bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of asymmetry of vestibular caloric response and age on balance and perceived symptoms after acute unilateral vestibular loss
Authors: Kammerlind Ann-Sofi C , Ledin Torbjörn , Ödkvist Lars , Skargren Elisabeth IB
Published: February 2006

Objective: To evaluate the influence of asymmetry of vestibular caloric response and age on balance and perceived symptoms after acute unilateral vestibular loss.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Ear, nose and throat departments in three hospitals.

Subjects: Fifty-four patients (mean age 52 years) with acute unilateral vestibular loss participating in a randomized controlled training study were included.

Main measures: Electronystagmography testing was performed within one week after onset of symptoms and after 10 weeks. The outcome measures clinical static balance tests (sharpened Romberg's test with eyes closed, standing on foam with eyes closed, and standing on one leg with eyes open and closed) and subjective symptom ratings on a visual analogue scale were done after one week, 10 weeks and six months. The correlation between age and asymmetry of vestibular caloric response, respectively, and the outcome measures were analysed.

Results: Greater caloric asymmetry correlated with poorer performance at the sharpened Romberg's test and standing on one leg with eyes closed at all three follow-ups (rho=-0.31 to -0.54), and with higher symptom ratings at the 10-week and six-month follow-ups (rho=0.30-0.60). Higher age was associated with poorer performance on the sharpened Romberg's test and standing on one leg at all three follow-ups (rho=0.31-0.64), but did not change over time. Higher age was also associated with higher ratings of vertigo at the six-month follow-up, and less reduction of vertigo between the 10-week and six-month follow-ups (rho=0.29-0.48).

Conclusions: A higher degree of asymmetry of vestibular caloric response and high age seem to be associated with poor outcome in balance and perceived symptoms after acute unilateral vestibular loss.
Predicting those who will walk after rehabilitation in a specialist stroke unit
Authors: Singh Rajiv , Hunter John , Philip Alistair , Todd Iain
Published: February 2006

Objective: To establish whether the ability to use a wheelchair shortly after a stroke or continence are related to the likelihood of walking by time of discharge.

Design and subjects: An observational study in patients admitted to a stroke rehabilitation unit for under-65s over a three-year period.

Methods: Functional Independence Measure (FIM) subscores for walking were examined on all patients at time of admission and discharge. Walking was defined by an FIM ≤ 5 in that section. Comparisons were then made between those who could self-propel a wheelchair within a week of admission with those who could not. Continence (defined by an FIM subscore of ≥ 6 in that category) was also correlated to walking at discharge.

Main outcome measure: Walking at time of discharge defined by an FIM ≥ 5 in that section.

Results: From 393 admissions, 135 were excluded because they could already walk (FIM subscore ≥ 5 in that particular section) and three died during their admission. Out of the remaining 255 patients, 108 could self-propel on admission and 147 could not. While 105 (97%) of the self-propellors could walk by time of discharge, only 91 (62%) of the non-propellors could do so (χ2=42.237, df=1, P < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) 21.54 (6.52-71.51)). Although continence also predicted improved likelihood of walking, this was at a lower level of significance and correspondingly lower odds ratio (χ2=5.894, df=1, P=0.015, OR 1.94 (1.13-3.32)).

Conclusions: The ability to self-propel a wheelchair shortly after a stroke is a significant predictor of eventually being able to walk. Our data suggest that it is even more significant than continence, which is the most consistent predictor previously found.
A comprehensive rehabilitation programme tailored to the needs of adults with muscular dystrophy
Authors: Ahlström G , Lindvall B , Wenneberg S , Gunnarsson L G
Published: February 2006

Objective: To assess if activities of daily living (ADL), coping and quality of life could be improved in adults with muscular dystrophy through a comprehensive rehabilitation programme.

Design: Quasi-experimental, controlled clinical study comparing patients with similar age and disease aspects.

Setting: Two different counties in Sweden, being either study or control setting.

Subjects: The study group comprised 37 adults (21 women, 16 men; mean age 50 years), while the control group comprised 39 people (25 women, 14 men; mean age 46 years).

Interventions: Four rehabilitation sessions tailored to different medical, physical and psychosocial needs of the patients, comprising a total of 10 days over a period of 18 months.

Main measures: ADL, the Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale measuring coping strategies, the Sickness Impact Profile measuring health-related quality of life, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Psychosocial Well-being Questionnaire.

Results: No significant differences were found between groups with regard to the outcome measures. There was increased dependence on others in ADL after 18 months in both groups, but it was more pronounced in the control group. Furthermore, a clear trend was observed in the data with regard to coping patterns, the control group using more coping strategies such as ‘Helplessness/hopelessness’ ( P=0.057), ‘Anxious preoccupation’ ( P=0.085) and ‘Fatalistic’ ( P=0.073) when being compared to the study group.

