bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimized density‐weighted imaging for dynamic contrast‐enhanced 3D‐MR mammography
Authors: Gutberlet Marcel , Roth Anne , Hahn Dietbert , Köstler Herbert 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPurposeTo increase the spatial coverage and to reduce slice crosstalk combined with an optimal signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) in 3D dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance (MR) mammography.Materials and MethodsAsymmetric sampling schemes and a new reconstruction strategy based on virtual coils are presented for density‐weighted (DW) 3D imaging. Additionally, for MR mammography an alternating DW (ADW) sampling along the ky direction shifts the undersampling artifacts out of the signal reception region. Virtual coils for effective DW (VIDED) imaging suppresses the aliasing in undersampled DW imaging. VIDED and ADW were compared to the conventional Cartesian imaging in phantom and in vivo MR mammography studies.ResultsThe slice crosstalk was significantly reduced by VIDED and compared to Cartesian imaging the SNR increased by 16%. Additionally, VIDED and ADW provided a substantially increased field of view (FOV) in the slice direction and allowed the spatial resolution to be improved (up to 60% for ADW and 30% for VIDED) without lengthening the scan time.ConclusionVIDED and ADW improve the image quality in 3D DCE MR mammography by enhancing the spatial resolution, reducing the slice crosstalk at nearly optimal SNR, and increasing the FOV in the slice direction. For VIDED no lengthening of the scan time or usage of multichannel receiver coils is necessary. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:328–339. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Degenerative endplate changes of the lumbosacral spine: Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI profiles related to age, sex, and spinal level
Authors: Savvopoulou Vasiliki , Maris Thomas G. , Koureas Andreas , Gouliamos Athanasios , Moulopoulos Lia A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPurposeTo investigate differences in perfusion profiles between degenerative endplate marrow changes and normal vertebral marrow in relation to spinal level, age, and sex with dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI).Materials and MethodsNinety‐two consecutive patients referred for evaluation of low back pain or sciatica, without history of malignant or chronic disease, underwent conventional and DCE MRI of the lumbosacral spine. Fifty‐two of them demonstrated degenerative endplate marrow changes. Regions of interest were placed on sites of normal marrow (group A) and degenerative changes (group B) on subtracted images. Fitted time‐intensity curves (fTICs) were generated and evaluated for curve pattern. Both groups were stratified into upper (L1‐L2) and lower (L3‐I1) levels, males and females younger or older than 50 years. Perfusion parameters were calculated and statistically compared for both groups and subgroups. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis was also performed.ResultsTwo fTIC patterns were identified. Perfusion parameters of degenerative changes and normal marrow differed significantly, even when groups were stratified for spinal level, age, and sex (P < 0.05). A time to peak value >108 seconds was characteristic for degenerative changes with sensitivity 69.5% and specificity 84.6%.ConclusionDCE MRI profiles of degenerative endplate marrow changes of the lumbosacral spine differ significantly from normal marrow regardless of spinal level, age, or sex. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:382–389. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prostate T1 quantification using a magnetization‐prepared spiral technique
Authors: Foltz Warren D. , Haider Masoom A. , Chung Peter , Bayley Andrew , Catton Charles , Ramanan Venkat , Jaffray David , Wright Graham A. , Ménard Cynthia 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPurposeTo adapt a magnetization‐prepared spiral imaging technique, termed T1prep, for time‐efficient radiofrequency (RF)‐insensitive prostate T1 quantification at 1.5 T and evaluate signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) limits to voxel‐based versus subregion analysis.Materials and MethodsA magnetization‐prepared spiral imaging technique was adapted for robust T1 contrast development, multislice imaging within 5 minutes, and data regression to a monoexponential decay. In vitro testing evaluated RF insensitivity of the multislice acquisition plus method accuracy. A pilot study was performed in 15 patients with low or intermediate risk localized prostate cancer.ResultsThe multislice design displayed excellent RF insensitivity (<1% error for RF mistunings to ± 20%) and accuracy (within 3% of gold standard for T1 values between 140 and 2100 msec). A clinical pilot study reported significantly reduced T1 from PZ to CG to tumor subregions (PZ: 1421 ± 168 msec, n = 11; CG: 1314 ± 49 msec, n = 13; 1246 ± 68 msec, n = 8). SNR measurements identified an inappropriateness of voxel‐based analysis.ConclusionT1prep can quantify prostate T1 as an adjunct measure for quantitative perfusion measurements and longitudinal treatment response monitoring. Intrapatient heterogeneities support T1 assessment within individual patients. SNR calculations will support a transition to voxel‐based analysis in future trials. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correction of left ventricular wall thickening from short‐axis cine MRI for basal‐descent through‐plane motion
