bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemorrhagic Transformation of Childhood Arterial Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Beslow Lauren A. , Smith Sabrina E. , Vossough Arastoo , Licht Daniel J. , Kasner Scott E. , Favilla Christopher G. , Halperin Aviva R. , Gordon Danielle M. , Jones Charlene I. , Cucchiara Andrew J. , Ichord Rebecca N.
Published: February 2011

Background and Purpose—

The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) among children with arterial ischemic stroke within 30 days after symptom onset and to describe clinical factors associated with HT.

Methods—

Sixty-three children aged 1 month to 18 years with arterial ischemic stroke between January 2005 and November 2008 were identified from a single-center prospective pediatric stroke registry. All neuroimaging studies within 30 days of stroke were reviewed by a study neuroradiologist. Hemorrhage was classified according to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study-1 definitions. Association of HT with clinical factors, systemic anticoagulation, stroke volume, and outcome was analyzed.

Results—

HT occurred in 19 of 63 children (30%; 95% CI, 19% to 43%), only 2 (3%) of whom were symptomatic. Hemorrhage classification was hemorrhagic infarction (HI)1 in 14, HI2 in 2, parenchymal hematoma (PH)1 in 2, and PH2 in 1. HT was less common in children with vasculopathy (relative risk, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.07 to 1.06;
P
=0.04) than in those with other stroke mechanisms. HT was not significantly associated with anticoagulation versus antiplatelet therapy (relative risk, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.2 to 1.5;
P
=0.26) but was associated with larger infarct volumes (
P
=0.0084). In multivariable analysis, worse Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure scores were associated with infarct volume ≥5% of total supratentorial brain volume (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.1 to 15;
P
=0.04), and a trend existed toward association of worse Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure scores with HT (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 0.9 to 18;
P
=0.07).

Conclusions—

HT occurred in 30% of children with arterial ischemic stroke within 30 days. Most hemorrhages were petechial and asymptomatic. Infarct volume was associated with HT and worse outcome.
Safety and Feasibility of Collateral Blood Flow Augmentation After Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Emery Derek J. , Schellinger Peter D. , Selchen Daniel , Douen Andre G. , Chan Richard , Shuaib Ashfaq , Butcher Kenneth S.
Published: February 2011

Background and Purpose—

Collateral flow augmentation using partial aortic occlusion may improve cerebral perfusion in acute stroke. We assessed the safety and feasibility of partial aortic occlusion immediately after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator.

Methods—

We conducted an open-label pilot study of partial aortic occlusion after thrombolysis. The primary end point was all serious adverse events within 30 days of treatment.

Results—

None of the 22 patients enrolled developed symptomatic parenchymal hemorrhages. Asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformation occurred in 9 patients. Procedure-related adverse events were limited to groin complications (n=13). Seventy-seven percent of patients experienced neurological improvement (≥4-point improvement of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score).

Conclusions—

Partial aortic occlusion as an adjunct to thrombolysis in the treatment of acute stroke appears safe. Studies aimed at determining the efficacy of this therapeutic approach are warranted.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique Identifier: NCT01006993.
SIN (A Cardinal Deposed)
Authors: Murphy Michael
Published: February 2011

SIN (A Cardinal Deposed) was constructed from the transcripts and documents of Cardinal Bernard Law's deposition in two civil suits involving priests accused of child molestation. The transcripts confirm the assertion that the “blindness” of the Church hierarchy was responsible for the rape of children over decades.
A Search for New Realities: Documentary Theatre in Germany
Authors: Irmer Thomas
Published: February 2011

There are three major periods of German documentary theatre: the emerging genre in the 1920s with the theatre of Erwin Piscator; the documentary drama in the 1960s; and, beginning in the late 1990s, the new forms of alternative and independent theatre that are highly experiential and question the conception and performance of historical discourses. In the context of German postwar social history, documentary theatre has contributed to the repoliticization of a society that is still processing catastrophic historical events.
“After All, This Terror Was Not Without Reason”: Unfiled Notes on the Atlas Group Archive
Authors: Lepecki André
Published: February 2011

Witnessed in the scholarly lectures of the Atlas Group's The Loudest Muttering Is Over: Case Studies from the Atlas Group Archive, performed by Walid Raad, images become part of a larger political dramaturgy of history as pedagogy that simultaneously produces memory, language, and the authoritative historian's voice, through a misfiling of crucial information—further blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
The New Victory Danish Festival: A New Perspective on Puppetry and Family Entertainment
Authors: Orenstein Claudia
Published: February 2011

Claudia Orenstein reconsiders the notion of “entertainment for the whole family” via a puppetry-centered program that, by drawing on the power of performing objects, delves into the uncanny and fantastical to appeal to young minds, inventive artists, and adventurous adult spectators alike. Edward Scheer considers the aesthetics of disappearance within Australian performance artist Mike Parr's most recent series of actions, Amerika, which involve extreme physical demands even as they posit the body as subject simultaneously to its own presence and absence.
The Performance of Disappearance: Mike Parr's Amerika
Authors: Scheer Edward
Published: February 2011

