bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Universal Consent Practice in Academic Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
Authors: Stuke Lance , Jennings Andrew , Gunst Mark , Tyner Tracy , Friese Randall , O'Keeffe Terence , Frankel Heidi
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine national practice for obtaining consent in academic adult intensive care units (ICUs) for routine bedside procedures and to define universal consent rates by patient demographics within our own institution’s ICUs.

Methods: A 10-question survey was sent to the program directors for all U.S. surgical and pulmonary critical care directors regarding consent practices. Further, the adoption of a universal consent protocol in an academic county hospital was studied.

Results: Cross-sectional study: Thirty-seven percent of program directors completed the survey. Consent rates varied from 35% to 97% by procedure, with only 14% using a universal consent document. Providers in Medical ICUs obtained consent more often than in Surgical ICUs for both central line and pulmonary artery catheter placement (82.8% and 93.1% vs. 52.6% and 52.6%, respectively). Prospective cohort study: At our institution, 90% of 363 patients or their proxies signed universal consent for procedures, 4.4% consent with exemptions, while 5.2% refused. Insured patients were 2.7 times more likely to sign full universal consent for bedside ICU procedures than uninsured patients.

Conclusion: There was a national variation in ICU consent practices with an interest in a wider usage of universal consent protocols. The latter was adopted differentially based on patient demographics. Universal consent was widely accepted at our institution.
How Policies of Priority Education Shape Educational Needs: New Fabrications and Contradictions
Authors: Alegre Miquel Àngel , Collet Jordi , González Sheila
Published: December 2009

This article aims to interpret how different policies of priority education deal with the notions of “educational needs” and “educational inequalities.” Indeed, it is the processes and mechanisms embedded in the deployment of such policies that ultimately model a category of educational need that goes beyond the conceptualization of educational inequality used to justify the policies themselves. The authors reach this conclusion by examining four European programs of priority education (PPE). Two basic tendencies are identified. On the one hand, recent deployment of the English and French initiatives seems to be altering the formulation of problems they are designed to address by enhancing in practice a decontextualized notion of individual educational need in which it is considered legitimate to intervene. On the other hand, the Catalan and Dutch programs, which theoretically address both territorial and nonformal educational inequalities, in fact apply prioritization schemes and interventions mainly based on school-based social measures.
Correlates of Therapeutic Alliance and Treatment Outcomes Among Israeli Female Methadone Patients
Authors: Schiff Miriam , Levit Shabtay
Published: December 2009

Objectives: This study examines potential predictors (e.g., attachment style, frequency of therapeutic treatment sessions) of client-rated therapeutic alliance between the social worker and client. The relationship between therapeutic alliance and client’s psychological outcomes (hope and posttraumatic stress symptoms [PTS’s]) was also assessed. Methods: The study sample included 95 of 193 female clients (average age = 39.35, SD = 8.66) at four methadone clinics in Israel. Results: Clients reported a strong therapeutic alliance with their social workers. Stepwise hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that only the frequency of treatment sessions, the avoidance dimension of attachment, and less frequent opiate use were significant predictors of therapeutic alliance. Therapeutic alliance significantly predicted hope but did not predict reduced PTS. Conclusions: Implications for social work practice and future research are discussed.
Child Maltreatment and Delinquency Onset Among African American Adolescent Males
Authors: Williams James Herbert , Van Dorn Richard A. , Bright Charlotte Lyn , Jonson-Reid Melissa , Nebbitt Von E.
Published: December 2009

Child welfare and criminology research have increasingly sought to better understand factors that increase the likelihood that abused and neglected children will become involved in the juvenile justice system. However, few studies have addressed this relationship among African American male adolescents. The current study examines the relationship between child maltreatment (i.e., neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and other/mixed abuse) and the likelihood of a delinquency petition using a sample of African American males (N = 2,335) born before 1990. Multivariable logistic regression models compared those with a delinquency-based juvenile justice petition to those without. Results indicate that African American males with a history of neglect, physical abuse, or other/mixed abuse were more likely to be involved in the juvenile justice system than those without any child maltreatment. Additionally, multiple maltreatment reports, a prior history of mental health treatment, victimization, and having a parent who did not complete high school also increased the likelihood of a delinquency petition. Implications for intervention and prevention are discussed.
Masculinities, Sexualities, and the Limits of Subversion: Being a Man in Hairdressing
Authors: Robinson Victoria , Hall Alexandra , Hockey Jenny
Published: December 2009

