bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupling reaction and complex formation for the spectrophotometric determination of physiologically active catecholamines in bulk, pharmaceutical preparations and urine samples of schizophrenic patients
Authors: Nour El‐Dien Faten A. , Frag Eman Y. A. , Mohamed Gehad G.
Published: March 2010

A simple and sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of three catecholamines namely dopamine hydrochloride (DO.HCl), dobutamine hydrochloride (DOB.HCl) and vanillymandelic acid (VMA), in both pure form or in their commercially available pharmaceutical formulations or urine samples of schizopherinic patients is described. The method is based on the reaction of diazotized 4‐aminoantipyrine (4‐AAP) with catecholamines in a basic medium (pH = 10–11) to yield pink‐coloured products having absorption maxima at 500, 505 and 480 nm for DO.HCl, VMA and DOB.HCl, respectively. Before carrying out Beer's Law, different experimental conditions, such as time, temperature, sequence of addition, and pH are optimized. The coloured species obeyed Beer's Law in the range of 47.4–417.2, 59.45–445.9 and 67.57–405.4 mg/L for DO.HCl, VMA and DOB.HCl, respectively. The molar absorptivity values as obtained from Beer's Law data were found to be 2.979 × 104, 4.39 × 104 and 1.036 × 104 L mol−1 cm−1, while Sandell's sensitivity values were observed to be 3 × 10−3, 4.4 × 10−3 and 1.3 × 10−3 µg cm2− for DO.HCl, VMA and DOB.HCl, respectively. Common excipients did not interfere with the proposed method. The results of the proposed method compare favourably with those of official methods. The proposed method offers simplicity, reliability, rapidity, and accuracy compared to the existing methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using vertical micro reactor stack for the detection of biomolecules
Authors: Matsui Katsuhiro , Morimoto Syohei , Asano Toshifumi , Ukita Yoshiaki , Kato Dai‐Ichiro , Takeo Masahiro , Utsumi Yuichi , Negoro Seiji
Published: March 2010

Micro reactors and micro total analysis systems (µTAS) are recognized as powerful tools for genomics, proteonomics, clinical diagnostics, and environmental testing. In this paper, we describe an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a new micro reactor with a vertical fluid flow operation. This micro reactor is composed of two reaction vessels stacked along the vertical through PMMA fluid filters (Ø 3 mm). The fluid filters, constructed by deep X‐ray lithography, have 2100 pores (Ø 40μm), and possess valve functions, making it possible to maintain the liquid layers in each reaction vessel. In addition, the liquid can be selectively transferred by air pressure from the upper vessel to the lower, and vice versa. As a model of ELISA using the micro reactor, we undertook to detect mouse immunoglobulin (IgG). We bound goat anti‐IgG antibody to the surface of the PMMA filters and assayed the IgG by ELISA using an anti‐IgG antibody/peroxidase conjugate. We found that the mouse IgG (100 ng/ml) was quantitatively detected within 45 minutes of the analytical period, or about one‐third of the period required for the conventional method using micro titer plates. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(4): 50–57, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10137
A cooperative distance learning method based on narrow‐band Internet and its evaluation
Authors: Tilwaldi Dilmurat , Takahashi Toshiya , Takata Akinobu , Koizumi Hisao
Published: March 2010

This paper describes the experimental evaluation of a cooperative distance learning method, which can be utilized on narrow‐band Internet. In this method, students in a group learning environment perform a series of study tasks several times, then create an online report, communicating through a chat facility about a given topic. They try to gain a benefit from their study through a more cooperative attitude. The teacher gives a short lecture at the first stage, and then gives supplementary explanations after ascertaining the degree of understanding by the students at the middle stage of the study. Teaching materials are distributed to the students' PCs beforehand and the lecture can be carried out in a narrow‐band environment by transmitting commands. The teacher analyzes the students' communication logs and gives advice for the next study session. This paper describes the result of an evaluation of the proposed method involving a simulated installation of the environment within the campus, which simulated a trial of cooperative distance learning in the periphery of an overseas desert environment. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(4): 36–49, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10139
Spectral reflectance characteristics of sugar beet under different levels of irrigation water and relationships between growth parameters and spectral indexes
Authors: Köksal Eyüp Seli̇m , Güngör Yetki̇n , Yildirim Yusuf Ersoy
Published: March 2010

The use of spectral vegetation indexes requires an experimental background. In this study field trials were conducted during 2004 and 2005 on sugar beet. Seven different irrigation treatments were applied. During the experiments soil water status, spectral reflectance, leaf area, plant dry weight and yield were observed and recorded. Water and yield relationships were determined and water use efficiency (WUE) was calculated. The relationships between spectral vegetation indexes and agronomic parameters were determined. According to the results, excessive irrigation does not increase yield and when nearly 500 mm water is used, maximum WUE is 7.2 kg m−3. The highest determination coefficients were calculated between LAI and simple ratio (SR, R2 = 0.59), sugar beet yield and soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI, R2 = 0.91). Consequently, spectral indexes, which can be calculated from data obtained through either handheld spectroradiometers or satellites, could prove useful tools for agricultural monitoring and management. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topographical analyses of proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in micro‐ and macropores of apatite‐fiber scaffold
Authors: Honda Michiyo , Fujimi Takahiko J. , Izumi Shigeki , Izawa Kouji , Aizawa Mamoru , Morisue Hikaru , Tsuchiya Takahide , Kanzawa Nobuyuki
Published: March 2010

