bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method of shell theory in determination of the surface from components of its two fundamental forms
Authors: Pietraszkiewicz W. , Vallée C.
Published: September 2007

We introduce the tensor which maps the Cartesian plane into the tangent plane of the surface. Then by analogy to the polar decomposition theorem widely used in the non‐linear theory of thin shells the tensor is represented as composition of the surface stretch and 3D rotation fields. Left and right polar decompositions are analysed. For each of them the position vector of the surface in space is established uniquely from the surface metric and curvature components in three subsequent steps: 1) the stretch field is found by pure algebra, 2) the rotation field is obtained by solving the system of linear first‐order PDEs, and 3) the position vector of the surface follows by quadrature. Integrability conditions for the rotation field are shown to be alternative forms of the Gauss‐Mainardi‐Codazzi equations. The results are illustrated by a simple analytically solved example. The proposed method is expected to be more appealing and in some cases also more efficient than those used in classical differential geometry. We also briefly discuss the relation of our method to the one associated with integrable surfaces and soliton equations.
The response of patients with phenylketonuria and elevated serum phenylalanine to treatment with oral sapropterin dihydrochloride (6R‐tetrahydrobiopterin): a phase II, multicentre, open‐label, screening study
Authors: Burton B. K. , Grange D. K. , Milanowski A. , Vockley G. , Feillet F. , Crombez E. A. , Abadie V. , Harding C. O. , Cederbaum S. , Dobbelaere D. , Smith A. , Dorenbaum A.
Published: September 2007

This study aimed to evaluate the response to and safety of an 8‐day course of sapropterin dihydrochloride (6R‐tetrahydrobiopterin or 6R‐BH4) 10 mg/kg per day in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU), who have elevated blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels, and to identify a suitable cohort of patients who would respond to sapropterin dihydrochloride treatment with a reduction in blood Phe level. Eligible patients were aged ≥ 8 years, had blood Phe levels ≥ 450 μmol/L and were not adhering to a Phe‐restricted diet. Suitable patients were identified by a ≥30% reduction in blood Phe level from baseline to day 8 following sapropterin dihydrochloride treatment. The proportion of patients who met these criteria was calculated for the overall population and by baseline Phe level (<600, 600 to <900, 900 to <1200 and ≥1200 μmol/L). In total, 485/490 patients completed the study and 20% (96/485) were identified as patients who would respond to sapropterin dihydrochloride. A reduction in Phe level was observed in all subgroups, although response was greater in patients with lower baseline Phe levels. Wide variability in response was seen across all baseline Phe subgroups. The majority of adverse events were mild and all resolved without complications. Sapropterin dihydrochloride was well tolerated and reduced blood Phe levels across all PKU phenotypes tested. Variability in reduction of Phe indicates that the response to sapropterin dihydrochloride cannot be predicted by baseline Phe level.
Revised Tubiana's Staging System for Assessment of Disease Severity in Dupuytren's Disease—Preliminary Clinical Findings
Authors: Hindocha Sandip , Stanley John K. , Watson James Stewart , Bayat Ardeshir
Published: September 2007

There are few objective staging systems to assess severity of Dupuytren's disease (DD). Previous methods to assess severity of DD were based primarily on the degree of contracture of an affected digit measured using a goniometer. Nonetheless, this method of assessment alone may be incomplete, and other factors should be considered. White ( n=92) patients diagnosed with DD from northwest of England were assessed for DD. Objective criteria for evaluating severity incorporated quantified variables. The revised severity stage was correlated to a known staging system of DD (Tubiana's staging system) which measures total flexion deformity for a single affected digit. Total revised severity staging scores ranged between 4 and 53 (mean=18.7) and revealed significant positive correlation to Tubiana's original staging system ( r2=0.8, p<0.001). There was significant difference between severity staging scores in those with a positive family history compared to those without ( p<0.01). In current practice, often, the degree of contracture in an affected digit is used solely as a measure of disease severity. Additional objective clinical information may provide useful prognostic indices for disease progression as well as postoperative outcome.
Streamlined Classification of Psychopathological Hand Disorders: A Literature Review
Authors: Eldridge Mary P. , Grunert Brad K. , Matloub Hani S.
Published: September 2007

In the surgical hand clinic, psychopathological hand disorders can be sorted into one of the following four categories: (1) factitious wound creation and manipulation; (2) factitious edema; (3) psychopathological dystonias, and (4) psychopathological sensory abnormalities and psychopathological Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. This article introduces these four categories. Pertinent literature that includes descriptions of each category's syndromes and diseases, demographic and psychological profiles, differential diagnoses, and appropriate treatment recommendations is reviewed.
An Experimental Study of the Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (Diapulse) on Nerve Repair
Authors: RAJI A. M.
Published: September 2007

This study investigates the effects of a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) (Diapulse) on experimentally divided and sutured common peroneal nerves in rats. Evidence is presented to show that PEMF accelerates recovery of use of the injured limb and enhances regeneration of damaged nerves.
The Split Sternomastoid Muscle Flap a Method to Improve the Bed for Brachial Plexus Grafts
Authors: RAYNER COLIN R.
Published: September 2007