Drawing on data from a U.K. study of ‘‘masculinities in transition,’’ this article considers whether hairdressing, a largely feminized working culture, affords men the space to challenge, reaffirm, and play with dominant understanding of what it is to be a man. We ask whether ‘‘another masculinity’’ is possible in this sphere and beyond. Using qualitative interviews and observation in the workplace, men’s feelings about working in ‘‘a woman’s world’’ and the extent to which their intentional and unintentional ‘‘feminization’’ provides scope for challenging gender norms is explored. As Brickell’s discussion reminds us, those who subvert the prevailing values surrounding masculinity are at constant risk of being ‘‘misunderstood.’’ For hairdressers, the parody of femininity and campness is always at risk of being misinterpreted. The data suggest that contextual realignments of ‘‘acceptable’’ gendering create the possibility for change, but there are limits to subversion; ‘‘feminized’’ men find themselves reaffirming the gender order as well as contributing to its disorder.
The Role of Anatomic Factors in Predicting Success of Endovascular Repair of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Bowman Jonathan N. , Silverberg Daniel , Ellozy Sharif , Teodorescu Victoria , Poblete Honesto , Marin Michael , Faries Peter
Published: December 2009

Objective: We evaluated the results of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) to determine what anatomic factors influenced the clinical outcomes.

Methods: Preoperative computed tomography (CT) angiograms of 65 patients who underwent TEVAR were analyzed using 3-dimensional imaging. The proximal and distal neck, thoracic aneurysm, and iliac arteries were measured for angulation, diameter, length, calcification, and tortuosity. Immediate technical success and clinical success were measured.

Results: Immediate technical success was achieved in 91% (59 of 65) of the patients analyzed. One patient died in the operating room during treatment of rupture. Clinical success was achieved in 83% (54 of 65) of patients at follow-up. Four patients had small endoleaks with no sac enlargement at follow-up. One patient was converted to open repair. Severe iliac calcification was found to be significant for deployment failure. The mean follow-up is 8 months (1-36 months).

Conclusion: Increased iliac calcification and increased iliac tortuosity correlate with an inability to successfully deploy the device.
Taps for the High Stakes Test
Authors: Kearney W. Sean , Smith Page A.
Published: December 2009

The article discusses a case study that stems from actual events, targets the issue of ethics in schools, and is applicable for use in a variety of educational leadership courses. The article examines the issues related to ethical responsibilities and high-stakes testing in public schools. The administration must decide what actions to take following the questionable practices of a teacher during the administration of a standardized test. The decisions of the parent, teacher, and principal will have an impact not only on the students currently enrolled in the class but also on the future educational practices within this campus and district.
And The Band Played On—Almost
Authors: Allen Ann
Published: December 2009

High school band teacher, Mr. Alex Smith, received a request from the Republican presidential campaign for the marching band to perform at an upcoming local rally at which both the presidential and vice-presidential candidates would appear. With support from the principal and superintendent, Mr. Smith moved forward with plans for a Monday performance. Many parents, who got wind of the plans the following Friday at a home football game, protested. As a result, the school board cancelled the performance.The case presents dilemmas related to politics, public school governance, decision making, leadership, and school and community relations.
And the Survey Says: The Case for Community Engagement
Authors: Johnson Paul A.
Published: December 2009

Often superintendents and boards of education employ an expert-based, school-centered, “decide and defend” decision making approach when dealing with critical school district issues. In the case presented here, involving what to do with an historic school building, it is an approach that did not yield the result the superintendent or board of education anticipated. This case gives prospective administrators an opportunity to contrast a “decide and defend” approach to decision-making with a community engagement approach. The teaching notes highlight the essential elements of effective community engagement and conclude with a culminating activity that asks students to identify a critical issue in their school district and outline a community engagement plan to address it.
Clinical-grade production of human mesenchymal stromal cells: occurrence of aneuploidy without transformation
Authors: Tarte Karin , Gaillard Julien , Lataillade Jean-Jacques , Fouillard Loic , Becker Martine , Mossafa Hossein , Tchirkov Andrei , Rouard Hélène , Henry Catherine , Splingard Marie , Dulong Joelle , Monnier Delphine , Gourmelon Patrick , Gorin Norbert-Claude , Sensebé Luc ,   on behalf of Société Française de Greffe de Moelle et Thérapie Cellulaire
Published: December 2009

Clinical-grade human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been expanded in vitro for tissue engineering or immunoregulatory purposes without standardized culture conditions or release criteria. Although human MSCs show poor susceptibility for oncogenic transformation, 2 recent studies described their capacity to accumulate chromosomal instability and to give rise to carcinoma in immunocompromised mice after long-term culture. We thus investigated the immunologic and genetic features of MSCs expanded with fetal calf serum and fibroblast growth factor or with platelet lysate in 4 cell-therapy facilities during 2 multicenter clinical trials. Cultured MSCs showed a moderate expression of human leukocyte antigen-DR without alteration of their low immunogenicity or their immunomodulatory capacity. Moreover, some transient and donor-dependent recurring aneuploidy was detected in vitro, independently of the culture process. However, MSCs with or without chromosomal alterations showed progressive growth arrest and entered senescence without evidence of transformation either in vitro or in vivo.
Survival and relapse in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Hovinga Johanna A. Kremer , Vesely Sara K. , Terrell Deirdra R. , Lämmle Bernhard , George James N.
Published: December 2009

