bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thinking the ‘Social’ with Claude Lefort
Authors: Singer Brian C. J.
Published: October 2006

This article examines Claude Lefort's writings in order to think about the ‘social’, understood as separate from the political, and in its separation, as a strictly modern ‘phenomenon’. Prior to the modern democratic revolution, the collective order was presented through the representation of power, itself identified with both law and knowledge, and referred to a transcendent source. At a first moment, the modern democratic revolution, under the sign of the general will, renders power immanent. At a second moment, it separates power from law and, above all, knowledge, such that three domains emerge, each with its own logic, its own notion of representation, its own divisions. The ‘social’, in a sense, arises between these two moments. At one level, it appears as an event in, and in consequence an object of, knowledge, once knowledge need no longer be, primarily, a knowledge of power or law, that is the enunciation of the principles by which the latter establish the order, coherence and sense of the world. At another level the ‘social’ emerges as a response to the difficulties presented by a strictly political representation of societal order–difficulties in no small part due to the revolutionaries’ inability to countenance the separation between the three domains. In this regard the ‘social’ appears as a presupposition that serves to stabilize an inherently conflictual political order. It is, however, an ‘empty’ presupposition, without determinate content, and therefore also a source of uncertainty. While this emptiness proves a stimulus for the construction of new savoirs, it also accounts for the fragility of all discourses that would speak in its name (social science, social theory, sociology). The article concludes with a few words about the ‘death of the social’.
PCDD/F and related compounds in solid residues from municipal solid waste incineration - a literature review
Authors: Vehlow Jürgen , Bergfeldt Britta , Hunsinger Hans
Published: October 2006

Emissions of polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) from waste incineration into the air have been a major focus of interest during the last two decades. An integrated approach to clean waste disposal has to take the occurrence of PCDD/F in all residues into account. This paper compiles published data on concentration ranges of PCDD/F and the related compounds polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), chlorinated benzenes and phenols, as well as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in solid residues from waste incineration in grate furnaces and their development since 1985. A short description of inertization processes for PCDD/F loaded materials is added.
Assessment of long-term pH developments in leachate from waste incineration residues
Authors: Astrup Thomas , Jakobsen Rasmus , Christensen Thomas H. , Hansen Jette B. , Hjelmar Ole
Published: October 2006

Environmental assessment of residue disposal needs to account for long-term changes in leaching conditions. Leaching of heavy metals from incineration residues are highly affected by the leachate pH; the overall environmental consequences of disposing of these residues are therefore greatly influenced by changes in pH over time. The paper presents an approach for assessing pH changes in leachate from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) air-pollution-control (APC) residues. Residue samples were subjected to a stepwise batch extraction method in order to obtain residue samples at a range of pH values (similar to common pH-dependence tests), and then on these samples to determine leaching of alkalinity as well as remaining solid phase alkalinity. On a range of APC residues covering various pretreatment and disposal options, this procedure was used to determine leachable and residual alkalinity as a function of pH. Mass balance calculations for typical disposal scenarios were used to provide data on pH as a function of the liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratio in the leaching system. Regardless of residue type and pretreatment, pH was found to stay above 7 for L/S ratios up to about 2000 L kg-1 corresponding to about 100 000 years in typical landfill scenarios. It was found that pH changes were mainly governed by alkalinity decreases from leaching processes rather than neutralization reactions. The results suggest that leaching testing for assessment purposes should be carried out in the alkaline range, for example, at pH 9. The paper offers a thorough basis for further modelling of incineration residue leaching and for modelling the environmental consequences of landfilling and utilization of these residues.
Predicted growth of world urban food waste and methane production
Authors: Adhikari Bijaya K. , Barrington Suzelle , Martinez José
Published: October 2006

Landfill gas emissions are one of the largest anthropogenic sources of methane especially because of food waste (FW). To prevent these emissions growing with world population, future FW best management practices need to be evaluated. The objective of this paper was therefore to predict FW production for 2025 if present management practices are maintained, and then, to compare the impact of scenario 1: encouraging people to stay in rural areas and composting 75% of their FW, and; of scenario 2, where in addition to scenario 1, composting or anaerobically digesting 75% of urban FW (UFW). A relationship was established between per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and the population percentage living in urban areas (%UP), as well as production of municipal solid waste (MSW) and UFW. With estimated GDP and population growth per country,%UP and production of MSW and UFW could be predicted for 2025. A relatively accurate ( R2 > 0.85) correlation was found between GDP and%UP, and between GDP and mass of MSW and FW produced. On a global scale, MSW and UFW productions were predicted to increase by 51 and 44%, respectively, from 2005 to 2025. During the same period, and because of its expected economic development, Asia was predicted to experience the largest increase in UFW production, of 278 to 416 Gkg. If present MSW management trends are maintained, landfilled UFW was predicted to increase world CH4 emissions from 34 to 48 Gkg and the landfill share of global anthropogenic emissions from 8 to 10%. In comparison with maintaining present FW management practices, scenario 1 can lower UFW production by 30% and maintain the landfill share of the global anthropogenic emissions at 8%. With scenario 2, the landfill share of global anthropogenic emissions could be further reduced from 8 to 6% and leachate production could be reduced by 40%.
Service Outcomes in Physical and Sexual Abuse Cases: A Comparison of Child Advocacy Center-Based and Standard Services
Authors: Smith Daniel W. , Witte Tricia H. , Fricker-Elhai Adrienne E.
Published: October 2006

Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) were developed to improve on child abuse investigative services provided by child protective service (CPS) agencies. However, until very recently, there has been little research comparing CAC-based procedures and outcomes to those in CPS investigations not based in CACs. The current study tracked 76 child abuse cases that were reported to authorities and investigated through either a private, not-for-profit CAC or typical CPS services in a mid-south rural county. Comparisons between CAC and CPS cases were made in terms of involvement of local law enforcement in the investigation, provision of medical exams, abuse substantiation rates, mental health referrals, prosecution referrals, and conviction rates. Analyses revealed higher rates of law enforcement involvement, medical examinations, and case substantiation in the CAC-based cases compared to the CPS cases. Despite limitations due to sample size and nonrandomization, this study found preliminary support for the assumptions underlying the establishment of CACs.
Future Research on Gender Symmetry in Physical Assaults on Partners
Authors: Straus Murray A.
Published: October 2006

In the light of evidence from about 200 studies showing gender symmetry in perpetration of partner assault, research can now focus on why gender symmetry is predominant and on the implications of symmetry for primary prevention and treatment of partner violence. Progress in such research is handicapped by a number of problems: (1) Insufficient empirical research and a surplus of discussion and theory, (2) Blinders imposed by commitment to a single causal factor theory—patriarchy and male dominance—in the face of overwhelming evidence that this is only one of a multitude of causes, (3) Research purporting to investigate gender differences but which obtains data on only one gender, (4) Denial of research grants to projects that do not assume most partner violence is by male perpetrators, (5) Failure to investigate primary prevention and treatment programs for female offenders, and (6) Suppression of evidence on female perpetration by both researchers and agencies.
Evaluation of Kinematic Formulations for Viscoelastically Damped Sandwich Beam Modeling
Authors: Hu Heng , Belouettar Salim , Daya El Mostafa , Potier-Ferry Michel
Published: October 2006

For efficiently simulating static and dynamic behaviors of sandwich structures, an accurate kinematic model is essential. This study presents analytical and numerical evaluations of kinematics and theories proposed in the literature. Several types of assumed displacement fields are considered. This article compares and addresses the efficiency, the applicability, and the limits of classical models, higher order models (CLT, FSDT, and HSDT), and zig-zag theories. To achieve this, a comparative study with a finite element based solution free of any kinematic assumptions as well as a qualitative and quantitative assessment of displacement, stress fields, and modal parameters (natural frequency and loss factor) are conducted. The results are presented and discussed for several sandwich beam configurations where the faces and the cores are both isotropic. For these purposes, static (three-point bending test) and dynamic (free vibration) problems are considered.
Free Vibration Analysis of Composite and Sandwich Plates by a Trigonometric Layerwise Deformation Theory and Radial Basis Functions
Authors: Roque C. M. C. , Ferreira A. J.M. , Jorge R. M. N.
Published: October 2006

In this study trigonometric layerwise deformation theory is used for the analysis of free vibration of symmetric composite plates. A meshless discretization method based on global multiquadric radial basis functions is used. The equations of motion and the boundary conditions are derived and interpolated by radial basis functions. This method is applied to the free vibration analysis of composite and sandwich plates. The results are then compared with analytical and numerical solutions. The results show that the use of trigonometric layerwise deformation theory discretized with multiquadrics provides very good solutions for the free vibration of composite and sandwich plates.
Geometrically Nonlinear Response of Modern Sandwich Panels - Distributed Loads and Localized Effects
Authors: Frostig Y.
Published: October 2006

The article presents the results of an investigation on the role of the localized effects in the geometrically nonlinear response of modern sandwich panels made of a ‘soft’ core when subjected to distributed loads. The adopted nonlinear analysis approach incorporates the effects of the vertical flexibility of the core, and it is based on the approach of the high-order sandwich panel theory (HSAPT). The nonlinear governing equations are solved using the multipoint shooting method along with parametric and arc-length continuation procedures. The nonlinear response of the distributed loads is described in terms of deflections and stress resultants in the face sheets, as well as in terms of the interfacial stress components at the upper and lower face-core interfaces. In addition, the equilibrium curves of the load versus the extreme absolute values of the aforementioned structural quantities are presented. The numerical study investigates the localized effects involved in the case of a panel made of a core with uniform properties and a core that is reinforced at its mid region when subjected to a uniformly distributed loading. One of the findings of this research is that a typical modern panel exhibits a limit point response even when subjected to uniformly distributed loads that cause bending. The material discontinuity of the core as well as the buckling of the compressed face sheet leads to localized effects that significantly affect the nonlinear response.
The Structure of Party Alternatives and Voter Choice in Russia
Authors: Golosov Grigorii V.
Published: October 2006

