bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaling Up “Evidence-Based” Practices for Teachers Is a Profitable but Discredited Paradigm
Authors: Anderson Gary L. , Herr Kathryn
Published: August 2011

This article takes issue with the notion that professional learning communities need to be more focused on teacher expertise through the use of online videos of lessons taught by expert teachers that are aligned with the Common Core State Standards. The authors argue that the use of externally developed, research-based, and standards-aligned videos violates the principles of authentic inquiry that underlie professional learning communities. They also caution that a profit-seeking education industry is increasingly behind the promotion of evidence-based products.
“In the Eye of the Beholder”
Authors: Pellegrini Anthony D.
Published: August 2011

The processes by which children are classified as aggressive have important educational and research implications. For example, aggression in childhood reliably predicts dropping out of school and incarceration. The author argues that the sex-role stereotypicality of aggression produces bias in both observers and raters of student behavior. The tendency is to overattribute aggression to boys, relative to girls, resulting in questionable validity of assessments. The author reviews these issues, proffers some explanations (e.g., gender schema theory), and makes policy recommendations (e.g., foregrounding the importance of social competence as an educational outcome).
Cost-Effectiveness of An Early Assessment Service for Young People with Early Psychosis in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Kenny K. , Chan Sherry K. W. , Lam May M.L. , Hui Christy L.M. , Hung Se F. , Tay Margaret , Lee K.H. , Chen Eric Y.H.
Published: August 2011

Objective: The Early Assessment Service for Young People with Early Psychosis (EASY) was developed in Hong Kong in 2001 to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach for early detection and intervention for young people suffering from first episode psychosis. The present study examined the cost-effectiveness of the service over a period of 24 months compared to standard care.

Method: This is a historical control study. Sixty-five patients who presented to the EASY service in 2001 with first episode psychosis were individually matched (on age, sex and diagnosis) with 65 patients who received standard psychiatric care in a precursor service (pre-EASY) between 1999 and 2000. A retrospective cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted over a period of 24 months. The overall average cost of service utilization per patient and the effects on hospitalization rate were compared using bootstrapping analysis. Cost per point improvement in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was also computed with sensitivity analysis. Only direct costs were analysed in the current study.

Results: There was no significant difference in service utilization between the EASY and pre-EASY standard care groups. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curve, which was used to explore uncertainty in estimates of cost and effects, suggested that there was a probability of at least 94% that the EASY model was more cost-effective than the pre-EASY service in reducing psychiatric inpatient admissions. EASY patients also showed superior results in average cost per unit improvement in PANSS.

Conclusions: EASY is likely to be more cost-effective in improving outcomes, particularly in reducing hospitalization and improving clinical symptoms among young people with first episode psychosis. This study provides a perspective from the east Asian region, and supports further development of similar services, particularly in the local setting. However, further studies with a longer follow up period and larger sample size are required to verify these findings.
Atypical Antipsychotics Cause an Acute Increase in Cutaneous Hand Blood Flow in Patients with Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder
Authors: Blessing Esther , Kader Linda , Arpandy Reza , Ootsuka Youichirou , Blessing William W. , Pantelis Christos
Published: August 2011

Objective: Clinical studies suggest resting thermoregulatory cutaneous vasomotor tone could be increased in schizophrenia, resulting in reduced hand blood flow. In animal models, atypical antipsychotics including clozapine potently inhibit sympathetic neural outflow to the thermoregulatory cutaneous vascular beds. We have now determined whether antipsychotic medication administration is associated with an acute increase in hand blood flow in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, and whether this increase correlates with clinical status.

Method: Hand temperature was measured with an infrared camera in 12 patients with chronic schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder 30 min prior to, then 30 and 60 min following medication. Clinical status was assessed via the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Results were compared using regression and repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results: A robust and significant increase in hand temperature (p < 0.001) was observed following antipsychotic administration. The mean increase after 60 min was 4.1 ± 2.4°C. This increase was significantly associated with colder hand temperature prior to medication (p < 0.05; suggestive of increased resting vasoconstriction) and with more severe psychiatric symptoms (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Atypical antipsychotics were associated with increased hand blood flow, consistent with inhibition of thermoregulatory sympathetic outflow to the cutaneous vascular bed in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. This increase correlated with symptom severity. Hand temperature increase following antipsychotic medication may therefore be a simple and informative physiological marker of disease activity and potential response in patients with schizophreniform disorders. Given that antipsychotics also inhibit sympathetic outflow to brown adipose tissue, which normally converts energy to heat, future studies should examine whether antipsychotic-induced hand temperature increase is associated with antipsychotic-induced weight gain.
Starting a Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Service at Winnunga Nimmityjah
Authors: Adams Emma , Tongs Julie
Published: August 2011

Objective: This paper briefly describes how the contexts of social and emotional wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities impacts on perinatal and infant mental health. In response to these issues, a perinatal and infant mental health service was started through Winnunga Nimmityjah, a community controlled Aboriginal health service. The process of starting the clinic and some clinical themes are described.
Can Administrative Data Provide Insights Into the Mental Health of Indigenous Queenslanders?
Authors: Kisely Steve , Pais Joanne
Published: August 2011

Introduction: The Australian Government has provided $20 million to establish the Population Health Research Network (PHRN), with representation from all States and Territories to facilitate population health research through data linkage. Health LinQ is part of the Queensland node involving four Queensland universities, Queensland Health and the Australian e-Health Research Centre.

