bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sulfur dioxide non‐dispersive absorption in N,N‐dimethylaniline using a ceramic membrane contactor
Authors: Luis P , Garea A , Irabien A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Removal of sulfur dioxide from gas emissions by selective absorption is a common method to separate and concentrate sulfur dioxide and to reduce air pollution and environmental risks. N,N‐dimethylaniline is an organic solvent used in some industrial applications for its sulfur dioxide affinity, leading to a regenerative process. However, the use of scrubbers and equipment in which direct contact between gas and liquid takes place leads to solvent losses due to evaporation and drops dragging.RESULTS: In this work, an innovative procedure based on non‐dispersive absorption in a ceramic hollow fibre membrane contactor was studied in order to avoid drops dragging. The absorption efficiency ranged between 40 and 50%, showing the technical viability of the process. The sulfur dioxide flux through the membrane has a linear relationship with the concentration of SO2 in the gas stream and an overall mass transfer coefficient Koverall = (1.10 ± 0.11) × 10−5 m s−1 has been obtained.CONCLUSIONS: The mass transfer behaviour of a ceramic hollow fibre membrane contactor for sulfur dioxide non‐dispersive absorption in N,N‐dimethylaniline has been studied. The main resistance is found to be the ceramic membrane and the effective diffusivity has been inferred. The mass transfer model and parameters allow the evaluation of equipment design for technical applications. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
COD fractionation and parameter estimation for combined sewers by respirometric tests
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Wu Zhichao , Wang Zhiwei , Tang Shujuan , Gu Guowei 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis paper evaluates the effects of the pipeline retention time in sewer systems and the dilution by stormwater runoff on COD fractions and kinetic parameters of samples from two large‐scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) fed with combined sewers, one collected from adjacent residential areas (Sewer Q) and the other undergoing long pipeline transportation (Sewer B). With four batch tests, COD fractions and kinetic parameters of two sewers were obtained by numerical computation based on activated sludge models (ASMs) modified by a dual hydrolysis mechanism. Long pipeline transportation significantly influenced the content and existence of heterotrophic biomass fractions in sewers, and the percentage of the fraction in Sewer B (17%) was higher than that in Sewer Q (9%). Compared with Sewer Q, long pipeline retention also resulted in lower concentrations of hydrolysable fractions and particulate inert COD in Sewer B, as well as an increase in the hydrolysis rate coefficient of particulate hydrolysable COD from 0.90 day−1 in Sewer Q to 1.83 day−1 in Sewer B. Results of samples from Sewer B during a typhoon event showed high variations of COD fractions and parameters, indicating the necessity for COD fractionation and parameter calibration before applying ASMs to wet weather cases. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Preoperative sonography of nonreducible inguinal masses in girls
Authors: Narcı Adnan , Korkmaz Mevlit , Albayrak Ramazan , Sözübir Selami , Güvenç Bekir Haluk , Köken Reşit , Demir Tevfik , Doğru Ömer 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurpose.Inguinal hernia is one of the most common surgical pathologies in childhood. Any of the abdominal organs can slide into the hernial sac and become incarcerated there. In girls, the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and—rarely—ovarian cysts can form the sliding component of an inguinal hernia. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of preoperative sonographic examination in girls with nonreducible inguinal masses.Methods.Nine girls ranging in age from 2 months to 8 years who were admitted to our clinic with nonreducible inguinal masses were included in the study. All patients underwent sonographic examination followed by surgery on the day of admission.Results.A definitive diagnosis was obtained in 6 patients on preoperative sonographic evaluation, whereas 3 patients were misdiagnosed. One patient was diagnosed sonographically as having lymphadenopathy, but surgery revealed an ovarian cyst sliding into the hernial sac. A second patient was found to have an infected lymph node at surgery instead of a strangulated bowel loop as diagnosed on sonographic examination. In the third patient, the preoperative sonographic diagnosis was an ovarian cyst in the hernia sac, but surgery revealed a cyst of the canal of Nuck.Conclusion.Inguinal masses in young girls must be carefully evaluated, because the sonographic preoperative diagnosis may be misleading. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Prenatal diagnosis of Pentalogy of Cantrell in the first trimester: Is 3‐dimensional sonography needed?
