bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reverse‐engineering of gradient coil designs based on experimentally measured magnetic fields and approximate knowledge of coil geometry‐application in exposure evaluations
Authors: Liu Feng , Trakic Adnan , Lopez Hector Sanchez , Wei Qing , Fuentes Miguel , Weber Ewald , Crozier Stuart
Published: February 2009

For many MRI installations, the coil pattern that generates pulsed magnetic fields produced by gradient coils is not provided by the manufacturer. This has implications for accurate assessments of MRI worker exposures, which is currently an important topic of research. To correctly model the level of exposure, a full three‐dimensional distribution of the magnetic field in the locality of the magnet end is required, which can be difficult to obtain by experimental measurements. This research presents one possible approach, in which the prediction of a current distribution that generates an approximately identical magnetic field profile is constrained by a small number of experimentally measured magnetic field sample points within a plane outside the gradient set. The presented methodology may take into consideration other important descriptors such as field uniformity in the imaging volume, gradient coil geometry/dimension, driving current, central field strength, etc. To exemplify the application of the proposed approach, the current density and matching magnetic field distributions of x‐ and z‐axis gradient coils are approximated without preknowledge of the gradient coil patterns for a MRI system, followed by exposure evaluations of a tissue‐equivalent numerical worker model in the vicinity of said gradients. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 35B: 32–43, 2009
Multiversion concurrency control for the generalized search tree
Authors: Binder Walter , Mosincat Adina , Spycher Samuel , Constantinescu Ion , Faltings Boi
Published: February 2009

Many read‐intensive systems where fast access to data is more important than the rate at which data can change make use of multidimensional index structures, like the generalized search tree (GiST). Although in these systems the indexed data are rarely updated and read access is highly concurrent, the existing concurrency control mechanisms for multidimensional index structures are based on locking techniques, which cause significant overhead. In this article we present the multiversion‐GiST (MVGiST), an in‐memory mechanism that extends the GiST with multiversion concurrency control. The MVGiST enables lock‐free read access and ensures a consistent view of the index structure throughout a reader's series of queries, by creating lightweight, read‐only versions of the GiST that share unchanging nodes among themselves. An example of a system with high read to write ratio, where providing wait‐free queries is of utmost importance, is a large‐scale directory that indexes web services according to their input and output parameters. A performance evaluation shows that for low update rates, the MVGiST significantly improves scalability w.r.t. the number of concurrent read accesses when compared with a traditional, locking‐based concurrency control mechanism. We propose a technique to control memory consumption and confirm through our evaluation that the MVGiST efficiently manages memory. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance evaluation of an autonomic network‐aware metascheduler for Grids
Authors: Caminero A. , Rana O. , Caminero B. , Carrión C.
Published: February 2009

Grid technologies have enabled the aggregation of geographically distributed resources in the context of a particular application. The network remains an important requirement for any Grid application, as entities involved in a Grid system (such as users, services, and data) need to communicate with each other over a network. The performance of the network must therefore be considered when carrying out tasks such as scheduling, migration or monitoring of jobs. Surprisingly, many existing quality of service efforts ignore the network and focus instead on processor workload and disk access time. Making use of the network in an efficient and fault‐tolerant manner is challenging. In a previous contribution, we proposed an autonomic network‐aware scheduling architecture that is capable of adapting its behavior to the current status of the environment. Now, we present a performance evaluation in which our proposal is compared with a conventional scheduling strategy. We present simulation results that show the benefits of our approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Profiles for conveying the secure communication requirements of Web services
Authors: Merrill Duane , Grimshaw Andrew
Published: February 2009

A fundamental theme of the services‐oriented Grid paradigm is the collaboration of participants from different administrative and security domains. As such, constructing meaningful, interoperable security that brokers interorganizational trust as well as token syntax and semantics is crucial for fostering Grid adoption and buy‐in. This is a lofty goal that must be tackled together by standards communities, middleware and platform software architects, and domain administrators. A crucial first step toward realizing this goal is the ability to normatively describe the secure communication requirements that affect message format. As such, we present two new OGF security profiles that provide guidance for the expression and conveyance of secure communication requirements. The Secure Communication Profile 1.0 is a refinement of the WS‐SecurityPolicy specification. The goals of this profile are to impose more restrictive conformance requirements on the WS‐Security mechanisms described by WS‐SecurityPolicy assertions, to facilitate key distribution and policy timestamping, and to profile normative ‘well‐known’ policy documents that identify commonly used security mechanisms. The Secure Addressing Profile 1.0 refines the WS‐Addressing specification in order to profile the inclusion of security policy within endpoint references (EPRs). This approach of conveying security policy within EPRs is well suited to the Grid paradigms of stateful Web service resources and factory patterns. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Has the ThinPrep method of cervical screening maintained its improvement over conventional smears in terms of specimen adequacy?
Authors: Treacy A. , Reynolds J. , Kay E. W. , Leader M. , Grace A.
Published: February 2009

Liquid‐based cytology (LBC) has replaced conventional smear assessment in many centers over recent years. In our laboratory this transfer took place in 1999. At that time we performed a split sample study comparing the conventional method of cervical smear evaluation with the ThinPrep™ system. This split sample study identified a dramatic improvement in specimen adequacy with LBC. While 11% of conventional preparations were reported as unsatisfactory and almost 9% were reported as suboptimal, evaluation of the same cases using LBC saw this combined figure reduced to 2.3%.

