bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Heal my soul’: The Significance of an Augustinian Image
Authors: Atkins Margaret
Published: November 2010

This paper explores Augustine’s use of the twin images of Christ the physician and sin as sickness, especially in his sermons and Confessions. It shows how distinctive features of this image enable Augustine to illuminate a scriptural moral theology that is egalitarian and developmental. It is founded upon repentance, humility and a powerful awareness of dependence upon God’s grace, and demands communal responsibility for morality. Augustine’s moral theory fully integrates his personal and pastoral experience; the relevant similarities between his own society and ours suggest that his theory, in its broad outlines, has not lost its validity.
Virtue, Grace and the Early Revisionists of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Keenan James F.
Published: November 2010

Roman Catholic theological ethics went through a period of enormous transition in the twentieth century, abandoning its classic textbooks, the so-called ‘moral manuals’, which were centered on sins derived from the Decalogue and developing a more integrated ‘revisionist’ moral theology that depended on both systematic and ascetical theology. In terms of grace and virtue, the former moved from its peripheral connection to the sacraments to becoming the very foundation of the moral life, while the latter went from being the subject matter for yet another list of sins to the personal, embodied way of becoming a true disciple of Christ.
Can Aquinas’s Infused and Acquired Virtues Coexist in the Christian Life?
Authors: McKay Knobel Angela
Published: November 2010

Although it is well known that Aquinas holds that infused versions of prudence and the other acquired virtues are bestowed on man along with habitual grace, there is no uniform and widely accepted account of how the infused and acquired virtues are related: some scholars interpret Aquinas to mean that the acquired virtues are ‘taken up’ into the infused virtues, while others credit him with the view that the infused and acquired virtues somehow coexist. This paper explores one common way of maintaining that the Christian’s infused and acquired virtues ‘coexist’. I argue that while such an interpretation is able to accommodate some of Aquinas’s most fundamental claims about the infused and acquired virtues, it is also problematic in important respects.
Speculative Foundations of Moral Theology and the Causality of Grace
Authors: Long Steven A.
Published: November 2010

This essay attempts concisely to articulate the necessary role played within moral theology in general—and within the moral theology of grace in particular—by the metaphysics and natural philosophy of human agency. It argues for the priority of the speculative with respect to the practical inasmuch as speculative knowledge precedes desire, and desire precedes intention; for the centrality of unified normative teleology; for the primacy of being over relation; and for the primacy of sound doctrine regarding the divine causal providence for the moral theology of grace and freedom.
De Lubac, Grace, Politics and Paradox
Authors: Murphy Francesca A.
Published: November 2010

De Lubac’s main contribution to political thought is his belief that human freedom is the quality in human nature with which divine grace resonates. His idea of the relation of grace to nature is best illustrated by Christ’s fulfilment of the Old Testament.
An Itinerary to Glory: How Grace is Embodied in the Communio of Charity
Authors: Wadell Paul J.
Published: November 2010

This essay argues that, for Aquinas, grace both intends and makes possible the theological life of charity and that charity reveals the path to beatitude. But it also emphasizes that charity is not a private or purely spiritual relationship with God, but is rather a way of life that continually draws one out of the self in love and service to others. This is most clearly seen in Aquinas’s treatise on love of enemy and the different effects of charity. The essay begins by exploring how Aquinas’s theology of the Trinity informs his account of grace and charity. It then investigates his understanding of the nature and necessity of grace and the form of life that grace makes possible. This is followed by an analysis of Aquinas’s account of charity as friendship with God and its implications for the life of grace. The essay concludes by considering some of the effects of charity and why they make a life of friendship with God a genuinely ecstatic existence.
Extracranial venous stenosis is an unlikely cause of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yamout Bassem , Herlopian Aline , Issa Zeinab , Habib Robert H , Fawaz Ahmad , Salame Joseph , Wadih Antoine , Awdeh Haytham , Muallem Nadime , Raad Roy , Al-Kutoubi Aghiab
Published: November 2010

Background: Extracranial venous stenosis (EVS) has recently been implicated as the primary cause of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the presence of EVS in MS patients.

Methods: We performed selective extracranial venography on 42 patients with early MS (EMS): clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or relapsing—remitting MS (RRMS) of less than 5 years duration, and late MS (LMS): RRMS of more than 10 years duration. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical relapse data were reviewed for all patients with EVS.

Results: EVS was present in 7/29 patients with EMS and 12/13 patients with LMS, a highly significant statistical difference ( p< 0.001). Only 3/42 patients (all in the LMS group) had two vessel stenoses, while the rest had only one vessel involved. EVS was seen in 1/11 patients with CIS compared with 6/18 RRMS patients of less than 5 years duration. Disease duration was greater in patients with EVS overall ( p < 0.005). LMS remained an independent predictor of EVS following multivariate adjustment for gender, age at disease onset and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 29 (3—298); p = 0.005]. Within the EMS group, patients with ( n = 7) and without ( n = 22) EVS had similar EDSS and disease duration, suggesting similar disease severity. No clear correlation could be found between site of EVS and anatomic localization of either clinical relapses or MRI gadolinium-enhancing lesions.