Authors: Peixoto‐Filho Fernando Maia , Carneiro do Cima Luciana , Nakamura‐Pereira Marcos 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe report the prenatal diagnosis of 2 cases of Pentalogy of Cantrell in the first trimester. In case 1, sonographic evaluation revealed ectopia cordis, omphalocele, and cystic hygroma at 10 weeks' gestation. In case 2, sonographic assessment during the first trimester detected ectopia cordis and omphalocele at 11 weeks' gestation. In both cases, the patient opted for elective pregnancy termination, and Pentalogy of Cantrell was confirmed in 2 male fetuses. We discuss the role of Doppler imaging and 3‐dimensional sonography as complementary methods to conventional sonographic assessment of abdominal wall defects at early pregnancy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Anatomy and histochemistry of hindlimb flight posture in birds. I. The extended hindlimb posture of shorebirds
Authors: McFarland Joshua C. , Meyers Ron A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBirds utilize one of two hindlimb postures during flight: an extended posture (with the hip and knee joints flexed, while the ankle joint is extended caudally) or a flexed posture (with the hip, knee, and ankle joints flexed beneath the body). American Avocets (Recurvirostra americana) and Black‐necked Stilts (Himantopus mexicanus) extend their legs caudally during flight and support them for extended periods. Slow tonic and slow twitch muscle fibers are typically found in muscles functioning in postural support due to the fatigue resistance of these fibers. We hypothesized that a set of small muscles composed of high percentages of slow fibers and thus dedicated to postural support would function in securing the legs in the extended posture during flight. This study examined the anatomy and histochemical profile of eleven hindlimb muscles to gain insight into their functional roles during flight. Contrary to our hypothesis, all muscles possessed both fast twitch and slow twitch or slow tonic fibers. We believe this finding is due to the versatility of dynamic and postural functions the leg muscles must facilitate, including standing, walking, running, swimming, and hindlimb support during flight. Whether birds use an extended or flexed hindlimb flight posture may be related to the aerodynamic effect of leg position or may reflect evolutionary history. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
False‐positive analysis of functional MRI during simulated deep brain stimulation: A phantom study
Authors: Liu Ho‐Ling , Chen Hsin‐Mei , Wu Yu‐Chien , Lim Siew‐Na , Huang Chih‐Mao , Hsu Yuan‐Yu , Wai Yau‐Yau , Wu Tony 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the false‐positive activations/deactivations in functional MRI (fMRI) of deep brain stimulation (DBS) using a phantom.Materials and MethodsfMRI experiments were performed on a 1.5T scanner using a single‐shot gradient‐echo echo‐planar imaging (GE‐EPI) sequence (TR/TE/FA = 6000 msec/60 msec/90°) on an agar‐gel phantom inserted with DBS electrodes. During the experimental blocks, two‐second stimuli were delivered during the interscan waiting time (ISWT), which was adjusted by changing the number of slices acquired within the TR (3500 msec with 30 slices and 5160 msec with 10 slices). Data were analyzed using SPM2 software, and the false‐positive voxels were detected with five different P‐value thresholds.ResultsThe number of false‐positive voxels in experimental conditions had no significant differences from those in control conditions with either long or short ISWT, which increased with the P‐value threshold from zero at P < 0.0001 to approximately 40 at P < 0.05. The pattern of increasing number of false‐positive reactions along with P‐value was similar between all conditions.ConclusionFalse‐positive findings from fMRI with similar experimental design can be well controlled with a statistical threshold of P < 0.001 or tighter. The short ISWT of 3500 msec did not increase false‐positive reactions compared to the long ISWT of 5160 msec. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:1439–1442. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of tumor microcirculation with dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI in patients with esophageal cancer: Initial experience
