bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Market Forces and Kangaroos: The New South Wales Kangaroo Management Plan
Authors: Mills Jacqueline
Published: August 2006

In contemporary times, wildlife managers attempt to provide solutions to problems arising from conflicting uses of the environment by humans and nonhuman animals. Within the Kangaroo Management Zones of New South Wales (NSW), the commercial culling "solution" is one such attempt to perpetuate kangaroo populations on pastoral land while supporting farmers in continuing inefficient sheep farming. Because wildlife management rests on a distinction between the "nature" of humans and animals, then humanist attention to standards of individual welfare need not interrupt the process whereby individual animals are killed within an economic framework designed to improve habitat management for the conservation of their populations. Building on Thorne's (1998) discussion of the meanings scripted onto individual kangaroo bodies, this paper explores the utilitarian underpinnings of the commercialization approach and considers the ethical implications of constructing the population as resource, even if this results in an improvement in the welfare of individual kangaroos.
Monkey Mountain as a Megazoo: Analyzing the Naturalistic Claims of "Wild Monkey Parks" in Japan
Authors: Knight John
Published: August 2006

In Japan, yaen kōen or "wild monkey parks" are popular visitor attractions that show free-ranging monkey troops to the paying public. Unlike zoos, which display nonhuman animals through confinement, monkey parks control the movements of the monkeys through provisioning. The parks project an image of themselves as "natural zoos," claiming to practice a more authentic form of displaying animals-in-the-wild than that practiced by the zoo. This article critically evaluates the monkey park's claim by examining park management of the monkeys. The article shows the monkey park's claim to display wild monkeys to be questionable because of the way that provisioning changes monkey behavior. Against the background of human encroachment onto the forest habitat of the monkey, the long-term effect of provisioning is to sedentarize nomadic monkey animals and to turn the wild monkey park into a megazoo.
Ehud and Joab: separated at birth?
Authors: Wong Gregory T.K.
Published: August 2006

Although rarely noticed, the portrait of Ehud in Judg. iii 15-22 and that of Joab in 2 Sam. iii 27 and xx 8-10 actually bear an uncanny resemblance to each other. Given the number of parallels within such brief accounts, it seems more than likely that the resemblance is not accidental, but represents the conscious use of allusion on the part of one of the authors. Rhetorically, a case is made that the Ehud account has priority and that the Joab accounts were composed to echo the former. If so, this may have significant implications towards the evaluation of Ehud. For contrary to the largely positive evaluations of Ehud by contemporary commentators, the allusion to Ehud in clearly uncomplimentary accounts about Joab may suggest that an early tradition exists that views the use of deception by Ehud with a degree of disquietude.
Psalm xviii: theophany, epiphany empowerment
Authors: Shnider Steven
Published: August 2006

The theophany in Psalm xviii includes, together with the storm imagery, images of wings/flight and bows/arrows in a combination appearing nowhere else in the Hebrew Bible Hebrew (HB). On the other hand, in the iconography of the ancient Near East, these motifs are often part of a divine apparition, especially to a king in battle. One of the major examples is the winged disc, which in many cases contains the image of a god armed with a bow. We present a number of examples of the motifs of winged gods and bows from Egyptian and Neo-Assyrian sources, both iconographic and textual. In particular, the Neo-Assyrian parallels relate to the theme of the divine glory, kbd, Akk. melammu, and the divine empowerment of the king which assures his victory in battle. In the context of these examples, the theophany (vss. 8-18) and the battle scene (vss. 30, 33-43) can be understood as two perspectives on a single event involving God and the king. This approach leads us to suggest an emendation in the difficult verses, 35-36.
The narratorial voice of the scribes of samaria: Ezra iv 8-vi 18 reconsidered
Authors: Berman Joshua
Published: August 2006

The presence of a large block of Aramaic narrative in Ezra iv-vi has long posed a conundrum for scholars of Ezra-Nehemiah. Bill Arnold has explained the presence of Aramaic as a shift in perspective to "an external point of view." This study expands upon Arnold's thesis on two fronts. First, the evidence suggesting a perspective of narration that is external to the camp of the returned Judeans is far stronger than Arnold indicated. Second, a concrete identity for this external voice of Aramaic narration is proposed. The argument begins by identifying the constructed perspective and position of the speaker "we" in v 4, concluding—counter to the consensus within scholarship—that it is a gentile speaking. This conclusion is then supported by attending to the vocabulary and discourse utilized throughout this Aramaic pericope. In the final stage the precise gentile identity of the narratorial voice of this Aramaic pericope is identified.
Writing about writing: abecedaries and evidence for literacy in Ancient Israel
Authors: Hess Richard S.
Published: August 2006

The 2005 discovery of an abecedary from the tenth century BCE at the Judean site of Tel Zayit dramatically attests to the increasing evidence for the presence of writing during the Israelite monarchy. As an example from early in the history of the development of the Hebrew script, this text supplements epigraphic and biblical attestations to the early and ongoing presence of readers and writers at many levels of Israelite society.
History and apocalyptic eschatology: a reply to J.Y. Jindo
Authors: DiTommaso Lorenzo
Published: August 2006