A variety of calcium phosphates have been used for bone tissue‐engineering applications. We developed porous hydroxyapatite (HAp) ceramics by firing green compacts consisting of spherical carbon beads and HAp fiber. The apatite‐fiber scaffold (AFS) forms a three‐dimensional network of fibers with two different pore sizes (micro‐ and macropores). In this study, we investigated cell distribution and fine cell structure in AFS by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Osteoblastic cells were permeated homogenously throughout the scaffold under static culture conditions and grew three‐dimensionally in macropores of AFS. Cells penetrated into micropores when they were capable of cell–cell formations. Cell proliferation and differentiation were also evaluated by biochemical and molecular biological approaches. The expression levels of early‐phase osteogenic genes in AFS increased immediately, and those of middle‐phase genes were maintained during the 2‐week study period. Furthermore, the expression of late‐phase markers increased gradually during the incubation period. These data indicate that macropores provide sufficient space for cell growth and proliferation and that micropores facilitate cell differentiation via cell–cell networks. This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of three‐dimensional culture systems comprising AFS, which mimics the microenvironment of bone cells. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010
Immobilization of the irreversible thrombin inhibitor D‐Phe‐Pro‐Arg‐chloromethylketone: A concept for hemocompatible surfaces?
Authors: Maitz Manfred F. , Sperling Claudia , Werner Carsten
Published: March 2010

The irreversible thrombin inhibitor D‐Phe‐Pro‐Arg‐chloromethylketone (PPACK) was covalently immobilized to PEGylated polymer thin films at its primary α‐amino group. Activity assays and capture of radioconjugated thrombin reveal that the PPACK‐decorated surfaces could bind thrombin forming up to 30% of a monolayer density. Back‐calculation of this high thrombin‐inhibiting capacity indicated that the surface immobilization of the inhibitor was still associated with more than two orders of magnitude of loss of activity; increasing activity was observed at higher surface densities. PPACK‐containing polymer films almost duplicated the plasma coagulation time when compared with the reference substrate without inhibitor. In whole blood, however, the anticoagulant properties were below those previously found for benzamidine‐type reversible thrombin inhibitors; in addition, the surface exhibited inflammatory properties. It is concluded that immobilized reversible thrombin inhibitors are more effective by passivating higher amounts of thrombin in a cooperative action with antithrombin III. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010
Optimisation of a fermentation process for butanol production by particle swarm optimisation (PSO)
Authors: Mariano Adriano Pinto , Costa Caliane Bastos Borba , de Angelis Dejanira de Franceschi , Filho Francisco Maugeri , Atala Daniel Ibraim Pires , Wolf Maciel Maria Regina , Maciel Filho Rubens
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:The performance of three particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithms was assessed in relation to their capability to optimise an alternative fermentation process for the production of biobutanol. The process consists of three interconnected units: fermentor, cell retention system and vacuum flash vessel (responsible for the continuous recovery of butanol from the broth). The dynamic behaviour of the process was described by a non‐linear mathematical model. Four constrained optimisation problems were formulated concerning the operation and design of flash fermentation: (1) maximisation of butanol productivity; (2) maximisation of substrate conversion; (3) and (4) adjustment of operating conditions in the face of problems of fluctuations in the quality of the agricultural raw material and changes in the kinetics of the microorganisms.

RESULTS:The design and operation of the flash fermentation process based on the optimisation of productivity, instead of substrate conversion, resulted in a smaller fermentor and provided satisfactory values of operating conditions able to overcome problems of variations in the glucose concentration in the raw material and changes in kinetics.

CONCLUSIONS:The differences among the PSO algorithms, i.e. the velocity equation and parameters values, had significant effects on the optimisation, the best results being obtained with the original velocity equation with the inertia weight decreasing linearly with each iteration. The PSO algorithms obtained solutions that obeyed constraints, demonstrating that a constraint handling method originally developed for genetic algorithms can be applied successfully to PSO algorithms. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Spontaneous inferior epigastric artery pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Venkatesh Sudhakar Kundapur , Reynolds Visnja Baksa , Raj Sidhu Harvinder , Maran Priyanthi Kumarasinghe
Published: March 2010

A case of spontaneous pseudoaneurysm of the inferior epigastric artery—diagnosed on Doppler sonography—is presented. A 19‐year‐old boy presented with a lump in the anterior abdominal wall. Clinically a smooth, nontender, and noncompressible mass was present above umbilicus to the right of midline. A bruit was heard over the swelling. Doppler sonography demonstrated an oval hypoechoic structure in the right rectus sheath with turbulent flow. The pseudoaneurysm could be traced to the inferior epigastric artery. Surgical excision of pseudoaneurysm was performed. Histopathology showed myxoid changes in the wall of the pseudoaneurysm with no inflammatory changes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2010
Transgene expression in mononuclear muscle cells not infiltrating inflammatory cells following intramuscular plasmid gene electrotransfer
Authors: Ratanamart Jarupa , Huggins Christopher G. , Shaw James A. M.
Published: March 2010

Background

In situ electroporation‐assisted intramuscular plasmid DNA delivery offers high efficiency for therapeutic protein replacement. Expression may be impaired by an immune response against the plasmid or transgenic protein. Expression of the transgene in non‐muscle cells may increase the immune response. Gene transfer efficiency and phenotypic identification of intramuscular transgene‐expressing mononuclear cells was studied following electroporation‐mediated plasmid delivery.