Authors: Oberholzer Katja , Pohlmann Andreas , Schreiber Wolfgang , Mildenberger Peter , Kunz Peter , Schmidberger Heinz , Junginger Theodor , Düber Cristoph 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the feasibility and impact of dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) on tumor characterization and response to radiochemotherapy (RCT) in patients with esophageal cancer.Materials and MethodsA total of 48 patients underwent DCE‐MRI to assess tumor microcirculation based on a two‐compartment model function. Effects of RCT on kinetic parameters were studied in 12 patients with squamous cell carcinoma.ResultsTumor microcirculation differs with respect to histological subtype: squamous cell carcinomas showed lower values of amplitude A (leakage space, P = 0.015) and higher contrast agent exchange rates (k21, P = 0.225) compared with adenocarcinomas. RCT led to a significant decrease of the contrast agent exchange rate (P = 0.005), while amplitude A increased moderately after therapy (P = 0.136).ConclusionDCE‐MRI is feasible in patients with esophageal cancer, reveals therapeutic effects, and may thus be useful in therapy management and monitoring. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:1296–1301. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
1.0‐M gadobutrol versus 0.5‐M gadoterate for peripheral magnetic resonance angiography: A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Szucs‐Farkas Zsolt , Froehlich Johannes M. , Ulrich Martin , Wuersten Hans‐Ueli , Guignard Dominique , Wyss Sandra , Braunschweig Marianne 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeTo perform a quantitative and qualitative comparison of gadobutrol and gadoterate in three‐station contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE‐MRA) of the lower limbs.Materials and MethodsIn this prospective randomized controlled trial, 52 patients with leg ischemia were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving either gadobutrol (1.0 mmol Gd/mL, 15 mL) or gadoterate (0.5 mmol Gd/mL, 30 mL). Three‐station 3D CE‐MRAs from the pelvis to the ankles were performed with moving‐table technique on a 1.5T MR scanner. Injection time was identical in both groups. Signal‐to‐noise (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNR) were calculated for 816 arteries. Contrast quality in 1196 vessel segments was evaluated separately by two blinded readers on a three‐point scale.ResultsMean SNR (61.8 ± 7.8 for gadobutrol vs. 61.9 ± 9.1 for gadoterate, P = 0.257), CNR (52.8 ± 9.1 vs. 52.8 ± 10.7, P = 0.154), and qualitative ranking (1.41 vs. 1.44, P = 0.21) for all vessels did not differ significantly between the two patient groups. The overall quality was good in 90.4% with gadoterate and 94.2% with gadobutrol (P = 0.462).ConclusionHigh‐concentration gadobutrol allows neither a higher CNR nor any qualitative advantage over the ordinary unspecific Gd agent gadoterate when the same Gd load and injection times are used in multistation CE‐MRA of the peripheral arteries. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:1399–1405. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Robust GRAPPA reconstruction and its evaluation with the perceptual difference model
Authors: Huo Donglai , Wilson David L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeTo develop and optimize a new modification of GRAPPA (generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions) MR reconstruction algorithm named “Robust GRAPPA.”Materials and MethodsIn Robust GRAPPA, k‐space data points were weighted before the reconstruction. Small or zero weights were assigned to “outliers” in k‐space. We implemented a Slow Robust GRAPPA method, which iteratively reweighted the k‐space data. It was compared to an ad hoc Fast Robust GRAPPA method, which eliminated (assigned zero weights to) a fixed percentage of k‐space “outliers” following an initial estimation procedure. In comprehensive experiments the new algorithms were evaluated using the perceptual difference model (PDM), whereby image quality was quantitatively compared to the reference image. Independent variables included algorithm type, total reduction factor, outlier ratio, center filling options, and noise across multiple image datasets, providing 10,800 test images for evaluation.ResultsThe Fast Robust GRAPPA method gave results very similar to Slow Robust GRAPPA, and showed significant improvements as compared to regular GRAPPA. Fast Robust GRAPPA added little computation time compared with regular GRAPPA.ConclusionRobust GRAPPA was proposed and proved useful for improving the reconstructed image quality. PDM was helpful in designing and optimizing the MR reconstruction algorithms. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:1412–1420. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
4D time‐resolved MR angiography with keyhole (4D‐TRAK): More than 60 times accelerated MRA using a combination of CENTRA, keyhole, and SENSE at 3.0T
