bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iterative active deformational methodology for tumor delineation: Evaluation across radiation treatment stage and volume
Authors: Wu D.H. , Shaffer A.D. , Thompson D.M. , Yang Z. , Magnotta V.A. , Alam R. , Suri J. , Yuh W.T.C. , Mayr N.A. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPurposeTo introduce, implement, and assess an iterative modification to the active deformational image segmentation method as applied to cervical cancer tumors.Materials and MethodsA comparison by Jaccard similarity (JS) between this active deformational method and manual segmentation was performed on tumors of various sizes across preradiation, 3 weeks postradiation, and 6 weeks postradiation using a General Linear Mixed Model across 121 studies from 52 patients with Stage IIB‐IV cervical cancers.ResultsThe deformable segmentation method produced promising levels of agreement including JSfactors of 0.71 ± 0.11 in the preradiation studies. The analysis illustrated a rate of improvement in JSwith increasing tumor volume that differed between the preradiation and 6 weeks postradiation stage (P= 0.0474). In the large preradiated tumors each additional cm3of volume was associated with an increase or improvement in JSof 0.0008 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0003, 0.0014). In the smaller postradiation tumors, each additional cm3of volume was associated with a more robust improvement in JSof 0.0046 (95% CI: 0.0009, 0.0082).ConclusionAgreement was strongly affected by tumor volume, and its performance was most impacted across volume in the later stages of radiation therapy. The deformation‐based segmentation method appears to demonstrate utility for delineating cervical cancer tumors, particularly in the earliest stages of radiation treatment, where agreement is greatest. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1188–1194. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement of liver stiffness with two imaging techniques: Magnetic resonance elastography and ultrasound elastometry
Authors: Bensamoun Sabine F. , Wang Lu , Robert Ludovic , Charleux Fabrice , Latrive Jean‐Paul , Ho Ba Tho Marie‐Christine 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPurposeTo cross‐validate the magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) technique with a clinical device, based on an ultrasound elastometry system called Fibroscan.Materials and MethodsTen healthy subjects underwent an MRE and a Fibroscan test. The MRE technique used a round pneumatic driver at 60 Hz to generate shear waves inside the liver. An elastogram representing a map of the liver stiffness was generated allowing for the measurement of the average liver stiffness inside a region of interest. The Fibroscan technique used an ultrasound probe (3.5 MHz) composed of a vibrator that sent low‐frequency (50 Hz) shear waves inside the right liver lobe. The probe acts as an emitter‐receptor that measures the velocity of the waves propagated inside the liver tissue.ResultsThe mean shear stiffness measured with the MRE and Fibroscan techniques were 1.95 ± 0.06 kPa and 1.79 ± 0.30 kPa, respectively. A higher standard deviation was found for the same subject with Fibroscan.ConclusionThis study shows why MRE should be investigated beyond the Fibroscan. The MRE technique provided elasticity of the entire liver, meanwhile the Fibroscan provided values of elasticity locally. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1287–1292. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
T1‐weighted functional imaging based on a contrast agent in presurgical mapping
Authors: Ben Bashat Dafna , Sivan Ida , Ziv Michal , Aizenstein Orna , Pianka Pazit , Malach Rafael , Graif Moshe , Hendler Talma , Navon Gil 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPurposeTo assess the applicability of T1‐weighted images in the presence of a contrast agent for functional mapping free of susceptibility artifacts, in comparison to the blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) imaging.Materials and MethodsSix patients and five control subjects were scanned using BOLD and T1‐weighted functional imaging, in the presence of a Gd‐DTPA contrast‐agent (TOFICA). In the control group, low‐ and high‐resolution BOLD images were performed. Functional stimuli included motor and language activations.ResultsBoth BOLD and TOFICA methods resulted in activations in the expected anatomical regions. The TOFICA mapping gave less distributed and with higher percent signal changes in comparison with the BOLD images. Gd‐DTPA remained almost constant in the blood for at least 15 min post injection. In one patient with surgical clips, no signal was detected in the left cerebral hemisphere using BOLD imaging, but activation could be mapped using the TOFICA method.ConclusionT1‐weighted imaging in the presence of a contrast agent can be used for functional mapping. This method is insensitive to susceptibility artifacts, and is therefore advantageous in the evaluation of presurgical cases and in areas of the brain close to cavities in which the BOLD method cannot reliably be applied. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1245–1250. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of human fetal neural stem/progenitor cells as a source for cell replacement therapy for neurological disorders: Properties and tumorigenicity after long‐term in vitro maintenance