Aim: To evaluate whether this dramatic fall in unsatisfactory smears has been maintained with the use of LBC.

The database for all smears reported for 2005 (100% LBC) was interrogated. The number of unsatisfactory reports was calculated. The reason for an unsatisfactory report was recorded for each case. The overall unsatisfactory rate was compared with that reported in the 1999 split sample study.

A total of 41,312 smear tests were reported in 2005. 1,342 (3.25%) were reported as unsatisfactory.

Our findings support the ongoing value of LBC in a routine cervical screening laboratory in terms of continuing to maintain a low rate of unsatisfactory smears. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytologic diagnostic pitfall of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans masquerading as primary parotid tumor: A case report
Authors: Siddaraju Neelaiah , Singh Neha , Murugan Paari , Wilfred Clement D. , Chahwala Qutubuddin , Soundararaghavan Jayanthi
Published: February 2009

We report the cytology of a rare case of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) involving the parotid region.

Our patient was a 55‐year‐old female who presented with a swelling in the right parotid region, which was clinically interpreted as a “recurrent parotid tumor.” Fine needle aspiration revealed a moderate cellular yield with spindle cell component, seen discretely as well as, embedded loosely within a fibrillary magenta matrix. A few cellular spindle cell fascicles and several discrete, naked, spindly nuclei were also noted. Neoplastic cells exhibited a minimal pleomorphism with a relatively bland chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. A differential diagnosis of the benign spindle cell tumor/low, or intermediate grade myxoid, spindle cell sarcomas was considered. Owing to its clinical presentation simulating a parotid tumor, possibility of “spindle cell myoepithelioma” was suggested. However, histopathologic examination with immunohistochemistry showed it to be a DFSP.

A precise diagnosis of DFSP is not always possible on cytology alone. Owing to its location, as well as the spindle cell morphology, DFSP occurring in the parotid region is likely to be mistaken for a spindle cell myoepithelioma, in which case, an appropriate panel of immunomarkers is required for resolving the diagnostic dilemma. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pitfalls in the diagnosis of adult rhabdomyoma by fine needle aspiration: Report of a case and a brief literature review
Authors: Jin Bo , Saleh Husain
Published: February 2009

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a valuable, noninvasive, commonly used technique in the diagnoses of head and neck tumors. Adult rhabdomyoma is a rare benign tumor of striate muscle tissue usually located in the head and neck region. Cytomorphologically, the tumor cells have eosinophilic finely granular cytoplasm, which sometimes can mimic other tumors. We report a case of adult rhabdomyoma, which was initially misinterpreted as granular cell tumor on FNA biopsy due to lacking of typical cytological features of adult rhabdomyoma. We recommend that adult rhabdomyoma should be included in differential diagnoses when the cytological features are suggestive of granular cell tumor. A panel of immunohistochemical stains including S100, desmin, and myoglobulin may also be helpful in making correct diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pure neuritic leprosy with nerve abscess presenting as a cystic, soft tissue mass: Report of a case diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Siddaraju Neelaiah , Sistla Sarath Chandra , Singh Neha , Muniraj Femela , Chahwala Qutubuddin , Basu Debdatta , Kumar Surendra
Published: February 2009

Pure neuritic leprosy (PNL) with nerve abscess manifesting as a huge, cystic, soft tissue mass is highly uncommon. Fine needle aspiration cytology can serve as an important initial diagnostic modality in such an instance.

We report a case of 28‐year‐old male, who presented with a huge swelling in the lower, medial aspect of the right upper arm. The clinical diagnosis was schwannoma. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) yielded 80 ml of sticky, turbid, pale brown fluid. Cytologic examination revealed abundant, caseous, necrotic material and many degenerated neutrophils in a thin proteinaceous background. Stain for acid fast bacilli (AFB) was negative. Based on an AFB negative, caseous, necrotic material obtained from the soft tissue mass located in the ulnar nerve region, a cytodiagnosis of tuberculoid PNL with nerve abscess was given, and this was confirmed by the subsequent histopathologic examination.

Our case emphasizes the major role of minimally traumatic, FNA technique in the diagnosis of rare cases of clinically unsuspected neuritic leprosies. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mucoepidermoid thymic carcinoma: A challenging mediastinal aspirate
Authors: Kapila Kusum , Pathan Shahed K. , Amir Thasneem , Joneja Munish , Hebbar Santhosh , Al‐Ayadhy Bushra
Published: February 2009

