bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dynamic uterus revealed by time‐lapse echography
Authors: Buttery Beresford , Davison Gregory
Published: February 2007

The dynamic aspects of the uterus have hitherto gone unrecognized by ultrasonographers. The inherent contractility of the uterus produces dynamic artifacts on static echograms that may lead to serious misdiagnoses. Four cases are presented which illustrated these dynamic changes. Time‐lapse echography is proposed as a method of assessing uterine dynamics and improving diagnostic accuracy.
Ultrasonography in the management of unexplained renal failure
Authors: Winston M. , Pritchard J. , ARRT Peter Paulin
Published: February 2007

A series of seven cases of acute renal failure is presented in which sonographic study of the kidneys provided diagnostic information not otherwise obtainable. Ultrasonic imaging should be among the first diagnostic procedures applied in cases of acute unexplained renal failure because it provides rapid answers to the most urgent management problems — whether there is an obstructive component, and what is the potential for recovery.
Water enema: A new ultrasound technique in defining pelvic anatomy
Authors: Rubin Carl , Kurtz Alfred B. , Goldberg Barry B.
Published: February 2007

A new technique is described for delineating pelvic structures by using a distended bladder in combination with a water enema. The distended urinary bladder, which acts as a sonic window to the pelvis, fully defines only the portion of structures that abut against the surface. With fluid in both the bladder and rectosigmoid colon, and occasionally the cecum, a ‘sandwich effect’ can be obtained, resulting in a more complete definition of interposed structures. Questionable masses that might be feces in the bowel can be easily distinguished from significant pathology. This new technique has the potential for increasing accuracy of diagnosis of pelvic masses and delineating tumor extension of masses arising in such pelvic organs as the bladder, prostate, and uterus.
A comparison of the “phrygian cap” deformity with bistable and gray scale ultrasound
Authors: Edell Steven
Published: February 2007

Sixteen patients with a “phrygian cap” deformity of the gall bladder seen with oral cholecystography were further evaluated with both bistable and gray scale ultrasound. The bistable technique produced internal echoes that were suspicious of gall stones. When this same area was reevaluated with the more accurate gray scale technique, the folded‐fundus deformity was clearly visualized.
Ultrasonic examination of orbital vasculature
Authors: Dadd Michael , Hughes Herbert , Kossoff George
Published: February 2007

Patients with orbital varices form a diagnostically important group of those referred for ultrasonic study of orbital proptosis. Two cases are presented in which diagnosis of dilated orbital blood vessels was established by B scan ultrasonography. The echographic appearance of normal and dilated orbital vessels is discussed.
Antenatal diagnosis of congenital chylothorax by gray scale sonography
Authors: Defoort P. , Thiery M.
Published: February 2007

In a patient with hydramnios, fetal hydrops was diagnosed by B mode ultrasound. Gray scale sonography visualized fluid in the fetal pleural cavity. The diagnosis (congenital chylothorax) was confirmed at autopsy.
Ultrasonic appearance of acute poststreptococcalglomerulonephritis
Authors: Rochester David , Aronson Andrew J. , Bowie James D. , Kunzmann Axel
Published: February 2007

We have described a case of acute post‐streptococcal glomerulonephritis in which the ultrasound findings resemble multiple solid renal masses. The diagnosis of this inflammatory lesion should be considered in the proper clinical setting.
Pelvic horseshoe kidney: Ultrasound findings and case report
Authors: Trackler Richard T. , Resnick Michael L. , Leopold George R.
Published: February 2007

A case report illustrating the ultrasonic findings in pelvic horseshoe kidney is presented. The ultrasonic demonstration is correlated with a previous intravenous urogram in a patient with multiple congenital genitourinary anomalies.
Echocardiographic assessment of a blalock‐taussig shunt
Authors: Reitman Milton , Goldberg Herbert , Boris Gayle , Bakst Alvin , Gluck Regina
Published: February 2007

A case of echocardiographic confirmation of the patency of a Blalock‐Taussig anastomosis is presented. Using the left atrium‐to‐aortic ratio (LA/Ao), we could document an increase in left atrial size representing an increase in pulmonary blood flow. This is the first report using echocardiography to prove the patency of a systemic‐to‐pulmonary artery anastomosis.
Ultrasonographic identification of dilated intrahepatic bile ducts and their differentiation from portal venous structures
Authors: Lain Faye C. , Londo Linda A. , Fill Roy A.
Published: February 2007

The appearance of dilated intrahepatic bile ducts was evaluated on ultrasonograms of 50 patients with proven extrahepatic biliary obstruction. Five characteristic changes allowed differentiation between biliary and portal venous systems. These changes included: (1) Alteration in the anatomic pattern adjacent to the main right portal venous segment and the main portal vein bifurcation. (2) Irregular walls of dilated bile ducts. (3) Stellate confluence of dilated bile ducts. (4) Acoustic enhancement by dilated bile ducts. (5) Peripheral location of dilated bile ducts. Many patients exhibited more than one of these findings. Parasagittal scans of the main right portal vein were the most sensitive for detection of intrahepatic ductal dilatation. Recognition of the characteristic changes and knowledge of the portal venous anatomy makes it possible to diagnose extrahepatic biliary obstruction with a high degree of confidence.
Echocardiographic and clinical correlations in systemic hyper‐tension
Authors: Ros Allan M. , Pisarczy Michael J. , Calabres Massimo , Crocco J.
Published: February 2007