Authors: Ogawa Daisuke , Okada Yohei , Nakamura Masaya , Kanemura Yonehiro , Okano Hirotaka James , Matsuzaki Yumi , Shimazaki Takuya , Ito Mamoru , Ikeda Eiji , Tamiya Takashi , Nagao Seigo , Okano Hideyuki 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIt is expected that human neural stem/progenitor cells (hNS/PCs) will some day be used in cell replacement therapies. However, their availability is limited because of ethical issues, so they have to be expanded to obtain sufficient amounts for clinical application. Moreover, in‐vitro‐maintained hNS/PCs may have a potential for tumorigenicity that could be manifested after transplantation in vivo. In the present study, we demonstrate the in vitro and in vivo properties of long‐term‐expanded hNS/PCs, including a 6‐month bioluminescence imaging (BLI) study of their in vivo tumorigenicity. hNS/PCs cultured for approximately 250 days in vitro (hNS/PCs‐250) exhibited a higher growth rate and greater neurogenic potential than those cultured for approximately 500 days in vitro (hNS/PCs‐500), which showed greater gliogenic potential. In vivo, both hNS/PCs‐250 and ‐500 differentiated into neurons and astrocytes 4 weeks after being transplanted into the striatum of immunodeficient mice, and hNS/PCs‐250 exhibited better survival than hNS/PCs‐500 at this time point. We also found that the grafted hNS/PCs‐250 survived stably and differentiated properly into neurons and astrocytes even 6 months after the surgery. Moreover, during the 6‐month observation period by BLI, we did not detect any evidence of rapid tumorigenic growth of the grafted hNS/PCs, and neither PCNA/Ki67‐positive proliferating cells nor significant malignant invasive features were detected histologically. These findings support the idea that hNS/PCs may represent a nontumorigenic, safe, and appropriate cell source for regenerative therapies for neurological disorders. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Separation and purification of harmine and harmaline from Peganum harmala using pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Wang Xiao , Geng Yanling , Wang Daijie , Shi Xingang , Liu Jianhua 
Published: October 2008

AbstractpH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography was successfully applied to the separation of alkaloids from a crude extract of Peganum harmala L. using a multilayer coil planet centrifuge. The experiment was performed with a two‐phase solvent system composed of methyl tert‐butyl ether/THF/water (2:2:3 by volume) where triethylamine (10 mM) was added to the upper organic stationary phase as a retainer and hydrochloric acid (5 mM) to the aqueous mobile phase as an eluter. From 1.2 g of the crude extract, 554 mg harmine and 325 mg harmaline were obtained each with a purity of over 96% as determined by HPLC. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified by electron ionization MS (EI‐MS), 1H NMR, and 13C NMR.
Evidence based guidelines and current practice for physiotherapy management of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Walsh Nicola E. , Hurley Michael V. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectives: To document physiotherapy provision for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in relation to the United Kingdom (UK) recently published National Institute of health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for osteoarthritis.Design: Questionnaire survey of chartered physiotherapists.Method: 300 postal questionnaires were distributed to Physiotherapy Departments requesting information regarding source of referrals, treatment aims, preferred methods of treatment and service delivery.Results: Responses were received from 83 physiotherapists (28 %), predominantly working in the UK National Health Service. Approximately equal numbers of referrals came from primary and secondary care. Aims of physiotherapy management were to; encourage self‐management; increase strength and range of movement; reduce pain; and improve function. To achieve these, exercise was utilised by 100% of practitioners, often supplemented with electrotherapeutic modalities (66%), manual therapy (64%) and acupuncture (60%). The majority of patients received individual treatment for a total contact time of 1–2 hours, whilst most group interventions lasted 5–6 hours. Approximately half (54%) of respondents reported using outcome measures to determine treatment efficacy.Conclusions: Although knee OA is usually managed in primary care, the similar number of referrals from primary and secondary care may suggest a deviation from evidence‐based management guidelines. The guidelines' recommendations of exercise, patient education and self‐management are observed by physiotherapists, but other modalities are often used despite poor or no research evidence supporting their efficacy. Whether any of these interventions are clinically beneficial is speculative as treatment outcomes were frequently under‐evaluated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical association of polymers with nanotubes
Authors: Srebnik Simcha 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe use a coarse‐grained Monte Carlo model to further investigate the association of polymers with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Previous studies have shown ordered helical wrapping conformations for a range of investigated parameters. Such adsorbed conformations allow the polymers to spiral up and down the surface of the nanotube, retaining their helical state. We analyze the helical pitch of such conformations, and relate it to nanotube radius and chain stiffness using a simple model. The model reveals that the helical pitch is approximately determined by the matching between the radius of curvature of the helix with the average bending angle of the polymer, determined by its persistence length. In addition, we simulate adsorption of block and triblock copolymers (BCPs) whose different blocks are differentiated by their degree of association with the nanotube (hydrophobic or polar). The hydrophobic blocks of the copolymers initially adsorb in both helical and random conformations of the hydrophobic block, depending on which part of the chain (center or ends) adsorbs first on the CNTs surface. In both configurations, however, the polar block extends away from the nanotube, forming loops and tails for triblock and diBCPs, respectively. Such configurations may improve the interfacial adhesion in polymer–CNTs composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 2711–2718, 2008
