bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging Methods for Visualization of Rapidly Moving Tissue
Authors: Hsu Stephen J. , Bouchard Richard R. , Dumont Douglas M. , Ong Cheng W. , Wolf Patrick D. , Trahey Gregg E. 
Published: March 2013

Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging has been demonstrated to be capable of visualizing changes in local myocardial stiffness through a normal cardiac cycle. As a beating heart involves rapidly-moving tissue with cyclically-varying myocardial stiffness, it is desirable to form images with high frame rates and minimize susceptibility to motion artifacts. Three novel ARFI imaging methods, pre-excitation displacement estimation, parallel-transmit excitation and parallel-transmit tracking, were implemented. Along with parallel-receive, ECG-gating and multiplexed imaging, these new techniques were used to form high-quality, high-resolution epicardial ARFI images. Three-line M-mode, extended ECG-gated three-line M-mode and ECG-gated two-dimensional ARFI imaging sequences were developed to address specific challenges related to cardiac imaging. In vivo epicardial ARFI images of an ovine heart were formed using these sequences and the quality and utility of the resultant ARFI-induced displacement curves were evaluated. The ARFI-induced displacement curves demonstrate the potential for ARFI imaging to provide new and unique information into myocardial stiffness with high temporal and spatial resolution.
A New Wire Phantom for Accurate Measurement of Acoustical Resolution
Authors: Trimmer William Stuart Newberry , Vilkomerson David 
Published: March 2013

This article describes a phantom which is easier to use and gives more accurate results than a phantom made from several pairs of solid wires. This phantom employs two concepts: spatially modulated wires and diverging wires. Spatially modulated wires, such as helically twisted wires, reflect the sound into a broad range of angles. This has two advantages. One, it is easier to align the transducer with the reflected beam. Two, the diffuse reflection is similar to the scattering from tissue, and the system gain need not be turned abnormally low. Diverging wires improve the accuracy and convenience of the measurement. Rather than many pairs of parallel wires, a single pair of wires which diverge from an apex is used. By scanning across this pair until the wires are just resolved, the resolution can be easily calculated.
Computer Simulations of Speckle in B-Scan Images
Authors: Foster D.R. , Arditi M. , Foster F.S. , Patterson M.S. , Hunt J.W. 
Published: March 2013

The granularity or speckle in medical ultrasound images tends to mask the presence of small lesions. As well, artifactual filling in of anechoic regions such as cysts, reduces the diagnostic potential of the images. These effects depend not only on the acoustic properties of the tissue but also are strongly influenced by the imaging system, especially the transducer geometry. To study the effect of the transducer on the final B-scan image, a computer model has been developed simulating the interaction of ultrasound with a simple scattering medium. This model, incorporating the position dependence of the point response of the transducer, is based on single scattering from a collection of points positioned randomly in a three-dimensional volume. Using this approach, B-scan images showing speckle have been generated for different transducer geometries. Inclusion of a 2.6 mm void mimicking a cyst within the three-dimensional scattering volume has allowed us to predict the cyst contrast in the image for the different transducer systems. Experimental B-scan images of a scattering phantom were obtained using the different pulse echo systems. Quantitative assessment using first and second order statistics of the images shows good agreement between experiment and theory.
Measuring the Elastic Modulus of Small Tissue Samples
Authors: Erkamp R.Q. , Wiggins P. , Skovoroda A.R. , Emelianov S.Y. , O'Donnell M. 
Published: March 2013

Independent measurements of the elastic modulus (Young's modulus) of tissue are a necessary step in turning elasticity imaging into a clinical tool. A system capable of measuring the elastic modulus of small tissue samples was developed. The system tolerates the constraints of biological tissue, such as limited sample size (≤1.5 cm3) and imperfections in sample geometry. A known deformation is applied to the tissue sample while simultaneously measuring the resulting force. These measurements are then converted to an elastic modulus, where the conversion uses prior calibration of the system with plastisol samples of known Young's modulus. Accurate measurements have been obtained from 10 to 80 kPa, covering a wide range of tissue modulus values. In addition, the performance of the system was further investigated using finite element analysis. Finally, preliminary elasticity measurements on canine kidney samples are presented and discussed.
L'implication du consommateur et ses perspectives stratégiques
Authors: Miled-Chérif Héla Ben 
Published: March 2013

