bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment Characteristics of Patients With Dementia: Comparing Two Different Psychiatric Inpatient Settings
Authors: Haude Volker , Lüdeke Monika , Dohse Heike , Reiswig Sabine , Liebler Anette , Assion Hans-Joerg , Basilowski Miriam , Börner Ingrid
Published: March 2009

Objective: Patients with dementia in 2 German community psychiatric hospitals with different treatment settings were investigated prospectively and treatment variables compared. Method: In each of the hospitals, which differ in treatment settings (Gütersloh specialized vs. Detmold integrated), 50 patients with dementia consecutively admitted were screened and compared according to personal data, clinical instruments, medication, and diagnosis. Results: No relevant differences were found in the basic characteristics, average age was high (79 years), and patients were significantly restrained in functionality and cognitive functioning. Patients of Gütersloh were transferred to institutional care less frequently. Overall morbidity was high and little improvement in functioning at discharge was recorded. Conclusions: Data of this prospective study show that dementia patients were significantly restrained in cognitive and daily functioning along with high morbidity. Discharge to institutional care and discharge medication was reduced in patients of the special dementia care setting.
Integrating Functional Analytic Psychotherapy and Behavioral Activation for the Treatment of Relationship Distress
Authors: Manos Rachel C. , Kanter Jonathan W. , Rusch Laura C. , Turner Laura B. , Roberts Nicole A. , Busch Andrew M.
Published: March 2009

The following case study demonstrates the potential for an integrated behavioral treatment to improve interpersonal functioning, specifically within a romantic relationship. This integrated treatment utilizes strategies from both Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) and Behavioral Activation (BA), and thus is termed FAP-Enhanced BA (FEBA). This case study represents an initial attempt to apply FEBA to a 22-year-old female undergraduate, Megan, presenting with relationship distress. Megan and her partner both completed a pretreatment and posttreatment assessment that included self-report questionnaires in addition to a conflict-interaction task that was later coded for the presence of specific emotions. After the pretreatment assessment, Megan participated in 8 sessions of FEBA. Session-by-session descriptions and data will be presented, as well as data from the pretreatment and posttreatment assessments.
Scarfette Osteotomy for Surgical Treatment of Bunionette Deformity
Authors: Glover Jason P. , Weil Lowell , Weil Lowell S.
Published: March 2009

Numerous procedures have been described for a bunionette deformity. Choosing a specific osteotomy depends largely on the degree of the deformity and surgeon preference. The Scarfette osteotomy is a versatile procedure that addresses specific etiologic factors associated with bunionette deformities. The primary aim of this study is to show the versatility of the Scarfette osteotomy in varying degrees of bunionette deformities. A retrospective review of 50 cases was performed with a follow-up of 12 months. Objective information was obtained by measuring specific radiographic variables on preoperative and postoperative weight-bearing radiographs. Mean radiographic results are presented for the intermetatarsal 4-5 angle, lateral deviation angle, and fifth metatarsophalangeal angles postoperatively. The authors report short-term results of the Scarfette osteotomy in the correction of bunionette deformities. The Scarfette is a predictable and versatile osteotomy to correct varying degrees of bunionette deformities. The Scarfette is not technically demanding and allows early postoperative ambulation.
Visual control of flight speed inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Fry Steven N. , Rohrseitz Nicola , Straw Andrew D. , Dickinson Michael H.
Published: March 2009

Flight control in insects depends on self-induced image motion (optic flow), which the visual system must process to generate appropriate corrective steering maneuvers. Classic experiments in tethered insects applied rigorous system identification techniques for the analysis of turning reactions in the presence of rotating pattern stimuli delivered in open-loop. However, the functional relevance of these measurements for visual free-flight control remains equivocal due to the largely unknown effects of the highly constrained experimental conditions. To perform a systems analysis of the visual flight speed response under free-flight conditions, we implemented a `one-parameter open-loop' paradigm using `TrackFly' in a wind tunnel equipped with real-time tracking and virtual reality display technology. Upwind flying flies were stimulated with sine gratings of varying temporal and spatial frequencies, and the resulting speed responses were measured from the resulting flight speed reactions. To control flight speed, the visual system of the fruit fly extracts linear pattern velocity robustly over a broad range of spatio–temporal frequencies. The speed signal is used for a proportional control of flight speed within locomotor limits. The extraction of pattern velocity over a broad spatio–temporal frequency range may require more sophisticated motion processing mechanisms than those identified in flies so far. In Drosophila, the neuromotor pathways underlying flight speed control may be suitably explored by applying advanced genetic techniques, for which our data can serve as a baseline. Finally, the high-level control principles identified in the fly can be meaningfully transferred into a robotic context, such as for the robust and efficient control of autonomous flying micro air vehicles.
Material parameters in a simulation of metal sheet stamping
Authors: Gauchía A , Álvarez-Caldas C , Quesada A , San Román J L
Published: March 2009

The paper presents a methodology to tackle the problem of new materials, such as high-strength steels, used in industrial manufacturing. This methodology, which uses the finite element method (FEM), is based on two main ideas: determining the material properties as accurately as possible and automating the FEM simulation as much as possible.

