bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problems across care pathways in specialist adult eating disorder services
Authors: Waller Glenn , Schmidt Ulrike , Treasure Janet , Murray Katie , Aleyna Joana , Emanuelli Francesca , Crockett Jo , Yeomans Maria
Published: January 2009

Aims and Method

Despite considerable knowledge of outcomes for patients who complete treatment for eating disorders, less is known about earlier stages in the treatment journey. This study aimed to map the efficiency of the anticipated patient journey along care pathways. Referrals to specialist eating disorder services (n=1887) were tracked through the process of referral, assessment, treatment and discharge.

Results

The patient mortality rate was low. However, there were serious problems of attrition throughout the care pathways. of the original referrals where a meaningful conclusion could be reached, in approximately 35% the person was never seen, only half entered treatment and only a quarter reached the end of treatment.

Clinical Implications

This study demonstrates considerable inefficiency of resource utilisation. Suggestions are made for reducing this inefficiency, to allow more patients the opportunity of evidence-based care.
Benzodiazepine and hypnotic prescribing in an acute adult psychiatric in-patient unit
Authors: Hallahan Brian P. , Murray Ivan T. , McDonald Colm
Published: January 2009

Aims and Method

We examined the prescribing practices concerning benzodiazepine and hypnotic medications at a university teaching hospital. Retrospective data from 74 consecutively admitted in-patients were analysed.

Results

Benzodiazepines were prescribed to 51% of individuals on a routine basis and to 66% of individuals on an ‘as required’ basis. An indication was documented for 70% of individuals prescribed benzodiazepines routinely and for 29% of patients prescribed benzodiazepines ‘as required’. Hypnotic agents were administered to 24% of patients on a routine basis and 23% of individuals on an ‘as required’ basis. An indication was documented for 39% of patients prescribed hypnotic agents routinely and 12% of patients prescribed hypnotics ‘as required’.

Clinical Implications

Benzodiazepine and hypnotic agents are frequently prescribed without any clear reason provided in the patients' medical notes or prescription card.
Developmental disorders come of age
Authors: Berney Tom
Published: January 2009

A review of the presentation and the issues surrounding the management of developmental disorders which, while always part of the remit of child psychiatry and learning disability psychiatry, are relatively new to adult psychiatry.
Effects of O and N impurities on the nanostructural evolution during growth of Cr/Sc multilayers
Authors: Ghafoor Naureen , Eriksson Fredrik , Mikhaylushkin Arkady S. , Abrikosov Igor A. , Gullikson Eric. M. , Kressig Ulrich , Beckers Manfred , Hultman Lars , Birch Jens
Published: January 2009

Transition metal multilayers are prime candidates for high reflectivity soft x-ray multilayer mirrors. In particular, Cr/Sc multilayers in the amorphous state have proven to give the highest reflectivity in the water window. We have investigated the influence of impurities N and O as residual gas elements on the growth, structure, and optical performance of Cr/Sc multilayers deposited in high vacuum conditions by a dual cathode direct current magnetron sputter deposition. Multilayer structures with the modulation periods in the range of 0.9–4.5 nm and Cr layer to bilayer thickness ratios in the range of 0.17–0.83 were deposited with an intentionally raised base pressure (pB), ranging from 2 × 10−7 to 2 × 10−5 Torr. Compositional depth profiles were obtained by elastic recoil detection analysis and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, while the structural investigations of the multilayers were carried out using hard x-ray reflectivity and transmission electron microscopy. By investigating stacked multilayers, i.e., several multilayers with different designs of the modulation periods, stacked on top of each other in the samples, we have been able to conclude that both N and O are incorporated preferentially in the interior of the Sc layers. At pB ≤ 2 × 10−6 Torr, typically <3 at.% of N and <1.5 at.% of O was found, which did not influence the amorphous nanostructure of the layers. Multilayers deposited with a high pB ∼2 × 10−5 Torr, a N content as high as ∼37 at.% was measured by elastic recoil detection analysis. These multilayers mainly consist of understoichiometric face-centered cubic CrNx/ScNy nanocrystalline layers, which could be grown as thin at 0.3 nm and is explained by a stabilizing effect on the ScNy layers during growth. It is also shown that by adding a background pressure of as little as 5 × 10−6 Torr of pure N2 the soft x-ray reflectivity (λ = 3.11 nm) can be enhanced by more than 100% by N incorporation into the multilayer structures, whereas pure O2 at the same background pressure had no effect.
The effect of porogen loading on the stiffness and fracture energy of brittle organosilicates
Authors: Li Han , Lin Youbo , Tsui Ting Y. , Vlassak Joost J.
Published: January 2009