Conclusions: No apparent effects on ADL were found from the rehabilitation programme, although there was a tendency of reduction of maladaptive coping patterns in the study group. This initial study may provide the rationale and basis for a randomized controlled trial.
Use of the Barthel Index and the Functional Independence Measure during early inpatient rehabilitation after single incident brain injury
Authors: Houlden Henry , Edwards Mark , McNeil Jane , Greenwood Richard
Published: February 2006

Objective: To compare the appropriateness and responsiveness of the Barthel Index and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) during early inpatient rehabilitation after single incident brain injury.

Design: Cohort study.

Setting: A regional neurological rehabilitation unit.

Patients: Two hundred and fifty-nine consecutive patients undergoing inpatient comprehensive neurological rehabilitation following a vascular brain injury due to single cerebral infarction (n=75), spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (n=34) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (n=43), and 107 patients who had sustained traumatic brain injury.

Measurements: Admission and discharge FIM total, physical and cognitive scores and the Barthel Index were recorded. Appropriateness and responsiveness in the study samples were determined by examining score distributions and floor and ceiling effects, and by an effect size calculation respectively. Non-parametric statistical analysis was used to calculate the significance of the change in scores.

Results: In all patient groups there was a significant improvement (Wilcoxon's rank sum, P < 0.0001) in the Barthel Index (mean change score: vascular 3.9, traumatic 3.95) and FIM (mean change score: vascular 17.3, traumatic 17.4) scores during rehabilitation, and similar effect sizes were found for the Barthel Index (effect size: vascular 0.65, traumatic 0.55) and FIM total (effect size: vascular 0.59, traumatic 0.48) and physical scores in all patient groups. In each patient group the cognitive component of the FIM had the smallest effect size (0.35-0.43).

Conclusions: All measures were appropriate for younger (less than 65 years of age) patients undergoing early inpatient rehabilitation after single incident vascular or traumatic brain injury. The Barthel Index and the total and physical FIM scores showed similar responsiveness, whilst the cognitive FIM score was least responsive. These findings suggest that none of the FIM scores have any advantage over the Barthel Index in evaluating change in these circumstances.
The Tardieu Scale differentiates contracture from spasticity whereas the Ashworth Scale is confounded by it
Authors: Patrick Emily , Ada Louise
Published: February 2006

Objective: To compare the Tardieu Scale as a clinical measure of spasticity after stroke with the Ashworth Scale.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Participants: Sixteen people, living in the community three years after their stroke.

Main measures: The Ashworth Scale and Tardieu Scale as well as laboratory measures of spasticity (stretch-induced electromyographic (EMG) activity) and contracture (maximum passive joint excursion) were collected from the affected elbow flexors and extensors and ankle plantarflexors and dorsiflexors by three examiners who were blinded to the results of the other measures.

Results: The percentage exact agreement (PEA) between the Tardieu Scale and a laboratory measure of spasticity was 100% for both the elbow flexors and ankle plantarflexors. This was significantly (P=0.02) greater than the PEA of 63% for both muscles between the Ashworth Scale and the same laboratory measure of spasticity. For contracture, the PEA between the Tardieu Scale and a laboratory measure was 94% for both the elbow flexors and the ankle plantarflexors. Pearson correlation coefficients between the Tardieu Scale and laboratory measures of spasticity were 0.86 for the elbow flexors and 0.62 for the ankle plantarflexors and between the Tardieu Scale and laboratory measures of contracture were 0.89 for the elbow flexors and 0.84 for the ankle plantarflexors.

Conclusion: In all cases that spasticity was overestimated by the Ashworth Scale, participants had a contracture. These findings suggest that the Tardieu Scale differentiates spasticity from contracture whereas the Ashworth Scale is confounded by it.
The use of aerobic exercise training in improving aerobic capacity in individuals with stroke: a meta-analysis
Authors: Pang Marco YC , Eng Janice J , Dawson Andrew S , Gylfadóttir Sif
Published: February 2006

Objective: To determine whether aerobic exercise improves aerobic capacity in individuals with stroke.

Design: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Databases searched: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Physiotherapy Evidence Database were searched.

Inclusion criteria: Design: randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Participants: individuals with stroke. Interventions: aerobic exercise training aimed at improving aerobic capacity.

Outcomes: Primary outcomes: aerobic capacity (peak oxygen consumption (VO2), peak workload). Secondary outcomes: walking velocity, walking endurance.

Data analysis: The methodological quality was assessed by the PEDro scale. Meta-analyses were performed for all primary and secondary outcomes.

Results: Nine articles (seven RCTs) were identified. The exercise intensity ranged from 50% to 80% heart rate reserve. Exercise duration was 20–40 min for 3–5 days a week. The total number of subjects included in the studies was 480. All studies reported positive effects on aerobic capacity, regardless of the stage of stroke recovery. Meta-analysis revealed a significant homogeneous standardized effect size (SES) in favour of aerobic exercise to improve peak VO2 (SES 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15–0.69; P=0.001) and peak workload (SES 0.50; 95% CI 0.26–0.73; P<0.001). There was also a significant homogeneous SES in favour of aerobic training to improve walking velocity (SES 0.26; 95% CI 0.05–0.48; P=0.008) and walking endurance (SES 0.30; 95% CI 0.06–0.55; P=0.008).