The transposed sternomastoid muscle split longitudinally, provided a good bed for free nerve grafts in a brachial plexus repair.
An Experimental Study on Incompletely Cut Chicken Tendons—A Comparison of Two Methods of Management
Authors: CHOW S. P. , YU O. D.
Published: September 2007

One hundred and twenty tendons in the chicken were partially cut to a different extent either transversely or obliquely. In half of the tendons, the cuts were sutured and then immobilised for three weeks, while in the other half, they were left unsutured and started on free movement on the third day. From the gross examination and histological studies, the results were significantly better in the sutured and immobilised group. The results became significantly worse when the cut was more than 50%, and there was no difference between an oblique or a transverse cut.
Flexor Tendon Grafts in the Fingers
Authors: KÜNZLE A. L. , BRUNELLI G. , ORSI R.
Published: September 2007

The authors present the results of twenty-five tendon grafts performed between 1972 and 1982. The end results were evaluated according to these parameters: the pre-operative condition, the donor tendon, the level of the lesion, the age of the patient, and the time elapsed from injury to operation.
Closed Rupture of Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon Associated with Treatment of Bennett’s Fracture
Authors: RAE P. S. , FINLAYSON D.
Published: September 2007

A case of closed rupture of the tendon of flexor pollicis longus following treatment of a Bennett’s fracture is described. This unusual complication was treated by transfer of the tendon of flexor digitorum superficialis of the ring finger.
Spontaneous Rupture of Both Flexor Tendons in a Single Digit
Authors: MATTHEWS R. N. , WALTON J. N.
Published: September 2007

The rare event of simultaneous, spontaneous rupture of both flexor tendons in the mid-segment of one finger is described and discussed in relation to previous reports of tendon rupture in the hand.
Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to Spontaneous Haemorrhage
Authors: HOWIE C. R. , BUXTON R.
Published: September 2007

A case of acute carpal tunnel syndrome due to spontaneous haemorrhage is presented. Urgent decompression is suggested as the treatment of choice.
Palmaris Profundus of Frohse and Fränkel in Association with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: FATAH M. F.
Published: September 2007

The occurrence of the anomalous Palmaris Profundus muscle in association with median nerve compression in the wrist in two patients is described. In one of the patients this muscle was a substitute for an absent Palmaris Longus in the left hand. In the right hand, and in the left hand in the second patient, this anomalous muscle was present in addition to the normal Palmaris Longus muscle.
Familial Congenital Hypoplasia of the Thumb —Report on a Family—
Authors: NAKAMURA J. , KANAHARA K. , ENDO Y.
Published: September 2007

Congenital hypoplasia of the thumb is not a rare condition in clinical practice, but a familial occurrence of this condition is exceedingly rare.

We report a family with familial congenital hypoplasia of the thumb. In three generations, five members were proved to be affected and another two were presumed to be affected. To our surprise, a younger sister of the propositus had tetralogy of Fallot and triphalangeal thumbs on both hands.
Poly-Syndactyly of Hands and Feet with Talipes Equino-Varus an Unusual Combination
Authors: GADEGONE W. M. , KUMAR KUSH
Published: September 2007

A case of a fifteen year old male with unusual congenital anomalies of hands and feet (Poly-syndactyly) is presented. There was associated talipes equino-varus deformity of the left foot with bilateral duplication of great toes. Both hands appeared like a cup but the patient was able to carry out his routine activities. The purpose of this report is to document a unique ‘isolated’ congenital anomaly.
Triphalangeal Thumb and Dermatoglyphics
Authors: SHIONO H. , OGINO T.
Published: September 2007

The dermatoglyphics of nine Japanese (three males and six females) with triphalangeal thumb were studied.

The dermal pattern on the triphalangeal thumb showed the high increased frequency of radial loop pattern (69.2%).
Congenital Radio-Ulnar Synostosis
Authors: MIURA T. , NAKAMURA R. , SUZUKI M. , KANIE J.
Published: September 2007

Thirty-three patients with congenital radio-ulnar synostosis were examined. There was one familial predisposition. Chromosomal patterns were examined in seventeen patients and were normal. Bone maturation appeared normal.

The radial deviation angle, in the patients whose distal radial epithysis had closed, was elevated (Madelung’s deformity). However, in the patients whose distal epiphysis maturation score was 8, it was not elevated. On the other hand, elongation of the ulna (plus variant) and/or dorsal dislocation of the distal end of the ulna was seen in early life.

In terms of treatment, all attempts to divide the two bones failed. It was found that derotation of the nonwriting hand by an osteotomy through the proximal fusion mass was a useful procedure.
Dupuytren’s Contracture: A Comparative Study of Fasciectomy and Dermofasciectomy in One Hundred Patients
Authors: TONKIN M. A. , BURKE F. D. , VARIAN J. P. W.
Published: September 2007

This study reviews one hundred patients with Dupuytren’s disease treated surgically by the Derby Hand Unit between January 1975 and September 1981. One hundred and twenty-eight operations were assessed with a follow-up period from nine months to ninety months, average thirty-eight months.

In thirty-five patients the overlying skin was excised and replaced by a full-thickness skin graft (dermofasciectomy). The remaining patients were treated by fasciectomy without skin excision.