Persistently high levels of voter volatility in Russia can be explained with reference to the lack of stable party identifications in the electorate. Alternatively, and increasingly in correspondence with the available survey evidence, the principal source of volatility can be found in party system properties. This article contributes to the second theory by exploring the sources of volatility between the 2003 national legislative elections and regional legislative elections that were held concurrently or within one year after the national ones. The analysis demonstrated that the results of regional elections were strongly affected by the varying structures of party alternatives. Voter choice in regional elections is found to be strongly influenced by variations on such parameters as the number of parties and the presence or absence of electoral blocs as principal means of articulating local issue dimensions.
I, Apparatus, You
Authors: Weight Jenny
Published: October 2006

In 2001, Florian Cramer wondered whether ‘the theoretical debate of literature in digital networks has shifted... from perceiving computer data as an extension and transgression of textuality (as manifest in such notions as ‘hypertext’, ‘hyperfiction’, ‘hyper-/multimedia’) towards paying attention to the very codedness–that is, textuality–of digital systems themselves' (Cramer, 2001). I want to extend this focus on the codedness of computer-based textuality into a technosocial ‘phenomenology’ of the text-as-apparatus. These texts cannot be understood separately from the apparatus that displays and performs them. ‘Trilogical’ relationships exist between humans and apparatuses that are revealed during the performance of the text-as-apparatus.

The trilogue acknowledges the apparatus as an entity that, while lacking consciousness, possesses a pseudo-agency with ramifications for the interpretations of such texts. The result is new types of creative relationships, in which different concepts of language compete, and hopefully combine, to create new types of meaning.
Symptom domains of schizophrenia: the role of atypical antipsychotic agents
Authors: Burton Simon
Published: October 2006

Given their more obvious presentation, the reduction of positive symptoms and their associated behavioural problems have been considered the most important treatment outcome parameter in patients with schizophrenia. However, the development of the atypical antipsychotic agents in the early 1990s resulted in the adoption of more wide-reaching measures of therapeutic outcome. The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of currently available atypical agents across multiple symptom domains of schizophrenia with a specific focus on negative symptoms, neurocognition, social functioning, quality of life and insight. As such, studies published between January 1990 and December 2005 that evaluated the clinical efficacy and tolerability of atypical antipsychotics in different symptom domains of schizophrenia were reviewed as identified from literature researches using MEDLINE and Embase. Abstracts and posters presented at key psychiatry and schizophrenia congresses during this period were also reviewed where available in the public domain. Results from the studies identified have consistently demonstrated that atypical antipsychotics have substantial advantages over conventional antipsychotics with a broader spectrum of efficacy across symptomatic domains of schizophrenia as proven by greater improvements in negative symptoms and cognitive function and a beneficial effect on affective symptoms and quality of life. However, their clinical advantages have often been limited by patients’ partial compliance with therapy. As such, the development of a long-acting atypical antipsychotic agent may provide a new and valuable treatment option for patients with schizophrenia.
Review of the evidence for the long-term efficacy of atypical antipsychotic agents in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia and related psychoses
Authors: Turner Martin S , Stewart Duncan W
Published: October 2006

In schizophrenia, the objectives of long-term maintenance therapy are to achieve continuous relief from psychotic symptoms, to prevent relapse, to optimize patient functioning and improve quality of life. It is now generally accepted that atypical antipsychotic agents are more effective than conventional agents in achieving these goals over the short term. In order to define the role of atypical antipsychotics as maintenance treatment for schizophrenia, studies published between January 1994 and November 2005 that evaluated the long-term efficacy (1 year) of atypical antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia were reviewed as identified from literature researches using MEDLINE and EMBASE. The primary research parameters were ‘atypical’, ‘antipsychotic’, ‘schizophrenia’, ‘relapse’, ‘long-term’, ‘maintenance’ and ‘efficacy’. Aspects of safety were also considered for these agents. Results from these long-term studies consistently demonstrated that atypical antipsychotics have substantial advantages over oral conventional antipsychotics as proven by fewer relapses, more effective symptom control and a lower incidence of movement disorders, although some atypical agents were associated with a higher incidence of weight gain. However, due to issues of compliance, the clinical advantage of oral atypical antipsychotics has often been limited. As such, the use of long-acting preparations of atypical antipsychotics, which provide consistent and sustained drug coverage, warrants further investigation for the successful long-term management of patients with schizophrenia.
Improving patient outcomes in schizophrenia: achieving remission
Authors: Nasrallah Henry A. , Lasser Rob
Published: October 2006

