bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional index‐2: Validity and reliability of a disease‐specific measure of impairment in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis
Authors: Alexanderson Helene , Broman Lisbet , TollbÄck Anna , Josefson Annika , Lundberg Ingrid E. , StenstrÖm Christina H.
Published: February 2006

Objective

To revise the content of the Functional Index in myositis (FI) and to evaluate measurement properties of a revised FI.

Methods

Previously performed FI (n = 287) were analyzed for internal redundancy and consistency, and ceiling and floor effects. Content was evaluated and a preliminary revised FI was developed. To evaluate the construct validity of the preliminary revised FI, it was compared with isokinetic measurements of muscular strength and endurance, the Myositis Activities Profile, disease impact on general wellbeing, and creatine phosphokinase levels. Minor adjustments were made and the revised FI was investigated for interrater reliability and intrarater reliability over a 1‐week period. After this, some minor, additional adjustments were made leading to the final version, FI‐2.

Results

Five tasks were removed from the original FI due to ceiling effects. Performance pace and number of repetitions were modified for the remaining tasks. A moderate correlation (rs = 0.58) was found between the shoulder flexion task of the preliminary revised FI and isokinetic measurements of shoulder flexion endurance. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for interrater reliability of the revised FI varied from 0.86–0.99 with no systematic differences. ICC for intrarater reliability varied from 0.56–0.99 with systematic differences (P < 0.05) between test and retest in 3 of the tasks. The sit‐up task was excluded due to low intrarater reliability resulting in the final 7‐item FI‐2. There was a good correlation between tasks on the right and left side suggesting that the FI‐2 could be performed unilaterally.

Conclusion

The FI‐2 is a valid and reliable outcome measure of impairment for patients with polymyositis or dermatomyositis. It is well tolerated and the unilateral FI‐2 requires a maximum of 20 minutes to perform. Further evaluation of sensitivity to change and testing in healthy individuals needs to be conducted.
Exercise in waist‐high warm water decreases pain and improves health‐related quality of life and strength in the lower extremities in women with fibromyalgia
Authors: Gusi N. , Tomas‐Carus P. , Häkkinen A. , Häkkinen K. , Ortega‐Alonso A.
Published: February 2006

Objective

To evaluate the short‐ and long‐term efficacy of exercise therapy in a warm, waist‐high pool in women with fibromyalgia.

Methods

Thirty‐four women (mean ± SD tender points 17 ± 1) were randomly assigned to either an exercise group (n = 17) to perform 3 weekly sessions of training including aerobic, proprioceptive, and strengthening exercises during 12 weeks, or to a control group (n = 17). Maximal unilateral isokinetic strength was measured in the knee extensors and flexors in concentric and eccentric actions at 60°/second and 210°/second, and in the shoulder abductors and adductors in concentric contractions. Health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) was assessed using the EQ‐5D questionnaire; pain was assessed on a visual analog scale. All were measured at baseline, posttreatment, and after 6 months.

Results

The strength of the knee extensors in concentric actions increased by 20% in both limbs after the training period, and these improvements were maintained after the de‐training period in the exercise group. The strength of other muscle actions measured did not change. HRQOL improved by 93% (P= 0.007) and pain was reduced by 29% (P= 0.012) in the exercise group during the training, but pain returned close to the pretraining level during the subsequent de‐training. However, there were no changes in the control group during the entire period.

Conclusion

The therapy relieved pain and improved HRQOL and muscle strength in the lower limbs at low velocity in patients with initial low muscle strength and high number of tender points. Most of these improvements were maintained long term.
Zuverlässigkeitsorientierte Bewertung von Maßnahmen gegen die frühe Trennrißbildung für wasserundurchlässige, massige Betonbauwerke
Authors: Krauß Matias , Rostásy Ferdinand S. , Budelmann Harald
Published: February 2006

Die Nutzungstauglichkeit von Bauwerken, gegen die drückendes Wasser ansteht, kann durch Trennrisse in Frage gestellt werden. Zu deren Vermeidung wendet die Praxis zahlreiche Maßnahmen an. Zur Bewertung der Wirksamkeit solcher Maßnahmen haben die Verfasser ein Ingenieurmodell entwickelt. Letzteres ist bislang deterministisch, kann also der streuenden Natur der Rißbildung nicht gerecht werden. Es ist daher notwendig, das deterministische Modell in ein probabilistisches zu überführen. Die zahlreichen Unsicherheiten erzwingen die Anwendung der Monte‐Carlo‐Methode. Die Zuverlässigkeitsanalysen erfolgen an einem zentrisch gezwängten Stab, der als Ausschnitt aus dem rißkritischen Bereich eines beliebigen Bauteils zu deuten ist. Damit konnte der Zusammenhang zwischen der Rißwahrscheinlichkeit und dem Rißindex (Zugfestigkeit/Zugspannung) abgeleitet und anschließend durch die FORM angenähert werden.

Mit Zielgrößen der Rißwahrscheinlichkeit und Grenzwerten des Rißindex kann der Nachweis einer angestrebten Wasserundurchlässigkeit (Nutzungstauglichkeit) geführt werden. Unternehmerische Entscheidungen können zuverlässiger als bisher gefällt werden. Die Anwendung für Nachweise nach WU‐Richtlinie wird erläutert.
Purification of intravenous immunoglobulin G from human plasma – aspects of yield and virus safety
Authors: Buchacher Andrea , Iberer Günter
Published: February 2006

Plasma‐derived intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) preparations have been successfully applied for the prophylactic prevention of infectious diseases in immunodeficient patients. In addition to its replacement therapy of primary and secondary antibody deficiencies, IVIG has found increased use in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. IVIG has become the major plasma product on the global blood product market. The world wide consumption nearly tripled between 1992 and 2003, from 19.4 to 52.6 tons.