The overall recurrence rate after surgery was found to be 46.5%. However skin excision and replacement following fasciectomy prevented any appreciable, if not all recurrence of Dupuytren’s tissue. The function of the hand was assessed with regard to the improvement in flexion contracture; ability to flex the finger to the distal palmar crease; sensibility of the replaced skin; time to return to work and full activity. It was concluded that skin replacement did not jeopardise hand function.
Assessment of Percutaneous Fasciotomy in the Management of Dupuytren’s Contracture
Authors: ROWLEY D. I. , COUCH M. , CHESNEY R. B. , NORRIS S. H.
Published: September 2007

This prospective study of the treatment of Dupuytren’s Contracture in 78 hands has been designed to investigate the role of subcutaneous fasciotomy. The results suggest that in hands where the contracture is predominantly at the metacarpophalangeal joint, then percutaneous fasciotomy is of value.
The Incidence of Dupuytren’s Disease in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: ARAFA M. , STEINGOLD R. F. , NOBLE J.
Published: September 2007

Some conditions commonly associated with Dupuytren’s disease are well-known. No attention has been paid to conditions with a significantly low incidence of Dupuytren’s. A large number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis were studied, and were found to have a statistically significantly lower incidence of Dupuytren’s disease, than was observed by the same clinicians in age, sex, matched controlled patients.
Small Joint Fusions of the Hand using the Herbert Bone Screw
Authors: FAITHFULL D. K. , HERBERT T. J.
Published: September 2007

The Herbert Bone Screw has a thread at both ends and was originally developed for internal fixation of fractured scaphoid bones. The two main advantages of compression and no head, make it most suitable for internal splinting of the small joints of the hand.

The authors have used this device on thirty-nine joints in ten different sites of the hand, and it has proved to be an extremely successful method.
The Dangers of Sclerotherapy in the Treatment of Ganglia
Authors: MACKIE I. G. , HOWARD C. B. , WILKINS P.
Published: September 2007

Sixteen ganglia were treated by injection with sclerosant (Sodium Tetradecyl Disulphate), fifteen failed to respond. We present radiological and electron microscopical data together with animal studies to explain the failure and to show the inherent dangers of this therapy.
Short Term Review of the De La Caffiniere Trapeziometacarpal Arthroplasty
Authors: AUGUST A. C. , COUPLAND R. M. , SANDIFER J. P.
Published: September 2007

We present a short term review of twenty-one De La Caffinière trapezio-metacarpal prostheses inserted into twenty patients with an average review time of fifteen months.

Only one case was of rheumatoid arthritis and the main indication for operation was pain. From a functional and symptomatic point of view the results are similar to other series with surgery for trapezio-metacarpal arthritis but due to cup loosening 24% have needed revision, 24% have loose cups and a further 19% have lucent cement lines around the cup.

This review draws attention to the worrying frequency of loosening with this prosthesis.
Bone Scanning of Fractures of the Scaphoid
Authors: STORDAHL A. , SCHJØTH A. , WOXHOLT G. , FJERMEROS H.
Published: September 2007

The value of isotope scanning in patients with clinical signs of fracture of the carpal scaphoid bone and negative or non-diagnostic initial radiographs was examined. 30 patients were examined using both radiography and isotope scanning. A normal scan excludes a fracture. Increased activity localized to the scaphoid bone indicates a fracture. 9 patients had fracture of the scaphoid evident on bone scans within 2 weeks of the injury. It took 2–6 weeks before these fractures showed up on radiographs.
Complete Disruption of Collateral Mechanism of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint of Fingers
Authors: ALI M. S.
Published: September 2007

The results are reported of a trial on the management of collateral mechanism disruption of the proximal interphalangeal joints of fingers. The incidence of the injury in Edinburgh, over a seven month period, averaged one case per week. Most (80%) had proximal avulsion of the main ligament.

In the operated group all reached the state of painless stability at about two months. In the unoperated group none reached this stage, even at the final follow up, 64% complained of functional disability.

It is concluded that operation is the treatment of choice for this injury.
Foreign Bodies in the Hand
Authors: MORGAN W. J. , LEOPOLD T. , EVANS R.
Published: September 2007

A prospective study was carried out on 164 consecutive cases presenting at the Accident Department with foreign bodies in the hand. The distal segment of the digits was the commonest site. The late, symptomatic presentation of patients, together with the development of symptoms in patients managed conservatively indicate that foreign bodies should be removed. General anaesthesia is rarely required, but an effective “block” with a tourniquet is necessary, as infiltration anaesthesia has a high failure rate, and secondary exploration a high complication rate. Glass fragments are almost always visible on plain x-rays.
The Best Dressing for a Nail Bed is the Nail Itself
Authors: HENDERSON H. P.
Published: September 2007

The replacement of a surgically avulsed nail as a splint and dressing with “Superglue” is reported. It provides a painless cover for the sterile matrix and facilitates the dressing of finger tip injuries.
Osteoid Osteoma of the Terminal Phalanx
Authors: NAKATSUCHI Y. , SUGIMOTO Y. , NAKANO M.
Published: September 2007