The Remission in Schizophrenia Working Group has recently proposed a consensus definition of remission in schizophrenia and, based on this definition, has developed specific operational criteria for the assessment of remission. The aim of this article was to assess the application of these consensus criteria and to discuss the barriers for achieving remission. An electronic literature search of studies published between January 1990 and December 2005 examining the concepts of remission, compliance and patient satisfaction in schizophrenia was performed using Medline and EMBASE. The primary research parameters were ‘schizophrenia’, ‘remission’, ‘antipsychotics’, ‘atypicals’ and ‘conventional’. Abstracts and posters presented at key psychiatry congresses during this period were also reviewed, where available in the public domain. To date, the remission criteria have been applied retrospectively to a number of clinical studies, and these have demonstrated that the proposed definition of remission correlates significantly with established measures of symptom severity, functioning and quality of life, and appears achievable and sustainable for a significant proportion of patients receiving pharmacotherapy. The atypical antipsychotic agents have been shown to impact favourably upon certain factors that play an integral part in the achievement of remission, such as negative symptoms, cognitive impairment, social functioning and quality of life. However, non-compliance with medication remains widespread due to illness-, treatment- and clinician-related factors. The use of long-acting antipsychotic agents, with their assured medication delivery, may facilitate compliance and improve long-term treatment outcomes, possibly assisting patients in achieving remission. Remission may, therefore, be considered as a current goal of treatment today, not a distant future aim.
The Sociological Ideas of Stanisław Ossowski
Authors: Chałubiński Mirosław
Published: October 2006

This article presents the following: (1) the biography of Stanisław Ossowski, including the evolution of his interests from logic and aesthetics to sociology, and a presentation of his scientific activities and major works against the background of the contemporary situation in social science; (2) an analysis of the basic motives of his sociology and the social values in which he believed in relationship to his focus upon a humanistic sociology, anti-naturalism, a science of science, and his critical discussions of neo-positivism and official Marxism–Leninism; and (3) Ossowski's influence upon the development of Polish sociology, along with the reception of his works in the world. The author documents a thesis that the significance of Ossowski for Polish sociology consists not only in his interdisciplinary work in relationship to various branches of scientific knowledge, but also in his participation in organizing various sociological institutions and in his personal authority as a scientist who displayed great courage and a resistance to the pressures of an ideological state.
Robust Rankings of Multidimensional Performances
Authors: Cherchye Laurens , Vermeulen Frederic
Published: October 2006

There is a general interest in ranking performances (e.g., in sports or policy) that essentially implies aggregating several performance dimensions. The usual approach considers a “cardinal” linear weighting of the different single-dimensional performance indicators. The authors present an alternative approach, which merely requires “ordinal” information regarding the importance of the different performance dimensions. It is argued that this approach is robust with respect to alternative specifications of the (possibly nonlinear) underlying performance aggregation function. An application to Tour de France racing cyclists (in the period 1953-2004) illustrates the approach. The authors find that Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Lance Armstrong (robustly) dominate almost all other racing cyclists in the sample, although they do not dominate each other. A net-dominance metric ranks Bernard Hinault on the first place in the sample; Eddy Merckx and Lance Armstrong follow very closely ex-aequo on the second place.
Analyzing the Performance of the English F.A. Premier League With an Econometric Frontier Model
Authors: Barros Carlos Pestana , Leach Stephanie
Published: October 2006

This article uses an econometric frontier model to evaluate the performance of football clubs present in the English F.A. Premier League from 1998-1999 to 2002-2003, combining sport and financial variables. A stochastic Cobb-Douglas production frontier model is used to generate football club efficiency scores. We conclude that the price of labour, the price of capital players the price of capital stadium, points gained, attendance, and turnover all play a major role in football efficiency and find that the efficiency scores are mixed.
The Impact of Free Agency and the Salary Cap on Competitive Balance in the National Football League
Authors: Larsen Andrew , Fenn Aju J. , Spenner Erin Leanne
Published: October 2006

This article examines the competitive balance of the National Football League (NFL) using Gini coefficients and the deviations of the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index. The authors present upper bounds for both measures that are constructed using actual playing schedules. They model competitive balance as a function of player talent, the incidence of strikes, the expansion of the NFL, change in the number of playoff teams, schedule length, team relocation, the number of new stadiums, and the introduction of free agency and the salary cap in the NFL using data from the 1970 to 2002 seasons. The authors find that free agency and salary cap restrictions tend to promote competitive balance, whereas a concentration of player talent reduces competitiveness among teams. Player strikes and the construction of new stadiums also affect competitive balance.
The Win Maximization Model Reconsidered
Authors: Késenne Stefan
Published: October 2006

In this article, the author reconsiders the so-called win maximization model, taking into account a number of criticisms that have been raised in the literature. One of the main issues is the application of the more relevant Cournot-Nash equilibrium, rather than the Walrasian fixed-supply model, to the European football industry with its flexible talent supply in an open international player market. At the same time, the hypothesis of a simple market clearing salary level has been replaced with the theory of efficiency wages to determine the salary level. Some important consequences of the application of the efficiency wage theory have been investigated.
Atypically diffuse functional connectivity between caudate nuclei and cerebral cortex in autism
Authors: Turner Katherine C , Frost Leonard , Linsenbardt David , McIlroy John R , Müller Ralph-Axel
Published: October 2006

Background

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting sociocommunicative behavior, but also sensorimotor skill learning, oculomotor control, and executive functioning. Some of these impairments may be related to abnormalities of the caudate nuclei, which have been reported for autism.