The main tool to solve these problems is an application designed to assist die stamp designers. Such an application can be used by anyone, even with no knowledge about finite elements, and does not need user participation. This fact makes the program very powerful and allows a procedure to be defined to obtain the values of the properties of an unknown material, which combines finite element simulations with real experimental results.

The paper presents the developed application as well as the procedure used to determine the material properties. By combining both aspects, it is possible to simulate any stamping process, allowing the designer to obtain much information in the earlier stages of design.

This paper fulfils an identified need in the manufacturing industry. In fact, the proposed application is currently being used by a manufacturer of automotive components.
Diesel engine indicated and load torque estimation using a non-linear observer
Authors: Whidborne J F
Published: March 2009

The recently published paper ‘Diesel engine indicated and load torque estimation using a non-linear observer’ claims that stability of the observer has been proved. This note shows that this is not the case.
Preparation of Monoclinic Scheelite BiVO4 Photocatalyst by an Ultrasound-assisted Solvent Substitution Method
Authors: Yin Wenzong , Wang Wenzhong , Shang Meng , Zhang Ling , Ren Jia
Published: March 2009

An ultrasound-assisted solvent substitution method was first developed to synthesize monoclinic scheelite (s-m) BiVO4. The BiVO4 (s-m) crystals exhibited flower-like and hierarchical dendrite morphologies and a far higher photocatalytic activity than that made by solid-state reaction for degradation of rhodamine B under visible light. This novel ultrasound-assisted solvent substitution method should be extendable to other materials.
11th Community Music Activity International Seminar: A personal reflection
Authors: Deane Kathryn
Published: April 2009

This paper provides a personal reflection on the 11th Community Music Activity International Seminar exploring some of the main issues that arose, through both the seminar themes of criminal justice system, wellbeing, religion faith and ritual, leadership, and social capital; and the
plenary emerging themes of theorizing, practice and leadership, research, and actions.
Governing Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters by Combining Continuous Performance Improvement and Computerized Physician Order Entry
Authors: Migita Darren S. , Postetter Liz , Heath Susan , Hagan Patrick , Del Beccaro Mark
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. Seattle Children's in Seattle, Washington sought to establish governance over peripherally inserted central catheters. Preventing overuse and creating an efficient placement process were of paramount importance.

METHODOLOGY. We describe a process by which the marriage of continuous performance-improvement projects and computerized physician order entry has led to a reproducible reduction in peripherally inserted central catheter volumes and an increase in overall provider satisfaction with the ordering process. This was accomplished by increasing daily awareness of central venous catheters, establishing peripherally inserted central catheter-specific insertion criteria, establishing a governing vascular-access service, and creation of a peripherally inserted central catheter-specific computerized order set.

RESULTS. After implementation of these measures, peripherally inserted central catheter insertion volumes decreased by 33.4%; these results have been sustained over a period of 19 months. From August 2006 to October 2006, 48% of peripherally inserted central catheters were placed on the same calendar day of order entry, 37% within 24 hours of order entry, and 15% within 48 to 72 hours. Overall, provider satisfaction with the ordering process improved according to a Likert scale. Scores increased from 2.68 of 5 to 3.55 of 5 over a 9-month period. This result was statistically significant at the 95th percentile level according to the t-test method.

CONCLUSIONS. We conclude that properly constructed computerized order sets can be effective in altering physician ordering practices through standardization.
Long-term Health and Quality-of-Life Consequences of Mass Screening for Childhood Celiac Disease: A 10-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: van Koppen Ellen J. , Schweizer Joachim J. , Csizmadia Cassandra G.D.S. , Krom Yvonne , Hylkema Herbertien B. , van Geel Annemarie M. , Koopman Hendrik M. , Verloove-Vanhorick S. Pauline , Mearin Maria Luisa
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. Mass screening for celiac disease is controversial. The objective of this study was to determine whether detection of childhood celiac disease by mass screening improves long-term health status and health-related quality of life.

METHODS. We conducted a prospective 10-year follow-up study of 32 children who were aged 2 to 4 years, had celiac disease identified by mass screening, and had a gluten-free diet (19) or a normal gluten-containing diet (13). The follow-up included assessments of general health status, celiac disease–associated symptoms, celiac disease–associated serum antibodies, and health-related quality of life.

RESULTS. Ten years after mass screening, 81% of the children were adhering to a gluten-free diet. The health status improved in 66% of the treated children: in 41% by early treatment and in 25% by prevention of the gluten-dependent symptoms that they developed after diagnosis. For 19% of the children, treatment after screening would not have improved their health status, because they had no symptoms at screening and have remained symptom-free while consuming gluten. The health-related quality of life of the children with symptoms improved significantly after 1 year of gluten-free diet. Ten years after screening, the health-related quality of life of the children with celiac disease was similar to that of the reference population.

