bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability and Factor Structure in an Adolescent Sample of the Dutch 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale
Authors: Meganck Reitske , Markey Samuel , Vanheule Stijn
Published: October 2012

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS–20) in an adolescent sample ( N = 406, ages 12 to 17). This is rarely done even though the TAS–20 is used in adolescent research. Five published factor models were tested. For good fitting models, a second-order model with alexithymia as a higher-order factor and metric invariance across sex and age groups was tested. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the original three-factor model and a four-factor model provided acceptable fit. Both models were invariant across sex, but not across age. Second-order models did not provide good fit. Reliability was good for the “Difficulty identifying feelings” subscale and acceptable for the “Difficulty describing feelings” subscale, but not for the “Externally oriented thinking” subscale. Measuring alexithymia with the TAS–20 in adolescents thus seems problematic, especially in younger age groups.
Scores on an Emotional Stroop Task after Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Nortje Charl , Posthumus Tanya
Published: October 2012

Color-naming interference on an emotional Stroop task was measured to assess attentional bias in information processing by 60 individuals diagnosed with generalized social phobia. Differential effects of three group treatments (exposure, cognitive restructuring + exposure, and cognitive restructuring + exposure + hypnosis), as well as their combined effect, and a no-treatment/wait-list control condition on color-naming interference were investigated after pre- and post-treatment and a 3-mo. follow-up. Differences among four treatment conditions (the three active treatments and the wait-list control condition) at the three assessment stages were not statistically significant in two-way repeated measure analyses of variance. The combined effect of the three treatment conditions was, however, statistically significant. Effect size analyses indicated to cognitive restructuring + exposure being the most effective treatment, but low statistical power prevented definite conclusions. Clinical and theoretical implications of the findings are discussed.
Legends of the Field: Influential Scholars in Multicultural Counseling
Authors: Ponterotto Joseph G. , Fingerhut Esther C. , McGuinness Ryan
Published: October 2012

This study identified the most frequently cited scholars across 28 leading multicultural textbooks used in the training of counselors and counseling psychologists. Four spheres or clusters of multicultural scholars were identified and were characterized, respectively, as having either a profound, highly significant, significant, or important impact on the academic multicultural training of counseling graduate students. The top-cited scholars across the textbooks were also examined in relation to their scholarly productivity (number of publications) and their impact (number of citations) in peer-reviewed journals. Specifically, multicultural scholars were assessed on the delta-beta coefficient, Scopus and PsycINFO publications count, Scopus citations, and the increasingly popular h-index of scientific impact. Limitations of the study and implications of the findings for counseling training were highlighted.
The Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ) for Use with Spanish Students
Authors: Soledad Rodríguez González María , Carolina Tinajero Vacas , Adelina Guisande Couñago María , Fernández Páramo , Fernanda María
Published: October 2012

The main purpose of this study was to adapt the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ) for use with Spanish students and to examine the psychometric properties of the scores. The adapted version of the scale was applied to a sample of 300 first-year university students. The internal consistency of the full scale and of the subscales was adequate, although the structure of the scale, analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis, did not fit satisfactorily to the four-factor model proposed by Baker and Siryk. The goodness of fit of each of four one-factor models, corresponding to each subscale, was tested separately in order to propose a short form of the scale. The resulting scale, comprising 50 items, shows high internal consistency and the relationships between its dimensions are consistent with those obtained in other studies.
The Effect of Passive Listening versus Active Observation of Music and Dance Performances on Memory Recognition and Mild to Moderate Depression in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults
Authors: Cross Kara , Flores Roberto , Butterfield Jacyln , Blackman Melinda , Lee Stephanie
Published: October 2012

The study examined the effects of music therapy and dance/movement therapy on cognitively impaired and mild to moderately depressed older adults. Passive listening to music and active observation of dance accompanied by music were studied in relation to memory enhancement and relief of depressive symptoms in 100 elderly board and care residents. The Beck Depression Inventory and the Recognition Memory Test–Faces Inventory were administered to two groups (one group exposed to a live 30-min. session of musical dance observation, the other to 30 min. of pre-recorded music alone) before the intervention and measured again 3 and 10 days after the intervention. Scores improved for both groups on both measures following the interventions, but the group exposed to dance therapy had significantly lower Beck Depression scores that lasted longer. These findings suggest that active observation of Dance Movement Therapy could play a role in temporarily alleviating moderate depressive symptoms and some cognitive deficits in older adults.
Serial Dilutions: A New Area of Research for Animal Behavior
Authors: Nolf Sondra L. , Craig David Philip Arthur , Abramson Charles I.
Published: October 2012

This paper attempts to stimulate the psychological investigation of homeopathy and serially agitated dilutions. The history of homeopathy and serial dilutions is provided in a literature review of selected research areas. Two original illustrative experiments are also presented and discussed. The first examined the effect of serially agitated dilutions of Sevin® on the mortality rate of honey bees ( Apis mellifera). In a second experiment, the effect of serially agitated dilutions of sucrose on proboscis extension in honey bees was assessed. No differences were found between serially agitated dilutions of pesticides and sucrose compared with dilutions alone. Implications, limitations, and proposed further work are discussed.
Brain Activity in ADHD Patients Performing the Counting Stroop Task: A Social Neuroscience Approach
Authors: Mercadillo Roberto E. , Trujillo Celia , Sánchez-Cortazar Juliĺn , Barrios Fernando A.
Published: October 2012