Method: This paper reviews the potential for using administrative databases to study the mental health experience of Indigenous Queenslanders. Researchers can define cohorts for study within the administrative data or link them to their own data. Robust protocols preserve confidentiality so that researchers only receive anonymized data. Indigenous status can be defined either through place of residence or through the recording of Indigenous status in datasets such as the Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection.

Results: Available data include hospital morbidity, mental health data and mortality. Indigenous status is correctly identified in about 89% of cases with variation by definition used.

Conclusions: Administrative data provide researchers and decision makers with accessible, cost-effective information without the intrusion and cost of additional data collection. These techniques are especially useful in studying regional, rural and remote populations where access may be difficult.
Arc of Opportunity
Authors: Delaney Adam Vai
Published: August 2011

Born in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, the author had a 20 year career in diplomacy, political affairs, and development policy analysis at the Pacific Islands Forum, the United Nations in New York; the Prime Minister's Department in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and in the Foreign Ministry of PNG. He has also been involved in theatre for over a decade in PNG, and participated in a three-month program at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center in Connecticut, USA. He is currently the Business Development Manager at the Torres Strait Regional Authority (Commonwealth) on Thursday Island.

Since 1975 the Australian government's overseas development policy has supported various sectoral programs in its neighbouring countries, in particular Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The “creative” field has not been prominent in this strategy. While natural resources and the sports sectors have gained much greater attention, in terms of being viable international commercial enterprises, the arts, have remained stagnant. In this paper the need for joint programs genuinely supporting “wellbeing” and promoting social enterprise throughout the “arc of opportunity” is described to harness Melanesian creativity to compete successfully in world-markets, starting with penetration of the largest economy at its door-step: Australia.
Performative Evaluation and Social Return On Investment: Potential in Innovative Health Promotion Interventions
Authors: Gibson Julie , Jones Anita , Travers Helen , Hunter Ernest
Published: August 2011

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe an approach to evaluation of a project involving complex health behaviours that incorporates collateral social outcomes.

Method: Evaluation challenges and responses for an innovative information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) initiative (HITnet) operating in remote Indigenous Australia are presented.

Conclusions: Innovation in evaluation must match innovation in project design and application. Two methodologies – performative research, and social return on investment – as proposed for a HITnet, sexual health promotion project, are considered.
Intentional Teams in Rural Health Care: a Preliminary Report
Authors: Gudkovs Jan
Published: August 2011

Objective: This paper reports on how private practitioners were engaged in a rural community in an intentional team to provide a comprehensive lifestyle program for “hard to treat” patients with physical and mental health problems.

Methods: A field trial of a 12-week program for patients with depression or anxiety plus other chronic disease was delivered by a team of allied health practitioners.

Results: Significant improvements in mental health as measured by DASS and SF36 were achieved.

Conclusions: Utilizing community resources effectively can lessen the burden on other aspects of the health care system.
Health Consequences of Disparity: the US Affiliated Pacific Islands
Authors: Palafox Neal A. , Hixon Allen L.
Published: August 2011

Health disparities and the social determinants of health are often discussed, but their relationship to political forces, the integrity of cultures, social and environmental change, and mental health outcomes are not well understood. Specifically the US Affiliated Pacific Islands Jurisdictions (USPAIJ) is an area of profound isolation and deprivation with a unique sociocultural history. This article provides an overview of health disparities in the US Affiliated Pacific in the context of the environment, and international and state policies. The article explores how the political, economic, social, and environmental context of the USAPIJ shapes health status and provides a “social determinants of health” model for health improvement for the people of the region.
Enterprising Social Wellbeing: Social Entrepreneurial and Strengths Based Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing in “Remote” Indigenous Community Contexts
Authors: Tedmanson Deirdre , Guerin Pauline
Published: August 2011

Objective: Social enterprises are market-based activities that provide social benefits through the direct engagement of people in productive activities. Participation in social enterprise development brings psychosocial wellbeing benefits, by strengthening family networks, enhancing trust, increasing self-reliance and social esteem and promoting cultural safety. Our objective is to explore how social enterprise activities can meet community needs and foster self-sustainability while generating profits for redistribution as social investment into other ventures that aid social functioning and emotional well-being.