Integrating porous low-permittivity dielectrics into Cu metallization is one of the strategies to reduce power consumption, signal propagation delays, and crosstalk between interconnects for the next generation of integrated circuits. The porosity and pore structure of these low-kdielectric materials, however, also affect other important material properties in addition to the dielectric constant. In this paper, we investigate the impact of porogen loading on the stiffness and cohesive fracture energy of a series of porous organosilicate glass (OSG) thin films using nanoindentation and the double-cantilever beam (DCB) technique. The OSG films were deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and had a porosity in the range of 7−45%. We show that the degree of porogen loading during the deposition process changes both the network structure and the porosity of the dielectric, and we resolve the contributions of both effects to the stiffness and fracture energy of the films. The experimental results for stiffness are compared with micromechanical models and finite element calculations. It is demonstrated that the stiffness of the OSG films depends sensitively on their porosity and that considerable improvements in stiffness may be obtained through further optimization of the pore microstructure. The cohesive fracture energy of the films decreases linearly with increasing porosity, consistent with a simple planar through-pore fracture mechanism.
On the role of vibration frequency on the solidification of AZ91D magnesium alloys during electromagnetic vibration
Authors: Li Mingjun , Tamura Takuya , Miwa Kenji
Published: January 2009

In the present paper, we solidified magnesium-based AZ91D alloys in a superconducting magnetic field when an alternating current flowed through the alloy. As the direction of the magnetic field is perpendicular to that of the alternating current, a periodic electromagnetic force is produced to activate an electromagnetic vibration (EMV) on the alloy during solidification. The microstructure formation and microtexture evolution processed by EMV were examined. A significant difference arises in electrical resistivity between a solid and a liquid in the mushy zone of the alloy, making the solid move faster than the liquid and thus generating uncoupled motion, from which melt flow is initiated. The texture evolution obtained by x-ray diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mapping reveal a strong dependence of melt flow intensity versus vibration frequency. A further analysis reveals that melt flow is rather weak when the vibration frequency is too low and thus the segmentation of growing crystals cannot be thoroughly completed. At medium vibration frequencies, severe fluid flow occurs, which favors fragmentation and thus results in a refined microstructure and a random microtexture. When the vibration frequency is too high, the relative leading distance covered by the mobile solid is rather short and melt flow once again becomes weak. Meanwhile, the static magnetic field makes the crystals orient to their easy magnetization direction and thus yields highly aligned textures. Experimentally, the present systematic observation indicates that the role of melt flow is of substantial importance in revealing the origin of structure formation when the alloy is solidified at various vibration frequencies.
Strain rate and temperature effects on dynamic properties of high-strength weldable aluminum-scandium alloy
Authors: Lee Woei-Shyan , Chen Tao-Hsing
Published: January 2009

The dynamic mechanical behavior, fracture characteristics, and microstructural evolution of high-strength weldable aluminum-scandium (Al–Sc) alloy were investigated using a compressive split Hopkinson pressure bar at strain rates of 1.3 × 103, 3.6 × 103, and 5.9 × 103 s−1, respectively, and temperatures of −100, 25, and 300 °C. The results showed that the flow stress, work hardening rate, and strain rate sensitivity increase with increasing strain rate but decrease with increasing temperature. Conversely, the activation volume and activation energy increase as the temperature increases or the strain rate decreases. Moreover, the fracture strain decreases with increasing strain rate and decreasing temperature. It was shown that the Zerilli–Armstrong face-centered-cubic (fcc) constitutive equation provides accurate predictions of the mechanical response of the Al–Sc alloy under the considered strain rate and temperature conditions. Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that the fracture surfaces of the impacted specimens are characterized by transgranular dimpled features, which are indicative of a ductile failure mode. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy observations indicated the presence of both fine and coarse randomly dispersed precipitates within the matrix and at the grain boundaries. It was found that an increasing strain rate reduces the size of the dislocation cells within the impacted Al–Sc microstructure and therefore increases the dislocation density. However, at higher temperatures, the dislocations are annihilated, leading to a reduction in the dislocation density and a corresponding increase in the dislocation cell size. The variations observed in the size and density of the dislocation cells were found to be consistent with the dynamic tendencies noted in the stress–strain response of the Al–Sc alloy.
An efficient solution for the single-step synthesis of 4CaO·Al2O3·Fe2O3 powders
Authors: Ianoş Robert
Published: January 2009

Single-phase nanocrystalline 4CaO·Al2O3·Fe2O3 powders were prepared directly from the combustion reaction using a new cost-effective, time-saving, and environmentally friendly version of solution combustion synthesis. Instead of a single fuel, a fuel mixture of urea and β-alanine was used. It was shown by x-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive x-ray analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and optical microscopy that this new version of the solution combustion synthesis allows the maximization of the exothermic effect associated with the combustion reaction. On the other hand, it was shown that the traditional version of combustion synthesis involving the use of a single fuel, such as urea or β-alanine, does not ensure the formation of Ca4Al2Fe2O10 unless subsequent thermal treatments are applied. It was suggested that the occurrence of combustion reactions cannot be regarded only in terms of adiabatic temperature, as the kinetic aspects overrule the thermodynamic ones.
Single asperity tribochemical wear of silicon by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Katsuki Futoshi
Published: January 2009

