bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stereotactic Selective Thalamotomy for the Treatment of Tremor Type Cerebral Palsy in Adolescence
Authors: Ohye Chihiro , Miyazaki Mizuho , Hirai Tatsuo , Shibazaki Tohru , Nagaseki Yoshishige
Published: March 2008

6 cases with tremor-athetotic type cerebral palsy and 2 cases with moderate dystonia-tremor type cerebral palsy were treated by selective stereotactic thalamotomy. In the former group, postural-movement type tremor in the upper limb gradually progressed with age while athetosis remained unchanged. In the latter group, dystonia in the truncal muscles predominated over the irregular tremulous movement of the upper limbs. In all cases, the intelligence was almost normal. Stereotactic selective thalamotomy (Vim for tremor athetosis, VL-Vim for dystonia tremor) was performed under local anesthesia with the aid of radiological and neurophysiological control methods. The results of the operations were satisfactory in regard to the tremor relief and concomitant improvement of motor performances in most of the cases. Stereotactic treatment might be an effective way to make possible a one-step progress in these handicapped cases. The importance of postoperative physical therapy is also emphasized.
Congenital Orbital Teratoma
Authors: Berlin Jan , Rich Leonard S. , Hahn Joseph F.
Published: March 2008

Congenital orbital teratoma is a rare tumor that usually presents with unilateral proptosis in a normal full term infant. These tumors are usually confined to the orbit without extension into the intracranial cavity. A few cases with intracranial extension have been reported. We have developed a combined ophthalmological, otolaryngological and neurosurgical approach to deal with this rare tumor when it extends intracranially.
Traumatic Mechanisms of Head Injury in Child Abuse
Authors: Hahn Yoon S. , Raimondi Anthony J. , McLone David G. , Yamanouchi Yasuo
Published: March 2008

Child abuse is a complex sociophysical phenomenon in which a child may suffer physical and mental assault ranging from death to emotional deprivation. In this report, an effort is made to identify the pathogenetic mechanisms of head injury in child abuse and to describe the site of injury, incidence of head injury, and difficulties encountered in establishing a doctor-family relationship. During the years 1970 through 1979,621 children were confirmed victims of child abuse and treated by the medical staff at the Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Of these, there were 77 children (12%) who suffered associated head injuries ranging from cerebral concussion to irreversible brain damage and/or death. 85% of these head-injured children were under the age of 2 years. 62% were male and 38% female. In analyzing the type of injury which resulted in an associated head injury, we learned that 54% of all injuries were caused by direct blows to the head, face and other parts of the body, 35% were due to dropping, throwing or falling; only 8% were caused by ‘shaking’. 55 injuries (48%) out of 115 trauma cases were thought to be caused by injury to head or face. 53 patients showed 113 external skin wounds such as ecchymoses of eyes, excoriations, bruises, contusion, hematoma, burns, etc. 46% of all external wounds were found over the head and face. This may probably indicate to us that a traumatic force causing injury to the brain is directed to the head and face. The traumatic mechanisms are analyzed and discussed to assess the behavioral derangement of the assault.
Brain Abscess in Childhood
Authors: Hirsch J.F. , Roux F.X. , Sainte-Rose C. , Renier D. , Pierre-Kahn A.
Published: March 2008

During the last 15 years, 34 children were treated for a brain abscess. 13 (38%) had cyanotic heart disease; 12 (35%) had an ENT infection. The standardized treatment protocol included puncture of the abscess and administration of antibiotic and antiedematous drugs. Postoperative permanent epidural monitoring of intracranial pressure and, in the last 5 years, repeated CT scans indicated if retapping the abscess or reinforcing the antiedematous treatment was necessary. In 7 out of these 34 cases the abscess had to be excised. Postoperative mortality rate was 6%. Overall mortality rate was 12%. Neurological sequelae were slight. Epilepsy frequency was 10%. Mental retardation (18%) was found only in cyanotic congenital heart disease to which it is related. Repeated CT scans demonstrated the progressive disappearance of the capsule within a few months. This study shows an improvement in the results when brain abscesses in children are punctured rather than excised.
Effect of Temporary Subdural-Peritoneal Shunt on Subdural Effusion with Subarachnoid Effusion
Authors: Tsubokawa Takashi , Nakamura Saburo , Satoh Koten
Published: March 2008

A special entity called subdural effusion with ruptured subarachnoid effusion, which was diagnosed by CT, air study, and RI cisteraography, was observed in 14 children of up to 10 months of age. 10 cases that showed symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) were treated by temporary subdural-peritoneal (S-P) shunt, and the remaining 4 cases that showed no symptoms of increased ICP were treated conservatively. 9 of the 10 cases treated by S-P shunt and 2 of the 4 cases treated conservatively showed good results. Poorly balanced absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during the special transitional period of the CSF dynamics may be thought to be a pathogenetic factor.
Relationship of CSF Shunting and IQ in Children with Myelomeningocele: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Mapstone Timothy B. , Rekate Harold L. , Nulsen Frank E. , Dixon, Jr. Morris S. , Glaser Naomi , Jaffe Miriam
Published: March 2008