CONCLUSION. Identification by mass screening led 10 years later to health improvement in 66% of children without deterioration of generic health-related quality of life. There is a good compliance after mass screening. In a research setting, delaying treatment for children without symptoms seems to be an option after a positive screening test. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to assess possible long-term complications in untreated, nonsymptomatic celiac disease.
Cattle Trampling of Simulated Bull Trout Redds
Authors: Gregory Jim S. , Gamett Bart L.
Published: March 2009

Listing of the bull trout Salvelinus confluentus under the Endangered Species Act and concerns over livestock stepping on bull trout redds have led many U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service managers to remove livestock from bull trout spawning areas once spawning begins. While this policy has extensive ramifications for livestock producers who graze their cattle on national forests, a lack of data precludes evaluation of the benefit of livestock removal to bull trout populations. To fill this information gap, we assessed the probability that cattle would step on simulated bull trout redds in grazing allotments within the Little Lost River drainage in Idaho. Bull trout redds were simulated using clusters of clay shooting targets. Simulated redds were placed in streams within three grazing pastures where bull trout have historically spawned or currently spawn. During the 14–21-d grazing period, 15–83% of the simulated redds were affected by trampling. When the control period was standardized to the same time period as the treatment, cattle were found to be responsible for affecting 12–78% of simulated redds and breaking 6–49% of the clay targets. Impacts were higher in pastures where cattle stocking intensity was higher, but impacts were also determined by site conditions adjacent to the simulated redds.
Comparison of Two Methods for Implanting Passive Integrated Transponders in Rio Grande Silvery Minnow
Authors: Archdeacon Thomas P. , Remshardt W. Jason , Knecht Tammy L.
Published: March 2009

Uniquely tagged animals provide an opportunity to study changes in population demographics and movement. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags are used to monitor growth, movement, and survival of fishes. Laboratory studies of tag retention and mortality in small-bodied, warmwater cyprinids after insertion of PIT tags are rare. Mortality induced by two PIT tag implantation methods was compared, and tag retention after implantation was assessed. Relations between standard length and tag retention and between standard length and survival in Rio Grande silvery minnow Hybognathus amarus were examined. Fish were randomly selected and PIT-tagged with 12.5-mm tags via surgical incision or needle injection and were held in laboratory aquaria for 32 d. Mean (±SE) survival on day 32 was 99 ± 1% for control fish, 87 ± 6% for fish that received tags by incision, and 50 ± 5% for fish that received tags by injection. We also tagged 280 fish by incision and held them in aquaria for 49 d. On day 49, survival and tag retention were both 90%. Longer fish had higher survival, but tag retention was not related to fish length. Rio Grande silvery minnow can be reliably tagged with PIT tags if the fish are greater than 60 mm standard length. Treatment with antibiotics and holding of fish in captivity for a minimum of 6 d before release are recommended.
Adubação mineral do feijoeiro: VIII - Efeitos de N, P, K, Se de uma mistura de micronutrientes, em novas experiências conduzidas em Tatuí e Tietê
Authors: Miyasaka Shiro , Freire E. S. , Mascarenhas Hipólito A. A. , Pettinelli A. , Igue Toshio
Published: April 2009

Sete experiências de adubação do feijoeiro foram realizadas em áreas freqüentemente cultivadas e adubadas com NPK das estações experimentais de Tatuí (solo Latosol Vermelho Escuro-Orto) e Tietê (solo Podzólico Vermelho Amarelo, variação Laras). Duas dessas experiências foram repetidas no ano seguinte, quando só se empregou a adubação nitrogenada. Incluindo o segundo ano das duas últimas experiências, o nitrogênio aumentou significativamente a produção em cinco casos, o fósforo, em dois, o enxôfre e a mistura de micronutrientes (Zn, Cu, B e Mo), em um, e o potássio, em nenhum.
Muito além da especialização regressiva e da doença holandesa: oportunidades para o desenvolvimento brasileiro
Authors: Furtado João
Published: April 2009

O desenvolvimento econômico brasileiro não pode depender exclusivamente de fontes de demanda externa; e não deve depender, com mais forte razão, de uma fonte associada à demanda chinesa por matérias-primas e produtos com forte intensidade de recursos naturais. Mas é necessário ter em mente que essa demanda tem oferecido uma fonte de estímulo importante para o crescimento e para a melhoria das relações de troca. O desafio, portanto, é integrar a demanda chinesa e os seus efeitos diretos e indiretos na estratégia nacional de desenvolvimento.
Influence of Cryogenic Grinding on Release of Protein and DNA from Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Singh Meenesh R , Roy Sandip , Bellare Jayesh R
Published: March 2009

Yeast is an important organism for expression of recombinant protein and DNA in biotechnology research. Protein and DNA released by mechanical disruption are amenable to degradation due to high shear and temperature rise in conventional processes. In the present work cryogenic grinding has been employed for the first time to disrupt yeast cell by embrittlement at -196 degC, which results in less denaturation of intracellular protein and DNA. The protein release process is found to follow first-order protein release kinetics, and is dependent on the following parameters: volume of suspension, weight of impactor and rate of grinding. It was possible to release nearly 100% of soluble protein with protein denaturation of 18%. Our results suggest that cryogenic grinding enhances protein release rate to almost 1000 fold as compared to ambient condition grinding process. Although DNA release rate was found to be relatively low as compared to that of protein, the release was very high, approximately 1 mg DNA per 100 mg of yeast. High molecular weight DNA strands of 45 kbp were released with minimum shearing, which is generally difficult to obtain with other mechanical disruption processes. The results suggest that cryogenic grinding is a promising technology for release of protein and DNA.
The behavior of different fibers at bread dough freezing
Authors: Filipovic Jelena , Popov Stevan , Filipovic Nada
Published: March 2009