Classical manufacturing processes of IVIG, but also new strategies for purification are discussed with respect to practicability and yield. Ethanol fractionation is still the basis for most IVIG processes, although isolation and purification of immunoglobulin G (IgG) by chromatography has gained ground. The efficiency of virus inactivation methods and virus removal techniques in terms of logarithmic reduction factors are analyzed, but also the IgG losses are taken into consideration. Some of these methods also have the ability to separate prions. High pathogen safety and high yields have become the dominant goals of the plasma fractionation industry.
Mixture design in the optimization of a microemulsion system for the electrokinetic chromatographic determination of ketorolac and its impurities: Method development and validation
Authors: Furlanetto Sandra , Orlandini Serena , Marras Anna Maria , Mura Paola , Pinzauti Sergio
Published: February 2006

Microemulsion EKC (MEEKC) was used for the determination of ketorolac and its three impurities. The microemulsion system was optimized, for the first time in the literature, using a multivariate strategy involving a mixture design. A 13‐run experimental plan covering an experimental domain defined by the components aqueous phase (10 mM borate buffer pH 9.2), oil phase (n‐heptane) and surfactant/cosurfactant (SDS/n‐butanol) was carried out. Good results were obtained with all microemulsions tested considering as responses analysis time and resolution, and according to the desirability function the best microemulsion system was constituted by 90.0% 10 mM borate buffer, 2.0% n‐heptane, 8.0% of SDS/n‐butanol in 1:2 ratio. Finally, with the aim of reducing analysis time, a response surface study was carried out in the experimental domain defined by the process variables temperature and voltage and the best values were 17°C and −17 kV, respectively. Applying the optimised conditions, a complete resolution among the analytes was obtained in about 3 min using the short‐end injection method. The method was validated for both drug substances and drug product and was applied to the quality control of ketorolac in coated tablets. A comparison of MEEKC, MEKC and CEC for assaying ketorolac and its related substances has been made.
Chiral microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography with two chiral components: Improved separations via synergies between a chiral surfactant and a chiral cosurfactant
Authors: Kahle Kimberly A. , Foley Joe P.
Published: February 2006

In this study, the combination of two chiral components in a microemulsion formulation for the separation of enantiomers via microemulsion EKC (MEEKC) was successfully accomplished. Previous publications of chiral microemulsions have utilized only one chiral entity; the surfactant, cosurfactant, or oil was chiral. This is the first study, to date, of the effects of using two chiral species in a single pseudostationary phase (PSP). The chiral surfactant dodecoxycarbonylvaline (DDCV) was used in conjunction with the chiral cosurfactant S‐2‐hexanol. Ethyl acetate was incorporated as the oil core of the microemulsion and the buffer was 50 mM phosphate at a pH of 7. Additionally, a microemulsion prepared with racemic 2‐hexanol was used for comparison to a previous DDCV microemulsion and as a baseline for the newly formulated dual chiral microemulsion. The efficiencies, resolutions, and enantioselectivities for the S‐2‐hexanol, racemic 2‐hexanol, and original 1‐butanol DDCV microemulsions are compared. The hexanol‐based PSPs provide improved efficiencies and resolutions. To evaluate the combination of each DDCV enantiomer (R and S) with S‐2‐hexanol, changes in Gibb's free energy were calculated. A synergistic effect was found when two chiral components were combined to form a microemulsion.
Assessment of gully erosion rates through interviews and measurements: a case study from northern Ethiopia
Authors: Nyssen Jan , Poesen Jean , Veyret‐Picot Maude , Moeyersons Jan , Haile Mitiku , Deckers Jozef , Dewit Joke , Naudts Jozef , Teka Kassa , Govers Gerard
Published: February 2006

Gullying has been widespread in the Ethiopian Highlands during the 20th century. It threatens the soil resource, lowers crop yields in intergully areas through enhanced drainage and desiccation, and aggravates flooding and reservoir siltation. Knowing the age and rates of gully development during the last few decades will help explain the reasons for current land degradation.

In the absence of historical written or photographic documentation, the AGERTIM method (Assessment of Gully Erosion Rates Through Interviews and Measurements) has been developed. It comprises measurements of contemporary gully volumes, monitoring of gully evolution over several years and semi‐structured interview techniques. Gully erosion rates in the Dogu'a Tembien District, Tigray, Ethiopia, were estimated in three representative case‐study areas.

In Dingilet, gullying started around 1965 after gradual environmental changes (removal of vegetation from cropland in the catchment and eucalyptus plantation in the valley bottom); rill‐like incisions grew into a gully, which increased rapidly in the drier period between 1977 and 1990. The estimated evolution of the total gully volume in the other areas show patterns similar to those of the Dingilet gully. Average gully erosion rate over the last 50 years is 6·2 t ha−1 a−1. Since 1995, no new gullies have developed in the study area. Area‐specific short‐term gully erosion rates are now on average 1·1 t ha−1 a−1.