Conclusions: There is good evidence that aerobic exercise is beneficial for improving aerobic capacity in people with mild and moderate stroke. Aerobic exercise should be an important component of stroke rehabilitation.
Botulinum toxin for treating spasmodic dysphonia (laryngeal dystonia): a systematic Cochrane review
Authors: Watts Christopher , Nye Chad , Whurr Renata
Published: February 2006

Background: Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological voice disorder characterized by involuntary adductor (towards midline) or abductor (away from midline) vocal fold spasms during phonation which result in phonatory breaks. Botulinum toxin is currently the gold standard of treatment.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of botulinum toxin therapy for the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia.

Design: Systematic Cochrane review.

Search strategy: The search strategy for this review complied with Cochrane standards. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (1966 to February 2005), EMBASE (1974 to February 2005), CINAHL (through February 2005), Dissertation Abstracts International (1975 to February 2005) and PsycINFO (1975 to February 2005). The search engine FirstSearch was also used (February 2005). Reference lists for all the obtained studies and other review articles were examined for additional studies.

Selection criteria: All randomized control trials where the participants were randomly allocated prior to intervention and in which botulinum toxin was compared to an alternative treatment, placebo or non-treated control group were included.

Data collection and analysis: Two reviewers independently evaluated all potential studies meeting the selection criteria noted above for inclusion.

Main results: Only one study in the literature met the inclusion criteria. This was the only study identified which reported a treatment/no treatment comparison. It reported significant beneficial effects for fundamental frequency (Fo), Fo range, spectrographic analysis, independent ratings of voice severity and patient ratings of voice improvement.

Reviewer's conclusions: The evidence from randomized controlled trials supporting the effectiveness of botulinum toxin for management of spasmodic dysphonia is deficient. The lack of supporting evidence from randomized controlled trials results in an inability to draw unbiased generalized conclusions regarding the effectiveness of botulinum toxin for all types of spasmodic dysphonia.
The Erasmus MC modifications to the (revised) Nottingham Sensory Assessment: a reliable somatosensory assessment measure for patients with intracranial disorders
Authors: Stolk-Hornsveld F , Crow J L , Hendriks E P , van der Baan R , Harmeling-van der Wel B C
Published: February 2006

Objective: To investigate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the Erasmus MC modifications to the Nottingham Sensory Assessment (EmNSA).

Subjects: A consecutive sample of 18 inpatients, with a mean age of 57.7 years, diagnosed with an intracranial disorder and referred for physiotherapy.

Setting: The inpatient neurology and neurosurgery wards of a university hospital.

Design: Through discussions between four experienced neurophysiotherapists, the testing procedures of the revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment were further standardized. Subsequently, the intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities of the EmNSA were investigated.

Results: The intra-rater reliability of the tactile sensations, sharp-blunt discrimination and the proprioception items of the EmNSA were generally good to excellent for both raters with a range of weighted kappa coefficients between 0.58 and 1.00. Likewise the inter-rater reliabilities of these items were predominantly good to excellent with a range of weighted kappa coefficients between 0.46 and 1.00. An exception was the two-point discrimination that had a poor to good reliability, with the range for intra-rater reliability of 0.11-0.63 and for inter-rater reliability -0.10-0.66.

Conclusion: The EmNSA is a reliable screening tool to evaluate primary somatosensory impairments in neurological and neurosurgical inpatients with intracranial disorders. Further research is necessary to consolidate these results and establish the validity and responsiveness of the Erasmus MC modifications to the NSA.
A randomized controlled trial to evaluate intensity of community-based rehabilitation provision following stroke or hip fracture in old age
Authors: Ryan Tony , Enderby Pam , Rigby Alan S
Published: February 2006

Objective: To compare intensive with non-intensive home-based rehabilitation provision following stroke or hip fracture in old age (65 years).

Design: Parallel single-blind randomized control trial.

Setting: Domiciliary provided multidisciplinary rehabilitation.

Subjects: One hundred and sixty patients aged 65 or over recently discharged from hospital after suffering a stroke or hip fracture.

Intervention: Patients assigned to receive six or more face-to-face contacts or three or less face-to-face contacts from members of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team.

Main measures: Patients assessed using the Barthel Index, Therapy Outcome Measure, Euroqol 5D (EQ-5D), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) at three months. All follow-up assessments were conducted blind to allocation.

Results: Subgroup analysis was conducted on the basis of incident condition (stroke or hip fracture). Significant differences were detected for the stroke subgroup at three months [Therapy Outcome Measure Handicap (median difference 0.5 ( P < 0.05)) and EQ-5D (median difference 0.17 ( P < 0.05))] and in change at three months [Therapy Outcome Measure (mean difference 0.52 (SD 0.85) 95% CI (0.16, 0.88)) and EQ-5D (mean difference 0.15 (SD 0.25) 95% CI (0.05, 0.26))]. No significant differences were detected between the two arms of the study for the hip fracture subgroup.