Methods

Our sample was comprised of 8 high-functioning males with autism and 8 handedness, sex, and age-matched controls. Subjects underwent functional MRI scanning during performance on simple visuomotor coordination tasks. Functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) effects were identified as interregional blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal cross-correlation, using the caudate nuclei as seed volumes.

Results

In the control group, fcMRI effects were found in circuits with known participation of the caudate nuclei (associative, orbitofrontal, oculomotor, motor circuits). Although in the autism group fcMRI effects within these circuits were less pronounced or absent, autistic subjects showed diffusely increased connectivity mostly in pericentral regions, but also in brain areas outside expected anatomical circuits (such as visual cortex).

Conclusion

These atypical connectivity patterns may be linked to developmental brain growth disturbances recently reported in autism and suggest inefficiently organized functional connectivity between caudate nuclei and cerebral cortex, potentially accounting for stereotypic behaviors and executive impairments.
Alterations of metabolic activity in human osteoarthritic osteoblasts by lipid peroxidation end product 4-hydroxynonenal
Authors: Shi Qin , Vaillancourt France , Côté Véronique , Fahmi Hassan , Lavigne Patrick , Afif Hassan , Di Battista John A , Fernandes Julio C , Benderdour Mohamed
Published: October 2006

4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE), a lipid peroxidation end product, is produced abundantly in osteoarthritic (OA) articular tissues, but its role in bone metabolism is ill-defined. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that alterations in OA osteoblast metabolism are attributed, in part, to increased levels of HNE. Our data showed that HNE/protein adduct levels were higher in OA osteoblasts compared to normal and when OA osteoblasts were treated with H2O2. Investigating osteoblast markers, we found that HNE increased osteocalcin and type I collagen synthesis but inhibited alkaline phosphatase activity. We next examined the effects of HNE on the signaling pathways controlling cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in view of their putative role in OA pathophysiology. HNE dose-dependently decreased basal and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced IL-6 expression while inducing COX-2 expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release. In a similar pattern, HNE induces changes in osteoblast markers as well as PGE2 and IL-6 release in normal osteoblasts. Upon examination of signaling pathways involved in PGE2 and IL-6 production, we found that HNE-induced PGE2 release was abrogated by SB202190, a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor. Overexpression of p38 MAPK enhanced HNE-induced PGE2 release. In this connection, HNE markedly increased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, JNK2, and transcription factors (CREB-1, ATF-2) with a concomitant increase in the DNA-binding activity of CRE/ATF. Transfection experiments with a human COX-2 promoter construct revealed that the CRE element (-58/-53 bp) was essential for HNE-induced COX-2 promoter activity. However, HNE inhibited the phosphorylation of IκBα and subsequently the DNA-binding activity of nuclear factor-κB. Overexpression of IKKα increased TNF-α-induced IL-6 production. This induction was inhibited when TNF-α was combined with HNE. These findings suggest that HNE may exert multiple effects on human OA osteoblasts by selective activation of signal transduction pathways and alteration of osteoblastic phenotype expression and pro-inflammatory mediator production.
Social support during intensive care unit stay might improve mental impairment and consequently health-related quality of life in survivors of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Deja Maria , Denke Claudia , Weber-Carstens Steffen , Schröder Jürgen , Pille Christian E , Hokema Frank , Falke Konrad J , Kaisers Udo
Published: October 2006

Introduction

We investigated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and persistent symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in long-term survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We wished to evaluate the influence of PTSD on HRQoL and to investigate the influence of perceived social support during intensive care unit (ICU) treatment on both PTSD symptoms and HRQoL.

Methods

In ARDS patients we prospectively measured HRQoL (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form; SF-36), symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome 10-Questions Inventory; PTSS-10), perceived social support (Questionnaire for Social Support; F-Sozu) and symptoms of psychopathology (Symptom Checklist-90-R); and collected sociodemographic data including current employment status. Sixty-five (50.4%) out of 129 enrolled survivors responded, on average 57 ± 32 months after discharge from ICU. Measuring symptoms of PTSD the PTSS-10 was used to divide the ARDS patients into two subgroups ('high-scoring patients', indicating patients with an increased risk for developing PTSD, and 'low-scoring patients').