Measurements of single asperity wear on oxidized silicon surface in aqueous potassium hydroxide (KOH) using atomic force microscopy (AFM), where the single crystal silicon tip was used both to tribologically load and image the surface, is presented. AFM was also operating in the lateral (frictional) force mode to investigate the pH dependence of kinetic friction between the tip and the SiO2 surface. It was shown that the Si tip wear amount strongly depended on the solution pH value and was at a maximum at around pH 10. It was also found that the Si removal volume in mol was approximately equal to that of SiO2 irrespective of the solution pH value. This equality implies that the formation of the Si–O–Si bridge between one Si atom of the tip and one SiO2 molecule of the specimen at the wear interface. The surface of the Si tip is then oxidized. Finally, the bond rupture by the tip movement will occur, the dimeric silica (OH)3Si–O–Si(OH)3, including the Si–O–Si bridge, is dissolved in the KOH solution. The frictional signal is also sensitive to the pH values of the solution and peaked at around pH 10. These results indicate that the removal behavior of the Si tip and SiO2 surface would be affected by the frictional force between the Si and the SiO2, because of an increased liquid temperature and a compressive stress in Si and SiO2 networks. Strong influence is observed by the pH of the ambient solution confirming the important role of the OH− in the wear mechanism. Pressure dependence of the microwear behavior under aqueous electrolyte solutions has also been investigated. A microscopic removal mechanism, which is determined by interplay of the diffusion of water in Si and SiO2, is presented.
Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline tungsten oxide nanosheets in large scale
Authors: Hu Rong , Wu Huasheng , Hong Kunquan
Published: January 2009

A high quantity of tungsten oxide nanosheets were synthesized by oxidizing tungsten plates with potassium hydrate as the catalyst and tungsten plate as the substrate. The structural and geometrical properties were characterized by various techniques. It was found that the crystalline nanosheets have a WO3 structure with thicknesses of 30–50 nm and widths up to tens of micrometers. There exist two characteristic acute angles of about 37° or 51° on the nanosheet plane. The formation of these angles and the growth mechanism were discussed.
Tunable electrical properties of polystyrene/gold core-shell structure by in situ metallization of cationic gold complex on selective ion-exchange sites
Authors: Lee Jun-Ho , Choi Hyoukryeol , Nam Jae-Do
Published: January 2009

Gold-coated polystyrene (PS) beads were fabricated by an in situ metallization route involving a cationic-gold complex with a controlled amount of sulfonic acid groups formed on the PS bead surface. The interaction ratio of SO3−to [Au(phen)Cl2]+may be estimated to be 2.4, which means that 2.4 sulfonated groups will interact with one gold cationic ligand based on geometric considerations. A modeling methodology was developed to predict the mechanical deformation, conductivity, and contact surface area of a spherical bead under compression.
Novel ultrahigh-strength nanolath martensitic steel by quenching–partitioning–tempering process
Authors: Wang X.D. , Zhong N. , Rong Y.H. , Hsu (Z.Y. Xu) T.Y. , Wang L.
Published: January 2009

A modified heat treatment process designated quenching–partitioning–tempering (Q–P–T) process is developed based on the quenching and partitioning process proposed by J.G. Speer et al. [Acta Mater.51, 2611 (2003)] and D.K. Matlock et al. [Mater. Sci. Forum426–432, 1089 (2003)]. A Fe–0.485C–1.195Mn–1.185Si–0.98Ni–0.21Nb steel after Q–P–T process satisfies the designed requirement of tensile strength over 2000 MPa and elongation over 10%. The microstructure characterization indicates that this ultrahigh-strength steel consists of nanomicrostructures including lath martensite, filmlike retained austenite, and dispersive Nb-containing carbides. The effect of tempering time on the mechanical properties is analyzed based on microstructures.
Micro-tectonic constraints on the evolution of the Barles half-window (Digne nappe, southern Alps). Implications for the timing of folding in the Valensole foreland basin
Authors: Fournier Marc , Agard Philippe , Petit Carole
Published: January 2009

The “Vélodrome” overturned syncline, at the northern margin of the Cenozoic foreland basin of Valensole in SE France, was formed during the Late Cenozoic at the front of the Digne nappe. Microstructural analyses reveal that mesoscale faulting in the molassic series, from the Oligocene “Molasse Rouge” at the base to the middle to late Miocene “Valensole Conglomerates” at the top, partly occurred before the folding, as layer-parallel shortening: the NNE-SSW-directed compression is recorded by two systems of reverse and strike-slip faults, which formed when the strata were still horizontal and were passively tilted as folding occurred. These data suggest that the Vélodrome folding postdates the deposition of the Valensole Conglomerates and occurred in late Miocene-Pliocene times during the emplacement of the Digne nappe. These results are difficult to reconcile with the interpretation of the Vélodrome as a growth fold progressively formed in 10–15 m.y. during the deposition of the Miocene molasses. Structural data collected in the Barles tectonic half-window enable to reconstruct the evolution of the deformation since the Jurassic. The two main phases of shortening, the pre-Oligocene Pyrenean-Provençal and the Mio-Pliocene Alpine phases, are almost homoaxial with a direction of compression trending N-S for the former and NNE-SSW for the later. A late Eocene-basal Oligocene N-S extensional episode is documented between these two phases, probably in relation with the formation of the western European rift system. The direction of extension of the Liassic rifting of the Alpine Tethys is roughly constrained in the NW-SE quadrant. Paleo-stress field reconstruction brings consistent results at the regional scale and proves to be a powerful tool to decipher the evolution of the deformation in a remarkably complicated tectonic setting.
Early Ordovician volcanism in the Iberian Chains (NE Spain) and its influence on the preservation of shell concentrations
Authors: Álvaro Jose Javier , Ezzouhairi Hassan , Ribeiro M. Luisa , Ramos J. Farinha , Solá A. Rita
Published: January 2009