Echocardiographic measurements in 47 asymptomatic hypertensive patients were correlated with duration and severity of blood pressure elevation and with optic fundoscopic findings. These observations were also compared with electrocardiographic and chest roentgenographic measurements. Echo left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT) correlated best with duration of known hypertension. For 22 recent hypertensive patients the LVWT mean was 0.9 ± 0.3 cm whereas mean LVWT for 25 patients hypertensive for five or more years was 1.3 ± 0.2, (p ≤ 0.01). More severe initial diastolic pressure and the presence of hypertensive fundi also correlated with increased wall thickness. Increased left atrial diameter (≥ 2 cm m2) was observed primarily in the presence of longstanding disease. ECG and cardiothoracic ratio by xray did not correlate highly with the echo abnormalities. These observations suggest that echocardiography may be a sensitive and early means of recognizing cardiac changes in hypertensive patients.
B scan detection of pelvic masses: Accuracy compared to the barium enema intravenous pyelogram
Authors: Hogan Michael , Srichomkuan Aree
Published: February 2007

One hundred fifty nine pelvic ultrasonic examinations were performed; 54 were verified. The relative diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound, intravenous pyelograms, and barium enemas in detecting pelvic masses is discussed. Ultrasound is highly accurate except in ascites. While barium enema and intravenous pyelogram are both inaccurate. Ultrasound should be the initial examination for the evaluation of patients with a possible pelvic mass.
The use of ultrasound to diagnose a pseudomass effect secondary to abdominal ascites
Authors: Conrad Melvyn R.
Published: February 2007

Two cases of abdominal ascites in which a mass lesion was simulated on the roentgenogram are reported. Sonography permits ready differentiation of an encapsulated from a nonencapsulated fluid collection.
Echography of splenic infarct in a case of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Itoh Kouichi , Hayashi Akinori , Kawai Tadashi , Sumiya Morito , Kano Shogo
Published: February 2007

A 29 year old female with systemic lupus erythematosus had a splenic infarct. The echogram showed a 4 × 4 × 5 cm cluster of echoes. After splenectomy the preoperative echograms were matched to the gross pathological findings and a post mortem water bath scan. In this single patient, the echosplenograms were of considerable aid in confirming the accuracy of the diagnosis of splenic infarct.
Case report: Benign liver tumor with central necrosis
Authors: Cimmino Christian V. , Scott David W.
Published: February 2007

A 38 year old previously well woman had sudden onset of upper abdominal pain and fever. Ultrasound examination revealed a necrotizing lesion in the liver. Arteriography revealed findings consistent with an adenoma or focal nodular hyperplasia. A right lobectomy and wedge resection of a similar lesion in the left lobe were done. Microscopy of both lesions indicated focal nodular hyperplasia. Adenoma is said to be related to the contraceptive oral hormone; focal nodular hyperplasia not. But it is possible that both may have an increased incidence of bleeding in the users of the oral contraceptive hormones.
Ultrasound findings of renal angiomyolipoma
Authors: Lee Timothy G. , Henderson Sidney C. , Freeny Patrick C. , Raskin Michael M. , Benson Eric P. , Pearse Harper D.
Published: February 2007

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign renal neoplasm. Preoperative diagnosis is important because of the different surgical approaches to benign and malignant tumors. Angiographic findings of AML and renal carcinoma may be similar and differentiation difficult. B‐mode ultrasound examination of AML demonstrates a different image pattern which may be helpful in differentiation.
Confusing appearance of a dilated jejunal loop
Authors: Pozderac Rodney V. , Doust Bruce D.
Published: February 2007

A case report is presented concerning a patient with a dilated loop of bowel that was misinterpreted on ultrasound examination. Attention is called to this entity as part of the differential diagnosis of an intra‐abdominal fluid collection demonstrated by ultrasound.
Gallbladder wall thickening: A new sign of gallbladder disease visualized by gray scale cholecystosonography
Authors: Marchal G. , Crolla D. , Baert A. L. , Fevery J. , Kerremans R.
Published: February 2007

The use of gray scale equipment in a prospective study of radiologically non‐visualizing gallbladders, permitted detection of a new echographic aspect of gallbladder disease. Along with even, discrete bile thickening and the presence of sand‐sized calculi, thickening of the gallbladder wall in cholecystitis is another ultrasonographic sign of gallbladder disease that can be visualized successfully by gray scale ultrasound.
Carcinoma of the pancreas occuring in a child: A case report with description of gray scale ultrasound findings
Authors: Masterson James B. , Bowie James D. , Port Ronald B. , Elahi Cicely F. , Burrington John D. , Kranzler Jeffrey
Published: February 2007

This is a report of the gray scale ultrasound findings of pancreatic carcinoma occurring in a child. Although this tumor is rare, the preoperative diagnosis can be made if the physician is aware of this possibility. 99mTc sulfur colloid radionuclide scan, liver spleen scan, gallium scan, and ultrasound examinations are helpful in distinguishing the site of origin of upper abdominal masses.
Limitations in prediction of gestational age and birth weight by ultrasonographic methods
Authors: Gonzalez Antonio C. , Dale Edwin , Byers Robert H. , Page D. A.
Published: February 2007