Results

HRQoL was significantly reduced in all dimensions in comparison with age- and gender-adjusted healthy controls. Eighteen patients (29%) were identified as being at increased risk for PTSD. PTSD risk was significantly linked with anxiety during their ICU stay. In this group of patients there was a trend towards permanent or temporary disability, independent of the period between discharge from ICU and study entry. Perceived social support was associated with a reduction in PTSD symptoms (Pearson correlation; p < 0.05). Post-hoc test revealed a significant difference between 'high-scoring patients' and 'low-scoring patients' with respect to mental health, although they did not differ in physical dimensions.

Conclusion

HRQoL was reduced in long-term survivors, and was linked with an increased risk of chronic PTSD with ensuing psychological morbidity. This was independent of physical condition and was associated with traumatic memories of anxiety during their ICU stay. Social support might improve mental health and consequently long-term outcome including employment status.
Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Outcome of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas Presenting With an Associated Low-Grade Component at Diagnosis
Authors: Ghesquières Hervé , Berger Françoise , Felman Pascale , Callet-Bauchu Evelyne , Bryon Paul-André , Traverse-Glehen Alexandra , Thieblemont Catherine , Baseggio Lucile , Michallet Anne-Sophie , Coiffier Bertrand , Salles Gilles
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Some diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) present at diagnosis with associated morphologic features of small B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and may arise from the transformation of a previously unknown indolent low-grade lymphoma. The characteristics and prognosis of these particular DLBCL are not well known.

Patients and Methods

The strict morphologic review of consecutive DLBCL patients diagnosed over 12 years in our department (Hematology Department, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Lyon, France) allowed to retrieve 60 DLBCL that could be have occurred from the transformation of marginal zone B-cell NHL (32 patients), follicular NHL (22 patients), and small lymphocytic NHL (6 patients). We compared them to 180 matched patients of de novo DLBCL.

Results

Patients median age was 55 years and presented the following clinical characteristics: poor performance status in 33%, disseminated disease in 97%, more than one extranodal site in 50%, and increased lactate dehydrogenase level in 55%. Complete remission with multidrug chemotherapy regimens was achieved in 60% of the patients, but 48% relapsed: 28% with aggressive and 20% with indolent histology, respectively. Overall survival (OS) and freedom-from-progression rates at 5 years were 57% and 33%, respectively. The matched-control analysis showed that patients with transformed NHL at diagnosis had lower complete response to chemotherapy (P = .004) and higher progression rate (P = .03), whereas no difference was observed in OS (P = .21).

Conclusion

Compared to de novo DLBCL, transformed NHL at diagnosis have similar overall survival but lower complete response to initial treatment and higher risk of indolent relapses.
Sphenoethmoidectomy: the case for ethmoid marsupialization
Authors: Friedman William H. , Katsantonis George P. , Rosenblum Barry N. , Cooper Margaret H. , Slavin Raymond
Published: October 2006

The authors report 510 sphenoethmoidectomics performed on 255 patients between 1969 and 1985. An overall polyp recurrence rate of 19.2% and less than a 1% complication rate are reported during that time. In patients followed jointly by the otolaryngologists and allergist, including 374 consecutive sphenoethmoidectomies on 187 patients who had this operation performed by the senior author, there was an overall polyp recurrence rate of 15% and a complication rate which was again less than 1%. Recent improvements in recurrence rates and diminished complication rates are attributed to better visualization and adherence to the concept of complete exenteration or marsupialization of the ethmoid labyrinth including middle turbinate resection in every case. Cooperation between the otolaryngologist and allergist is stressed, along with the realization that pulmonary and sinus diseases are frequently interrelated and may both be benefited by the performance of sphenoethmoidectomy in the patient with hyperplastic rhinosinusitis.
The use of gore‐tex®E‐ptfe bonded to silicone rubber as an alloplastic implant material
Authors: Berman Mark , Pearce William J. , Tinnin Monika
Published: October 2006

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the use of an alloplaslic material, Gore‐TexTM Soft Tissue Patch, which when bonded to silicone rubber (Silastic⊚) may represent a more “ideal” implant material. It's use in the rabbit model is compared to Silastic⊚ alone, Supramid⊚ Mesh, and cartilage control. Grafts were harvested at 3 weeks and 3 months, and the histologic findings were reviewed. Our results demonstrate that the implant is quite inert (minimal tissue reaction), allows for tissue ingrowth with reduced capsule formation, and protects the silicone rubber infrastructure from encapsulation. These findings suggest that Gore‐TexTM Soft Tissue Patch bonded to silicone rubber is a superior implant material and is worthy of consideration for clinical applications.
Regeneration of the eighth cranial nerve. i. anatomic verification in the bullfrog
Authors: Newman Anita , Kuruvilla Alexander , Pereda Alberto , Honrubia Vicente
Published: October 2006