Methods

Plasmids expressing β‐galactosidase (pVR1012‐βgal) or enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) (pVR1012‐eGFP) were electrotransferred into rat tibialis anterior muscles. Both transfection efficiency and the inflammatory response were determined in pVR1012‐βgal‐injected muscles by β‐galactosidase and haematoxylin and eosin staining of muscles 7 days post‐plasmid injection. Muscles injected with pVR1012‐eGFP were stained for CD3, CD68 and desmin at 24 and 48 h post‐injection to determine whether mononuclear cells expressing eGFP were of immune or myogenic origin.

Results

With electroporation, β‐galactosidase expression was significantly enhanced by up to ten‐fold compared to plasmid injection without electroporation. A large area of regenerating muscle fibres and inflammatory cell infiltration was found in electroporated plasmid‐injected muscle. No eGFP expression was found in CD3‐ or CD68‐positive cells. Small mononuclear cells expressing eGFP showed negative staining for CD3 and CD68, but all stained positive for desmin.

Conclusions

In situ electroporation enhanced transfection efficiency of plasmid DNA delivery into muscle. Alongside its advantage for improving gene transfer, electroporation led to an increased inflammatory response and muscle damage. Mononuclear cells in muscle were transfected with plasmid and expressed the transgene. These cells were of myogenic origin with no evidence of transgene expression in infiltrating inflammatory cells. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid and accurate left ventricular chamber quantification using a novel CMR segmentation algorithm: A clinical validation study
Authors: Codella Noel C.F. , Cham Matthew D. , Wong Richard , Chu Christopher , Min James K. , Prince Martin R. , Wang Yi , Weinsaft Jonathan W.
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical performance of a novel automated left ventricle (LV) segmentation algorithm (LV‐METRIC) that involves no geometric assumptions.

Materials and Methods:

LV‐METRIC and manual tracing (MT) were used independently to quantify LV volumes and LVEF (ejection fraction) for 151 consecutive patients who underwent cine‐CMR (steady‐state free precession). Phase contrast imaging was used to independently measure stroke volume.

Results:

LV‐METRIC was successful in all cases. Mean LVEF was within 1 point of MT (Δ 0.6 ± 2.3%, P < 0.05), with smaller differences among patients with (0.5 ± 2.5%) versus those without (0.9 ± 2.3%; P = 0.01) advanced systolic dysfunction (LVEF ≤ 35% by MT). LV volumes by LV‐METRIC were slightly smaller than MT during end‐diastole (3.9 ± 6.8 mL, P < 0.001) and end‐systole (1.4 ± 5.5 mL, P < 0.01). Mean processing time was 22 ± 13 seconds for LV‐METRIC and 4:59 ± 1:56 minutes for MT (P < 0.001). Processing time correlated with LV blood volume by MT (r = 0.43) and LV‐METRIC (r = 0.55), but slope was 10‐fold steeper for MT (0.02 vs. 0.001), indicating greater proportionate time increases in relation to chamber dilation. Compared to stroke volume by phase contrast, LV‐METRIC yielded smaller differences (0.3 ± 18.3 mL) than MT (2.5 ± 17.2 mL; P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Among a broad series of consecutive patients undergoing CMR, automated LVEF by LV‐METRIC was within 1 point of MT with processing time reduced 14‐fold. Stroke volume by LV‐METRIC yielded improved agreement with an independent standard of phase contrast imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:845–853. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interventional MRI using multiple 3D angiography roadmaps with real‐time imaging
Authors: Saybasili Haris , Faranesh Anthony Z. , Saikus Christina E. , Ozturk Cengizhan , Lederman Robert J. , Guttman Michael A.
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

To enhance real‐time magnetic resonance (MR)‐guided catheter navigation by overlaying colorized multiphase MR angiography (MRA) and cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) roadmaps in an anatomic context.

Materials and Methods:

Time‐resolved MRA and respiratory‐gated MRCP were acquired prior to real‐time imaging in a pig model. MRA and MRCP data were loaded into a custom real‐time MRI reconstruction and visualization workstation where they were displayed as maximum intensity projections (MIPs) in distinct colors. The MIPs were rendered in 3D together with real‐time multislice imaging data using alpha blending. Interactive rotation allowed different views of the combined data.

Results:

Fused display of the previously acquired MIP angiography data with real‐time imaging added anatomical context during endovascular interventions in swine. The use of multiple MIPs rendered in different colors facilitated differentiation of vascular structures, improving visual feedback during device navigation.