The index of predictability of estimated gestational age (EGA) and birth weight (BW) from biparietal diameter (BPD) was tested in 1333 normal pregnancies; 96% of the patients were black. The correlation BPD and actual weeks to delivery was 0.834, r2 = 69.5%. Confidence limits were established and a nomogram for EGA was derived. Our nomogram and two similar ones were compared. The overall correlation between them was good, but that for specific BPD and EGA was not. In addition, our BPD values were smaller for corresponding gestational ages in other nomograms. The overall accuracy of estimated delivery date was ± 1.6 weeks. We were not able to predict birth weight at all from a single, random BPD measurement. We have demonstrated the serious limitations that exist in the prediction of gestational age from previously established nomograms. We infer that this error is even greater when homogeneous populations are so studied. We suggest that any published BPD‐EGA or BPD‐BW nomogram be given close, intensive statistical scrutiny, within the population studied, before it is used. When such scrutiny is not possible, serial sonographic determinations, or longitudinal use of growth charts, would be more acceptable.
Measurements of left ventricular wall thickness and systolic thickening by M mode echocardiography: Interobserver and intrapatient variability
Authors: Monoson Peter A. , O'Rourke Robert A. , Crawford Michael H. , White David H.
Published: February 2007

We examined interobserver and intrapatient variations in M mode echocardiographic measurements of diastolic and systolic interventricular septal and left ventricular posterior wall thickness and in the calculated percent systolic thickening of both walls. Diastolic measurements were made at the onset of the P wave and at the peak of the R wave of the simultaneously recorded electrocardiograms. In 20 normal subjects and six hypertensive patients, we compared measurements by two independent observers. There was a good correlation between the two observers in measurements of diastolic septal and posterior wall thickness (r > .90), whether or not the thickness was measured before the P wave or at the peak of the R wave. The systolic thickness measurements also correlated well (r > .80). However, the percent of systolic septal and posterior wall thickening as calculated by the two observers varied greatly (r > .60). In 10 normal subjects and the 6 hypertensive patients, two echocardiograms recorded on different days under similar conditions were measured by the same observer. There was a poor correlation in measurements of septal and posterior wall thickness and percent thickening. These data indicate that serial M mode echocardiographic determinations of ventricular wall thickness and percent thickening may show considerable variation because of resolution and definition problems and may be unreliable for quantifying changes in these measures produced by medical or surgical interventions.
An integrated television and real‐time ultrasonic imaging system
Authors: Schuette William H. , Shawker Thomas H. , Whitehouse Willard C.
Published: February 2007

A mechanical sector scanning ultrasonic imaging system was integrated with a video character generator and an infrared sensitive television camera to add patient data and scanner position information to a recorded ultrasonic image. A permanent record is made by recording the final composite image on video tape together with simultaneous audio of examiner's comments during examination. This has facilitated both the interpretation of scans and the relocation of the scanner on successive procedures.
On the measurement and specification of acoustic output generated by pulsed ultrasonic diagnostic equipment
Authors: Kossoff G.
Published: February 2007

The method of describing acoustic output generated by pulsed equipment has not been fully formalized and is often inadequately specified. This paper discusses the terms that we have found useful to specify the acoustic output generated by pulsed diagnostic equipment and proposes additional terms that allow a more complete description of irradiation dosage. The application of the proposed specification is illustrated by measurements made on a typical contact echoscope.
Malfunction of a bjork‐shiley prosthetic heart valve in the mitral position producing an abnormal echocardiographic pattern
Authors: Clements Stephen D. , Perkins John V.
Published: February 2007

This report presents an echocardiographic study of a patient with fibrous ingrowth about the sewing ring and hinges of a Bjork‐Shiley valve in the mitral position. The valve was obstructed and produced a distinct motion pattern. In addition to having a rounded diastolic motion, the disk excursion was decreased.
Radiolucent holder for echocardiographic recordings during fluoroscopy and exercise
Authors: Pechacek Leonard W. , Busch Ulrich , Garcia Efrain
Published: February 2007

The design and function of a device that holds an ultrasound transducer against the chest wall in a stationary position is described. This holder is useful for obtaining echocardiograms during cinefluoroscopic procedures, various positional maneuvers, and exercise testing.
The complete echographic evaluation of solid renal masses
Authors: McDonald Daniel G.
Published: February 2007

In the presence of a solid intrarenal mass, ultrasound scans should not be limited to the mass itself. Modern commercial gray scale equipment is capable of demonstrating both tumor extension into the inferior vena cava and the metastatic disease to the liver. The presence of multiple solid intrarenal masses favors the diagnosis of metastatic disease to the kidney or multiple angiomyolipomas. Retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy or an adrenal mass coincidental with an intrarenal mass suggests metastatic disease. These possibilities can be detected by echography if prone scans are performed over the suprarenal region and the contralateral kidney, and supine scans are performed for evaluation of the inferior vena cava, liver, and retroperitoneum.
Real time observation of left ventricular aneurysm by b mode echocardiography
Authors: Kambe Tadashi , Nishimura Kinya , Hibi Norio , Fukui Yoichi , Miwa Arata , Murase Mitsuya
Published: February 2007