The successful application of the AGERTIM method requires an understanding of the geomorphology of the study area and an integration of the researchers with the rural society. It reveals that rapid gully development in the study area is some 50 years old and is mainly caused by human‐induced environmental degradation. Under the present‐day conditions of ‘normal’ rain and catchment‐wide soil and water conservation, gully erosion rates are decreasing. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐obesity effects of green tea: From bedside to bench
Authors: Wolfram Swen , Wang Ying , Thielecke Frank
Published: February 2006

During the last decade, the traditional notion that green tea consumption benefits health has received significant scientific attention and, particularly, the areas of cardiovascular disease and cancer were subject to numerous studies. Due to the ever‐growing obesity pandemic, the anti‐obesity effects of green tea are being increasingly investigated in cell, animal, and human studies. Green tea, green tea catechins, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have been demonstrated in cell culture and animal models of obesity to reduce adipocyte differentiation and proliferation, lipogenesis, fat mass, body weight, fat absorption, plasma levels of triglycerides, free fatty acids, cholesterol, glucose, insulin and leptin, as well as to increase beta‐oxidation and thermogenesis. Adipose tissue, liver, intestine, and skeletal muscle are target organs of green tea, mediating its anti‐obesity effects. Studies conducted with human subjects report reduced body weight and body fat, as well as increased fat oxidation and thermogenesis and thereby confirm findings in cell culture systems and animal models of obesity. There is still a need for well‐designed and controlled clinical studies to validate the existing and encouraging human studies. Since EGCG is regarded as the most active component of green tea, its specific effects on obesity should also be investigated in human trials.
Characteristics of Perianal Abscess and Fistula‐in‐Ano in Healthy Children
Authors: Serour Francis , Gorenstein Arkadi
Published: February 2006

Background

Probably because of the low frequency, perianal abscess (PA) and fistula‐in‐ano (FIA) in children older than 2 years have not been investigated except in those with a predisposing condition such as Crohn’s disease. This study aims to summarize our experience about the characteristics and treatment of PA and FIA in healthy children.

Methods

The charts of all children older than 24 months of age treated for PA and/or FIA from 1990 to 2003 were reviewed.

Results

We found 40 patients, 37 of them boys (92.5%), ranging from 2 to 14 years of age (average: 7.19 years). At the first examination, the diagnosis was PA in 36 patients (mean age: 6.8 years; range: 2.3–13 years), and FIA in 4 patients (mean age: 10.8 years; range: 6–14 years). The primary local treatment of PA was drainage (needle aspiration in 26 patients, and incision and drainage in 4 patients) and local care in 6 patients. All patients received antibiotics. Overall, 29 children (80.6%) had primary cure of the abscess. Evolution included recurrent abscess in 3 patients (8.3%) and FIA in 4 patients (11.1%). Crohn’s disease was diagnosed in only one boy with an abscess of long duration. No patient developed a new PA in another location or a recurrent FIA. Four male patients aged 6 to 14 years (range: 7.1 years) had a FIA of long duration. One patient underwent a fistulectomy. Crohn’s disease was found in three other children and treated conservatively.

Conclusion

Drainage of PA by needle aspiration associated with antibiotics is effective in children older than 2 years of age with a low rate of evolution toward FIA. Associated pathology must be ruled out in children with FIA.
1H NMR and spectrophotometric study of alkaline metal ion complexes with N-dansyl aza-18-crown-6
Authors: Ossowski Tadeusz , Sulowska Hanna , Karbowiak Tomasz , Zarzeczanska Dorota , Gierczyk Błażej , Schroeder Grzegorz
Published: February 2006

Formation of complexes of A18C6-Dns and metal cations (Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+ and Mg2+) in acetonitrile has been studied by NMR, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and PM5 semi-empirical methods. A18C6-Dns forms stable complexes with Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+ cations. The stability constants of various complexes are determined by different methods and their structures are visualised by the PM5 semi-empirical calculations.
Protonation acidity constants for benzotoluidides in sulfuric acid solutions
Authors: Stojković Goran , Anastasova Frosa
Published: February 2006

The protonation of o-, m-and p-benzotoluidide in sulfuric acid solutions is studied by UV spectroscopy in the 190–350 nm region. Principal component analysis is applied to estimate the contributions of the effect of protonation and the medium effect. For the substances studied in this work, the first principal component (PC) captures about 98 % of the variance and the second PC ∼100 % of the cumulative percentage variance in the 210–350 nm region. The same spectral region is used for calculation of the ionization ratio from the coefficients of the first PC and mole fractions of the base and its conjugate acid. Using these data and Hammett's equation (pK BH + = H X + log I), the pK BH + values for the protonation reaction are obtained. The dissociation constants as well as the solvent parameters m* (∼0.43) and ϕ (∼0.60) are calculated using the Excess Acidity Method (-pK BH += 2.28–2.30) and the Bunnett-Olsen Method (-pK BH += 2.24–2.28). The probable sites of protonation are discussed.
An advanced multivariate statistical approach to study coastal sediment data
Authors: Simeonova Pavlina , Sarbu Costel , Spanos Thomas , Simeonov Vasil , Tsakovski Stefan
Published: February 2006

The present paper deals with the application of classical and fuzzy principal components analysis to a large data set from coastal sediment analysis. Altogether 126 sampling sites from the Atlantic Coast of the USA are considered and at each site 16 chemical parameters are measured. It is found that four latent factors are responsible for the data structure (“natural”, “anthropogenic”, “bioorganic”, and “organic anthropogenic”). Additionally, estimating the scatter plots for factor scores revealed the similarity between the sampling sites. Geographical and urban factors are found to contribute to the sediment chemical composition. It is shown that the use of fuzzy PCA helps for better data interpretation especially in case of outliers.
Silica hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Chernev Georgi , Samuneva Bisserka , Djambaski Petar , Salvado Isabel , Fernandes Helena
Published: February 2006