The regenerative capacity of the eighth cranial nerve of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, was investigated. The nerve was sectioned between the ganglion and the brain stem in 16 experimental animals. Horseradish peroxidase was extracellularly injected distal to the site of the nerve section five or more weeks postoperatively. Labeled fibers were identified histologically and their central nervous system projections studied. The findings were as follows: 1. The eighth cranial nerve of the bullfrog regenerated after preganglionic axotomy. 2. Fibers of all sizes regenerated. The regenerated fibers in the nerve were disorderly at the site of nerve section. Most fibers entered the brain stem and formed a vestibuloauditory tract, although some “escaped” and coursed along the brain stem. 3. The regenerated vestibuloauditory tract was situated more laterally than normal, with thick and thin fibers intermixed. 4. Regenerated tertiary fibers were long and tortuous and had unusual trajectories. 5. All vestibuloauditory nuclei received thick and thin afferent fibers.
Predictive value of laboratory tests in “autoimmune” inner ear disease: preliminary report
Authors: Hughes Gordon B. , Kinney Sam E. , Nalepa Nancy L. , Barna Barbara P. , Calabrese Leonard H.
Published: October 2006

The purpose of this prospective, controlled study was to estimate the prevalence of immune‐mediated (autoimmune) inner ear disease in a high‐risk patient population, in order to determine the predictive value of a positive lymphocyte transformation test. The high‐risk group was defined as any dizzy patient with unilateral or bilateral‐asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss, who had not previously received immunotherapy.

From more than 400 consecutive patients with a chief complaint of dizziness, 58 were entered into the study over an 8‐month period. The control group consisted of 15 normal volunteers. Thirteen patients (22%) and one control (7%) had positive lymphocyte transformation tests.

The data suggest that positive results in “high‐risk” patients are more common than previously believed. Assuming test sensitivity is 96%, specificity 93%, and disease prevalence 22% in high‐risk patients, the predictive value of a positive lymphocyte transformation test using inner ear membranes is 79%. That is, approximately three fourths of all positive results are true positives.

Positive results in suspected patients, therefore, should be considered true positives, and treatment recommended. Future research should attempt to refine the putative antigen(s), further define “high risk” patients, and prospectively verify these preliminary results.
Otogenic pneumocephalus
Authors: Andrews James C. , Canalis Rinaldo F.
Published: October 2006

Fifty‐four previously reported cases of otogenic pneumocephalus were analyzed in addition to five new cases which are presented in detail. Forty‐one males and 18 females were included with 95% of the patients being over 12 years of age. The most common presenting symptom was headache, and the ventricular system was the intracranial space most commonly involved. Tension pneumocephalus was present in 40 (66%) cases. Trauma (36%) was the most common etiologic factor, while otitis media (30%), otologic surgery (30%), and congenital defects (2%) accounted for the rest. The overall mortality was 12% with all patients succumbing to causes other than pneumocephalus. Because of its lack of specific symptoms, pneumocephalus was usually unsuspected and the diagnosis made only after radiographic evaluation. Despite its rarity, pneumocephalus has to be considered whenever the dura is violated, especially if associated with a CSF leak. Management depends on the degree of tension, symptomatology, and underlying cause. When associated with trauma or surgery, bedrest and close monitoring may suffice, although needle aspiration or re‐exploration may be needed. When secondary to otitis media or a congenital defect, control of any infection and repair of the defect are mandatory.
Magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography in malignant external otitis
Authors: Gherini Stuart G. , Brackmann Derald E. , Bradley William G.
Published: October 2006

In malignant external otitis (MEO), determining the anatomic extent of disease and evaluating the physiologic response to therapy remain a problem. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has recently become available in limited clinical settings. Four patients with MEO were evaluated using MRI, computerized tomography (CT), technetium‐99 (Tc‐99) bone scanning, and gallium‐67 citrate (Ga‐67 citrate) scanning.

MRI is superior to CT, Tc‐99 bone scanning, and Ga‐67 citrate scanning in evaluating the anatomic extent of soft tissue changes in MEO. MRI alone cannot be relied upon to determine the physiologic response to therapy. MRI can, however, serve as a valuable guide to the interpretation of Tc‐99 bone and Ga‐67 citrate scans, and in this respect, MRI is extremely useful in the treatment of MEO.
The shelf life of the university of pennsylvania smell identification test (UPSIT)
Authors: Doty Richard L. , Agrawal Udayan
Published: October 2006

The shelf life of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test was studied by comparing, using a within‐subjects design, scores for tests manufactured within 2 months of the time of testing, 2½ years before the time of testing, and 4 years before testing. A three‐way analysis of variance (test age by gender by booklet presentation order) revealed no significant effects of test age, presentation order, or any of the interactions on the average test scores. However, a significant gender main effect was observed (the women outperformed the men). The number of persons who correctly identified each test item was examined using the Cochran Q test. A significant difference was found among the three groups for only one of the 40 items (lemon). The percentage of persons who correctly identified lemon was lowest with the 4‐year‐old tests (respective percentages of correct values for the recent, 2½‐year, and 4‐year tests were 100%, 97%, and 67%). It is not clear, however, whether this variation is the result of test age, per se, or vagaries in the manufacturing process. Overall, the data indicate that tests stored in a dry place at room temperature have a long shelf life and can be validly used for assessing patient smell function.
The effect of head and neck radiation therapy on voice quality
Authors: Hoyt David J. , Lettinga James W. , Leopold Kenneth A. , Fisher Samuel R.
Published: October 2006