This paper describes two cases of left ventricular aneurysm following myocardial infarction by real time B mode echocardiography with a mechanical sector scan. The most distinctive feature was the paradoxical movement of the aneurysmal wall; in systole, it moved posteriorly to form a bulge, whereas the remaining noninfarcted area was oriented toward the left ventricular cavity in contraction. The final diagnosis was verified by aneurysmectomy.
Ultrasonic findings in isolated lymphoma of the spleen simulating splenic abscess
Authors: Cunningham Jerome J.
Published: February 2007

Both isolated lymphoma in the spleen and splenic abscess may give rise to ultrasonic images that show irregular zones of below‐normal echo activity with unimpeded acoustic transmission. The clinical features of splenic abscess and splenic lymphoma overlap considerably and fever is common to both. The distinction between focal splenic abscess and isolated splenic lymphoma may not be possible prior to surgery.
Fallopian tube torsion: A case report
Authors: Lichtman Jeffrey B.
Published: February 2007

This case report demonstrates the gray scale ultrasound findings of fallopian tube torsion in a 10 year old girl. Some of the clinical manifestations of this entity are discussed.
Pitfalls in ultrasonic detection of pleural fluid
Authors: Shin Myung Soo , Gray Paul W.
Published: February 2007

This is a report of proven massive infiltration of Hodgkin's disease of the lung with correlative sonographic, roentgenographic, and pathologic findings. Special emphasis is placed on the difficulties in distinguishing pleural fluid from massive tumor infiltration of the lung by Hodgkin's disease.
Ultrasonographic demonstration of inferior vena caval invasion
Authors: Teng Stephen S. , Laing Faye C.
Published: February 2007

Whenever a liver neoplasm is seen ultrasonographically, an effort should be made to visualize the veins within the liver as well as the inferior vena cava for tumor extension. Valuable information can be obtained by the demonstration of this finding which may radically alter the further work‐up and treatment of the patient.
Ultrasonic demonstration of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis
Authors: Boutros George A. , Athey Patricia A.
Published: February 2007

An ultrasound examination performed on a young woman with a long history of urinary tract infection demonstrated multiple subcapsular sonolucencies suggestive of multiple abscesses. The combination of the ultrasonic appearance, the clinical history, and a large nonfunctioning kidney with calculi on intravenous pyelography allowed us to suggest the diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. Ultrasound plays an even greater role in patients who are allergic to iodinated contrast material in whom intravenous pyelograms and arteriograms may be contraindicated.
Ultrasonographic appearance of gastric lymphosarcoma
Authors: Salem Shia , Hiltz Carl W.
Published: February 2007

The ultrasonographic appearance of a diffusely infiltrating gastric lymphosarcoma is presented. The stomach appeared as a large mass with sonolucent periphery and central sonodensity. This appearance should suggest a lesion arising from the gastrointestinal tract.
Papillary adenoma of the gall bladder: Ultrasonic demonstration
Authors: Carter Stephen J. , Rutledge Joseph , Hirsch Jack H. , Vracko Rudolf , Chikos Paul M.
Published: February 2007

A papillary adenoma of the gall bladder was demonstrated by gray scale echography. The pathology of the tumor was described and the ultrasonic characteristics which distinguish it from a calculus were discussed.
Ultrasonic features of Gartner's duct cyst
Authors: Scheible F. William
Published: February 2007

Gartner's duct cysts will usually be incidental findings during pelvic sonography. Of developmental origin, they may present anywhere along the lateral aspect of the female genital tract. When the cysts are of parovarian origin, they will mimic other fluid‐filled adnexal masses, and no specific diagnosis can be made. When alongside the vagina or cervix, however, their ultrasonographic appearance is probably characteristic.
Enhanced ultrasonic visualization of kidneys via an abdominal compression pillow
Authors: Skolnick M. Leon
Published: February 2007

In order to improve the visualization of kidneys in patients who are scanned prone, a compression pillow is placed under the anterior abdomen at the approximate level of the kidneys. We hypothesize that the improved imaging occurs because the compression reduces the thickness of soft tissues overlying the kidneys and, therefore, lessens the amount of attenuation, scattering, and absorption the ultrasound beam undergoes. The benefits of this technique are illustrated in a patient with a renal cyst.
Determination of trans‐resveratrol in wine by micro‐HPLC with fluorescence detection
Authors: Lopez Ricardo , Dugo Paola , Mondello Luigi
Published: February 2007

A new method for the quantitative determination of trans‐resveratrol in wine has been optimized and validated. The method is based on the direct injection of 500 nL of wine in an HPLC system fitted with an RP microcolumn of 10 cm×0.32 mm and spectrofluorometric detection. The linear dynamic range of the method covers the normal range of occurrence of the analyte in wines and extends for two orders of magnitude with r2 = 0.9994. Twenty‐three wines have been analyzed with the proposed method, finding concentrations in the range reported by other authors.
Passive harmonically mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser with scalable repetition rate up to 1.2 GHz
Authors: Zhang Z X , Zhan L , Yang X X , Luo S Y , Xia Y X
Published: February 2007