The occurrence of osteoid osteoma in the hand is rare, and the rarest of all locations is the terminal phalanx. An osteoid osteoma of the terminal phalanx of the middle finger in a twenty-four-year old woman is described. This case illustrated the very typical clinical and x-ray features of an osteoid osteoma, which made diagnosis and treatment of this rare clinical entity straightforward. On pathological examination, a bundle of nerve fibres was found in the lesion, an explanation that the pain of this tumour may have been mediated by the nervous system via the nerve fibre.
A Very Large Keratin Horn of the Hand
Authors: SLATTERY P. G. , MORLEY W. N. , WEBSTER M. H. C. , GLASGOW
Published: September 2007

A case of a very large cutaneous horn of the dorsum of the hand is documented.
A Case Report of a True Aneurysm of a Digital Artery
Authors: TURNER S. , HOWARD C. B. , DALLIMORE N. S.
Published: September 2007

A case report of true aneurysm of a digital artery is presented. Only one other case of this condition has been found in the literature. The treatment for this condition and possible reasons for its rarity are discussed.
Epithelioid Sarcoma in the Hand
Authors: ARCHER I. A. , BROWN R. B. , FITTON J. M.
Published: September 2007

Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare and misleading lesion. It predominantly affects males and may occur in any age group. Two thirds of cases involve the hand. Four cases of this dangerous condition affecting the hand are described.
Hand Injuries at Work
Authors: ABSOUD E. M. , HARROP S. N.
Published: September 2007

This study of industrial hand injuries describes the nature of commonly encountered injuries, the significance of hand dominance, and the circumstances contributing to the cause of injury. Although many histories were unique, and the contributory factors correspondingly diverse, some recommendations can be made for future prevention and investigation.
A Modified Kleinert Controlled Mobilization Splint Following Flexor Tendon Repair
Authors: SLATTERY P. G. , McGROUTHER D. A.
Published: September 2007

The Controlled Mobilization Splint as described by Kleinert for use following flexor tendon repair has been modified to more closely simulate the normal range of motion of the fingers and in particular to increase the range of motion at the distal interphalangeal joint and so enhance the relative gliding of the flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus tendons and hence possibly to reduce potential intertendinous adhesions.
Nations and Nationalism since 1780
Authors: Hobsbawm E. J.
Published: September 2007

Eric Hobsbawm's brilliant enquiry into the question of nationalism won further acclaim for his 'colossal stature … his incontrovertible excellence as an historian, and his authoritative and highly readable prose'. Recent events in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet republics have since reinforced the central importance of nationalism in the history of political evolution and upheaval. This second edition has been updated in the light of those events, with a final chapter addressing the impact of the dramatic changes that have taken place. It also includes additional maps to illustrate nationalities, languages and political divisions across Europe in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Sons of Something: Taxes, Lawsuits, and Local Political Control in Sixteenth-Century Castile
Authors: Drelichman Mauricio
Published: September 2007

The widespread ennoblement of the Spanish bourgeoisie in the Early Modern period has been traditionally considered one of the main causes of the “crisis of the seventeenth century.” Using a new time series of nobility cases I provide the first quantitative assessment of Castilian ennoblement. Contrary to established scholarship, I find that the tax exemptions cannot alone explain the flight to privilege. My data show that the central motivation behind ennoblement was to gain control of local governments. Although ennoblement reflected a high level of redistributive activity, there is no evidence linking it to economic stagnation in Spain.
The Check is in the Mail: Correspondent Clearing and the Collapse of the Banking System, 1930 to 1933
Authors: Richardson Gary
Published: September 2007

Weaknesses within the check-clearing system played a hitherto unrecognized role in the banking crises of the Great Depression. Correspondent check-clearing networks were vulnerable to counter-party cascades. Accounting conventions that overstated reserves available to corresponding institutions may have exacerbated the situation. The initial banking panic began when a correspondent network centered in Nashville collapsed, forcing over 100 institutions to suspend operations. As the contraction continued, additional correspondent systems imploded. The vulnerability of correspondent networks is one reason that banks that cleared via correspondents failed at higher rates than other institutions during the Great Depression.
Convergence or Decline on Europe's Southeastern Periphery? Agriculture, Population, and GNP in Bulgaria, 1892–1945
Authors: Ivanov Martin , Tooze Adam
Published: September 2007

The literature currently offers no consistent narrative about economic development on Europe's southeastern periphery prior to 1945. Did per capita GNP in the Balkans converge with the rest of Europe? We present new GNP estimates for Bulgaria for 1892–1911 and link these with a new degree of precision to the data available for the 1920s. Our data reveal stagnation in per capita GNP from 1879 to the 1930s. But within agriculture we find evidence for a new phase of intensification from the 1920s onwards. The preconditions for growth, sometimes attributed to Communism, were in place well before 1945.
American Military Interests and Economic Confidence in Spain under the Franco Dictatorship
Authors: Calvo-Gonzalez Oscar
Published: September 2007