J.Y. Jindo proposes that "history is what characterizes prophetic eschatology and myth is what typifies apocalyptic eschatology." The evidence indicates, however, that a concern for history sits at the heart of apocalyptic literature, or at least the historical apocalyptica. Moreover, the nature and presentation of the history in this literature indicates a pervasive and comprehensive apocalyptic historiography. Since apocalyptic literature played a substantial role in ancient and mediaeval Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—and continues to play some role today—the scope and influences of this historiography might be greater than hitherto envisioned.
Dans les assemblées je bénirai YHWH: nouvelle étude structurelle du Psaume xxvi
Authors: Auffret Pierre
Published: August 2006

L'auteur reprend ici, en confrontation avec la proposition de Marc Girard (1996), son étude structurelle du psaume xxvi (1989, avec compléments en 1997). Il commence par étudier la structure littéraire de chacune des unités et sous-ensembles, et parvient au terme à distinguer trois parties 1-3 (autour de 2a), 4-10 (autour de 7), 11-12a (autour de 11b), 12b reprenant au terme le centre de 4-10.
Zebaoth – der Thronende
Authors: Kreuzer Siegfried
Published: August 2006

Zebaoth is the most frequent attribute for Jhwh in the Hebrew Bible. It's connotation is god's majesty and power. Yet its etymology and original meaning are still under debate. In modern research as well as in the OT, sebāot is connected with the root sābā, meaning "host". The changing identifi cations (the hosts of Israel's army, the stars as Jhwh's heavenly hosts, all of Jhwh's creation) and the modern interpretations (esp. as an abstract plural or plural of intensity) as well as the grammatical problems of the combination "Jhwh sebāot", point to the idea, that sebāot had an non-Hebrew origin and was taken over and understood in Hebrew context. The paper then takes up and advances the suggestion of M. Görg, that sebāot has an Egyptian origin, in the sense of "belonging to/owning the throne". This is explained and advanced in its linguistic development, and in relation to the political and religio-historical situation of Canaan at the turn from the Late Bronze to the Early Iron Age, including the archaeological evidence concerning Shilo in relation to nearby Aphek, the Egyptian administrative center at that time. So, Zebaoth designates the enthroned, powerful god in his majesty; this basic understanding is held through, though understood in the light of the Hebrew word for hosts, which were identified in different—appropriate—ways.
Bee's honey—from realia to metaphor in biblical wisdom literature
Authors: Forti Tova
Published: August 2006

The word děbāš in the Bible denotes various types of fruit syrup as well as the honey produced by bees. An overview of the literary adaptation of honey in biblical narrative and poetry leads us to an impressive assemblage of honey metaphors in the wisdom books of Proverbs and Job. This study identifies four rhetorical categories which encompass both didactic and reflective frameworks of honey imagery: A. 'Honey' as a metaphor of internalization wisdom and attaining good reputation; B. 'Honey' as a symbol of restraint and moderation against overindulgence; C. 'Honey' as a metaphor for temptation and ensnarement; D. 'Honey' in the context of the two antithetical idiomatic expressions; "Honey under the tongue" and "venom under the tongue". These expressions serve to draw an ideational contrast between the pleasant words of the Wise and the evil stratagems of the Wicked. My investigation will provide insight into the way that particular qualities of raw bee honey inspired the composers of the various metaphors.
Christian Use and Valuation of Theological Oracles: The Case of Lactantius' Divine Institutes
Authors: Freund Stefan
Published: August 2006

In four places in his Divine Institutes the Latin apologist Lactantius (about AD 250-325) quotes Greek hexameters from Apollinic oracles. An analysis of these quotations yields the following results: the oracles either provide rhetoric lumen in so far as the pagan God appears as witness for the Christian doctrine or they are introduced as a concession to this pagan readers. Within Lactantius' apologetic concept the oracles play but a small part both in quantity and argumentation. It is unclear which sources Lactantius draws his oracles from. Since most verses cited by Lactantius are transmitted elsewhere, too, and date from a time long before him, one will have to assume there was a collection of oracular responses generally accessible. No connection at all can be found with Porphyry's De philosophia ex oraculis. The theory supported in recent research that Lactantius refers to this work in his apology is untenable.
The Other Clement of Alexandria: Cosmic Hierarchy and Interiorized Apocalypticism
Authors: Bucur Bogdan
Published: August 2006

Clement of Alexandria's Excerpta ex Theodoto, Eclogae Propheticae, and Adumbrationes depict a cosmic hierarchy featuring, in descending order, the divine Face, the seven beings first created, the archangels, and the angels. This account is problematic in that it seems to incorporate a contradiction: one set of texts presents a fix cosmic hierarchy populated by different types having at its top the seven protoctists. A second set of texts, however, interprets this process of initiation as a continuous ascent on the cosmic ladder, marked by an ongoing cyclical transformation of humans into angels, of angels into archangels, and of archangels into protoctists.This article sets forth the principles governing Clement's hierarchical cosmos, and proposes a solution to the apparent contradiction between the two accounts. In essence, Clement of Alexandria internalizes the cosmic ladder and the associated experience of ascent and transformation, offering an early example of what scholars have termed "interiorized apocalypticism."
The Eucharisticos of Paulinus Pellaeus: Towards a Reappraisal of the Worldly Convert's Life and Autobiography
Authors: CoşKun Altay
Published: August 2006