Authors: Chai Jyh‐Wen , Chen Wei‐Hsun , Chen Hsian‐Min , Chiang Chih‐Ming , Huang Jin‐Long , Fu Jachih , Chi‐Chang Chen Clayton , Lee San‐Kan 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPurposeTo solve the problem of the basal descent movement in quantification of the regional left ventricular (LV) myocardial wall thickness (WTh) and wall thickening (%WT) in short‐axis (SA) cine MRI for effectively assessing the regional wall motion of LV myocardium.Materials and MethodsLV long‐axis tagged MRI and SA cine MRI were performed to calculate the longitudinal translation and circumferential WTh of LV myocardium in eight normal volunteers. The new SA end‐systolic thickness (EST) data were reconstructed from the original EST data, based on the quantified longitudinal translation of LV myocardium.ResultsThe mean %WT of six segments in the basal section after correction was significantly different from that before correction in both intra‐ and inter‐operator experiments. The polar map also showed the significant improvement of the variability of regional %WT and lack of quantification of %WT in the most basal SA slices after correction.ConclusionThe proposed technique demonstrated an important advantage to calculate the %WT in the most basal SA myocardial tissue, which was considered difficult to be achieved using cine MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:464–473. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Why hire a former military person for a leadership position?
Authors: Price Daniel R. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWhere can an organization go to find highly qualified leaders? Is there a source of world‐class, trained leaders with experience in rapidly changing situations, teamwork, and problem solving? A recent insightful article in Fortune (O'Keefe, 2010) provides the answer: the U.S. military. Companies such as Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's, State Farm, AT&T, Bank of America, Merck, GE, Northrop Grumman, PepsiCo, and others are hiring what the Fortune article calls the “elite” from the military ranks.
Opting in: The experiences, pathways, and meaning of successful, professional, generation X women making intentional career transitions
Authors: Anding Julie 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThis qualitative study explores eight upwardly mobile, professional Generation X women who took an introspective approach to making a career transition. Irving Seidman's phenomenological‐based approach to in‐depth interviewing was used to examine the internal, subjective experiences of intentional career transitions and the experience of meaning making. Each participant's story revealed aspects of an inward journey resulting in a recommitment to work that allowed an integration of the participant's needs for achievement, challenge, and continued learning with more meaning and authenticity.
Bactericidal Block Copolymer Micelles
Authors: Vyhnalkova Renata , Eisenberg Adi , van de Ven Theo 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBlock copolymer micelles with bactericidal properties were designed to deactivate pathogens such as E. coli bacteria. The micelles of PS‐b‐PAA and PS‐b‐P4VP block copolymers were loaded with biocides TCMTB or TCN up to 20 or 30 wt.‐%, depending on the type of antibacterial agent. Bacteria were exposed to loaded micelles and bacterial deactivation was evaluated. The micelles loaded with TCN are bactericidal; bacteria are killed in less than two minutes of exposure. The most likely interpretation of the data is that the biocide is transferred to the bacteria by repeated micelle/bacteria contacts, and not via the solution. magnified image
A Facile Strategy for Constructing Boron‐Rich Polymer Nanoparticles via a Boronic Acid‐Related Reaction