Research is described to evaluate the influence of volcanic activity on studies of shell-concentration taphonomy and biodiversity patterns in strata that commonly display poor densities of skeletal debris. Two volcanic episodes are recorded in the Lower Ordovician of the Iberian Chains: (i) a succession of Tremadocian-earliest “Arenig”, eruptive felsic products, expelled explosively and characterized by the onset of rhyolitic and dacitic tuffs embedded in the Borrachón and Santed formations; and (ii) an “Arenig”, effusive basaltic volcanic episode, represented by a single lava flow embedded in the Armorican Quartzite. The volcanic activity reflects a change from sub-alkaline to alkaline geochemical affinities, related to the Early Ordovician magmatism recorded in southwestern Europe that is commonly attributed to the opening of the Rheic Ocean.

The felsic explosive tuffs are associated with two ecosystem disturbance events: (i) a short-term colonization event of opportunistic linguliformean brachiopods that proliferated in the aftermath of a multi-event rhyolitic pyroclastic surge deposit; and (ii) several single-event mass-mortality horizons associated with dacitic pyroclastic flows responsible for the preservation of high-diverse allochthonous coquinas. Our knowledge of the biodiversity patterns achieved by the benthic communities preserved in the poorly fossiliferous, siliciclastic strata of the Iberian Chains is, as a result, strongly biased by the presence of skeletal tuffs, directly controlled by the onset of neighbouring eruptive explosions.
Mineralogy of agglutinated benthic foraminifera; implications for paleo-environmental reconstructions
Authors: Armynot du Chatelet Eric , Recourt Philippe , Chopin Vincent
Published: January 2009

Benthic foraminifera of recent salt marsh environments are often dominated by species with an agglutinated test. The grains used for test construction by these foraminifera are collected from their surrounding environment. In this study we investigate the role of sediment grain size and mineralogical composition for richness, population density and taxonomic composition of agglutinating foraminifera. Foraminifera from 15 stations of the tidal marsh of the Canche estuary (Pas-de-Calais, France) were studied.

The species richness depends on the grain size of the sediment, whereas the density is not related to sediment grain size. The distribution of foraminifera species throughout the tidal marsh may depend on many environmental parameters such as OM as well as tidal elevation, already largely discussed in literature. The mineralogical composition of the agglutinated grains in Trochammina inflata and Arenoparrella mexicana is very different from that of sediment; the composition of Jadammina macrescens is generally different from that of the sediment with some exceptions, and in Miliammina fusca, Paratrochammina haynesi and Remaneica plicata the mineralogical compositions are similar to those of the sediment. The studied species may be able to select their preferred grains based upon composition even if a particular mineral is scarce in the sediment.
A new species of Argillochelys (Testudines: Cryptodira: Cheloniidae) from the Ouled Abdoun phosphate basin, Morocco
Authors: Tong Haiyan , Hirayama Ren
Published: January 2009

A new species of Argillochelys (Testudines: Cryptodira: Cheloniidae), A. africana n. sp. is described on the basis of three skulls and a lower jaw from the Lower Tertiary beds of the Ouled Abdoun phosphate basin, Morocco. It differs from A. cuneiceps, A. antiqua and A. athersuchi essentially in the frontal well retracted from the orbital margin, with a broad prefrontal/postorbital contact, a more developed secondary palate, and the anterior part of the lower jaw more dorsoventrally flattened, with a wider triturating surface and a longer symphysis, without lingual ridge. This is the first record of Argillochelys from Africa.
The Misperception of Norms: The Psychology of Bias and the Economics of Equilibrium
Authors: Cooter Robert D , Feldman Michal , Feldman Yuval
Published: January 2009

This study combines the psychology of bias and the economics of equilibrium. We focus on two of the most discussed perceptual biases found by psychologists who studied the role social norms in ethical decision making. First, psychologists found a general tendency of people to over-estimate how many other people engage in unethical behavior. We show that this bias causes more people to violate the norm than if the bias were corrected. Second, psychologists found a general tendency of a person to over-estimate how many other people act the same as he does. We show that this bias does not change the number of people who violate the norm, contrary to the predictions of some psychologists. When a person suffers from both biases, they can augment or undermine each other. In either case, we show that supplying accurate information will cause more people to conform to the norm. In general, we show that applying the equilibrium concept to psychological studies improves public policy recommendations by increasing precision in predicting aggregate behavior over time.
Psychology and Institutional Design
Authors: Tyler Tom
Published: January 2009

I argue for the usefulness of a value-based approach to legal regulation. The value-based approach designs institutions in ways that promote the development of values such as legitimacy. Such a development of values encourages people to follow the rules because they believe they ought to, rather than out of fear of punishment. I suggest that the deterrence approach has limits and that the values-based model is a more efficient and effective basis for encouraging people to bring their behavior into line with law and legal institutions.
Lawmakers as Norm Entrepreneurs
Authors: Carbonara Emanuela , Parisi Francesco , von Wangenheim Georg
Published: January 2009