Experimental study of effective water spray curtain application in dispersing liquefied natural gas vapor clouds
Authors: Rana Morshed A. , Cormier Benjamin R. , Suardin Jaffee A. , Zhang Yingchun , Mannan M. Sam 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe installation of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facilities in the United States to meet the demand of natural gas has brought increasing attention to LNG safety issues. Because of its highly flammable nature, one of the major hazards LNG poses is the formation of a flammable vapor cloud from any accidental release, which may result in a massive fire. The safety measures to prevent and mitigate an accidental LNG release are critical to protect employees and the public from injury or harm. The water spray curtain is currently a recognized technique to control and mitigate many toxic and flammable vapors. Much theoretical and experimental work has been carried out to determine the effectiveness of the water spray curtain in dispersing heavier vapor. However, LNG vapor dispersion behaves differently from other dense gases due to its low molecular weight and extremely low temperature. Previous studies show that water spray curtains can enhance LNG vapor dispersion from small spills. However, to develop comprehensive and structured engineering guidelines for the design of an effective water spray curtain for controlling LNG vapor many key questions still remain unanswered. In this context, it is essential to carry out research to understand the effects of water curtain on LNG vapor clouds. An experimental methodology to study the LNG vapor dispersion behaviors with the application of water spray curtain is presented in this article. This field experiment involved the fundamental study of forced dispersion, dilution due to air entrainment, and heat exchange to determine the effectiveness of water spray in reducing the LNG vapor “exclusion zone.” This article discusses and outlines the experimental method and some results based on gas concentration data analysis to emphasize the observed effectiveness of water spray curtain on LNG vapor dispersion. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2008
Health-related quality of life in patients with anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency undergoing arthroscopic reconstruction: a practice-based Italian normative group in comorbid-free patients
Authors: Calvisi V. , De Vincentiis B. , Palumbo P. , Padua R. , Lupparelli S. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency has not been assessed in comorbid-free patients to date. An observational study was therefore conducted on a practice-based sample to test the hypothesis that SF-36 scoring in patients with chronic ACL insufficiency differs from the age- and gender-matched Italian norm.

Materials and methods
Chronically ACL-insufficient patients with or without meniscal and/or focal chondral lesions were enrolled in the study. Exclusion criteria were acute ACL tear, severe and diffuse chondral lesions, concomitant knee major ligamentous injuries and/or fractures requiring surgery, previous ACL surgery and infectious, neoplastic and inflammatory disease. Knee function was evaluated by International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, HRQoL with the SF-36 questionnaire, and associated medical comorbidities by a Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire (SCQ).

Results
A total of 316 consecutive patients, 265 males and 51 females (median age 25 years, range 15-22 years) met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. SF-36 norm-based scoring showed that the Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, and Social Functioning domains were significantly lower than the Italian norm; the Role Emotional domain was also lower than the norm, but the difference was not significant. Conversely, the General Health and Mental Health domains scored significantly higher than the norm; the Vitality domain also exceeded, albeit not significantly, the norm.

Conclusions
The decision-making process leading to ACL reconstruction currently emphasises the evaluation of knee function and patients-level of activity. The findings in our study, by showing that chronic ACL insufficiency significantly affects HRQoL in otherwise healthy patients, suggest that a multidimensional evaluation including HRQoL in addition to knee function might be integrated into outcome assessment.
Effect of hypoxic treatment on bone marrow cells that are able to migrate to the injured liver
Authors: Ju Sun‐Young , Cho Kyung‐Ah , Cho Su Jin , Jung Yun‐Jae , Woo So‐Youn , Seoh Ju‐Young , Han Ho‐Seong , Ryu Kyung‐Ha 
Published: October 2008

AbstractRestricted numbers and poor regenerative properties limit the use of adult stem cells. We tested the effect of hypoxic treatment as a method by which to increase cell migration. Bone marrow cells (BMCs) were cultured under oxygen saturations of 0.1, 3, and 20% for 24 h. After hypoxic treatment, BMCs of apoptotic fraction were decreased. The expression of CXCR4 was noticeably increased in the hypoxia‐treated BMCs and their migration in response to SDF‐1α was enhanced compared with cells cultured under normoxic condition. Hypoxic BMCs had a higher degree of engraftment to the CCl4‐injured liver than the normoxic cells. Hypoxic treatment of BMCs may have merits in decreasing apoptosis of those cells as well as in enhancing cellular migration to SDF‐1α, the chemokine which binds to BMCs expressed CXCR4 and to the injured tissue, such as CCl4 damaged liver.