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms are manifested in social dynamics. In this study, the brain activity of eight child and adolescent patients diagnosed with ADHD was examined while they performed the Counting Stroop task and results were interpreted using social neuroscience premises. Brain activity was identified in frontal, parietal, and temporal regions related to the orienting system of attention and with linguistic, facial recognition, and mnemonic processes. Consistent with previous reports, these patients showed no activation in prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices related to the executive system of attention. Also, they manifested activation in the insular cortex involving interoceptive processes that may be associated with impulsiveness. Global brain activity involves a network formed during early development and includes experiential components such as learning of rules, reward systems, empathy, and decision making. An integrative assessment of ADHD should consider psychosocial and neurobiological causes integrated into an individual's own experiences assembled throughout life.
The Development and Practice of Small Hydropower Clean Development Mechanism Projects in China
Authors: Heng Liu , Xiaobo Hu
Published: October 2012

This paper generally describes the background of global hydropower CDM projects and the development of Small Hydropower (SHP) CDM projects in China. It analyses the features of China SHP CDM projects, and summarize their prospect and future challenges.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v8i0.4900Hydro Nepal Issue No. 8, 2011 JanuaryPage: 8-13Uploaded date: 16 June, 2011
Heavy Metal Ions Uptake Properties of the Aquatic Weed Hydrilla verticillata: Modeling and Experimental Validation
Authors: Dixit Savita , Dhote Sangeeta , Das Ranajyoti , Dubey Rajat , Vaidya Harsh
Published: October 2012

Heavy metals are one of the prominent sources of pollution in industrial wastewater and excessive presence of these metals is causing severe health and environmental problems. The prevailing purification technologies used to remove these contaminants are costly and sometimes not eco-friendly, so industries often try to escape from their responsibilities that, in turn, creates severe problems for existence of life. There is a great need to put intense and expeditious efforts into the search for more feasible and effective technologies to mitigate this problem.Several aquatic weeds are capable of sorbing metal ions from their solution and could be utilized as one of the cheapest sources for the treatment of waste water. Our study deals with the characteristics of this sorption process for chromium, lead, zinc and iron with macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata. The data are mathematically modeled with statistical analysis. H. verticillata is found to have great efficiency in removing metal ions from the sample of water. The process is ecofriendly and if applied in an efficient manner, would prove to be the best method to tackle the problem growing metal ion pollution in water bodies. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v8i0.4902Hydro Nepal Issue No. 8, 2011 JanuaryPage: 19-23Uploaded date: 16 June, 2011
Effectiveness of Post-injection Grouting in Controlling Leakage: A Case Study
Authors: Panthi Krishna Kanta
Published: October 2012

In many occasions severe water leakage problems are faced in shotcrete lined or unlined water tunnels that not only reduce stability of the rock mass but also result in loss of valuable water in conveying tunnel systems. Such leakage causes safety risks and increases the potential for huge economic loss to the hydropower projects. On the other hand, use of full concrete lining as final support increases the construction cost and time considerably. The best way to reduce leakage control and construction costs and time is the use of pre-injection grouting in the headrace tunnels. This paper discusses the role that post-injection grouting has played for controlling leakage through shotcrete lined/unlined low pressure headrace tunnel of the 60 MW Khimti I Hydropower Project in Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v8i0.4903Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 8, 2011 JanuaryPage: 14-18Uploaded date: 16 June, 2011
Large-Scale Promotion of Animal Dung-based Domestic Biogas Digesters through Public Private Partnership: A Successful Case of Nepal
Authors: Pokharel Govind Raj , Chettri Arjun Bahadur
Published: October 2012

Large-scale promotion of small scale decentralized renewable energy technologies to achieve a part of millennium development goal remained a great challenge until recently. However, a properly implementation of a public private partnership applied in biogas sector in Nepal has shown that scaling up of small scale renewable energy technologies is feasible if a multi-stakeholder sector development approach and favorable policy as well as modality is adopted. Nepal’s biogas program has been instrumental in helping to achieve some of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by creating economic and social development opportunities in a sustainable way. Such model could also be widely replicated in any other renewable energy technologies and other continent of the world. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v8i0.4908Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 8, 2011 JanuaryPage: 29-33Uploaded date: 17 June, 2011
Reduction of Microbial Contamination in Drinking Water using Flocculant Settling
Authors: Ali Arshad , Hasim Hashim Nissar , Ahmad Ashfaq , Qureashi Intikhab Ahmad
Published: October 2012