Conclusions: We conclude that EVS is an unlikely cause of MS since it is not present in most patients early in the disease and rarely involves more than one extracranial vein. It is likely to be a late secondary phenomenon.
Atmospherics on tour operators’ websites: Website features that stimulate emotional response
Authors: Björk Peter
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this article is to identify atmospherics, i.e. website features that stimulate emotional response, on tour operators’ websites. The discussion about website quality has been biased towards the functional, utility dimensions, although the importance of the emotional aspects has been recognized in previous studies. This article advances the discussion about website quality by proposing a model which links atmospherics to emotional response. An interview guide based on the PAD-structure of Mehrabian and Russell is used in this exploratory study. The taxonomy of atmospherics identified is complex and very much individual. The two most important atmospherics are pictures, and information content and structure. The results also indicate that the mere act of visiting a tour operator’s website, and getting involved in the decision making process, stimulates emotional responses. A new Atmospheric-Response model is presented.
Mobile advergames in tourism marketing
Authors: Çeltek Evrim
Published: November 2010

In recent years, the effectiveness of traditional communication techniques has been diminishing and marketers have sought more creative practices to attract consumers. One of these new marketing tools is the mobile advergame, which is seen as an attractive and new marketing communication vehicle that increases awareness. The term ‘advergame’ refers to games created by companies to promote their products or brand by combining ‘advertisement’, ‘computer games’ and ‘mobile phones’. The main purpose of this study was to provide an understanding of the qualities and potentials of the mobile advergame as an advertising and marketing tool for the tourism industry. The study had focused on the mobile advergame practices in the tourism industry with a content and SWOT analysis. The results showed that the games were successful in branding and city integration in game, but ineffective in viral marketing as very expensive devices are needed to play these games.
Bloggers’ reported tourist experiences: Their utility as a tourism data source and their effect on prospective tourists
Authors: Volo Serena
Published: November 2010

The present study evaluates the value of tourists’ blogs as a research data source by using them to evaluate the tourist experience and to assess their influence on the decision-making process of prospective tourists. The blogs of 103 tourists visiting South Tyrol, 32 written in English and 71 written in Italian, were analyzed using textual and image content analysis. The text of 246 comments posted to these blogs was analyzed to evaluate the possible influence of bloggers’ narrative on prospective tourists. The results show cultural differences in the way tourists use blogs. Italian blogs appear to have more potential to influence the decision-making process of prospective visitors since their comments often contain recommendations and authors’ declaration of their own future intentions to travel to South Tyrol. They also demonstrate significant potential for revealing market-relevant aspects of tourists’ experience although they do not always convey the ‘experience essence’.
Negative symbolic aspects in destination branding: Exploring the role of the ‘undesired self’ on web-based vacation information search intentions among potential first-time visitors
Authors: Bosnjak Michael
Published: November 2010

Tourist destination choices depend, among other factors, on the match between the destination’s personality image and consumers’ self-concept, in line with self-image congruence theory. Motives also mediate this relationship, yet tourism research largely neglects the influence of avoidance motives. This study applies the product-based construct of undesired congruity, or consumers’ tendency to avoid undesired stereotypical images, to the context of web-based vacation destination information search intentions among potential first-time visitors. Undesired congruity relates negatively to willingness to search for destination-related information online and serves as an additional predictor, beyond established relevant factors for pre-visit choice contexts. Moreover, it overrides the influence of established, telic, approach motive constructs, which implies its principal role in early destination-related decision making. The findings have practical implications for market research in tourism, as well as for destination branding.
Hiking as a relevant wellness activity - results of an exploratory study of hiking tourists in Portugal applied to a rural tourism project
Authors: Rodrigues Áurea , Kastenholz Elisabeth , Rodrigues Apolónia
Published: November 2010

New forms of tourism are gaining ground throughout the world. Nowadays, successful tourism destinations must offer variety and new tourism products, addressing special interest niches. One increasingly popular tourism product is health and wellness tourism. The wellness concept typically integrates physical activity combined with relaxation of the mind and intellectual stimulus, enhancing well-being through a balance of the body, mind and spirit. Promoting well-being is a relevant motive of most tourists and should be regarded in any tourism marketing strategy. Hiking is an appropriate activity to integrate in a wellness tourism context, being since long a strategically developed recreational and tourism activity in many European countries. In the present study we show the results of an exploratory survey of hikers in Portugal and discuss possible implications on planning and management of rural tourism destinations, with emphasis on the creation of integrated wellness products. Results were used for developing a more holistic tourism offer within the European Network of Village Tourism.
Participant Observation and the Nonnative Ethnographer: Implications of Positioning on Discourse-Centered Fieldwork
Authors: Winchatz Michaela R.
Published: November 2010

