bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mn enhancement and respiratory gating for in utero MRI of the embryonic mouse central nervous system
Authors: Deans Abby E. , Wadghiri Youssef Zaim , Berrios‐Otero César A. , Turnbull Daniel H. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe mouse is the preferred model organism for genetic studies of mammalian brain development. MRI has potential for in utero studies of mouse brain development, but has been limited previously by challenges of maximizing image resolution and contrast while minimizing artifacts due to physiological motion. Manganese (Mn)‐enhanced MRI (MEMRI) studies have demonstrated central nervous system (CNS) contrast enhancement in mice from the earliest postnatal stages. The purpose of this study was to expand MEMRI to in utero studies of the embryonic CNS in combination with respiratory gating to decrease motion artifacts. We investigated MEMRI‐facilitated CNS segmentation and three‐dimensional (3D) analysis in wild‐type mouse embryos from midgestation, and explored effects of Mn on embryonic survival and image contrast. Motivated by observations that MEMRI provided an effective method for visualization and volumetric analysis of embryonic CNS structures, especially in ventral regions, we used MEMRI to examine Nkx2.1 mutant mice that were previously reported to have ventral forebrain defects. Quantitative MEMRI analysis of Nkx2.1 knockout mice demonstrated volumetric changes in septum (SE) and basal ganglia (BG), as well as alterations in hypothalamic structures. This method may provide an effective means for in utero analysis of CNS phenotypes in a variety of mouse mutants. Magn Reson Med 59:1320–1328, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitation with QUEST of brain HRMAS‐NMR signals: Application to metabolic disorders in experimental epileptic seizures
Authors: Rabeson H. , Fauvelle F. , Testylier G. , Foquin A. , Carpentier P. , Dorandeu F. , van Ormondt D. , Graveron‐Demilly D. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractQuantitation of High Resolution Magic Angle Spinning (HRMAS) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) signals enables establishing reference metabolite profiles of ex vivo tissues. Signals are often contaminated by a background signal originating mainly from macromolecules and lipids and by residual water which hampers proper quantitation. We show that automatic quantitation of HRMAS signals, even in the presence of a background, can be achieved by the semi‐parametric algorithm QUEST based on prior knowledge of a metabolite basis‐set. The latter was quantum‐mechanically simulated with NMR‐SCOPE and requires accurate spin parameters. The region of interest of spectra is a small part of the full spectral bandwidth. Reducing the computation time inherent to the large number of data‐points is possible by using ER‐Filter in a preprocessing step. Through Monte‐Carlo studies, we analyze the performances of quantitation without and with ER‐Filtering.Applications of QUEST to quantitation of 1H ex vivo HRMAS‐NMR data of mouse brains after intoxication with soman, are demonstrated. Metabolic profiles obtained during status epilepticus and later when neuronal lesions are installed, are established. Acetate, Alanine, Choline and γ‐amino‐butyric acid concentrations increase in the piriform cortex during the initial status epilepticus, when seizures are maximum; Lactate and Glutamine concentrations increase while myo‐Inositol and N‐acetylaspartate concentrations decrease when neuronal lesions are clearly installed. Magn Reson Med 59:1266–1273, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Single‐ or dual‐bolus approach for the assessment of myocardial perfusion reserve in quantitative MR perfusion imaging
Authors: Utz Wolfgang , Greiser Andreas , Niendorf Thoralf , Dietz Rainer , Schulz‐Menger Jeanette 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA dual‐bolus protocol can overcome limitations due to T1‐induced MR signal attenuation and hence enables more accurate quantification of myocardial blood flow (MBF) by contrast enhanced MR perfusion imaging. The study explores potential benefits of the dual‐bolus technique for the assessment of myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) over a standard single‐bolus protocol. Nineteen patients without obstructive coronary artery disease as assessed by cardiac catheterization underwent a stress‐rest MR perfusion study using a dual‐bolus protocol. Gd‐DTPA dosages of 0.005 and 0.05 mmol/kg of bodyweight were delivered as pre‐ and main‐bolus. For comparison arterial input curves