Cet article présente à des fins pédagogiques la connaissance relative au concept d'implication du consommateur. Le premier objectif de cet article est de mettre en exergue un certain nombre de problèmes posés par ce concept tant sur le plan de sa définition que de sa mesure. Le second objectif est de présenter les principales manifestations de l'implication relative au processus de décision du consommateur. L'article s'articule comme suit: (1) les définitions; l'objet, l'intensité et les composantes du concept; (2) les outils dont on dispose pour mesurer l'implication; (3) les manifestations observables du concept. Les principales conclusions et les implications stratégiques sont enfin exposées (4).
La méthodologie des études d'événements en marketing
Authors: Delattre Eric 
Published: March 2013

La méthodologie des études d'événements consiste à évaluer l'impact d'un événement particulier — exogène ou endogène — sur le cours de Bourse d'une ou de plusieurs entreprises. Cette méthodologie, très courante en finance, présente également un intérêt en marketing. Il apparaît en effet que les décisions marketing ne sont pas sans conséquences sur les marchés financiers. De plus, les facteurs marketing susceptibles d'amplifier ou de limiter l'impact boursier d'un événement restent en partie méconnus. Dans cette optique, l'objectif de l'article est de souligner l'utilité de la méthodologie des études d'événements et d'en proposer quelques adaptations pour les recherches en marketing. Le principal apport concerne l'intégration de données primaires ou secondaires non exclusivement financières afin de mieux appréhender les conditions de la création ou destruction de valeur boursière associée à un événement.
Décisions économiques, famille et chômage: Réflexions sur les conséquences comportementales et affectives
Authors: Derbaix Christian 
Published: March 2013

Le but de cet article est de mettre en évidence l'influence du chômage — de longue durée et spécialement au niveau des plus défavorisés — sur: les décisions économiques au sein de la famille, c'est-à-dire les changements de consommation; les conséquences psychologiques en termes d'altération de la stabilité affective du chômeur (de la chômeuse) et de sa proche famille; les processus de socialisation et le déroulement classique du cycle de vie familial. Etant donné l'accessibilité difficile des variables étudiées, l'auteur conclut son article par une recommandation en faveur de la démarche (de l'enquête) humaniste pour poursuivre ce même type de travail délicat.
Dix ans de recherches sur la mesure des effets des promotions
Authors: Chandon Pierre 
Published: March 2013

La très forte croissance des recherches en promotion des ventes est due en grande partie à l'apparition des données issues des panels scannérisés. Ces données sont à l'origine de plusieurs traditions de recherche que l'on peut distinguer par leur variable dépendante: les modèles de mesure sur données agrégées, dont l'objectif est de fournir aux praticiens un outil leur permettant de quantifier les effets des promotions sur les ventes; les modèles de mesure sur données individuelles qui permettent de connaître et de quantifier les effets des promotions sur le choix de la marque, la quantité achetée, la date d'achat et la décision d'acheter; les modèles d'aide à la décision, dont l'objectif est d'aider les décideurs à concevoir des actions promotionnelles rentables. Cet article présente la spécificité de chaque tradition de recherche, ses principaux résultats et ses pistes de recherches les plus prometteuses.
Effect of poly(ether–ether–sulfone) concentration on the morphology, performance, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and antifouling of asymmetric cellulose acetate ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Maheswari P. , Mohan D. 
Published: March 2013