Three different types of commercial fibers (inulin originated from artichoke with long and short molecule chains and Fibrex - originated from sugar beet) were incorporated into the dough formula as flour supplements at the level of 5 %. The influence of fiber characteristics on yeast dough (proving time and stability) and bread quality (volume and crumb quality) during 60 days freezing is presented. Data show that the addition of fibers in frozen yeast dough is positively contributing to preserving the quality of the final product and their influence depends on the characteristics of fibers.
Low pressure migmatites from the Sanandaj-Sirjan Metamorphic Belt in the Hamedan region (Iran)
Authors: Sepahi Ali , Jafari Seyedeh , Mani-Kashani Sara
Published: March 2009

Low pressure migmatites from the Sanandaj-Sirjan Metamorphic Belt in the Hamedan region (Iran)

Migmatites with evidence for low pressure metamorphism and partial melting occur adjacent to the Alvand Plutonic Complex in the Hamedan region of Iran. They show stromatic, schollen, diktyonitic and massive structure. Sillimanite/andalusite/(kyanite)-garnet- and cordierite-K-feldspar-andalusite-spinel-bearing migmatites are the most common rock types. Some of the granitic intrusions contain xenocrysts which resemble the porphyroblasts of nearby migmatites (e.g. sillimanite, andalusite, cordierite and garnet). Although migmatitic rocks of the region are located near the granitic intrusions, the degree of partial melting is not related to intrusions and is irregular. It appears that partial melting and migmatization pre-date the intrusion of major granitic bodies in the region. Leucosomes in stromatic migmatites are commonly parallel to bedding planes and are mostly formed by metamorphic segregation and/orin situpartial melting (showing mafic selvedges, pinch and swell structures). The melt fraction and migmatite type depend on the chemical composition of parent rocks and the distribution of high strain zones. The formation of thin leucosomes in the stromatic migmatites was controlled by short-range melt movement along the grain boundaries. Melt-rich layers are constrained by pre-existing compositional layering and foliation. Peak metamorphic conditions of ~650 °C and ~300 MPa are consistent with the observed mineral assemblages and the presence of melt in the investigated migmatites.
Geochronology of the Neogene calc-alkaline intrusive magmatism in the "Subvolcanic Zone" of the Eastern Carpathians (Romania)
Authors: Pécskay Zoltán , Seghedi Ioan , Kovacs Marinel , Szakács Alexandru , Fülöp Alexandrina
Published: March 2009

Geochronology of the Neogene calc-alkaline intrusive magmatism in the "Subvolcanic Zone" of the Eastern Carpathians (Romania)

The Poiana Botizei-Ţibleş-Toroiaga-Rodna-Bârgâu intrusive area (PBTTRB), northwest Romania, known as the "Subvolcanic Zone", is located between the Gutâi (NW) and Câlimani (SE) volcanic massifs. It consists of rocks displaying a wide range of compositions and textures: equigranular or porphyritic with holocrystalline groundmass (gabbro-diorites, diorites, monzodiorites and granodiorites), and/or porphyritic with fine holocrystalline or glassycryptocrystalline groundmass, similar with effusive rocks: basalts, basaltic andesites, andesites, dacites and rhyolites. The time-span of intrusive rocks emplacement is similar with the nearest calc-alkaline volcanic rocks from Gutâi (NW) and Câlimani (SE) massifs. They are represented by stocks, laccoliths, dykes and sills typical for an upper crustal intrusive environment. In the absence of biostratigraphic evidence, a comprehensive K-Ar study of intrusive rocks using whole rock samples, groundmass and monomineral fractions (biotite, hornblende) has been carried out in order to understand the magmatic evolution of the area. The oldest K-Ar ages recorded in the analysed rocks are close to 11.5 Ma and magmatism continued to develop until about 8.0 Ma. The inception of intrusion emplacement in the PBTTRB is coeval with intrusive activity spatially related to volcanism within the neighbouring Gutâi and Câlimani massifs. However, its culmination at ca. 8 Ma ago is younger than the interruption of this activity at ca. 9.2 Ma in Gutâi and Câlimani Mts where intrusive activity resumed for ca. 1 Myr. These circumstances strongly suggest that the geodynamic evolution of the area controlled the development of both volcanic and intrusive activity and their reciprocal relationships. The overall geological data suggest that in the PBTTRB intra-lithospheric transpressional-transtensional tectonic processes controlled the generation and emplacement of intrusive bodies between ca. 12-8 Ma.
Source Evaluation, Comprehension, and Learning in Internet Science Inquiry Tasks
Authors: Wiley Jennifer , Goldman Susan R. , Graesser Arthur C. , Sanchez Christopher A. , Ash Ivan K. , Hemmerich Joshua A.
Published: March 2009

In two experiments, undergraduates’ evaluation and use of multiple Internet sources during a science inquiry task were examined. In Experiment 1, undergraduates had the task of explaining what caused the eruption of Mt. St. Helens using the results of an Internet search. Multiple regression analyses indicated that source evaluation significantly predicted learning outcomes, with more successful learners better able to discriminate scientifically reliable from unreliable information. In Experiment 2, an instructional unit (SEEK) taught undergraduates how to evaluate the reliability of information sources. Undergraduates who used SEEK while working on an inquiry task about the Atkins low-carbohydrate diet displayed greater differentiation in their reliability judgments of information sources than a comparison group. Both groups then participated in the Mt. St. Helens task. Undergraduates in the SEEK conditions demonstrated better learning from the volcano task. The current studies indicate that the evaluation of information sources is critical to successful learning from Internet-based inquiry and amenable to improvement through instruction.
Things, Voices, Events: Harold Pinter's Mountain Language as Testamental Text
Authors: Watt Stephen
Published: March 2009