Conclusion:

Interventional real‐time MRI may be enhanced by combining with previously acquired multiphase angiograms. Rendered as 3D MIPs together with 2D slice data, this technique provided useful anatomical context that enhanced MRI‐guided interventional applications. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1015–1019. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3D left ventricular strain from unwrapped harmonic phase measurements
Authors: Venkatesh Bharath Ambale , Gupta Himanshu , Lloyd Steven G. , Dell 'Italia Louis , Denney Thomas S.
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

To validate a method for measuring 3D left ventricular (LV) strain from phase‐unwrapped harmonic phase (HARP) images derived from tagged cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods:

A set of 40 human subjects were imaged with tagged MRI. In each study the HARP phase was computed and unwrapped in each short‐axis and long‐axis image. Inconsistencies in unwrapped phase were resolved using branch cuts manually placed with a graphical user interface. 3D strain maps were computed for all imaged timeframes in each study. The strain from unwrapped phase (SUP) and displacements were compared to those estimated by a feature‐based (FB) technique and a HARP technique.

Results:

3D strain was computed in each timeframe through systole and mid‐diastole in ≈30 minutes per study. The standard deviation of the difference between strains measured by the FB and the SUP methods was less than 5% of the average of the strains from the two methods. The correlation between peak circumferential strain measured using the SUP and HARP techniques was over 83%.

Conclusion:

The SUP technique can reconstruct full 3D strain maps from tagged MR images through the cardiac cycle in a reasonable amount of time and user interaction compared to other 3D analysis methods. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:854–862. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human cervical spinal cord funiculi: Investigation with magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Onu Mihaela , Gervai Patricia , Cohen‐Adad Julien , Lawrence Jane , Kornelsen Jennifer , Tomanek Boguslaw , Sboto‐Frankenstein Uta Nicola
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

To use spinal cord diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for investigating human cervical funiculi, acquire axial diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data with an in‐plane resolution sufficient to delineate subquadrants within the spinal cord, obtain corresponding DTI metrics, and assess potential regional differences.

Materials and Methods:

Healthy volunteers were studied with a 3 T Siemens Trio MRI scanner. DTI data were acquired using a single‐shot spin echo EPI sequence. The spatial resolution allowed for the delineation of regions of interest (ROIs) in the ventral, dorsal, and lateral spinal cord funiculi. ROI‐based and tractography‐based analyses were performed.

Results:

Significant fractional anisotropy (FA) differences were found between ROIs in the dorsal and ventral funiculi (P= 0.0001), dorsal and lateral funiculi (P= 0.015), and lateral and ventral funiculi (P= 0.0002). Transverse diffusivity was significantly different between ROIs in the ventral and dorsal funiculi (P= 0.003) and the ventral and lateral funiculi (P= 0.004). Tractography‐based quantifications revealed DTI parameter regional differences that were generally consistent with the ROI‐based analysis.

Conclusion:

Original contributions are: 1) the use of a tractography‐based method to quantify DTI metrics in the human cervical spinal cord, and 2) reported DTI values in various funiculi at 3 T. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:829–837. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pallidal index measured with three‐dimensional T1‐weighted gradient echo sequence is a good predictor of manganese exposure in welders
Authors: Chang Yongmin , Woo Seung‐Tae , Kim Yangho , Lee Jae‐Jun , Song Hui‐Jin , Lee Hui Joong , Kim Suk Hwan , Lee Hun , Kwon Young Joo , Ahn Joon‐Ho , Park Sin‐Jae , Chung In‐Sung , Jeong Kyoung Sook
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

To evaluate which T1‐wieghted technique between 3D gradient‐echo (FSPGR) and conventional spin‐echo (SE) sequence is more sensitive predictor of neurobehavioral dysfunction found in welders with chronic manganese (Mn) acquired at 3 Tesla.

Materials and Methods:

Forty‐three current male welders and 29 age‐ and gender‐matched, nonwelding production workers (control individuals) were recruited to the present study. Each subject underwent neurological examination, blood sample collection, and neurobehavioral tests, in addition to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. The MRI examinations were performed using a 3.0 Tesla whole‐body scanner. T1‐weighted axial images were obtained using SE and FSPGR with a 180° inversion recovery prepared pulse, and the corresponding pallidal indices (PI), PI (SE), and PI (FSPGR), were calculated.

Results:

Both PI (SE) and PI (FSPGR) were well correlated with blood Mn level, but only PI (FSPGR) was significantly correlated with air Mn concentration (P = 0.007). Of the neurobehavioral performance indicators, after controlling for covariates, PI (FSPGR) was significantly associated with cognitive components, such as the digit symbol score, the digit span backward score, the Stroop test score and also with the grooved pegboard (dominant hand) score, whereas PI (SE) was associated only with grooved pegboard (dominant hand) score.

Conclusion:

PI using a T1‐weighted 3D FSPGR sequence shows the best correlation with neurobehavioral performance indicators and is the best measure for detection of blood and airborne Mn concentrations in welders exposed to excessive occupational Mn. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1020–1026. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Validation of carotid arterial wall volume measurement by cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Keenan Niall G. , Sheppard Mary N. , Grasso Agata , Chan Cheuk F. , Mukherjee Rahul K. , Boyle Joseph J. , Gatehouse Peter D. , Firmin David N. , Pennell Dudley J.
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

To validate cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) arterial wall volume measurement using whole arterial specimens ex vivo.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty cadaveric carotid arteries (from 10 patients) were fixed in formaldehyde and imaged with a clinical T1‐weighted 2D CMR sequence and, for imaging validation, with a high‐resolution 3D sequence. Histological validation was performed by sectioning the arteries and microscopically determining area and volume.