The security of property rights is fragile under dictatorships. This is particularly so if economic agents are uncertain as to whether the regime will last. As a result, private investment is withheld and economic performance is poor. Spain was in such a situation after World War II. However, as the Cold War intensified the United States became interested in Spain as a military ally, thereby helping to consolidate Franco's regime. This led to an increase in economic confidence and helps to explain why economic growth resumed in Spain ahead of significant changes in its autarkic economic policies.
Basis of the quasi-steady plasma accelerator theory in the presence of a longitudinal magnetic field
Authors: KOZLOV ANDREY N.
Published: September 2007

The analytic and numerical approaches to the investigation of the two-dimensional steady-state plasma flows are analyzed and compared with reference to a plasma accelerator channel in the presence of a longitudinal magnetic field. The present study continues a cycle of research into the plasma flows in the coaxial channels with the traditional azimuthal magnetic field. The additional longitudinal field opens new possibilities for controlling the dynamic processes and achieving the transonic flows. The research is based on the magnetohydrodynamic equations.
Equivalent charge of photons in a very dense quantum plasma
Authors: RIOS L. A. , SHUKLA P. K.
Published: September 2007

The equivalent charge of photons in dense unmagnetized and magnetized Fermi plasmas is determined through the plasma physics method. This charge is associated with the polarization of the medium caused by the ponderomotive force of the electromagnetic waves. Relations for the coupling between the electron plasma density perturbation and the radiation fields are derived for unmagnetized and magnetized plasmas, taking into account the quantum force associated with the quantum Bohm potential in dense Fermi plasmas. The effective photon charge is then determined. The effects of the ion motion are also included in the investigation.
Effect of acaricides on the activity of glutathione transferases from the parasitic miteSarcoptes scabiei
Authors: MOLIN E. U. , MATTSSON J. G.
Published: September 2007

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are a family of multifunctional enzymes with fundamental roles in cellular detoxication. Here we report the molecular characterization of 3 recombinant GSTs belonging to the mu- and delta-class from the parasitic miteSarcoptes scabiei. Kinetic constants were determined, and the effect of acaricides, including organothiophosphates, pyrethroid esters, a formamidine, a macrocyclic lactone, an organochlorine as well as a bridged diphenyl acaricide, on the activity of the GSTs were tested using 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) as model substrate. Our results showed that enzymes from the same class and with high amino acid sequence identity have significantly different kinetic properties. For instance, one mu-class GST lost more than 50% of its activity in the presence of one of the organothiophosphates while the activity of the second mu-class GST was only slightly reduced under identical conditions. Tertiary structure modulations indicated that structural differences were the crucial factor for the different kinetic patterns observed. Genome analysis showed that the two mu-class GSTs are organized in tandem in theS. scabieigenome. Taken together these results show that GSTs might be involved in the metabolism of acaricides inS. scabiei.
Pain in the aftermath of trauma is a risk factor for post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Norman S. B. , Stein M. B. , Dimsdale J. E. , Hoyt D. B.
Published: September 2007

Background

Identifying risk factors for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is important for understanding and ultimately preventing the disorder. This study assessed pain shortly after traumatic injury (i.e. peritraumatic pain) as a risk factor for PTSD.

Method

Participants (n=115) were patients admitted to a Level 1 Surgical Trauma Center. Admission to this service reflected a severe physical injury requiring specialized, emergent trauma care. Participants completed a pain questionnaire within 48 h of traumatic injury and a PTSD diagnostic module 4 and 8 months later.

Results

Peritraumatic pain was associated with an increased risk of PTSD, even after controlling for a number of other significant risk factors other than acute stress disorder symptoms. An increase of 0.5s.d. from the mean in a 0–10 pain rating scale 24–48 h after injury was associated with an increased odds of PTSD at 4 months by more than fivefold, and at 8 months by almost sevenfold. A single item regarding amount of pain at the time of hospital admission correctly classified 65% of participants.

Conclusions

If these findings are replicated in other samples, high levels of peritraumatic pain could be used to identify individuals at elevated risk for PTSD following traumatic injury.
Risk factors for suicide in China's youth: a case-control study
Authors: Li X. Y. , Phillips M. R. , Zhang Y. P. , Xu D. , Yang G. H.
Published: September 2007

Background

Suicide is the most common cause of death among youth in China.

Method

A case-control psychological autopsy study in 23 geographically representative disease surveillance points around China collected information from family members and close associates of 114 persons aged 15–24 years who died by suicide (cases) and 91 who died of other injuries (controls).

Results

Among the 114 suicides 61% were female, 88% lived in rural villages, 70% died by ingesting pesticides (most commonly stored in the home), 24% previously attempted suicide, and 45% met criteria of a mental illness at the time of death. Multivariate logistic regression identified several independent risk factors: severe life events within 2 days before death (OR 31.8, 95% CI 2.6–390.6), presence of any depressive symptoms within 2 weeks of death (OR 21.1, 95% CI 4.6–97.2), low quality of life in the month before death (OR 9.7, 95% CI 2.8–34.1), and acute stress at time of death (moderate: OR 3.1, 95% CI 0.8–11.9; high: OR 9.1, 95% CI 1.2–66.8). A significant interaction between mental illness at time of death and gender indicated that diagnosis was an important predictor of suicide in males (OR 14.0, 95% CI 2.6–76.5) but not in females (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.0–3.6). Prior suicide attempt was related to suicide in the univariate analysis (OR 57.5) but could not be included in the multivariate model because no controls had made prior attempts.