Authors: Willinek Winfried A. , Hadizadeh Dariusch R. , von Falkenhausen Marcus , Urbach Horst , Hoogeveen R. , Schild Hans H. , Gieseke Jürgen 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeTo present a new 4D method that is designed to provide high spatial resolution MR angiograms at subsecond temporal resolution by combining different techniques of view sharing with parallel imaging at 3.0T.Materials and MethodsIn the keyhole‐based method, a central elliptical cylinder in k‐space is repeated n times (keyhole) with a random acquisition (CENTRA), and followed by the readout of the periphery of k‐space. 4D‐MR angiography with CENTRA keyhole (4D‐TRAK) was combined with parallel imaging (SENSE) and partial Fourier imaging. In total, a speed‐up factor of 66.5 (6.25 [CENTRA keyhole] × 8 [SENSE] × 1.33 [partial Fourier imaging]) was achieved yielding a temporal resolution of 608 ms and a spatial resolution of (1.1 × 1.4 × 1.1) mm3 with whole‐brain coverage 4D‐TRAK was applied to five patients and compared with digital subtraction angiography (DSA).Results4D‐TRAK was successfully completed with an acceleration factor of 66.5 in all five patients. Sharp images were acquired without any artifacts possibly created by the transition of the central cylinder and the reference dataset. MRA findings were concordant with DSA.Conclusion4D time‐resolved MRA with keyhole (4D‐TRAK) is feasible using a combination of CENTRA, keyhole, and SENSE at 3.0T and allows for more than 60 times accelerated MRA with high spatial resolution. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:1455–1460. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of single‐sequence T1w TFE MRI with multisequence MRI for the quantification of lipid‐rich necrotic core in atherosclerotic plaque
Authors: Cappendijk Vincent C. , Heeneman Sylvia , Kessels Alfons G.H. , Cleutjens Kitty B.J.M. , Schurink Geert Willem H. , Welten Rob J.Th.J. , Mess Werner H. , van Suylen Robert‐Jan , Leiner Tim , Daemen Mat J.A.P. , van Engelshoven Jos M.A. , Kooi M. Eline 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeTo prospectively determine the accuracy of semiquantitative analysis of the amount of lipid‐rich necrotic core (LRNC) in atherosclerotic plaque using multi‐ as well as single‐sequence T1‐weighted (w) turbo field echo (TFE) MRI. Histology served as a reference standard.Materials and MethodsSixty‐four symptomatic patients with carotid stenosis ≥70% were included and underwent endarterectomy after an MRI scan. Two MRI readers classified relative signal intensities in regions of interest in the vessel wall. The amount of LRNC was determined semiquantitatively using an algorithm based on fixed combinations of multiple MR pulse sequences as well as solely based on T1w TFE images. Interreader agreement was expressed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Agreement between MRI and histology was determined by linear regression (R).ResultsInterreader reproducibility for quantification of LRNC was high (ICC, 95% confidence interval [CI]): multisequence 0.86 (0.77–0.94), and single sequence 0.91 (0.85–0.95). There was good agreement between MRI and histology for both MR readers for quantification based on multisequence as well as single sequence MRI, 0.80 ≤ R ≤ 0.85 (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe amount of LRNC using single‐sequence T1w TFE MRI is a reproducible, accurate, and fast way to quantify LRNC in carotid atherosclerotic plaque. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:1347–1355. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of three‐dimensional myocardial deformation in the mouse heart: An MR tagging study
Authors: Zhong Jia , Liu Wei , Yu Xin 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeTo develop a 3D MR tagging method that combines harmonic phase (HARP) and homogeneous strain analysis methods for quantification of regional myocardial wall motion in mice.Materials and Methods3D tagged images were acquired from seven C57BL/6 mice. Intersecting tag points were reconstructed and 3D strains were quantified at apical, midventricular, and basal levels. Circumferential and radial strains quantified with 2D MR tagging were compared with those calculated from 3D tagged images.ResultsOur data showed significant heterogeneity in radial, circumferential, and shear strains. Longitudinal strain was more homogeneous. The circumferential‐longitudinal shear strain, a unitless measure of ventricular torsion, was positive throughout the left ventricle. There were strong correlations between 2D and 3D studies at the basal and midventricular levels.ConclusionThis work demonstrates the feasibility of 3D characterization of cardiac function in mouse via the combination of HARP and homogeneous strain analysis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:1263–1270. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ADC value and diffusion tensor imaging of prostate cancer: Changes in carbon‐ion radiotherapy