Much of the methods literature examines the roles an ethnographer may play while conducting fieldwork (e.g., the ‘‘outsider,’’ the ‘‘stranger,’’ or the ‘‘student’’). This article shifts the focus to how native participants may position the linguistically competent-but-nonnative ethnographer during interactions in the field. A framework of three dimensions is proposed to better analyze the impacts interactional positioning of the nonnative ethnographer may have on discourse-centered data collection and analysis. Evidence comes from discourse between ethnographer and informants during fieldwork in Germany.
Using School Performance Data to Drive School and Education District Office Accountability and Improvement: The Case of Ghana
Authors: Prew Martin , Quaigrain Kenneth
Published: November 2010

This article looks at a school management tool that allows school managers and education district offices to review the performance of their schools and use the broad-based data to undertake orchestrated planning with districts planning delivery based on the needs of schools and in support of school improvement plans. The review process also allows communities to engage with their schools and hold them accountable for their performance and to steer schools to meet community expectations. A district in northern Ghana is presented as a case study. The article concludes that this generation of school-level data and its use to inform improved planning and delivery also allows districts and schools to monitor how well they are doing in promoting access for all children to school and monitoring the quality of schooling they receive. This is critical information needed to understand the dynamics of school enrolment and drop-out and to make schools more accountable. So school performance review, as practised in Ghana, allows schools to improve while becoming more accountable to their communities.
Beyond Leadership and Management: The Boundary-spanning Role of the Pro-Vice Chancellor
Authors: Pilbeam Colin , Jamieson Ian
Published: November 2010

With the global increase in networked forms of organizations come new challenges for the conceptualization and practice of management and leadership. Universities have a networked organizational form being composed internally of multiple groups with both complementary and conflicting characteristics and expectations, and interfacing externally with a wide range of different stakeholders. Eight pro-vice chancellors (PVC) from a formal network of chartered UK universities were interviewed. The PVC role comprised strategic and operational activities associated with their functional role, and representational and decision-making duties associated with their membership of the senior management team. All of these activities required them to operate across multiple internal and external boundaries, and especially emphasize the information processing and representational functions characteristic of boundary spanners. It is argued therefore that management and leadership roles in universities may be more parsimoniously conceptualized as boundary spanning. The implications of this for recruitment to senior positions in universities are considered.
Choice, Cost and Community: The Hidden Complexities of the Rural Primary School Market
Authors: Walker Marion
Published: November 2010

National rural policy places the local primary school as a key resource within the rural community, yet as a consequence of countywide financial constraints, some small schools are undergoing reorganization, involving amalgamation, federation and school closure. This article considers the complexities involved in the workings of the English rural primary school market for parents and for schools, the cost dilemma of providing primary education for local authorities and the perception that the local school provides a key service to the rural community. Using primary data collected through interviews and observations the article focuses on a small school operating under the threat of closure, and the ensuing campaign by the ‘education-insider’ parents to save their school from closure as the local authority attempts to balance school and community service delivery with cost effectiveness. The article argues that the previously hidden consequence of cost logic is an aspect largely overlooked both in the rhetoric of the school at the heart of the rural community and in the rhetoric of parental choice.
Leadership for Learning: Does Collaborative Leadership Make a Difference in School Improvement?
Authors: Hallinger Philip , Heck Ronald H.
Published: November 2010

Although there has been a sizable growth spurt in empirical studies of shared leadership over the past decade, the bulk of this research has been descriptive. Relatively few published studies have investigated the impact of shared leadership on school improvement, and even fewer have studied effects on student learning. This longitudinal study examines the effects of collaborative leadership on school improvement and student reading achievement in 192 elementary schools in one state in the USA over a 4-year period. Using latent change analysis, the research found significant direct effects of collaborative leadership on change in the schools’ academic capacity and indirect effects on rates of growth in student reading achievement. In addition, the study identified three different growth trajectories among schools, each characterized by variations in associated school improvement processes. The study supports a perspective on leadership for learning that aims at building the academic capacity of schools as a means of improving student learning outcomes.
Landscapes of Leadership in South African Schools: Mapping the Changes
Authors: Christie Pam
Published: November 2010

This article argues that the work of school principals in South Africa is shaped by two major sets of constructs or ‘landscapes’: the literature on leadership and management which provides particular constructions of the field and its changes; and the terrain of new policy frameworks adopted after apartheid to transform the education system. In terms of the former, the influence of international debates may be seen in South Africa, but these are situated adaptations rather than simple reflections. In terms of the latter, the new policies are underpinned by a tangled network of regulations on governance, labour relations and performance management, which bring complexity to the task of running schools. In addition, the enormous inequalities that continue to exist between schools mean that the work of principals is very different in different contexts. The article argues that a mismatch between the ideal and the actual may impede, rather than assist, attempts to improve schools. In particular, constructions of principals’ work in discourses that conflate leadership and management, that over-generalize, and that do not engage seriously with local conditions and the day-to-day experiences of principals, are likely to provide distorted depictions of principals’ work. In this context, a better understanding of the landscapes of leadership is a necessary starting point for change.
Leadership, Management and Pupils’ Academic Attainment: Reviewing the Association within the Catholic Sector 1993-2007
Authors: Morris Andrew B.
Published: November 2010