Conclusions

Suicide prevention efforts for youth in China must focus on restricting access to pesticides, early recognition and management of depressive symptoms and mental illnesses, improving resiliency, and enhancing quality of life.
The DEBIT trial: an intervention to reduce antipsychotic polypharmacy prescribing in adult psychiatry wards – a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Thompson A. , Sullivan S. A. , Barley M. , Strange S. O. , Moore L. , Rogers P. , Sipos A. , Harrison G.
Published: September 2007

Background

Clinical guidelines advise against prescribing more than one antipsychotic with limited exceptions. Despite this, surveys continue to report high antipsychotic polypharmacy rates. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of a multi-faceted intervention in reducing prescribing of antipsychotic polypharmacy on general adult psychiatry wards, compared with guidelines alone.

Method

A pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial recruited 19 adult psychiatric units (clusters) from the South West of England. Participants were all ward doctors and nurses. The multi-faceted intervention comprised: an educational/CBT workbook; an educational visit to consultants; and a reminder system on medication charts.

Results

The odds of being prescribed antipsychotic polypharmacy in those patients prescribed antipsychotic medication was significantly lower in the intervention than control group when adjusted for confounders (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21–0.90, p=0.028). There was considerable between-unit variation in polypharmacy rates and in the change in rates between baseline and follow-up (5 months after baseline).

Conclusion

The intervention reduced levels of polypharmacy prescribing compared to guidelines alone although the effect size was relatively modest. Further work is needed to elicit the factors that were active in changing prescribing behaviour.
Effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural, person-centred, and psychodynamic therapies in UK primary-care routine practice: replication in a larger sample
Authors: Stiles William B. , Barkham Michael , Mellor-Clark John , Connell Janice
Published: September 2007

Background

Psychotherapy's equivalence paradox is that treatments tend to have equivalently positive outcomes despite non-equivalent theories and techniques. We replicated an earlier comparison of treatment approaches in a sample four times larger and restricted to primary-care mental health.

Method

Patients (n=5613) who received cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT), person-centred therapy (PCT) or psychodynamic therapy (PDT) at one of 32 NHS primary-care services during a 3-year period (2002–2005) completed the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) at the beginning and end of treatment. Therapists indicated which approaches were used on an End of Therapy form. We compared outcomes of groups treated with CBT (n=1045), PCT (n=1709), or PDT (n=261) only or with one of these plus one additional approach (e.g.integrative,supportive,art), designated CBT+1 (n=1035), PCT+1 (n=1033), or PDT+1 (n=530), respectively.

Results

All six groups began treatment with equivalent CORE-OM scores, and all averaged marked improvement (overall pre/post effect size=1.39). Neither treatment approach nor degree of purity (‘only’v. ‘+1’) had a statistically significant effect. Distributions of change scores were all similar.

Conclusions

Replicating the earlier results, the theoretically different approaches tended to have equivalent outcomes. Caution is warranted because of limited treatment specification, non-random assignment, incomplete data, and other issues. Insofar as these routine treatments appear effective for patients who complete them, those who fail to complete (or to begin) treatment deserve attention by researchers and policymakers.
Neural basis of the emotional Stroop interference effect in major depression
Authors: Mitterschiffthaler M. T. , Williams S. C. R. , Walsh N. D. , Cleare A. J. , Donaldson C. , Scott J. , Fu C. H. Y.
Published: September 2007

Background

A mood-congruent sensitivity towards negative stimuli has been associated with development and maintenance of major depressive disorder (MDD). The emotional Stroop task assesses interference effects arising from the conflict of emotional expressions consistent with disorder-specific self-schemata and cognitive colour-naming instructions. Functional neuroimaging studies of the emotional Stroop effect advocate a critical involvement of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) during these processes.

Method

Subjects were 17 medication-free individuals with unipolar MDD in an acute depressive episode (mean age 39 years), and 17 age-, gender- and IQ-matched healthy volunteers. In an emotional Stroop task, sad and neutral words were presented in various colours, and subjects were required to name the colour of words whilst undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Overt verbal responses were acquired with a clustered fMRI acquisition sequence.

Results

Individuals with depression showed greater increases in response time from neutral to sad words relative to controls. fMRI data showed a significant engagement of left rostral ACC (BA 32) and right precuneus during sad words in patients relative to controls. Additionally, rostral ACC activation was positively correlated with latencies of negative words in MDD patients. Healthy controls did not have any regions of increased activation compared to MDD patients.