Conclusions: Social entrepreneurship enhances both interdependence and independence. Concomitant mental health and social wellbeing dividends accrue overtime to communities engaged in self-determined enterprise activities. Social entrepreneurship builds social capital that supports social wellbeing. Strengths-based approaches to social entrepreneurship can assuage disempowering effects of the “welfare economy” through shifting the focus onto productive activities generated on people's own terms.
Parijatko Sahityik Yatra
Authors: Nepal Saraswati
Published: August 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v1i0.5317 Academic Voices 2011; 1: 71-76
The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Canadian Master of Physical Therapy Students Regarding Peer Mentorship
Authors: Quesnel Martine , King Judy , Guilcher Sara , Evans Cathy
Published: August 2011

Purpose: To describe Canadian Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding peer mentorship. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey study was conducted. An online questionnaire was sent to 945 MPT students via e-mail, using a modified Dillman approach. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Canadian MPT students. Results: A total of 260 MPT students (27.5%) responded to the questionnaire. Most respondents (68.7%) did not have any experience in a peer mentorship relationship during their MPT programme. A few respondents (5.4%) reported having received formal training on peer mentorship as part of their PT curriculum. Respondents generally held positive attitudes toward peer mentorship: 65.9% agreed that including peer mentorship is important, 89.5% agreed that peer mentorship can assist with learning in clinical internships, and 84.1% agreed that peer mentorship can help the transition from student to professional. Most respondents (52.5%) did not participate in a peer mentorship relationship during a typical month. Conclusions: MPT students' attitudes toward peer mentorship are positive, yet their knowledge of and resources for peer mentorship are limited, and few students have been involved in peer mentorship practices. The findings highlight the importance of university programme support to provide a nurturing environment and structure to overcome barriers, promote commitment, and facilitate successful participation. The evidence from this study provides a rationale to support and guide peer mentorship programming for Canadian MPT students.
Rehabilitation in Patients with Dementia Following Hip Fracture: A Systematic Review
Authors: Allen Jennifer , Koziak Adriana , Buddingh Sarah , Liang Jieyun , Buckingham Jeanette , Beaupre Lauren A.
Published: August 2011

Purpose: Best rehabilitation practices after hip fracture for people with dementia have not been established. A systematic review was conducted to determine current evidence for rehabilitation in this population, including residents in continuing care. Methods: Standardized review methodology was used to search eight databases for literature on hip-fracture rehabilitation for people with dementia. Eligible studies included participants with dementia who had a hip fracture; performed a rehabilitation intervention; and evaluated one or more of function, ambulation, discharge location, or falls. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess validity. Results: A total of 13 studies were included: five randomized controlled trials (RCTs), seven prospective cohort series, and one retrospective cohort study. Average quality ratings for RCTs and cohort studies were good and fair respectively. Participants with mild to moderate dementia receiving rehabilitation showed similar relative gains in function to those without dementia. Only one study examined the effect of rehabilitation among residents in continuing care. Conclusions: People with mild or moderate dementia may show improved function and ambulation and decreased fall risk after rehabilitation post hip fracture, similar to gains achieved by those without dementia. More research is required to ascertain the effect of rehabilitation in people with moderate to severe dementia, including those residing in continuing-care settings.
Christianity and Tamil Culture: Father Joseph Beschi and the Image of the Virgin Mary
Authors: Granziera Patrizia
Published: August 2011

Abstract:

Costanzo Giuseppe Beschi (1680–1747) was an Italian Jesuit sent to the Madurai Mission in 1711. Father Beschi was a highly educated man who commanded several languages, including Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Portuguese prior to his move to India. Once at the mission he learned Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, and Urdu and wrote extensively in Tamil on both religious and profane subjects.

Beschi had a deep veneration for the Virgin Mary. He, like many other missionaries, called upon her for protection during sea voyages and for help in evangelization. In fact, Beschi was responsible for the erection of two important places of worship dedicated to the Virgin Mary: Konankuppam, near Parur, and Ellacurichi, near Tanjore. These two sanctuaries became places of pilgrimage during the seventeenth century and continue to be respected as such places today. The cult of the Virgin Mary in southern India and especially in Tamil Nadu is very popular, and she incarnates the emblematic figure of contemporary Indian Catholicism.