This paper reviews 75 infants with myelomeningocele treated either at birth or from an early age at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, for whom complete records and psychometric testing (IQ) are available (including complete summaries from referring hospitals). Three groups are compared: (1) infants without complications who were shunted for hydrocephalus (n = 41); (2) infants with complications who were shunted (n = 16), and (3) infants who were not shunted (n = 18). Complications were defined as ventriculitis (positive CSF cultures with elevated protein, depressed glucose and inflammatory cells), anoxia, poorly controlled hydrocephalus or other CNS anomalies such as porencephaly. The mean IQ of infants who were not shunted was 104, of those shunted without complications it was 91, and of those shunted who had complications it was 70. These IQ differences were significant at p < 0.01, and were not explained by differences in spinal lesion levels.
Childhood Medulloblastoma Presenting with Hemorrhage
Authors: Chugani Harry T. , Rosemblat Aldo M. , Lavenstein Bennett L. , Palumbo Francis M. , Luessenhop Alfred J. , Manz Herbert J.
Published: March 2008

Cerebellar hemorrhage is rare in childhood, and is usually the result of trauma or a ruptured arteriovenous malformation. We report acute subarachnoid hemorrhage as the presenting manifestation of medulloblastoma and review the atypical presentation and causes of cerebellar hemorrhage in infants and children.
Spontaneous Hematomas Caused by Microangiomatosis of the Basal Ganglia
Authors: Alonso A. , Taboada D. , Alvarez J.A. , Vidal-Sampedro J. , Vieito X.
Published: March 2008

We present 2 cases of tumors of the gray basal nuclei with intraventricular hemorrhage and secondary hydrocephalus. Because of the patients’ ages, the absence of traumatic antecedents and the angiographic characteristics, the findings were diagnosed as gliomas. In both cases, the existence of hematomas provoked by microangiomatosis was proved after the operation. The differential diagnostic between these two entities is discussed.
Ultrasound Control of Progressive Hydrocephalus in Infancy
Authors: Harmat G. , Paraicz E. , Szenasy J.
Published: March 2008

The authors conducted multidimensional echotomography on 119 infants to determine hydrocephalus and other disorders. The process proved quite reliable in showing changes in ventricle size. They raise the idea of conducting broad scale preventive screening among infants in danger groups to achieve early diagnosis.
Encephalocraniocutaneous Lipomatosis: A Recently Described Neurocutaneous Syndrome
Authors: Miyao M. , Saito T. , Yamamoto Y. , Kamoshita S.
Published: March 2008

The authors report a 1-year-old Japanese boy, who was noted to have unilateral alopecia and a cloudy cornea since birth. Additional features included mild spasticity and mental retardation, DQ being 70. A non-communicating cystic lesion was found in the right middle cerebral fossa by metrizamide CT scan, and resection of the lesion by craniotomy revealed an arachnoid cyst. The case was diagnosed as encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis, a recently described neurocutaneous syndrome.
Interhemispheral Neuroepithelial (Glio-Ependymal) Cysts, Associated with Agenesis of the Corpus callosum and Neocortical Maldevelopment
Authors: Barth P.G. , Uylings H.B.M. , Stam F.C.
Published: March 2008

Callosal agenesis and interhemispheral cysts containing ependyma, choroid plexus and glial cells are reported in a male infant. To the authors’ knowledge this represents the 4th recorded case. Other findings were: nodular neuronal heterotopias with fully differentiated spiny neocortical neurons, widespread neocortical microgyria, cerebellar hypoplasia and bony abnormalities of the foramen magnum and atlas. This study confirms that glioependymal cysts are heterotopias of embryonic ventricular epithelium. The existence of more than one type of heterotopia (i.e. neuronal and ependymal) in 1 individual is significant. This indicates an error of cell generation and cell migration affecting the original structure from which both cell types are derived: the embryonic (sub)ventricular zone.
Re-Operation for Recurrent Brain Tumors in Children
Authors: Barrer Steven J. , Schut Luis , Sutton Leslie N. , Bruce Derek A.
Published: March 2008

In order to determine the efficacy of re-operating on recurrent brain tumors, we did a retrospective analysis of 39 children who underwent such surgery between 1975 and the present. A total of 52 procedures was performed for recurrence of both benign and malignant tumors. 9 patients are neurologically normal and 12 are independent but left with some sort of neurologic deficit for an average of 31 months and 32 months, respectively, postoperatively. 1 child presented severely handicapped and remains so 18 months after his most recent surgery. 17 patients died. 11 improved after re-operation and lived an average of 12 months. 4 were unimproved with an average survival of 10 months. There were 2 surgical deaths for an operative mortality of 4%. We feel that re-operation is a useful therapy for both benign and malignant recurrent brain tumors, and prolongs both the quantity and quality of life in appropriately selected patients.
Tuberous Sclerosis: Diagnostic and Surgical Considerations
Authors: McLaurin Robert L. , Towbin Richard B.
Published: March 2008