Claudia Orenstein reconsiders the notion of “entertainment for the whole family” via a puppetry-centered program that, by drawing on the power of performing objects, delves into the uncanny and fantastical to appeal to young minds, inventive artists, and adventurous adult spectators alike. Edward Scheer considers the aesthetics of disappearance within Australian performance artist Mike Parr's most recent series of actions, Amerika, which involve extreme physical demands even as they posit the body as subject simultaneously to its own presence and absence.
David Levine's Bauerntheater: The Return of the Matrix
Authors: Carlson Marvin
Published: February 2011

In May 2007, David Levine's experimental performance in Brandenberg attracted international attention for its unique blending of endurance art, land art, concept art, site-specific performance, and traditional theatre. A key innovation was its challenge to the distinction drawn by Michael Kirby in the 1960s between the “matrixed” action of traditional theatre and the “nonmatrixed” action of the Happening. By creating a dramatic matrix for an actor placed in what is essentially a Happening, Levine has, in his terms, “short-circuited” this distinction.
Glide Distribution in Classical Arabic Verb Stems
Authors: Rosenthall Sam
Published: February 2011

The seemingly idiosyncratic distribution of glides in the weak verb stems of Classical Arabic is given a coherent analysis as the consequence of constraint interaction, as defined by Optimality Theory. At the core of the analysis are two constraint rankings that determine the vowels of the verb stem. One ranking, which ensures harmonic parsing of a low vowel over high vowels, is based on input/output faithfulness; the other ranking, which ensures harmonic parsing of high vowels over a low vowel, is based on intercandidate faithfulness, as defined by Sympathy Theory. These constraint rankings interact with generally defined markedness constraints to account for glide distribution in all measure I verb forms without specific reference to morphological contexts. As a result, the complex distribution of glides in Arabic is not typologically anomalous.
The Legacy of Fear: Is Fear Impacting Fatal and Non-Fatal Drowning of African American Children?
Authors: Irwin Carol C. , Irwin Richard L. , Ryan Timothy D. , Drayer Joris
Published: February 2011

African American children’s rates for fatal and non-fatal drowning events are alarmingly elevated, with some age groups having three times the rate as compared to White peers. Adequate swimming skills are considered a protective agent toward the prevention of drowning, but marginalized youth report limited swimming ability. This research examined minority children’s and parents/caregivers’ fear of drowning as a possible variable associated with limited swimming ability. Results confirmed that there were significant racial differences concerning the fear of drowning, and adolescent African American females were notably more likely to fear drowning while swimming than any other group. The “fear of drowning” responses by parents/ caregivers of minority children were also significantly different from their White counterparts.
Bias Toward the Null Hypothesis in Pregnancy Drug Studies That Do Not Include Data on Medical Terminations of Pregnancy: The Folic Acid Antagonists
Authors: Levy Amalia , Matok Ilan , Gorodischer Rafael , Sherf Michael , Wiznitzer Arnon , Uziel Elia , Koren Gideon
Published: February 2011

Most studies on safety/risk of drugs in pregnancy consider the proportion of births (but not pregnancy terminations) affected by the drug from all exposed infants. Lack of data on pregnancy terminations could bias results. A computerized database for medications dispensed to pregnant women in southern Israel was linked with records from the district hospital; 84 823 deliveries and 998 medical pregnancy terminations took place; 571 of the women were exposed to folic acid antagonists in the first trimester. When only births were examined, there was no association between folic acid antagonists and fetal malformations. When data on pregnancy terminations were examined and births and pregnancy terminations were combined, there was a significant risk (neural tube defects: odds ratio 18.83, 95% confidence interval 9.24–38.37; cardiovascular defects: odds ratio 3.86, 95% confidence interval 1.67–8.88; and neural tube defects: odds ratio 6.30, 95% confidence interval 3.34–9.15; cardiovascular defects: odds ratio 1.76, 95% confidence interval 1.05–2.92, respectively). Inclusion of only birth data in observational studies of drugs in pregnancy constitutes a source of bias toward the null hypothesis.
How important is security in the choice of employment? Evidence from European countries
Authors: Salladarré Frédéric , Hlaimi Boubaker , Wolff François-Charles
Published: February 2011

Is job security important for workers when choosing a job? Using comparative data from 18 European countries, this article investigates the influence of job security in the choice of employment. The empirical analysis evidences significant cross-country differences in the importance attributed to job security, which is influenced by both individual and employment characteristics. When comparing the perceived job security and its importance in the choice of employment, the study finds that temporary workers are less sensitive to job security when choosing their job.
From boom to bust: Migrant labour and employers in the Irish construction sector
Authors: Krings Torben , Bobek Alicja , Moriarty Elaine , Salamońska Justyna , Wickham James
Published: February 2011