This article examines the image of the Virgin Mary as portrayed by Father Beschi in his Tamil poems and as shaped in the artistic representations that decorate the two sanctuaries he erected in her honour in Tamil Nadu.
Miracles, Divine Agency, and the Laws of Nature
Authors: Larmer Robert
Published: August 2011

Abstract:

I have two goals in this paper. The first is to locate the concept of miracles within a broad model of divine agency. I shall argue that the concept is properly located in what may be termed a supernaturalist model of divine agency, in which miracles are understood as events produced by a supernatural agent intervening upon the usual course of nature. My second goal is to argue that the concept of miracles is in no way at odds with science. Specifically, I shall argue that miracles, understood as events produced by a supernatural agent overriding the usual course of nature, imply no violation of the laws of nature, and thus belief in them should not be viewed as unscientific.
Application of Complex Network Theory and Genetic Algorithm in Airline Route Networks
Authors: Liu Hao , Hu Xiao-Bing , Yang Saini , Zhang Ke , Di Paolo Ezequiel
Published: August 2011

To cope with increasing customer demand and market changes, airline companies need to organize and manage their route networks in a more cost-efficient way. In addition, the robustness of flight operations against unpredictable accidents such as terrorist attacks and natural disasters has become more important to airlines. In this study, the concepts and techniques from complex network theory are used to model airline route networks, and then an effective and efficient genetic algorithm is developed to optimize airline route networks in terms of network properties that may have crucial roles to play in improving the cost-effectiveness and reliability of airspace systems. The simulation results illustrate that the work reported in this study has a good potential to improve the topology of airline route networks in terms of given network properties such as operating costs and network robustness.
Simple Sensors Used for Measuring Service Times and Counting Pedestrians
Authors: Bauer Dietmar , Ray Markus , Seer Stefan
Published: August 2011

Sensors composed of light barriers and switching mats are used to continuously measure service times at security and border checkpoints in an airport setting. The service times in combination with the number of service checkpoints operating in parallel determine the passenger flow. Checkpoints are a major bottleneck at airports and hence determine the capacity of the whole airport system. The results show that at the considered locations both light barriers and switching mats after initial calibration are able to provide continuous information of acceptable accuracy on the distribution of service times. In addition, the technology can be used to inexpensively measure the flow of passengers with reasonable accuracy compared with other pedestrian counting technologies. As such it provides valuable input to the airport operations management.
Economic and Institutional Impacts of Introduction of Self-Separation Concept of Operations in Air Traffic Management
Authors: Zografos Konstantinos G. , Androutsopoulos Konstantinos N.
Published: August 2011

The self-separation concept of operations aims to provide an efficient solution to the management of the expected radical increase of air traffic. The major features of this air traffic management (ATM) concept concern the delegation of the separation task from the air traffic controllers to the flight crew for a defined part of the airspace. A major prerequisite of the full-scale implementation of the self-separation concept is the examination of its institutional and economic feasibility. This study provides the methodological steps for identification of possible legal and institutional barriers and enablers to the introduction of such a concept as well as an analysis of the concept's economic viability. The expected outcome of the institutional analysis is the determination of the changes in the existing institutional framework that may facilitate introduction of the new concept. Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is applied for the economic appraisal of ATM changes proposed in the concept. Given that the self-separation concept of operations is in its definition phase, scarcity of cost and benefit data is encountered. A methodological framework is proposed for applying the CBA for this type of ATM operational concept. Applying the institutional analysis for Europe indicated that changes in the relevant regulatory framework should be in place to deploy the proposed concept. Moreover, exemplary results from the application of the proposed CBA framework in Europe encourage the development of the self-separation concept of operations to the next maturity stage.
Airborne Laser Survey Specifications and Quality Management Protocols for Airport Obstruction Surveys
Authors: Uddin Waheed , Gutelius Bill , Parrish Christopher
Published: August 2011

Airport obstruction surveys are conducted to identify obstacles (objects penetrating obstruction identification surfaces that may pose a hazard to air navigation) and to provide critical data for the safety of aircraft and passengers. The current practice of airborne light detection and ranging (LIDAR) technology for airport obstruction surveys is presented. Obstruction survey requirements and current federal standards related to airport airspace analysis and the airport-geographical information system (GIS) program are reviewed. The accuracy of airborne LIDAR surveys and obstruction analysis has been established in previous field studies conducted by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS). Commercial obstruction surveys have been conducted on many airports in North America with LIDAR configurations and survey specifications recommended by NGS. In most cases, LIDAR survey data can be collected efficiently during the day as well as at night. LIDAR point cloud and intensity data are used to identify obstacles for the entire survey area through computationally efficient office computer algorithms and complementary use of photogrammetry. In contrast, traditional photogrammetry-only methods are limited to identifying obstacles at discrete locations because of laborintensive data processing. In addition, LIDAR data can be processed into GIS shape files for seamless integration into an electronic airport layout plan. Multiuse of LIDAR data for both canopy and bare ground enables the generation of accurate digital elevation models, contours for engineering design, and planimetrics for GIS mapping. Mission planning, ground point spacing and density, and other key parameters considered in the latest sample LIDAR survey specifications published as ACRP Research Results Digest 10 are discussed.
Eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland
Authors: Bolić Tatjana , Sivčev Źarko
Published: August 2011