It is generally accepted that there is a positive association between a school’s academic outcomes and the quality of its leadership. This article investigates that proposition in relation to the Catholic sector in England, using data provided by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). The findings suggest that, for the Catholic sector, there is no direct association. Possible reasons for the findings are discussed and areas for future research outlined.
Reliable Hotel Industry Data: Twenty-Five Years in the Making
Authors: Smith Randell A.
Published: November 2010

From the beginning, Smith Travel Research (STR) conquered its share of challenges while shooting for its goal of providing reliable data. Early efforts by the former firm of Laventhol & Horwath laid the groundwork. The advent of the PC facilitated collection and analysis of increasing levels of data, which formerly were stored on expensive mainframe equipment. One key to achieving the goal of creating an industry-wide data source was having a vision for how that information could be used. With the current availability of considerable information, the need has never been greater for clarity of vision for how to use it.
An Analysis of Future Delinquency for Hotel CMBS Loans
Authors: Corgel John B. , Walls Aaron
Published: November 2010

The hotel industry seems to be recovering from its recent abyss, but the financial damage to many properties from many months of decline will continue for some time. In particular, the hotel industry faces the prospect of heavily leveraged properties submerged by delinquencies and defaults. An analysis of debt coverage ratios for 365 hotel properties with commercial mortgage-backed security loans shows considerable deterioration from 2008 to a nadir in 2010. Starting in 2011, net operating income and debt coverage ratios should gradually improve, with noticeable improvement in 2012.
Pathophysiology of bronchial smooth muscle remodelling in asthma
Authors: Bara I. , Ozier A. , Tunon de Lara J-M. , Marthan R. , Berger P.
Published: November 2010

Whereas the role of bronchial smooth muscle remains controversial in healthy subjects its role is well established in asthmatics. Bronchial smooth muscle contraction induces airway narrowing. The smooth muscle also contributes to bronchial inflammation by secreting a range of inflammatory mediators, recruiting and activating inflammatory cells, such as mast cells or T-lymphocytes. In addition, bronchial smooth muscle mass is significantly increased in asthma. Such an increase has been related to a deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, and an increase in both cell size and number. However, the mechanisms of this smooth muscle remodelling are complex and not completely understood. The article will review recent data regarding the pathophysiology of bronchial smooth muscle remodelling in asthma.
Editorial: PGE2-producing MDSC: a role in tumor progression?
Authors: Serafini Paolo
Published: November 2010

Analysis of the role of PGE2 on myeloid derived suppressor cells and on tumor progression.
Editorial: Are men rats? Dendritic cells in autoimmune glomerulonephritis
Authors: Sung Sun-sang J , Bolton Warren K
Published: November 2010

Understanding dendritic cell subset functions during pathogenesis is crucial for disease intervention.
Editorial: Mast cell degranulation and calcium entry—the Fyn-calcium store connection
Authors: Tshori Sagi , Razin Ehud
Published: November 2010

The non-selective cation channel TRPC1 is involved in the Ca+2 response of mast cells, creating new possibilities of therapeutic intervention.
Application of Water-Soluble Titanium Complexes as Precursors for Synthesis of Titanium-Containing Oxides via Aqueous Solution Processes
Authors: Kakihana Masato , Kobayashi Makoto , Tomita Koji , Petrykin Valery
Published: November 2010

The growing significance of nanocrystalline inorganic functional materials in the fields of catalysis, electronics, and energy conversion together with the increasing demand of the society for safer, softer, and “greener” technologies has drawn considerable attention of the researchers toward water-based solution processes for synthesis of such materials. In this respect complex oxides, containing d0-transition metals, such as Ti, Nb, Ta, or Si represent an outstanding challenge for materials chemists due to the extremely narrow range or almost complete absence of suitable precursor compounds compatible with aqueous systems. In the recent 10 years, a remarkable progress has been achieved in the development of new water-soluble complexes of titanium and considerable experience was accumulated in the application of these compounds for synthesis of nanocrystalline titanium-containing materials. The essential knowledge of coordination chemistry of such water-soluble titanium complexes is reviewed in this work, which succeeded to identify the key structural features responsible for stability of the compounds against hydrolysis and to provide guidelines for synthesis of these complexes. Finally, an extensive overview of highly selective aqueous solution based synthesis of TiO2 polymorphs as well as complex oxide materials with the help of the novel water-soluble titanium complexes is provided.
Synthesis of New Thiophene-Based π-Conjugated Organic Compounds and Polymer
Authors: Usui Motoaki , Fukumoto Hiroki , Yamamoto Takakazu
Published: November 2010

p-Dibromobenzenes and p-phenylenediboronate with π-conjugated bithiophene and terthiophene arms were synthesized. They showed UV–vis absorption peaks in the range of 376–417 nm. p-Phenylenediboronate with bithiophene arms were used for synthesis of a new π-conjugated polymer consisting of isothianaphthene and the p-phenylene units with π-conjugated bithiophene side chains.
Multivariate Optimization Strategies in the Development of an Electroanalytical Method for the Assay of Metoclopramide Using Mercury-Film-Modified Carbon Nanotube Paste Electrode
Authors: Mendes Camila Bitencourt , Andrade Felipe Nascimento , Segatelli Mariana Gava , Pereira Arnaldo César , Dragunski Douglas Cardoso , Tarley César Ricardo Teixeira
Published: November 2010