Conclusions

These findings provide evidence for a behavioural and neural emotional Stroop effect in MDD and highlight the importance of the ACC during monitoring of conflicting cognitive processes and mood-congruent processing in depression.
Cuspidal and noncuspidal robot manipulators
Authors: Wenger Philippe
Published: September 2007

This article synthezises the most important results on the kinematics of cuspidal manipulators i.e. nonredundant manipulators that can change posture without meeting a singularity. The characteristic surfaces, the uniqueness domains and the regions of feasible paths in the workspace are defined. Then, several sufficient geometric conditions for a manipulator to be noncuspidal are enumerated and a general necessary and sufficient condition for a manipulator to be cuspidal is provided. An explicit DH-parameter-based condition for an orthogonal manipulator to be cuspidal is derived. The full classification of 3R orthogonal manipulators is provided and all types of cuspidal and noncuspidal orthogonal manipulators are enumerated. Finally, some facts about cuspidal and noncuspidal 6R manipulators are reported.
A new compensation technique based on analysis of resampling process in FastSLAM
Authors: Kwak Nosan , Kim Gon-Woo , Lee Beom-Hee
Published: September 2007

The state-of-the-art FastSLAM algorithm has been shown to cause a particle depletion problem while performing simultaneous localization and mapping for mobile robots. As a result, it always produces over-confident estimates of uncertainty as time progresses. This particle depletion problem is mainly due to the resampling process in FastSLAM, which tends to eliminate particles with low weights. Therefore, the number of particles to conduct loop-closure decreases, which makes the performance of FastSLAM degenerate. The resampling process has not been thoroughly analyzed even though it is the main reason for the particle depletion problem. In this paper, standard resampling algorithms (systematic residual and partial resampling), a rank-based resampling adopting genetic algorithms are analyzed using computer simulations. Several performance measures such as the effective sample size, the number of distinct particles, estimation errors, and complexity are used for the thorough analysis of the resampling algorithms. Moreover, a new compensation technique is proposed instead of resampling to resolve the particle depletion problem in FastSLAM. In estimation errors, the compensation technique outperformed other resampling algorithms though its run-time was longer than those of others. The most appropriate time to instigate compensation to reduce the run-time was also analyzed with the diminishing number of particles.
A control theory framework for performance evaluation of mobile manipulators
Authors: Zadarnowska Katarzyna , Tchoń Krzysztof
Published: September 2007

We propose a new, control theoretic methodology for defining performance measures of mobile manipulators. As a guiding principle, we assume that the kinematics or the dynamics of a mobile manipulator are represented by the end point map of a control system with outputs, and that a locally controllable system yields nontrivial performance measures. In the paper, we focus on two categories of dynamic performance measures: the compliance measure and the admittance measure. In both these categories, the following local and global performance characteristics are introduced: the agility ellipsoid, the agility and mobility, the condition number and the distortion. The usefulness of new local measures is demonstrated on the example of determining optimal motion patterns of a wheeled mobile robot.
An optimum path planning for Cassino Parallel Manipulator by using inverse dynamics
Authors: Carbone G. , Ceccarelli M. , Oliveira P. J. , Saramago S. F. P. , Carvalho J. C. M.
Published: September 2007

In this paper, a novel algorithm is formulated and implemented for optimum path planning of parallel manipulators. A multi-objective optimisation problem has been formulated for an efficient numerical solution procedure through kinematic and dynamic features of manipulator operation. Computational economy has been obtained by properly using a genetic algorithm to search an optimal solution for path spline-functions. Numerical characteristics of the numerical solving procedure have been outlined through a numerical example applied to Cassino Parallel Manipulator (CaPaMan) both for path planning and design purposes.
Self-assessment of health and social care needs by older people
Authors: Harris Ruth , Ullman Roz , Griffiths Peter
Published: September 2007

The involvement of service users as active participants is a stated aim of many current developments within health and social care, and self-assessment has been identified as a key mechanism. For over 15 years, the UK Department of Health has referred to the importance of the service user's views in assessment, and this has been re-emphasized recently in guidance issued to both local authorities social services and the NHS. The concept of the expert patient and the promotion of self-care amongst people with long-term conditions are also highlighted as central to current NHS development. Although not specified as such, self-assessment is an important component of these person-centred initiatives which encourage self-diagnosis, self-monitoring and self-management.
Pseudodivertikulose des Ösophagus
Authors: Manz  , Meier  , Schaub  , Toia  , Steuerwald
Published: September 2007

Wir berichten über zwei Fälle mit intramuraler Pseudodivertikulose des Ösophagus (esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis, EIPD). EIPD ist eine seltene, durch multiple Ausstülpungen der Ösophaguswand charakterisierte Krankheit. Diese sackförmigen Ausstülpungen entsprechen dilatierten Ausführungsgängen submuköser Drüsen. Das Leitsymptom ist die Dysphagie. Endoskopisch finden sich kleine Öffnungen in der Ösophaguswand. Eine segmentale Soorösophagitis oder eine entzündliche Stenose des Lumens können vorkommen.
Cholestatischer Ikterus und die weiteren Abklärungsschritte
Authors: Oberholzer  , Keller
Published: September 2007

Wir berichten über einen 70-jährigen Patienten mit schmerzlosem Ikterus und Zeichen einer Cholestase im Labor. Eine Computertomographie zeigte eine Tumormasse im Bereich des Pankreaskopfes sowie eine ausgedehnte Lebermetastasierung. Wir beschreiben in diesem Bericht die wichtigsten Abklärungsschritte des Cholestase und des schmerzlosen Ikterus und zeigen auf, dass eine definitive Diagnosestellung auch mittels Histologie und Immunhistochemie nicht immer gelingt.
Interannual and seasonal variability in atmospheric N2O
Authors: Nevison Cynthia D. , Mahowald Natalie M. , Weiss Ray F. , Prinn Ronald G.
Published: September 2007