Twenty-six patients with tuberous sclerosis have been reviewed from the standpoints of CT diagnosis and surgical indications. It was concluded that a diganosis can be made on the basis of subependymal calcification but not on the basis of cortical calcifications or low density lesions alone. Enhancing lesions, especially at the foramen of Munro, must be considered to be tumors and should be excised if there are symptoms of obstruction. The transcallosal approach is preferred. Asymptomatic enhancing lesions may be followed by periodic scans; if no enhancing lesions are present routine follow-up scans do not appear to be useful.
Haloperidol, Fluphenazine and Clonidine in Tourette Syndrome: Controversies in Treatment
Authors: Singer Harvey S. , Gammon Karen , Quaskey Shirley
Published: March 2008

The value of haloperidol, fluphenazine and clonidine as therapeutic agents for Tourette’s syndrome was retrospectively reviewed. Haloperidol improved tic symptoms in 50/60 patients, but side effects often nullified these benefits. Fluphenazine was an effective drug for tic suppression in 24/31 patients. Direct comparison of these drugs in 23 patients confirmed the efficacy of fluphenazine and showed it to produce fewer adverse effects than haloperidol. Clonidine was helpful in 47% and caused few side effects. These results support the use of clonidine for the treatment of tics and suggest that fluphenazine can be considered an alternative to other neuroleptic drugs.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Pseudocysts: Sonographic Appearance and Clinical Management
Authors: Egelhoff John , Babcock Diane S. , McLaurin Robert
Published: March 2008

Eight patients with 10 intraperitoneal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocysts occurring as a complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt procedure were reviewed to determine the sonographic characteristics as well as the etiologic basis for the pseudocysts. An additional 10 patients with VP shunts, being routinely evaluated for genitourinary tract abnormality, were reviewed to determine the sonographic characteristics and the amount of fluid present in the abdomen with a normally functioning VP shunt in place. We found that a small amount or no peritoneal fluid is found in the patient with a normally functioning VP shunt. Larger, localized, simple or loculated fluid collections are abnormal and compatible with pseudocyst formation. Debris was identified in the majority of the fluid collections. We believe that ultrasonography is the method of choice in evaluation of complications of the distal end of the VP shunt. Our series suggests that infection is the principle cause for pseudocyst development despite the frequent absence of systemic signs of infection. Appropriate treatment involves removal of the peritoneal catheter and treatment of the infection. The catheter may later be replaced intraperitoneally.
Occurrence of an Astrocytoma in a Patient with Williams Syndrome
Authors: Semmekrot B.A. , Rotteveel J.J. , Bakker-Niezen S.H. , vd. Logt F.
Published: March 2008

The Williams elfin facies syndrome (Williams-Beuren syndrome) is a disorder characterized by a typical facies, supravalvular aortic stenosis and mental retardation. Its coexistence with a brain tumor has, so far, never been described. Recently, we treated a patient who was previously diagnosed as having Williams syndrome for a cerebral astrocytoma. In view of the incidence of astrocytomas in children and the occurrence of Williams syndrome, we want to report this coincidence.
Reduced Bacterial Adherence to Silicone Plastic Neurosurgical Prosthesis
Authors: Gower David J. , Gower Verlia C. , Richardson Stephen H. , Kelly, Jr. David L.
Published: March 2008

Bacteria have been shown to adhere to smooth surfaces, such as shunts, by secreting a complex polysaccharide coat called the glycocalyx. We assume that if bacterial adherence could be reduced to zero, foreign-body-related infections would be essentially eliminated. This study (1) describes a new technique for quantitating bacterial adherence to plastic using radioactive chromium, and (2) demonstrates that presoaking the silicone plastic surgical tubing used for ventriculoperitoneal and ventriculoatrial shunts in bacitracin A solution (50,000 units in 250 ml) reduces the adherence of Staphylococcus epidermidis by 54%. We conclude that pretreatment of a hydrocephalic shunt tubing with an aqueous bacitracin solution before its implantation may help to reduce the postoperative shunt infections due to direct contamination of the shunt at the time it is inserted.
Chronic Intracranial Pressure Monitoring in Conscious Hydrocephalic Rabbits
Authors: Del Bigio Marc R. , Bruni Edward
Published: March 2008

Epidural intracranial pressure (ICP) was monitored chronically for up to 6 weeks in conscious, unrestrained rabbits. Hydrocephalus was induced by injecting viscous silicone oil into the cisterna magna. Following injection, ICP remained significantly elevated for only 2 days. Thereafter, the baseline ICP of hydrocephalic rabbits returned to control values. During the hydrocephalic period, however, ICP exhibited instability and transient elevations. ICP characteristics of this model of experimental hydrocephalus resemble those of chronically hydrocephalic humans.
Cerebral Water Content in Silicone Oil-Induced Hydrocephalic Rabbits
Authors: Del Bigio Marc R.D. , Bruni Edward
Published: March 2008