Primary thymic carcinoma—mucoepidermoid cell (MEC) type is rare and only one report describing the cytologic features of this neoplasm in the metastatic site is described. We describe the cytological features of poorly differentiated carcinoma possibly MEC in a 54‐year‐old man who presented with cough, weight loss, and puffiness of face for 3 months. The significance of this infrequently encountered neoplasm lies in its potential confusion of origin of the tumor—thymus or metastases from a primary bronchial MEC. Immunocytochemical profile was suggestive of a thymic carcinoma of the MEC type. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnostic utility of mammaglobin and GCDFP‐15 in the identification of metastatic breast carcinoma in fluid specimens
Authors: Yan Z. , Gidley J. , Horton D. , Roberson J. , Eltoum I. E. , Chhieng D. C.
Published: February 2009

Morphologic differentiation of breast carcinoma from nonmammary malignancies in fluid specimens can be a diagnostic challenge. Immunocytochemistry is often employed in the differential diagnosis. In this study, we evaluated the expression of mammoglobin (MGB1) in body‐cavity fluid specimens and compared its efficacy as a marker for metastatic breast carcinomas with that of gross cystic disease fluid protein‐15 (GCDFP‐15). Cell blocks from 40 fluid specimens were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies against MGB1 and GCDFP‐15. They included 15 breast carcinomas and 25 nonmammary carcinomas (10 lungs, 10 ovaries, 3 gastrointestinal tracts, 1 kidney, and 1 urinary bladder). Positivity was defined as the presence of cytoplasmic staining in 10% or more carcinoma cells. Thirteen (87%) and seven (47%) breast carcinomas showed positive staining with MGB1 and GCDFP‐15, respectively. Three (12%) nonmammary carcinomas (2 ovarian and 1 colonic) showed positive MGB1 staining; one (3%) nonmammary carcinoma demonstrated positive GCDFP‐15 staining. The differences of MGB1 and GCDFP‐15 staining between breast and nonmammary carcinomas were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Both MGB1 and GCDFP‐15 are specific markers for metastatic breast carcinomas in cell block fluid specimens (88 vs. 96%). However, MGB1 is more sensitive than GCDFP‐15 as a marker for metastatic breast carcinoma (87 vs. 46%). Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of EUS‐guided FNA and Trucut biopsy for diagnosing and staging abdominal and mediastinal neoplasms
Authors: Kipp Benjamin R. , Pereira Telma C. , Souza Paola C. , Gleeson Ferga C. , Levy Michael J. , Clayton Amy C.
Published: February 2009

The objective of this study was to evaluate endoscopic ultrasound Trucut biopsy (TCB) specimens and compare these findings to fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens for the diagnosis of neoplasia. FNA and TCB specimens were reviewed in blinded fashion by a cytopathologist from patients (N = 93) who had EUS‐guided FNA and TCB specimens collected between July 2000 and January 2005. Specimens were categorized as nondiagnostic, negative, suspicious for stromal neoplasm, suspicious for malignancy, positive for stromal neoplasm, or positive for malignancy. Standard final diagnosis based on clinical and/or pathologic follow‐up was available for 86 of 93 patients. The final diagnoses comprised malignancy (n = 55), stromal neoplasm (n = 19), and benign findings (n = 12). The combination of FNA and TCB results combined were significantly (P < 0.001) more sensitive that FNA alone for the detection of both malignancy (78% vs. 55%) and stromal neoplasia (79% vs. 19%) without a significant change in overall specificity (92% vs. 100%, P = 1.00). A positive FNA specimen with a negative/nondiagnostic TCB result was established in seven patients with malignancy. A positive TCB diagnosis with a negative/nondiagnostic FNA result was noted in five patients with malignancy. A suspicious FNA result was upgraded to positive in conjunction with TCB specimen evaluation in eight patients with malignancy. The results of this study suggest that TCB is a useful adjunctive technique when used in tandem with FNA for malignancy and stromal neoplasia detection. Additional data are needed to firmly establish practice guidelines for the use of EUS‐guided TCB specimens in clinical practice. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of cytological results obtained by repeated US‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsies of thyroid nodules: Focus on the rate of malignancy and diagnostic concordance
Authors: Lee Young Hen , Kim Baek Hyun , Suh Sang‐il , Seo Hyung Suk , Seo Bo Kyoung , Cho Kyu Ran , Lee Ju‐Han , Kim Nan Hee , Seo Ji A
Published: February 2009

The debate still continues on the repeated fine‐needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) for thyroid nodule in clinical practice. In this study, we determined the rate of cytological change to malignancy and the diagnostic concordance of repeated FNABs when the same nodules were targeted under US‐guidance. We retrospectively reviewed data for 187 thyroid nodules (173: twice, 14: three times) from 160 patients who underwent repeated US‐guided FNABs, which were performed by one skilful radiologist targeting for the same nodules at a mean interval of 7.5 months. Their initial cytological findings were compared with second or third results and histopathologic follow‐up. The initial FNABs findings of 187 nodules were unsatisfactory, benign, and indeterminate in 56, 52, and 79 cases, respectively. The rate of a second cytological diagnosis changed to malignancy was significantly higher in the unsatisfactory aspirates (10.7%; 6/56), when compared with those of the benign (0.0%; 0/52) or of indeterminate aspirates (3.8%; 3/79) (P = 0.022). However, there was no change to malignancy at third cytological findings of all 14 nodules. After the second US‐guided FNABs, 30.8% (16/52) of the initially diagnosed as benign aspirates were reclassified as indeterminate, while 26.6% (21/79) of the initially diagnosed as indeterminate were reclassified as benign. In conclusion, to identify malignancies, repeated US‐guided FNABs are recommended for thyroid nodules initially classified as unsatisfactory aspirates. However, although US‐guidance is applied, a discrepancy might be unavoidable in the cytological interpretation of the nodules classified as benign or as indeterminate aspirates because of overlapping cytological criteria. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oncocytoma of the lacrimal gland diagnosed initially by fine‐needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Archondakis Stavros , Skagias Lazaros , Tsakiris Aristidis , Sambaziotis Dimitrios , Daskalopoulou Dimitra
Published: February 2009