Passive harmonically mode-locked fiber ring laser with scalable repetition rate up to 1.2 GHz has been experimentally demonstrated. Two types of stabilization mechanisms for passive harmonic mode-locking are identified at different repetition rates. Through investigating the dynamics of pulse generation, it is found that a new operation mode, harmonic mode-locking of multipulse bunching, favors higher order harmonic. The supermode suppression rates of harmonically mode-locked pulse trains at 439 MHz and 1.145 GHz are 40 dB and 30 dB, respectively.
Using ring-filter and saturable-absorber-based filter for stable erbium fiber laser
Authors: Yeh C-H , Chen C-T , Lee C-N , Shih F-Y , Chi S
Published: February 2007

A stable single-frequency dual-coupler ring (DCR) laser is proposed that operates in a single mode for more than an hour by an incorporating unpumped erbium-doped fiber (EDF) as a saturable-absorber filter and optimizing the length of the EDF used as gain medium. The proposed fiber laser doesn't use any fiber Bragg gratings or etalon filters into intracavity to lase a single-frequency. This laser has an optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR) of > 60 dB at 1562.9 nm. In addition, the stabilities of the output power and wavelength have also been studied.
Laser reshaping and regeneration of cartilage
Authors: Sobol E N , Milner T E , Shekhter A B , Baum O I , Guller A E , Ignatieva N Y , Omelchenko A I , Zakharkina O L
Published: February 2007

Demonstration of laser-induced stress relaxation in cartilage in 1992 led to the development of a novel laser surgical procedure in otolaryngology for the non-ablative reshaping of cartilage. Follow-up studies found that non-destructive laser irradiation may activate regeneration processes in cartilaginous tissue. Ongoing studies seek to characterize the physical, chemical and biological processes and mechanisms involved in the reshaping and regeneration of deformed and diseased cartilage under moderate laser heating. A theoretical model is developed considering laser-induced stress relaxation in cartilage as a process of micropore formation. Results obtained provide scientific and engineering data for development of novel laser surgical procedures for correction of the nasal septum and treatment of spine disc cartilage diseases. This review is aimed to present state of art and recent results in laser – induced reshaping and regeneration of cartilage.
Ti:Sapphire waveguide lasers
Authors: Pollnau M , Grivas C , Laversenne L , Wilkinson J S , Eason R W , Shepherd D P
Published: February 2007

Titanium-doped sapphire is one of the most prominent laser materials and is appreciated for its excellent heat conductivity and broadband gain spectrum, allowing for a wide wavelength tunability and generation of ultrashort pulses. As one of the hardest materials, it can also serve as a model system for the fabrication of optical waveguide structures in dielectric crystalline materials and applications in integrated optics. In this paper, we review the recent approaches towards gain and laser operation in Ti:sapphire optical waveguides, including epitaxial growth, surface micro-structuring, and in-depth refractive-index modifications. Several methods including pulsed laser deposition, reactive ion etching, ion in-diffusion, light-ion implantation, and femtosecond-laser irradiation are presented and the results with respect to obtained refractive-index profiles, waveguide propagation losses, and laser performance are discussed.
Pharmacophore Refinement and 3D‐QSAR Studies of Histamine H3 Antagonists
Authors: Narkhede Sachin S. , Degani Mariam S.
Published: February 2007

Molecular modeling studies were performed to develop a predictive Common Pharmacophore Hypothesis (CPH) and use it for alignment in 3D‐QSAR studies using CoMFA and CoMSIA, with a diverse set of 106 histamine H3 antagonists. A five point CPH with three hydrophobic features, a basic or positive ionizable feature and an acceptor, for pharmacophore‐based alignment of molecules, was derived using PHASE. This hypothesis was selected from a pool, by correlating the observed and estimated activity for the training set and test set of molecules using partial least square analysis. It was found to be comparable to the previously reported hypothesis. The validated pharmacophore hypothesis was used for alignment of molecules in CoMFA and CoMSIA model development. The models so generated showed a good “predictive” r2 value of 0.763 and 0.820 for CoMFA and CoMSIA, respectively. The contour maps of the models were analyzed to give structural insight for activity improvement of future novel histamine H3 antagonists. The CPH can also provide a powerful template for virtual screening and design of new histamine H3 antagonists.
A comparison of methods to analyse continuous data from pseudo cluster randomized trials
Authors: Teerenstra S. , Moerbeek M. , Melis R. J. F. , Borm G. F.
Published: February 2007

A major methodological reason to use cluster randomization is to avoid the contamination that would arise in an individually randomized design. However, when patient recruitment cannot be completed before randomization of clusters, the non‐blindedness of recruiters and patients may cause selection bias, while in the control clusters, it may slow recruitment due to patient or recruiter preferences for the intervention. As a compromise, pseudo cluster randomization has been proposed. Because no insight is available into the relative performance of methods to analyse data obtained from this design, we compared the type I and II error rates of mixed models, generalized estimating equations (GEE) and a paired t‐test to those of the estimator originally proposed in this design. The bias in the point estimate and its standard error were also incorporated into this comparison. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of the weighting scheme and the accuracy of the sample size formula that have been described previously. Power levels of the originally proposed estimator and the unweighted mixed models were in agreement with the sample size formula, but the power of paired t‐test fell short. GEE produced too large type I errors, unless the number of clusters was large (>30–40 per arm). The use of the weighting scheme generally enhanced the power, but at the cost of increasing the type I error in mixed models and GEE. We recommend unweighted mixed models as the best compromise between feasibility and power to analyse data from a pseudo cluster randomized trial. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forschung und Entwicklung im Konstruktiven Glasbau
Authors: Weller Bernhard , Schadow Thomas
Published: February 2007