After a sketch of Paulinus' autobiography, his spiritual life is outlined, whereby the view of his adherence to a 'heresy' is rejected. Next the intentions underlying the composition of the Eucharisticos are reconsidered: they are to be sought in the author's need to reassure and to comfort himself rather than to impress his contemporaries. Instead of censuring the poem as marred with inconsistencies—many of which are rather due to modern misreadings—the verses of thanksgiving are viewed as a remarkable and mostly successful attempt at coming to grips with the disruptions and inconsistencies of the world Paulinus lived in.
Are Amici Curiae the Proper Response to the Public's Concerns on Transparency in Investment Arbitration?
Authors: Mourre Alexis
Published: August 2006

In the context of investment arbitration, amici curiae have for a long time been quite unheard of. This can easily be explained by the privacy of international arbitration, which implies that only directly involved parties can participate in the proceedings. Several recent decisions have, however, brought renewed attention to the issue of amici curiae intervention in investment arbitration.
Fair and Equitable Treatment: Echoes of FDR's Court-Packing Plan in the International Law Approach Towards Regulatory Expropriation
Authors: Kantor Mark
Published: August 2006

In this article, the author compares U.S. Constitutional law addressing "regulatory takings," including substantive due process, with analogous international investment law reviewing regulatory expropriations. Many of the concepts underlying the U.S. approach towards substantive due process appear in discussions of the meaning of international investment law protections, particularly the "Fair and Equitable Treatment" (F&ET) obligation. The article first reviews direct efforts by the U.S. Government to harmonize U.S. Constitutional practice and international law with respect to regulatory expropriations. It then considers how the U.S. substantive due process and procedural due process approaches towards regulation of property interests compare with the developing body of F&ET decisions and commentary concerning regulatory conduct of a host State.
Effective Judicial Remedies: The Limits of Direct and Indirect Access to the European Community Courts
Authors: Heffernan Liz
Published: August 2006

This article focuses on the relationship between two perennial items on the reform agenda, direct access to the Community courts for private applicants, and requests by the national courts for preliminary rulings from the Court of Justice on questions of Community law. Ongoing developments suggest that the time is ripe for renewed debate concerning the ability of existing mechanisms to secure effective access to justice for the European citizenry.
Establishment of the European Union Civil Service Tribunal
Authors: Cameron Hazel
Published: August 2006

The European Union Civil Service Tribunal, the first judicial panel to be attached to the Court of First Instance under the reforms agreed at Nice, recently heard its first case. Its establishment is significant for two reasons. First, it will make a much needed reduction in the case load of the CFI. Second, it is innovative in its approach to the appointment of judges, for the first time in the European judicial structure moving away from the traditional approach of Member State nomination to direct application and consideration of applications by a Selection Committee.
The "Sceptical Crisis" Reconsidered: Galen, Rational Medicine and the Libertas Philosophandi
Authors: Maclean Ian
Published: August 2006

This paper reassesses the role of sceptical thinking in the emergence of the new science of the seventeenth century, in the context of the seminal but contestable History of Scepticism by Richard Popkin. It investigates the anti-sceptical essay by Galen De optimo modo docendi (on the best method of teaching), which was retranslated in the sixteenth century by Erasmus and later published as an adjunct to the works of Sextus Empiricus, in order to highlight the currency of ideas about hyperbolic doubt, and links this to the long tradition of free enquiry (libertas philosophandi) in which doubting authority is seen as a profitable exercise closely associated with the independence of philosophy from theological domination; and it argues that this long tradition (along with a number of other factors) played an important role in the emergence of the new science.
Effect of Porosity on Tensile Properties of Cast Particle Reinforced MMC
Authors: Ahmad S. N. A. S. , Hashim J. , Ghazali M. I.
Published: August 2006

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of porosity on the tensile properties of cast discontinuous reinforced metal matrix composite (DRMMC) at room temperature. Aluminum silicon alloy reinforced with silicon carbide particles of ≈ 20 μm size are fabricated via conventional and modified stir casting methods. Specimens are cast at varied content of silicon carbide particles for porosity measurement and tensile test. The porosity content is measured using an image analyzer while the tensile test is conducted according to the ASTM B557 test method. A finite element method (FEM) based simulation is produced using Solidworks 2003 software to identify the effect of porosity formation at the strain areas caused by axial loading. From the evaluated findings, the porosity content increased with an increase in reinforcing silicon carbide particles. The deviation between conventional stir cast DRMMC and modified stir cast DRMMC is an average of 68%, which indicates a significant porosity reduction using the modified stir casting method. Porosity formation in conventional stir cast DRMMC is revealed to constrain the specimen to lower the tensile strength and yield stress. Based on the FEM analysis, the effect of this constraint is indicated by a high von Mises stress distribution at porosity-affected areas. The highest von Mises stress of 40.2 MPa is revealed in porosity-affected conventional stir cast DRMMC, whereas, with the minimal content of porosity, the highest von Mises stress produced in the modified stir cast DRMMC is 12.6 MPa.
A New Method to Determine Fiber Transverse Permeability
Authors: Wu Xiaoqing , Li Jialu , Shenoi R. A.
Published: August 2006