In this work we present experimental results about the formation, properties and structure of sol — gel silica based biocomposite containing Calcium alginate as an organic compound. Two different types of silicon precursors have been used in the synthesis: tetramethylortosilicate (TMOS) and ethyltrimethoxysilane (ETMS). The samples have been prepared at room temperature. The hybrids have been synthesized by replacing different quantitis of the inorganic precursor with alginate. The structure of the obtained hybrid materials has been studied by XRD, IR Spectroscopy, EDS, BET and AFM. The results proved that all samples are amorphous possessing a surface area from 70 to 290 m2/g. It has also been established by FT IR spectra that the hybrids containing TMOS display Van der Walls and Hydrogen bonding or electrostatic interactions between the organic and inorganic components. Strong chemical bonds between the inorganic and organic components in the samples with ETMS are present. A self-organized nanostructure has been observed by AFM. In the obtained hybrids the nanobuilding blocks average in size at about 8–14 nm for the particles.
Solid state linear-dichroic infrared (IR-LD) spectroscopic characterization of α-and β-glycine polymorphs
Authors: Ivanova Bojidarka
Published: February 2006

IR-LD spectroscopic analysis using nematic liquid crystal suspension as a solid-state orientation technique and the reducing-difference procedure for polarized spectra interpretation are applied to the α-and β-polymorphs of glycine. Both structural analysis and detailed IR band assignments were carried out.
Category with a natural cone
Authors: Díaz Francisco , Rodríguez-Machín Sergio
Published: February 2006

Generally, in homotopy theory a cylinder object (or, its dual, a path object) is used to define homotopy between morphisms, and a cone object is used to build exact sequences of homotopy groups. Here, an axiomatic theory based on a cone functor is given. Suspension objects are associated to based objects and cofibrations, obtaining homotopy groups referred to an object and relative to a cofibration, respectively. Exact sequences of these groups are built. Algebraic and particular examples are given. We point out that the main results of this paper were already stated in [3], and the purpose of this article is to give full details of the foregoing.
On solutions of third order nonlinear differential equations
Authors: Mojsej Ivan , Ohriska Ján
Published: February 2006

The aim of our paper is to study oscillatory and asymptotic properties of solutions of nonlinear differential equations of the third order with deviating argument. In particular, we prove a comparison theorem for properties A and B as well as a comparison result on property A between nonlinear equations with and without deviating arguments. Our assumptions on nonlinearity f are related to its behavior only in a neighbourhood of zero and/or of infinity.
On differences of two squares
Authors: Kühleitner Manfred , Nowak Werner
Published: February 2006

The arithmetic function ρ(n) counts the number of ways to write a positive integer n as a difference of two squares. Its average size is described by the Dirichlet summatory function Σn≤x

ρ(n), and in particular by the error term R(x) in the corresponding asymptotics. This article provides a sharp lower bound as well as two mean-square results for R(x), which illustrates the close connection between ρ(n) and the number-of-divisors function d(n).
Finite dimensional global attractor for a class of doubly nonlinear parabolic equations
Authors: Miranville Alain
Published: February 2006

Our aim in this paper is to study the long time behavior of a class of doubly nonlinear parabolic equations. In particular, we prove the existence of the global attractor which has, in one and two space dimensions, finite fractal dimension.
Teenage parenthood among child welfare clients: A Swedish national cohort study of prevalence and odds
Authors: Vinnerljung Bo , Franzén Eva , Danielsson Maria
Published: February 2006

To assess prevalence and odds for teenage parenthood among former child welfare clients, we used national register data for all children born in Sweden 1972–1983 (), including 49,582 former child welfare clients with varying intervention experiences. Logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic, socio‐economic and familial background factors, were used to estimate odds ratios.

Among youth who received interventions in adolescence, 16–19% of the girls and 5–6% of the boys became teenage parents, compared to 3% for girls and 0.7% for boys without child welfare experiences. Youths who entered child welfare services in their teens had four‐ to fivefold adjusted odds for becoming a teenage parent. For other child welfare clients, adjusted odds were mostly twofold.

Youth of both sexes who receive child welfare services in adolescence are a high‐risk group for teenage parenthood. Child welfare agencies should, as a minimum, provide each individual client youth with access to birth control counselling and contraceptives.
Beyond parenting practices: Extended kinship support and the academic adjustment of African‐American and European‐American teens
Authors: Pallock Linda L. , Lamborn Susie D.
Published: February 2006

This study examined adolescents’ perceptions of parenting practices and extended kinship support in relation to academic adjustment for 104 African American and 60 European American 9th and 10th graders (14 and 15 year olds). For African‐American teens, parental acceptance was associated with school values, teacher bonding, and work orientation. Higher levels of behavioral control and lower levels of psychological control were associated with a stronger work orientation. After accounting for the demographic variables and the three parenting practices, higher levels of extended kinship support related to stronger school values, higher teacher bonding, and a stronger work orientation. For European‐American teens, parental acceptance related to academic adjustment, including stronger school values, higher teacher bonding, and a stronger work orientation. European‐American adolescents with stronger extended kinship networks reported higher teacher bonding and a stronger work orientation. Results indicate the importance of extended kinship support for both African‐American and European‐American adolescents.
Cyclophosphamide enhances TNF‐α‐induced apoptotic cell death in murine vascular endothelial cell
Authors: Ohtani Toshio , Nakamura Tomoyuki , Toda Ken-ichi , Furukawa Fukumi
Published: February 2006

Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is one of the therapeutic agents for systemic inflammatory disorders. In murine dermal endothelial cells (F‐2), 4‐hydroxycyclophosphamide (4‐HC), which is active metabolite of CPA, enhanced TNF‐α‐induced DNA fragmentation. In addition, 4‐HC was shown to elevate TNF‐α‐induced caspase‐3 activation. Caspase‐8 activation was identified by the treatment of TNF‐α, whereas 4‐HC was no effect. In contrast, only when treated with 4‐HC, caspase‐9 activation and the increase in the intracellular expression of Bax were detected. These results suggest that CPA may sensitize endothelial cells to TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis through a mitochondria‐dependent pathway and clinically may contribute to the limitation of inflammatory process.
Comparison of performance of two size groups of farmed cod (Gadus morhua L.) juveniles following transfer to sea cages
Authors: Watson J.T. , Sales S. , Cumming G. , Fitzsimmons S.D. , Walden J. , Arthur G. , Saravanan S. , McEvoy L.A.
Published: February 2006

In order to investigate the biologically and economically optimum size for sea transfer of cultured cod, replicated trials were undertaken using experimental cages (1.5 m × 1 m × 1 m) stocked with two size grades of cod juveniles previously “untested” for on-growing at sea in Shetland: “small grade” (SG), 9.3-g mean weight (±2.08 s.d.) and “large grade” (LG), 19.4-g mean weight (±4.48 s.d.). Survival was high in both grades tested, with no significant difference in overall mortality (7.3% (SG) and 8.4% (LG)). A significant difference was observed in the overall percentage growth per day (%SGR) (p = 0.02), with SG and LG exhibiting values of 1.3 and 1.08, respectively. Regression analysis of body weight gain over time between the two grades revealed a significantly higher proportional weight gain in SG (p = 0.01). Cost analysis revealed an initial saving of 8.5% by selecting SG juveniles. This saving was reduced to 2.9% when the cost of feeding these fish was taken into account. However, food wastage was higher in this study than would be expected in a commercial operation, suggesting that the actual saving for the on-grower could be greater than 2.9%. Selecting smaller sized juveniles for transfer will increase the growout period. However, this may be offset by the fact they may be transferred earlier, at a significantly lower price.
Growth, behaviour, and digestive enzyme activity in larval Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in relation to rotifer lipid
Authors: O'Brien-MacDonald Kelly , Brown Joseph A. , Parrish Christopher C.
Published: February 2006

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) show great potential for aquaculture, but much is unknown about their digestive capacity and efficiency. An integrated experiment was performed on cod larvae to investigate the variability in digestive development in response to the quantity of lipid in the rotifer enrichment. Survival, growth, behaviour, and digestive enzyme data from hatching to metamorphosis [0–450 dd (degree-days)] were measured. Four treatments were used in triplicate: high lipid rotifer enrichment (HLRE), low lipid rotifer enrichment (LLRE), green water, and unfed. Swimming activity and attacks (captures + misses) on prey were higher in the HLRE group at 100 dd than in other treatments, and this difference increased thereafter. There was no difference in digestive enzyme activity between the unfed and greened treatments, while the LLRE larvae had lower activity levels than larvae fed HLRE by 100–150 dd for all enzymes assayed. The larvae in the unfed and green water treatments did not survive past 100 dd. All the LLRE cod had died by 250 dd. Results suggest that a higher quantity of lipid in the rotifer enrichment will not only promote better growth and survival in Atlantic cod larvae but appears to provide more energy, allowing larvae to capture more live prey.
Partial Laser Arytenoidectomy in the Management of Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility: A Modification Based on Functional Anatomical Study of the Cricoarytenoid Joint
Authors: Al‐Fattah Hesham Abd , Hamza Ashraf , Gaafar Alaa , Tantawy Ahmed
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To establish the anatomical relationships between the arytenoid and cricoid cartilages and apply these findings to design an arytenoidectomy based on a sound anatomical basis.

STUDY DESIGN

In 50 patients the length of the vocal process and the distance between vocal process tip and upper border of the cricoid cartilage were endoscopically measured. Twenty‐five total laryngectomy specimens were sagittally and axially sectioned to verify the position of the arytenoids and their relation to the cricoid. The anatomical findings led to the design of laser partial arytenoidectomy and cordotomy (L‐PAC), which was used in 45 patients with bilateral cord paralysis in adduction.

RESULTS

The anatomical findings showed that the cricoarytenoid joint did not contribute to the airway in any of the measured specimens. Using L‐PAC, 100% of the patients were decannulated and no patient needed a postoperative tracheostomy at any time. Only 3 patients experienced minimal postoperative aspiration to liquids (6.7%). Reasonable phonation was achieved as regarded by a speech analysis battery. Three patients (6.7%) needed a contralateral L‐PAC.

CONCLUSIONS

The shape of the cricoid and the location of its axis of maximum width ought to dictate the technique of glottic widening to be used in bilateral cord immobility in adduction. The present extra‐articular technique, L‐PAC, showed its versatility in providing an effective balance between the protective, the respiratory, and to lesser extent the phoniatory functions.

EBM rating: C‐4
Radial Forearm Free Flap Donor Site Outcomes Comparison by Closure Methods
Authors: Ho Tang , Couch Marion , Carson Kathryn , Schimberg Amy , Manley Karen , Byrne Patrick J.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To compare the functional and aesthetic outcomes of radial forearm free flap (RFFF) donor sites reconstructed with full‐thickness skin graft (FTSG), split thickness skin graft (STSG) alone, and STSG overlying an acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A cross‐sectional cohort study at a tertiary care hospital.