Forschung und Entwicklung im Konstruktiven Glasbau werden an der Technischen Universität Dresden weiterhin intensiv mit dem Ziel betrieben, lichtdurchlässige und innovative Gebäudehüllen zu schaffen. Neben dem zunehmenden Einsatz von lastabtragenden Bauteilen aus Glas wird auch verstärkt Forschungs‐ und Entwicklungsleistung in glasgerechte Verbindungstechniken investiert, um zukünftig den Baustoff Glas noch umfassender im Hochbau einsetzen zu können.
Experimentelle Untersuchung von Punkthaltern
Authors: Siebert Geralt , Haese Andreas
Published: February 2007

Da ein rechnerischer Nachweis von (Glas‐)Punkthaltern auf Grund der oft komplexen Geometrie meist sehr aufwendig wäre, wird der Nachweis in der Regel durch experimentelle Untersuchung geführt. Dazu gibt es bisher keine Prüfvorschrift, und man beschränkte sich in aller Regel auf den Nachweis ausreichender Tragfähigkeit. Für sichere und solide Konstruktionen muß aber auch der Zustand des Halters unter Last berücksichtigt werden. Im Entwurf der DIN 18008‐Teil 3: “Punktförmig gelagerte Verglasungen” ist daher eine Prüfvorschrift vorgesehen, die neben der Untersuchung der Tragfähigkeit auch die Ermittlung von Gebrauchstauglichkeitslasten und die Angabe der Steifigkeitswerte fordert.
Selective x‐ray Bragg spectrometry: optimizing fluorescence microprobe sensitivity for precious metals
Authors: Etschmann B. E. , Ryan C. G. , Vogt S. , Maser J. , Brugger J. , Harland C. L. , Legnini D.
Published: February 2007

This instrument development project was aimed at developing an x‐ray spectrometer configuration for the x‐ray fluorescence microprobe optimized for the detection of precious metals in geological and biological samples with the objective of improving detection limits and reducing interference from major elements and the scattered beam. The approach used Bragg diffraction from a surface shaped to a log‐spiral to focus x‐rays of a particular energy onto a solid‐state detector. The result is an enhancement of the precious metal lines within the relatively narrow bandpass of the Bragg crystal surface and suppression of interfering elements and detector artefacts, such as tailing and escape peaks arising from intense elemental lines and scattered photons. This combined enhancement resulted in a factor of 3 improvement in the count rates at the optimized energy. Combined with the reduction in background, this results in an order of magnitude improvement of the Au detection limits for samples of geological significance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A phenotypic trade‐off between previous growth and present fecundity in round sardinellaSardinella aurita
Authors: Tsikliras Athanassios C. , Antonopoulou Efthimia , Stergiou Konstantinos I.
Published: February 2007

The decision of how to allocate surplus energy to reproduction and growth can have important effects on fish population dynamics as well as on other life history traits. The natural examples on the interrelationship between maternal growth and number of offspring produced in fishes are scarce. We tested the hypothesis that these traits are competing for resources by estimating maternal previous growth decisions, using back‐calculation, and present reproduction, expressed as absolute fecundity, of female round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) in the northeastern Mediterranean Sea. Despite the overall increasing trend of fecundity with age, individual fecundity was negatively related to individual specific growth rate between the most recent annulus formation and spawning within ages. A decreasing trend between previous growth rate and present fecundity emerged, showing that round sardinella allocate increasingly less energy to growth with age and more into reproduction and that the previous growth decisions determine present fecundity.
Quantitative food webs of lepidopteran leafminers and their parasitoids in a Japanese deciduous forest
Authors: Hirao Toshihide , Murakami Masashi
Published: February 2007

Quantitative food webs were constructed to explore the community structure of leaf‐mining moths in the family Gracillariidae and their parasitoid wasps in a deciduous forest in Hokkaido, Japan. A whole food web was constructed from data collected from June to October 2001. In the web, 16 leafminer species on seven tree species were attacked by 58 species of hymenopteran parasitoid; 376 links between leafminers and parasitoids were observed. Leafminers were specialist herbivores, but most parasitoids were generalists. Five webs were constructed for the seasonal prevalence of leafminers over the one‐year period to reveal the temporal dynamics in community structure. Among the seasonal webs, the first web in June was distinctive because two tree species, Japanese umbrella tree Magnolia obovata and Japanese magnolia M. kobus, supported the community. Second to fourth webs from July to September were dominated by the leafminer species on Japanese oak Quercus crispula, and the fifth web was marked by that on Carpinuscordata. The extent of potential apparent competition among leafminers was evaluated using quantitative parasitoid overlap diagrams. These diagrams suggested that abundant host species are likely to have large indirect effects on less abundant species. Moreover, the potential for apparent competition between leafminer species inhabiting different host tree species can occur, although leafminers sharing the same tree species are prone to interact via shared parasitoids. In this system, particular leafminer species, acting as potential sources of apparent competition, can affect other species as sinks, and control whole‐community dynamics. Directed apparent competition may potentially occur around oak trees.
Gene expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase subunit Cks2 is repressed by the tumor suppressor p53 but not by the related proteins p63 or p73
Authors: Rother Karen , Dengl Markus , Lorenz Jana , Tschöp Katrin , Kirschner Ralf , Mössner Joachim , Engeland Kurt
Published: February 2007

