Kondes, Shedelga, and Pyzhina Formations, and their first description was made. The Cambrian section in Vostok-1 well is most similar to those of the Kotui-Igarka area of the northwestern Siberian Platform, where Cambrian deposits formed in the pre-reef zone of an open sea basin. In the lower section of the borehole the highly carbonaceous siliceous-argillaceous-carbonate Paidugina Formation was stripped, which is an analog of the Lower-Middle Cambrian Shumnaya and Kuonamka Formations of the Siberian Platform. The Paidugina Formation, which accumulated on the shelf and slope of the open sea facing the Paleo-Asian ocean, is considered oil-producing and suggests the high petroleum potential of the cis-Yenisei basin. Also, a highly promising generation-accumulation petroleum system has been revealed.
ROOT ROT RESISTANCE IN NEW CASSAVA VARIETIES INTRODUCED TO FARMERS IN NIGERIA
Authors: OKECHUKWU R. U. , DIXON A. G. O. , AKORODA M. O. , MWANGI M. , BANDYOPADHYAY R.
Published: October 2008

In 2004 and 2005 through field trials in over 2500 locations in several agroecological zones, 40 new cassava varieties were introduced in Nigeria. The trials were managed by scientists, extension workers and farmers. The aim in introducing these new varieties was to pre-emptively manage cassava mosaic disease, to avert an imminent threat from the Ugandan strain of the pathogen and prevent damage to the Nigerian cassava economy. From these trials, 10 new varieties were selected and officially released for high root yield, high dry matter content and acceptability for food, industry and livestock. Cassava root rot is a major source of yield loss in Nigeria, especially where farmers practice late harvest because they wait for a good price from the market before harvest and sales. This paper investigated how the 40 varieties together with three old improved varieties currently in farmers' fields during the formal trials responded to root rot disease. No absolutely resistant variety was found, indicating that early harvest (9–11 months after planting) is still the best way to reduce losses from root rot. Root rot is also significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced by genotype and environment interaction. Most root rot was recorded in the humid forest and the least was in the Sudan savanna agroecological zone. Using a rank-sum method, the 43 varieties were separated into highly resistant, resistant, moderately resistant, moderately susceptible, susceptible and highly susceptible classes.
CHALLENGES AND LESSONS WHEN USING FARMER KNOWLEDGE IN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN AFRICA
Authors: VAN ASTEN P. J. A. , KAARIA S. , FERMONT A. M. , DELVE R. J.
Published: October 2008

Farmer participatory research (FPR) approaches are now considered mainstream and are especially applicable for developing appropriate technology options in complex, diverse and risk-prone regions, where local adaptations are crucial. Although the advantages of using farmer knowledge to guide scientific research are numerous and well documented, the challenges and potential pitfalls that befall biophysical researchers, in particular, when using FPR approaches have received much less attention, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Our experiences show that in certain cases, the methods used to collect farmer knowledge are flawed, leading to inaccurate or incomplete information being gathered. This potentially leads to the development and promotion of unsustainable, unprofitable or socially unacceptable technologies. This paper uses a series of examples to illustrate that discrepancies between farmer and researcher observations may occur because (i) farmers and scientists may not have sufficient insight into the systems complexity, (ii) farmers and scientists use different reference frameworks, and (iii) methodological errors may lead to farmers intentionally or unintentionally providing false or ‘desired’ information to achieve (short-term) benefits. This paper concludes by providing guidelines to improve the integration of farmer and scientific knowledge in order to develop appropriate technology options that are both environmentally sound and adaptable to local conditions.
Hearing results following intratympanic gentamicin perfusion for Ménière's disease
Authors: Kyrodimos E , Aidonis I , Sismanis A
Published: October 2008

Objective:

To evaluate hearing results following intratympanic gentamicin perfusion in patients with Ménière's disease.

Materials and methods:

Middle-ear perfusion of 0.4 ml of gentamicin 40 mg/ml solution was performed in Ménière's disease patients who had previously failed to respond to other medical treatment.

Results:

Between May 1999 and November 2005, 22 patients (mean age 58.5 years) underwent intratympanic gentamicin perfusion. Mean follow up was 30 months. At the first post-perfusion visit (four to six weeks following perfusion), three of the 22 patients (13.63 per cent) had a pure tone average improvement of at least 10 dB, 15 (68.18 per cent) showed no change and four (18.18 per cent) demonstrated a decrease in hearing of more than 10 dB. Regarding speech discrimination scores, one patient (4.54 per cent) exhibited an improvement of at least 15 per cent, 15 (68.18 per cent) showed no change and six (27.27 per cent) showed a decrease of at least 15 per cent. After long-term follow up (12–40 months following perfusion), 10 patients (45.45 per cent) showed stable hearing, and 12 (54.54 per cent) exhibited a pure tone average decrease of more than 10 dB. Six patients (27.27 per cent) showed a speech discrimination score decrease of at least 15 per cent, while 16 (72.72 per cent) had no change. Complete cessation of vertigo was reported by 20 of the 22 patients (90.9 per cent), while two (9.09 per cent) reported episodic vertigo spells.

Conclusion:

Intratympanic gentamicin perfusion provides effective control of vertigo in patients with Ménière's disease. However, significant hearing loss may occur immediately after perfusion; therefore, this treatment should be considered only for patients whose hearing has already been affected by the disease.
Platelet-rich plasma improves healing of tympanic membrane perforations: experimental study
Authors: Erkilet E , Koyuncu M , Atmaca S , Yarim M
Published: October 2008

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of local application of platelet-rich plasma to perforated rat tympanic membranes, in terms of healing time and histopathological outcome.

Methods:

Eighty-eight tympanic membranes of 44 rats were given a standard 3 mm perforation, and platelet-rich plasma was applied to the right tympanic membrane perforations. The left tympanic membranes were left to heal spontaneously, as controls. The 44 rats were divided into two groups. In group one, comprising 20 rats, daily otomicroscopic examination of the tympanic membrane perforations was performed. The 24 rats in group two were subdivided into four subgroups of six rats each; these subgroups were sacrificed sequentially on days three, seven, 14 and 28 for histopathological examination, regardless of tympanic membrane healing stage.

Results:

In group one, the mean tympanic membrane healing times for tympanic membrane perforations receiving platelet-rich plasma and controls were respectively 10.2 ± 2.1 and 13.0 ± 2.9 days (mean ± standard deviation). This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). In group two, histopathological evaluation of tympanic membrane perforation healing at days three, seven, 14 and 28 did not reveal any statistically significant difference, individually or within the four groups as a whole.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that earlier healing of tympanic membrane perforations occurred in the platelet-rich plasma group compared with the control group. These findings suggest that platelet-rich plasma is effective in accelerating tympanic membrane perforation healing, and that it may be effective in human subjects, particularly as it is an autologous material.