Critical conversation about the work of Samuel Beckett has been immeasurably enriched by the meditations of such thinkers as Alain Badiou and Pascale Casanova, both of whom – for very different reasons – have elevated Beckett's Worstward Ho (1983) to the status of “testamental” or “recapitulatory” text: that is, a text that, in Badiou's phrasing, serves to “take stock of the whole of Samuel Beckett's intellectual enterprise.” This essay on Harold Pinter endeavours to make a similar claim for his short 1988 play Mountain Language. In particular, and through the unique theoretical interventions of Badiou, Bill Brown, and Cary Wolfe, “Things, Voices, Events: Harold Pinter's Mountain Language as Testamental Text” delineates the myriad strategies of repressive forces in their ongoing project of domination. These prominently include the priority of the voice, the activation of material “things” as psychical weapons, and frequent recourse to a discourse of species to elide boundaries between the human and the animal, all of which provide a means to re-read the canon of Pinter's work.
Histopathological changes in brain arteriovenous malformations after embolization using Onyx or N-butyl cyanoacrylate
Authors: Natarajan Sabareesh Kumar , Born Donald , Ghodke Basavaraj , Britz Gavin W. , Sekhar Laligam N.
Published: March 2009

Object

The aim of this study was to analyze the histopathological changes in a consecutive series of 32 patients with brain arteriovenous malformations that were resected after undergoing endovascular embolization (22 using Onyx and 10 using N-butyl cyanoacrylate [NBCA]).

Methods

Selections from fixed paraffin-embedded specimens were stained for histological examination with H & E and Verhoeff-van Gieson stain. Lipid dye Oil Red O was used to stain vessel specimens that were embolized using NBCA. Specimens were evaluated for the presence of embolic agent, inflammation, angionecrosis, and evidence of recanalization. These results were correlated with the time interval between the bleeding, embolization, and resection.

Results

The smallest vessel occluded by the embolic agent was 5 μm in the Onyx group and 20 μm in the NBCA group. There was evidence of vascular or perivascular inflammation in 20 (90.9%) of 22 and 9 (90%) of 10 specimens after Onyx and NBCA embolization, respectively. Chronic foreign-body giant cells were observed in 12 (54.5%) of 22 specimens after Onyx embolization, but were absent in specimens after NBCA embolization. Angionecrosis of the embolized vessel was observed in 13 (59.1%) of 22 specimens and in 4 (40%) of 10 specimens after Onyx and NBCA embolization, respectively. There was evidence of recanalization in Onyx embolized vessels in 4 (18.2%) of 22 specimens, and there was no evidence of recanalization after NBCA embolization.

Conclusions

Onyx penetrates much smaller vessels than NBCA. Inflammation occurs with both embolic agents at equal frequency. Evidence of chronic foreign-body giant cells and recanalization after Onyx embolization shows a long-standing reaction to Onyx and raises questions about the permanence of occlusion after Onyx embolization.
Extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for residual or recurrent craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Cavallo Luigi M. , Prevedello Daniel M. , Solari Domenico , Gardner Paul A. , Esposito Felice , Snyderman Carl H. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Kassam Amin B. , Cappabianca Paolo
Published: March 2009

Object

The management of recurrent or residual craniopharyngiomas remains controversial. Although possible, revision surgery is more challenging than primary surgery, and more often results in incomplete resection and an increased risk of death and complications. The extended (also called expanded) endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach through the planum sphenoidale has been proposed over the past decade as an alternative surgical route for removal of various suprasellar tumors including craniopharyngiomas. In this study, the authors describe the feasibility and advantages of this technique in recurrent or symptomatic residual craniopharyngiomas.

Methods

Between January 2004 and June 2008, 22 patients underwent surgery via the extended endoscopic transsphenoidal approach for the treatment of recurrent or residual symptomatic craniopharyngiomas at either the University of Pittsburgh or the Universita degli Studi di Napoli. The lesions included 12 purely suprasellar craniopharyngiomas, 9 with both intra- and suprasellar extensions, and 1 arising from a remnant in the Meckel cave. To better evaluate the features of the extended endonasal approach for recurrent or residual craniopharyngiomas, each patient was assigned to 1 of 3 subgroups depending on the original surgical treatment: transcranial pterional route (13 patients), transphenoidal approach (3 patients; 2 microsurgically and 1 with the standard endoscopic technique), or extended endonasal endoscopic approach (6 patients).

Results

Total removal was achieved in 9 patients (40.9%), and in 8 patients (36.4%) near-total removal (defined as > 95% removal) was possible. Subtotal removal (> 70%) was attained in 4 patients (18.2%), and tumor removal was partial (< 50%) in only 1 case (4.5%). There were no deaths or major complications, including behavior changes. Postoperative CSF leaks developed in 2 patients in the transcranial subgroup, and 1 in the transsphenoidal subgroup (overall rate 13.6%), requiring early successful endoscopic revision surgery for the cranial base defect.