Pakistan is subjected to rapid water shortage due to different social and environmental problems. Moreover, the drinking water is being contaminated at an alarming rate that is mostly due to the discharge of untreated domestic and industrial effluent and agricultural run-off. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the water quality problems of the subject area and to determine a cost effective treatment technique. The main objective was to determine the removal efficiency of microbial contamination using flocculant settling. The main pollutants identified by conducting water quality tests are arsenic, fluoride, nitrates and microbial contamination. The maximum concentration of arsenic, fluoride, nitrates and microbial contamination were observed as 12ppb, 2.2mg/L, 26mg/L and 84 colonies/100mL, respectively. During discrete settling tests performed in a 12cft column, it was noticed that the removal of microbial contamination corresponding to a detention time of 225min is 26.7% only. While working on different coagulants, it was observed that the optimum alum, lime and magnesium dosage for the removal of microbial contamination is 31.5mg/L, 10.5mg/L and 27mg/L respectively. The final results of the study suggest that the use of lime as a coagulant to improve the quality of water in terms of microbial contamination is an effective and reliable technique, both in terms of its treatability performance and cost-effectiveness, which was noticed to be 77.7%.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v8i0.4909Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 8, 2011 JanuaryPage: 34-37Uploaded date: 17 June, 2011
Impacts of Industrial Effluent on River Kabul
Authors: Nosheen Ghazal , Ullah Muhammad , Khan Kashif Ahmad , Rehman Attiq Ur
Published: October 2012

The disposal of untreated industrial effluent into receiving water courses has become a major environmental challenge being faced by most of the developing countries. The high-strength and toxic wastes are responsible for a variety of water-borne diseases. In Pakistan numerous industrial units that dispose their effluent directly into receiving stream without any treatment. This study was, therefor designed to assess the wastewater characteristics of some major industrial units in the surrounding area of River Kabul, which is one of the most signifi cant resources of water in the north region of the country.The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the wastewater characteristics of some major industrial units in terms of BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), and TSS (Total Suspended Solids) etc. For this purpose, various representative samples were collected from the major industrial units like sugar, paper, ghee (Butter) and textile mills, and were analyzed using standard laboratory techniques. The results indicates that the BOD of sugar, paper, ghee (butter) and textile mills is in the range of 2235mg/L, 1150mg/L, 844mg/L and 745mg/L, respectively. Whereas, the COD of sugar, paper, ghee and textile mills was noticed to be 3945mg/L 2045mg/L, 2240mg/L and 1244mg/L respectively. Owing to the disposal of such highstrength wastes water without treatment, a remarkable increase in the TSS from 96 to 382mg/L, and decrease in DO (Dissolved Oxygen) concentration from 8.8 to 6.7mg/L of River Kabul was observed. The results of this study suggest that all the wastewater coming from the industrial sources should be properly treated as an integral part of their production before their fi nal disposal into River Kabul to secure its natural water quality.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v8i0.4924Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 8, 2011 JanuaryPage: 44-47Uploaded date: 23 June, 2011
Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project: Nepal’s Portion of Water
Authors: Pun S. B.
Published: October 2012

On September 20, 1996 an overwhelming 96.5% of the members present at the Joint Session of the Nepalese Parliament hurriedly ratified the Mahakali Treaty to fulfill the requirements of Article 126 of the 1990 Constitution of Nepal.The then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Water Resources Minister Pashupati SJB Rana provided CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and CPN-UML Mahakali Study Team Coordinator KP Sharma (Oli) written replies on the “equal sharing” of the Mahakali waters. However, despite the lapse of 15 years, the two critical clauses: i) “...equal entitlement in the use of Mahakali waters without prejudice to their respective consumptive uses...,” and ii) “...precludes the claim, in any form, by either Party on the unutilized portion of the shares of the waters...” still remain obfuscated and clouded in mist. Is “equal entitlement” (50 percent each) considered after deducting the respective consumptive uses as interpreted but later withdrawn by Minister Rana? Or is this “equal entitlement” (50 percent each) considered prior to deducting the consumptive uses as interpreted by Secretary General MK Nepal and then applying the clause “without prejudice” to their respective consumptive uses? No attempts appear to have been made by Nepal to elicit the Government of India’s interpretations on this vital issue.The Ganges basin supports a massive over 523 million people; i.e., 450 million in India, 45 million in Bangladesh, and 28 million in Nepal. With India’s economy growing consistently at a high 8 to 9% annually, the quality of life of her people is definitely on the rise. This will invariably mean drastic increases in her per capita consumption of water. With Nepal contributing over 72% of the dry season flows of the Ganges, India’s eyes and ears are on Nepal either in the form of “...without prejudice to their respective consumptive uses...” or “...precludes the claim, in any form, ...the unutilized portion of the waters...” However, Nepalese governments from the Panchayat era perceived water, whether by design or otherwise, as a mere secondary component of hydropower. Despite the full knowledge that water has become a scarce diminishing resource, the Nepalese Governments continue to be mesmerized by hydropower. This is manifested by the government unveiling in a span of two years her grand dreams of 10,000 MW in ten years and 25,000 MW in twenty years. This article attempts to delve into the intricacies of the Mahakali waters as expounded by Prime Minister SB Deuba’s government during the extremely hurried ratification the Mahakali Treaty in 1996.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v8i0.4925 Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 8, 2011 JanuaryPage: 48-56Uploaded date: 23 June, 2011
Optimal Utilization of Hydro-Energetic Potential of Flows on Moraca River
Authors: Mitrović Ratko
Published: October 2012