Survival of patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) improved dramatically with plasma exchange treatment, revealing risk for relapse. The Oklahoma TTP Registry is a population-based inception cohort of all 376 consecutive patients with an initial episode of clinically diagnosed TTP (defined as microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia with or without signs and symptoms of ischemic organ dysfunctions) for whom plasma exchange was requested, 1989 to 2008. Survival was not different between the first and second 10-year periods for all patients (68% and 69%, P = .83) and for patients with idiopathic TTP (83% and 77%, P = .33). ADAMTS13 activity was measured in 261 (93%) of 282 patients since 1995. Survival was not different between patients with ADAMTS13 activity < 10% (47 of 60, 78%) and patients with 10% or more (136 of 201, 68%, P = .11). Among patients with ADAMTS13 activity < 10%, an inhibitor titer of 2 or more Bethesda units/mL was associated with lower survival (P = .05). Relapse rate was greater among survivors with ADAMTS13 activity < 10% (16 of 47, 34%; estimated risk for relapse at 7.5 years, 41%) than among survivors with ADAMTS13 activity of 10% or more (5 of 136, 4%; P < .001). In 41 (93%) of 44 survivors, ADAMTS13 deficiency during remission was not clearly related to subsequent relapse.
Research on SBT leads to the development of guidelines applicable to diverse training scenarios
Authors: Salas Eduardo , Rosen Michael A. , Weaver Sallie J. , Held Janet D. , Weissmuller Johnny J.
Published: December 2009

FEATURE AT A GLANCE: Simulation-based training (SBT) is a methodology for providing systematic and structured learning experiences. The effectiveness of this methodology depends partly on the quality of the performance measurement practices one is using. Performance during SBT must be diagnosed; that is, the causes of effective and ineffective performance must be determined. Diagnostic measurement drives the systematic decisions concerning corrective feedback and remediation. In this article, our purpose is to report evidence-based guidelines for performance measurement in SBT that we have synthesized from the literature and practical experience. We hope that these guidelines will serve to increase the quality of performance measurement and consequently the effectiveness of SBT.
Microstructure and Fatigue Strength of the Bearing Steel 52100 after Shortened Bainitic Treatment
Authors: Dong J. , Vetters H. , Hoffmann F. , Zoch Hans W.
Published: December 2009

Quenching to obtain martensite is the mostly applied process for standard rolling element bearings. Isothermal treatment in the lower bainitic range is used as an alternative method to generate favorable compressive residual stress on the surface of components, e.g., in spherical roller bearings. The duration of the bainitic treatment, however, is much longer than that of a martensitic treatment because more or less a complete transformation of austenite to bainite is usually requested. This causes higher energy consumption and a longer production period. Therefore it is desirable to perform bainitic treatment with a shortened process duration. In the present work possible processes for shortening the bainitic treatment of the bearing steel 52100 were primarily investigated by dilatometric experiments. Some selected processes were carried out in an industrial salt bath. The microstructures of bainite were observed by optical microscope, transmission electron microscope, and field emission scanning electron microscope. These were compared to martensitic microstructures. The cyclic fatigue strength of the steel after shortened bainitic treatments was examined using a rotating-bar fatigue test. The results show that the fatigue resistance while maintaining the requested minimum hardness of 58 HRC was even enhanced significantly through the shortened treatments particularly by means of a two-step bainitic treatment. The process duration was only about 25 % of the conventional time. The influence of the bainitic microstructure on the fatigue strength of the steel is discussed.
Die Neue Kulturgeschichte. Eine (Zwischen-)BilanzNew Cultural History. A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Tschopp Silvia Serena
Published: December 2009

Die Neue Kulturgeschichte hat gegenwärtig auch in Deutschland einen Institutionalisierungsgrad erreicht, der es geboten erscheinen läßt, bisher Erreichtes kritisch zu bilanzieren und noch zu Leistendes zu benennen. Der Beitrag fragt zunächst nach dem mit Blick auf den wissenschaftsgeschichtlichen Ort, den Gegenstand sowie das theoretischmethodische Fundament der Neuen Kulturgeschichte erreichten Konsens, um sich daraufhin drei Problemfeldern zuzuwenden, an denen sich die Kritik an der Neuen Kulturgeschichte entzündet hat: Reflektiert werden der Vorwurf einer ,Kannibalisierung' der Geschichtswissenschaft durch die Kulturhistorie, der Vorwurf der theoretischen Beliebigkeit sowie der Vorwurf einer radikalkonstruktivistischen Auffassung geschichtlicher Wirklichkeit. Der Geltungsgewinn der Neuen Kulturgeschichte, so das Fazit, gründet wesentlich in der Tatsache, daß die kulturalistische Geschichtsbetrachtung keinen Widerpart zu den lange dominierenden politik- und sozialgeschichtlichen Paradigmen und den sie leitenden Prämissen darstellt, sondern, auf etablierten Forschungstraditionen aufbauend, komplementäre Perspektiven zu entwickeln und den Radius historischer Erkenntnis zu erweitern vermag.
Predictive Equations for Lung Function Based on a Large Occupational Population in North China
Authors: Wu Yonghui , Zhang Zhongyi , Gang Baoqi , Love Edgar J.
Published: December 2009

Predictive Equations for Lung Function Based on a Large Occupational Population in North China: Yonghui Wu, et al. Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, P.R. China

Objectives

The currently used predictive equations of lung function in North China were derived from early study and have not been updated for nearly two decades.