Authors: Zhang Luzhong , Lin Ying , Wang Jingjing , Yao Wei , Wu Wei , Jiang Xiqun 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWe present here a facile strategy for constructing Dextran‐poly(3‐acrylamidophenylboronic acid) (Dextran‐PAPBA) nanoparticles (NPs) through a radical polymerization of the monomer 3‐acrylamidophenylboronic acid (APBA) bound by dextran via a boronic acid‐diol reaction in aqueous solution. The synthesized Dextran‐PAPBA NPs are stable in a wide pH range. Their size and composition are tunable by varying the feeding molar ratio of the glucopyranoside unit in dextran to APBA. Additionally, the NPs have good biocompatibility and cell membrane penetrability, as demonstrated by in vitro experiments. Doxorubicin was encapsulated in the NPs and exhibited a sustained and strongly pH‐dependent release profile that would greatly favor the in vivo drug delivery performance of the NPs. The facility of this strategy together with the tunable boron content and outstanding drug release and cellular membrane crossing performance of the produced NPs should greatly boost their applications in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and chemotherapy for cancer treatment. magnified image
Mechanical Properties of Plasma‐Polymerized Tetravinylsilane Films
Authors: Cech Vladimir , Hosein Hazel‐Ann , Lasota Tomas , Drzal Lawrence T. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractContinuous stiffness measurement (CSM) and dynamic contact module (DCM) nanoindentation measurements were used to characterize the mechanical properties of plasma‐polymerized tetravinylsilane films deposited by PECVD at RF powers ranging from 10 to 70 W. The Young's modulus and hardness as a function of the indenter displacement (5–500 nm) were investigated for films of 1‐µm thickness. The Young's modulus (hardness) was observed to increase from 8.3 (0.9 GPa) to 58 GPa (9.5 GPa) with enhanced RF power. Nanoindentation analysis together with AFM imaging revealed a grain character of films deposited at a higher power. Finite element analysis was used to simulate nanoindentation measurements and evaluate properties of the elastic–plastic material.
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Structure of Plasma‐Deposited Poly(acrylic acid) Films
Authors: Fahmy Alaa , Mix Renate , Schönhals Andreas , Friedrich Jörg F. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPoly(acrylic acid) films with a thickness of about 150 nm were deposited using a pulsed plasma onto aluminum and glass. The structure/property relationships of these samples were studied in dependence to the duty cycle (DC) of the plasma by a broad combination of different techniques and probes. For the first time, volume sensitive methods (FTIR, dielectric spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry) are combined with surface analyses i.e. XPS. For an unambiguous identification of COOH groups by XPS, derivatization with trifluoroethanol was accomplished. Quantitative FTIR investigations give qualitatively a dependence of the concentration of COOH groups upon DC similar to that given by XPS investigations. The observed differences are discussed considering the different analytical depths of both methods. The dielectric measurements reveal that the structure of the plasma deposited films is different from that of the bulk material. Moreover, these measurements show also that the plasma deposited films are not thermally stable but undergo a post plasma chemical reaction during heating, where the reaction kinetics depends on DC.magnified image
Surface magnetization reversal and magnetic domain structure in amorphous microwires
Authors: Gonzalez Julian , Chizhik Alexander , Zhukov Arcady , Blanco Juan Mari 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThis paper presents a review on magneto‐optical investigations of the glass‐coated amorphous microwires including magneto‐optical magnetometry and microscopy. We also discuss a Kerr‐effect method of domain‐wall‐motion detection in glass‐coated wires within a classical Sixtus–Tonks experimental scheme. The developed techniques make it possible to observe the surface magnetization reversal and to establish the main mechanisms of domain‐structure formation and transformation.
Theoretical investigation on the structural, dynamical, and thermodynamic properties of the zinc‐blende InX (X = P, As, Sb)
Authors: Hou Hai‐Jun , Kong Fan‐Jie 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe structural, dynamical, and thermodynamics properties of InX (X = P, As, Sb) with zinc‐blende structure are investigated by performing first‐principles calculations within the local density approximation (LDA). The phonon‐dispersion curves along several high‐symmetry lines at the Brillouin zone together with the corresponding phonon density of states are determined using density‐functional perturbation theory (DFPT). It is found that the lattice constants and the phonon frequencies at the Γ, X points of the Brillouin zone were in very good agreement with the other calculations and experimental values. We also calculate the thermodynamic functions using the phonon density of states, and the results are in good agreement with experimental data.