Results:

Comparison between the clinical 2D CMR sequence and the 3D high‐resolution validation sequence showed equivalent luminal volumes (889 vs. 880 mm3; P = 0.54; R2 = 0.99), and slightly higher 2D CMR arterial wall volumes (982 vs. 916 mm3; +7%; P < 0.01; R2 = 0.96) and adventitial volumes (1901 vs. 1826 mm3; +4%; P < 0.01; R2 = 0.99). Comparison between 2D CMR and microscopy, performed over a similar longitudinal extent of vessel, showed slightly higher 2D CMR volumes for the lumen (354 vs. 308 mm3; +14%; P < 0.01; R2 = 0.97), arterial wall (388 vs. 351 mm3; +10%; P < 0.01; R2 = 0.97) and total volumes (750 vs. 665 mm3; +12%; P < 0.01; R2 = 0.95).

Conclusion:

The accuracy of the clinical 2D CMR vessel wall sequence for measuring carotid lumen, adventitial, and wall volumes is good against ex vivo measurements, with minor overestimation. This study validates carotid arterial wall quantification by CMR for atherosclerosis research. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:935–941. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Giant and complicated variants of cystic bile duct hamartomas of the liver: MRI findings and pathological correlations
Authors: Martin Diego R. , Kalb Bobby , Sarmiento Juan M. , Heffron Thomas G. , Coban Ipek , Adsay N. Volkan
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

To describe a new category of liver cyst we propose calling “giant bile duct hamartoma (giant‐BDH)” and to provide a more complete record of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of BDHs with potential for clinical impact.

Materials and Methods:

This study was Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)‐compliant. Fifteen patients were identified with surgical liver pathology in keeping with complicated BDH and MRI findings of giant cysts.

Results:

In all, 14/15 patients presented with pain that resolved in 14/14 with surgery. Imaging features common to pretreatment cysts included sharply defined, lobulated margins with thin, smooth rim‐enhancement. Treated symptomatic cysts measured 9.8 cm on average and 21.6 cm maximum. The 14/15 patients had coexistent <2.0 cm BDH. Elevated T1 signal corresponded with hemorrhagic cyst content (10/15 patients); cyst‐wall rim‐enhancement corresponded with histological findings of inflammation (15/15), fibrocystic changes (12/15), and smaller BDH in the adjacent liver (13/15). Histology of giant‐BDH cyst walls corresponded with complicated BDH in 15/15. The incidence of symptomatic‐treated BDH at our institution was 0.4%.

Conclusion:

BDH is a benign hepatic cystic lesion that may undergo cystic enlargement, internal hemorrhage, and clinically present with abdominal pain treatable by minimally invasive laparoscopic fenestration. Complicated giant‐BDH coexists with smaller BDH and the MRI features of giant‐BDH are characteristic. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:903–911. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MR‐diffusion weighted imaging of healthy liver parenchyma: Repeatability and reproducibility of apparent diffusion coefficient measurement
Authors: Colagrande Stefano , Pasquinelli Filippo , Mazzoni Lorenzo Nicola , Belli Giacomo , Virgili Gianni
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

To compare repeatability and reproducibility of four different methods of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) evaluation of liver parenchyma. In fact, repeatability and reproducibility assessment is mandatory in quantitative evaluations, however, these have not been accurately investigated in liver MR‐diffusion‐weighted studies.

Materials and Methods:

Diffusion‐weighted sequences, b‐value = 0–1000 s/mm2, were acquired on 30 healthy volunteers by a 1.5T scanner whose reliability has been validated by a phantom study. Four sampling methods, evaluating various parenchyma percentages by different‐sized region‐of‐interests (ROIs), were compared by two observers: 70% and 30% of the volume, 4%‐one‐ROI‐per‐segment, and 4%‐one‐ROI‐per‐slice in the right‐lobe. Ninety‐five percent limits of agreement and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated.

Results:

Complete measurements on the left lobe could be obtained in less than half of patients. The 4%‐one‐ROI‐per‐slice and 4%‐one‐ROI‐per‐segment yielded lower mean values compared with 30–70% volume methods (1343–1373 versus 1463–1560·10−6mm2/s, respectively). Repeatability was acceptable (ICCs ∼ 0.80) whereas reproducibility was low (ICCs ≤ 0.45) for all methods. Averaging at least 3 measurements in middle‐lower sections of the right lobe improved both repeatability (ICCs to ≥0.87) and reproducibility (ICCs to 0.82) for 30–70% V methods.

Conclusion:

ADC measurements were repeatable but not reproducible in our study. Reproducibility could be improved by taking averages on the right lobe with large ROI methods. Studies on procedures that standardize ADC measurements using more than two observers are needed. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:912–920. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantification of blood velocity and flow rates in the uterine vessels using echo planar imaging at 0.5 Tesla
Authors: Issa Bashar , Moore Rachel J. , Bowtell Richard W. , Baker Phil N. , Johnson Ian R. , Worthington Brian S. , Gowland Penny A.
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

To measure uterine artery and vein blood velocity and flow rate profiles using MRI during normal pregnancy.