RESULTS

Twenty‐five head and neck cancer patients who underwent reconstruction with RFFF completed the evaluations (STSG = 10, FTSG = 8, STSG with AlloDerm = 7). Subjective evaluations of postoperative function by questionnaires showed no significant differences among the 3 groups (P = 0.93). In blinded evaluations by surgeons, the STSG group obtained the highest aesthetic outcome score (3.39 of 5.0), followed by FTSG (2.89) and STSG with AlloDerm (2.80). However, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.32). Objective measurements of postoperative function by certified occupational therapists were comparable among the 3 groups with the exception of a mildly decreased range of wrist flexion (P = 0.036) and ulnar deviation (P = 0.016) in the FTSG group.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3 methods of reconstruction have comparable postoperative functional and aesthetic outcomes.

SIGNIFICANCE

Each of the 3 methods of reconstruction has low morbidity and satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes.

EBM rating: B‐2b
Histopathologic and Cytopathologic Diagnostic Discrepancies in Head and Neck Region: Pitfalls, Causes, and Preventive Strategies
Authors: Fathallah Lamia , Tulunay Ozlem E. , Feng Jining , Husain Mujtaba , Jacobs John R. , Al‐Abbadi Mousa A.
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND

Clinicians commonly utilize fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for the primary investigation of head and neck masses. Correlation of these results with the surgical resection diagnosis is an essential part of quality control and assurance programs in all cytology laboratories.

METHODS

Of 610 cases, 20 (3.3%) had corresponding surgical resections performed within 3 months of the FNAB, with a discrepant diagnosis identified through a search that involved all FNABs performed on the head and neck region, excluding the thyroid gland, at Wayne State University between 1999 and 2004. Sites of discrepant samples included the parotid or submandibular gland (n = 5), lymph nodes (n = 8), and paratracheal/paraesophageal neck masses (n = 7).

RESULTS

The reasons of false‐negative FNABs included sampling errors (n = 3), insufficient material for an adequate interpretation (n = 5), lack of triage necessary for ancillary studies (n = 4), and interpretation errors (n = 6). There were 2 false‐positive FNABs, both reported as mucoepidermoid carcinoma and showed chronic sialadenitis in one and lymphoepithelial cyst in the other.

CONCLUSIONS

FNAB is an effective tool for the diagnosis and triage of patients with head and neck masses that can be further improved with an onsite immediate adequacy evaluation and triage performed by a pathologist.
Correlation between Middle Turbinate and Ipsilateral Ethmoid Histopathology in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Busaba Nicolas Y. , Shin Hyei Jung , Faquin William C.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

Study the concept of “rhinosinusitis” in patients with inflammatory paranasal sinus disease (IPSD).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective case control series in a tertiary care facility. Twenty‐two consecutive patients with IPSD without polyposis were enrolled. A partial middle turbinectomy and ethmoidectomy were performed and the histopathologic findings of the surgical specimens from the 2 sites was studied. The general degree of inflammation, epithelial thickening, and inflammatory cell count were measured.

RESULTS

The degree of middle turbinate inflammation correlated with that of the ipsilateral ethmoid sinus (Spearman's rho coefficient = 0.450; P < 0.05). Epithelial thickness was more prominent in the ethmoid sinus. The total inflammatory cell count was comparable. There was a statistically significant correlation among total inflammatory cell count, plasma cell count, and eosinophil count between the 2 sites.

CONCLUSION

The ethmoid sinus inflammation in IPSD is accompanied by a commensurate ipsilateral middle turbinate inflammation.

SIGNIFICANCE

The data support the use of the term “rhino‐sinusitis.”
Perioperative Complications with the Bone‐Anchored Hearing Aid
Authors: Shirazi Mobeen A. , Marzo Sam J. , Leonetti John P.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To discuss perioperative complications associated with the bone‐anchored hearing aid (BAHA) and their management.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A retrospective review of 58 patients who underwent implantation of BAHA for unilateral conductive, mixed, or sensorineural hearing losses was performed at a tertiary referral center.

RESULTS

Between September 2003 and June 2005, 58 patients underwent implantation of a BAHA. There were 30 female and 28 male patients, with a mean age of 48 years (range 8–80 years). Complications occurred in 19% (11/58) of patients. Most adverse events were seen early in the series. The most common complication, partial or complete loss of the skin graft, occurred in 10% (6/58) of patients. These were managed successfully with local wound care. Five percent (3/58) of patients had skin growth over the abutment. Two of these cases were managed with office debridement, whereas 1 patient required revision under general anesthesia. There was implant extrusion in 3% (2/58) of patients, and both of these patients later underwent successful reimplantation. All patients had their implant activated 3 months after surgery. There were no perioperative or postoperative deaths.

CONCLUSION

Complications related to BAHA implantation are relatively minor and usually involve partial or complete loss of the skin graft. Most complications were successfully managed in the office.
Patient Selection and Efficacy of Pillar Implant Technique for Treatment of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome
Authors: Friedman Michael , Vidyasagar Ramakrishnan , Bliznikas Darius , Joseph Ninos J.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

Pillar implant (PIT) is a simple, office‐based procedure with minimal morbidity that was introduced in 2003 to treat snoring and mild/moderate obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). We studied the: (1) success rate using subjective symptoms and objective polysomnographic improvement; (2) success rate based on BMI, OSAHS severity and Friedman tongue position (FTP); and (3) its value as an adjunctive or revision procedure.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective review of 125 patients who underwent the PIT for snoring and OSAHS. Patients were grouped: Group I had PIT only (n = 29); Group II received adjunctive nasal procedures (n = 37), Group III received adjunctive oropharyngeal procedures (n = 55); and Group IV had failed previous UPPP (n = 4).