Methods

Using American Thoracic Society (ATS) standards, sex‐specific spirometric predictive equations for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), ratio of FEV1 to FVC (FEV1%) and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25–75%) were derived from 2,897 asymptomatic, lifelong non‐smokers (1,208 males, 1,689 females) from a large occupational population in North China. Stepwise multiple regressions were carried out to identify the best predictors of lung function parameters and predictive equations. Independent variables considered for inclusion in predictive equations including age, height, weight and chest circumference were examined.

Results

Age and height were found to be necessary variables for all lung function parameters. Weight was a significant variable in only half of our equations. Chest circumferences (expired or inspired) was excluded as they are not practical in use. Data from 255 apparently healthy non‐smokers were used to validate the equations by comparing percentage predicted values and proportion of subjects with normal predicted values with those from the study group, and a high accordance was obtained. Other equations published and used in North China do not appear to offer advantages over these equations.

Conclusions

These newly developed predictive equations should ideally be applied to calculate lung function for adult individuals and populations as reference values in North China.
Zagreb and Tenerife
Authors: Cookson Simon
Published: December 2009

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is currently implementing a program to improve the language proficiency of pilots and air traffic controllers worldwide. In justifying the program, ICAO has cited a number of airline accidents that were at least partly caused by language factors. Two accidents cited by ICAO are analysed in this paper: the mid-air collision above Zagreb in 1976, and the runway collision at Tenerife in 1977. The paper examines the linguistic factors involved in each accident, such as code switching and L1 interference, and uses the ‘Swiss cheese’ model of accident causation developed by Reason (1990) and adapted by Wiegmann and Shappell (2003) to put these factors into a broader aviation context. It is shown that, while linguistic factors were in each case significant, both accidents occurred as the result of multiple causal factors, many of which were non-linguistic. Furthermore, stress and fatigue played a decisive role in exacerbating the linguistic factors in each accident. Finally, the paper suggests lessons that may be drawn from the analysis for the training of pilots and air traffic controllers, both nativespeaker and non native-speaker.
A new simulation model for calculating the internal exposure of some radionuclides
Authors: Mahrous Ayman , Moneim Abdel , Helal Nadia , Eid Ibrahim
Published: December 2009

A new model based on a series of mathematical functions for estimating excretion rates following the intake of nine different radionuclides is presented in this work. The radionuclides under investigation are: cobalt, iodine, cesium, strontium, ruthenium, radium, thorium, plutonium, and uranium. The committed effective dose has been calculated by our model so as to obtain the urinary and faecal excretion rates for each radionuclide. The said model is further validated by a comparison with the widely spread Mondal software and a simulation program. The results obtained show a harmony between the Mondal package and the model we have constructed.
Realization of a digital rate meter as an IIR digital filter by implementing an optimized signal processing algorithm
Authors: Saponjic Djordje , Arandjelovic Vojislav
Published: December 2009

By applying the well known dualism: mean count rate - mean time between successive pulses - the equivalence between an IIR digital filter and a preset count digital rate meter has been demonstrated. By using a bank of four second order IIR filters and an optimized automated algorithm for filter selection, a practical realization of a preset count rate meter giving good tradeoff between statistical fluctuations and speed of response, particularly at low count rates such as background monitoring, is presented. The presented solution is suitable for designing portable count rate meters. The designed prototype is capable of operating up to 3600 pulses per second with an accuracy of over 4% in steady-state and response times of 1 second for the rising edge and 2 seconds for the falling edge of the mean count rate step-change.
Fractional variational problems and particle in cell gyrokinetic simulations with fuzzy logic approach for tokamaks
Authors: Rastovic Danilo
Published: December 2009

In earlier Rastovic's papers [1] and [2], the effort was given to analyze the stochastic control of tokamaks. In this paper, the deterministic control of tokamak turbulence is investigated via fractional variational calculus, particle in cell simulations, and fuzzy logic methods. Fractional integrals can be considered as approximations of integrals on fractals. The turbulent media could be of the fractal structure and the corresponding equations should be changed to include the fractal features of the media.
Les soins pour l'âme: Le testament de Milos Belmuzevic et les modèles épiques des dernières volontés de l'héros
Authors: Petrovic Sonja
Published: December 2009