Oncocytomas are benign tumors that infrequently involve ocular adnexa. We describe a case of oncocytoma of the lacrimal gland which was initially diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration cytology. An 83‐year‐old patient presented to the cytology laboratory with a peripunctal mass in the right eye. The tumor was aspirated. The cytoplasm of the tumor cells was rich in eosinophilic granules. The initial cytological diagnosis was oncocytoma. The tumor was then completely excised and the histological diagnosis confirmed the initial cytological one. Oncocytoma is a rare entity which must be considered in differential diagnosis of a peripunctal mass in elderly patients. The literature was reviewed confirming the rarity of such a presentation and the novelty of this case. Cytological criteria of malignancy are not yet established. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Otic mesenchyme expression of Cre recombinase directed by the inner ear enhancer of the Brn4/Pou3f4 gene
Authors: Ahn Kyung J. , Passero Frank , Crenshaw E. Bryan
Published: February 2009

Brn4/Pou3f4 is a POU‐domain transcription factor expressed in the otic mesenchyme that is required for the normal development of the inner ear. In this report, we describe the isolation of an otic mesenchyme enhancer in the Brn4 gene. Subsequently, this enhancer was used to drive the expression of Cre recombinase in the otic mesenchyme of transgenic mice. When intercrossed with the ROSA reporter strain, R26R, ß‐galactosidase expression is detected in several inner ear structures derived from otic mesenchyme, including the temporal bone, spiral ligament, spiral limbus, and mesenchyme underlying sensory epithelium of the utricle, saccule and semicircular canals. Thus, this Cre pedigree can induce conditional rearrangement of genes in the otic mesenchyme, and will serve as a powerful genetic tool to characterize the function of genes in the mesenchymal tissues of the inner ear. genesis 47:137–141, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
AuCl3‐Catalyzed Hydroalkoxylation of Conjugated Alkynoates: Synthesis of Five‐ and Six‐Membered Cyclic Acetals
Authors: Diéguez‐Vázquez Alejandro , Tzschucke C. Christoph , Crecente‐Campo José , McGrath Sally , Ley Steven V.
Published: February 2009

The AuCl3‐catalyzed double hydroalkoxylation of conjugated 7‐hydroxyheptynoates offers a convenient route for the synthesis of six‐membered cyclic acetals, which are common substructures of polyketide natural products. When conjugated 6‐hydroxyhexynoates are used as starting materials, either five‐membered cyclic E‐enol ethers or the corresponding acetals can be obtained by simply choosing the appropriate reaction solvent. NMR spectroscopic studies were carried out to determine the kinetics and pathway of the latterdomino 5‐exo cyclization–hydroalkoxylation reaction. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
A Series of Novel N,N‐Donor Ligands with Binaphthyl Backbones
Authors: Jozak Thomas , Fischer Marcus , Thiel Johannes , Sun Yu , Kelm Harald , Thiel Werner R.
Published: February 2009

Chiral ligands with the 1,1′‐binaphthyl unit as the backbone play an important role in enantioselective catalysis. In this paper we present the synthesis and characterization of three novel azole‐functionalized 1,1‐binaphthyl derivatives. These systems are accessible from commercially available starting materials in not more than four steps. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Modeling progressive collapse in reinforced concrete buildings using direct element removal
Authors: Talaat Mohamed , Mosalam Khalid M.
Published: February 2009

This paper presents a novel analytical formulation of an element removal algorithm based on dynamic equilibrium and the resulting transient change in system kinematics, by applying imposed accelerations instead of external forces at a node where an element was once connected. The algorithm is implemented into an open‐source finite element code, numerically tested using a benchmark structural system with simplified element removal criteria, and able to capture the effect of uncertainty in member capacity. Realistic element removal criteria are introduced for mode‐dependent gravity load collapse of seismically deficient and retrofitted reinforced concrete (RC) columns and unreinforced masonry (URM) infill walls. Two applications are conducted using structural systems of RC frames with URM infill walls. The first is a probabilistic study of a one‐story model subjected to an ensemble of 14 ground motion recordings from similar neighboring sites during an earthquake event. The study produces empirical probability curves for partial and complete collapse conditioned on different hazard levels, and concludes that the intra‐event variability is a major source of uncertainty affecting the outcome of progressive collapse simulations. The second application is a deterministic sensitivity study of progressive collapse response in a five‐story structural model to uncertainty in live load, stiffness, damping, and seismic hazard level, subjected to one ground motion record. The analysis identifies the time at incipient collapse as an adequate sensitivity measure, and the uncertainty in ground motion intensity as the most important, followed by the stiffness of the URM infill wall. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Form–flow interactions of an aeolian saucer blowout
Authors: Hugenholtz Chris H. , Wolfe Stephen A.
Published: February 2009