Monitoring of Probabilistic Timed Property Sequence Charts
Authors: Zhang Pengcheng , Li Wenrui , Wan Dingsheng , Grunske Lars 
Published: January 2011

AbstractRun‐time monitoring is an important technique to detect erroneous run‐time behaviors. Several techniques have been proposed to automatically generate monitors from specification languages to check temporal and real‐time properties. However, monitoring of probabilistic properties still requires manual generation. To overcome this problem, we define a formal property specification language called Probabilistic Timed Property Sequence Chart (PTPSC). PTPSC is a probabilistic and timed extension of the existing scenario‐based specification formalism Property Sequence Chart (PSC). We have defined a formal grammar‐based syntax and have implemented a syntax‐directed translator that can automatically generate a probabilistic monitor which combines timed B”uchi automata and a sequential statistical hypothesis test process. We validate the generated monitors with a set of experiments performed with our tool WS‐PSC Monitor. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Highly Stable 3D Porous Lanthanum Metal‐organic Framework Constructed From A New Flexible Bis(benzoic acid) Ligand Produced in Situ
Authors: Wen Yong‐Hong , Jiang Chong , Wang Shi‐Ying , Wang Lei 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBy employing diethyl 1,3‐propylidenebis(4‐oxybenzoate) as a precursor, the new three‐dimensional metal‐organic framework [La2L2(HL)2]n [L = 1,3‐propylidenebis(4‐oxybenzoate)] was prepared and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P$\bar{1}$, with cell parameters: a = 8.299 (2) Å, b = 14.127 (3) Å, c = 14.520 (3) Å, α = 112.43 (3) °, β = 103.10 (3) °, γ = 95.28 (3)°, V = 1502.2 (5) Å3, and Z = 1. Under hydrothermal reaction conditions, two ester groups of the ligand hydrolyzed into carboxylate groups. The carboxylate groups coordinated in situ to metal ions to form the 3D coordination polymer. It exhibits a 10.4 × 10.6 Å rhombic channel along the [011] direction. On the basis of the results of TG analysis, the structure is thermally stable up to ≈︁ 400 °C.
Gestational chronic mild stress: Effects on acoustic startle in male offspring of rats
Authors: Hougaard K.S. , Mandrup K.R. , Kjaer S.L. , Bøgh I.B. , Rosenberg R. , Wegener G. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAn increasing number of scientific studies indicate that maternal stress during pregnancy influences fetal development of the nervous system and thereby the behavioural phenotype. We have previously reported attenuated prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reaction in adult female rats derived from dams exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) during gestation. In humans, decreased PPI has been reported to be associated with anxiety. Because of its potential translational value across species, the modulation of startle reactivity may be a useful tool in examining altered emotional reactivity following prenatal insults. The present study aimed at investigating whether prenatally stressed male offspring would display altered startle phenotype. Stress was induced by maternal gestational exposure to alternating procedures, i.e. CMS. At the age of 3 months, half of the offspring were blood sampled under restraint. At the age of 6 months, i.e. three months later, all animals were tested in the acoustic startle and the light enhanced startle (LES) paradigm. Control and CMS male offspring showed similar basal startle and LES levels. Maternal gestational exposure to the relatively mild, variable paradigm of stressors affected the PPI response pattern in male rats. In prenatally manipulated males, the PPI response differed statistically significantly, depending on prior exposure to an episode of postnatal acute stress (blood sampling under restraint). In contrast, the PPI response in control males was unaffected by this postnatal experience. The present work supports the hypothesis that the maternal environment is a long‐term determinant of phenotypic differences in sensitivity to stressors.