(francuski) Le testament du seigneur f?odal serbe Milos Belmuzevic (1500) ainsi que les testaments et les legs pieux, fails en faveur de la sauvegarde de l'?me pr?sentent, en ce qui concerne la structure et le contenu, d'importantes ressemblances avec les po?mes ?piques orales sur les derni?res volont?s de 1'h?ros. Le mod?le testamentaire est po?tise dans les po?mes de vers longs dits bugarchtitschas et ceux en d?casyllabes, tant sous forme de structur? int?grale que sous forme d'un?tes th?matiques autonomes qui entrent d'une mani?r? ind?pendante dans les nouvelles structures, en combinaison avec les motifs traditionnels apparentes. De certaines expressions et formules se sont conserv?es sans modifications dans les mod?les ?crits et oraux, ce qui indique l'unit? de la culture traditionnelle et f?odale et a 1'origine commun de plusieurs de leur cat?gories, symboles et model?s.
The Composite Nature of Interlanguage as a Developing System
Authors: Wei Longxing
Published: December 2009

This paper explores the nature of interlanguage (IL) as a developing system with a focus on the abstract lexical structure underlying IL construction. The developing system of IL is assumed to be ‘composite’ in that in second language acquisition (SLA) several linguistic systems are in contact, each of which may contribute different amounts to the developing system. The lexical structure is assumed to be ‘abstract’ in that the mental lexicon contains abstract elements called ‘lemmas’, which contain information about individual lexemes, and lemmas in the bilingual mental lexicon are language-specific and are in contact in IL production. Based on the research findings, it concludes that language transfer in IL production should be understood as lemma transfer of the learner’s first language (L1) lexical structure at three abstract levels: lexical-conceptual structure, predicate-argument structure, and morphological realization patterns, and IL construction is driven by an incompletely acquired abstract lexical structure of a target language (TL) item.
Grammar Learning Strategies and Language Attainment: Seeking a Relationship
Authors: Pawlak Mirosław
Published: December 2009

Despite major advances in research on language learning strategies, there are still areas that have received only scant attention, and one of them is undoubtedly learning grammar. The paper contributes to the paucity of empirical investigations in this domain by presenting the findings of a study which sought to investigate the relationship between the use of grammar learning strategies (GLS) reported by 142 English Department students and target language attainment, operationalized as their performance in a practical grammar course and the end-of-the-year examination. Information about GLS use was obtained by means of a tool that was designed on the basis of a theoretical scheme proposed by Oxford, Rang Lee and Park (2007) in which GLS are divided into three categories depending on whether they represent implicit learning with focus on form, explicit inductive learning and explicit deductive learning. The analysis failed to find a strong positive relationship between the use of GLS and achievement, irrespective of the level of the BA program, or statistically significant differences in this respect between lower-level and higher-level participants. The highest, albeit very weak, correlation was identified between the use of GLS associated with explicit deductive learning and grammar course grades, which testifies to the traditional nature of instruction the subjects receive. The findings serve as a basis for putting forward a handful of recommendations for learning, teaching and testing grammar as well as directions for future studies into grammar learning strategies.
Arab EFL Learners’ Acquisition of Modals
Authors: Saeed Aziz Thabit
Published: December 2009

This paper investigates Arab EFL learners’ acquisition of modal verbs. The study used a questionnaire, which comprises two versions, testing students’ mastery of modals at the levels of both recognition and production. The questionnaire was distributed to 50 English major university students who had studied English for 12-14 years and who had scored 500 or more on the TOEFL. The findings of the study show that the overall performance of the subjects in the study was quite low. The study established a hierarchy of difficulty and identified the major causes of difficulty in the use of modals.
Models and Targets for the Pronunciation of English in Vietnam and Sweden
Authors: Cunningham Una
Published: December 2009

This paper aims to account for the factors that lie behind the choice of models and targets for the pronunciation of English by learners of English in Vietnam and in Sweden. English is the first foreign language in both Vietnam and in Sweden. English is used as a language of international communication in both settings. Swedish learners have much more exposure to spoken English than do Vietnamese learners and the Swedish language is more similar to English than is Vietnamese. These reasons, among others, explain why Swedish accents of English are typically considerably more intelligible than Vietnamese accents of English. Given that the majority of English speakers in the world are not native speakers, it is argued that the traditional learner target of approaching native speaker pronunciations is not appropriate for either group, but especially not for the Vietnamese learners. Instead maximal international intelligibility is a more useful target. To this end, learners need to be exposed to a variety of native and non-native models.
English Centering Diphthong Production by Polish Learners of English
Authors: Balas Anna
Published: December 2009

The paper shows how British English centering diphthongs are adapted to the vowel space of Polish learners of English. The goal is to focus on complex vowels and the interaction of qualitative and quantitative features. Acoustic analysis revealed various processes used to overcome pronunciation difficulties: /j/ and /w/ breaking, /r/ insertion, substitutions of other vocalic qualities, changes in diphthong duration and diphthong phases duration, and changes in the rate of frequency change.
The use of microgravity technique in archaeology: A case study from the St. Nicolas Church in Pukanec, Slovakia
Authors: Pánisová Jaroslava , Pašteka Roman
Published: December 2009