Materials and Methods:

A two‐shot velocity magnitude‐encoded echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence is used at a magnetic field 0.5T. Data analysis procedures, necessary to overcome problems associated with low signal to noise ratio (SNR), and a spatial resolution comparable to the vessel size were used.

Results:

The measured blood flow values averaged over nine volunteers for the mean velocity are 5.33 and 3.97 cm/s and for the unilateral flow rate are 203 and 274 mL/min (for the arteries and veins respectively). Values for the flow rate are consistent with ultrasound Doppler studies. Arterial velocity measurements are more pulsatile than venous ones and validation calculations performed on average velocity values would suggest that the nature of blood flow in the uterine vessels is laminar.

Conclusion:

This study presents the first report of noninvasive quantitative measurements of uterine artery and vein blood velocity and flow rate profiles using MRI during normal pregnancy. Consistent and reproducible measurements have been obtained by subject specific sequence optimization and data analysis procedures. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:921–927. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
k‐space water‐fat decomposition with T2* estimation and multifrequency fat spectrum modeling for ultrashort echo time imaging
Authors: Wang Kang , Yu Huanzhou , Brittain Jean H. , Reeder Scott B. , Du Jiang
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

To demonstrate the feasibility of combining a chemical shift‐based water‐fat separation method (IDEAL) with a 2D ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequence for imaging and quantification of the short T2 tissues with robust fat suppression.

Materials and Methods:

A 2D multislice UTE data acquisition scheme was combined with IDEAL processing, including T2* estimation, chemical shift artifacts correction, and multifrequency modeling of the fat spectrum to image short T2 tissues such as the Achilles tendon and meniscus both in vitro and in vivo. The integration of an advanced field map estimation technique into this combined method, such as region growing (RG), is also investigated.

Results:

The combination of IDEAL with UTE imaging is feasible and excellent water‐fat separation can be achieved for the Achilles tendon and meniscus with simultaneous T2* estimation and chemical shift artifact correction. Multifrequency modeling of the fat spectrum yields more complete water‐fat separation with more accurate correction for chemical shift artifacts. The RG scheme helps to avoid water‐fat swapping.

Conclusion:

The combination of UTE data acquisition with IDEAL has potential applications in imaging and quantifying short T2 tissues, eliminating the necessity for fat suppression pulses that may directly suppress the short T2 signals. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1027–1034. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Data‐driven analyses of an fMRI study of a subject experiencing phosphenes
Authors: Missimer John H. , Seitz Rüdiger J. , Kleiser Raimund
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

To compare two data‐driven methods of statistical image analysis, principal and independent component analysis (PCA, ICA), in identifying neural networks related to the transient occurrence of phosphenes experienced by a female patient subsequent to a brain infarct.

Materials and Methods:

An initial functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) session consisted of two acquisitions: one of the patient experiencing phosphenes and a second responding to a well‐defined visual stimulation paradigm. A second fMRI session 6 months later, when the patient no longer experienced phosphenes, consisted of an acquisition in which no stimulation was presented. Analysis of correlations between the temporal expression coefficients and models of the hemodynamic response identified salient components. Spectral analysis confirmed the identification. The phosphene model was based solely on the subjective report of the patient.

Results:

Both methods revealed occipital cortical and subcortical areas known to be sites for visual information‐processing during stimulation, as did SPM. In addition, higher‐order visual areas such as the precuneus and the lateral parietal cortex were implicated in the PCA of the phosphenes.

Conclusion:

The analyses suggest the capability of data‐driven approaches to identify the brain structures involved in these transient, spontaneous visual events. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:821–828. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endometrial stromal sarcoma located in the myometrium with a low‐intensity rim on T2‐weighted images: Report of three cases and literature review
Authors: Furukawa Rieko , Akahane Masaaki , Yamada Haruyasu , Kiryu Shigeru , Sato Jiro , Komatsu Shuhei , Inoh Shinichi , Yoshioka Naoki , Maeda Eriko , Takazawa Yutaka , Ohtomo Kuni
Published: March 2010

Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) most commonly grows from the uterine endometrium into the endometrial cavity; it is rarely located in the myometrium alone, where it may resemble degenerated leiomyoma on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We present three cases of intramyometrial ESS mimicking degenerated leiomyoma, all of which have a characteristic low‐intensity rim on T2‐weighted images. Histopathological examination revealed the rim to consist of fibrous tissue layers and/or a decrease in free water caused by distortion of myometrial tissue following tumor expansion. ESS should be included in the differential diagnosis of intramyometrial mass with low‐intensity rim on T2‐weighted image, especially if the mass shows degeneration with no or mild intratumoral hemorrhage. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:975–979. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An experimental and computational study on the dissociation behavior of hydroxypyridine N‐oxides in atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Butler Matias , Mañez Pau Arroyo , Cabrera Gabriela M.
Published: March 2010