Specific gravity determinations were made on fresh and desiccated samples of hydrocephalic rabbit brains. There was a density gradient in the normal cortical gray matter. Hydrocephalus was accompanied by significantly increased specific gravity of cortical gray matter at 3 days and 1 and 4 weeks. In the latter two periods, there were also significant increases in the specific gravity of white matter in the corpus callosum. These changes represent water loss throughout the whole cerebrum except at the ventricular surface. The specific gravity of solid tissue brain components changed insignificantly. We conclude that short-term brain volume changes in experimental hydrocephalus were due mainly to loss of tissue water.
Quality of Life in Children with Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors (Medulloblastoma) of the Posterior Fossa
Authors: Packer Roger J. , Sposto Richard , Atkins Thomas E. , Sutton Leslie N. , Bruce Derek A. , Siegel Kathy R. , Rorke Lucy B. , Littman Phillip A. , Schut Luis
Published: March 2008

We reviewed our experience in 43 consecutive patients with primitive neuroectodermal tumors (medulloblastoma), PNET (MB), treated between 1975 and 1984, to characterize their quality of life and identify factors which impacted on long-term function. Twenty-four of forty-three (56%) of children are alive and free of disease, a median of 4.5 years after diagnosis. The quality of life was analyzed for the 24 long-term survivors. 79% (19 of 24) were functioning well in everyday activities. The median full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ), obtained a median of 3.5 years after diagnosis for those tested (n = 17) was 97, with all but 3 (12%) of the patients functioning in the normal range. Specific learning, memory and fine-motor disabilities were found in over one half of patients. Factors associated with poorer performance and lower FSIQ included preoperative obtundation, the need for a permanent shunt, younger age at diagnosis, and a complicated postoperative course. It is concluded that (1) the majority of long-term survivors have ‘normal’ intellectual function, but many have specific intellectual and academic disabilities, and (2) preoperative and postoperative factors strongly impact on the quality of life of survivors.
Neuroplasticity and the Developing Brain: Implications for Therapy
Authors: Lenn Nicholas J.
Published: March 2008

Normal brain development consists of a series of interdependent and temporally overlapping processes. These include cell division, migration and aggregation, dendritic elaboration, axonal elongation and arborization, and synaptogenesis. There is a general pattern in all of these of predictable early development with evidence of specificity, followed by a period of remodeling. Lesions of the central nervous system occurring during development will affect these developmental processes at different points in the sequence and therefore have disparate effects on different portions of the brain at any given time of occurrence, as well as different effects depending on the time when the insult occurs. Unlike lesions occuring in the more steady-state condition of the adult nervous system, lesions during development have additional effects in redirecting subsequent development. It is arguable that this implies enhanced opportunities to mitigate the deleterious effects of such lesions. Potential therapeutic interventions can be divided by whether they are applied acutely, subacutely or late after injury. There are reasons for optimism regarding development of powerful new treatments in each of these categories. Further delineation of plasticity and the application of the resulting insights promise exciting and therapeutically important advances.
Pediatric Diencephalic Gliomas – A Review of 18 Cases
Authors: Scott Eric W. , Mickle Parker
Published: March 2008

Eighteen cases of biopsy-proven pediatric diencephalic gliomas are reviewed in terms of clinical presentation, radiographic features and pathological findings. Treatment included radiation therapy (RT) in 14, chemotherapy in 4 and conservative management in 3. Actuarial survival and quality of life are analyzed. We conclude that: (1) thalamic involvment portends a poor prognosis both in terms of histology and survival, (2) beneficial effects of RT are difficult to demonstrate and (3) therapy for pediatric diencephalic gliomas should be individualized and long-term spontaneous remissions may occur.
Resistance of the Foramen of Monro
Authors: Rekate Harold L. , Williams, Jr. Fred C. , Brodkey Jason A. , McCormick John M. , Chizeck Howard J. , Ko Wen
Published: March 2008

A greyhound dog model was used to study the importance of the foramen of Monro as a resistance element to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Normal dogs had no pressure differential discernible despite the infusion of artificial CSF into one lateral ventricle. When CSF was withdrawn from one lateral ventricle, however, 7 of 10 dogs showed intraventricular pressure differentials at a steady state of 3.28–5.37 mm Hg. All normal dogs undergoing rapid bolus withdrawal of CSF from the ventricles developed pressure differentials. When these experiments were performed on hydrocephalic dogs, no pressure differential could be recorded. The foramen of Monro acts as a valve mechanisms that usually closes in response to CSF withdrawals.
Neuronal Migration Abnormalities Can Still Be Diagnosed by Computed Tomography!
Authors: Buckley Anne R. , Flodmark Olof , Roland Elke H. , Hill Alan
Published: March 2008