The process of finding optimal solution for utilization of hydro-energetic potential of a river flow is a very complex procedure, because it is necessary to find a compromise between an energetically optimal solution and a solution with lower negative influence on the environment and sociological conditions, which is often contradictory in practice. In order to show more precisely the complexity in choosing an optimal solution for utilization of hydro-energetic potential of a river flow, a mathematical model of multi-criteria optimization and multi-criteria rating for different variants of utilization of the River Moraca basin is posited. For the process of multi-criteria optimization, a complete software packages and large documentation as well as preliminary projects for planned hydropower plants have been used. The aim is to reach an optimal utilization of hydro-energetic potential of a river flow, especially in cases when the existing investigations do not give priority to a particular variant, and the hydropower plants has to be constructed in near future.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v8i0.4927 Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 8, 2011 JanuaryPage: 61-68Uploaded date: 23 June, 2011
International News Vol.8 2011
Authors: Editor The
Published: October 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v8i0.4928 Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 8, 2011 January Page: 69-70 Uploaded date: 23 June, 2011
“Eroding Social Capital through incompatible Legal and Institutional Regime: Experiences from Irrigation Systems in Nepal” by Dr. Prachanda Pradhan
Authors: Pradhan Ujjwal
Published: October 2012

Farmer Managed Irrigation System Promotion Trust, Kathmandu, Nepal: 1st Edition 2010; 89 pp.; NRs 200DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v8i0.4931 Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 8, 2011 January Page:  72-74 Uploaded date: 23 June, 2011
Subdural interhemispheric grid electrodes for intracranial epilepsy monitoring: feasibility, safety, and utility
Authors: Bekelis Kimon , Radwan Tarek A. , Desai Atman , Moses Ziev B. , Thadani Vijay M. , Jobst Barbara C. , Bujarski Krzysztof A. , Darcey Terrance M. , Roberts David W.
Published: October 2012

Object

Intracranial monitoring for epilepsy has been proven to enhance diagnostic accuracy and provide localizing information for surgical treatment of intractable seizures. The authors investigated their experience with interhemispheric grid electrodes (IHGEs) to assess the hypothesis that they are feasible, safe, and useful.

Methods

Between 1992 and 2010, 50 patients underwent IHGE implantation (curvilinear double-sided 2 × 8 or 3 × 8 grids) as part of arrays for invasive seizure monitoring, and their charts were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Of the 50 patients who underwent intracranial investigation with IHGEs, 38 eventually underwent resection of the seizure focus. These 38 patients had a mean age of 30.7 years (range 11–58 years), and 63% were males. Complications as a result of IHGE implantation consisted of transient leg weakness in 1 patient. Of all the patients who underwent resective surgery, 21 (55.3%) had medial frontal resections, 9 of whom (43%) had normal MRI results. Localization in all of these cases was possible only because of data from IHGEs, and the extent of resection was tailored based on these data. Of the 17 patients (44.7%) who underwent other cortical resections, IHGEs were helpful in excluding medial seizure onset. Twelve patients did not undergo resection because of nonlocalizable or multifocal disease; in 2 patients localization to the motor cortex precluded resection. Seventy-one percent of patients who underwent resection had Engel Class I outcome at the 2-year follow-up.

Conclusions

The use of IHGEs in intracranial epilepsy monitoring has a favorable risk profile and in the authors' experience proved to be a valuable component of intracranial investigation, providing the sole evidence for resection of some epileptogenic foci.
Risk of hemorrhage from de novo cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Kemp William J. , Fulkerson Daniel H. , Payner Troy D. , Leipzig Thomas J. , Horner Terry G. , Palmer Erin L. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A.
Published: October 2012

Object

A small percentage of patients will develop a completely new or de novo aneurysm after discovery of an initial aneurysm. The natural history of these lesions is unknown. The authors undertook this statistical evaluation a large cohort of patients with both ruptured and unruptured de novo aneurysms with the aim of analyzing risk factors for rupture and estimating a risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods

A review of a prospectively maintained database of all aneurysm patients treated by the vascular neurosurgery service of Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine from 1976–2010 was performed. Of the 4718 patients, 611 (13%) had long-term follow-up imaging. The authors identified 27 patients (4.4%) with a total of 32 unruptured de novo aneurysms from routine surveillance imaging. They identified another 10 patients who presented with a new SAH from a de novo aneurysm after treatment of their original aneurysm. The total study group was thus 37 patients with a total of 42 de novo aneurysms. The authors then compared the 27 patients with incidentally discovered aneurysms with the 10 patients with SAH. A statistical analysis was performed, comparing the 2 groups with respect to patient and aneurysm characteristics and risk factors.