The present work describes an electroanalytical method based on adsorptive preconcentration of metoclopramide (MCP) onto mercury-film-modified carbon nanotube paste electrode followed by anodic stripping measures. The method presented a good linear range from 2.0 up 100 µmol L−1 (r = 0.998) and a limit of detection of 0.51 µmol L−1. The determination of MCP was successfully carried out in solid and liquid pharmaceutical formulations, as well as in urine samples without intense sample treatment.
Aggregation and Adsorption Behaviors of Sodium Deoxycholate in Water–Ethylene Glycol Medium
Authors: Das Sujit , Thapa Uttam , Ismail Kochi
Published: November 2010

Critical micelle concentrations (cmcs) of sodium deoxycholate (SDC) were determined at 25 °C in water + ethylene glycol (EG) medium (mass fraction of EG, wEG × 102 = 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60) by measuring surface tension, fluorescence emission intensities of pyrene probe, and conductance. Cmc was also determined in the presence of NaCl from the surface tension isotherms, and counter ion binding constants (β) of SDC were evaluated by applying the Corrin–Harkins equation and slope-ratio method. The value of β in water is about 0.18 and becomes almost half of this value in water + EG. Surface excess at the cmc decreases as the EG amount increases, but increases on adding NaCl. Gordon parameter and ratio of surface tension of the medium to that of the surfactant solution at the cmc are used to represent solvophobicity.
Total Syntheses of Sterically Locked Phycocyanobilin Derivatives Bearing a 15Z-anti or a 15E-anti CD-Ring Component
Authors: Nishiyama Kaori , Kamiya Ayumi , Hammam Mostafa A S , Kinoshita Hideki , Fujinami Shuhei , Ukaji Yutaka , Inomata Katsuhiko
Published: November 2010

Total syntheses of sterically locked phycocyanobilin derivatives with a 15Z-anti or a 15E-anti CD-ring component were performed toward elucidation of the stereochemistry and function of the chromophore in phytochromes. In the course of the construction of a sterically locked 15E-anti CD-ring component employing 5-tosylpyrrolin-2-one derivatives as the D-ring, the Ts group was found to be rearranged under acidic conditions to give a mixture of regioisomers, both of which could be transformed into the same CD-ring precursor via detosylation with a base followed by Wittig-like coupling reaction. In addition, a sterically locked 15E-anti biliverdin derivative was also synthesized.
Two-Dimensional Melting and Phase Change of Binary Mixtures of CCl4 and CHCl3 Confined in ACF Nanospace Studied Using Solid-State 1H NMR
Authors: Ueda Takahiro , Omichi Hiroaki , Chen Yu , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Kubota Osamu , Miyakubo Keisuke , Eguchi Taro
Published: November 2010

Two-dimensional melting and phase changes of binary mixtures of CCl4 and CHCl3 confined in activated carbon fiber were examined using differential thermal analysis and 1H wide-line NMR. Molecular assembly of CCl4 confined in ACF nanospace with a slit width of 1.1 nm showed succeeding thermal anomalies corresponding to crystal–hexatic and hexatic–liquid transitions. Results showed that these thermal anomalies did not occur in a mixture of CHCl3 and CCl4. This behavior differed greatly from the phase diagram for the bulk mixture between CHCl3 and CCl4. Furthermore, the dynamic features of CHCl3 molecule were examined using the 1H wide-line NMR spectrum. The activation energy of the hopping motion changed from 7 kJ mol−1 for pure CHCl3 to 13 kJ mol−1 for CHCl3 with a 0.016 molar ratio in CCl4. In particular, a drastic increase in the activation energy was observed for doping with a trace amount of CHCl3, suggesting that molecular self-assembly of CCl4 takes place in the ACF nanoslit because of the effective intermolecular interaction between CCl4 molecules. The existence of CHCl3 in CCl4 brings about the remarkable impurity effect on two-dimensional melting and phase transition of CCl4 confined in ACF nanospace.
Recent Progress in Living Cationic Polymerization of Vinyl Ethers
Authors: Kanazawa Arihiro , Kanaoka Shokyoku , Aoshima Sadahito
Published: November 2010