Magnetic resonance imaging is presently the best modality for evaluating gray/white matter anatomy. However, this modality is expensive and not yet readily available in all countries. Most neuronal migration abnormalities can be accurately diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) provided excellent scanning technique is used. Abnormalities of neuronal migration were identified with CT brain scans in 68 children and were categorized as focal heterotopias (11 patients), multifocal heterotopias (19 patients) of diffuse migration disorders (38 patients). The principal indications for imaging were correlated to the radiological features. Neuropathological confirmation of the migration abnormality was obtained in 8 patients. An increased awareness by both clinicians and radiologists together with optimal CT technique are essential for the accurate diagnosis of migration disorders in children.
Development of the Human Motor Trigeminal Nucleus
Authors: Hamano Shin-ichiro , Goto Noboru , Nara Takahiro
Published: March 2008

The morphometric features of the motor trigeminal nucleus of the developing human brain were examined using complete serial celloidin sections of 13 brains, including 10 fetal brains. Our results suggest that the developmental processes of the motor trigeminal nucleus should be divided into four stages as follows: (1) primary stage, characterized by the early neuronal differentiation; (2) secondary or preparatory stage; (3) tertiary stage, characterized by massive neuronal death, and (4) postnatal stage, characterized by the maturation of neuropils. There were differences between the neuronal death observed in human and animal brains. Possible implications of these observations for the development of the nervous system are discussed.
Efficacy of Barbiturates in the Treatment of Resistant Intracranial Hypertension in Severely Head-Injured Children
Authors: Pittman Thomas , Bucholz Richard , Williams Diane
Published: March 2008

Cerebral perfusion pressures (CPP) of less than 50 torr are associated with marginal cerebral blood flow and poor outcome. We report our experience with a group of 7 children who survived long periods with CPP of less than 50 torr during treatment with pentobarbital. The study group was identified through a retrospective review of all head-injured patients admitted to Cardinal Glennon Memorial Hospital for Children between 1984 and 1986. All of the patients presented had sustained intracranial pressure of greater than 20 torr which was resistant to conventional therapy. All patients received pentobarbital for at least 24 h and all had documented CPP of less than 50 torr for more than 30 min during that time. Of these 7 children: 3 made good recoveries; 2 are moderately disabled, and 2 are vegetative. Neither the CPP nor the length of pentobarbital coma was an accurate predictor of outcome. It seems likely that these children are a subset of those previously defined as having resistant intracranial hypertension and that, as a group, they may have benefited from pentobarbital administration. It is also apparent that, in this group, low CPP was not indicative of irreversible brain damage or brain death.
Spinal Extradural Arachnoid Cyst
Authors: Stechison Michael T. , Hendrick Bruce , Cohen E.
Published: March 2008

A relatively unusual cause of progressive paraparesis is a spinal arachnoid cyst. The following is a case report of this lesion in an adolescent. The CT-myelographic and MR features, as well as the management of this case are discussed, followed by a review of the pertinent English literature on this topic.
Paraplegia Resulting from Thoracolumbar Stenosis in a Seven-Month-Old Achondroplastic Dwarf
Authors: Hahn Yoon S. , Engelhard, III Herbert H. , Naidich Thomas , McLone David G.
Published: March 2008

In young achondroplastic children, neurological manifestations have been found to include macro-cephaly, hydrocephalus or ventriculomegaly and cervicomedullary compression. Occasionally in the second decade, lumbar radiculopathy or paraparesis resulting from severe thoracolumbar kyphosis develops. In this paper, we report the unique case of an achondroplastic dwarf who developed paraplegia due to thoracolumbar spinal cord compression at the age of 7 months. Compromise of the spinal canal was found to be due not to bony stenosis, but to a second layer of fibrous tissue, histologically identical to the dura. Treatment consisting of decompressive laminectomy and resection of the constricting tissue allowed the child to recover completely. Clinical, radiographic and pathological findings are discussed.
The Potential for Improved Boundary Layer Cloud Optical Depth Retrievals from the Multiple Directions of MISR
Authors: Evans K. Franklin , Marshak Alexander , Várnai Tamás
Published: March 2008

The Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) views the earth with nine cameras, ranging from a 70° zenith angle viewing forward through nadir to 70° viewing aft. MISR does not have an operational cloud optical depth retrieval algorithm, but previous research has hinted that solar reflection measured in multiple directions might improve cloud optical depth retrievals. This study explores the optical depth information content of MISR’s multiple angles using a retrieval simulation approach. Hundreds of realistic boundary-layer cloud fields are generated with large-eddy simulation (LES) models for stratocumulus, small trade cumulus, and land surface–forced fair-weather cumulus. Reflectances in MISR directions are computed with three-dimensional radiative transfer from the LES cloud fields over an ocean surface and averaged to MISR resolution and sampled at MISR 275-m pixel spacing. Neural networks are trained to retrieve the mean and standard deviation of optical depth over different size pixel patches from the mean and standard deviation of simulated MISR reflectances. Various configurations of MISR cameras are input to the retrieval, and the rms retrieval errors are compared. For 5 × 5 pixel patches the already low mean optical depth retrieval error for stratocumulus decreases 41% and 23% (for 25° and 45° solar zenith angles, respectively) from using only the nadir camera to using seven MISR cameras. For cumulus, however, the much higher normalized optical depth retrieval error only decreases around 14%. These small improvements suggest that measurements of solar reflection in multiple directions do not contribute substantially to more accurate optical depth retrievals for small cumulus clouds. The 3D statistical retrievals, however, even with only the nadir camera, are much more accurate for small cumulus than standard nadir plane-parallel retrievals; therefore, this approach may be worth pursuing.
Security or Freedom First?
Authors: Schwartz Stephen
Published: March 2008