The use of microgravity technique in archaeology: A case study from the St. Nicolas Church in Pukanec, Slovakia

The detection of subsurface cavities, such as crypts, cellars and tunnels, in churches and castles belongs to successful applications of the employment of surface gravity measurement techniques in archaeo-prospecting. The old historic building exploration requires using of non-invasive methods, and hence the microgravity technique is a proper candidate for this task. On a case study from the Roman-Catholic Church of St. Nicolas in the town Pukanec the results of using microgravity for detection and delineation of local density variations caused by a near-surface void are shown. The acquired negative anomaly in the residual Bouguer anomalies field suggested the presence of a possible void feature. Euler deconvolution and 3D modelling were used to estimate the depth and shape of the anomalous source. Additionally, measurements of the vertical gravity gradient on several stations were performed. We tested how the use of a downward continuation of gravity, utilizing the real vertical gravity gradient, influences the shape and amplitude of the final Bouguer anomaly map.
Early Motherhood and Contraceptive Use among Adolescents: A Study from Rajshahi District of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md Mosiur
Published: December 2009

Introduction: This paper employs various statistical methods to identify the factors associated with age at first motherhood and contraception use among the adolescence mothers in Rajshahi district of Bangladesh. Methods: To meets the objectives this study utilizes information from 1000 married adolescents of Rajshahi district within the age span (15-19 years). Results: We have observed adolescents mean age at first marriage and birth to be 15.0 and 16.4 years. This study reveals that the education, place of residence, occupation of husband and religion played the greatest roles on adolescent's age at first motherhood. The analysis shows that, use of contraceptive among the adolescent's was still very low. Slightly 56.7 per cent of the married adolescents were currently using any method of contraception. Among the factors determining contraceptive use among adolescents, education, visits of family planning workers and place of residence appears to be the most significant and positively associated with contraceptive use. Conclusions: The results indicate several policy options: (1) government has to take initial steps to strictly prohibit the early marriage with the proper application of existing law that would directly or indirectly rise the age at first birth among the adolescence; (2) programmes that encourage postponement of first birth after marriage through adoption of temporary contraceptive methods should be considered seriously ; (3) provide adolescents with information on the availability of family planning methods and their effectiveness; (4) increase the number of visits by family planning workers and their counseling about family planning methods help to motivate adolescents to accept family planning methods and use them effectively and (5)emphasize adolescents education to make a lasting impact on overall health of the adolescent mothers. Key words: Adolescence, age specific live birth, contraception   DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v30i1.2454 Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society Vol.30(1) 2010 8-17
Single stage Anterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty (ASARP) for Anorectal Malformations with Vestibular Fistula and Perineal Ectopic Anus in Females: A New Approach
Authors: Chaudhary Ramananda Prasad , Thapa Bijay , Thana Santosh , Singh Pradeep B
Published: December 2009

Introduction: Despite a better understanding of the embryology, anatomy of anorectal malformations and of the physiology of continence, the management of children born with imperforate anus continues to be a surgical challenge and is still fraught with numerous complications and often leads to less than perfect qualitative results. Pediatric patients with recto-vestibular fistula have good prognoses in terms of bowel function when properly treated. Aim & Objective: The study was designed to assess the surgical morbidity of single stage Anterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty (ASARP). Methodology: This prospective study was carried for a period of 26 months. It included a total of 48 female patients (aged 0 - 14 years) with diagnosis of Anorectal Malformations (ARM) with vestibular fistula or perineal ectopic anus. In ASARP, Patient in lithotomy position, the anterior portion of sphincter muscles were cut through a midline perineal skin incision, rectum was separated from the vagina & then rectum was pulled through the center of these muscles. The perineal body was reconstructed and the normal appearance of perineum was achieved. Results: Short-term surgical outcome was satisfactory in all cases. No one needed colostomy. Conclusion: Single-stage ASARP is a good approach in experience hands for ARM with vestibular fistula and perineal ectopic anus in females and thereby complications and time involved in staged procedures including colostomy can be avoided. Key words: Anterior sagittal anorectoplasty, anorectal malformations, perineal ectopic anus, vestibular fistula. DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v30i1.2458 Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society Vol.30(1) 2010 37-43
Fahr's Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Sinha Rahul , Sodhi Kirandeep , John BM , Singh Daljit
Published: December 2009

We report a case of Fahrs disease in a 15year old girl presented to us with focal seizure with secondary generalisation. Clinically there were no abnormal findings. The CT scan (brain) showed multiple symmetric and extensive calcifications in the basal ganglia, thalamus, and dentate nucleus, subcortical white matter of cerebral and cerebellar areas. Presently the child is under followup with good seizure control with carbamezpine. This rare case of idiopathic Fahr's disease in a child, which has never been reported in Indian literature has been brought out to highlight this unusual condition and its differentiation from the commoner Fahr's syndrome. Key words: Basal ganglia, calcification, Fahrs disease. DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v30i1.2459 Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society Vol.30(1) 2010 44-45
Type II Vitamin D Dependent Rickets: A Case Report
Authors: Malla Kalpana K , Malla Tejesh , Shaw Chandan , Thapalial Anna
Published: December 2009