Recent advancements in living cationic polymerization of vinyl ethers are reviewed, especially focusing on newly developed initiating systems using various Lewis acid catalysts. In concert with the diversification of efficient metal halide catalysts, several types of initiators (cationogens) have been shown to mediate living polymerization, in which the nature of the central metals is responsible for the polymerization behavior. Other types of initiating systems, e.g., living cationic polymerization using metal oxides as solid catalysts and Lewis acid-free systems, are also summarized, as well as the applications of the polymerization for the synthesis of functional poly(vinyl ether)s.
Phase Transition and Thermal Behavior Change of Low Silica X Zeolite at [Al] = 90
Authors: Yasui-Hiraiwa Mana , Hongo Teruhisa , Hayashi Hiroko , Takaishi Tetsuo , Nataka Shinichi , Yamazaki Atsushi
Published: November 2010

Low silica X zeolite samples in the composition region of the number of Al atoms per unit cell ([Al]) between 84 and 96 were synthesized. X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses of the obtained samples verify the existence of the phase transition point and confirm the changes in the thermal behaviors of the samples at [Al] = 90.
Sialylglycan-modified Field Effect Transistor for Detection of Charged Lectin under Physiological Conditions
Authors: Nakamura Takahiro , Sakurai Yoshihiro , Hideshima Sho , Kuroiwa Shigeki , Osaka Tetsuya
Published: November 2010

Determination of protein charges under physiological conditions by field effect transistors (FETs) is challenging because of the screening effect by solution counter ions. We showed that sugar-chain-modified FETs can detect proteins under physiological conditions. Protein charges are detectable on the gate interface by applying sugar chains as receptors: these sugar chains are short and highly flexible. Threshold voltage shifts caused by adsorption of SSA lectin from Sambucus sieboldiana onto sialylglycan-modified FET showed a linear relationship with SSA concentrations under physiological conditions.
Modified OligoDNA Having Two Consecutive Silylated-pyrene Moieties in Minor Groove Exhibiting an Excimer Fluorescent Signal upon Binding to Fully Complementary DNA Strand
Authors: Mogi Mika , Uddin Md Gias , Ichimura Mayumi , Moriguchi Tomohisa , Shinozuka Kazuo
Published: November 2010

OligoDNA possessing consecutive modified nucleotide residues bearing silylated pyrene at C-2′ position was synthesized. The fluorescent oligoDNA exhibited marked excimer fluorescent signal upon binding to a fully matched complementary DNA strand, however, the signal was effectively quenched in the single-stranded form as well as in the mismatched base pair duplex.
Water-soluble Inclusion Complexes of [60]Fullerene Derivatives Using γ-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Ikeda Atsushi , Genmoto Tomoya , Maekubo Naotake , Kikuchi Jun-ichi , Akiyama Motofusa , Mochizuki Takayuki , Kotani Shuhei , Konishi Toshifumi
Published: November 2010

Pyrrolidine and N,N-dimethylpyrrolidinium derivatives of C60 could be solubilized in water with the aid of γ-cyclodextrin. The complexes were found to be soluble in water at high concentrations over 1.5 mM. These solubility values are significantly higher than those of other C60 derivatives reported previously. Furthermore, these solutions are stable for at least one month at room temperature.
One-step Preparation of Gold Nanoparticles Using 4-Acylamidobenzenethiol as a Reductive Stabilizer
Authors: Okamura Hiroaki , Kurawaki Junichi , Iwagawa Tetsuo , Hamada Toshiyuki , Kawashima Masatake
Published: November 2010

A simple one-step preparation method to prepare gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using 4-acylamidobenzenethiol derivatives as reductive stabilizers has been developed. The stabilizers were easily prepared from 4-aminobenzenethiol and dihydroxy fatty acid. By simply mixing the stabilizer and a solution of HAuCl4 in methanol or water, we could form AuNPs spontaneously without any additional reagents or physical treatment. The diameters of the resulting AuNPs were determined to be 2–5 nm using TEM images.
Enhancement of bone formation in an experimental bony defect using ferumoxide-labelled mesenchymal stromal cells and a magnetic targeting system
Authors: Oshima S. , Ishikawa M. , Mochizuki Y. , Kobayashi T. , Yasunaga Y. , Ochi M.
Published: November 2010

We used interconnected porous calcium hydroxyapatite ceramic to bridge a rabbit ulnar defect. Two weeks after inducing the defect we percutaneously injected rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells labelled with ferumoxide. The contribution of an external magnetic targeting system to attract these cells into the ceramic and their effect on subsequent bone formation were evaluated.

This technique significantly facilitated the infiltration of ferumoxide-labelled cells into ceramic and significantly contributed to the enhancement of bone formation even in the chronic phase. As such, it is potentially of clinical use to treat fractures, bone defects, delayed union and nonunion.
Early or delayed limb lengthening after acute shortening in the treatment of traumatic below-knee amputations and Gustilo and Anderson type IIIC open tibial fractures
Authors: Parmaksizoglu F. , Koprulu A. S. , Unal M. B. , Cansu E.
Published: November 2010

We present the results of 13 patients who suffered severe injuries to the lower leg. Five sustained a traumatic amputation and eight a Gustilo-Anderson type IIIC open fracture. All were treated with debridement, acute shortening and stabilisation of the fracture and vascular reconstruction. Further treatment involved restoration of tibial length by callus distraction through the distal or proximal metaphysis, which was commenced soon after the soft tissues had healed (n = 8) or delayed until union of the fracture (n = 5).