Conclusion: Following stroke older people who receive a more intensive communitybased multidisciplinary rehabilitation service may experience short-term benefit in relation to social participation and some aspects of health-related quality of life. A more intensive service after discharge from hospital following a hip fracture is unlikely to result in similar patient benefit.
Chromatic adaptation and the relationship between lamp spectrum and brightness
Authors: Fotios SA
Published: February 2006

Previous research has examined the effect of the spectral power distribution of a light source upon the perception of interior spaces, noting that this can significantly affect brightness. It is expected that the impact of lamp spectrum on the brightness-illuminance relationship in these tests would be affected by chromatic adaptation. Three methods for assessing brightness were examined: side-by-side; rapid sequential; and individual presentation. The effect of lamp spectrum on brightness is attenuated with greater chromatic adaptation but it is not eliminated for every lamp comparison even after long-term adaptation. Thus to determine whether the effect of lamp spectrum on brightness is significant for the occupants of a building the lighting designer must question whether the occupant’s first impression or long-term impression of the lighting is more important.
Hotspots in cylindrical mirror light pipes: description and removal
Authors: Swift PD , Smith GB , Franklin J
Published: February 2006

The transmittance and irradiance distribution at the exit aperture of a cylindrical mirror light pipe (MLP) have been measured and calculated for the cases of collimated and diffuse inputs. MLPs are an example of a nonimaging optical system that can concentrate light, which may give rise to problematic hotspots and glare either on any diffuser used at the exit aperture or in the illuminated room. It is shown in this work that use of a diffuser at the entrance aperture overcomes these problems without a marked reduction in transmission of a typical MLP.
Mercury-free HID headlamps: glare and colour rendering
Authors: Sivak M , Schoettle B , Flannagan MJ
Published: February 2006

This study examined the potential effects of the spectral power distributions of mercury-free high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps on discomfort glare for oncoming drivers and on colour rendering of retroreflective traffic materials. In both cases, the effects of mercury-free HID light sources were compared to the changes in these properties that occurred when the tungsten-halogen light sources were replaced with traditional (mercury containing) HID light sources. Specifically, the effect on discomfort glare was estimated by comparing the chromaticities of nine mercury-free light sources with the chromaticities of 17 traditional HID light sources. Similarly, the effects on colour rendering were estimated by comparing the chromaticities of seven red retroreflective materials (red being the most important messenger of meaning in traffic control) when illuminated by the mercury-free light sources with the chromaticities of the same materials when illuminated by the traditional HID light sources. The main findings are: (1) The discomfort glare from the mercury-free HIDs is predicted to be comparable to that from the ‘bluest’ of the traditional HIDs. (2) Colour rendering with headlamps using the mercury-free HIDs is likely to be acceptable. (3) The use of mercury-free HIDs is unlikely to have appreciable effects on the relative brightness of coloured retroreflective materials.
A comparison of traditional and high colour temperature lighting on the near acuity of elementary school children
Authors: Berman SM , Navvab M , Martin MJ , Sheedy J , Tithof W
Published: February 2006

The near visual acuity (400 mm distance) of 27 children aged 10-11 years old was measured by a licensed optometrist under two common fluorescent lamps of CCT 3600 K and 5500 K. Acuities were measured for three lighting conditions, either both lamps providing equal task luminance or a condition where the task and room luminance from the 5500 K lamps was set 50% lower. For the equal luminance condition, the results showed visual acuity was significantly better (P B/0.001) under the higher CCT lamp with 24 of 27 children having better acuity. Paired t-tests comparing the lower luminance condition showed significantly less acuity for the 5500 K lamps at the lower luminance, but no significant difference between the 3600 K lamps at the higher luminance compared with the 5500 K lamps at the lower luminance.
Light loss in complex heavily obstructed interiors: influence of obstruction density, obstruction height and luminaire type
Authors: Hadwan MK , Carter DJ
Published: February 2006

Illuminance conditions in real interiors are influenced by obstructions such as furniture or machinery located between luminaires and the working plane. Investigations based on electrically lit offices have shown relationships between the various geometric and photometric parameters of general lighting installations and magnitude of working state light loss caused by furniture. This paper investigates the influence of obstruction height, vertical and horizontal surface area, and luminaire type on working plane illuminance characteristics and light losses. The results are applicable to a much wider range of interiors than studied hitherto including industrial type interiors that differ markedly from offices in building scale, type of obstruction and lighting equipment.
Design of a new single-patch sky and sun simulator
Authors: Bodart M , Deneyer A , De Herde A , Wouters P
Published: February 2006

The design of a new sky simulator and its construction are described in detail. The simulator, comprising 91 tungsten halogen lamps placed in a hexagonal array, is based on the modelling of one patch of the Tregenza sky hemisphere distribution. This concept allows illuminance measurements from one geometric configuration to be used for every sky model. The sun simulator, which is also comprised of halogen lamps placed in a hexagonal array, is also described. Parallax error measurement and validation studies show that the sky presents low errors. The paper includes a review of existing skies and suns.
Reversible Temperature-dependent Dispersion–Aggregation Transition of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)–[60]Fullerene Conjugates
Authors: Tamura Atsushi , Uchida Katsumi , Yajima Hirofumi
Published: February 2006