RESULTS

Overall subjective and objective “cure” rates were 88.0% and 34.4%, respectively. Group IIb had the best objective cure rate of 46.7%. Neither AHI nor BMI correlated with outcome measures, whereas FTP did correlate. (FTP I and II had improved success vs FTP III and IV). Ten patients had partial extrusion of the PIT. These were removed and new PIT were carried out at a later date.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a short‐term study, the Pillar implant is an effective treatment for snoring and OSAHS in selected patients and can be combined with adjunctive procedures to treat OSAHS.
Use of mask continuous positive airway pressure in a preterm infant presenting with bilateral cleft lip and palate
Authors: McMahon R M , Bagchi I , Worsey S , Kumararatne B
Published: February 2006

This report highlights innovative ways of overcoming difficulties in delivering effective continuous positive airway pressure in an extremely preterm baby with bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate.
Alternative sonographische Bestimmung der Lebergrösse durch interkostale Schnittführung
Authors: Götzberger  , Weber  , Kaiser  , Suttmann  , Calderon-Geisselreiter  , Müller-Lisse  , Heldwein  , Schiemann
Published: February 2006

Hintergrund: Die Bestimmung der Lebergrösse ist eine alltägliche Fragestellung in der Abdomensonographie, insbesondere zum Nachweis einer Hepatomegalie. In der Literatur werden verschiedene Methoden zur Erfassung der Lebergrösse beschrieben, die meist auf der subkostalen Messung eines einzigen Organdurchmessers basieren. Diese Schallführung stösst bei adipösen, luftüberlagerten und unkooperativen Patienten (fehlende koordinierte Atemmanöver) auf technische Grenzen, sodass hierfür Alternativen zu suchen sind.Methode: Bei 241 Patienten wurde die Lebergrösse zunächst in zwei konventionellen Ebenen, der Medioklavikularlinie (MCL) und der vorderen Axillarlinie (VAL) ermittelt. Ergänzend wurde die Leber in der mittleren Axillarlinie (MAL), also von interkostal dargestellt und in der kranio-kaudalen Achse vermessen. Bei 58 Patienten wurde auf Grund besonderer klinischer Fragestellungen zusätzlich eine abdominelle Computertomographie durchgeführt. Die Lebergrösse konnte in diesen Fällen in MCL gemessen und mit den sonographisch ermittelten Werten verglichen werden. Ergebnisse: Die Mittelwerte aller Lebermessungen lagen in MCL sonographisch bei 10,7+/-2,1 cm, computertomographisch bei 11,4+/-3,7 cm, in VAL bei 14,0+/-1,9 cm und in der MAL bei 14,9+/-2,0 cm. Bei 5% der Patienten war eine sonographische Bestimmung der Lebergrösse auf Grund von Adipositas oder Gasüberlagerung in MCL und VAL nicht, in MAL aber wohl möglich. Schlussfolgerungen: Es besteht eine gute Korrelation zwischen der sonographisch und computertomographisch gemessenen Lebergrösse in MCL sowie zwischen dem subkostalen Leberdurchmesser in VAL und dem interkostalen Durchmesser in MAL. Die interkostale Schnittführung ermöglicht zusätzlich noch Messungen der Lebergrösse, wenn die subkostalen Schnittführungen wegen Adipositas oder Meteorismus versagen.
Das «Fett-Halo-Zeichen» des Kolon im CT: Indikator einer inflammatorischen Darmwanderkrankung oder Normal-Variante? Ein illustrierter Fallbericht
Authors: Schwarz  , Studler  , Bongartz
Published: February 2006

Wir berichten über die computertomographische Abklärung eines 76-jährigen Patienten mit rezidivierendem, linksseitigen Flankenschmerz, Mikrohämaturie und Nierenzysten. Die Computertomographie zeigt eine langstreckige Wandverdickung und submuköse Fetteinlagerungen in die Wand des Kolon. Dieses Fett-Halo-Zeichen des Kolon wurde bisher als pathognomonisch für entzündliche Darmerkrankungen beschrieben. Es wird auch bei Patienten mit immunsuppressiver Therapie oder einer Graft-versus-Host-Erkrankung berichtet [6,7]. Ein Zusammenhang zwischen einem kurzstreckigen Fett-Halo-Zeichen und deutlicher Adipositas bei asymptomatischen Patienten wird vermutet [10]. Keine dieser Voraussetzungen treffen auf den hier beschriebenen Patienten zu. Die massive und langstreckige Wandverdickung des Kolon mit Fett-Halo Zeichen ist in der Ausprägung aussergewöhnlich – und muss dennoch als Normalvariante angesehen werden.
Evolving Structure-Function Mappings in Cognitive Neuroscience Using Genetic Programming
Authors: Gobet Fernand , Parker Amanda
Published: February 2006