Conclusions

Most of the advantages of the endoscopic endonasal technique were noted during tumor dissection from the inferior aspect of the chiasm, the infundibulum, the third ventricle, and/or the retro- and parasellar areas. These benefits were best appreciated in patients who had originally undergone transcranial surgery, since in such cases the authors' endoscopic endonasal approach was a virgin route. However, the extended endoscopic endonasal technique can also be safely used in patients who originally underwent transsphenoidal surgery. The endoscopic endonasal technique should be considered as a therapeutic option in selected cases of recurrent or symptomatic residual craniopharyngiomas.
Long-term outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for classic trigeminal neuralgia: implications of treatment and critical review of the literature
Authors: Dhople Anil A. , Adams Jared R. , Maggio William W. , Naqvi Shahid A. , Regine William F. , Kwok Young
Published: March 2009

Object

Few long-term studies of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) exist. The authors report their long-term experience with the use of GKS in a previously reported cohort of patients with TN that has now been followed since 1996.

Methods

One hundred twelve patients with TN were treated with GKS at the University of Maryland between June 1996 and July 2001. Of these, 67% had no invasive operations for TN prior to GKS, 13% had 1, 4% had 2, and 16% had ≥ 3. The right side was affected in 56% of cases, predominantly involving V2 (26%), V3 (24%), or a combination of both (18%) branches. The median age at diagnosis was 56 years, and median age at GKS was 64 years. The median prescription dose of 75 Gy (range 70–80 Gy) was delivered to the involved trigeminal nerve root entry zone. The authors assessed the degree of pain before and after GKS by using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain scale.

Results

In total, 102 patients took the survey at least once, for a response rate of 91%. Although not found to alter the conclusions of this study, 7 cases of atypical TN were found and these patients were removed, for a total of 95 cases herein analyzed. The median follow-up was 5.6 years (range 13–115 months). Before GKS, 88% of patients categorized their pain as BNI IV or V (inadequate control or severe pain on medication), whereas the remainder described their pain as BNI III (some pain, but controlled on medication). After GKS, 64% reported a BNI score of I (no pain, no medications), 5% had BNI II (no pain, still on medication), 12% had BNI III, and 19% reported a BNI score of IV or V. The median time to response was 2 weeks (range 0–12 weeks) and the median response duration was 32 months (range 0–112 months). Eighty-one percent reported initial pain relief, and actuarial rates of freedom from treatment failure at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years were 60, 41, 34, and 22%, respectively. Response duration was significantly better for those who had no prior invasive treatment versus those in whom a previous surgical intervention had failed (32 vs 21 months, p < 0.02). New bothersome facial numbness was reported in 6% of cases.

Conclusions

This study represents one of the longest reported median follow-up periods and actuarial results for a cohort of patients with classic TN treated with GKS. Although GKS achieves excellent rates of initial pain relief, these results suggest a steady rate of late failure, particularly among patients who had undergone prior invasive surgical treatment. Despite a higher than expected recurrence rate, GKS remains a viable treatment option, particularly for patients who have had no prior invasive procedures. Patients with recurrences can still be offered salvage therapy with either repeat GKS, microvascular decompression, or rhizotomy.
A School-Based Environmental Intervention to Reduce Smoking among High School Students: The Acadiana Coalition of Teens against Tobacco (ACTT)
Authors: Johnson Carolyn  C. , Myers Leann , Webber Larry  S. , Boris Neil  W. , He Hao , Brewer Dixye
Published: March 2009

A school-based environmental program to reduce adolescent smoking was conducted in 20 schools (10 intervention; 10 control) in south central Louisiana. The 9th grade cohort (n = 4,763; mean age = 15.4 yrs; 51% female; 61% Caucasian; 30-day smoking prevalence at baseline = 25%) was followed over four years for 30-day smoking prevalence with the school as the unit of analysis. Although prevalence decreased in intervention schools and increased in control schools in Year 2 the significant difference between the two groups at baseline was not overcome by the intervention and increases in prevalence were observed in both groups in Years 3 and 4. The higher the percentage of white students in a school the higher the prevalence rates regardless of intervention/control status. Boys’ and girls’ smoking rates were similar. These outcome data, student feedback and process evaluation provide a basis for continuing to create more innovative adolescent tobacco control programs.
Molecules, Water, and Radiant Energy: New Clues for the Origin of Life
Authors: Pollack Gerald  H. , Figueroa Xavier , Zhao Qing
Published: March 2009

We here examine the putative first step in the origin of life: the coalescence of dispersed molecules into a more condensed, organized state. Fresh evidence implies that the driving energy for this coalescence may come in a manner more direct than previously thought. The sun’s radiant energy separates charge in water, and this free charge demonstrably induces condensation. This condensation mechanism puts water as a central protagonist in life rather than as an incidental participant, and thereby helps explain why life requires water.
Bruch mit dem Dogma metallkoordinierender Carbonsäuren in Integrinliganden: Änderung von Selektivität und Aktivität durch Hydroxamsäuren als MIDAS‐Binder
Authors: Heckmann Dominik , Laufer Burkhardt , Marinelli Luciana , Limongelli Vittorio , Novellino Ettore , Zahn Grit , Stragies Roland , Kessler Horst
Published: April 2009

Substitution einer Carboxygruppe: Alle Integrinrezeptoren binden ihre Liganden, die einen Aspartatrest enthalten, in der Metallionen‐abhängigen Adhäsionsstelle (MIDAS). Bislang waren alle Versuche, die Carboxygruppe durch andere isostere Gruppen mit verbesserten pharmakologischen Eigenschaften zu ersetzen, gescheitert. Nun wurde gezeigt, dass die Carboxygruppe unter Beibehaltung der hohen Bindungsaktivität durch eine Hydroxamsäureeinheit ersetzt werden kann (Bild: Ligand in der Bindungstasche von αvβ3).