This article analyses labour migration through a case study of migrants and employers in the Irish construction sector. It seeks to locate the choices of both sides of the employment relationship in a broader socioeconomic context that takes into account the regulatory environment and the labour market situation. The authors show how both sides of the employment relationship took advantage of Ireland’s open labour market policy in 2004. As employers were keen to fill skill and labour shortages in a buoyant construction sector, migrants found employment with relative ease, often involving subcontracting arrangements and informal recruitment patterns. During the boom years the sector provided considerable opportunities for migrants at different skill levels. However, now that the sector has moved from ‘boom to bust’, the employment context has dramatically changed. In the light of large-scale job losses the bargaining position of employers has increased as migrants try to cope with deteriorating employment conditions.
Revisiting industrial democracy and pension trusteeship: The case of Canada
Authors: Sayce Susan , Gold Michael
Published: February 2011

This article examines the extent to which industrial democracy theory may be applied to the operation of Canadian pension fund boards by analysing the balance of power between employers, employees and unions on joint consultative private and public sector pension boards in Ontario and Quebec. The article focuses on three indicators of industrial democracy: shareholder activism; involvement in fund investment policies (including socially responsible investment); and forms of collective action to invest pension funds in support of union objectives. It concludes that industrial democracy is stronger where it is supported by traditions of tripartism and concertation and by statutory employee rights to representation on private sector funds. Its conclusions also question whether Canada can be classed unequivocally as a ‘liberal market economy’, on the grounds that the economic regulatory regime in Quebec differs substantially from the rest of the country.
Saving companies worth saving: Spain pioneers a sustainable model of democratic corporate governance
Authors: Jensen Anthony
Published: February 2011

The cyclical nature of capitalism reflected in the current economic crises encourages a review of the economic downturn of the 1970s and 1980s in Europe where workers engaged in sit-ins, work-ins and worker buyouts to save their jobs. Hundreds were successful and thousands of jobs were saved. Spain was at the forefront of this strategy and introduced legislation in 1986 to enshrine the worker self-managed company, Sociedades Laborales, as a policy for corporate restructuring. This article reports on the research in Spain conducted into company failure due to insolvency and the subsequent rescue by an employee-centred equity buyout. Seven firms in the metals industry are examined where workers rescued insolvent factories using the Sociedades Laborales democratic model. The research shows that sustainable democratic corporate governance was possible based on worker self-management and this was achieved by the workers making choices to overcome the conundrum of balancing democratic governance and market efficiency.
Invited Editorial: Drilling for Micro-Foundations of Human Capital–Based Competitive Advantages
Authors: Coff Russell , Kryscynski David
Published: February 2011

From the origins of resource-based theory, scholars have emphasized the importance of human capital as a source of sustained competitive advantage, and recently there has been great interest in gaining a better understanding of the micro-foundations of strategic capabilities. Along these lines, there is little doubt that heterogeneous human capital is often a critical underlying mechanism for capabilities. Here, the authors explore how individual-level phenomena underpin isolating mechanisms that sustain human capital–based advantages but also create management dilemmas that must be resolved in order to create value. The solutions to these challenges cannot be found purely in generic human resource policies that reflect best practices. These are not designed to mitigate idiosyncratic dilemmas that arise from the very attributes that hinder imitation (e.g., specificity, social complexity, and causal ambiguity). The authors drill down deeper to identify individual- and firm-level components that interact to grant some firms unique capabilities in attracting, retaining, and motivating human capital. This cospecialization of idiosyncratic individuals and organizational systems may be among the most powerful isolating mechanism. The authors conclude by outlining a research agenda for exploring cross-level components of human capital–based advantages.
Incidence of Operative Endoscopy Findings in Recurrent Croup
Authors: Jabbour Noel , Parker Noah P. , Finkelstein Marsha , Lander Timothy A. , Sidman James D.
Published: February 2011

Objective

Develop an evidence‐based model for predicting operative endoscopy findings in patients with recurrent croup.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care children’s hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed on 124 patients who received consultation for recurrent croup between 2000 and 2009. Direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy findings were categorized as normal, mildly abnormal (incidental findings or grade I subglottic stenosis), moderately abnormal (grade II subglottic stenosis), or severely abnormal (grade III‐IV subglottic stenosis).

Results

Of 124 consultations for recurrent croup, 81 patients (average age 3.5 years) underwent operative endoscopy. Normal examinations occurred in 33 of 81 (41%). Abnormal findings were encountered with the following frequency: mildly abnormal, 40 of 81 (49%); moderately abnormal, 6 of 81 (7.5%); and severely abnormal, 2 of 81 (2.5%). Relative risk (RR) of either moderately abnormal or severely abnormal findings was increased for patients who had a history of previous intubation (RR = 9.8; P =. 002), prematurity (RR = 6.4; P =. 01), or inpatient consultation (RR = 5.3; P =. 028). The rate of moderately or severely abnormal findings in patients without the risk factors of intubation and age younger than 1 year was 0 of 48 (0%; confidence interval, 0%‐7.4%). Mild abnormalities in this group were encountered in 27 of 48 (56%).