All patients were male with a mean age of 28.4 years (17 to 44), and had sustained injury to the leg only. Chen grade II functional status was achieved in all patients. Although the number of patients treated with each strategy was limited, there was no obvious disadvantage in the early lengthening programme, which was completed more quickly.
Rates of infection and revision in patients with renal disease undergoing total knee replacement in Scotland
Authors: McCleery M. A. , Leach W. J. , Norwood T.
Published: November 2010

We undertook a study to determine the rates of infection and revision of total knee replacement (TKR) in patients with renal failure, renal transplantation and those undergoing renal dialysis in Scotland. The overall early and late infection rates were 1.10% and 2.19% compared with 1.06% and 2.01%, respectively, for non-renal patients. Patients with renal failure had a significantly increased risk of early infection (1.6%, relative risk 1.52, p = 0.002) and late infection (4.47%, relative risk 2.22, p < 0.001). Those on renal dialysis had significantly increased risks of late infection (8.03%, relative risk 3.99, p < 0.001) and early revision (3.70%, relative risk 4.40, p < 0.001). Renal transplant patients had a significantly increased risk of late infection, regardless of whether renal transplantation occurred before TKR (9.09%, relative risk 4.517, p = 0.027) or at any time (8.0%, relative risk 3.975, p = 0.047). There were significantly increased rates of comorbidities associated with infection for all the renal patient groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that renal failure and renal dialysis were independent risk factors for early infection and revision, respectively.
Earlier diagnosis of bone and soft-tissue tumours
Authors: Grimer R. J. , Briggs T. W. R.
Published: November 2010

Although bone and soft-tissue sarcomas are rare, early diagnosis and prompt referral to a specialised unit offers the best chance of a successful outcome both in terms of survival and surgical resection. This paper highlights the clinical and radiological features that might suggest the possibility of a bone or soft-tissue sarcoma and suggests a succinct management pathway for establishing whether a suspicious bone or soft-tissue lesion could be malignant.
A modified Gaines procedure for spondyloptosis
Authors: Kalra K. , Kohli S. , Dhar S.
Published: November 2010

We present an illustrative case using a modification of the Gaines procedure for the surgical management of patients with spondyloptosis. It involves excision of the inferior half of the body of L5 anteriorly combined with posterior reduction and fusion.
Total ankle replacement in association with hindfoot fusion
Authors: Kim B. S. , Knupp M. , Zwicky L. , Lee J. W. , Hintermann B.
Published: November 2010

We report the clinical and radiological outcome of total ankle replacement performed in conjunction with hindfoot fusion or in isolation. Between May 2003 and June 2008, 60 ankles were treated with total ankle replacement with either subtalar or triple fusion, and the results were compared with a control group of 288 ankles treated with total ankle replacement alone.

After the mean follow-up of 39.5 months (12 to 73), the ankles with hindfoot fusion showed significant improvement in the mean visual analogue score for pain (p < 0.001), the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (p < 0.001), and the mean of a modified version of this score (p < 0.001). The mean visual analogue pain score (p = 0.304) and mean modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (p = 0.119) were not significantly different between the hindfoot fusion and the control groups. However, the hindfoot fusion group had a significantly lower mean range of movement (p = 0.009) and a higher rate of posterior focal osteolysis (p = 0.04). Both groups showed various complications (p = 0.131) and failure occurring at a similar rate (p = 0.685).

Subtalar or triple fusion is feasible and has minimal adverse effects on ankles treated with total ankle replacement up to midterm follow-up. The clinical outcome of total ankle replacement when combined with hindfoot fusion is comparable to that of ankle replacement alone. Thus, hindfoot fusion should be performed in conjunction with total ankle replacement when indicated.
The relationship between head-neck ratio and pseudotumour formation in metal-on-metal resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip
Authors: Grammatopoulos G. , Pandit H. , Murray D. W. , Gill H. S.
Published: November 2010

Pseudotumour is a rare but important complication of metal-on-metal hip resurfacing that occurs much more commonly in women than in men. We examined the relationship between head-neck ratio (HNR) and pseudotumour formation in 18 resurfaced hips (18 patients) revised for pseudotumour and 42 asymptomatic control resurfaced hips (42 patients).

Patients in whom pseudotumour formation had occurred had higher pre-operative HNR than the control patients (mean 1.37 (sd 0.10) vs mean 1.30 (sd 0.08) p = 0.001). At operation the patients with pseudotumours had a greater reduction in the size of their femoral heads (p = 0.035) and subsequently had greater neck narrowing (mean 10.1% (sd 7.2) vs mean 3.8% (sd 3.2) p < 0.001). No female patient with a pre-operative HNR ≤ 1.3 developed a pseudotumour.