In this paper we consider the role of lawmakers as norm entrepreneurs. Drawing from expressive law theories and social response theories, we shed light on the role of law in shaping social values and norms, and on the ability of the law to produce social norms where they did not exist before. Furthermore, we unveil a possible undesirable effect of legal intervention, where a legal innovation can cause social divide and possible conflicts.
Introduction: Symposium on Social Norms, Self-Interest and Legal Compliance, Jerusalem, May 2007
Authors: Feldman Yuval , Depoorter Ben
Published: January 2009

The papers presented in this volume are based on the conference "Social Norms, Self-Interest and Legal Compliance" which took place in Bar-Ilan University and Hebrew University in May 2007. The conference focused on several key themes in the social norms literature, including critical approaches to the role of self-interest in social norms and cooperation models; comparative discussions of the various methodologies used in this literature (e.g. ethnographies, game-based experiments, experimental surveys); the nature of the effect of legal regulation on social norms; behavioral accounts of legal instruments that may enhance social cooperation; and explorations of the potential contributions of the social and cognitive psychology sciences to economic models of social norms. In this volume, we present six of the conference papers. All submitted papers were subject to anonymous peer review.
Comparison of the mechanical behaviors of semicontoured, locking plate–rod fixation and anatomically contoured, conventional plate–rod fixation applied to experimentally induced gap fractures in canine femora
Authors: Goh Clara S. S. , Santoni Brandon G. , Puttlitz Christian M. , Palmer Ross H.
Published: January 2009

Objective—To compare the mechanical behaviors of a semicontoured, locking compression plate–rod (LCP-rod) construct and an anatomically contoured, limited-contact dynamic compression plate–rod (LC–DCP-rod) construct applied to experimentally induced gap fractures in canine femora.

Sample Population—16 femora from 8 cadaveric dogs.

Procedures—8 limbs from 8 dogs were assigned to the LCP-rod construct group or the LC–DCP-rod construct group. In each femur, a 39-mm mid-diaphyseal ostectomy was performed at the same plate location and the assigned construct was applied. Construct stiffness and ostectomy gap subsidence were determined before and after cyclic axial loading (6,000 cycles at 20%, 40%, and 60% of live body weight [total, 18,000 cycles]). Three constructs from each group further underwent 45,000 cycles at 60% of body weight (total, 63,000 cycles). Following cyclic loading, mode of failure during loading to failure at 5 mm/min was recorded for all constructs.

Results—After 18,000 or 63,000 cycles, construct stiffness did not differ significantly between construct groups. No implant failure occurred in any construct that underwent 63,000 cycles. In both construct groups, ostectomy gap subsidence similarly increased as axial load increased but did not change after 18,000 cycles. Mean ± SEM loads at failure in the LCP-rod (1,493.83 ± 200.12 N) and LC–DCP-rod (1,276.05 ± 156.11 N) construct groups were not significantly different. The primary failure event in all constructs occurred at the screw hole immediately distal to the ostectomy.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Biomechanically, the semicontoured LCP-rod construct is similar to the anatomically contoured LC–DCP-rod system.
Assessment of oxidative stress in leukocytes and granulocyte function following oral administration of a silibinin-phosphatidylcholine complex in cats
Authors: Webb Craig B. , McCord Kelly W. , Twedt David C.
Published: January 2009

Objective—To determine the effect of oral administration of a silibinin-phosphatidylcholine complex (SPC) on oxidative stress in leukocytes and granulocyte function in healthy cats.

Animals—10 purpose-bred adult cats.

Procedures—Cats were administered SPC (10 mg/kg/d) orally for 5 days; blood samples were collected prior to and immediately after the 5-day treatment period. Leukocytes were incubated with monochlorobimane for detection of reduced glutathione (GSH) via flow cytometry. Leukocytes were also incubated with dihydrorhodamine 123 and mixed with Escherichia coli conjugated to a fluorescent marker to measure E coli phagocytosis and the subsequent oxidative burst via flow cytometry. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, along with the reduced glutathione-to-oxidized glutathione (GSH:GSSG) ratio and a measure of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde concentration [Mmol/L of blood]), were measured spectrophotometrically.

Results—The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), representing GSH content, increased significantly in feline lymphocytes and granulocytes following 5 days of oral administration of SPC. Mean ± SD lymphocyte MFI significantly increased from 27.8 ± 9.0 to 39.6 ± 6.7, and the granulocyte MFI increased from 508.6 ± 135.6 to 612.1 ± 122.9. Following 5 days of SPC administration, the percentage of phagocytic cells that were responding optimally significantly increased (from 37 ± 11.8% to 45 ± 17.5%). Other measures of oxidative stress did not change significantly.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In cats, oral administration of supplemental SPC appears to increase granulocyte GSH content and phagocytic function, both of which would be potentially beneficial in cats with diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Low-level copy gain versus amplification of myc oncogenes in medulloblastoma: utility in predicting prognosis and survival
Authors: Takei Hidehiro , Nguyen Yummy , Mehta Vidya , Chintagumpala Murali , Dauser Robert C. , Adesina Adekunle M.
Published: January 2009

Object

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a malignant embryonal tumor of the cerebellum. Amplification of c-myc or N-myc is infrequently identified and, when present, is often associated with the large cell/anaplastic (LC/A) phenotype. The frequency of low-level copy gain of myc oncogenes and its relationship to prognosis of MB has not been explored.