The commentator, head of an international moderate Muslim network, criticizes the “security first” concept as an expression of revived American isolationism based on miscomprehension of the Islamic world and the aims of lawful Islamists, ignorance of the conflicts within Islam, and lack of clarity on democracy.
A Generalizability Theory Approach to Standard Error Estimates for Bookmark Standard Settings
Authors: Lee Guemin , Lewis Daniel M.
Published: March 2008

The bookmark standard-setting procedure is an item response theory–based method that is widely implemented in state testing programs. This study estimates standard errors for cut scores resulting from bookmark standard settings under a generalizability theory model and investigates the effects of different universes of generalization and error sources on standard errors. This study produced several notable results. First, different patterns of variance component estimates are found for different cut scores; therefore, researchers should estimate separate variance components for each cut score and use them to estimate corresponding standard errors. Second, different universes of generalization produce different standard error estimates; thus, policy makers should consider which universe is appropriate for the proposed use of cut scores. Third, participants and groups have nonnegligible effects on several error sources. To decrease the standard errors for cut scores, increasing the number of small groups seems more efficient than increasing the number of participants.
Factorial Invariance of the Academic Amotivation Inventory (AAI) Across Gender and Grade in a Sample of Canadian High School Students
Authors: Green-Demers Isabelle , Legault Lisa , Pelletier Daniel , Pelletier Luc G.
Published: March 2008

Motivation deficits are common in high school and constitute a significant problem for both students and teachers. The Academic Amotivation Inventory (AAI) was developed to measure the multidimensional nature of the academic amotivation construct (Legault, Green-Demers, & Pelletier, 2006). The present project further examined the consistency of the metric properties of AAI scores by testing their factorial structure for invariance across gender and grade (2 [genders] × 5 [grades] = 10 [groups]) in a sample of 3,417 high school students. Factorial invariance of latent means was also examined as a complementary substantive objective. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance were successfully substantiated across all 10 groups. Results revealed well-fitting models for each group. Moreover, constraining factor loadings and intercepts had no meaningful impact on model fit. Findings are discussed in terms of an increased conceptual and psychometric understanding of scholastic motivational problems.
Vibration Control of Smart Plates Based on Mixed Variational Theorem
Authors: Phoenix S.S. , Bhar A. , Satsangi S.K.
Published: March 2008

Vibration control of smart plates with distributed piezoelectric sensor and actuator layers is considered in this article. The mathematical model is based on the Reissner mixed variational theorem (RMVT), which ensures inter-laminar shear stress continuity and the zig-zag nature of displacement fields. The problem of smart laminated composite plates involves inter-dependent mechanical and electric fields. In the present work, displacements, electric potential, and transverse stresses are considered independently and are taken as degrees of freedom. An isoparametric eight-noded plate element is used for the finite element modeling. Numerical examples are solved to study the vibration control of smart structures.
Damage Analysis of a Type 3 Cryogenic Propellant Tank After LN2 Storage Test
Authors: Kang Sang-Guk , Kim Myung-Gon , Park Sang-Wuk , Kim Chun-Gon , Kong Cheol-Won
Published: March 2008

The application of composites to cryotanks has been one of the major concerns for lightweight launch vehicles. In this study, a prototype of a Type 3 cryotank was fabricated with the composite developed for cryogenic application and aluminum liner, and the cryogenic conditions were applied by filling the prototype with liquid nitrogen and then pressurizing it with gaseous nitrogen. During the experiment, delamination inside the cryotank happened. This article describes several attempts made to investigate failure through both analytical approach with thermo-elastic analysis accompanied by progressive failure and experimental approach with LN2 immersion of composite/aluminum ring specimens.
Polarization and Conflict: Theoretical and Empirical Issues
Authors: Esteban Joan , Schneider Gerald
Published: March 2008

Recent formal and empirical research in political science and economics strongly indicates that various forms of political and social polarization increase the risk of violent conflict within and between nation states. The articles collected for this issue explore this crucial relationship and provide answers to a variety of topics: First, contributors address how institutions and other contingent factors mediate the conflict potential in polarized societies. Second, this special issue compares the explanatory power of income polarization with traditional and new measures of inequality. Third, the contributions examine how groups form and coalitions are built in polarized societies and how this affects political decision-making. Finally, the special issue analyses the interconnections between interstate war, internationalized conflict and polarization. This introduction synthesizes the literatures that have been developed on the issue of polarization and conflict in the various social scientific disciplines. The authors particularly discuss the similarities between economic models of conflict and the so-called crisis bargaining literature which has been mainly developed within political science. The article shows the differences between `polarization' and `inequality' and introduces the various measures of diversity that have been used in the study of interstate and intrastate conflict during the past few decades.
Polarization, Fractionalization and Conflict
Authors: Esteban Joan , Ray Debraj
Published: March 2008