The aim of the present work is to investigate the morphology, performance, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and antifouling of the poly(ether–ether–sulfone) (PEES)-incorporated asymmetric cellulose acetate (CA)-blended ultrafiltration membranes. High-performance CA/PEES blend ultrafiltration membranes were prepared by the phase inversion technique. The effects of PEES concentration (0–30 wt%) on pure water permeability (PWP), water content, porosity, molecular weight cutoff, mean pore size, morphology, hydrophilicity, and thermal and mechanical properties of the CA/PEES blend membranes were investigated. Morphological studies were carried out using scanning electron microscopy. scanning electron microscopic studies revealed that the incorporation of PEES resulted in the formation of a thin top layer, a porous sub-layer, and the open pores in the bottom layer. The thermal properties of these polymeric membranes were evaluated by thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric analyses measurements, whereas the glass transition temperature of the membranes was calculated by differential scanning calorimetry. With the increase in the concentration of PEES on the CA membranes, the PWP, hydrophilicity, water content, porosity, the thermal stability, glass transition temperature, tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation at break significantly improved in the blend membranes. The efficiency of these membranes in the separation of commercially important proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), egg albumin, pepsin, and trypsin was studied and found to be enhanced as compared to CA membranes. In fouling experiments, BSA was used as the model protein, and flux recovery ratio (FRR) of the membranes was calculated. Attempts have been made to correlate the changes in membrane morphology with pure water flux, water content, porosity, thermal and mechanical stability, separation efficiency, and antifouling property of the CA/PEES membranes. It has been demonstrated that the fouling-resistant ability of CA/PEES membranes is enhanced due to the high FRR with the addition of PEES in the casting solution. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the membranes prepared with 80/20 composition of CA/PEES blend membranes are promising candidates for industrial applications.
End-of-Life Care Attitudes, Values, and Practices Among Health Care Workers
Authors: Goel Ashish , Chhabra Gaurav , Weijma Robyn , Solari Marla , Thornton Sarah , Achondo Bernardita , Pruthi Sonal , Gupta Vineet , Kalantri S. P. , Ramavat Anurag S. , Kalra O. P. 
Published: March 2013

Introduction: This study aims to ascertain attitudes of health care workers on end-of-life care (EOLC) issues and to highlight the disparity that exists in countries with different backgrounds. Methods: It is a cross-sectional questionnaire survey across heterogeneous health care providers in India, Chile, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands using an indigenously prepared questionnaire considering regional variations, covering different areas of EOLC. Results: Of the 109 participants, 68 (62.4%) felt that cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be done selectively, 25 (22.9%) had come in contact with at least 1 patient who had asked them to hasten death, and 36 (33%) felt that training was insufficient to prepare them for skills in issues of EOLC. Conclusion: To avoid cumbersome through well-meant interventions, it is important that the caregiving team is aware of the patient’s own wishes with respect to EOLC issues.
Open Ankle Arthrodesis With a Fibular-Sparing Technique
Authors: Smith Jeremy T. , Chiodo Christopher P. , Singh Samrendu K. , Wilson Michael G. 
Published: March 2013

Background: Many ankle arthrodesis techniques excise the fibula or require a fibular osteotomy. Advantages of fibular preservation include increased surface area for bony union, preservation of the peroneal groove, prevention of valgus drift in cases of delayed union, and facilitation of future ankle arthroplasty. The goal of this study was to evaluate fusion rate and clinical outcomes of a novel open fibular-sparing ankle arthrodesis technique. Methods: A total of 50 consecutive ankle arthrodeses using this technique were included in this study. These consisted of 46 patients with an average age of 52 (range, 30 to 71) years. Outcomes assessed postoperatively included radiographs, complications, patient satisfaction, and functional scoring. Results: At an average of 28 (range, 19 to 56) months postoperatively, 38 patients (42 ankles) were available for review. Of the 42 cases, 39 (93%) achieved union at an average of 12 weeks postoperatively. Of patients, 86% reported being “completely satisfied” with the outcome. Average AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale was 84 ± 12 and average Foot Function Index pain subscale was 1 ± 0.9. Two ankles (5%) were fused in excessive varus; no patient required revision surgery for malalignment. Conclusion: This method of open ankle arthrodesis preserved the fibula and had a high fusion rate with good patient outcome scores. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Linaclotide: A new drug for the treatment of chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
Authors: Corsetti Maura , Tack Jan 
Published: March 2013