Airflow patterns through a saucer blowout are examined from wind speed and direction measurements made during a chinook wind event. The blowout long‐axis is oriented east–west with a broad depositional apron on the east side. Wind directions during the event rotated from south‐westerly to westerly, permitting an assessment of oblique and axis‐parallel flows. Results show that airflow passing over the windward rim of the saucer blowout expands and decelerates, leading to flow separation and a small re‐circulation zone on sheltered lee slopes. Near the deflation basin, airflow re‐attaches to the blowout surface and accelerates up to a small opening in the east rim, where it can be up to 50% faster than on the windward edge. Beyond the downwind rim the airflow expands and decelerates and sand is deposited onto a broad apron. Similar to coastal trough blowouts, the degree of airflow steering and acceleration along the deflation basin is determined by the angle of incidence between the approach wind and the long‐axis of the blowout. As the angle of incidence increases wind speed accelerates at 0·3 m above the surface of the deflation basin and the degree of airflow steering increases. Overall, a two‐fold process is identified, where south‐westerly flows have greater potential for eroding the deflation basin, while westerly flows have greater potential for evacuating sand from within the blowout. Visual observations indicate that sand eroded from the deflation basin during south‐westerly flows is re‐distributed to adjacent zones of low wind speed until axis‐parallel winds evacuate the sand through the opening in the east rim. Morphometric changes since 1994 indicate that the blowout morphology has remained relatively constant, suggesting a persistent interplay between oblique and axis‐parallel wind erosion events. Collectively, these findings indicate that the angle of approach winds is an important control on saucer blowout morphodynamics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial variability of rainfall on a sub‐kilometre scale
Authors: Fiener P. , Auerswald K.
Published: February 2009

The variability of rainfall in space and time is an essential driver of many processes in nature but little is known about its extent on the sub‐kilometre scale, despite many agricultural and environmental experiments on this scale. A network of 13 tipping‐bucket rain gauges was operated on a 1·4 km2 test site in southern Germany for four years to quantify spatial trends in rainfall depth, intensity, erosivity, and predicted runoff. The random measuring error ranged from 10% to 0·1% in case of 1 mm and 100 mm rainfall, respectively. The wind effects could be well described by the mean slope of the horizon at the stations. Except for one station, which was excluded from further analysis, the relative differences due to wind were in maximum ±5%. Gradients in rainfall depth representing the 1‐km2 scale derived by linear regressions were much larger and ranged from 1·0 to 15·7 mm km−1 with a mean of 4·2 mm km−1 (median 3·3 mm km−1). They mainly developed during short bursts of rain and thus gradients were even larger for rain intensities and caused a variation in rain erosivity of up to 255% for an individual event. The trends did not have a single primary direction and thus level out on the long term, but for short‐time periods or for single events the assumption of spatially uniform rainfall is invalid on the sub‐kilometre scale. The strength of the spatial trend increased with rain intensity. This has important implications for any hydrological or geomorphologic process sensitive to maximum rain intensities, especially when focusing on large, rare events. These sub‐kilometre scale differences are hence highly relevant for environmental processes acting on short‐time scales like flooding or erosion. They should be considered during establishing, validating and application of any event‐based runoff or erosion model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical composition and antifungal activity of Salvia desoleana Atzei & Picci essential oil and its major components
Authors: Soković Marina D. , D. Brkić Dejan , Džamić Ana M. , Ristić Mihailo S. , Marin Petar D.
Published: February 2009

The antifungal activity of Salvia desoleana Atzei & Picci (Labiatae) essential oil and its three components was investigated against 17 micromycetes. Among the species tested were food‐poisoning fungi and plant, animal and human pathogens. In order to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the total essential oils and their components, mycelial growth and microdilution tests were used. The essential oil of S. desoleana and linalool possessed strong antifungal activity, 1,8‐cineole showed only moderate antifungal potential, while linalyl acetate possessed a lower antifungal potential. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2D numerical flow modeling in a macro‐rough channel
Authors: Erpicum Sébastien , Meile Tobias , Dewals Benjamin J. , Pirotton Michel , Schleiss Anton J.
Published: February 2009