Improving manufacturing technology is one of the greatest challenges for the resin transfer molding (RTM) process. Permeability parameters that include in-plane and transverse permeability are important in simulation codes. Especially, through-thickness permeability is a critical parameter in the optimization of complex shaped and thick-sectioned composites. This research work presents a new method based on radial technology to determine transverse permeability. A key difference when compared to other methods is the layout of reinforcement placement. The fabric is wound and placed on the mold. The fluid flows radially into the reinforcement along the through-thickness direction. The new method avoids racetracking, and it is easy to view the flow front. The measurement of through-thickness permeability is translated into an in-plane measurement of radial technique. The through-thickness permeability for woven fabric tape and fiberglass roving is measured. The experiment shows that the width of the sample has no significant influence on transverse permeability.
Failure Load Prediction of Composite Joints using Linear Analysis
Authors: Ryu Choong-O , Choi Jin-Ho , Kweon Jin-Hwe
Published: August 2006

With the wide application of fiber-reinforced composite materials in aero-structures, robotic arms, and mechanical parts, the design of composite joints has become a very important research area.

In this article, linear finite element analyses in which the pin of the composite joint is assumed to be a frictionless rigid body are performed and the failure load of the mechanically fastened composite joint is predicted by the failure area index (FAI) method. From these analyses, it has been found that the FAI method can predict the failure loads of composite joints to within 20.1%.
A Prospective, Randomized Comparison of Semitendinosus and Gracilis Tendon versus Patellar Tendon Autografts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Sajovic Matjaz , Vengust Vilibald , Komadina Radko , Tavcar Rok , Skaza Katja
Published: August 2006

Background

There are still controversies about graft selection for primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Prospective randomized long-term studies are needed to determine the differences between the materials.

Hypothesis

Five years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, there is a difference between hamstring and patellar tendon grafts in development of degenerative knee joint disease.

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods

From June 1999 to March 2000, 64 patients were included in this prospective study. A single surgeon performed primary arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in an alternating sequence. In 32 patients, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed with hamstring tendon autograft, whereas in the other 32 patients, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed with patellar tendon autograft.

Results

At the 5-year follow-up, no statistically significant differences were seen with respect to the Lysholm score, clinical and KT-2000 arthrometer laxity testing, anterior knee pain, single-legged hop test, or International Knee Documentation Committee classification results; 23 patients (82%) in the hamstring tendon group and 23 patients (88%) in the patellar tendon group returned to their preinjury activity levels. Graft rupture occurred in 2 patients from the hamstring tendon group (7%) and in 2 patients from the patellar tendon group (8%). Grade B abnormal radiographic findings were seen in 50% (13/26) of patients in the patellar tendon group and in 17% (5/28) of patients in the hamstring tendon group (P =. 012).

Conclusion

Both hamstring and patellar tendon grafts provided good subjective outcomes and objective stability at 5 years. No significant differences in the rate of graft failure were identified. Patients with patellar tendon grafts had a greater prevalence of osteoarthritis at 5 years after surgery.
Effect of Lateral Meniscal Allograft Sizing on Contact Mechanics of the Lateral Tibial Plateau
Authors: Dienst Michael , Greis Patrick E. , Ellis Benjamin J. , Bachus Kent N. , Burks Robert T.
Published: August 2006

Background

A mismatch of the original lateral meniscus and a lateral meniscus allograft by inaccurate preoperative radiographic sizing can have significant consequences on ultimate function.

Hypothesis

The size of a lateral meniscal allograft affects the contact mechanics of the femoral condyle on the tibial plateau.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Four right and 2 left knees were tested as intact joints, after meniscectomy, and after replantation with the original menisci and 16 right or 9 left human, fresh-frozen lateral meniscal allografts, respectively. The allografts were allocated into 7 groups according to their outer and inner anteroposterior and mediolateral diameters. Biomechanical testing was performed as compressive loadings with constrained motions in extension and 30° of flexion. Measurements were done with Fuji pressure-sensitive films for contact parameters of the direct femorotibial and meniscotibial contact.

Results

Oversized lateral meniscal allografts led to greater forces across the articular cartilage, whereas undersized allografts resulted in normal forces across the articular cartilage but greater forces across the meniscus. Two undersized transplants failed. Most of the contact parameters of allografts 10% smaller or larger than the original menisci were in the range of the intact knees. The knees after meniscectomy showed greater forces of the direct femorotibial contact areas than did the intact knees and the knees with the replanted original menisci. The contact mechanics of the knees with the replanted original menisci were close to normal.

Conclusion

The size of a lateral meniscal allograft has a significant effect on the contact mechanics of the tibial plateau.

Clinical Relevance

Preoperative radiographic sizing needs to be performed precisely to identify a suitable lateral meniscal allograft. A mismatch may be the reason for failure of the allograft or subsequent development of degenerative changes. A mismatch on graft selection of less than 10% of the size of the original meniscus may be acceptable.
Patient-Controlled Analgesia after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Cho Nam Su , Ha Jeong Han , Rhee Yong Girl
Published: August 2006

Background

No study has compared pain control results between patient-controlled subacromial infusion and intravenous injection after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Hypothesis

Subacromial infusion of analgesics are more effective in pain alleviation than intravenous injection.