Methods

Archival cases of MB were histologically reviewed and classified into 3 major subtypes: classic, nodular, and LC/A. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the authors analyzed 58 cases with a pure histological subtype for the copy number (CN) of myc (c-myc and N-myc) oncogenes. Cases with > 5-fold CN were further analyzed using the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) assay. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed.

Results

A > 5-fold myc CN was noted in 5 (20.8%) of 24 LC/A, 1 (5.3%) of 19 classic, and 2 (13.3%) of 15 nodular subtypes. In a significant number of tumors (14 [56%] of 24 LC/A, 13 [68%] of 19 classic, and 10 [67%] of 15 nodular MBs) the CN was > 2-fold but < 5-fold. High-level amplification, defined as > 10-fold CN, was only seen in the LC/A subtype (5 cases), although moderate amplification (> 5-fold but < 10-fold) could be detected in other histological subtypes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization readily detected most cases corresponding to tumors with > 5-fold amplicon CN by quantitative real-time PCR, and could detect all 5 cases with > 10-fold CN by quantitative real-time PCR. The group of patients with > 5-fold myc amplicon CN showed significantly shorter survival than those with < 5-fold CN (p = 0.045), independent of histological subtype.

Conclusions

Since FISH could easily detect most cases in the moderate-to-high myc gene amplification (> 5-fold CN) group, the FISH assay has utility in detecting subsets of MB with poorer prognosis.
Arteriovenous shunting as a new feature of PHACES
Authors: Wang Huan , Oh Albert K. , Orbach Darren B.
Published: January 2009

Patients with the congenital neurocutaneous disorder PHACES are at a markedly increased risk of ischemic infarction during childhood. Although intracranial arterial anomalies have been well described, venous abnormalities have not been documented. The authors report on a unique case of a 3-month-old girl with PHACES and a skull base osteodural arteriovenous fistula. A separate arteriovenous shunt at T-5 may also have been present. Imaging findings and treatment strategies are discussed.
Prevention of cerebral vasospasm by local delivery of cromakalim with a biodegradable controlled-release system in a rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Omeis Ibrahim , Chen Weiliam , Jhanwar-Uniyal Meena , Rozental Renato , Murali Raj , Abrahams John M.
Published: January 2009

Object

One mechanism that contributes to cerebral vasospasm is the impairment of potassium channels in vascular smooth muscles. Adenosine triphosphate–sensitive potassium channel openers (PCOs) appear to be particularly effective for dilating cerebral arteries in experimental models of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A mode of safe administration that provides timed release of PCO drugs is still a subject of investigation. The authors tested the efficacy of locally delivered intrathecal cromakalim, a PCO, incorporated into a controlled-release system to prevent cerebral vasospasm in a rat model of SAH.

Methods

Cromakalim was coupled to a viscous carrier, hyaluronan, 15% by weight. In vitro release kinetics studies showed a steady release of cromakalim over days. Fifty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 350–400 g each were divided into 10 groups and treated with various doses of cromakalim or cromakalim/hyaluronan in a rat double SAH model. Treatment was started 30 minutes after the second SAH induction. Animals were killed 3 days after treatment, and the basilar arteries were processed for morphometric measurements and histological analysis.

Results

Controlled release of cromakalim from the cromakalim/hyaluronan implant at a dose of 0.055 mg/kg significantly increased lumen patency in a dose-dependent manner up to 94 ± 8% (mean ± standard error of the mean) of the basilar arteries of the sham group compared with the empty polymer group (p = 0.006). Results in the empty polymer group were not different from those in the SAH-only group, with a lumen patency of 65 ± 12%. Lumen patencies of the cromakalim-only groups did not differ in statistical significance at low (64 ± 9%) or high (66 ± 7%) doses compared to the SAH-only group.

Conclusions

Treatment of SAH with a controlled-release cromakalim/hyaluronan implant prevented experimental cerebral vasospasm in this rat double hemorrhage model; this inhibition was dose-dependent. The authors' results confirm that sustained delivery of cromakalim perivascularly to cerebral vessels could be an effective therapeutic strategy in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm after SAH.
Outcomes and complications of direct end-to-side facial-hypoglossal nerve anastomosis according to the modified May technique
Authors: Venail Frederic , Sabatier Pascal , Mondain Michel , Segniarbieux François , Leipp Christophe , Uziel Alain
Published: January 2009

Object

The aim of this study was to address the efficiency and safety of direct end-to-side facial-hypoglossal nerve anastomosis for facial palsy rehabilitation.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective study of 12 consecutive procedures performed between December 2000 and February 2006. Facial palsies were caused by the surgical removal of tumors in the brainstem, cerebellopontine angle, or mastoid process. Direct end-to-side facial-hypoglossal anastomosis was performed in each case. Facial function (evaluated using the overall percentage of facial function and House-Brackmann scale grades), as well as tongue trophicity and mobility, were assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Postoperative early and late complications were systematically reviewed.