The ash cloud from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland caused a significant impact on aviation in April and May 2010. In just the period between April 14 and 21, more than 100,000 flights were cancelled, with more than $1.7 billion in lost revenues for airlines and more than 10 million stranded passengers. The magnitude of the impact was caused by the extent of the ash cloud coupled with the duration of the event and the consequent volcanic ash procedures in effect. This event provided significant insight into the handling of the volcanic ash crisis and stirred aviation regulators and other aviation organizations all over the world into action. The unfolding of events is presented; an overview of the lessons learned–such as the need for determination of hazardous ash concentration levels, improvement of forecast validation, and amelioration of information exchange–is given.
Publication patterns of oral and poster presentations at the annual meetings of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Authors: Patel Akash J. , Cherian Jacob , Fox Benjamin D. , Whitehead William E. , Curry Daniel J. , Luerssen Thomas G. , Jea Andrew
Published: August 2011

Object

National and international meetings, such as the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) meetings, provide a central location for the gathering and dissemination of research. The purpose of this study was to determine the publication rates of both oral and poster presentations at CNS and AANS meetings in peer-reviewed journals.

Methods

The authors reviewed all accepted abstracts, presented as either oral or poster presentations, at the CNS and AANS meetings from 2003 to 2005. This information was then used to search PubMed to determine the rate of publication of the abstracts presented at the meetings. Abstracts were considered published if the data presented at the meeting was identical to that in the publication.

Results

The overall publication rate was 32.48% (1243 of 3827 abstracts). On average, 41.28% of oral presentations and 29.03% of poster presentations were eventually published. Of those studies eventually published, 98.71% were published within 5 years of presentation at the meeting. Published abstracts were published most frequently in the Journal of Neurosurgery and Neurosurgery.

Conclusions

Approximately one-third of all presentations at the annual CNS and AANS meetings will be published in peer-reviewed, MEDLINE-indexed journals. These meetings are excellent forums for neurosurgical practitioners to be exposed to current research. Oral presentations have a significantly higher rate of eventual publication compared with poster presentations, reflecting their higher quality. The Journal of Neurosurgery and Neurosurgery have been the main outlets of neurosurgical research from these meetings.
Comparative use of turkey and chicken wing brachial artery models for microvascular anastomosis training
Authors: Abla Adib A. , Uschold Timothy , Preul Mark C. , Zabramski Joseph M.
Published: August 2011

Object

The aim of this study was to describe a turkey wing model for microvascular anastomosis training and compare it to the previously outlined chicken wing model.

Methods

The authors compared diameter measurements in each of 5 turkey and 5 chicken brachial arteries at 3 equidistant points. Usable vessel length was measured (from joint to joint) in each of the specimens. A survey was created and distributed at a bypass training course to assess the attendees' impressions of various practice models used for bypass.

Results

The turkey wing brachial artery was consistently larger in diameter (p < 0.01) and longer (p < 0.01) than the chicken wing artery and showed less variability in the vessel diameter (1.47 ± 0.14 mm in the turkey vs 1.07 ± 0.25 mm in the chicken). In a survey of 15 bypass course participants, the live rat training model scored highest overall and was ranked as the best model for training; however, the turkey wing model was ranked second best and was consistently scored ahead of the chicken wing and silastic tube training models.

Conclusions

The authors' institutional preference has shifted to the use of a turkey wing artery as the initial model for microanastomosis training. Advantages in terms of vessel size and tissue durability favor this model over the chicken wing as part of a graduated instruction process.
Postoperative outcomes following closed head injury and craniotomy for evacuation of hematoma in patients older than 80 years
Authors: Lau Darryl , El-Sayed Abdulrahman M. , Ziewacz John E. , Jayachandran Priya , Huq Farhan S. , Zamora-Berridi Grettel J. , Davis Matthew C. , Sullivan Stephen E.
Published: August 2011

Object

Advances in the management of trauma-induced intracranial hematomas and hemorrhage (epidural, subdural, and intraparenchymal hemorrhage) have improved survival in these conditions over the last several decades. However, there is a paucity of research investigating the relation between patient age and outcomes of surgical treatment for these conditions. In this study, the authors examined the relation between patient age over 80 years and postoperative outcomes following closed head injury and craniotomy for intracranial hemorrhage.

Methods

A consecutive population of patients undergoing emergent craniotomy for evacuation of intracranial hematoma following closed head trauma between 2006 and 2009 was identified. Using multivariable logistic regression models, the authors assessed the relation between age (> 80 vs ≤ 80 years) and postoperative complications, intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality.