Study Design

Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

The authors prospectively analyzed 40 cases of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair that received patient-controlled anal-gesia. They divided the 40 cases into 2 groups: subacromial infusion group with 0.5% bupivacaine (group 1, 20 cases) and intravenous injection group with fentanyl and ketorolac tromethamine (group 2, 20 cases). The visual analog scale was used to record the patient's level of pain every 12 hours until postoperative 72 hours and the following 48 hours after the suspension of patient-controlled analgesia.

Results

The mean preoperative visual analog scale score during motions was 6.8 in group 1 and 5.8 in group 2. The immediate postoperative visual analog scale score was 7.6 and 7.4, respectively, for each group. At postoperative time periods, most of the scores of subacromial infusion at rest and during motions were lower than those of intravenous injection, but significant differences were not found between groups 1 and 2.

Conclusion

Patient-controlled analgesia after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair showed that both subacromial infusion of bupiva-caine and intravenous injection of fentanyl and ketorolac tromethamine were equally effective and clinically equivalent pain control methods.
Doping Control for the Team Physician
Authors: Green Gary A.
Published: August 2006

Drug testing is now ubiquitous in sport, and it often falls to the team physician to perform a variety of roles including interpreting test results, designing drug-testing programs, acting as medical review officer, and providing therapeutic use exemptions, education, and counseling. Proper understanding of current testing methods for drugs such as anabolic-androgenic steroids, erythropoietin, and growth hormone is essential if the team physician is going to assume these positions. This article outlines the basics of athletic drug testing from the collection process through the interpretation of results to assist the team physician in this field.
Up-to-date Definition of the Polycystic Ovary and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Hamzeh R. , Balen A. H.
Published: August 2006

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is common in the general population. In this paper the author presents the up to date definition of PCOS and PCO. At a joint ASRM/ESHRE consensus meeting, a refined definition of the PCOS was agreed, in which two out of the following are required: (1) oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea; (2) clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism; (3) polycystic ovaries, once appropriate tests have been performed to exclude other causes of androgen excess and menstrual disturbance. The definition of a polycystic ovary (PCO) should have at least one of the following: either 12 or more follicles measuring 2–9 mm in diameter or increased ovarian volume (>10 cm3). If there is a follicle >10 mm in diameter, the scan should be repeated at a time of ovarian quiescence in order to calculate volume and area. The presence of a single PCO is sufficient to provide the diagnosis. The distribution of follicles and a description of the stroma are not required in the diagnosis.
Pictorial Essay: US Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Calculi in Children Using the 'Twinkling Sign'
Authors: Darge Kassa , Heidemeier Anke
Published: August 2006

Colour or power Doppler US examinations of a strongly echogenic and reflective structure can elicit the formation of an artefact distal to this structure at the site one normally expects to find an acoustic shadow. This artefact presents in colour Doppler as multi-pixel, multi-coloured, meteorite-tail-shaped configuration, commonly known as the 'twinkling sign'. Spectral Doppler at this site does not yield any flow. The two current hypotheses regarding the formation of the twinkling artefact are complex beam reflection interpreted by the Doppler as movement and intrinsic machine noise ('phase jitter'). The use of the twinkling sign as an additional diagnostic tool of concrements and calcifications has been evaluated in a number of in vitro and adult clinical studies. There is a lack of reports about the application of the twinkling sign in children. In this pictorial essay an array of colour Doppler ultrasound (US) images of urolithiasis in children is presented, featuring various facets of this US diagnostic tool. There are a number of technical parameters of an US machine that have a major influence with regards to inducing the twinkling artefact. The use of low frequency transducer combined with very high setting of the pulse repetition frequency seems to give the best result. The twinkling sign can be helpful in detecting small and obscured concrements, and may also have potential in characterization the type of stone. It is essential to gain more experience in the paediatric population on the twinkling sign and evaluate its usefulness in enhancing the sonographic diagnosis of urinary calculi thus curtailing the number of X-ray examinations, and consequently the radiation exposure.
Realtime Telesonography: Vision or Reality?
Authors: Kasmai Bahman
Published: August 2006

Telemedicine is the delivery of medicine at a distance using communications and information technologies. Teleradiology is the most established and mature field in Telemedicine, focusing on digital storage and transmission of medical images. In ultrasound, teleradiology application entails the transmission of still images and video sequences across an organizational Local Area Network (LAN) to a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). This subsequently is distributed to remote locations via a private inter-organizational Wide Area Network (WAN) or a public network, such as the Internet.
Gene Therapy and the Possible Value of Microbubble Ultrasound
Authors: Theoharis Stefanos , Blomley Martin
Published: August 2006