A tandem mass spectrometric study of protonated isomeric hydroxypyridine N‐oxides was carried out with a hybrid quadrupole/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer coupled with different atmospheric pressure ionization sources. The behavior observed in the collision‐induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra of the parent cations, was similar irrespective of the source employed. However, there were intrinsic differences in the intensities of the two fragments observed for each isomer. The major fragment because of elimination of a hydroxyl radical, dominated the CID spectra (in contrast with weaker water loss) at different energy thresholds. Therefore, it was possible to differentiate both isomers at collision energies above 13 eV by comparing the ratio of intensities of the major fragment relative to the precursor cation. In addition, quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31 + + G(d,p) level of theory were performed for the protonated isomers of hydroxypyridine N‐oxide and their radical cation products in order to gain insight into the major routes of dissociation. The results suggest that dissociation from the lowest triplet excited state of the protonated species would provide a reasonable rationalization for the difference in behavior of both isomers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient meshless method based on a new shape function
Authors: Razmjoo Hooman , Movahhedi Masoud , Hakimi Ahmad
Published: March 2010

Although, the finite element method numerically is efficient it exhibits difficulties whenever the remeshing of the analysis domain must be performed. For such problems, utilizing meshless computation methods is very promising. But, their large computational cost, which arises from following a time‐consuming process to find shape functions, is one of the most important factors limiting the use of these methods. In this paper, we introduce a direct approach, based on properties required for any shape function, to prepare the shape function and propose a new meshless method. The proposed method does not need any predetermined basis or weighting functions and can be performed faster and more efficiently. Another advantage of the introduced method is its capability to apply desirable changes to the shape function. Application of the proposed approach for electrostatic field computation and verification of the obtained results using theoretically known solution is also presented. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cycle‐dependent matrix remodeling gene expression response in fatigue‐loaded rat patellar tendons
Authors: Sun Hui B. , Andarawis‐Puri Nelly , Li Yonghui , Fung David T. , Lee Jonathan Y. , Wang Vincent M. , Basta‐Pljakic Jelena , Leong Daniel J. , Sereysky Jedd B. , Ros Stephen J. , Klug Raymond A. , Braman Jonathan , Schaffler Mitch B. , Jepsen Karl J. , Flatow Evan L.
Published: March 2010

Expression profiling of selected matrix remodeling genes was conducted to evaluate differences in molecular response to low‐cycle (100) and high‐cycle (7,200) sub‐failure‐fatigue loading of patellar tendons. Using our previously developed in vivo patellar tendon model, tendons were loaded for 100 or 7,200 cycles and expression of selected metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and collagens were quantified by real‐time RT‐PCR at 1‐ and 7‐day post‐loading. Expression profiles were also obtained from lacerated tendons as an acute injury model. The high‐cycle group showed upregulation of TIMP‐1, ‐2, Col3a1, and Col5a1, and downregulation TIMP‐4 at both time points, upregulation of MMP‐2 at 7‐day post‐loading and downregulation of MMP‐13 and ‐14 at 1‐day post‐loading, suggesting overall repair/remodeling. In contrast, the low‐cycle loaded group showed upregulation of MMP‐2, ‐3, ‐13, and Col12a1 at both time points, upregulation of TIMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, Col3a1, and integrin β1 and downregulation of integrin α11 at 1‐day post‐loading and upregulation of Col1a1 at 7‐day post‐loading, consistent with a hypertrophic (adaptive) pattern. Lacerated tendons showed a typical acute wound response with upregulation of all examined remodeling genes. Differences found in tendon response to high‐ and low‐cycle loading are suggestive of the underlying mechanisms associated with a healthy or damaging response. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1380–1386, 2010
Avoidance of potentially traumatic stimuli mediates the relationship between accumulated lifetime trauma and late‐life depression and anxiety
Authors: Dulin Patrick L. , Passmore Teesha
Published: March 2010

This study examined the influence of lifetime accumulated trauma on late‐life mental health in a sample of 1,216 older adults, 65–94 years old, residing in New Zealand. Multiple regression analyses indicated that accumulated trauma predicted both depression and anxiety in this sample. The hypothesis that avoidance of memories and situations surrounding prior trauma mediates relationships between cumulative trauma and depression and anxiety was supported. Avoidance of prior traumatic memories and situations explained 49% of the variance between accumulated trauma and depression and 46% of the variance between accumulated trauma and anxiety. Results also suggest that traumatic experiences during young adulthood and middle age are stronger predictors of anxiety and depression among older adults than trauma experienced in childhood and adolescence.
Four novel mutations in the GCH1 gene of Chinese patients with dopa‐responsive dystonia
Authors: Cao Li , Zheng Lan , Tang Wei‐Guo , Xiao Qin , Zhang Ting , Tang Hui‐Dong , He Song‐Bin , Wang Xi‐Jin , Ding Jian‐Qing , Chen Sheng‐Di
Published: March 2010

Mutation detection in the guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I gene (GCH1) was performed from 4 female patients with dopa‐responsive dystonia (DRD). DNA sequencing revealed the presence of four novel mutations including c.2T>C(M1T), c.239G>A(S80N), c.245T>C(L82P), and IVS5+3 del AAGT. These four mutations were not found in 100 genetically unrelated healthy controls with the same ethnic background band. In all 3 childhood‐onset patients, DRD started in the legs, and missense mutations were located in the coding region of GCH1. Deletion mutation in the fifth exon–intron boundary of GCH1 was detected in the adult‐onset patient. Although the data presented here do not provide sufficient evidence to establish a genotype–phenotype correlation of DRD, it is important to know the clinic features and genetic defects of DRD patients, which will help prenatal diagnosis, early diagnosis, evaluate the prognosis, and facilitate causal therapy with levodopa. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
H1/H1 genotype influences symptom severity in corticobasal syndrome
Authors: Litvan Irene , Chism Amanda , Litvan Juan , Cambon Alex , Hutton Michael
Published: March 2010