Results

Of 103 patients, 27 were older than 80 years and 76 patients were 80 years of age or younger. Older age was associated with longer length of hospital stay (p = 0.014), a higher rate of complications (OR 5.74, 95% CI 1.29–25.34), and a higher likelihood of requiring rehabilitation (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.13–9.74). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the age groups in 30-day mortality or ability to recover to functional baseline status.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that in comparison with younger patients, patients over 80 years of age may be similarly able to return to preinjury functional baselines but may require increased postoperative medical attention in the forms of rehabilitation and longer hospital stays. Prospective studies concerned with the relation between older age, perioperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes following craniotomy for intracranial hemorrhage are needed. Nonetheless, the findings of this study may allow for more informed decisions with respect to the care of elderly patients with intracranial hemorrhage.
Oxidative markers in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: leukocyte 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine as an independent predictor of the 30-day outcome
Authors: Chen Yi-Chun , Chen Chiung-Mei , Liu Jun-Liang , Chen Sien-Tsong , Cheng Mei-Ling , Chiu Daniel Tsun-yee
Published: August 2011

Object

Oxidative stress may play a role in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), but data on oxidative burden in cerebral hemorrhage are limited, and it is not clear whether oxidative markers add predictive power regarding ICH outcome beyond that of traditional factors. The authors therefore examined redox status and traditional factors in ICH patients within 3 days of hemorrhage onset to delineate redox status in ICH and investigate the predictive value with respect to 30-day functional outcome.

Methods

Sixty-four patients with ICH and 114 controls were prospectively enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected within 3 days of ICH onset and processed for isolation of plasma, erythrocytes, and leukocytes. The authors evaluated levels or activities of leukocyte 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin E, and vitamin A, as well as traditional factors including the presence of hypertension or diabetes mellitus, total cholesterol level, and measures of liver function. A general linear model and multivariable logistic regression were used for analyses where appropriate.

Results

After adjustment for age and sex and traditional risk factors, ICH was significantly associated with an increased level of 8-OHdG (p < 0.0001), decreased GPx activity (p = 0.0002), and a decreased level of vitamin E (p = 0.003). There was no association of ICH risk with G6PD activity or MDA or vitamin A level. Considering all the oxidative markers and traditional risk factors together, logistic regression showed an independent association of ICH with 8-OHdG (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.7–4.2, p < 0.0001). The association between increased 8-OHdG level and lower 30-day Barthel Index was also independent of the effects of age, sex, hemorrhage location and size, and traditional factors (p = 0.026). Unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 3) at 30 days after ICH onset was not significantly associated with any of the examined oxidative markers.

Conclusions

Increased leukocyte 8-OHdG levels, as well as decreased GPx activity and vitamin E levels, were found during acute ICH. Only 8-OHdG was associated with ICH and the 30-day outcome independently from the other oxidative markers and traditional factors. Leukocyte 8-OHdG may add power beyond the traditional factors in predicting ICH outcome and thus may be used as an independent surrogate for clinical ICH study.
Factors associated with hearing preservation after Gamma Knife surgery for vestibular schwannomas in patients who retain serviceable hearing
Authors: Hasegawa Toshinori , Kida Yoshihisa , Kato Takenori , Iizuka Hiroshi , Yamamoto Takashi
Published: August 2011

Object

Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) has been a safe and effective treatment for small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas (VSs) over relatively long-term outcomes. However, even with recent radiosurgical techniques, hearing results following GKS remain unsatisfactory. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hearing preservation rate as well as factors related to hearing preservation in patients with VSs and serviceable hearing who were treated with GKS.

Methods

Among patients with Gardner-Robertson (GR) Class I or II serviceable hearing and VSs treated with GKS between 1991 and 2009, 117 were evaluable via periodic MR imaging and audiometry.

Results

The median age at the time of GKS was 52 years. Four patients (3%) had undergone prior surgery. Fifty-six patients (48%) had GR Class I hearing and 61 (52%) had GR Class II hearing at the time of GKS. The median tumor volume was 1.9 cm3. The median maximum and tumor margin radiation doses were 24 and 12 Gy, respectively. The median follow-up periods for MR imaging and audiometry were 74 and 38 months, respectively. The overall tumor control rate was 97.5%. Actuarial 3-, 5-, and 8-year hearing preservation rates were 55%, 43%, and 34%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, GR hearing class at the time of GKS and the mean cochlear dose affected hearing preservation significantly. In a limited number of patients who were treated using the most recent dose planning techniques and who had GR Class I hearing before treatment, the 3- and 5-year hearing preservation rates increased to 80% and 70%, respectively.