A challenging goal of psychology and neuroscience is to map cognitive functions onto neuroanatomical structures. This paper shows how computational methods based upon evolutionary algorithms can facilitate the search for satisfactory mappings by efficiently combining constraints from neuroanatomy and physiology (the structures) with constraints from behavioural experiments (the functions). This methodology involves creation of a database coding for known neuroanatomical and physiological constraints, for mental programs made of primitive cognitive functions, and for typical experiments with their behavioural results. The evolutionary algorithms evolve theories mapping structures to functions in order to optimize the fit with the actual data. These theories lead to new, empirically testable predictions. The role of the prefrontal cortex in humans is discussed as an example. This methodology can be applied to the study of structures or functions alone, and can also be used to study other complex systems.
An Evaluation of the German Relationship Assessment Scale
Authors: Dinkel Andreas , Balck Friedrich
Published: February 2006

The Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) is a short seven-item measure for the assessment of relationship satisfaction. It can be used with different types of relationships. We aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the German version of the RAS in a community sample of N = 145 persons. The principal component analysis revealed one general factor, which accounted for more than 60 per cent of the variance. The internal consistency of the RAS was high (α = .89). While there were no significant associations between RAS scores and age or gender, several other sociodemographic parameters had an impact on the RAS, e. g. presence of children. The RAS correlated significantly with scales of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), most impressively with the DAS satisfaction scale (r = .87). Persons living in a distressing relationship, as indicated by a DAS total score below 100, also had lower scores on the RAS. In conclusion, our results extend the evidence on the reliability and validity of the RAS.
Entitativity of Generations, Age Groups and Cohorts as Perceived by Young Adults
Authors: Bangerter Adrian
Published: February 2006

Perceptions of the entitativity of age groups, cohorts, and generations were studied in a sample of young adults. Participants rated one of three age groups (young adults, middle-aged adults, older adults), described either as generations (e.g., Baby Boom generation), by age (e.g., people 50 years old), or as cohorts (e.g., people born between 1945 and 1950). Ratings were made on entitativity and related properties (importance of membership to members, shared experience, common goals, common values, similarity among members). Results show that age groups and generations are meaningful social categories for laypersons, whereas cohorts are not.
Psychologie zwischen Elfenbeinturm und Praxis: Eine Frage der Werte
Authors: Kanning Uwe Peter
Published: February 2006

Zusammenfassung. Mit seinem Artikel Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie - Wo bleibt der Anwendungsbezug? stößt Lutz von Rosenstiel (2004) eine wichtige Diskussion an, die mit dem vorliegenden Beitrag fortgeführt werden soll. Es wird hier die These vertreten, dass die Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie als angewandte Disziplin in ein von grundlagenwissenschaftlichen Werten dominiertes Umfeld eingebettet ist und dass dies der Entwicklung unseres Faches nicht immer zum Vorteil gereicht. Hieraus ergibt sich der Wunsch nach einem größeren Wertepluralismus innerhalb der Psychologie. Dabei sollte die Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie selbstbewusst für einen hohen Praxisbezug in Forschung und Lehre eintreten. Die Zeit für eine offene Wertediskussion scheint angesichts der vor uns liegenden Veränderungen (Generationswechsel, neue Studiengänge, Einführung von Studiengebühren etc.) günstiger denn je.
Gruppenstimmung (group mood) als Erfolgsbedingung transformationaler Führung
Authors: Boerner Sabine , Freiherr von Streit Christian
Published: February 2006

Zusammenfassung. Der Beitrag untersucht den Zusammenhang zwischen transformationaler Führung, Stimmung der Gruppenmitglieder und Erfolg einer Arbeitsgruppe. Am Beispiel des Symphonieorchesters wird die Hypothese entwickelt, dass die transformationale Führung des Dirigenten nur dann positiv mit dem Erfolg des Orchesters verbunden ist, wenn zugleich die Stimmung der Orchestermusiker positiv ist. Eine empirische Untersuchung von 208 Musikern aus 22 deutschen Symphonieorchestern bestätigt den angenommenen Interaktionseffekt von transformationaler Führung durch den Dirigenten und positiver Stimmung der Musiker auf den künstlerischen Erfolg des Orchesters.
Rezension des “Tätigkeitsbewertungssystem - Geistige Arbeit für Arbeitsplatzinhaber“ von
Authors: Stegmaier Ralf , Kersting Jan-Michael
Published: February 2006

Zusammenfassung. Das TBS-GA (A) wird als ein partizipatives Verfahren zur Analyse geistiger Arbeit durch den Arbeitsplatzinhaber vorgestellt. Dabei wird das Instrument in die TBS-Verfahrensfamilie eingeordnet und deren theoretischer Hintergrund beleuchtet. Der Aufbau des Verfahrens und Itembeispiele werden darstellt. Vor dem Hintergrund der Gütekriterien werden abschließend praktischer Nutzen und Einsatzmöglichkeiten des Instruments diskutiert.
Interhemispheric differences in changes of long‐lived tracers in the middle stratosphere over the last decade
Authors: Youn Daeok , Choi Wookap , Lee Huikyo , Wuebbles Donald J.
Published: February 2006

Long‐lived chemical species are analyzed to investigate the temporal variations of mixing ratios in the stratosphere from April 1992 through August 2004 using HALOE satellite observations. HF concentrations in the upper stratosphere increase at similar rates in both hemispheres. HF in the extratropical mid‐stratosphere, however, has increased more rapidly in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) than in the Southern Hemisphere (SH). CH4 and H2O show the similar long‐term intensifications in their interhemispheric differences. The characteristic features in the long‐term variability of the observed tracers are related to the residual circulation and stratospheric planetary wave activity. The increasing hemispheric asymmetries of the tracer mixing ratios are in good agreement with the change in the calculated residual circulation, strengthening over the last 12 years in the NH. This change of residual circulation is caused by the intensification of the stratospheric wave activity associated with upward propagating planetary waves in the NH.