A 2D numerical flow model, developed at the Research unit of Hydrology, Applied Hydrodynamics and Hydraulic Constructions at ULg, has been applied to flows in a macro‐rough channel. The model solves the shallow water equations (SWE) with a two length scale, depth‐integrated k‐type approach for turbulence modeling. Data for the comparison have been provided by experiments conducted at the Laboratory of Hydraulic Constructions at EPFL. In the experiments with different non‐prismatic channel configurations, namely large‐scale cavities at the side walls, three different 2D flow characteristics could be observed in cavities. With the used numerical model features, especially regarding turbulence and friction modeling, a single set of bottom and side wall roughness could be found for a large range of discharges investigated in a prismatic channel. For the macro rough configurations, the numerical model gives an excellent agreement between experimental and numerical results regarding backwater curves and flow patterns if the side wall cavities have low aspect ratios. For configurations with high aspect ratios, the head loss generated by the preservation of important recirculation gyres in the cavities is slightly underestimated. The results of the computations reveal clearly that the separation of turbulence sources in the mathematical model is of great importance. Indeed, the turbulence related to 2D transverse shear effects and the 3D turbulence, generated by bed friction, can have very different amplitude. When separating these two effects in the numerical models, most of the flow features observed experimentally can be reproduced accurately. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Likelihood ratio tests for maternal and fetal genetic effects on obstetric complications
Authors: Chen Jinbo , Zheng Haitao , Wilson Melissa L.
Published: February 2009

It is well recognized that both maternal and fetal genes could contribute to susceptibility for obstetric complications. Logistic regression models are usually adopted to model the separate or joint action of maternal and fetal loci with case‐control data. The standard likelihood ratio tests (LRTs) can be used to test the significance of appropriate odds ratio parameters. This method, although simple to implement, fails to exploit a unique feature of genetic epidemiology studies of obstetric complications. Specifically, it does not take into consideration the correlation between the maternal and offspring genomes. We propose novel LRT that take advantage of this information by incorporating the fact that half of a child's genome is inherited from the mother. Our methods have substantially improved power for detecting marginal, main, and interactive maternal and fetal genotype effects, as evidenced by results from extensive simulation studies. We demonstrate our new methods by applying them to the analysis of data from a pilot study of preeclampsia. Genet. Epidemiol. 33:526–538, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Men versus women on sexual brain function: Prominent differences during tactile genital stimulation, but not during orgasm
Authors: Georgiadis Janniko R. , Reinders A.A.T. Simone , Paans Anne M.J. , Renken Remco , Kortekaas Rudie
Published: February 2009

Biological differences in male and female sexuality are obvious in the behavioral domain, but the central mechanisms that might explain these behavioral gender differences remain unclear. In this study, we merged two earlier positron emission tomography data sets to enable systematic comparison of the brain responses in heterosexual men and women during sexual tactile genital (penile and clitoral) stimulation and during orgasm. Gender commonalities were most evident during orgasm, a phase which demonstrated activations in the anterior lobe of the cerebellar vermis and deep cerebellar nuclei, and deactivations in the left ventromedial and orbitofrontal cortex in both men and women. During tactile genital stimulation, deactivations in the right amygdala and left fusiform gyrus were found for both genders. Marked gender differences were seen during this phase: left fronto‐parietal areas (motor cortices, somatosensory area 2 and posterior parietal cortex) were activated more in women, whereas in men, the right claustrum and ventral occipitotemporal cortex showed larger activation. The only prominent gender difference during orgasm was male‐biased activation of the periaqueductal gray matter. From these results, we conclude that during the sexual act, differential brain responses across genders are principally related to the stimulatory (plateau) phase and not to the orgasmic phase itself. These results add to a better understanding of the neural underpinnings of human sexuality, which might benefit treatment of psychosexual disorders. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surface‐modified poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) nanospheres for targeted bone imaging with enhanced labeling and delivery of radioisotope
Authors: Park Yoon Jeong , Nah Sook Hee , Lee Jue Yeon , Jeong Jae Min , Chung Jun Key , Lee Myung Chul , Yang Victor C. , Lee Seung Jin
Published: February 2009

Surface‐modified nanospheres can be utilized for targeting drugs and diagnostic agents to the bone and bone marrow while extending their circulation time in the blood stream. The surface modification of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) nanospheres by radioisotope carrying poly(ethylene oxide)‐poly (propylene oxide)‐poly (ethylene oxide) triblock copolymers (Poloxamer 407) has been assessed
by in vitro characterization and in vivo biodistribution studies after intravenous administration of the nanospheres to the mouse. A hydroxyphenylpropionic acid, a ligand for 125I and 131I labeling, was conjugated to the hydroxyl group of the Poloxamer 407 by using dicyclohexyl carbodiimide. The ligand‐conjugated Poloxamer 407 was adsorbed onto the surface of PLGA nanospheres. Surface coating was confirmed by measuring both size distribution and the
surface charge of the nanospheres. Besides, 125I‐labeling efficiency, radiolabeling stability, whole body imaging, and biodistribution of the radioisotope‐labeled nanospheres were examined. Ligand‐labeled, surface‐modified PLGA nanospheres were in 100‐nm size ranges, which may be adequate for long‐circulation and further bone imaging. 125I‐labeling efficiency was >90% and was more stable at human serum for 24 h. A
noticeable decrease in liver or spleen uptake was obtained by the surface‐modified nanospheres. 125I‐labeled nanospheres showed higher blood maintenance and bone uptake compared with stannous colloid with the same size distribution. Therefore, a fully biodegradable, radioisotope‐carrying, surface‐modified nanosphere system has been developed as a promising tool for targeting bone and bone marrows. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 67A:
751–760, 2003
P‐selectin dependent targeting to inflamed endothelium of recombinant P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand‐1 immunoglobulin chimera‐coated poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide]‐DNA polyplexes in vivo visualised by intravital microscopy
Authors: Newman Christopher M. , Crosdale Daniel J. , Fisher Kerry D. , Briggs Simon S. , Norman Keith E. , Seymour Leonard W. , Hellewell Paul G.
Published: February 2009

Background

Developing vectors that target specifically to disease sites after systemic injection is an important goal in gene therapy research.