where extracted from left ventricular cavity passage including both, pre‐bolus and main‐bolus data. Global and segmental MPR were determined from semiquantitative and from full quantitative measures of MBF. As a result good agreement between dual‐ and single‐bolus technique was found with relative differences of maximally 10% in global MPR estimates. For the dual bolus approach a significant relative decrease of 30% (P < 0.001) was found for the coefficient of segmental MPR variation, which may allow a more reliable detection of hypoperfused segments in clinical studies. Magn Reson Med 59:1373–1377, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Minimizing acquisition time of arterial spin labeling at 3T
Authors: Fernández‐Seara María A. , Edlow Brian L. , Hoang Angela , Wang Jiongjiong , Feinberg David A. , Detre John A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAn improved arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion technique that combines pseudo‐continuous labeling and a T2*‐insensitive sequence (GRASE) with background suppression was used to acquire perfusion maps in normal volunteers and stroke patients. It is shown that perfusion measurements obtained in less than 1 min of scan time are reproducible, with a coefficient of variation of 7%. The perfusion maps generated from these data can be used to characterize the stroke lesion. Magn Reson Med 59:1467–1471, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of double discharges in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Piotrkiewicz Maria , Kudina Lydia , Mierzejewska Jolanta , Hausmanowa‐Petrusewicz Irena 
Published: May 2008

AbstractDouble discharges of motor units (MUs) occurring during sustained voluntary muscle contractions are observed occasionally in healthy muscles and more frequently in disorders of the neuromuscular system. In healthy subjects, double discharges are generated in motoneurons (MNs) and are considered to be a sign of their increased excitability. Therefore, an analysis of their firing pattern may provide information on the state of MNs in neuromuscular diseases, particularly in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), whose etiology remains to be disclosed. Firing patterns of MUs capable of firing double discharges were analyzed in brachial biceps of 14 patients with ALS (184 MUs) and 8 healthy control subjects (102 MUs). The incidence of MUs capable of firing double discharges was significantly higher in ALS patients (28.8%) than in controls (3.9%). The majority of doublet interval durations (range 4–8 ms) as well as firing patterns of doubling MUs did not differ between subject groups. Although our data confirm the hyperexcitability of the MN pool in ALS, analysis of firing characteristics of doubling MUs indicates that doublet generation is governed by the same mechanism as in controls, that is, by delayed depolarization. Our findings may provide insight into MN function in ALS. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Chronic sensorimotor polyradiculopathy with antibodies to P2: An electrophysiological and immunoproteomic analysis
Authors: Rojas‐Garcia Ricard , Gallardo Eduard , De La Torre Carolina , Sanvito Lara , Illa Isabel 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this study we report a patient with chronic progressive sensory ataxia, proximal weakness, immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal gammopathy, and elevated protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid, who showed a good response to prednisone. Electrophysiological study disclosed abnormalities predominantly of late responses (F waves and H reflexes), with no evidence of demyelination in the peripheral nerves, suggesting motor and preganglionic sensory nerve roots as the site of the lesion. An immune‐mediated pathogenesis was considered and, to identify possible target antigens, we performed bidimensional electrophoresis and a Western blot study. Based on the suspected lesion site, we used human anterior and posterior root extracts. We identified IgM reactivity against peripheral nerve myelin protein P2. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay confirmed IgM reactivity toward one synthetic peptide from P2. To our knowledge, reactivity against P2 has not been reported previously in a paraproteinemic neuropathy. Furthermore, we demonstrated that bidimensional electrophoresis and Western blot of the tissue involved, as determined by clinical and electrophysiological studies, may be useful to establish clinical–immunological correlations in paraproteinemic neuropathies. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Satisfaction with urethral injection of Botulinum Toxin A for detrusor sphincter dyssynergia in patients with spinal cord lesion