This article provides a theoretical framework that distinguishes between the occurrence of conflict and its severity, and clarifies the role of polarization and fractionalization in each of these cases. The analysis helps in ordering the various definitions, and in providing explanations for the empirical observations on the relationship between conflict, on the one hand, and polarization or fractionalization, on the other. The behaviour of players in conflict is described as a game, and equilibrium payoffs to all players are computed. The status quo is characterized by a set of political institutions that channel the different opposing interests and turn them into a collective decision, with a second set of payoffs. Groups rebel against the status quo political institution whenever the latter set of payoffs is dominated by the former. When society is highly polarized, the potential cost of rebellion is extremely high, and this cost may serve as the guarantor of peace. So, in highly polarized societies, the occurrence of open conflict should be rare but its intensity very severe, whenever it happens. On the other hand, highly fractionalized societies are prone to the occurrence of conflict, but its intensity will be moderate. It matters, therefore, whether one studies the intensity of conflict, conditional on conflict breaking out, or the likelihood that conflict actually occurs. Specifically, it is shown that: (i) measures of fractionalization and polarization tend to run in opposite directions, (ii) the onset of conflict critically depends on the political system in place, (iii) the occurrence of conflict and the intensity of conflict also tend to move in opposite directions, (iv) the relationship between polarization or fractionalization and conflict is non-monotonic and (v) the intensity of conflict depends positively on the degree of polarization.
Polarization and Policy Reform: Anti-Corruption Policymaking in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Torenvlied René , Klein Haarhuis Carolien M.
Published: March 2008

The ability of political systems to adopt policy reforms contributes to their internal stability. This article analyses 29 anti-corruption reforms in seven sub-Saharan countries. It seeks to explain the level of adopted reform in these countries from conflicts of interests between policy actors. Two groups of policy actors are distinguished: veto-players (endowed with an exercisable veto) and stakeholders (with an interest in policy reforms). A veto-player model is applied and extended with effects of (a) policy polarization between all policy actors and (b) institutional fractionalization between veto-players and stakeholders. The authors hypothesize a negative (interaction) effect of these variables with the win-set on the level of reform. As expected, the core variable of the veto-player model, size of the win-set of the status quo, significantly and positively affects the level of adopted reform. Unexpectedly, the number of veto-players has a significant and positive effect on the level of reform, whereas polarization among veto-players does not affect the level of reform. In contrast, fractionalization between veto-players and stakeholders has a significant negative direct effect on the level of anti-corruption reform and a weak interaction effect with size of the win-set. Thus, even when veto-players agree on the desirability of anticorruption reforms, the adoption of reforms is obstructed by a high level of fractionalization between veto-players and stakeholders.
Does Terrorism Influence Domestic Politics? Coalition Formation and Terrorist Incidents
Authors: Indridason Indridi H.
Published: March 2008

Terrorism has been shown to influence domestic politics, for example, by altering the priorities of voters and politicians. This article argues that terrorism has broader political consequences than simply putting national security on the political agenda. In particular, it argues that terrorist activity influences government formation. A number of scholars have noted that the presence of an external threat provides an incentive to overcome internal disagreements, suggesting that larger and more inclusive coalitions should form. Terrorist activity may also influence government survival, as voters hold politicians accountable for failing to provide security. Politicians, in anticipation of terrorist activity, may, therefore, seek to form a more stable coalition. The literature on government survival suggests that the size of the coalition positively affects its durability but that its ideological breadth is expected to have an adverse effect on survival, which is the opposite of the prediction of the theory based on external threat. To test whether terrorism influences coalition formation, the author analyzes coalition formation in 17 (primarily Western European) parliamentary democracies over a 50-year period using data on domestic and transnational terrorism from, respectively, the TWEED dataset and the Terrorism Knowledge Base. The results show that government coalitions are more likely to be surplus coalitions and, consistent with the theory emphasizing government survival, more likely to have a low degree of ideological polarization in periods following terrorist activity.
Polarization and Interstate Conflict
Authors: Hegre Håvard
Published: March 2008

Esteban & Ray formalize the argument that conflict is likely to be more intense when individuals in a society are divided into two clearly identifiable groups where differences within groups are considerably smaller than differences between groups. They show that such polarization increases conflict, and they introduce a theoretical basis for its quantitative measurement. This article applies Esteban & Ray's (ER) measure of polarization to two international distributions: the world income distribution and the distribution of political systems. The article discusses extensions of the ER measure that render it independent of the number of groups in the system, and investigates empirically whether any of the three types of polarization are associated with conflict in the form of militarized interstate disputes. The results are rather inconclusive, despite the fact that some of the micro-level regularities consistent with the polarization and conflict argument have solid support in previous studies.
Dimensionality of the Contact With Disabled Persons Scale
Authors: Pruett Steven R. , Lee Eun-Jeong , Chan Fong , Ming Hung Wang  , Lane Frank J.
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the dimensionality of the Contact With Disabled Persons Scale (CDP). An exploratory factor analysis of the CDP yielded three factors: General Interpersonal Contacts, Positive Contact Experiences, and Negative Contact Experiences. A confirmatory factor analysis provided further evidence for the stability and generalizability of this three-factor solution. The CDP factors were also analyzed in the predicted directions, with several attitude measures, other psychosocial instruments, and a set of demographic variables. A discussion of how this scale can be used in attitudes toward disability research is provided.
The Effect of Frequency and Type of Internet Use on Perceived Social Support and Sense of Well-Being in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Miller Susan M.
Published: March 2008