Conclusion

Mild airway abnormalities are common in children with recurrent croup and cannot be ruled out based on history. In the absence the risk factors of previous intubation, age younger than 1 year, or inpatient consultation, the incidence of a significantly abnormal finding is quite low. A predictive model based on this evidence is discussed.
Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor–γ Agonist Induces Regulatory T Cells in a Murine Model of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Wang Weihua , Zhu Zhenghua , Zhu Bingwei , Ma Zhaoxin
Published: February 2011

Objective

To evaluate the effects of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)–γ agonist on the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in a murine model of allergic rhinitis.

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Animal study.

Subjects and Methods

BALB/c mice that received ovalbumin sensitization and challenge served as the ovalbumin group (n = 6). Two separate groups of 6 mice received intragastric administration with PPAR‐γ agonist pioglitazone (30 mg/kg/d) or pioglitazone plus PPAR‐γ antagonist GW9662 (0.5 mg/d) before each ovalbumin challenge. The control group (n = 6) was treated with drug vehicle alone. Various allergic responses were assessed. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed to investigate the mRNA expression of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), T‐bet, and GATA‐3. Flow cytometry was used to determine the percentage of Tregs.

Results

Mice developed typical pathophysiological allergic rhinitis features after the ovalbumin challenge. The frequencies of sneezing and scratching were significantly decreased by pioglitazone treatment (P <. 0001). Eosinophils infiltration and the levels of interleukin‐5 and interferon‐γ in nasal cavity lavage fluid and sera immunoglobulin E were also markedly decreased by pioglitazone (P <. 001). The expression of Foxp3 mRNA and the population of Tregs were significantly increased by pioglitazone (P <. 05). Cotreatment with GW9662 reversed the anti‐inflammatory effects of pioglitazone. The effects of PPAR‐γ agonist on Foxp3 mRNA expression and Tregs induction were abrogated by administration of GW9662.

Conclusion

PPAR‐γ agonist attenuates upper airway allergic inflammation in a PPAR‐γ‐dependent fashion, and the beneficial effects of pioglitazone in airway allergic inflammation may be mediated by induction of Tregs.
Biofilms in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Bezerra Thiago Freire Pinto , de Melo Padua Francini Grecco , Gebrim Eloisa Maria Mello Santiago , Saldiva Paulo Hilário Nascimento , Voegels Richard Louis
Published: February 2011

Objective

(1) Evaluate the presence of biofilms in patients with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and (2) investigate the association of biofilm presence and CRSwNP.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

University‐based tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

The study group consisted of 33 consecutive patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery for CRSwNP. The control group consisted of 27 control patients undergoing septoplasty for nasal obstruction without diagnosis of chronic sinusitis. Mucosal samples were harvested intraoperatively for scanning electron microscopic examination to determine biofilm presence. Statistical analysis was performed. For all statistical tests, P =. 05 was considered significant.

Results

Biofilms were found in 24 (72.7%) of the 33 patients with CRSwNP and in 13 (48.1%) of the 27 septoplasty patients (odds ratio = 2.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.98‐8.42; P =. 051).

Conclusion

(1) Biofilms were present in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery for CRSwNP and also in controls without chronic sinusitis. This suggests that biofilms may not be sufficient to cause chronic sinusitis without other cofactors. Host factors could be the responsible for the pathogenesis of biofilms. (2) Although the prevalence of biofilms in patients with CRSwNP was not significantly different from that in the controls, the extremely wide 95% confidence interval, which is just below unity, suggests that a meaningful clinical difference may have been missed because of low statistical power. Further studies are necessary.
The Effectiveness of Supplementing a Standard Rehabilitation Program With Superimposed Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Feil Sven , Newell John , Minogue Conor , Paessler Hans H.
Published: February 2011

Background: Rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a key determinant affecting patient return to usual activity levels. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is a treatment that can counteract strength loss and serve as an adjunct to conventional therapy.

Purpose: To compare the effect of adding traditional neuromuscular electrical stimulation (Polystim) or a novel garment-integrated neuromuscular electrical stimulation (Kneehab) to a standard postoperative rehabilitation program (control).

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods: Ninety-six patients, of a total enrolled cohort of 131 patients randomized to 1 of 3 intervention groups, completed a standard rehabilitation program. In addition, the 2 neuromuscular electrical stimulation groups underwent 20-minute sessions of neuromuscular electrical stimulation 3 times a day, 5 days a week, for 12 weeks, in which stimulation was superimposed on isometric volitional contractions. Outcome measures including isokinetic strength of the knee extensors of the injured and uninjured leg at 90 and 180 deg/s, along with functional tests of proprioception, were assessed at baseline and at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months postoperatively.

Results: The Kneehab group achieved significantly better results at each time point compared with the Polystim and control groups ( P < .001). Extensor strength of the Kneehab group at speeds of 90 and 180 deg/s increased by 30.2% and 27.8%, respectively, between the preoperative measurements and the 6-month follow-up point in the injured leg. The corresponding changes for Polystim were 5.1% and 5%, whereas for the control group they were 6.6% and 6.7%, respectively. The mean single-legged hop test hop score of the Kneehab group improved by 50% between the 6-week and 6-month follow-up, whereas the corresponding changes for the Polystim and control groups were 26.3% and 26.2%, respectively. Although there was no significant difference between the groups with respect to the Tegner score and the International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 knee examination score, the Kneehab group showed a significant difference in mean improvement for the baseline corrected Lysholm score compared with the control group ( P = .01; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-8.59) and with the Polystim group ( P < .001; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-9.09) with no significant difference evident between Polystim and control groups ( P = .97; 95% confidence interval, −4.23 to 3.51).