We suggest that reducing the size of the femoral head, made possible by a high pre-operative HNR, increases the risk of impingement and edge loading, and may contribute to high wear and pseudotumour formation. As the incidence of pseudotumour is low in men, it appears safe to perform resurfacing in men. However, this study suggests that it is also reasonable to resurface in women with a pre-operative HNR ≤ 1.3.
Transient subluxation of the femoral head after total hip replacement
Authors: McGrory B. J. , McGrory C. P. , Barbour L. , Barbour B.
Published: November 2010

Dislocation is a common and well-studied complication after total hip replacement. However, subluxation, which we define as a clinically recognised episode of incomplete movement of the femoral head outside the acetabulum with spontaneous reduction, has not been studied previously. Out of a total of 2521 hip replacements performed over 12 years by one surgeon, 30 patients experienced subluxations which occurred in 31 arthroplasties. Data were collected prospectively with a minimum follow-up of two years. Subluxation occurred significantly more frequently after revision than after primary hip replacement, and resolved in 19 of 31 cases (61.3%). In six of the 31 hips (19.4%) the patient subsequently dislocated the affected hip, and in six hips (19.4%) intermittent subluxation continued. Four patients had a revision operation for instability, three for recurrent dislocation and one for recurrent subluxation. Clinical and radiological comparisons with a matched group of stable total hips showed no correlation with demographic or radiological parameters.

Patients with subluxing hips reported significantly more concern that their hip would dislocate, more often changed their behaviour to prevent instability and had lower postoperative Harris hip scores than patients with stable replacements.
The prognosis for patients with osteosarcoma who have received prior manipulative therapy
Authors: Wu P.-K. , Chen W.-M. , Lee O. K. , Chen C.-F. , Huang C.-K. , Chen T.-H.
Published: November 2010

We evaluated the long-term outcome of patients with an osteosarcoma who had undergone prior manipulative therapy, a popular treatment in Asia, and investigated its effects on several prognostic factors. Of the 134 patients in this study, 70 (52%) patients had manipulative therapy and 64 (48%) did not. The age, location, and size of tumour were not significantly different between the groups. The five-year overall survival rate was 58% and 92% in the groups with and without manipulative therapy (p = 0.004). Both the primary and overall rates of lung metastasis were significantly higher in the manipulative group (primary: 32% vs 3%, p = 0.003; overall lung metastasis rate: 51.4% vs 18.8%, p < 0.001). Patients who had manipulative therapy had higher local recurrence rates in comparison to patients who did not (29% vs 6%, p = 0.011). The prognosis for patients with osteosarcoma who had manipulative therapy was significantly poorer than those who had not. Manipulative therapy was an independent factor for survival.

This form of therapy may serve as a mechanism to accelerate the spread of tumour cells, and therefore must be avoided in order to improve the outcome for patients with an osteosarcoma.
Metastatic adenocarcinoma after intramedullary fixation of a tibial fracture
Authors: Ahmed I. , Robinson C. M. , Patton J. T. , Cook R. E.
Published: November 2010

We present two cases of metastatic lung cancer which occurred at the site of a previously united tibial fracture. Both patients were treated with a locked intramedullary nail. The patients presented with metastases at the site of their initial fracture approximately 16 and 13 months after injury respectively.

We discuss this unusual presentation and review the relevant literature. We are unaware of any previous reports of a metastatic tumour occurring at the site of an orthopaedic implant used to stabilise a non-pathological fracture. These cases demonstrate the similar clinical presentation of infection and malignancy: a diagnosis which should always be considered in such patients.
The association between clubfoot and developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Perry D. C. , Tawfiq S. M. , Roche A. , Shariff R. , Garg N. K. , James L. A. , Sampath J. , Bruce C. E.
Published: November 2010

The association between idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) and developmental dysplasia of the hip is uncertain. We present an observational cohort study spanning 6.5 years of selective ultrasound screening of hips in clubfoot. From 119 babies with CTEV there were nine cases of hip dysplasia, in seven individuals. This suggests that 1 in 17 babies with CTEV will have underlying hip dysplasia.

This study supports selective ultrasound screening of hips in infants with CTEV.
Resurfacing registers concern
Authors: Simpson J. M. , Villar R. N.
Published: November 2010

We review the history and literature of hip resurfacing arthroplasty. Resurfacing and the science behind it continues to evolve. Recent results, particularly from the national arthroplasty registers, have spread disquiet among both surgeons and patients. A hip resurfacing arthroplasty is not a total hip replacement, but should perhaps be seen as a means of delaying it. The time when hip resurfacing is offered to a patient may be different from that for a total hip replacement. The same logic can apply to the timing of revision surgery. Consequently, the comparison of resurfacing with total hip replacement may be a false one. Nevertheless, the need for innovative solutions for young arthroplasty patients is clear. Total hip replacement can be usefully delayed in many of these patients by the use of hip resurfacing arthroplasty.