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm) exhibits a reversible temperature-dependent soluble/insoluble transition at its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in water. The [60]fullerene–PIPAAm monoadduct (PIPAAm–C60) was synthesized by the azide addition using azido-terminated PIPAAm. Below LCST, the PIPAAm–C60 was dispersed and formed a micelle-like structure in water. Above LCST, the aggregation of the micelles was observed by turbidity measurements and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The PIPAAm–C60 exhibits rapid and reversible dispersion–aggregation changes in response to narrow range temperature alternation across LCST.
Effects of Micro Channel Size in a Pd Membrane Reactor on Dehydrogenation of Cyclohexane to Benzene in Gaseous Phase
Authors: Yamamoto Shin , Hanaoka Taka-aki , Hamakawa Satoshi , Sato Koichi , Mizukami Fujio
Published: February 2006

To confirm the effects of microreactor on cyclohexane dehydrogenation, we have narrowed the reaction channel of Pd membrane reactor to micro scale. We show that the application of micro channel improves the performance of Pd membrane reactor. The experimental results indicate that the improvement in cyclohexane dehydrogenation with applying the micro channel is attributable to the enhancement of a heterogeneous catalytic reaction due to increasing the surface area per volume of Pd membrane.
Activation of a Cyclobutanone Carbon–Carbon Bond over an Aldehyde Carbon–Hydrogen Bond in the Rhodium-catalyzed Decarbonylation
Authors: Matsuda Takanori , Shigeno Masanori , Murakami Masahiro
Published: February 2006

A rhodium(I)–N-heterocyclic carbene complex achieved a high-yield decarbonylation reaction of cyclobutanones to selectively afford cyclopropanes. With this catalyst, a cyclobutanone having an aldehyde moiety underwent chemoselective decarbonylation of the ketonic carbonyl group with the aldehydic carbonyl group left intact.
Semicomprehensive and Semiquantitative Determination of Proteins with Mass Probes
Authors: Honda Aki , Hifumi Hiroki , Honma Yuya , Tanji Noriyuki , Suzuki Yoshio , Suzuki Koji
Published: February 2006

We have designed and synthesized a series of mass-probes, which could be a model of a new tool for the semicomprehensive quantitative assays of proteins using mass spectrometry. In the system with mass-probes, the molecular weights were used as markers. We have synthesized the two probes, KMP-174 and KMP-188, and ovalbumin (OVA) and the hen egg lysozyme (HEL) were evaluated by antibodies labeled with those probes.
Emission of Methane from Stainless Steel Surface Investigated by Using Tritium as a Radioactive Tracer
Authors: Higaki Shogo , Oya Yasuhisa , Makide Yoshihiro
Published: February 2006

Gas-phase methane contamination caused from stainless steel (SS) surface by metal–metal friction was investigated by introducing tritium as a tracer of hydrogen atom in the metal surface. The emissions of HT, CH3T, and CH4 were measured by radio-gas-chromatography, and the SS canister containing many small SS balls inside was shaken to reproduce the metal–metal friction. The results indicate that the oxide layer on SS surface is controlling the emission of methane.
Preparation of Ag Nanoparticle Assemblies at Air–Water Interface by Electrostatic Interaction
Authors: Yang Yang , Kimura Keisaku
Published: February 2006

A three-phase approach based on electrostatic interaction was proposed to achieve the film formation by assembling passivated nanoparticles at air–water interface. The cationic surfactant with suitable polarity can serve as feedstock molecules to bond with aqueous Ag nanoparticles at water–chloroform interface. Because of the decrease of solubility in water, Ag nanoparticles would gradually disengage from bulk solution and organize on water surface.
Multi-photochromic Behavior of Hybrid Material with Spirobenzopyran and Azobenzene Moieties
Authors: Kinashi Kenji , Furuta Kenichiro , Harada Yasuhisa , Ueda Yasukiyo
Published: February 2006

Two kinds of bi-functional photochromic compounds (SpAz1 and SpAz2) were synthesized with spirobenzopyran and azobenzene derivatives by esterification. In chloroform solution, a novel photochromic compound (SpAz2) showed four kinds of isomers depending on the wavelength of the irradiated light. It is suggested that SpAz2 has four digital codes for optical memory.
Synthesis of a Novel Pyrrolidine-based Peptide Nucleic Acid that Contains Tertiary Amines in the Main Chain and Its Internalization into Cells
Authors: Kitamatsu Mizuki , Kashiwagi Tomoko , Matsuzaki Rino , Sisido Masahiko
Published: February 2006

A novel thymine monomer of pyrrolidine-based peptide nucleic acid that contains tertiary amines in the main chain (pyrrolidine-based amino peptide nucleic acid = PAPNA) was synthesized. A mixed oligomer of two PAPNA(T) units and seven units of pyrrolidine-based oxypeptide nucleic acid (POPNA), was synthesized by a solid-phase method. The mixed oligomer was internalized into CHO cells more readily than the previous version of POPNA oligomers.
An Efficient Method for the Preparation of Chiral Mosher’s Acid Analogues
Authors: Kawano Yoshikazu , Kaneko Nobuya , Mukaiyama Teruaki
Published: February 2006