Conclusion: Intensive garment-integrated stimulation combined with standard rehabilitation is effective at accelerating recovery after knee surgery.
Arthroscopic Removal of Calcium Deposits of the Rotator Cuff
Authors: El Shewy Mohamed Taha
Published: February 2011

Background: Calcium deposits within the tendons of the rotator cuff are common and usually asymptomatic. Symptomatic cases that do not respond to nonoperative measures need removal of the calcium deposits.

Purpose: In this study, the results of arthroscopic removal of the calcium deposits within the rotator cuff, without rotator cuff repair, are evaluated after a minimum 7-year follow-up. This may help clarify whether rotator cuff repair in such cases is necessary for the relief of pain and good cuff function in the long run.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Fifty-six patients with calcium deposits within the rotator cuff were included in this study. Fifty-four patients were managed by arthroscopic removal of the calcium deposits without rotator cuff repair.

Results: The patients were followed up over a period of at least 7 years. At the final follow-up, all patients were able to return to their level of activity before the beginning of their complaint, with significant improvement in the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Constant scores. The UCLA score improved from a mean (SD) of 52.8 (7.5) to 95.0 (8.2) ( P ≤ .001), whereas the ASES score improved from 57.2 (8.3) to 95.0 (8.2) ( P ≤ .001). The Constant score improved from a mean (SD) of 63.3 (9.3) to 97.8 (6.2) ( P ≤ .001). Only 3.7% of cases developed rotator cuff tears over the period of follow-up.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that arthroscopic removal of as much as possible of symptomatic calcium deposits of the rotator cuff is a safe and effective treatment when nonoperative methods fail.
Hospital waste incinerator bottom ash leachate induced cyto-genotoxicity in Allium cepa and reproductive toxicity in mice
Authors: Akinbola Temitayo I , Adeyemi Adetutu , Morenikeji Olajumoke A , Bakare Adekunle A , Alimba Chibuisi G
Published: February 2011

The potentials of hospital incinerator bottom ash leachate (HIBAL) to induce cyto-genotoxicity in Allium cepa and reproductive anomalies in the mouse were investigated. The leachate obtained from simulation of the bottom ash was analyzed for some physico-chemical parameters. The A. cepa, mouse sperm morphology and histopathological tests were carried out at concentrations ranging from 1% to 50% of the leachate sample. In A. cepa, HIBAL caused significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of root growth and induction of chromosomal aberrations. In the animal assays, there was 100% mortality at the 50% concentrations. The leachate caused insignificant (p > 0.05) concentration-dependent induction of various types of sperm morphology. There was accumulation of fluid in the seminiferous tubule lumen and necrosis of stem cells in the testes. These effects were believed to be provoked by the somatic and germ cell genotoxins, particularly the heavy metals in the leachate. Our finding is of environmental and public health significance.
Focal Leptomeningeal Enhancement and Corticopial Calcifications Underlying a Parietal Convexity Lipoma: A Rare Association of Findings in 2 Pediatric Epileptic Patients
Authors: Morana Giovanni , Mancardi Maria Margherita , Baglietto Maria Giuseppina , Rossi Andrea
Published: February 2011

We present the unusual neuroimaging findings of focal cerebral leptomeningeal enhancement in association with corticopial calcifications, underlying a parietal convexity lipoma in 2 pediatric patients with normal psychomotor development, unremarkable physical findings, and recent onset of epilepsy. To our knowledge, this clinical and neuroradiological association has not been previously reported and shows overlapping features with Sturge-Weber syndrome without facial nevus and encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis, thus possibly representing an extremely rare variant within the spectrum of these congenital neurocutaneous disorders.
Primary Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP) Deaminase Deficiency in a Hypotonic Infant
Authors: Castro-Gago Manuel , Gómez-Lado Carmen , Pérez-Gay Laura , Eirís-Puñal Jesús , Pintos Martínez Elena , García-Consuegra Inés , Martín Miguel Angel
Published: February 2011

The spectrum of the adenosine monophosphate (AMP) deaminase deficiency ranges from asymptomatic carriers to patients who manifest exercise-induced muscle pain, occasionally rhabdomyolysis, and idiopathic hyperCKemia. However, previous to the introduction of molecular techniques, rare cases with congenital weakness and hypotonia have also been reported. We report a 6-month-old girl with the association of congenital muscle weakness and hypotonia, muscle deficiency of adenosine monophosphate deaminase, and the homozygous C to T mutation at nucleotide 34 of the adenosine monophosphate deaminase-1 gene. This observation indicates the possible existence of a primary adenosine monophosphate deaminase deficiency manifested by congenital muscle weakness and hypotonia.
Evaluation of biomimetic scaffold of gelatin–hydroxyapatite crosslink as a novel scaffold for tissue engineering: Biocompatibility evaluation with human PDL fibroblasts, human mesenchymal stromal cells, and primary bone cells
Authors: Rungsiyanont Sorasun , Dhanesuan Nirada , Swasdison Somporn , Kasugai Shohei
Published: February 2011