Vitamin D-dependent rickets Type II is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. Alopecia of the scalp or the body is seen in some families with Vitamin D-dependent rickets Type II. We report a child with this disease, and review the salient features of this disease with emphasis on the associated alopecia. Due to lack of facilities for estimation of 1, 25(OH)2 D and parathyroid hormone, alopecia remains the only clue to the diagnosis of this rare syndrome in association with resistant rickets. Key words: Rickets, Vitamin D metabolism DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v30i1.2460 Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society Vol.30(1) 2010 46-49
A Typical Case of Child Abuse: A Case Report
Authors: Nepal Deepeshwara , Dhakal Ajaya Kumar , Banstola Dinesh , Mahaseth Chandeshwar
Published: December 2009

Child abuse is common but still unnoticed, undiagnosed, neglected childhood problem in Nepal. Child abuse has diverse clinical manifestation ranging from minor injury to severe head trauma to simulating severe medical problem. The true incidence of intentional head injury in children remains uncertain in Nepal. We are reporting a case of child abuse with blunt head trauma with intracranial hemorrhage presenting as a loss of consciousness simulating as a diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) Key words: Children, child abuse, DKA DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v30i1.2462 Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society Vol.30(1) 2010 53-56
Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Shakya Needa Shrestha , Gurubacharya Simmi Misra , Aryal Dhana Raj
Published: December 2009

A term baby born to an epileptic mother who was treated with Phenytoin until 10weeks of pregnancy was born with multiple congenital anomalies and diagnosed to have Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome. Infants of mothers who have taken hydantoin during pregnancy have been found to have broad multisystem patterns of abnormalities, including mental retardation, craniofacial anomalies, nail and digital hypoplasia and prenatal onset of growth deficiency. The discussion aims to bring to attention the potential hazard of the use of hydantoin drug during reproductive age to all medical practitioners. Key words: Congenital anomalies, epilepsy, fetal hydantoin syndrome, phenytoin. DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v30i1.2463 Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society Vol.30(1) 2010 57-59
The Diencephalic Syndrome of Russell: A Case Report
Authors: Roka Yam B , Paudel G , Bidur KC , Munakomi S
Published: December 2009

Diencephalic Syndrome (DS) is also known as Russells Syndrome. This is associated with marked emaciation, locomotor hyperactivity, vomiting, and absence of obvious neurological signs and loss of subcutaneous fat. A 15-month old child who presented with hyperactivity, loss of weight and failure to thrive since bi rth is reported. On Computed Tomography he had a large supra sellar mass with extension into the third ventricle causing gross hydrocephalus. He underwent biventricular shunting followed by microscopic near total excision of the tumor. The histopathology revealed it to be fibrillary meningioma. Although DS is uncommon it must be kept as a differential diagnosis in all children who fail to grow despite adequate intake. Key words: Childhood tumors, glioma, hydrocephalus, russells syndrome, suprasellar mass DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v30i1.2464 Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society Vol.30(1) 2010 60-63
Handbook of Paediatric Problems
Authors: Basnet Sudha
Published: December 2009

Professor Pushpa Raj Sharma "Handbook of Paediatric Problems" Third Edition Makalu Publication House, Dilli Bazar, Kathmandu, Nepal 2009 724 pp Price: Rs. 500/- (ISBN 978-9937-503- 21-1)   DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v30i1.2466 Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society Vol.30(1) 2010 69
Dye tracing a jökulhlaup: I. Subglacial water transit speed and water-storage mechanism
Authors: Werder Mauro A. , Loye Alexandre , Funk Martin
Published: December 2009

We present results of an investigation of two jökulhlaups (glacial lake outburst floods) at Gornergletscher, Switzerland, using dye-tracer experiments and complementary hydrological measurements. Repeated dye injections into moulins showed that tracer transit speeds were larger after the lake had emptied, but when proglacial discharge was still high, than during the main phase of the jökulhlaup. This counter-intuitive finding was modelled by tracer retardation inside the injection moulin. This model, together with an estimate of the maximum time the tracer takes to transit the injection moulin, allows us to calculate bounds on the transit speed in the main drainage channel where the lake water flows. These results indicate that the main drainage channel transit speeds are indeed highest during the peak of the flood. Moreover, it is known from a previous study that water amounting to half of the lake volume is temporarily stored within the glacier during a Gornergletscher jökulhlaup. Our observations suggest that this process occurred via lateral spreading of water at the glacier bed.
Freud's Meeting with Rabbi Alexandre Safran
Authors: Schneider Stanley , Berke Joseph H.
Published: December 2009