Conclusions

For the majority of patients with small- to medium-sized VSs, GKS was an effective and reasonable alternative to resection with satisfactory long-term tumor control. Factors related to hearing preservation included a GR Class I hearing pre-GKS and a lower mean cochlear radiation dose. To retain serviceable hearing, it is important to apply GKS treatment while patients retain GR Class I hearing.
Midterm outcome after a microsurgical unilateral approach for bilateral decompression of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis
Authors: Müslüman Ahmet Murat , Cansever Tufan , Yılmaz Adem , Çavuşoğlu Halit , Yüce İsmail , Aydın Yunus
Published: August 2011

Object

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results and effectiveness of bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach in the treatment of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS).

Methods

Operations were performed in 84 selected patients (mean age 62.1 ± 10 years) with lumbar DS between the years 2001 and 2008. The selection criteria included lower back pain with or without sciatica, neurogenic claudication that had not improved after at least 6 months of conservative treatment, and a radiological diagnosis of Grade I DS and lumbar stenosis. Decompression was performed at 3 levels in 15.5%, 2 levels in 54.8%, and 1 level in 29.7% of the patients with 1 level of spondylolisthesis. All patients were followed up for at least 24 months. For clinical evaluations, a visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Neurogenic Claudication Outcome Score (NCOS) were used. Spinal canal size and (neutral and dynamic) slip percentages were measured both pre- and postoperatively.

Results

Neutral and dynamic slip percentages did not significantly change after surgery (p = 0.67 and p = 0.63, respectively). Spinal canal size increased from 50.6 ± 5.9 to 102.8 ± 9.5 mm2 (p < 0.001). The ODI decreased significantly in both the early and late follow-up evaluations, and good or excellent results were obtained in 64 cases (80%). The NCOS demonstrated significant improvement in the late follow-up results (p < 0.001). One patient (1.2%) required secondary fusion during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Postoperative clinical improvement and radiological findings clearly demonstrated that the unilateral approach for treating 1-level and multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis with DS is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method in terms of reducing the need for stabilization.
Some Derivations on Levy and Jump Processes
Authors: Mozumder Md Sharif Ullah
Published: August 2011

Modeling with jump processes has become an integral part of real life mathematics. Besides actuarial applications jump processes have frequently been applied in credit risk modeling, derivative pricing, interest rate modeling, signal processing and so on. Behind every jump process there always exists a stochastic process. Once this stochastic process satisfies some conditions (to be mentioned) it is known as Lévy process. This particular family of stochastic processes has rich structures of its own which facilitate the study of jump processes associated with the processes belonging to this family. In this article some results, involving both Lévy and jump processes, are proved in details. These details derivations, explicitly showing the intuitive meaning of Lévy properties, are not available in the existing literature. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 29 (2009) 11-22DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v29i0.8511
A Standard Modulo Priestley Topological Quasi-Variety
Authors: Begum SN , Rahman MR
Published: August 2011

We construct a topological quasi-variety which is not standard but standard modulo Priestley. Key words: Standard topological quasi-variety; Boolean model; standard modulo Priestley. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 29 (2009) 35-41 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v29i0.8513
Asymptotic Analysis of the Non-Stationary Cross-flow Vortices on a Rotating Disk with Temperature-Dependent Viscosity
Authors: Jasmine HA
Published: August 2011

Asymptotic analysis of the non-stationary cross-flow disturbances of Von-kármán rotation disk flow with a temperature dependence viscosity is investigated. The linear eigenrelations are derived for various values of the parameter which controls the temperature dependence of viscosity with more than one critical layer. It has been fund that there is a cut-off value at an angle that lies between 10.3° and 57.4°, so that solution exist only for this range. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 29 (2009) 51-62  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v29i0.8515
On Jacobson Radical for Γ-Rings
Authors: Paul AC , Uddin Md Sabur
Published: August 2011

Jacobson radical of gamma rings is one of the most significant concept in the ring theory. In this paper we consider the Jacobson radical for gamma rings due to A.C. Paul and T.M. Abul Kalam Azad [5]. Some new characterizations are developed in this radical. The Jacobson Density Theorem and its converse Theorem are also proved here. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 29 (2009) 147-160  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v29i0.8524
A Study on Dimensional Analysis for Air-Water Flow System
Authors: Khan Ashrafuzzaman , Hoque Ashabul
Published: August 2011

A simplified exposition and its consequence are given for the dimensional analysis. We have first discussed Buckingham’s π theorem, which provides a guide to the number of dimensions parameters required to specify any particular phenomenon. The influence of dimensional analysis on air-water flow system is described in details and is applied to scaling the measurements of void fraction distributions in vertical circular plunging jets. This study highlights the dimensional analysis on air-water flow system, which is a convenient technique for estimating the magnitudes of various terms in the governing equations. Key words: Dimension analysis; Buckingham’s theorem; Air-water flow; Void fraction. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 30 (2010) 11-18   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v30i0.8498
Comparative Study of the Grid-Scale and Subgrid-Scale Velocity Fields - A Priori Test
Authors: Uddin M Ashraf , Rahman M Matiar , Mallik M Saiful Islam
Published: August 2011