Results

The mean delay between tumoral and reparative surgery was 15.9 ± 4 months (median 11 months). Preoperatively, the mean percentage facial function score was 11.6 ± 1.7% (45% of patients with House-Brackmann Grade 5 facial palsy and 55% of patients with House-Brackmann Grade 6). Mean facial function scores increased to 19.3, 32.2, and 43.8% at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery, respectively. Twenty-four months after surgery, 50% of cases had House-Brackmann Grade 3 facial palsy and 50% had Grade 4. A significantly better recovery at 24 months was observed postoperatively for neural lesions occurring in the mastoid or the brainstem compared with those in the cerebellopontine angle. Tongue hemiparesis was observed in 5 patients (41.7%), 2 of whom had tongue hypotrophy (16.7%). No patient complained of swallowing or speech disturbance. Facial synkinesis was noted in 1 patient (8.3%).

Conclusions

Facial recovery after direct end-to-side facial-hypoglossal nerve anastomosis is similar to results observed with end-to-end or end-to-side facial-hypoglossal nerve anastomosis with an interpositional graft. Tongue hypotrophy and palsy were observed in a small number of cases. This procedure allows one to minimize, although not fully prevent, facial synkinesis. The site of the neural lesion appears to be an important factor in the prognosis of recovery.
Albert Wojciech Adamkiewicz (1850–1921): unsung hero behind the eponymic artery
Authors: Manjila Sunil , Haroon Nivin , Parker Brandon , Xavier Andrew R. , Guthikonda Murali , Rengachary Setti S.
Published: January 2009

The artery of Adamkiewicz is an important radiculomedullary artery supplying the spinal cord, especially the lumbar enlargement. Anatomical knowledge of this artery is important for avoiding serious neurological complications during surgery performed in this region—for neurosurgeons and interventional radiologists treating intramedullary tumors and spinal arteriovenous malformations, traumatologists performing spinal fusions, thoracic surgeons treating aortic aneurysms, and urologists and pediatric surgeons conducting retroperitoneal dissections. However, the biography of the talented Polish pathologist Albert Adamkiewicz, after whom the landmark artery is named, has not been described adequately in the existing neurosurgical literature. The authors bring to light the historical perspective of the eponymic artery and provide a recapitulation of other significant contributions made by Adamkiewicz, mostly involving the nervous system. His research papers on the histology of neuronal tissues and neurodegenerative diseases had high scientific merit, but the discovery of the anticancer antitoxin “cancroin” and his postulation of a cancer-causing parasite he named “Coccidium sarcolytus” met with harsh criticism and eventually led to his ill fame. The biography is supplemented with a brief overview of the important surgical implications of the artery of Adamkiewicz.
Type I spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: historical review and illustrative case
Authors: Klopper Hendrik B. , Surdell Daniel L. , Thorell William E.
Published: January 2009

Type I spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas are the most common vascular malformation of the spinal cord, and an important cause of reversible progressive myelopathy. This lesion remains underdiagnosed, with most patients presenting late in the course of the disease. In this article the authors provide a review of the literature with particular attention to historical aspects related to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, classification, clinical findings, natural history, and treatment of this lesion. An illustrative case is also provided.
Anti Epileptic Activity of Poly Herbal Extract from Indian Medicinal Plants
Authors: Balamurugan Gunasekaran , Dharan Murali , Rajan Selva
Published: January 2009

With the introduction of allopathic drugs, the use of crude drugs from medicinal plants is on the decline and subsequently this traditional knowledge may be lost in the near future. In the present study, a poly herbal extract comprising of Withania somnifera Dunal, a medicinal plant used in many neuro protective Ayurvedic preparations along with five other medicinal plants were evaluated for its protective effect against seizures induced by Maximal Electro shock (MES) method in rats. A daily dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg of the extract was administered to the animals for 15 days, after which seizures were induced by Maximum electro shock method and the duration of various phases of epileptic attacks were recorded and compared with the control animals. A significant (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001) reduction in the time taken for righting reflex (recovery) was noted in the experimental animals. The levels of biogenic amines such as dopamine, serotonin and nor-adrenaline in the forebrain region were also estimated and a significant level of restoration was observed in the extract treated animals. Significant results were observed in the estimated parameters thereby justifying the use of these medicinal plants in the treatment of epilepsy.Â Keywords: Anti epileptic activity; Biogenic amines; Maximal Electro Shock; Poly herbal extract; Seizures.Â Â©2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.Â DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i1.1057Â
Measurement of Soluble Arsenic in Soil of Bangladesh by Acid-alkali Sequential Extraction
Authors: Azam Mohammad Shafiul , Shafiquzzaman Md. , Mishima Iori , Nakajima Jun
Published: January 2009