Twenty‐five patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who received radiation therapy as their only form of treatment underwent a computer‐assisted voice analysis before, and 6 months following treatment. Those with early laryngeal tumors had a significant improvement in intelligibility (P = .07), percent of sound voiced (P = .04), and sound perturbation. Those with nonlaryngeal tumors had no change in any measured parameters. Head and neck radiation therapy can significantly improve the voice quality of patients with laryngeal tumors, while having a minimal effect on the voice quality of those with nonlaryngeal tumors.
Extracorporeal piezoelectric shock‐wave lithotripsy of salivary gland stones
Authors: Iro Heinrich , Waitz G. , Nitsche N. , Benninger J. , Schneider T. H. , Ell C. H.
Published: October 2006

Piezoelectric lithotripsy was undertaken on 19 patients with salivary stones, with none of these patients requiring anesthesia, analgetics, or sedatives. All salivary stones were totally fragmented during first lithotripsy. Four months after treatment with extracorporeal shock waves, all patients were free of symptoms and, in 11 of the patients, no calculi could be found sonographically. The piezoelectric lithotripsy of salivary stones caused no serious side effects which could be proven by clinical, biochemical, sonographic, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations.

Extracorporeal piezoelectric lithotripsy is a new and promising nonsurgical therapy for selected cases of sialolithiasis of the parotid and submandibular glands.
Vocal cord augmentation with autogenous fat
Authors: Brandenburg James H. , Kirkham Wayne , Koschkee Danna
Published: October 2006

Since 1987, the authors have used a new technique for the augmentation and medialization of the paralyzed vocal cord. Eleven patients with paralyzed vocal cords and one patient with a surgical defect of the vocal cord have been treated with intracordal injections of autogenous fat harvested by suction from the abdominal wall.

Treatment efficacy was evaluated by both subjective and objective (videostroboscopic) analyses. Patient follow‐up has ranged from 5 to 42 months. All patients showed significant improvement in voice characteristics. Marked reduction in air flow and increased vocal intensity were observed. Correction of glottic insufficiency has been lasting, indicating that the implanted fat cells are viable. At this time, there has been no evidence of loss of vocal cord substance.

The natural qualities of autogenous fat appear to make it an excellent alternative to Teflon® or collagen. The fat is readily available, and easily harvested and injected. A larger patient population and longer follow‐up periods will help determine if these initial findings are consistent.
Nasopharyngeal malignancies in children
Authors: Tom Lawrence W. C. , Anderson Gail J. , Womer Richard B. , Wetmore Ralph F. , Handler Steven D. , Potsic William P. , Goldwein Joel W.
Published: October 2006

A retrospective analysis identified 29 children with nasopharyngeal malignancies who were evaluated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from 1970 through 1989. Rhabdomyosarcoma (15) and carcinoma (9) were the most common tumor types, and there were distinct differences in the clinical presentations of these two malignancies. Patients with rhabdomyosarcoma were generally younger than those with carcinoma and enjoyed longer survival. Six (67%) of the children with carcinoma were black; all of the patients with rhabdomyosarcoma were white. Patients with carcinoma were also more likely to present with cervical metastases. The presentation, evaluation, and methods of treatment for pediatric nasopharyngeal malignancies are discussed.
Successful in vitro growth of human respiratory epithelium on a tracheal prosthesis
Authors: Chopra Dharam P. , Kern Robert C. , Mathieu Patricia A. , Jacobs John R.
Published: October 2006

Reconstruction of tracheal defects may be necessary following trauma or oncologic surgery. Defects up to 8 cm can often be repaired using end‐to‐end anastomosis. Use of a tracheal prosthesis for larger defects has been complicated by recurrent stenosis and infection. Recent animal studies, utilizing a Dacron® polyurethane prosthesis suggest that problems with anastomotic stenosis and infection can be controlled. Problems with a central stenosis within the prosthesis persist when used for defects greater than 6 cm.

Establishment of a confluent lining of respiratory epithelium is believed to be necessary for successful prosthetic tracheal reconstruction. Using cell culture techniques, we report the first successful seeding and growth of human respiratory epithelium onto a Dacron polyurethane tracheal prosthesis.
Application of an implantable bone conduction hearing device to patients with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Weber Bruce A. , Roush Jackson , Mcelveen John T.
Published: October 2006

This investigation, comprised of five studies, was undertaken to determine if individuals with newly acquired profound unilateral hearing losses would benefit from an implantable bone‐conduction hearing device. The bone conductor was implanted on the side of the deaf ear at the time of translabyrinthine acoustic tumor resection. Two areas greatly affected by unilateral hearing loss, speech recognition in noise and sound localization, were examined. No improvement in aided performance could be documented in either area.