IntroductionLinaclotide is the first member of a novel class of drugs to be extensively evaluated for the treatment of chronic constipation (CC) and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C).AimTo provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on linaclotide, its pharmacological properties, mode of action and efficacy in clinical trials to date.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of the literature.ResultsThe survey revealed that linaclotide is a minimally absorbed, 14‐amino acid peptide which acts in the intestinal lumen on guanylate cyclase‐C (GC‐C). This results in generation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which stimulates chloride secretion, resulting in increased luminal fluid secretion and an acceleration of intestinal transit. In animal models, linaclotide also decreased visceral hypersensitivity. Linaclotide softened stool and increased transit in CC and in IBS‐C. Phase II and phase III clinical studies established efficacy of linaclotide in CC (linaclotide 145 µg daily approved in the United States for CC) and in IBS‐C (linaclotide 290 µg daily US Food and Drug Administration‐approved for IBS‐C, with favourable recommendation for the European Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). Linaclotide showed a favourable safety profile, and the main treatment‐emerging adverse event was diarrhea, leading to discontinuation rates of up to 5%. Linaclotide is an important addition to the therapeutic possibilities for treating IBS‐C and CC.
A new approach for eradication of residual lymphoma cells by host nonreactive anti–third-party central memory CD8 T cells
Authors: Lask Assaf , Ophir Eran , Or-Geva Noga , Cohen-Fredarow Adva , Afik Ran , Eidelstein Yaki , Reich-Zeliger Shlomit , Nathansohn Bar , Edinger Matthias , Negrin Robert S. , Hagin David , Reisner Yair 
Published: February 2013

Key Points
Anti–third-party Tcm kill malignant B cells in a T-cell receptor–independent mechanism while sparing naive B cells.
Porcine CD8αdim/-NKp46high NK cells are in a highly activated state
Authors: Mair Kerstin H , Müllebner Andrea , Essler Sabine E , Duvigneau J Catharina , Storset Anne K , Saalmüller Armin , Gerner Wilhelm 
Published: March 2013

AbstractNatural Killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in the early phase of immune responses against various pathogens. In swine so far only little information about this lymphocyte population exists. Phenotypical analyses with newly developed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against porcine NKp46 recently revealed that in blood NKp46-and NKp46+cells with NK phenotype exist with comparable cytotoxic properties. In spleen a third NKp46-defined population with NK phenotype was observed that was characterised by a low to negative CD8α and increased NKp46 expression. In the current study it is shown that this NKp46highphenotype was correlated with an increased expression of CD16 and CD27 compared to the CD8α+NKp46-and NKp46+NK-cell subsets in spleen and blood. Additionally NKp46highNK cells expressed elevated levels of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 on mRNA level. Functional analyses revealed that splenic NKp46highNK cells produced much higher levels of Interferon-γ and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α upon stimulation with cytokines or phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate/Ionomycin compared to the other two subsets. Furthermore, cross-linking of NKp46 by NKp46-specific mAbs led to a superior CD107a expression in the NKp46highNK cells, thus indicating a higher cytolytic capacity of this subset. Therefore porcine splenic NKp46highNK cells represent a highly activated subset of NK cells and may play a profound role in the immune surveillance of this organ.
Evolution of land plant genes encoding L-Ala-D/L-Glu epimerases (AEEs) via horizontal gene transfer and positive selection
Authors: Yang Zefeng , Wang Yifan , Zhou Yong , Gao Qingsong , Zhang Enying , Zhu Lei , Hu Yunyun , Xu Chenwu 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The L-Ala-D/L-Glu epimerases (AEEs), a subgroup of the enolase superfamily, catalyze the epimerization of L-Ala-D/L-Glu and other dipeptides in bacteria and contribute to the metabolism of the murein peptide of peptidoglycan. Although lacking in peptidoglycan, land plants possess AEE genes that show high similarity to those in bacteria.