Biomimetic gelatin (gel)–hydroxyapatite (HA) composites have been prepared for studying hard tissue engineering scaffolds. However, the biocompatibility test of this form of material using these three cell types, which are periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblast cells, human mesenchymal stromal cells (HMSc) and primary cells from human hip bone (HBc) has never been evaluated. The objective of this article is to prepare and evaluate the biocompatibility of gel–HA crosslinked scaffold for tissue engineering. Two different scaffolds were prepared: preparation (1), 2.5% gel/2.5% HA; preparation (2), 2.5% gel/5% HA. Three cell types including PDL, HMSc, and HBc were used. Assessment of biocompatibility and osteoblastic cellular responses was evaluated using a three-dimensional cell culture method and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From SEM, it was observed that scaffold (1) exhibits stable porous formation with well-blended and dispersed HA powder. All three cell types were able to proliferate in both scaffolds. The HMSc and HBc got attached to the scaffolds to a significantly higher degree and subsequently proliferated more than PDL. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities of HMSc and HBc were stronger when cultured in scaffold (S1) than (S2). It was seen that the two scaffold preparations show good biocompatibility with all three cell types tested. The better cellular responses with scaffold (S1) than (S2) might be due to the different structural and morphological characteristics, that is, scaffold (S1) retained more small-sized apatite crystals and a better developed pore configuration than scaffold (S2). Based on these findings, the biomimetically synthesized composite scaffolds have the potential to be used in hard tissue regeneration and tissue engineering fields.
Heterofunctional nanosheet controlling cell adhesion properties by collagen coating
Authors: Niwa Daisuke , Fujie Toshinori , Lang Thorsten , Goda Nobuhito , Takeoka Shinji
Published: February 2011

Recently, biomaterials have been widely used in a variety of medical applications. We previously reported that a poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) nanosheet shows anti-adhesive properties and constitutes a useful biomaterial for preventing unwanted wound adhesion in surgical operations. In this article, we examine whether the PLLA nanosheet can be specifically modified with biomacromolecules on one surface only. Such an approach would endow each side of the nanosheet with discrete functions, that is anti-adhesive and pro-healing properties. We fabricated two distinct PLLA nanosheets: (i) collagen cast on the surface of a PLLA nanosheet (Col-Cast-PLLA) and (ii) collagen spin-coated on the nanosheet (Col-Spin-PLLA). In the Col-Spin-PLLA nanosheet, the collagen layer had a thickness of 5–10 nm on the PLLA surface and displayed increased hydrophilicity compared to both PLLA and Col-Cast-PLLA nanosheets. In addition, atomic force microscopy showed disorganized collagen fibril formation on the PLLA layer when covered using the spin-coating method, while apparent bundle formations of collagen were formed in the Col-Cast-PLLA nanosheet. The Col-Spin-PLLA nanosheet provided a microenvironment for cells to adhere and spread. By contrast, the Col-Cast-PLLA nanosheet displayed reduced cell adhesion compared to the Col-Spin-PLLA nanosheet. Consistent with these findings, immunocytochemical analysis clearly showed fine networks of actin filaments in cells cultured on the Col-Spin-PLLA, but not the Col-Cast-PLLA nanosheet. Therefore, the Col-Spin-PLLA nanosheet was shown to be more suitable for acting as a scaffold. In conclusion, we have succeeded in developing a heterofunctional nanosheet comprising a collagen modified side, which has the ability to rapidly adhere cells, and an unmodified side, which acts as an adhesion barrier, by using a spin-coating technique.
Preparation and properties of poly(ether ether ketone) composites reinforced by modified wollastonite grafting with different oligomers
Authors: Ma Gang , Yue Xigui , Zhang Shuling , Rong Changru , Wang Guibin
Published: February 2011

Different structure silane-terminated polymer oligomers were synthesized and grafted onto the surface of wollastonite particles. The prepared grafted-wollastonite particles (g-W) were then incorporated into poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK) matrix via melting blend. The properties of the PEEK composites were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, universal tester and rheometer. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the PEEK/g-W composites were markedly enhanced, the complex viscosity of PEEK/g-W composites was increased, and both the peak crystallization temperature ( Tc) and crystalline fraction ( χc) of the g-W-reinforced PEEK composites were significantly higher in comparison with those of non-treated wollastonite-reinforced PEEK composites. It is concluded that these results were due to the strong interaction between the grafted-wollastonite particles and the PEEK matrix, and the properties of the PEEK/g-W composites were slightly different because of the different structure of the polymer oligomers.
Fluorinated PMR polyimides with improved melt processability and impact toughness
Authors: Qu Ximing , Fan Lin , Ji Mian , Yang Shiyong
Published: February 2011