Results

Thirty-seven patients were identified as having true de novo aneurysms. This group had a female predominance and a high percentage of smokers. These 37 patients had a total of 42 de novo aneurysms. Ten of these 42 aneurysms hemorrhaged. De novo aneurysms in both the SAH and non-SAH group were anatomically small (< 10 mm). The estimated risk of hemorrhage over 5 years was 14.5%, higher than the expected SAH risk of small, unruptured aneurysms reported in the ISUIA (International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms) trial. There was no statistically significant correlation between hemorrhage and any of the following risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, tobacco and alcohol use, polycystic kidney disease, or previous SAH. There was a statistically significant between-groups difference with respect to patient age, with the mean patient age being significantly older in the SAH aneurysm group than in the non-SAH group (p = 0.047). This is likely reflective of longer follow-up and discovery time, as the mean length of time between initial treatment and discovery of the de novo aneurysm was longer in the SAH group (p = 0.011).

Conclusions

While rare, de novo aneurysms may have a risk for SAH that is comparatively higher than the risk associated with similarly sized, small, initially discovered unruptured saccular aneurysms. The authors therefore recommend long-term follow-up for all patients with aneurysms, and they consider a more aggressive treatment strategy for de novo aneurysms than for incidentally discovered initial aneurysms.
CNTF receptor subunit α as a marker for glioma tumor-initiating cells and tumor grade
Authors: Lu Jie , Ksendzovsky Alexander , Yang Chunzhang , Mehta Gautam U. , Yong Raymund L. , Weil Robert J. , Park Deric M. , Mushlin Harry M. , Fang Xueping , Balgley Brian M. , Lee Dae-Hee , Lee Cheng S. , Lonser Russell R. , Zhuang Zhengping
Published: October 2012

Object

Tumor-initiating cells are uniquely resilient to current treatment modalities and play an important role in tumor resistance and recurrence. The lack of specific tumor-initiating cell markers to identify and target these cells presents a major obstacle to effective directed therapy.

Methods

To identify tumor-initiating cell markers in primary brain tumors, the authors compared the proteomes of glioma tumor-initiating cells to their differentiated progeny using a novel, nongel/shotgun-based, multidimensional liquid-chromatography protein separation technique. An in vivo xenograft model was used to demonstrate the tumorigenic and stem cell properties of these cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses were used to confirm findings of upregulated ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor subunit–α (CNTFRα) in undifferentiated tumor-initiating cells and gliomas of increasing tumor grade. Sequencing of the CNTFRα coding regions was performed for mutation analysis. Finally, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity was used to establish the role of CNTFRα as a potential immunotherapeutic target.

Results

Ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor subunit–α expression was increased in tumor-initiating cells and was decreased in the cells' differentiated progeny, and expression levels increased with glioma grade. Mutations of CNTFRα are not common in gliomas. Functional studies using CNTF treatment in glioma tumor-initiating cells showed induction of differentiation through the CNTFRα pathway. Treatment with anti-CNTFRα antibody resulted in increased antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in CNTFRα expressing DAOY cells but not in cell lines that lack CNTFRα.

Conclusions

These data indicate that CNTFRα plays a role in the formation or maintenance of tumor-initiating cells in gliomas, is a marker that correlates with histological grade, may underlie treatment resistance in some cases, and is a potential therapeutic target.
Impaired pulsation absorber mechanism in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Park Eun-Hyoung , Eide Per Kristian , Zurakowski David , Madsen Joseph R.
Published: October 2012

Object

The pathophysiology of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), and the related problem of patient selection for treatment of this condition, have been of great interest since the description of this seemingly paradoxical condition nearly 50 years ago. Recently, Eide has reported that measurements of the amplitude of the intracranial pressure (ICP) can both positively and negatively predict response to CSF shunting. Specifically, the fraction of time spent in a “high amplitude” (> 4 mm Hg) state predicted response to shunting, which may represent a marker for hydrocephalic pathophysiology. Increased ICP amplitude might suggest decreased brain compliance, meaning a static measure of a pressure-volume ratio. Recent studies of canine data have shown that the brain compliance can be described as a frequency-dependent function. The normal canine brain seems to show enhanced ability to absorb the pulsations around the heart rate, quantified as a cardiac pulsation absorbance (CPA), with properties like a notch filter in engineering. This frequency dependence of the function is diminished with development of hydrocephalus in dogs. In this pilot study, the authors sought to determine whether frequency dependence could be observed in humans, and whether the frequency dependence would be any different in epochs with high ICP amplitude compared with epochs of low ICP amplitude.

Methods

Systems analysis was applied to arterial blood pressure (ABP) and ICP waveforms recorded from 10 patients undergoing evaluations of idiopathic NPH to calculate a time-varying transfer function that reveals frequency dependence and CPA, the measure of frequency-dependent compliance previously used in animal experiments. The ICP amplitude was also calculated in the same samples, so that epochs with high (> 4 mm Hg) versus low (≤ 4 mm Hg) amplitude could be compared in CPA and transfer functions.