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Effects of wheat straw fiber content and characteristics, and coupling agent concentration on the mechanical properties of wheat straw fiber‐polypropylene composites
Authors: Pan Ming‐Zhu , Zhou Ding‐Guo , Bousmina Mosto , Zhang S. Y.
Published: April 2009

Wheat straw fiber‐polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared to investigate the effects of wheat straw fiber content (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt %), fiber size (9, 28, and 35 mesh), and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) concentration (1, 2, 5, and 10 wt %) on the static and dynamic mechanical properties of the wheat straw fiber‐PP composites in this study. The tensile modulus and strength of the composites increased linearly with increasing wheat straw fiber content up to 40%, whereas the elongation at break decreased dramatically to 3.78%. Compared with the composites made of the longer wheat straw fiber, the composites made of the fines (>35 mesh) had a slightly higher tensile strength of 31.2 MPa and tensile elongation of 5.39% at break. With increasing MAPP concentration, the composites showed an increase in tensile strength, and the highest tensile strength of 34.0 MPa occurred when the MAPP concentration reached 10 wt %. As wheat straw fiber content increased from 0 to 40%, the flexural modulus of the composites increased gradually from 1335 to 3437 MPa. The MAPP concentration and wheat straw fiber size distribution had no appreciable effect on the static flexural modulus of the composites. The storage flexural modulus of the composites increased with increasing wheat straw fiber content. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation on the fracture surface of the composites indicated that a high wheat straw fiber content (>30 wt %) resulted in fiber agglomeration and a reduction in interfacial bonding strength. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The effects of experimental parameters on the extent of intercalation of PMMA/MMT nanocomposites prepared in solution
Authors: Huskić M. , Žigon M.
Published: April 2009

The effects of various parameters on nanocomposite preparation by solution intercalation were studied. Nanocomposites of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and commercial organically modified montmorillonites (MMT) were prepared in solvents of different polarities, from strongly polar protic ethanol to nonpolar toluene. The extent of intercalation was studied in correlation with processing parameters, such as time of intercalation, temperature, concentration of PMMA/MMT in solution, and method of preparation determined by X‐ray diffractometer. Solvent polarity was the most important of all studied parameters. In general, the lower the dielectric constant of the solvent, the better the intercalation is; however, the exact correlation also depends on the type of modifier. Another important parameter is isolation of the nanocomposite, whereas other studied parameters are of minor importance. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Effects of layered silicate structure on the mechanical properties and structures of protein‐based bionanocomposites
Authors: Chang Peter R. , Yang Yu , Huang Jin , Xia Wenbing , Feng Liangdong , Wu Jiangyu
Published: April 2009

In this work, a nonconventional protein source of pea protein isolate (PPI) was filled with montmorillonite (MMT) and rectorite (REC) by solution intercalation respectively, and then the reinforced PPI‐based nanocomposites were produced by hot press. The structure and interaction in the nanocomposites were investigated by FTIR, XRD, DSC, DMA, and pH and Zeta‐potential tests whereas the reinforcing effect was verified by tensile test. Furthermore, the origin of enhancing mechanical performances and the effects of layered silicate structure were explored. Although the MMT with lower negative‐charge surface and smaller apparent size of crude particles was easier to be exfoliated completely, the exfoliated REC nanoplatelets with more negative‐charge could form stronger electrostatic interaction with positive‐charge‐rich domains of PPI molecules, and hence produced the highest strength in two series of nanocomposites. In this case, the newly formed hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interaction on the surface of silicate lamellas guaranteed the transferring of the stress to rigid layered silicates. The cooperative effect of newly formed physical interaction between layered silicates and PPI molecules as well as the spatial occupancy of intercalated agglomerates of layered silicates destroyed the original microphase structure of PPI matrix and cleaved the entanglements among PPI molecules. It was not in favor of enhancing the elongation and strength. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
A Porous Coordination Polymer with Accessible Metal Sites and its Complementary Coordination Action
Authors: Sakamoto Hirotoshi , Matsuda Ryotaro , Bureekaew Sareeya , Tanaka Daisuke , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: April 2009

Broken switch: Guest‐accessible metal sites are generated on the pore surface of a porous coordination polymer (see figure) through the complementary coordination‐bond rearrangement in a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal fashion, which is triggered by the removal of coordinated water.