Cks2 proteins are essential components of cyclin/cyclin‐dependent kinase complexes and contribute to cell cycle control. We identify Cks2 as a transcriptional target downregulated by the tumor suppressor p53. Cks2 expression was found to be repressed by p53 both at the mRNA and the protein levels. p53 downregulates transcription from the Cks2 promoter in a dose‐dependent manner and in all cell types tested. This repression appears to be independent of p53 binding to the Cks2 promoter. In contrast to p53, neither p63 nor p73 proteins can repress Cks2 transcription. Thus p53, rather than its homologues p63 and p73, may contribute to control of the first metaphase/anaphase transition of mammalian meiosis by downregulation of Cks2 expression.
Effects of aging on triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)‐1‐induced PMN functions
Authors: Fortin Carl F. , Lesur Olivier , Fulop Tamas
Published: February 2007

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell‐1 (TREM‐1) is a recently described receptor that has many effects on polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN), as the engagement of this receptor on PMN can induce phagocytosis, respiratory burst and degranulation. We studied the effects of aging on TREM‐1 engagement in human PMN. PMN from elderly were found to have impaired response following TREM‐1 engagement. Notably they were not able to modulate the TREM‐1‐induced respiratory burst as PMN from young did. TREM‐1 engagement could not reverse PMN survival following incubation with LPS or GM‐CSF in the elderly whereas it did in the young. The phosphorylation of TREM‐1 signal transduction molecules was altered with aging. Finally, TREM‐1 engagement could not drive the recruitment of TREM‐1 in the lipid‐rafts of the elderly explaining in part the altered response. The observed alterations in TREM‐1 response are possibly an important contributing factor in the higher incidence of sepsis‐related deaths in the elderly population.
TRAPEZOID ROTATIONAL BONE GRAFT OSTEOTOMY FOR METACARPAL AND PHALANGEAL FRACTURE MALUNION
Authors: YONG F. C. , TAN S. H. , TOW B. P. B. , TEOH L. C.
Published: February 2007

Metacarpal and phalangeal fracture malunions with significant angulation deformity are associated with bone shortening, prominence of the metacarpal head in the palm or pseudoclaw deformity and may be symptomatic. If so, they may need corrective osteotomy procedures. Conventional methods of closing, or opening, wedge osteotomy do not restore the length of the bone exactly. Simultaneous correction of the angular deformity and restoration of bone length can be addressed by a trapezoid rotational bone graft osteotomy. A double osteotomy is done and the segment of bone is rotated and re-inserted as a bone graft. This was done successfully in four metacarpal and two phalangeal fracture malunions with angulation deformities.
Democracy and Democratization among Tibetans in Exile
Authors: Frechette Ann
Published: February 2007

This paper analyzes how democracy is conceptualized and operationalized among Tibetan exiles based on fieldwork conducted among Tibetans in Dharamsala during 1994 and in two settlements in Nepal throughout 1995. The Tibetan exiles are in a democratic transition, yet their transition resembles much more of a “muddling through” than a linear progression, as they struggle to interpret democratic values in the context of their own worldview and political circumstances. The Tibetan exiles' case can be interpreted as a new variation on the Asian democracy debate, with a focus on how authoritarian and popular choice interrelate in an actually existing democratic system. For the Tibetans, the issue is the place of the “enlightened mind” in modern forms of governance. The author finds that the exile context has both facilitated and limited the Tibetans' reform efforts.
Music in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction: Drama, Gramophone, and the Beginnings of Tamil Cinema
Authors: Hughes Stephen Putnam
Published: February 2007

During the first half of the twentieth century, new mass media practices radically altered traditional cultural forms and performance in a complex encounter that incited much debate, criticism, and celebration the world over. This essay examines how the new sound media of gramophone and sound cinema took up the live performance genres of Tamil drama. Professor Hughes argues that south Indian music recording companies and their products prefigured, mediated, and transcended the musical relationship between stage drama and Tamil cinema. The music recording industry not only transformed Tamil drama music into a commodity for mass circulation before the advent of talkies but also mediated the musical relationship between Tamil drama and cinema, helped to create film songs as a new and distinct popular music genre, and produced a new mass culture of film songs.
A Tamil Modernist's Account of India's Past: Ram Raj, Merchant Raj, and British Raj
Authors: Richman Paula
Published: February 2007

The Ramayana, one of Hinduism's two preeminent epics, has been retold in diverse ways over the centuries, but one modern rendition is unique:Nārata-Rāmāyaṇam(?). Its author, C. Virudhachalam (1906–48), wrote in Tamil under the pen name Pudumaippittan, meaning “one who is mad about newness.”Nārata-Rāmāyaṇam(?)presents colonialism as a continuation of the Ramayana narrative, showing how an ancient South Asian narrative can serve as an imaginative framework for modern Indian writers. The text mounts an astute critique of the notion of perfect rule, Ram Raj, and suggests that such a utopian ideal fosters the veneration of a glorified past that never existed. The text's modernist literary ploys encourage scrutiny of culturally constructed concepts such as nationalism, consumerism, and narrative coherence. This unusual Ramayana reveals how narrative resources can be used to question both ancient and modern ideologies.
Activism and Identities in an East Kalimantan Dayak Organization
Authors: Schiller Anne
Published: February 2007