Results

Transfer function analysis for the more “normal” epochs with low amplitude exhibits a dip or notch in the physiological frequency range of the heart rate, confirming in humans the pulsation absorber phenomenon previously observed in canine studies. Under high amplitude, however, the dip in the transfer function is absent. An inverse relationship between CPA index and ICP amplitude is evident and statistically significant. Thus, elevated ICP amplitude indicates decreased performance of the human pulsation absorber.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the human intracranial system shows frequency dependence as seen in animal experiments. There is an inverse relationship between CPA index and ICP amplitude, indicating that higher amplitudes may occur with a reduced performance of the pulsation absorber. Our findings show that frequency dependence can be observed in humans and imply that reduced frequency-dependent compliance may be responsible for elevated ICP amplitude observed in patients who respond to CSF shunting.
Validation of the superior interhemispheric approach for tuberculum sellae meningioma
Authors: Curey Sophie , Derrey Stéphane , Hannequin Pierre , Hannequin Didier , Fréger Pierre , Muraine Marc , Castel Hélène , Proust François
Published: October 2012

Object

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ophthalmological outcome, nonvisual morbidity, and surgical complications after tuberculum sellae meningioma (TSM) removal using a superior interhemispheric approach.

Methods

In the last decade, 20 consecutive patients with TSM underwent operations using the superior interhemispheric approach. Visual acuity, visual field, and ocular fundus examination were assessed both preoperatively and 6-months postoperatively. Nonvisual morbidity was determined at an early postoperative period and at 6 months based on assessment of the Karnofsky Performance Scale score, leakage of CSF, endocrinological status, and olfactory function, which was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). The potential brain injury related to the approach was assessed by MRI at 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging was then performed yearly to detect a recurrence. The mean follow up was 56.3 ± 34 months.

Results

The primary presenting symptom for diagnosis of TSM in 20 patients (female:male ratio of 6.6:1, mean age 59.1 ± 11.1 years) was visual disturbance in 12 patients (60%), headache in 4 (20%), cognitive alteration in 1 (5%), epilepsy in 2 (10%), and accidental in 1 (5%). In a total of 40 eyes, 17 eyes in 11 patients presented with preoperative deterioration of visual acuity. Postoperatively, the visual acuity improved in 13 eyes in 8 patients (72.8%), remained unchanged in 3 eyes in 2 patients (18.2%) and deteriorated in 1 patient (9%). The nonvisual morbidity included olfactory deterioration in 7 patients (35%), and panhypopituitarism in 1 patient (5%). No patients experienced a CSF leak. The impact of olfactory deterioration on the quality of life, as estimated by a VAS score (range 0–10), was a mean of 5.7 ± 2.2 (95% CI 4.1–7.3). On the follow-up MRI, no additional lesions or recurrences were observed on the medial aspect of the frontal lobe along the surgical corridor.

Conclusions

The superior interhemispheric approach appears to be effective in resolving the problem of visual deterioration due to a TSM, without inducing surgical injury on the brain surface along the surgical corridor. Olfactory deterioration remained the challenging predominant nonvisual morbidity using this approach.
A randomized controlled study comparing omeprazole and cimetidine for the prophylaxis of stress-related upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Liu Bo-lin , Li Bing , Zhang Xiang , Fei Zhou , Hu Shi-jie , Lin Wei , Gao Da-kuan , Zhang Li
Published: October 2012

Object

Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are at high risk for severe stress-related upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding, which is predictive of higher mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of omeprazole and cimetidine compared with a placebo in the prevention and management of stress-related UGI bleeding in patients with ICH.

Methods

In a single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 184 surgically treated patients with CT-proven ICH within 72 hours of ictus and negative results for gastric occult blood testing were included. Of these patients, 165 who were qualified upon further evaluation were randomized into 3 groups: 58 patients received 40 mg intravenous omeprazole every 12 hours, 54 patients received 300 mg intravenous cimetidine every 6 hours, and 53 patients received a placebo. Patients whose gastric occult blood tests were positive at admission (n = 70) and during/after the prophylaxis procedure (n = 48) were treated with high-dose omeprazole at 80 mg bolus plus 8 mg/hr infusion for 3 days, followed by 40 mg intravenous omeprazole every 12 hours for 7 days.

Results

Of the 165 assessable patients, stress-related UGI bleeding occurred in 9 (15.5%) in the omeprazole group compared with 15 patients (27.8%) in the cimetidine group and 24 patients (45.3%) in the placebo group (p = 0.003). The occurrence of UGI bleeding was significantly related to death (p = 0.022). Nosocomial pneumonia occurred in 14 patients (24.1%) receiving omeprazole, 12 (22.2%) receiving cimetidine, and 8 (15.1%) receiving placebo (p > 0.05). In patients with UGI bleeding in which high-dose omeprazole was initiated, UGI bleeding arrested within the first 3 days in 103 patients (87.3%).

Conclusions

Omeprazole significantly reduced the morbidity of stress-related UGI bleeding in patients with ICH due to its effective prophylactic effect without increasing the risk of nosocomial pneumonia, but it did not reduce the 1-month mortality or ICU stay. Further evaluation of high-dose omeprazole as the drug of choice for patients presenting with UGI bleeding is warranted. Clinical trial registration no.: ChiCTR-TRC-12001871, registered at the Chinese clinical trial registry (http://www.chictr.org/en/proj/show.aspx?proj=2384).
Symptomatic patients with intraluminal carotid artery thrombus: outcome with a strategy of initial anticoagulation
Authors: Vellimana Ananth K. , Kadkhodayan Yasha , Rich Keith M. , Cross DeWitte T. , Moran Christopher J. , Zazulia Allyson R. , Lee Jin-Moo , Chicoine Michael R. , Dacey Ralph G. , Derdeyn Colin P. , Zipfel Gregory J.
Published: October 2012

Object

The aim of this study was to define the optimal treatment for patients with symptomatic intraluminal carotid artery thrombus (ICAT).