A diastereoselective trifluoromethylation of chiral α-keto esters derived from isosorbide with TMSCF3 in the presence of a Lewis-base catalyst gave the corresponding trifluoromethylated α-hydroxy esters in good yields with moderate to high diastereomeric excesses.
Synthesis of Long Polypyrrole Micro/Nanotubules with Rectangular Sections
Authors: Han Jie , Yan Wei , Xu Yunbo
Published: February 2006

Novel rectangular-sectioned micro/nanotubules of polypyrrole (PPy) were synthesized via a self-assembly method by using 5-acetamido-4-hydroxy-3-(phenyldiazenyl)naphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid (Acid Red G) as dopant and FeCl3 as oxidant. Investigation results indicated that the average length of these tubules could be around 530 μm at a certain reaction temperature. Iron(II) 5-acetamido-4-hydroxy-3-(phenydiazenyl)naphthalene-2,7-isulfonate (ARG-Fe(II) salt) with cubic crystal structure was expected to play a template-like role in forming the rectangular-sectioned micro/nanotubules.
Burgeoning Sino-Thai Relations: Heightening Cooperation, Sustaining Economic Security
Authors: Chantasasawat Busakorn
Published: February 2006

Sino-Thai bilateral relations during the Cold War were formed out of mutual concerns over security issues. Now they have entered an era of long-term economic partnership. The political and economic desires of both countries appear to be mutually beneficial. The China-ASEAN FTA, in particular, is fostering strong trade ties. Thailand, nevertheless, must find a balance between its relations with the United States and China, and also prepare for a flood of cheap Chinese goods. A number of Thai manufacturing sectors will become vulnerable. Nevertheless, this is an opportunity for them to improve their efficiency and encourage new research and development.
Reflecting on the Paradox of Globalisation: China's Search for Cultural Identity and Coherence
Authors: Knight Nick
Published: February 2006

China's intellectuals have responded to the cultural impact of globalisation in various ways. Some have welcomed it, regarding it as the harbinger of cultural changes that will modernise China and lead to democratic reform. Many more have expressed hostility and alarm, fearing increased individualism and consumerism. China's leaders have nevertheless determined to further expose the country to global forces, confident that the Chinese state is sufficiently robust to counter threats to its sovereignty in the cultural realm. However, the paradoxical tendencies of globalisation — cultural homogenisation and cultural fragmentation — will constitute a significant challenge to the leadership in defining and guarding what it understands 'Chinese' culture to be.
The RMB Exchange Rate and Monetary Sterilisation in China
Authors: Wu Ying
Published: February 2006

In contrast to previous economy-overheating episodes, foreign capital inflow among other factors constitutes one of the fundamental causes for the recent investment boom and economic overheating in China. The foreign reserves component in the monetary base has overtaken the domestic credit component in exerting a dominant influence on the money supply. Nevertheless, the conventional course of sterilisation implemented by the monetary authorities has not been sufficiently effective in mopping up the extra credit that foreign capital inflow brings in. Monetary sterilisation in China has been only partial and incomplete.
The Institutional and Structural Problems of Chinas Foreign Exchange Market and Implications for the New Exchange Rate Regime
Authors: Zhang Jikang , Liang Yuanyuan
Published: February 2006

After briefly reviewing the historical development of China's foreign exchange market, this article examines the structural characteristics of the inter-bank market, describes its current structural problems as well as its institutional constraints and explores the delicate relationship between improving the foreign exchange market structure and reforming the RMB exchange rate regime. The inter-bank market is characterised by lack of market depth, limited transaction types and restricted participation with highly concentrated trading. The compulsory foreign exchange purchase and sales system distorts market supply and demand while the rigid exchange rate regime reduces the role of the Central Bank to one of passive intervention.
Bridging the Digital Divide: A Case of Joint Production of Information through Kiosks
Authors: Banerjee Parthasarathi
Published: February 2006

An important lesson on transfer of technology to rural areas with poorly developed institutions of market can be learned from the attempts of a business firm in India. This firm, out of their own business interest, acted to reduce the digital divide by setting up thousands of village-based Internet kiosks run by farmers on commercial lines. Farmers benefit by accessing information on markets for products. Benefits to farmers through creation of higher wealth have been achieved through creating new market institutions by the business firm. The farmers and the firm are stakeholders, and together they jointly produce new market institutions through information. Thus, an institution makes technology transfer possible.
Leveraging Defense Research: Societal Impact of the Transfer of Polycrystalline Diamond Drill Bit Research
Authors: Falcone Santa , Bjornstad David J
Published: February 2006

This paper applies a method to identify and evaluate the impact of the transfer of a technology, polycrystalline diamond drill bits, from Sandia National Laboratories to the drill bit industry. Impact includes economic effect and effect not readily quantifiable in dollar values. The impact profile indicates a very positive outcome. A range of cost–benefit ratios was found when two valid, yet different, sets of assumptions were used.
The demographics of same-sex marriages in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Andersson Gunnar , Noack Turid , Seierstad Ane , Weedon-Fekjær Harald
Published: February 2006