Authors: Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAimsTo investigate satisfaction with urination quality of life (QoL) after treatment with urethral sphincter botulinum toxin A (BoNT‐A) injection for difficult urination in patients with spinal cord lesions and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD).MethodsThirty‐three patients with spinal cord lesion and DSD were treated with transurethral sphincter injection of 100 U of BoNT‐A (BOTOX) for the main symptom of difficult urination. The urodynamic parameters, QoL scores obtained using UDI‐6 and IIQ‐7 and general satisfaction and dissatisfaction were assessed.ResultsAn overall satisfactory result was perceived by 60.6% of patients. Urodynamic parameters showed significant improvement in voiding detrusor pressure (45.7 ± 22.7 vs. 30.7 ± 15.5 cmH2O, P = 0.016), maximum flow rate (6.8 ± 5.7 vs. 9.2 ± 7.7 ml/sec, P = 0.047) and postvoid residual volume (PVR, 160 ± 124 vs. 75 ± 105 ml, P = 0.025). IIQ‐7 scores showed significant improvement (19.0 ± 2.4 vs. 17.1 ± 2.9, P = 0.001) but not in UDI‐6 scores (8.6 ± 2.7 vs. 7.9 ± 3.7, P = 0.252). Less difficult urination and less PVR needing clean intermittent catheterization were the major reasons for satisfaction, whereas increase in incontinence grade was the major reason for dissatisfaction in patients receiving urethral BoNT‐A injection.ConclusionThis study found that urethral sphincter BoNT‐A injection for DSD does not prove convincing results in all patients and should be done only exceptionally in well‐chosen patients with spinal cord lesions. Dissatisfaction in the patients was mainly due to an increased incontinence grade that was not anticipated before urethral BoNT‐A injection. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:793–796, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current Awareness in NMR in Biomedicine
Authors:   John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn order to keep subscribers up‐to‐date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of NMR in biomedicine. Each bibliography is divided into 11 sections: 1 Reviews; 2 General; 3 Technology; 4 Contrast Agents; 5 Brain and Nerves; 6 Neuropathology; 7 Cancer; 8 Cardiac, Vascular and Respiratory Systems; 9 Liver, Kidney and Other Organs; 10 Muscle and Orthopaedic; 11 Plants, Micro‐organisms and Parasites; 12 Others. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author. If, in the preceding period, no publications are located relevant to any one of these headings, that section will be omitted.
Creating positive change in community organizations: A case for rediscovering Lewin
Authors: Medley Barbara C. , Akan Obasi Haki 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAs nonprofits, especially those with a community mission, pursue developmental goals, they may benefit from various planning and analytical tools. This article explores an application of Kurt Lewin's planned change model to an assessment and revisioning process undertaken by a community‐based organization, indicating the ongoing usefulness of Lewin's work in the nonprofit sector. Using a case study approach, we examined the actions embarked on by the organization to address decreased funding and client losses. The Lewin model is overlaid to illustrate its value in structuring organizational decision making and development. The model is a three‐step process of unfreezing from old practices, moving and changing the organization into new directions based on formally identified needs, and refreezing into more effective organizational modes. When combined with other standard practices such as strategic planning, Lewin's model provides a practical and theoretically insightful tool for nonprofits wishing to refine their missions and programs and engage in successful organizational change.
Attitudes toward the acceptability of reasons for pregnancy termination due to fetal abnormalities among prenatal care providers and consumers in Israel
Authors: Dery Anat Mishori , Carmi Rivka , Vardi Ilana Shoham 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectives/BackgroundCurrent prenatal diagnostic abilities confront parents and health professionals with complicated issues regarding termination of pregnancy (TOP) due to fetal abnormalities.

To assess and compare attitudes of consumers (women) and providers (health professionals) of prenatal care regarding TOP due to fetal abnormality.
To identify factors related to these attitudes.