Methods

We prepared fluorescent DNA polyplexes (⩽150 nm in diameter) comprising plasmid DNA condensed with poly(L‐lysine) and coated with a multivalent reactive copolymer based on poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] (pHPMA). These polyplexes were then surface modified with a recombinant P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand‐1 immunoglobulin chimera (rPSGL‐Ig) previously investigated as a selectin antagonist in clinical studies.

Results

Five minutes after jugular vein injection of these polyplexes, fluorescence accumulation in inflamed cremasteric venules of C57BL6 mice was more than eight‐fold higher than that observed after injection of Fc‐blocked control polyplexes. Fluorescence above background was not observed in P‐selectin deficient mice, confirming the specificity for P‐selectin in this model.

Conclusions

These data provide encouragement for the further development of rPSGL‐Ig‐coated polyplexes as potential nonviral vectors for targeted gene therapy in inflammatory conditions, such as ischaemia reperfusion injury, unstable atherosclerotic plaques and myocarditis. This approach may also be transferable to the use of other targeting ligands whose cognate partner is specifically upregulated on the vascular endothelium in individual pathological situations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the impact of an educational program on decreasing prescribing errors at a university hospital
Authors: Peeters Michael J. , Pinto Sharrel L.
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

Several complex and costly interventions reduce medication errors. Little exists on the effectiveness of providing education and feedback to institutional clinicians as a means of reducing errors.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the impact on prescribing errors of a pharmacist‐led educational intervention.

DESIGN:

Prospective, interrupted time series study.

SETTING:

This study was conducted among internal medicine residents at the 320‐bed University of Toledo Medical Center.

INTERVENTION:

The educational intervention was conducted during a 6‐month period beginning in November 2006. The intervention included an initial hour‐long lecture followed by biweekly and then monthly discussions that used timely, institution‐specific examples of prescribing errors.

MEASUREMENTS:

Data were collected at 5 time points: month 0 (preintervention period); months 1, 3, and 6 (intervention period); and month 7 (postintervention period). Errors were identified, transcribed, coded, and entered into a database. The primary outcome was the frequency of prescribing errors during each period. A Bonferroni‐adjusted chi‐square analysis was conducted with an a priori experiment‐wise alpha of 0.05.

RESULTS:

A reduction in prescribing errors of 33% following the first intervention month and a mean 26% reduction during the study period were observed (P < 0.0025). The frequencies of preintervention and postintervention errors did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSIONS:

A straightforward educational intervention reduced prescribing errors during the period of active intervention, but this effect was not sustained. Ongoing communication and education about institution‐specific medication errors appear warranted. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:97–101. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Medical admission order sets to improve deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis rates and other outcomes
Authors: O'Connor Chris , Adhikari Neill K.J. , DeCaire Katharine , Friedrich Jan O.
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

The value of order sets for clinical decision support has not been established.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether introduction of admission order sets increases the proportion of inpatients receiving deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis.

DESIGN:

Before‐after study.

SETTING:

Community hospital.

PATIENTS:

General medical patients admitted to hospital.

INTERVENTION:

Paper‐based admission order sets (instead of free‐text orders) for voluntary use by internists, without any education or behavior change interventions.

MEASUREMENTS:

Primary outcome was proportion of medical admissions ordered DVT prophylaxis. Secondary outcomes included overall utilization of DVT prophylaxis in medical inpatients and other admission order care quality measures.

RESULTS:

Prior to introduction of order sets, DVT prophylaxis was ordered in 10.9% of patients. Patients admitted with order sets were more likely to be ordered DVT prophylaxis than patients admitted with free‐text orders (44.0% versus 20.6%, by months 14 and 15, P < 0.0001). Hospital‐wide DVT prophylaxis in medical inpatients increased from 12.8% to 25.8% of patient‐days (P < 0.0001). Order set use improved many other secondary outcomes (P < 0.05 for all), including allied health consultations (62.8% versus 12.7%), use of standardized diabetic diet (17.0% versus 5.1%), insulin sliding scale (19.1% versus 7.6%), potassium replacement protocol (63.8% versus 0.51%), documentation of allergies (54.3% versus 9.6%) and resuscitation status (57.4% versus 10.2%), and reduced orders for inappropriate laboratory tests such as blood urea nitrogen (39.4% versus 59.0%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The broad impact of order sets and minimal organizational resources required for their implementation suggests that order sets may have wide applicability as a clinical decision support tool. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:81–89. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Alginate–calcium coating incorporating nisin and EDTA maintains the quality of fresh northern snakehead (Channa argus) fillets stored at 4 °C
Authors: Lu Fei , Liu Donghong , Ye Xingqian , Wei Yunxiao , Liu Fen
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial packaging is a novel food packaging technology for controlling the growth of food‐borne pathogens or spoilage bacteria in ready‐to‐eat food products. Fresh fish are highly perishable foodstuffs and are extremely susceptible to microbial activities. An alginate–calcium coating incorporating nisin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was used as an antimicrobial packaging to maintain the quality of northern snakehead (Channa argus) at refrigeration temperature (4 ± 1 °C). Northern snakehead fillets were left untreated (CK), or were treated with 1000 IU mL−1 nisin and 150 µg mL−1 EDTA (T1), alginate–calcium coating (T2), or alginate–calcium coating incorporating 1000 IU mL−1 nisin and 150 µg mL−1 EDTA (T3).