Plant antigens cross‐react with rat polyclonal antibodies against KLH‐conjugated peptides
Authors: Oulehlová Denisa , Hála Michal , Potocký Martin , Žárský Viktor , Cvrčková Fatima 
Published: October 2008

AbstractKeyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)‐conjugated peptides are routinely used to raise polyclonal antibodies for biochemical or immunolocalization studies. Rats are suitable for producing antisera against plant antigens as they often lack non‐specific response towards plant materials. We attempted to obtain rat antisera against peptides derived from several plant proteins. However, most antisera recognized the same background KLH‐related plant antigen (KRAP) in Arabidopsis and tobacco. We characterized KRAP with respect to size and cellular localization and examined possible antigen‐specific reasons for the failure of most immunizations. We also found no reports of successful use of rat anti‐KLH‐peptide antibodies in plant studies. We thus believe that the rat‐KLH:peptide system is poorly suited for production of antibodies, especially against plant antigens, and should be used with caution, if at all.
Psychosocial predictors and correlates for chronic post‐surgical pain (CPSP) – A systematic review
Authors: Hinrichs‐Rocker Anke , Schulz Kerstin , Järvinen Imke , Lefering Rolf , Simanski Christian , Neugebauer Edmund A.M. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTChronic post‐surgical pain (CPSP) is a serious problem. Incidence as high as 50% has been reported, depending on type of surgery undergone. Because the etiology of chronic pain is grounded in the bio‐psychosocial model, physical, psychological, and social factors are implicated in the development of CPSP. Biomedical factors such as pre‐operative pain, severe acute post‐operative pain, modes of anesthesia, and surgical approaches have been extensively examined, therefore this systematic review focuses on psychosocial elements.A systematic search was performed using the PubMed, PsychINFO, Embase, and Cochrane Databases. Fifty relevant publications were selected from this search, in which psychosocial predictors for and correlates to CPSP were identified. The level of evidence was assessed for each study, and corresponding score points were awarded for ease of comparison. The grade of association with CPSP for each predictor/correlate was then determined.Depression, psychological vulnerability, stress, and late return to work showed likely correlation with CPSP (grade of association=1). Other factors were determined to have either unlikely (grade of association=3) or inconclusive (grade of association=2) correlations. In addition, results were examined in light of the type of surgery undergone.This review is intended as a first step to develop an instrument for identifying patients at high risk for CPSP, to optimize clinical pain management.
Shoulder dystocia in a Jamaican cohort
Authors: Christie Loxley R. , Harriott John A. , Mitchell Sharmaine Y. , Fletcher Horace M. , Bambury Ian G. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the risk factors for shoulder dystocia in Jamaica.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis of all cases of shoulder dystocia, and birth weight‐matched controls identified from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2004. Multiple factors were analyzed individually and in combination to identify risk factors.ResultsThe incidence of shoulder dystocia was 0.83%. Nulliparity, a first stage of labor greater than 7 hours, a second stage lasting more than 1 hour, and use of oxytocin augmentation were found to be statistically significant factors with unadjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 1.78 (0.86–3.34), 1.89 (0.91–3.94), 2.78 (0.24–31.47), and 1.56 (0.77–3.15), respectively. The incidence of shoulder dystocia decreased as parity increased when adjusted for age.ConclusionIndividual risk factors for shoulder dystocia remain obscure. The nulliparous pelvis, when controlled for neonatal weight, was associated with a statistically increased risk of shoulder dystocia; this risk decreased with increasing parity.
Visual and verbal processing strategies in comprehension and judgment
Authors: Wyer Robert S. , Hung Iris W. , Jiang Yuwei 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe information we receive in the course of daily life experience is often transmitted both verbally and visually. Two different processing strategies are postulated to underlie the integration of this information, the activation of which may be influenced by (a) chronic individual differences in the disposition to process information visually vs. verbally, (b) situational factors that influence the relative accessibility of these strategies in memory, and (c) characteristics of the information to be processed. Research in both social and consumer psychology is discussed in terms of the conceptual framework we propose.
Some insights on visual and verbal processing strategies
Authors: Bagozzi Richard P. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAfter briefly describing Wyer's general conceptual framework, the information system, and Barsalou's related perspective, a summary of many of the contributions made by Wyer, Hung, and Jiang (in press) is done. Next shortcomings of the style of processing scale are mentioned, as this is the primary way that chronic processing styles are implemented in the studies discussed in Wyer et al. (in press). Following this, a number of philosophical and neuroscience issues are raised. Finally, the commentary closes with questions concerning the role of visual and verbal processing strategies and styles in persuasive communication, the role of affect and sensory processes in social comprehension and judgment, and the need to consider comprehension, judgment, and other cognitive processes in post‐decision phases of goal striving.