Fluorinated in situ polymerization of monomeric reactants (PMR) polyimide resins with improved melt processability and impact toughness were prepared from the diethyl ester of 3,3',4,4 '-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid and the aromatic diamine 4,4 '-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)biphenyl (6FBAB) with the monoethyl ester of 5-norbornene-2, 3-dicarboxylic acid as the molecular-weight-controlling and reactive endcapping agent. Effects of the calculated molecular weights (calc’d Mn values) on the resin melt processability and the thermal and mechanical properties of the thermally cured polyimides were systematically investigated. It was found that the fluorinated PMR resins with calc’d Mn of ≤ 2500 g mol-1 exhibited higher melt processability than the conventional PMR-15. After thermally cured, the thermoset polyimides displayed high thermal stability with the decomposition temperature at 5% weight loss ( T5) of > 62; 450°C, the glass transition temperature ( Tg) of 273—326° C, and good mechanical properties. Carbon-fiber-reinforced composites fabricated from the representative polyimide showed outstanding mechanical properties both at ambient and elevated temperatures as well as high impact toughness at room temperature.
Lewis and Clarks’ Tempest: The ‘perfect storm’ of November 1805, Oregon, USA
Authors: Knapp Paul A. , Hadley Keith S.
Published: February 2011

Three weeks after arriving near the Pacific Northwest (PNW) coast in November 1805, Lewis and Clarks’ Corps of Discovery experienced a two-day windstorm that may have rivaled the strongest historically documented storms of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Based on the Corps’ detailed historical accounts describing the event as the perfect storm, we characterized the severity of the 1805 windstorm using tree-ring growth anomalies from windsnapped Sitka spruce collected at three sites along the northern Oregon Coast. We compared the 1805 gale to eight other documented events with comparable storm tracks and exceptional magnitude including the 1880 and 1951 events that each caused more than a billion board feet ( c. 2.4 million m3) of windthrow. Statistical comparison of tree-growth responses revealed that the 1805 windstorm was the only event to differ significantly (χ2; test, p < 0.05, d.f. = 1) from all other storms. Our findings demonstrate the potential application of tree-ring data and historical documents to understand previously obscure climatic events similar to the extreme droughts that led to the demise of the Roanoke Colony during the sixteenth century and adversity experienced by the Jamestown Colony during the seventeenth century. Specifically, we identify the Lewis and Clark tempest of 1805 as being among the most severe PNW windstorms during the past two centuries, and may have contributed to the Corps’ dismal view of coastal Pacific Northwest weather.
Smuts’s Generals: Towards a First Portrait of the South African High Command, 1912-1948
Authors: van der Waag Ian
Published: February 2011

This paper is the first attempt to analyse the at least 61 men who held general or flag rank in the Union Defence Force (UDF) or served as section heads in the General Staff Section during this period. The difficult politico-strategic environment in which the UDF was established in 1912 is sketched first. A quantitative overview of the men considered in this study is then presented, followed by some multiple career-line analysis from which a number of prosopographical trends are painted. The evidence suggests that the South African general staff was diverse in terms of social background, education, force of origin, and combat experience. It was also far less ‘British’ than has been previously suggested. Competition, factionalism, and aggressive lobbying brought several upheavals in the corps of South African generals. Political considerations, at key times, counted for more in the selection and promotion lists than did experience and ability.
Cabinet Government, British Imperial Security, and the World Disarmament Conference, 1932—1934
Authors: Fleming N.C.
Published: February 2011

High-ranking ministers in the British cabinet supported calls at the World Disarmament Conference demanding the abolition of aerial bombing. Their efforts, however, were checked by the Air Ministry, with the result that British delegates at the conference promoted a compromise position advocating abolition, with a reservation for colonial policing. Pressure from the conference made it difficult to maintain this posture, and abolitionists in cabinet came close to persuading colleagues of their case, but events in Iraq, Aden, and India served to underscore the importance of the overseas RAF. Several salient features of government in this period help account for the cabinet’s attitude to aerial bombing: the heightened importance of consensus in the National Government, the enhanced relevance of the Air Ministry, the necessity of affordably securing the empire, and a prevailing cynicism about the feasibility of an agreement on aerial bombing.
Berliners’ Models of Heart Disease Causation
Authors: Fechner Mary J.
Published: February 2011

Following the collapse of socialism and subsequent German reunification, cardiac mortality rose unexpectedly in the former East Germany; although rates improved by mid-decade, a West/East health gradient persisted. Psychosocial stress from regime change, postsocialism, was one hypothesis proposed to explain the health transition. Absent from the scholarly conversation were individuals’ own assessments of their illness experiences in this time of social upheaval. I hypothesized that such data might illuminate processes linking illness and social change. I analyzed illness narratives of East and West Berliners with heart disease, attending to subjective notions of causation. Both groups cited nonmodifiable and modifiable risk factors; half of the East Berliners incorporated additional material that referenced processes associated with postsocialism. I propose that ethnographic investigations of illness experiences can contribute to the development of more culturally relevant, comprehensive hypotheses of nonbiologic risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Five-Year-Old Children’s Tuning-In and Negotiation Strategies in an Immunization Situation
Authors: Harder Maria , Christensson Kyllike , Coyne Imelda , Söderbäck Maja
Published: February 2011