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective chart review of patients who had presented with symptomatic ICAT at their institution between 2001 and 2011.

Results

Twenty-four patients (16 males and 8 females) with ICAT presented with ischemic stroke (18 patients) or transient ischemic attack ([TIA], 6 patients). All were initially treated using anticoagulation with or without antiplatelet drugs. Eight of these patients had no or only mild carotid artery stenosis on initial angiography and were treated with medical management alone. The remaining 16 patients had moderate or severe carotid stenosis on initial angiography; of these, 10 underwent delayed revascularization (8 patients, carotid endarterectomy [CEA]; 2 patients, angioplasty and stenting), 2 refused revascularization, and 4 were treated with medical therapy alone. One patient had multiple TIAs despite medical therapy and eventually underwent CEA; the remaining 23 patients had no TIAs after treatment. No patient suffered ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke while on anticoagulation therapy, either during the perioperative period or in the long-term follow-up; 1 patient died of an unrelated condition. The mean follow-up was 16.4 months.

Conclusions

Results of this study suggest that initial anticoagulation for symptomatic ICAT leads to a low rate of recurrent ischemic events and that carotid revascularization, if indicated, can be safely performed in a delayed manner.
Comparison of pulsed versus continuous convective flow for central nervous system tissue perfusion
Authors: Nduom Edjah K. , Walbridge Stuart , Lonser Russell R.
Published: October 2012

Object

Although pulsatile and continuous infusion paradigms have been described for convective delivery of drugs, the effectiveness and properties of each flow paradigm are unknown. To determine the effectiveness and properties of pulsatile and continuous convective infusion paradigms, the authors compared these convective flow methods in the gray and white matter of primates.

Methods

Six primates (Macaca mulatta) underwent convective infusion of Gd-DPTA (5 mM) into the cerebral gray matter (thalamus) or white matter (frontal lobe) using pulsed (intermittent pulses of 15 μl/min) or continuous (1 μl/min) convective flow. Results were assessed by clinical MRI and histological analyses.

Results

Distribution of Gd-DTPA infusate in gray and white matter by pulsed and continuous flow was clearly identified using MRI, which revealed that both convective flow methods demonstrated an increase in the volume of distribution (Vd) with increasing volume of infusion (Vi) in the surrounding gray and white matter. Although the mean (± SD) gray matter Vd:Vi ratio for the pulsed infusions (4.2 ± 0.5) was significantly lower than the mean Vd:Vi ratio for continuous infusions (5.4 ± 0.5; a 22% difference [p = 0.0006]), the difference between pulsed (3.8 ± 0.4) and continuous (4.3 ± 1.2) infusions in white matter was not significantly different (p = 0.3). Pulsed infusions were associated with more leakback (12.3% ± 6.4% of Vi) than continuous infusions (3.9% ± 7.8%), although this difference was not significant (p = 0.2). All animals tolerated the infusions and there was no histological evidence of tissue injury at the infusion sites.

Conclusions

Although pulsed and continuous infusion flow paradigms can be safely and effectively used for convective delivery into both gray and white matter, continuous infusion is associated with a higher Vd:Vi ratio than pulsatile infusion in gray matter. High rates of infusion (15 μl/min) can be used to deliver infusate without any significant leakback and without any clinical or histological evidence of injury.
Intraventricular chordoid meningioma in a child: fever of unknown origin, clinical course, and response to treatment
Authors: Nambiar Ajit , Pillai Ashok , Parmar Chirag , Panikar Dilip
Published: October 2012

The authors present the case of an 11-year-old boy with an intraventricular chordoid meningioma, which is a rare presentation of prolonged fever of unknown origin due to a rare tumor in a rare location. The fever resolved after excision of the lesion. Subsequent imaging revealed recurrence at 1 year. After a repeat excision and fractionated radiotherapy, the patient has remained disease free 5 years after the first surgery. Very few cases of intraventricular chordoid meningioma have been reported to date. The pathological features and clinical course are described. A review of the literature describing management options for this tumor type, recently found to have a higher recurrence rate, is described herein.
Pegylated interferon-α-2b for children with recurrent craniopharyngioma
Authors: Yeung Jacky T. , Pollack Ian F. , Panigrahy Ashok , Jakacki Regina I.
Published: October 2012

Object

Previous studies of systemic and intralesional administration of nonpegylated interferon have shown efficacy against craniopharyngioma. Pegylaion of interferon-α-2b (PI) prolongs the half-life, allowing sustained exposure of the drug over time, and enhances efficacy. The authors report the results of the use of PI in 5 children with recurrent craniopharyngiomas.

Methods

Five children, ranging in age from 9 to 15 years, with recurrent craniopharyngiomas were treated for up to 2 years with subcutaneous injections of PI at a dose of 1–3 μg/kg/week. Tumor response was assessed using MRI.