MethodsThe study was conducted in southern Israel. Consumers (596) were interviewed by phone 5–8 weeks postpartum. Health professionals (351) filled out a self‐administrated questionnaire.ResultsMore than half of the interviewees approved of TOP due to mental retardation, death during infancy, severe physical disability and very low quality of life (in descending order). For each condition, care providers were significantly more supportive of TOP than women, and had far fewer hesitations. The hierarchy of ‘TOP acceptability’ was similar in both populations. Factors associated with women's attitudes were degree of religiosity, Ashkenazi origin and country of birth. Two approaches toward TOP were identified: ‘consistent’ versus ‘ad hoc’.ConclusionsPrenatal care providers and consumers differ in their attitudes regarding acceptability of reasons for TOP. Care providers offering prenatal tests should be aware of their patients' attitudes, in order to guide informed decisions regarding the tests. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a first‐trimester ultrasound aneuploidy screening program
Authors: Sepulveda Waldo , Wong Amy E. , Casasbuenas Alexandra , Solari Aldo , Alcalde Juan L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo review our experience with the prenatal detection of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in fetuses presenting for ultrasound screening of chromosomal abnormalities in the first trimester.MethodsAs part of our first‐trimester ultrasound protocol, fetuses with a crown‐rump length between 45 and 84 mm underwent a limited anatomical assessment in conjunction with nuchal translucency thickness measurement and nasal bone assessment. Cases of CDH diagnosed prenatally or after delivery in this population were identified.ResultsAmong the six cases of CDH detected (prevalence of 1 in 927), the first‐trimester ultrasound findings were abnormal in five fetuses (83%), including three with increased nuchal translucency only; one with increased nuchal translucency, an intrathoracic stomach, dextrocardia and a cephalocele; and one with normal nuchal translucency thickness and a small, complex intrathoracic mass later confirmed as the fetal stomach. The diagnosis of CDH was confidently made in the first trimester in one case, in the second trimester in three cases, and after birth in the remaining two cases.ConclusionThe diagnosis of CDH in the first trimester is difficult, especially in those cases in which the defect is small or late migration of the abdominal viscera occurs. Therefore, screening for CDH in the first trimester is unlikely to be effective. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carrier‐mediated transport of metformin across the human placenta determined by using theex vivoperfusion of the placental cotyledon model
Authors: Kovo Michal , Kogman Naomi , Ovadia Oded , Nakash Ishak , Golan Abraham , Hoffman Amnon 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectiveMetformin is a polar positively charged compound. The aim of the study was to characterize its permeability across the human placenta using theex vivoplacental perfusion model.MethodsSelected cotyledons from term placentas were cannulated and dually perfused. Metformin (10 mg/L, 1000 mg/L) and a permeability reference, antipyrine (50 mg/L), were added to the maternal circulation. Samples from maternal and fetal compartments were analyzed for metformin and antipyrine by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The permeation of metformin was also studied using the parallel artificial membrane permeation assay (PAMPA) that was designed to predict passive transcellular permeability of drugs.ResultsIn this study, 15 complete placental perfusion experimental set‐ups were performed. The mean percent transport increased as metformin concentrations were raised and it was 11 ± 1.32 and 16.92 ± 0.98 for 10 mg/L and 1000 mg/L, respectively. The transport rate of metformin across the placenta was asymmetric yet, an active efflux against the gradient concentration could not be observed. Using the PAMPA assay, we confirmed that metformin does not cross by passive diffusion.ConclusionThe data suggest that metformin permeability across the placenta is mediated by a carrier that transport cationic compounds bi‐directionally, with a higher transfer rate from the fetal to the maternal side. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new linear viscoelastic model for emulsions and suspensions
Authors: Pal Rajinder 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA new modified form of the Palierne model is proposed to describe the linear viscoelastic behavior of concentrated emulsions and suspensions. The proposed model takes into consideration the crowding effect and packing limit of particles. The model is verified using two sets of experimental data on the storage and loss moduli of emulsions and suspensions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Diffusion‐controlled atom transfer radical polymerization with crosslinking