To measure easily soluble fraction of arsenic, a sequential extraction method by 0.1N HCl and 0.1N NaOH was used according to the soil phosphorus extraction procedure. The effects of reducing conditions on arsenic extraction were examined in incubation test. In high reducing conditions arsenic solubility was shown to be high and seemed to be controlled by dissolution of iron oxy-hydroxides. pH played a predominant role in determining the concentrations of soluble arsenic. Arsenic solubility could be possible at low or high pH conditions. Released arsenic in different pH and redox conditions showed that it is a part of acid extractable arsenic which is sorbed weakly on the soil surface and can be extracted during acid-alkali sequential extraction. Therefore, the method could be applicable to measure potential solubility of arsenic as a result of alteration in soil (e.g. redox, pH) and environmental factors. Sequential extraction results of the soil samples collected in dry and wet season suggested that acid-alkali extracted arsenic fractions of surface and core soil samples of paddy field were increased in wet season. They seemed to be moved with irrigation groundwater.Â Keywords: Acid-alkali extraction; Arsenic contamination; Soil arsenic mobility; Groundwater contamination; Paddy soil. Â Â© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237(Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.Â DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i1.1058Â Â
Degradation of Commercial Textile Dye By Fenton's Reagent Under Xenon Beam Irradiation in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Rahman M M , Hasnat M. A. , Sawada Kazuaki
Published: January 2009

Degradation of commercial textile dye named Malachite green (MG) has been investigated by Fenton reagent under xenon beam irradiation (1501~1532 lux, Î» â¤ 320 nm) in an aqueous solution. The degradation process was initiated by the photolysis of Fe(III)-hydroxyl species, and accelerated by xenon beam irradiation, due to enhance photolysis of Fe(III) species, which enhances the regeneration of Fe(II) with concomitant production of hydroxyl free radicals.Â  Influences of various experimental parameters, such as the concentration of H2O2, Fe (III), xenon irradiation source, and pH of the experimental solutions on the initial rate and photo-degradation extent of the MG dye degradation were assessed and optimized. Although the initial rate of degradation was not affected by the initial MG concentration, it was affected by the concentration of Fenton reagents [Fe(III) and H2O2 solution], pH of the experimental solutions, and the intensity of the xenon beam. A significant enhancement of the initial rate and extent of degradation of MG dye was observed at solution pH of ~3.1 under xenon beam radiation. Complete degradation of MG dye (>99.5 %) was achieved by xenon beam/Fentonâs reagent process in aqueous solution (pH, 3.1). Â Keywords: Malachite green; Organic dye, Dye mineralization, Fenton reagents, Xenon radiation.Â Â©2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i1.1059Â
Gravitational Radiation from Keplerian Binary with Oscillating Orbital Plane
Authors: Faruque Syed Badiuzzaman , Nawaz Muhammad Ali , Ahsan Muhammad Habibul
Published: January 2009

The gravitational radiation from two point masses in Keplerian circular or elliptic orbit is calculated with the assumption that the orbital plane of the binary undergoes small oscillation about the equilibrium x-y plane. This problem is simplification of a physically possible orbit where one of the point masses is spinning whereby the spin-orbit force drives the orbital plane to wobble in a complicated manner. It is shown that the total energy of gravitational radiation emitted by the binary in this case is greater than the energy emitted when the binary orbit is fixed in the x-y plane. The results presented are in fact a generalization of the classic results of Landau and Lifshitz. Keywords: Gravitational wave; Energy; Binary; Oscillating orbit.©2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237(Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.
Low Concentration of Cobalt Increases Growth, Biochemical Constituents, Mineral Status and Yield in Zea Mays
Authors: Jaleel Cheruth Abdul , Changxing Zhao , Jayakumar K , Iqbal M
Published: January 2009

A pot culture experiment has been carried out to find the extent of changes occurring in the biochemicals and nutrients of maize plants (Zea mays L.) grown under different concentrations of cobalt (50, 100, 150, 200, 250 mg kg-1 soil). The growth and yield parameters such as seedling vigour, number of cobs, number of seeds per plant; photosynthetic pigments viz., chlorophyll âaâ, chlorophyll âbâ, and total chlorophyll contents; biochemicals like total sugars (reducing and non reducing), starch, amino acids and protein content and various macro- and micronutrients are determined 90 days after sowing (DAS). All the growth parameters, pigment content, biochemicals and mineral content increase at 50 mg Co kg-1 soil when compared with the control. Further increase in the Co levels (100-200 mg kg-1 soil) has a negative effect on all the above parameters.Â Â  Keywords: Cobalt; Growth; Zea mays; Biochemicals; Nutrients. Â© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.Â Â DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i1.1226Â
Constituents of Leaf and Fruits Essential Oil of Carum Roxburghianum Benth
Authors: Chowdhury Jasim Uddin , Bhuiyan Md. Nazrul Islam , Begum Jaripa
Published: January 2009

Essential oil from the leaves and fruits of Carum roxburghianum Benth. is analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The oil leaf is dominated by apiol (20.81%), 2(3H)-furanone,dihydro-5-pentyl- (17.21%), 1,3-benzodioxole, 4-methoxy-6-(2-propenyl)- (9.51%) and citronellol (6.62%). The fruit oil is rich in 2-cyclohexen-1-one, 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethenyl)- (40.03%), and other components that follow are apiol (18.71%), limonene (17.11%), myristicin (12.30%), dihydrocarvone (7.89%) and eugenol (1.68%). The compositions of both oils vary qualitatively and quantitatively.Â Keywords: Carum roxburghianum; Essential oil; GC-MS analysis; Apiol, 2-cyclohexen-1-one; 2-methyl-5-(1-Â  methylethenyl)-.Â Â© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.Â DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i1.1706