This article examines the effect of frequency and type of Internet use on perceived social support and sense of well-being in persons with spinal cord injury. The results show that Internet use is not significantly related to perceived social support. Bivariate analysis indicates that there is a significant negative association between total Internet use and overall sense of well-being. Simultaneous regression further investigated the nature of this relationship by examining the contribution of 10 online activities to four scales measuring sense of well-being. Frequency of online gaming was negatively associated with each scale. Disability-related information seeking was also negatively associated with psychological and financial well-being, as well as perceived social support. These results suggest that Internet use as a whole should not be overlooked by rehabilitation counselors for its practical uses to increase independence and social connectedness in persons with disabilities; however, care should be used, particularly with online gaming.
Property Analysis of Denim Fabrics Made on Air-jet Weaving Machine Part I
Authors: Adanur Sabit , Jing Qi
Published: March 2008

Yarn tension is an important parameter which affects fabric properties and quality. An on-line tension measurement system was developed in which a Denkendorf yarn tension tester (DEFAT) was used to record and evaluate yarn tensions on an air-jet weaving machine. In dynamic warp and filling yarn tension measurements, the measuring head was put in continuous contact with the yarn during weaving. In warp tension measurement, the measuring head was placed in the warp sheet slightly ahead of the back rest roller on the weaving machine. One yarn from the center heddle was fed into the head to produce a trace. In filling tension measurement, the measuring head was placed closest to the pick insertion point at the machine as filling yarn was inserted from a package. Different cotton yarns were used as filling yarn.
Improvement of Serviceability Properties of Synthetic Textile Fabrics using 172 nm Ultraviolet Excimer Lamp
Authors: Gotoh Keiko , Hayashiya Masako
Published: March 2008

The 172 nm ultraviolet (UV) excimer light was exposed to textile fabrics of acetate, nylon 6, poly (ethylene terephthalate), acrylic and polypropylene. No significant changes in the tensile extension parameters and the surface reflectance of the fabrics due to the UV exposure were observed. The water contact angle was measured by the Wilhelmy technique using a single fiber that was taken from the fabric. Remarkable increase in wettability was accomplished by the UV irradiation of 1 minute. The capillary wetting and the moisture absorption of the fabrics, which were determined electrically, were found to increase by the UV exposure. The effect of the UV exposure on detergency was examined using a poly (ethylene terephthalate) plate on which model particulate soil was deposited. The removal was found to increase after the UV treatment. It was concluded that the exposure of UV excimer light to synthetic textile fabrics made it possible to improve their serviceability properties.
Recent Advances in Antimicrobial Treatments of Textiles
Authors: Yuan Gao  , Cranston Robin
Published: March 2008

The growth of microbes on textiles during use and storage negatively affects the wearer as well as the textile itself. The detrimental effects can be controlled by durable antimicrobial finishing of the textile using broad-spectrum biocides or by incorporating the biocide into synthetic fibers during extrusion. Consumers' attitude towards hygiene and active lifestyle has created a rapidly increasing market for antimicrobial textiles, which in turn has stimulated intensive research and development. This article reviews the requirements for antimicrobial finishing, qualitative and quantitative evaluations of antimicrobial efficacy, the application methods of antimicrobial agents and some of the most recent developments in antimicrobial treatments of textiles using various active agents such as silver, quaternary ammonium salts, polyhexamethylene biguanide, triclosan, chitosan, dyes and regenerable N-halamine compounds and peroxyacids. Examples of commercial antimicrobial products are presented to illustrate the active agents used and their finishing methods.
An Entire Strategy for Control of a Calender Roller System. Part III: Intelligent Settling Time-optimal Control
Authors: Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey , Tu Hung-Min
Published: March 2008

In the transient response of the calender roller system, the settling time is expected to be short, the non-overshoot controller design needs to be reached, and good tracking property achieved. In Part I [1], the regular proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller was designed to expedite the response of the calender roller system without steady-state error. However, the overshoot still existed. In Part II [2], the shaping input scheme together with the designed regular PID controller were employed to regulate the calender roller system input, so as to generate system non-overshoot and shorten the settling time. In this paper, the expert system (ES) method combined with the designed regular PID controller, as designed in Part I [1], were used to design the calender roller system. It could be shown that it not only effectively eliminated the steady state error, but also shortened the settling time. The effectiveness of achieving settling time-optimal of the calender system from the expert system could be shown from the computer simulation.