Generation of grid-scale (GS) and subgrid-scale (SGS) velocity fields is performed by direct filtering of DNS (Direct Numerical Simulation) data at a low Reynolds number in homogeneous isotropic turbulence in order to assess the spectral accuracy as well as the performance of filter functions for LES (Large Eddy Simulation). The filtering is performed using three classical filter functions: Gaussian, Tophat and Sharp cutoff filters and in all three cases the results are compared with three different filter widths for LES. Comparing the distributions of GS and SGS velocities, and the decay of turbulence with those from DNS fields through out the whole calculation we have found that among the three filter functions, the performance of Sharp cutoff filter is better than that of the other two filter functions in terms of both spatial spectra and the distribution of velocities. Furthermore, it is shown that the accuracy of the filtering approach does not depend only on the filter functions but also on the filter widths for LES. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 30 (2010) 19-31   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v30i0.8499
Second Approximate Solution of Duffing Equation with Strong Nonlinearity by Homotopy Perturbation Method
Authors: Uddin M Alhaz , Sattar M Abdus
Published: August 2011

In this paper, the second order approximate solution of a general second order nonlinear ordinary differential system, modeling damped oscillatory process is considered. The new analytical technique based on the work of He’s homotopy perturbation method is developed to find the periodic solution of a second order ordinary nonlinear differential system with damping effects. Usually the second or higher order approximate solutions are able to give better results than the first order approximate solutions. The results show that the analytical approximate solutions obtained by homotopy perturbation method are uniformly valid on the whole solutions domain and they are suitable not only for strongly nonlinear systems, but also for weakly nonlinear systems. Another advantage of this new analytical technique is that it also works for strongly damped, weakly damped and undamped systems. Figures are provided to show the comparison between the analytical and the numerical solutions. Keywords: Homotopy perturbation method; damped oscillation; nonlinear equation; strong nonlinearity. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 30 (2010) 59-75  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v30i0.8504
Paradoxical Response to Prophylactic Didox (N-3, 4 Trihydroxybenzamide) Treatment in Murine Cytomegalovirus-Infected Mice
Authors: Go Vera , Tang-Feldman Yajarayma J , Lochhead Stephanie R , Lochhead G Raymond , Yu Cindy Q , Elford Howard L , Inayat Mohammed S , Oakley Oliver R , Pomeroy Claire
Published: August 2011

Background

In this study, we investigated the effect of Didox (DX) on the pathogenicity of and host responses to murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection.

Methods

In vitro efficacy of DX against MCMV was determined using plaque reduction assays. For in vivo studies, mice infected with a sublethal dose (104 PFU) of MCMV were treated daily with DX (200 mg/kg) using either a prophylactic or delayed protocol. At predetermined intervals, target organs were removed for histopathology. Cytokine transcription and viral load were performed using real-time PCR. Serum cytokine levels were determined by ELISA, and T-cell markers by realtime PCR.

Results

DX (0.5–50 μM) inhibited MCMV plaque formation in vitro. However, in vivo, prophylactic DX treatment did not decrease viral load and prolonged hepatic proinflammatory cytokine transcription at days 3 and 5 post-infection, which corresponded with more severe histopathological changes observed in the liver. Significant CD8+ T-cell marker suppression was seen, in accordance with DX-induced inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation observed in vitro. DX prolonged the recovery of MCMV- infected mice when given after infection was established.

Conclusions

Despite promising MCMV inhibition in vitro, DX had no beneficial effect on MCMV disease in our model and paradoxically had adverse effects when administered prophylactically. The lack of correlation between in vitro activity and in vivo efficacy emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate antiviral targets and of using animal models when testing new drugs.
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Pregnancy
Authors: Kammeijer Casper Q. , De Man Robert A. , De Groot Christianne J.M.
Published: August 2011

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a progressive disease, and coincidentally in pregnancy it is rare. It is characterized by progressive inflammation and destruction of bile ducts finally resulting in liver failure. A rare case of primary sclerosing cholangitis in pregnancy is presented. The course of the pregnancy was marked by threatened preterm delivery and exacerbation of cholestasis. She was successfully treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Although, primary sclerosing cholangitis has both maternal and fetal effects on pregnancy, the overall outcome is favorable. Only few cases have been reported using high dose ursodeoxycholic acid for primary sclerosing cholangitis in pregnancy, it often improves pruritus but has no protection against stillbirth. Data on the safety to the fetus or neonate and long-term outcome are scarce.