Gene therapy has the potential to treat and ultimately cure many diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. It relies on the transfer of genetic material such as DNA to the site of disease. Clinical trials have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach, but also documented short-comings in the efficiency of DNA delivery. Several technologies have the ability to carry DNA to cells and are being investigated in the laboratory or the clinic. The most recent addition to this list is ultrasound, having the ability to cause the internalization of genetic material into cells, where it can function in a therapeutic way. This review addresses the issues pertinent to gene therapy from the perspective of gene delivery and highlights the usefulness of ultrasound in this field.
Ultrasound Elastography of the Skin and Subcutis under Surface Extensive Loading
Authors: Coutts Louise , Bamber Jeffrey , Miller Naomi , Mortimer Peter
Published: August 2006

Measurement of skin elasticity has the potential to aid clinical diagnosis of a range of skin conditions. Our eventual goal is to develop an ultrasonic method for imaging the elasticity of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and to use this technique to study skin cancer and lymphoedema. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of surface extensive loading, of varying direction, on the strain generated within normal skin and the underlying tissue layers. Extensive strains were applied to the surface of normal skin, while measuring the load and acquiring a sequence of ultrasound B-mode images. Correlation-based displacement tracking was used to generate displacement images from the ultrasound images. Least squares strain estimation then formed strain images, known as elastograms, of field size 18 mm (depth) by 28 mm (width). Propagation of strain into the subcutis was observed, suggesting that the technique could be useful in studying lymphoedema. Less strain was generated in underlying muscle. Confirmation of a previously observed anisotropy was obtained, as a modulation factor of about two and a periodicity of 90°, for the variation of stiffness with direction of loading.
On the thermo-elastic behaviour of kyanite: a neutron powder diffraction study up to 1200°C
Authors: Gatta G.D. , Nestola F. , Walter J.M.
Published: August 2006

The high-temperature (HT) behaviour of kyanite (Al2SiO5) was investigated byin situneutron powder diffraction up to 1200°C. Within the investigatedTrange, no phase transition was observed. The axial and volume thermal expansion coefficient (αj= lj-1(𝜕1j/𝜕T), αv= V-1(𝜕V/𝜕T)), calculated by weighted linear regression through the data points, are: αa= 5.5(2) x 10-5, αb= 5.9(2) x 10-5, αc= 5.18(8) xl0-5, αv= 7.4(1) x 10-3“C-1, with αa:αb:αc= 1.06:1.14:1. All three angles of the kyanite lattice show a slight decrease withT,with𝜕α/𝜕T =-2(2) x 10-5, 𝜕β/𝜕T = -4(1) x 10-5, 𝜕γ/𝜕T = –10(2) x 10-5%C. The magnitudes of the principal Lagrangian unit-strain coefficients (ε1,ε2, ε3) and the orientations of the thermal strain-ellipsoids, between the ambient temperature and each measuredT, were calculated. The magnitude and the orientation of all the three unit-strain coefficients are almost maintained constant withT. AtT-To=1177°C , ε^a= 76(2)°,ε^b =70(2)°, ε^c = 38(3)°, ε2^a = 49(3)°, ε2^b= 66(3)°, ε2^c= 127(4)°, ε3^a= 135(3)°, ε3^b= 31(3)°, ε3^c = 91(2)° with ε1:ε2:ε3= 1.57:1.29:1. The structural refinements, performed at 23, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 900, 950, 1050 and 1200°C allowed the description of the structural evolution and the main T-induced deformation mechanisms, which are mainly represented by the polyhedral distortions of the AlO6octahedra.
Kapellasite, Cu3Zn(OH)6CI2, a new mineral from Lavrion, Greece, and its crystal structure
Authors: Krause W. , Bernhardt H.-J. , Braithwaite R.S.W. , Kolitsch U. , Pritchard R.
Published: August 2006

Kapellasite, Cu3Zn(OH)6Cl2, is a new secondary mineral from the Sounion No. 19 mine, Kamariza, Lavrion, Greece. It is a polymorph of herbertsmithite. Kapellasite forms crusts and small aggregates up to 0.5 mm, composed of bladed or needle-like indistinct crystals up to 0.2 mm long. The colour is green-blue, the streak is light green-blue. There is a good cleavage parallel to ﹛0001﹜. Kapellasite is uniaxial negative, ω = 1.80(1), ε = 1.76(1); pleochroism is distinct, with E = pale green, O = green-blue. Dmeas = 3.55(10) g/cm3; Dcalc. = 3.62 g/cm3. Electron microprobe analyses of the type material gave CuO 58.86, ZnO 13.92, NiO 0.03, CoO 0.03, Fe2O3 0.04, Cl 16.70, H2O (calc.) 12.22, total 101.80, less O = Cl 3.77, total 98.03 wt.%. The empirical formula is (Cu3.24Zn0.75)Σ3.99(OH)5.94Cl2.06, based on 8 anions. The five strongest XRD lines are [d in Å (I/I0, hkl)] 5.730 (100, 001), 2.865 (11, 002), 2.730 (4, 200), 2.464 (9, 021/201), 1.976 (5, 022/202). Kapellasite is trigonal, space group Pml, unit-cell parameters (from single-crystal data) a = 6.300(1), c = 5.733(1) Å, V= 197.06(6) Å3, Z = 1. The crystal structure of kapellasite is based on brucite-like sheets parallel to (0001), built from edge-sharing distorted M(OH,Cl)6 (M = Cu, Zn) octahedra. The sheets stack directly on each other (…AAA… stacking). Bonding between adjacent sheets is only due to weak hydrogen and O…C1 bonds. The name is in honour of Christo Kapellas (1938–2004), collector and mineral dealer from Kamariza, Lavrion, Greece.
Pharmacology of airways and vessels in lung slices in situ: role of endogenous dilator hormones
Authors: Moreno L , Perez-Vizcaino F , Harrington L , Faro R , Sturton G , Barnes PJ , Mitchell JA
Published: August 2006