Authors: Takayama Yukihisa , Kishimoto Riwa , Hanaoka Shouhei , Nonaka Hiroi , Kandatsu Susumu , Tsuji Hiroshi , Tsujii Hirohiko , Ikehira Hiroo , Obata Takayuki 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeTo assess the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and diffusion tensor image (DTI) including fractional anisotropy (FA) of the noncancerous prostate and prostate cancer before and after carbon‐ion radiotherapy (CIRT).Materials and MethodsNine patients with biopsy‐proven prostate cancer underwent 1.5T magnetic resonance (MR) examinations. One patient with benign prostatic hypertrophy and one healthy volunteer were also examined as references. The changes in ADC values and DTI of the entire prostate calculated from b‐values of 0 and 700 (s/mm2) were estimated between before and after CIRT.ResultsADC values of prostate cancer significantly increased after CIRT by paired t‐test (P < 0.01) but those of noncancerous inner gland (IG) and peripheral zone (PZ) showed no significant change. By analysis of variance, significant differences in ADC values were observed among prostate cancer and noncancerous IG and PZ before CIRT (P < 0.05). After CIRT, those significant differences had disappeared. FAs showed no significant differences in any comparisons. DTI showed changes in the direction of the main axis of the tensor in prostate cancer after CIRT.ConclusionThere were changes in ADC and DTI in prostate cancer after CIRT. They may be useful for monitoring prostatic structural changes under radiotherapy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:1331–1335. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tumor‐liver contrast and subjective tumor conspicuity of respiratory‐triggered T2‐weighted fast spin‐echo sequence compared with T2*‐weighted gradient recalled‐echo sequence for ferucarbotran‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of hepatic malignant tumors
Authors: Ishiyama Koichi , Hashimoto Manabu , Izumi Jun‐ichi , Watarai Jiro , Shibata Satoshi , Sato Tsutomu , Yamamoto Yuzo 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeTo compare respiratory‐triggered T2‐weighted fast spin‐echo (RTT2W‐FSE) and gradient T2*‐weighted recalled‐echo (T2*W‐GRE) images for visualization of malignant hepatic tumors using ferucarbotran‐enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.Materials and MethodsFerucarbotran‐enhanced RTT2W‐FSE and breath‐hold long‐TE 2D‐fast spoiled gradient recalled acquisition in the steady state (FSPGR) images as T2*W‐GRE were used to evaluate 128 malignant hepatic tumors (77 metastases, 37 hepatocellular carcinomas, 14 other) in 62 patients. Tumor‐to‐liver contrast (TLC) was quantitatively compared using the paired Student's t‐test, and the score of lesion conspicuity was qualitatively compared using Wilcoxon's signed rank test.ResultsThe mean TLC of RTT2W‐FSE was significantly higher than that of FSPGR (1.10 ± 0.82 vs. 2.54 ± 1.42) in all malignant tumors. The score of lesion conspicuity of RTT2W‐FSE was significantly higher than that of FSPGR (4.84 ± 0.52 vs. 4.52 ± 0.99) in all malignant tumors.ConclusionFor ferucarbotran‐enhanced MR imaging, compared to FSPGR images, RTT2W‐FSE images provide greater TLC and subjective conspicuity for malignant tumors. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:1322–1326. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Posttreatment with the Ca2+‐Mg2+‐dependent endonuclease inhibitor aurintricarboxylic acid abolishes genotoxic agent‐induced nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation and decreases death of astrocytes
Authors: Lu Huafei , Wei Gangwei , Wang Dongmin , Yung Patrick , Ying Weihai 
Published: May 2008

AbstractDNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation are important nuclear changes in apoptosis. In this study we determined whether DNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation occur in astrocytes treated with 100–200 μM of the genotoxic agent M‐nitroso‐N‐nitroguanidine (MNNG). Our study also investigated the roles of Ca2+‐Mg2+‐dependent endonuclease (CME) in the MNNG‐induced nuclear changes. We found that MNNG induced profound ATP depletion as well as marked nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation in the cells. Both the nuclear condensation and the DNA fragmentation were abolished by posttreatment of the cells with the CME inhibitor aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA). The ATA posttreatment also significantly, but only partially, decreased MNNG‐induced cell death. In contrast, pretreatment plus cotreatment with ATA did not affect either MNNG‐induced nuclear condensation or cell death. Our study further suggests that ATA does not decrease the cytotoxicity of MNNG by directly inhibiting poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerases. Collectively, our observations suggest that MNNG can induce both DNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation in astrocytes by a CME‐dependent mechanism, which partially contributes to the genotoxic agent‐induced cell death. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.