The increase in atmospheric N2O observed over the last century reflects large‐scale human perturbations to the global nitrogen cycle. High‐precision measurements of atmospheric N2O over the last decade reveal subtle signals of interannual variability (IAV) superimposed upon the more prominent growth trend. Anthropogenic sources drive the underlying growth in N2O, but are probably too monotonic to explain most of the observed IAV. The causes of both seasonal and interannual variability in atmospheric N2O are explored on the basis of comparisons of a 1993–2004 atmospheric transport simulation to observations of N2O at five stations of the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE). The complementary tracers chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) 11 and 12 and SF6 also are examined. The model simulation does not include a stratospheric sink and thus isolates the effects of surface sources and tropospheric transport. Both model and observations yield correlations in seasonal and interannual variability among species, but only in a few cases are model and observed variability correlated to each other. The results suggest that tropospheric transport contributes substantially to observed variability, especially at Samoa station. However, some features of observed variability are not explained by the model simulation and appear more consistent with a stratospheric influence. At Mace Head, Ireland, N2O and CFC growth rate anomalies are weakly correlated to IAV in polar winter lower stratospheric temperature, a proxy for the strength of the mean meridional stratospheric circulation. Seasonal and interannual variability in the natural sources of N2O may also contribute to observed variability in atmospheric N2O.
Application of the telegraph model to coda Q variations in southern California
Authors: Davis Paul M. , Clayton Robert W.
Published: September 2007

We examine waveforms and data used to construct coda magnitude in southern California to estimate the spatial variation of coda Q and its dependence on frequency. Our analysis combined with independent borehole data suggests that coda is mainly generated by multiple scattering in the upper few kilometers of the crust where large impedance contrasts occur because of surface layering or fracturing. The ubiquitous observation that coda Q increases with frequency is explained as arising from multiple reverberations in the upper crust. We suggest that the telegraph model that has been successfully used to describe reflection seismogram multiples in the exploration industry may also apply to earthquakes. Under this model the apparent increase of Q with frequency is due to trapping of high‐frequency energy in the upper crust. This behavior is expected if the associated reflector series has an exponential autocorrelation function, a feature of the telegraph model. At lower frequencies, trapping is less efficient. The combined effects give rise to an apparent absorption band that we suppose is superimposed on frequency‐independent intrinsic attenuation. Maximum apparent attenuation occurs at wavelengths equal to the dimensions of the regions of upper crust that contain the scattering layers. At lower frequencies, trapping is less effective, and attenuation decreases as the longer‐wavelength waves sample the deeper crust and upper mantle where because of overburden pressures, acoustic impedance contrasts are less extreme. By taking spectral ratios of coda waves to direct S, we estimate that intrinsic Q is high (∼3000) and that coda may be modeled as multiple scattered S waves in a region of anisotropic scattering. The exponential decay of the coda is a result of the perfectly reflecting surface of the Earth with backscattering from random near‐surface layers causing progressive leakage and loss of energy downward into the more transparent lower crust and mantle.
Satellite characterization of urban aerosols: Importance of including hygroscopicity and mixing state in the retrieval algorithms
Authors: Wang Jun , Martin Scot T.
Published: September 2007

This model study examines the sensitivity of the calculated optical properties of urban aerosols to (1) hygroscopicity and (2) internal or external mixing state, and it further investigates the associated implications for the accuracy of satellite retrievals of aerosol optical thickness (τ) and aerosol effective radius (reff). State‐of‐the‐art retrieval algorithms widely omit variable hygroscopicity and mixing state. For the study described herein, the modeled urban aerosols are composed of water‐soluble sulfates and water‐insoluble black carbon (BC) in the fine mode and of water‐insoluble compounds in the coarse mode. The calculations show that external compared to internal mixing of black carbon and sulfate not only significantly affects the single‐scattering albedo but also alters the diagnostic relationship of the Angstrom exponent (α) to the aerosol effective radius. The implication is that over a dark surface of visible reflectance less than 0.1, satellite retrievals of urban aerosols having a BC/sulfate mass ratio of 5% can differ in τ and reff by as much as 60% and 0.2 μm, respectively, depending upon the retrieval algorithm's assumptions regarding hygroscopicity and mixing state. For surface reflectances greater than 0.1 or BC/sulfate mass ratios larger than 5%, the retrieval bias, including the possibility of unphysical retrievals, increases further. The calculations also show that hygroscopic growth at elevated relative humidity increases the single‐scattering albedo of urban aerosols, decreases their backscattering, and as a consequence reduces the influence of mixing state on τ and reff. These results suggest that current operational retrieval algorithms lead to a possibly systematic underestimate of aerosol optical thickness when ambient BC/sulfate aerosols are internally mixed at mass ratios greater than 3%. This study's recommendation is that aerosol retrieval algorithms, when applied to urban aerosols, incorporate in situ knowledge of relative humidity, mixing state, and BC/sulfate mass ratios, either from ground‐based measurements or by auxiliary use of chemical transport models.