Small airway and vessels play a critical role in chronic airway and pulmonary vascular diseases, but their pharmacology has not been well characterised. We have studied airway and vascular responses in rat lung slices and separately in vitro using myography. In lung slices, under basal conditions, acetylcholine contracted airways, but had no vascular effect. The thromboxane mimetic, U46619 contracted both vessels and airways. In the presence of U46619, acetylcholine dilated vessels, but further contracted airways, an effect that was blocked by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NG-nitro-L-arginine or apamin plus charybdotoxin, which inhibit endothelial-derived hyperpolarising factor. Airway responses in lung slices were unaffected by L-NGnitro-L-arginine methyl ester, indomethacin or apamin plus charybdotoxin. By contrast, apamin plus charybdotoxin contracted bronchi studied in isolation. Our observations are the first to identify mechanisms of endothelium dependent dilations in precision cut lung slices and the potential for transverse hormonal communication between airways and vessels.
The DNA polymerase activity of Pol ε holoenzyme is required for rapid and efficient chromosomal DNA replication in Xenopus egg extracts
Authors: Shikata Koh , Sasa-Masuda Taro , Okuno Yukiko , Waga Shou , Sugino Akio
Published: August 2006

Background

DNA polymerase ε (Pol ε) is involved in DNA replication, repair, and cell-cycle checkpoint control in eukaryotic cells. Although the roles of replicative Pol α and Pol δ in chromosomal DNA replication are relatively well understood and well documented, the precise role of Pol ε in chromosomal DNA replication is not well understood.

Results

This study uses a Xenopus egg extract DNA replication system to further elucidate the replicative role(s) played by Pol ε. Previous studies show that the initiation timing and elongation of chromosomal DNA replication are markedly impaired in Pol ε-depleted Xenopus egg extracts, with reduced accumulation of replicative intermediates and products. This study shows that normal replication is restored by addition of Pol ε holoenzyme to Pol ε-depleted extracts, but not by addition of polymerase-deficient forms of Pol ε, including polymerase point or deletion mutants or incomplete enzyme complexes. Evidence is also provided that Pol ε holoenzyme interacts directly with GINS, Cdc45p and Cut5p, each of which plays an important role in initiation of chromosomal DNA replication in eukaryotic cells.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the DNA polymerase activity of Pol ε holoenzyme plays an essential role in normal chromosomal DNA replication in Xenopus egg extracts. These are the first biochemical data to show the DNA polymerase activity of Pol ε holoenzyme is essential for chromosomal DNA replication in higher eukaryotes, unlike in yeasts.
A novel mechanical lung model of pulmonary diseases to assist with teaching and training
Authors: Chase J Geoffrey , Yuta Toshinori , Mulligan Kerry J , Shaw Geoffrey M , Horn Beverley
Published: August 2006

Background

A design concept of low-cost, simple, fully mechanical model of a mechanically ventilated, passively breathing lung is developed. An example model is built to simulate a patient under mechanical ventilation with accurate volumes and compliances, while connected directly to a ventilator.

Methods

The lung is modelled with multiple units, represented by rubber bellows, with adjustable weights placed on bellows to simulate compartments of different superimposed pressure and compliance, as well as different levels of lung disease, such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The model was directly connected to a ventilator and the resulting pressure volume curves recorded.

Results

The model effectively captures the fundamental lung dynamics for a variety of conditions, and showed the effects of different ventilator settings. It was particularly effective at showing the impact of Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) therapy on lung recruitment to improve oxygenation, a particulary difficult dynamic to capture.

Conclusion

Application of PEEP therapy is difficult to teach and demonstrate clearly. Therefore, the model provide opportunity to train, teach, and aid further understanding of lung mechanics and the treatment of lung diseases in critical care, such as ARDS and asthma. Finally, the model's pure mechanical nature and accurate lung volumes mean that all results are both clearly visible and thus intuitively simple to grasp.
Safety and efficacy of lumefantrine-artemether (Coartem®) for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Zambian adults
Authors: Mulenga Modest , Van geertruyden Jean-Pierre , Mwananyanda Lawrence , Chalwe Victor , Moerman Filip , Chilengi Roma , Van Overmeir Chantal , Dujardin Jean-Claude , D'Alessandro Umberto
Published: August 2006

Background

In Zambia, unacceptably high resistance to commonly used antimalarial drugs prompted the choice of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) as first line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Although the safety and efficacy of AL have been extensively documented, no clinical trials had been carried out in Zambia.