The present study investigates the demographics of same-sex marriages—that is, registered partnerships—in Norway and Sweden. We give an overview of the demographic characteristics of the spouses of these partnerships, study patterns of their divorce risks, and compare the dynamics of same-sex couples with those of heterosexual marriages. We use longitudinal information from the population registers of the two countries that cover all persons in partnerships. Our demographic analyses include information on characteristics such as age, sex, geographic background, experience of previous opposite-sex marriage, parenthood, and educational attainment of the partners involved. The results show that in many respects, the distributions of married populations on these characteristics differ by the sex composition of the couples. Patterns in divorce risks are rather similar in same-sex and opposite-sex marriages, but divorce-risk levels are considerably higher in same-sex marriages. The divorce risk for female partnerships is double that for male partnerships.
Family size and schooling in sub-Saharan African settings: A reexamination
Authors: Eloundou-Enyegue Parfait M. , Williams Lindy B.
Published: February 2006

Contrary to theory and evidence from many other regions, previous studies in sub-Saharan Africa have found surprisingly weak associations between family size and schooling. It is unclear, however, whether these weak results reflect (spurious) limitations in methodology or (real) differences in context. This study uses schooling histories from Cameroon to test four contending methodological and contextual explanations for these weak results: measurement bias, statistical estimation bias, family buffering, and socioeconomic context. We find the strongest support for the last explanation: the relationship between family size and schooling varies with spatial and historical context. This relationship has strengthened within the country over time, and this raises concern about the implications of current demographic transitions on inequality among children.
Gender-specific trends in the value of education and the emerging gender gap in college completion
Authors: Diprete Thomas A. , Buchmann Claudia
Published: February 2006

Analysis of March Current Population Survey data from 1964 through 2002 shows that white women overtook white men in their rates of college completion and that this phenomenon occurred during a period in which women’s standard-of-living gains from college completion grew at a faster rate than those for men. We assess whether these trends are related to changes in the value of education for men and women in terms of earnings returns to higher education, the probability of getting and staying married, education-related differences in family standard of living, and insurance against living in poverty. Although returns to a college education in the form of earnings remained higher for women than for men over the entire period, trends in these returns do not provide a plausible explanation for gender-specific trends in college completion. But when broader measures of material well- being are taken into account, women’s returns to higher education appear to have risen faster than those of men.
Religious attendance and mortality: Implications for the black-white mortality crossover
Authors: Dupre Matthew E. , Franzese Alexis T. , Parrado Emilio A.
Published: February 2006

This study investigates the relationships among religious attendance, mortality, and the black-white mortality crossover. We build on prior research by examining the link between attendance and mortality while testing whether religious involvement captures an important source of population heterogeneity that contributes to a crossover. Using data from the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly, we find a strong negative association between attendance and mortality. Our results also show evidence of a racial crossover in mortality rates for both men and women. When religious attendance is modeled in terms of differential frailty, clear gender differences emerge. For women, the effect of attendance is race- and age-dependent, modifying the age at crossover by 10 years. For men, however, the effect of attendance is not related to race and does not alter the crossover pattern. When other health risks are modeled in terms of differential frailty, we find neither race nor age-related effects. Overall, the results highlight the importance of considering religious attendance when examining racial and gender differences in age-specific mortality rates.
Do marriages forget their past? Marital stability in post-Khmer Rouge Cambodia
Authors: Heuveline Patrick , Poch Bunnak
Published: February 2006

This paper assesses the impact of three main destabilizing factors on marital stability in Cambodia: the radical reformation of marriage under the Khmers Rouges (KR); the imbalanced gender ratio among marriageable adults resulting from gendered mortality during the KR regime; and, after decades of isolation from the West, a period of rapid social change. Although there is evidence of declining marital stability in the most recent period, marriages contracted under the KR appear as stable as adjacent marriage cohorts. These findings suggest that the conditions under which spouses were initially paired matter less for marital stability than does their contemporaneous environment.
Residential father family type and child well-being: Investment versus selection
Authors: Hofferth Sandra L.
Published: February 2006

This research links residence with biological and nonbiological married and unmarried parents to the cognitive achievement and behavioral problems of children aged 3–12, controlling for factors that make such families different. The data were drawn from the 1997 Child Development Supplement to the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Achievement differences were not associated with father family structure per se, but with demographic and economic factors that differ across families. In contrast, behavioral problems were linked to family structure even after controls for measured and unmeasured factors were included. Children in all family types except the married-biological-parent family showed higher levels of behavioral problems. Paternal and maternal engagement time explained some of the differences in behavioral problems across families. Although children in blended families tended to achieve at lower levels than those not in blended families, stepchildren in blended families achieved at levels comparable to those of half-siblings. Finally, children in blended families tended to have fewer behavioral problems than those not in blended families.
Why are cohabiting relationships more violent than marriages?
Authors: Kenney Catherine T. , McLanahan Sara S.
Published: February 2006