Results

All patients had stable disease or better in response to PI. One patient experienced a recurrence after gross-total resection (GTR). She initially showed an increase in the predominantly cystic tumor after 3 months of treatment, followed by a complete response. She required no further intervention and remains without evidence of disease 10 years after starting treatment. Another patient experienced recurrence 3.3 years after subtotal resection (STR) and radiation therapy. He had complete disappearance of the predominantly cystic component after 4 months of treatment, and a small residual calcified mass remains 5 years later. The third patient experienced recurrence after 3 GTRs. He had a complete response after 7 months of treatment and remains without evidence of disease 19 months after starting treatment. The fourth patient experienced recurrence after 2 STRs. He had a 30% decrease in tumor size after 4 months of treatment, which was maintained for 12 months at which point the cyst began to increase in size. The final patient experienced recurrence after GTR and has stable disease 6 months after starting treatment with PI.

Conclusions

The use of PI in children with recurrent craniopharyngiomas can result in significant and durable responses and potentially delay or avoid the need for radiation therapy.
Large occipital aneurysmal bone cyst causing obstructive hydrocephalus in a pediatric patient
Authors: Curtis Brian R. , Petteys Rory J. , Rossi Christopher T. , Keating Robert F. , Magge Suresh N.
Published: October 2012

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is an uncommon benign, tumorlike lesion of bone that is usually located in the long bones and spine. On rare occasions, ABCs are found in the bones of the cranial vault and skull base, occasionally causing mass effect and cranial nerve findings. In this report the authors detail the case of a patient who presented with incidentally discovered hydrocephalus due to a large ABC of the occipital bone that produced mass effect and obstruction of CSF. The diagnosis, imaging findings, and surgical management of this interesting and rare case are discussed.
Study on the physico-chemical characteristics of longan (Euphoria longana) germplasm
Authors: Khatun MM , Karim MR , Molla MM , Khatun MM , Rahman MJ
Published: October 2012

A study on the physico-chemical characteristics of 15 promising longan germplasm was carried out at the fruit Research Farm of Horticulture Research Centre (HRC) as well as laboratory of Post harvest Technology Section of HRC and the Central Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur. The experiment was conducted during the fruiting season of 2010. Fifteen promising lines of longan germplasm including BARI Anshphal-1, BARI Anshphal-2, EL-Joy 003 to EL-Joy 015 of 12 years old were included in this experiment. A wide range of variations were observed among the germplasm in respect of different characteristics under the present study. Per cent edible portion was the highest in EL-Joy 010 (76.57 %), EL-Joy 006 (74.55%), EL-Joy 003 (74.20 %) and the lowest in EL-Joy 012 (65.10 %). Total reducing and non-reducing sugar was the maximum in EL-Joy 009 (6.94 %) and BARI Anshphal-2 (16.50 %), respectively. BARI Anshphal-1 contained the highest amount of ascorbic acid (13.00 mg/100 g) and EL-Joy 009 possessed the maximum total soluble solids (22.30 %). The study revealed that BARI Anshphal-1, BARI Anshphal-2, EL-Joy 003, EL-Joy 006, EL-Joy 009, EL-Joy 010 were the best in respect of physical and chemical characteristics of fruits. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(3): 441-447, September 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i3.12087
The Social Memory of Jane Porter and her Scottish Chiefs
Authors: Morton Graeme
Published: October 2012

Formed within the interplay of history, culture and cognition, the concept of social memory is introduced to evaluate a key element of Scotland's nineteenth-century national tale. Being never more than partially captured by state and monarchy, and only imperfectly carried by institutions and groups, the national tale has comprised a number of narratives. Within the post-Union fluidity of Scotland's place within Britain, and at a time of European conflict, this tale coalesced around social memories of the mediaeval patriot William Wallace. Distinctive to that process was the historical romance The Scottish Chiefs (1810), as it was merged with the public life of its author, Jane Porter (bap. 1776–1850). By situating this fictional account of the life of Wallace within the social memories of its author, and in society more widely, attention is directed towards a set of stories formed in Porter's own cognition. These living memories were forged in her childhood experiences of a new life in Scotland; her claim to have pioneered the historical novel, confirmed by her friend Walter Scott; her personal, familial, and fictional projections of her public self; and in how contemporaries returned to her, and made known to society, their reception of her personality, her deportment, and her fiction. It was in combination that a leading social memory of the nation's tale was formed out of living memory that could not have transcended time and place.
Morphological metaphysics: virtual, potential, and actual words
Authors: Rainer Franz
Published: October 2012

The idea that words come in two ‘modes of existence’, actual and potential, is a commonplace of modern morphology. The main purpose of the present paper is to argue that, instead of this dichotomy, a trichotomy of actual, potential and virtual words is needed. The necessity of distinguishing two ‘modes of existence’ among non-actual words stems from their different behaviour with respect to ‘blocking by word’:1while potential words (in my terminology) are possible bases of word-formation rules, it is shown that this is not the case for what I call virtual words (that is, blocked words). Since blocking by word is central for my argumentation, recent theories of blocking by word are reviewed and critically assessed.