Methods

Nine hundred seventy one adult patients with uncomplicated malaria were randomized to either sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP)(486) or AL (485) and followed up for 45 days. Outcome of treatment was defined according to the standard WHO classification. Recurrent parasitaemia were genotyped to distinguish between recrudescence and new infection.

Results

Fever at day 3 was significantly lower (AL: 0.9%; 4/455; SP: 3,5%; 15/433; p = 0.007) and the mean haemoglobin at day 45 significantly higher (AL: 134 g/l; SP 130 g/l; p = 0.02) in the AL group. Almost all clinical symptoms cleared faster with AL. Early treatment failure was significantly higher in the SP (25/464) than in the AL (2/463) (OR: 13.1 95% CI: 3.08–55.50; P < 0.001). The rate of new infections was similar in both groups (18 with SP and 19 with AL). Late clinical failure (OR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.34–4.84; P = 0.004) and late parasitological failure (OR:3.18; 95% CI: 1.25–8.09; P = 0.02) were significantly higher in the SP group. Total treatment failure was significantly higher in the SP group (96/393; 19.3%) as compared to the AL (22/403; 5.4%) group (OR: 4.15; 95% CI: 2.52–6.83; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In Zambia, the new first line regimen AL is far more efficacious than SP in treating uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in adults. Data on safety and efficacy of AL in pregnant women are urgently needed.
Expression of AFP and Rev-Erb A/Rev-Erb B and N-CoR in fetal rat liver, liver injury and liver regeneration
Authors: Meier Volker , Tron Kyrylo , Batusic Danko , Elmaouhoub Abderrahim , Ramadori Giuliano
Published: August 2006

Background

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) expression can resume in the adult liver under pathophysiological conditions. Orphan nuclear receptors were supposed to regulate AFP gene expression,in vitro. We were interested to study the expression of AFP and orphan nuclear receptors,in vivo.

Results

The expression of AFP gene and orphan nuclear receptors in the liver was examined in different rat models: (a) fetal liver (b) liver regeneration [partial hepatectomy (PH) with and without 2-acetyl-aminofluren treatment (2-AAF)], (c) acute liver damage [treatment with CCl4] and (d) acute phase reaction [treatment with turpentine oil]. After PH of 2-AAF treated rats, clusters of AFP positive cells occurred in the periportal region. In the Northern blot analysis, a positive hybridization signal for the full-length AFP-RNA was observed only in liver samples from 2-AAF treated rats after PH. In real-time PCR analysis, the full-length AFP-RNA was highly up regulated in the fetal liver (maximum at day 14: 21,500 fold); after PH of 2-AAF treated rats, the full-length AFP-RNA was also up regulated up to 400 fold (day 7 after PH). The orphan nuclear receptors were down regulated at nearly each time points in all models, also at time point of up regulation of the AFP gene.

Conclusion

Expression of "fetal" AFP could be demonstrated during liver development and during proliferation of the so-called oval cells. Changes of expression of orphan nuclear receptors, however, did not correlate with AFP expression. Other regulatory pathways were possibly involved in controlling AFP expression,in vivo.
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) – Clinicopathological study and treatment outcome of twenty-four cases
Authors: Kar Madhabananda , Deo S V Suryanarayana , Shukla Nootan Kumar , Malik Ajay , DattaGupta Sidharth , Mohanti Bidhu Kumar , Thulkar Sanjay
Published: August 2006

Background

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is biologically an aggressive tumor for which the treatment of choice is the surgery. We reviewed the clinical profile, diagnostic methods, treatment patterns, and outcome of twenty-four MPNST patients in this study.

Patients and methods

A retrospective analysis of 24 MPNST patients, treated from 1994 to 2002, in the department of Surgical Oncology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, was done. A combination of gross, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, and proliferation markers (MIB1) were considered for diagnosis and grade of the MPNST. Survival analysis was done by the Kaplan-Meier method and differences were evaluated with the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was carried out by using Cox's proportional hazards model by using SPSS (Version 9, Chicago, Illinois) software.

Results

MPNST constituted 12% of all soft tissue sarcomas, where 21% (5/24) of patients had associated Von Recklinghausen's disease (VRHD). A higher incidence of male preponderance and multifocal MPNST were noted in the present series. At a mean follow-up of 38 months, 13 (54 %) patients had relapse of disease and 5-year over all and disease free survival were 58% and 35% respectively. In univariate analysis, sex (p = 0.05), tumor depth (p < 0.03), and cellular differentiation (p < 0.002) were shown to be adverse prognostic factors for disease free survival and sex (p = 0.04), cellular differentiation (p < 0.0004), and tumor grade (p = 0.05) for overall survival. However, in multivariate analysis, cellular differentiation (p < 0.005) and tumor grade (p < 0.01) emerged as independent prognostic factors for both disease free and overall survival, respectively. Postoperative radiotherapy (RT) has shown a definite role in both disease free and overall survival in this study.

Conclusion

MPNSTs constituted a significant proportion (12%) of soft tissue sarcoma in our medical center. Heterogeneous differentiation and multifocality of the tumor were few distinct features of MPNST. Sex and cellular differentiation were noticed as the new adverse prognostic factors and adjuvant radiotherapy has been proved to be a significant treatment tool in the current series.