Sigmund Freud went to considerable effort to disguise his knowledge of the Hebrew language and Jewish primary sources. In this way he tried to prevent his new creation, psychoanalysis, from being seen as a ‘Jewish science’. The authors present new evidence that Freud had a considerable interest in, and knowledge of, Jewish religious texts. This is shown in an exchange of letters which have recently come to light, between the Los Angeles psychoanalyst, Dr Samuel Eisenstein, and the prominent Kabbalist and Chief Rabbi of Geneva, Rabbi Dr Alexandre Safran, which discuss a meeting that took place at Freud's request at his home in Vienna in 1934.
Karl Abraham in New York: The Contributions of Bertram D. Lewin
Authors: Thompson Nellie L.
Published: December 2009

Bertram D. Lewin (1896–1971) , a leading member of the New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, trained at the Berlin Psychoanalytic Institute in the late 1920s. Lewin's thinking was deeply influenced by Karl Abraham, whose delineation of the oral stage of libidinal development provided the theoretical foundation for Lewin's highly original psychoanalytic papers on mania, sleep and dreams. These contributions and his articulation of the oral triad – the wish to eat, the wish to be eaten and the wish to sleep – are reviewed and the stimulating influence his thinking exercised on his analytic colleagues is noted.
Lorenz Curves, Size Classification, and Dimensions of Bubble Size Distributions
Authors: Sauerbrei Sonja
Published: December 2009

Lorenz curves of bubble size distributions and their Gini coefficients characterize demixing processes. Through a systematic size classification, bubble size histograms are generated and investigated concerning their statistical entropy. It turns out that the temporal development of the entropy is preserved although characteristics of the histograms like number of size classes and modality are remarkably reduced. Examinations by Rényi dimensions show that the bubble size distributions are multifractal and provide information about the underlying structures like self-similarity.
Quality Health Care in the European Union Thanks to Competition Law
Authors: Fornaciari Diego
Published: December 2009

There are many biases concerning the application of competition law in health care. Quality concerns can however be integrated into competition law analysis. The aim of this paper is to identify the links between the application of competition law in the European Union and the right to quality health care and to point out the problems that arise when integrating quality concerns in competition law analysis. Guidelines must be issued and competition authorities must work together with institutions that have expertise in the field of health care quality measurement in order to integrate these dimensions in competition practice.
Chalcones Enhance TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Szliszka Ewelina , Czuba Zenon P. , Mazur Bogdan , Sedek Lukasz , Paradysz Andrzej , Krol Wojciech
Published: December 2009

Chalcones exhibit chemopreventive and antitumor effects. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a naturally occurring anticancer agent that induces apoptosis in cancer cells and is not toxic to normal cells. We examined the cytotoxic and apoptotic effect of five chalcones in combination with TRAIL on prostate cancer cells. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by the MTT and LDH assays. The apoptosis was determined using flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC. Our study showed that all five tested chalcones: chalcone, licochalcone-A, isobavachalcone, xanthohumol, butein markedly augmented TRAIL-mediated apoptosis and cytotoxicity in prostate cancer cells and confirmed the significant role of chalcones in chemoprevention of prostate cancer.
Graded/Gradient Porous Biomaterials
Authors: Miao Xigeng , Sun Dan
Published: December 2009

Biomaterials include bioceramics, biometals, biopolymers and biocomposites and they play important roles in the replacement and regeneration of human tissues. However, dense bioceramics and dense biometals pose the problem of stress shielding due to their high Young’s moduli compared to those of bones. On the other hand, porous biomaterials exhibit the potential of bone ingrowth, which will depend on porous parameters such as pore size, pore interconnectivity, and porosity. Unfortunately, a highly porous biomaterial results in poor mechanical properties. To optimise the mechanical and the biological properties, porous biomaterials with graded/gradient porosity, pores size, and/or composition have been developed. Graded/gradient porous biomaterials have many advantages over graded/gradient dense biomaterials and uniform or homogenous porous biomaterials. The internal pore surfaces of graded/gradient porous biomaterials can be modified with organic, inorganic, or biological coatings and the internal pores themselves can also be filled with biocompatible and biodegradable materials or living cells. However, graded/gradient porous biomaterials are generally more difficult to fabricate than uniform or homogenous porous biomaterials. With the development of cost-effective processing techniques, graded/gradient porous biomaterials can find wide applications in bone defect filling, implant fixation, bone replacement, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.
Novel Bioactive Titanate Layers Formed on Ti Metal and Its Alloys by Chemical Treatments
Authors: Kokubo Tadashi , Yamaguchi Seiji
Published: December 2009

Sodium titanate formed on Ti metal by NaOH and heat treatments induces apatite formation on its surface in a body environment and bonds to living bone. These treatments have been applied to porous Ti metal in artificial hip joints, and have been used clinically in Japan since 2007. Calcium titanate formed on Ti-15Zr-4Nb-4Ta alloy by NaOH, CaCl2, heat, and water treatments induces apatite formation on its surface in a body environment. Titanium oxide formed on porous Ti metal by NaOH, HCl, and heat treatments exhibits osteoinductivity as well as osteoconductivity. This is now under clinical tests for application to a spinal fusion device.