RESULTS: All treatments retarded the decay of the fish fillets. T1 more efficiently inhibited the growth of total viable mesophilic bacteria (P < 0.05) and total psychrophilic bacteria (P > 0.05) than did T2 or T3. Coating treatments predominantly reduced chemical spoilage, reflected in total volatile base nitrogen (P > 0.05), trimethylamine (P > 0.05), pH (P < 0.05), and thiobarbituric acid (P < 0.05), retarded water loss (P < 0.05), and increased the overall sensory scores of fish fillets (P < 0.05) compared with those of T1. There was no significant difference between the coating treatments T2 and T3 (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Alginate–calcium coating treatments efficiently enhanced the quality of northern snakehead fillets during storage. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis for estrogens as environmental pollutants – A review
Authors: Pacáková Vera , Loukotková Lucie , Bosáková Zuzana , Štulík Karel
Published: February 2009

The approaches to the analysis for estrogen compounds as environmental pollutants are critically reviewed and evaluated on the basis of significant, recent original publications. The importance of sample pretreatment and analyte preconcentration techniques is pointed out, with an emphasis on SPE and on the use of highly selective interactions such as molecular recognition. The hyphenated systems of high‐performance gas or liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric techniques are discussed as the basic methods of determination of estrogens in environmental samples. Immunochemical procedures are shown to be useful in semiquantitative screening of estrogen pollutants (e.g. ELISA kits). Classical HPLC and GC with common UV/Vis, fluorescence and electrochemical detection are useful in routine checking on higher pollutant concentrations.
Infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy of ions in Penning traps
Authors: Eyler John R.
Published: February 2009

The ability of Paul and Penning traps to contain ions for time periods ranging from milliseconds to minutes allows the trapped ions to be subjected to laser irradiation for extended lengths of time. In this way, relatively low‐powered tunable infrared lasers can be used to induce ion fragmentation when a sufficient number of infrared photons are absorbed, a process known as infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD). If ion fragmentation is monitored as a function of laser wavelength, a photodissociation action spectrum can be obtained. The development of widely tunable infrared laser sources, in particular free electron lasers (FELs) and optical parametric oscillators/amplifiers (OPO/As), now allows spectra of trapped ions to be obtained for the entire “chemically relevant” infrared spectral region. This review describes experiments in which tunable infrared lasers have been used to irradiate ions in Penning traps. Early studies which utilized tunable carbon dioxide lasers with a limited output range are first reviewed. More recent studies with either FEL or OPO/A irradiation sources are then covered. The ionic systems examined have ranged from small hydrocarbons to multiply charged proteins, and they are discussed in approximate order of increasing complexity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 28:448–467, 2009
In vivo regeneration of rat sciatic nerve in a double‐halved stitch‐less guide: A pilot‐study
Authors: Merolli A. , Rocchi L. , Catalano F. , Planell J. , Engel E. , Martinez E. , Sbernardori M. C. , Marceddu S. , Tranquilli Leali P.
Published: February 2009

It is about 20 years that tubular nerve guides have been introduced into clinical practice as a reliable alternative to autograft, in gaps not‐longer‐than 20 mm, bringing the advantage of avoiding donor site sacrifice and morbidity. There are limitations in the application of tubular guides. First, tubular structure in itself makes surgical implantation difficult; second, stitch sutures required to secure the guide may represent a site of unfavorable fibroblastic reaction; third, maximum length and diameter of the guide correlate with the occurrence of a poorer central vascularization of regenerated nerve. We report on the in vivo testing of a new concept of nerve‐guide (named NeuroBox) which is double‐halved, not‐degradable, rigid, and does not require any stitch to be held in place, employing acrylate glue instead. Five male Wistar rats had the new guide implanted in a 4‐mm sciatic nerve defect; two guides incorporated a surface constituted of microtrenches aligned longitudinally. Further five rats had the 4‐mm gap left without repair. Contralateral intact nerves were used as controls. After 2 months, nerve regeneration occurred in all animals treated by the NeuroBox; fine blood vessels were well represented. There was no regeneration in the un‐treated animals. Even if the limited number of animals does not allow to draw definitive conclusions, some result can be highlighted: an easy surgical technique was associated with the box‐shaped guide and acrylate glue was easily applied; an adequate intraneural vascularization was found concurrently with the regeneration of the nerve and no adverse fibroblastic proliferation was present. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.