Results
Similarity searches revealed that the AEE gene is ubiquitous in land plants, from bryophytas to angiosperms. However, other eukaryotes, including green and red algae, do not contain genes encoding proteins with an L-Ala-D/L-Glu_epimerase domain. Homologs of land plant AEE genes were found to only be present in prokaryotes, especially in bacteria. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the land plant AEE genes formed a monophyletic group with some bacterial homologs. In addition, land plant AEE proteins showed the highest similarity with these bacterial homologs and shared motifs only conserved in land plant and these bacterial AEEs. Integrated information on the taxonomic distribution, phylogenetic relationships and sequence similarity of the AEE proteins revealed that the land plant AEE genes were acquired from bacteria through an ancient horizontal gene transfer (HGT) event. Further evidence revealed that land plant AEE genes had undergone positive selection and formed the main characteristics of exon/intron structures through gaining some introns during the initially evolutionary period in the ancestor of land plants.

Conclusions
The results of this study clearly demonstrated that the ancestor of land plants acquired an AEE gene from bacteria via an ancient HGT event. Other findings illustrated that adaptive evolution through positive selection has contributed to the functional adaptation and fixation of this gene in land plants.
Mutational profiling reveals PIK3CA mutations in gallbladder carcinoma
Authors: Deshpande Vikram , Nduaguba Afamefuna , Zimmerman Stephanie M , Kehoe Sarah M , MacConaill Laura E , Lauwers Gregory Y , Ferrone Cristina , Bardeesy Nabeel , Zhu Andrew X , Hezel Aram F 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The genetics of advanced biliary tract cancers (BTC), which encompass intra- and extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinomas as well as gallbladder carcinomas, are heterogeneous and remain to be fully defined.

Methods
To better characterize mutations in established known oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes we tested a mass spectrometric based platform to interrogate common cancer associated mutations across a panel of 77 formalin fixed paraffin embedded archived BTC cases.

Results
Mutations among three genes, KRAS, NRAS and PIK3CA were confirmed in this cohort. Activating mutations in PIK3CA were identified exclusively in GBC (4/32, 12.5%). KRAS mutations were identified in 3 (13%) intra-hepatic cholangiocarcinomas and 1 (33%) perihillar cholangiocarcinoma but were not identified in gallbladder carcinomas and extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Conclusions
The presence of activating mutations in PIK3CA specifically in GBC has clinical implications in both the diagnosis of this cancer type, as well as the potential utility of targeted therapies such as PI3 kinase inhibitors.
Variation of C peptide decay rate in diabetic patients with positive glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody: better discrimination with initial fasting C peptide
Authors: Li Xia , Huang Gan , Lin Jian , Yang Lin , Zhou Zhiguang 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Diabetic patients with positive glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GAD-Ab) could be classified as autoimmune diabetes, which is discriminated into acute-onset classical type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). However, whether the decay rate of beta cell function is relevant with the mode of onset (acute or latent-onset) is unclear. We aimed to investigate whether initial C peptide levels could help differentiate variation of C peptide decay rate.

Methods
Five hundred and twenty-seven newly diagnosed GAD-Ab positive diabetic patients were followed up to assess the natural course of beta cell function. Beta cell function failure was defined as fasting C peptide and postprandial C peptide levels less than 100 pmol/L and 150 pmol/L respectively.

Results
All these diabetic patients were discriminated according to initial fasting C peptide of 300 pmol/L, that is B+ (larger than 300 pmol/L) and B- (less than 300 pmol/L) group. The proportion of developing beta cell function failure was 13.1% in B+ group and 90.5% in B- group, which suggested that fasting C peptide levels made a good distinction of the heterogeneity in autoimmune diabetes. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis suggested that the fasting C peptide level of 300 pmol/L was optimal for determining beta cell function failure with sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 86.9%.

Conclusions
Initial level of fasting C peptide is a good indicator for predicting beta cell function failure in GAD-Ab positive diabetic patients.