We evaluated 38 consecutive patients with corticobasal syndrome to determine if inheritance of the H1/H1 genotype influences age at onset and disease severity and if Apolipoprotein E e4 increases the risk of cognitive disturbances. Inheritance of the H1/H1 genotype was associated with severity of motor function, but did not affect age at onset or cognition. There was a trend toward shorter survival in the H1/H1 group, but this study was underpowered to test influence on survival, even though it served to estimate the sample size for future studies. ApoE inheritance did not influence cognition. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Sequencing analysis of the ITPR1 gene in a pure autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia series
Authors: van de Leemput Joyce , Wavrant‐De Vrièze Fabienne , Rafferty Ian , Bras Jose M. , Giunti Paola , Fisher Elizabeth MC , Hardy John A. , Singleton Andrew B. , Houlden Henry
Published: March 2010

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 15 and 16 (SCA15/16) are autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias that are slowly progressive with a predominantly pure ataxia phenotype (ADCA III). The locus for SCA15 was first mapped to 3p24.2–3pter and subsequently full or partial deletions in the inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor type 1 (ITPR1) gene were identified in several ADCA III families that segregated with the disease. A single missense coding variant has been described, but the pathogenicity of this change has not been proven. We sequenced the entire coding region and flanking regions of ITPR1 in unrelated ADCA III families (n = 38) that were negative for large deletions on whole genome arrays, and for which SCAs 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17 and the Friedreich's ataxia expansion were excluded in all probands. Mutation at SCA5, 10, and 27 was also excluded in some families. A number of coding and noncoding polymorphisms were identified but no ITPR1 mutations were found. The results indicate that point mutations in ITPR1 are at best a rare cause of ADCA III. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
A retrospective study of the impact of lifestyle on age at onset of Huntington disease
Authors: Trembath M. Kaye , Horton Zoë A. , Tippett Lynette , Hogg Virginia , Collins Veronica R. , Churchyard Andrew , Velakoulis Dennis , Roxburgh Richard , Delatycki Martin B.
Published: March 2010

In transgenic mouse models of Huntington disease (HD) environmental enrichment significantly delays disease onset. A questionnaire‐based survey of 154 adults with diagnosed HD (mean 4.2 years postdiagnosis) and a known IT15 CAG repeat length, explored whether premorbid lifestyle may relate to age‐at‐onset (AO). Participants were drawn from HD outpatient clinics in Australia and New Zealand. Premorbid physical, intellectual, and passive activity levels were used to generate scores in the categories of leisure, nonleisure (education, occupation and domestic duties) and total lifestyle. AO was associated with increased CAG repeat length as expected (r = −0.72, P < 0.001), but also with a lifestyle that included higher levels of passive activity (r = −0.38, P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression modeling showed lifestyle passivity to be a variable independent of CAG repeat length in predicting AO (R2 = 0.54, b = −0.22, P = 0.005). Comparison of the mean AO across tertiles of lifestyle passivity scores showed onset 4.6 years (95% CI = 1.3–7.9) later in the least compared with the most passive tertile. CAG repeat length was also shown to predict lifestyle passivity (R2 = 0.12, b = 1.08, P < 0.0005). Neither intellectual nor physical activity showed significant relationships to AO or CAG repeat length in this cohort. Our study leads to two conclusions: that a passive lifestyle may be a preclinical expression of HD, and that it actually contributes to the earlier onset of symptoms. Overcoming the tendency to be passive may substantially delay onset of HD. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Free great toe wrap‐around flap combined with second toe medial flap for reconstruction of completely degloved fingers
Authors: Rui Yongjun , Mi Jingyi , Shi Haifeng , Zhang Zhihai , Yan Hede
Published: March 2010

Surgical procedure of great toe wrap‐around flap combined with second toe medial flap free transfer for reconstructing completely degloved fingers was introduced. The treatment outcomes were evaluated. 10 fingers in 7 cases were involved in this series. The great toe wrap‐around flap with dorsalis pedis skin covered the dorsal and most palmar side of the injured finger. The second toe medial flap covered the proximal palmar portion of the finger. The combined flap was revascularized with nerve repair. Rehabilitation started two weeks postoperatively. All flaps survived except one was partial failure due to distal phalange necrosis. Recipient areas achieved primary wound healing in 9 fingers. Skin graft at donor site achieved primary survival except delayed healing in one case. All patients were followed‐up from 34 to 76 months. The appearance of reconstructed fingers was satisfactory. Nail growth well except that one nail was the atrophic and another was defect. Range of active motion in the metacarpophalangeal joint was from 60° to 80° and the proximal interphalange joint was 40° to 70°. Two‐point discrimination was between 8 mm and 12 mm. All patients walked with no interference. There was no pain and no swelling at donor site. According to the results, this procedure is recommended to reconstruct total degolving finger which has intact phalanges and tendons. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:449–456, 2010.