In 1999, the East Kalimantan Dayak Association convened a watershed conference in Samarinda, Indonesia, that was attended by indigenous people from across the province. The conference, which was intended to nurture an emerging indigenous solidarity that aimed to transcend narrower loyalties, included sessions on organizational reform. This article examines the ongoing process of organizational rationalization within the association and investigates how that process comports with the evolving vision of indigenous solidarity that its leaders promote. It addresses challenges to that vision offered by constituents and others. The article also explores the role of symbols drawn from the social and natural worlds in fostering the development of an ethnic identity. The article reveals a paradox in the way that ethnicity is framed within the organization—one that invites comparison with the methods and goals of other indigenous and pan-indigenous movements.
Ing forms and the progressive puzzle: a construction-based approach to English progressives
Authors: LEE SEUNG-AH
Published: February 2007

This paper argues for a constructional approach to English progressives. On this view, progressivity is a construction-level property, rather than a lexical property of the ing forms that progressive verb phrases contain or of the auxiliary. The incompatibility of ing forms with state verbs in progressive constructions provides crucial evidence in support of the construction-based perspective, given that stative ing forms are fully acceptable in gerundive and other ing constructions. Of course, underlying this approach is the proposal that gerund is neutralizable with present participle (Huddleston 1984, 2002b, c; Pullum 1991; Blevins 1994). A lexicalist and construction-based analysis of gerundive nominals, as in Pullum (1991) and Blevins (1994), offers a means of claiming that progressivity is a property of the combination of an auxiliary and ing participle, just as the perfect aspect is expressed by the combination of have and a past participle, as proposed in Ackerman & Webelhuth (1998) and Spencer (2001b), and implicitly in Curme (1935) and other traditional grammars.
Breast-feeding Performance Index: a composite index to describe overall breast-feeding performance among infants under 6 months of age
Authors: Senarath Upul , Dibley Michael J , Agho Kingsley E
Published: February 2007

Objectives

To develop a composite index to describe the overall breast-feeding performance of infants < 6 months of age; and, using this index, to identify the factors associated with poor breast-feeding practices and the association between breast-feeding and infant morbidity.

Design, setting and subjects

The 2003 Demographic and Health Survey was a multi-stage cluster sample survey of 4320 households in Timor-Leste which covered 573 infants aged < 6 months. Breast-feeding Performance Index (BPI) was constructed by allocating one point for each of seven infant feeding practices: first suckling within an hour of birth; absence of prelacteals; non-use of feeding bottles; current breast-feeding; not receiving liquids; not receiving formula or other milk; and not receiving solids in the last 24 hours. BPI was treated as the dependent variable in univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the factors associated with poor breast-feeding.

Results

Exclusive breast-feeding rate was 29.9%. The BPI (mean 4.4, standard deviation 1.77) was categorised as low, average and high according to tertiles. Multivariate analysis indicated that infants from the richest households were 1.70 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–2.77) times more likely to have ‘low BPI’ than the poorest. Maternal BMI < 18.5 kg m− 2was predictive of poor breast-feeding (odds ratio = 1.79; 95% CI 1.27–2.52). In the ‘low’ BPI group, the incidence of diarrhoea (13.4%) and acute respiratory infections (20.7%) during the previous two weeks was significantly higher than in ‘average’ (4.3 and 9.3%) and ‘high’ BPI groups (4.6 and 5.5%).

Conclusions

Creating a composite index to assess the overall breast-feeding performance among infants < 6 months of age is feasible. BPI can be effectively used to identify target groups for breast-feeding promotion interventions.
The Fog in Venice
Authors: BREITBART WILLIAM
Published: February 2007

I have just returned from the Eighth World Congress of
Psycho-oncology, which was held in Venice on October 18–21, 2006,
and attracted the largest number of attendees ever to participate in the
annual scientific meeting of the International Psycho-Oncology Society
(IPOS). There were close to 1500 participants from 58 countries. Professor
Luigi Grassi of the University of Ferrara, the current President of IPOS,
was the organizing chair of the Congress, and he and his local scientific
committee did a magnificent job of hosting a most diverse and
multidisciplinary meeting. A Pre-Congress Psychosocial Academy, consisting
of two days of intensive workshops led by outstanding international
faculty, was held in beautiful Ferrara, just prior to the start of the
Congress in Venice. As the incoming vice president of IPOS, a member of
the Psychosocial Academy held in Ferrara, and an active scientific
participant in the Eighth World Congress in Venice, it is fair to say that
I was pretty busy. In fact, because of all of my activities related to
this conference and IPOS, I was away from home and work for nine full
days, the longest time I've ever been away from my family. This
commitment of an unusually inordinate amount of time to a scientific
conference activity made me sit down and evaluate whether the commitment
of that much time was really worth it. I was aware, the entire time I
attended the conference-related activities, that I needed to come away
with at least one important lesson, idea, thought, or inspiration;
otherwise I would have felt that I had not spent the time wisely. In other
words, I needed the answer to the questions “What brought me to
Venice, and where was I going beyond Venice?” Existential questions?
Of course!