Postpartum contraceptive needs in northern Haiti
Authors: Lathrop Eva , Telemaque Youseline , Goedken Peg , Andes Karen , Jamieson Denise J. , Cwiak Carrie 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the knowledge of, attitudes toward, and practices regarding postpartum contraception among healthcare providers and postpartum women in northern Haiti.MethodsSix focus groups were conducted with postpartum patients and 3 were conducted with maternity service providers; a structured questionnaire was then administered to postpartum patients.ResultsIn total, 282 postpartum women were included in the present study: 249 in the survey and 33 in focus groups. Although 97.9% of women expressed a desire for family‐planning counseling before discharge from the postpartum ward, only 6.0% of women received such counseling. Most women wanted to space or limit their pregnancies; 79.8% of women, including those with only 1 child, wanted to choose a contraceptive method before discharge. Providers expressed concern for the volume of induced abortions and maternal deaths within the hospital, which many felt could be averted by improving postpartum family planning. However, there was no postpartum contraceptive counseling or method provision in the present setting, and no providers had experience in initiating methods immediately postpartum.ConclusionEfforts to integrate family planning into postpartum care services could help to reduce the unmet need for family planning, and help patients and providers reach their goals.
Use of fetal colon thickness for auxiliary term dating of pregnancy
Authors: Vidal de Carvalho Ana A. , Marchiori Edson , Carvalho José‐Antônio , Figueiredo Israel , Velarde Luis G.C. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo verify whether fetal colon thickness can be used as a marker for estimating, independent of biometrics and fetal weight percentile, the gestational age (GA) of fetuses between 37 and 40 weeks.MethodsThe study group was 1296 fetuses aged between 33 and 40 weeks. The correlation between GA and colon thickness was assessed by the Pearson correlation test. For term fetuses (≥ 37 weeks), comparisons among the mean colon thickness for different weight percentiles at each GA (in weeks) were made with an analysis of variance test.ResultsA significant relationship was observed between GA and colon thickness (P < 0.001, r2 = 0.6). For term fetuses, significant differences were observed among the mean colon thickness values for different weight percentiles at 38 and 39 weeks. Of the 157 term fetuses for which biometrics would have underestimated GA by 2 weeks or more, 126 (80.3%) had a colon thickness equal to, or greater than, 14 mm. This colon thickness was also observed in 52 (70.3%) of term fetuses weighing less than the 10th percentile (n = 74).ConclusionThe present study suggested that colon thickness might be a good marker for 37 weeks of gestation, and might identify term fetuses for which biometrics has underestimated the GA.
Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma with nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis: A case report
Authors: Lee Ming‐Hsing , Hsu Yung‐Hsiang 
Published: January 2011

AbstractNonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is occasionally found in patients with carcinoma (lung or gastrointestinal) or debilitating diseases. Definite diagnosis of NBTE should be performed by autopsy. It is difficult to diagnose NBTE if patients have no clinical signs of thromboembolism. Here, we present a case of primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma with NBTE as proven by autopsy.
The effect of gestational undernutrition on maternal weight change and fetal weight in lines of mice selected for different growth characteristics
Authors: Dwyer Cathy M. , Moinard Christine , McIlvaney Kirstin M. , Morgan Colin A. , Bünger Lutz 
Published: January 2011

The present study investigated whether the genetic growth characteristics (fast or slow growing, lean or fat) of a mother influences her ability to partition nutrients to developing offspring. A total of sixty-one pregnant mice of three selected lines were used: fast-growing, relatively fat (FF, n 19); fast-growing, relatively lean (FL, n 23); and normal growth, relatively lean (NL, n 19). On day 1 of pregnancy, mice were given either ad libitum access to food (control (C): n 32) or pair-fed at 80 % of C intake (restricted (R): n 29). Feed intake and dam weight were measured daily. The weight of the mouse, organs, mammary tissue and the weight of fetuses and placentas were determined at day 18 of gestation. Overall, R dams gained less than half the weight of C dams during gestation. NL dams gained the most weight, and FF dams gained the least weight (P < 0·001). R dams in the fast-growing lines mobilised significantly more body fat during gestation than the NL line (P < 0·001) and had a greater reduction in mammary tissue growth. The relative weight of the litter increased in R dams of the FF line but was reduced in both the lean lines. Undernutrition reduced fetal and placental weight, and reduced placental efficiency in all the lines. The reduction was least in the FF line and greatest in the FL line. The data suggest that selection of animals for different growth characteristics alters their response to undernutrition during pregnancy, the relatively fat line was better able to buffer its offspring from the effects of undernutrition than the lean lines, regardless of their underlying rate of growth.