In this article, we have explored 5-year-old children’s expressions when they as actors took part in an immunization situation in the Primary Child Health Care (PCHC) service in Sweden. Although children’s health and development are the main concern in the PCHC service, their perspectives in such a setting have not been explored fully. To capture children’s perspectives we used a hermeneutic design and video observations. The findings revealed children as competent and active participants, contributing to the construction of the PCHC situation in mutuality with the nurse and the parent. The conceptualization of children’s expressions and actions revealed how they influenced and dealt with a PCHC situation by using strategies of tuning-in, affirmative negotiation, and delaying negotiation. Understanding children’s actions will assist nurses to act with sensitivity when they encounter and support children.
An efficient method for non-stationary random vibration analysis of beams
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhao De-you , Hong Ming
Published: February 2011

An efficient method is presented to investigate the non-stationary random vibration response of structures. This method has the advantage of the accuracy of theoretical method in dealing with random loads and the versatility of the finite element method (FEM) in dealing with structures. In this paper, the Euler beam is adopted in the derivation of the governing equation. The uncoupled approach of the frequency-dependent system matrices is presented for solving the motion equation of forced vibration. The time-variance random dynamic response of the beam is analyzed by the precise integral method, meanwhile, the pseudo-excitation is applied to transform the non-stationary random excitation into deterministic pseudo one to simplify the solution of the dynamic equation. Solutions calculated by the FEM with different time step and theoretical analysis are also obtained for comparison. Numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy and high efficiency of the proposed method.
Dynamic mechanical properties of epoxy cyanate matrix composite under varied temperatures by free vibration method
Authors: Vijaya Kumar KR , Sundareswaran V.
Published: February 2011

Dynamic mechanical properties of cyanate modified epoxy/glass fiber composites are investigated under varied temperatures. The tensile strength increased with an increase in cyanate content (EP, 20EPCY, 40EPCY and 60EPCY) from 320 MPa to 401 MPa. The fracture toughness values also increased from 0.7671 kJ/m2, for neat epoxy resin to 0.9315 kJ/m2 for 60% cyanate ester modified epoxy system. Free vibration method is used to experimentally measure frequency response. Natural frequency of 20EPCY, 40EPCY and 60EPCY increase by 1.2 times, 1.5 times and 1.74 times respectively at 150°C when compared to neat EP system. The damping properties, in terms of the damping factor and dynamic tensile modulus are determined theoretically. The increase in tensile modulus of cyanate modified epoxy system with increase in cyanate loading is 3.8 GPa(EP) to 5.3 GPa(60EPCY) at 30°C and 2.75 GPa(EP) to 4.36 GPa(60EPCY) at 150°C. The neat epoxy system has a damping factor of 0.01326 and 0.01668 at 30°C and 150°C. The damping factors of 20EPCY, 40EPCY and 60EPCY systems at 150° C are found to increase by 1.1times, 1.2 times and 1.4 times respectively when compared with EP system.
Dither signal effects on quenching chaos of a permanent magnet synchronous motor in electric vehicles
Authors: Chang Shun-Chang , Lin Bao-Chau , Lue Yeou-Feng
Published: February 2011

This investigation confirms and controls chaotic motion in a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) system in electric vehicles. Complex nonlinear behaviors may be observed over a range of parameter values in the bifurcation diagram. The method of the Lyapunov exponent is adopted to identify the onset of chaotic motion and verify the analysis. Finally, a technique for effectively controlling a chaotic PMSM system will be offered. It involves applying an external input, called a dither signal, to the system. Some simulation results are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the developed approach.
Cost-Effectiveness of Health Care Interventions to Address Intimate Partner Violence: What Do We Know and What Else Should We Look for?
Authors: Gold Lisa , Norman Richard , Devine Angela , Feder Gene , Taft Angela J. , Hegarty Kelsey L.
Published: February 2011

Intimate partner violence (IPV) creates a substantial burden of disease and significant costs to families, communities, and governments. Building the evidence for effective interventions to reduce violence and its sequelae requires increased use of economic evaluation to inform policy through the analysis of costs and potential savings of interventions. The authors review existing economic evaluations and present case studies of current research from the United Kingdom and Australia to illustrate the strengths and limitations of two approaches to generating economic evidence: economic evaluation alongside randomized controlled trials and economic modeling. Economic evaluation should always be considered in the design of IPV intervention research.
Evaluator Characteristics and Methodological Choice
Authors: Azzam Tarek
Published: February 2011

This study addresses the central question “How do evaluators' background characteristics relate to their evaluation design choices?” Evaluators were provided with a fictitious description of a school-based program and asked to design an evaluation of that program. Relevant background characteristics such as level of experience, methodological preferences, evaluation utilization preferences, and level of education were collected from each respondent. Major findings indicate that evaluators' methodological and use preferences were significantly related to specific design choices for the fictitious evaluation.