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A maternal high‐fat diet during pregnancy in rats results in a greater risk of carcinogen‐induced mammary tumors in the female offspring than exposure to a high‐fat diet in postnatal life
Authors: Lo Chung‐Yu , Hsieh Pei‐Hsuan , Chen Hui‐Feng , Su Hui‐Min
Published: April 2009

The association between a high‐fat diet and breast cancer risk is controversial. We hypothesized that the exposure of rats to a high‐fat diet in utero
via the maternal diet would result in a greater risk of carcinogen‐induced mammary tumors than high‐fat diet exposure in postnatal life. Rats were exposed to a high‐fat diet with 40% of the energy source as safflower oil in utero (In utero group), at postnatal days 30–50 (Puberty group), postnatal days 150–170 (Adult group), postnatal days 1–230 (Postnatal group) or for their whole life from in utero (Whole group). Chow diet‐fed rats were used as the Nonexposure group. Mammary tumor incidence was significantly higher in the In utero (60%), Postnatal (61%) and Whole (91%) groups than in the Nonexposure group (32%), but there was no significant difference between the Puberty (44%), Adult (44%) and Nonexposure groups. Arachidonic acid levels were 10 times higher in mammary tumor tissue than in the normal mammary gland across all groups and were positively correlated with tumor weight. We conclude that the timing, but not the duration, of high‐fat diet exposure makes rats more susceptible to carcinogen‐induced mammary tumors and that exposure in utero to a maternal high‐fat diet during pregnancy is more important in increasing the risk of mammary tumors in the female offspring than exposure of the offspring to the same high‐fat diet later in life. © 2009 UICC
Peripheral nerve regeneration by transplantation of BMSC‐derived Schwann cells as chitosan gel sponge scaffolds
Authors: Ishikawa Namiko , Suzuki Yoshihisa , Dezawa Mari , Kataoka Kazuya , Ohta Masayoshi , Cho Hirotomi , Ide Chizuka
Published: April 2009

It is said that bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are able to differentiate into different kinds of cells, including Schwann cells, under relevant conditions (Dezawa et al., Eur J Neurosci 2001;14:1771–1776). In the previous paper, we demonstrated that chitosan gel sponge is one of the effective scaffolds for regenerating axons of the rat sciatic nerve (Ishikawa et al., J Biomed Mater Res A 2007;83:33–40). In the present study, we examined whether BMSC‐derived Schwann cells with chitosan gel sponges were one of the effective scaffolds for peripheral nerve regeneration in rats. BMSC‐derived cells with Schwann cell characteristics were labeled by green fluorescent protein using a retrovirus. An 8‐mm gap was made by removing a nerve segment from the rat peripheral nerve, and chitosan gel sponges containing BMSC‐derived Schwann cells were grafted, sandwiching the proximal and distal stumps of the transected nerve. Rats were sacrificed at 7, 14, and 28 days, and 2 and 4 months after transplantation. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that regenerating axons were found near transplanted Schwann cells 7 days after surgery and extended into the host distal nerve segment at 14 days after surgery. Electron microscopy showed that transplanted Schwann cells formed myelin sheaths on regenerating axons 1 month after transplantation. The mean diameter of myelinated fibers was increased from 2.58 μm at 2 months to 2.84 μm at 4 months postsurgery. This study indicates that chitosan gel sponges containing BMSC‐derived Schwann cells have strong potentiality as a graft that can be used for peripheral nerve regeneration. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Fibroblasts regulate monocyte response to ECM‐derived matrix: The effects on monocyte adhesion and the production of inflammatory, matrix remodeling, and growth factor proteins
Authors: Chung Amy S. , Kao Weiyuan John
Published: April 2009

Monocytes/macrophages and fibroblasts are recruited to the injury site and orchestrate the host response and tissue repair. We have previously shown that polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐ylated arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid (RGD) sequence grafted onto an extracellular matrix (ECM)‐based semi‐interpenetrating network (sIPN) enhances monocyte adhesion, and modulates subsequent gene expression and release of inflammatory and matrix remodeling factors. In this study, we investigate the direct influence of fibroblasts on monocyte response to this ECM mimic. Key wound‐healing factors in inflammation, matrix remodeling, and regeneration were analyzed to gain insight into the interrelated role of regulation in fibroblast‐monocyte interaction. Interleukin‐1alpha/‐1beta (IL‐1α/‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), monocyte inflammatory protein‐1alpha/‐1beta (MIP‐1α/‐1β), transforming growth factor‐alpha (TGF‐α), monocyte chemoattractant factor (MCP‐1), matrix metalloproteinase‐2/‐9 (MMP‐2/‐9), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) were analyzed. Fibroblasts decreased monocyte adhesion onto the RGD‐grafted sIPN while increasing monocyte GM‐CSF on all surfaces over time except for on RGD and PHSRN‐grafted sIPN at 96 h. Monocytes decreased initial fibroblast IL‐1α and TGF‐α, but drastically increased fibroblast MMP‐2 and GM‐CSF. Monocyte IL‐1β, TNF‐α, MIP‐1β, MCP‐1, MMP‐9, and GM‐CSF expression was increased over time in the presence of all sIPNs, and when the sIPNs were immobilized with ligands, a down‐regulation of fibroblast IL‐1β, MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β compared with unmodified sIPN was observed. When the ligand immobilized was RGD, monocyte TGF‐α, MIP‐1β, and VEGF expression was increased while monocyte GM‐CSF was decreased at selected time points. These results showed a dynamic monocyte response to selected ECM components in the presence of fibroblasts. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009