Authors: Yu Qiang , Qin Zhongqiong , Li Jinchun , Zhu Shiping 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe reaction behavior of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) with crosslinking was studied using di(meth)acrylates as the model network‐forming system. The kinetics was followed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The structural evolution of the networks was investigated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and extraction/swelling measurements. The linear primary chains were obtained by hydrolysis of the networks and analyzed by viscometry. It was found that the polymerization proceeded in a controlled/living manner in an early stage of the reaction with the molecular weight of primary chains increasing linearly with vinyl conversion. However, deviations from the linearity occurred at high monomer conversions due to the network structure that severely restricted mobilities of catalyst/ligand complexes in the radical activation/deactivation. The onset and degree of deviation depended on crosslinking density. The diffusion‐controlled radical deactivation caused a mild autoacceleration in the polymerization rate. Adding excess Cu(II) to the system reduced the polymerization rate but improved the linear growth of primary chains that would facilitate the synthesis of networks of controlled microstructure. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reactive compatibilization of biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) blends with reactive processing agents
Authors: Harada Masaki , Iida Kouji , Okamoto Kazuaki , Hayashi Hideki , Hirano Koji 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPoly(lactic acid) (PLA) blended with poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) was prepared with various reactive processing agents. Four isocyanates‐lysine triisocyanate (LTI); lysine diisocyanate (LDI); 1,3,5‐tris(6‐isocyanatohexyl)‐1,3,5‐triazinane‐2,4,6‐trione (Duranate TPA‐100); 1,3,5‐tris(6‐isocyanatohexyl)biuret (Duranate 24A‐100)‐and an industrial epoxide‐trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether (Epiclon 725)‐were used as reactive processing agents. PLA/PCL blended in the presence of LTI had the highest torque in a mixer test. The test specimens were prepared by injection molding. The mechanical properties, thermal properties, molecular weight, melt viscosity, phase behavior, and morphology were investigated using tensile strength, impact strength, differential scanning calorimetry, melt mass‐flow rate measurements, capillary rheometery, gel permeation chromatography, laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), and visco‐elasticity atomic force microscopy (VE‐AFM). The impact strength increased considerably at 20 wt% PCL. The nominal tensile strain of PLA/PCL blended with LTI increased by 270%. The MFR values of PLA/PCL blends decreased with increasing LTI. Similar results were observed for shear viscosity. LSCM measurements showed that the diameters of PCL were dispersed about 0.4 μm in the presence of LTI. VE‐AFM showed that spherical particles with diameters of 50 nm were PCL‐rich domain. These results indicate that isocyanate groups of LTI react with both terminal hydroxyl or carboxyl groups of polymers, and the compatibility of PLA/PCL blends improves with LTI by reactive processing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Role of core‐shell rubber particle cavitation resistance on toughenability of epoxy resins
Authors: Mafi Ehsan R. , Ebrahimi Morteza 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe role of rubber particle cavitation resistance on toughening of epoxy resins is still unresolved. In this research, the role of rubber particle cavitation resistance was exclusively studied. Two types of core‐shell rubber (CSR) particles with different cavitation resistances were utilized for modifying epoxy resin. Matrix crosslink density (XLD) was varied by using nonstoichiometric amounts of hardener. Fracture toughness values of neat and CSR‐modified epoxy samples decreased with lowering of XLD via deviation from stoichiometric point. It was resulted by higher modulus and lower elongation at break of the nonstoichiometric samples, and also antiplasticization of epoxy networks resulted from suppression of β‐transition relaxation motions. In all XLDs, the CSR particles with higher core Tg and modulus yielded higher fracture energy. Results showed that core properties such as Tg and modulus of CSR particles had a significant effect on toughening of the epoxy networks. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Biaxial yielding of polypropylene/elastomeric polyolefin blends: Effect of elastomer content and thermal annealing
Authors: Fasce Laura A. , Pettarin Valeria , Marano Claudia , Rink Marta , Frontini Patricia M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe yield behavior of commercial homopolymer polypropylene modified by elastomeric metallocene‐catalyzed polyolefin blends was investigated by carrying out uniaxial tension, uniaxial compression, plane strain compression, and simple shear mechanical tests. Investigation was performed using specimens machined from isotropic compression molded plates. The onset of yielding was determined by means of the residual strain method. Experimental data was fitted according to the two most popular yield criteria in the polymer field—modified Tresca and modified Von Mises criteria. Both criteria provided reasonable predictions of the yield onset locus despite the tendency of polymers to develop crazes under positive hydrostatic pressure. A generalized yield locus based on the modified Von Mises criterion and the Lazzeri and Bucknall relationship was constructed for PP/POE blends. In addition, for one blend composition the effect of the polypropylene matrix crystalline morphology—altered by thermal annealing—was investigated. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.