In response to increases in cohabitation in the United States, researchers have recently focused on differences between cohabiting and marital unions. One consistent finding is a higher rate of domestic violence among cohabiting couples as compared with married couples. A prominent explanation for this finding is that cohabitation is governed by a different set of institutionalized controls than marriage. This article explores an alternative explanation, namely, that differences in selection out of cohabitation and marriage, including selection of the least-violent cohabiting couples into marriage and the most-violent married couples into divorce, lead to higher observed rates of violence among cohabiting couples in cross-sectional samples. Our results suggest that researchers should be cautious when making comparisons between married and cohabiting couples in which the dependent variable of interest is related to selection into and out of relationship status.
Birth outcomes for Arabic-named women in California before and after September 11
Authors: Lauderdale Diane S.
Published: February 2006

Persons who were perceived to be Arabs experienced a period of increased harassment, violence, and workplace discrimination in the United States in the weeks immediately following September 11, 2001. Drawing on prior studies that have hypothesized that experiences of discrimination increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, this study explores whether there was an effect on birth outcomes for pregnant women of Arab descent. California birth certificate data are used to determine the relative risk of poor birth outcomes by race, ethnicity, and nativity for women who gave birth in the six months following September 2001, compared with the same six calendar months one year earlier. The relative risk of poor birth outcomes was significantly elevated for Arabic-named women and not for any of the other groups.
Measurement of cumulative physiological dysregulation in an older population
Authors: Seplaki Christopher L. , Goldman Noreen , Weinstein Maxine , Lin Yu-Hsuan
Published: February 2006

The allostatic load framework postulates that an important pathway connecting the social environment with health involves biological responses to stressful stimuli and the subsequent dysregulation of interrelated physiological systems. We formulate a new measure for cumulative physiological dysregulation using a grade of membership model estimated with biodemographic data from a national sample of older Taiwanese persons. We investigate associations between the measure and physical, psychological, and cognitive function. The results provide insights into the relationships between a set of biological profiles and various health outcomes, identify limitations of earlier approaches, and underscore next steps in the development of improved formulations of physiological dysregulation.
Henry James and the Parvenus: Reading Taste in The Spoils of Poynton
Authors: Foote Stephanie
Published: February 2006

This essay argues that the character of Mona Brigstock in Henry James's The Spoils of Poynton represents a crisis in James's understanding of realism and the abstract realist reader. An uncharacteristically flat character, Mona embodies James's fear that the kind of subject realism valorized was in the process of disappearing. Through Mona, James works out what is perhaps a worse possiblity—that the rare and valuable realist subject was not disappearing at all. Rather, that subject was slowly transforming and assimilating into an increasingly vulgar and aspiring public that would in turn vulgarize realist values and strategies of reading.
How Real American Readers Originally Experienced James's "The Real Thing"
Authors: Johanningsmeier Charles
Published: February 2006

Based on numerous resources previously unknown to scholars--including archival letters, personal reminiscences, advertisements, newspaper editorials--this article examines the history of the original serial publication of "The Real Thing" in multiple American newspapers in early April 1892 and how readers at the time understood both this story and James himself. By recreating the print and ideological contexts in which readers originally read "The Real Thing," it argues that the story's American serial readers most likely interpreted this story quite differently than modern scholars have.
Living the Dream: Benjamin's Arcades Project and The Golden Bowl
Authors: Meeuwis Michael
Published: February 2006

Both The Golden Bowl and Walter Benjamin's Arcades Project examine the conquest of the epistemologies of history and domestic life by monetary consumer culture. By examining The Golden Bowl in terms of the mass cultural alienation that Benjamin called "dream-sleep" and the related phenomenon of the flâneur, this essay demonstrates a Benjaminian anthropological vision present within James's text. Although demonstrating the ultimate victory of a domestic order exemplifying the cultural alienation that Benjamin described, the novel also provides space for a critique of the overarching cultural conditions that permitted this alienation.
The Odd Couple: Anthony Trollope and Henry James
Authors: Michie Elsie B. (Elsie Browning)
Published: February 2006

"The Odd Couple: Anthony Trollope and Henry James" reads the two authors as a literary version of the famous television odd couple, with James a fastidious Felix Unger reacting with disgust but also attraction to Trollope, a self-consciously messy and vulgar Oscar Madison. James's disgust is articulated most powerfully in his early reviews of Trollope, but the terms of those reviews and the details of James's novels suggest that he found in Trollope's The Prime Minister a touchstone against which to work out the plots of Washington Square and The Portrait of a Lady.
Missing Jane Austen: Henry James Considers the Old Maid
Authors: O'Farrell Mary Ann
Published: February 2006

James's repudiation of Austen belies a filiation between them visible in their mutual interest in the old maid, a figure with which James associates Austen, with which James has been associated, and with which he associates himself. Discussing James's references to Austen alongside comparisons between them in criticism and popular culture, the essay considers the way Austen has been missed (neglected and recalled) in relation to James and suggests that, for both, the old maid represents the interplay of sex and knowledge; the old maid's language of excess (her "as it were") is a saying of all that she knows.