bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NONINVASIVE DETERMINATION OF ARTERIAL PRESSURE-DEPENDENT COMPLIANCE IN YOUNG SUBJECTS USING AN ARTERIAL TONOMETER
Authors: WANG JIA-JUNG , LIU SHING-HONG , KAO TSIAR , HU WEI-CHIH , LIU CHUN-PENG
Published: December 2008

The objective of this study is to determine the pressure-dependent compliance of human radial artery in young subjects. The arterial blood pressure and the change in vessel volume of the radial artery in ten normotensive volunteers were simultaneously measured with an arterial tonometer. The arterial global compliance was calculated as the division of change in vessel volume by the difference between the systolic and the diastolic blood pressures. The arterial global compliance measured from the ten young volunteers was found to be 4.645 ± 2.739 uL/mmHg. When the arterial pressure-volume relation was assumed to be of natural logarithm, a correlation coefficient of 0.996 was yielded by curve-fit methods. Similarly, when the arterial compliance-pressure relation was fit in a natural logarithmic form, a correlation coefficient of 0.998 was obtained. In conclusion, the arterial vessel volume varies with the arterial blood pressure logarithmicly and positively, whereas a logarithmic and negative relation between the arterial global compliance and arterial blood pressure is present in human radial arteries. Thus, it is for all time necessary to take the pressure level into account if we want to compare compliance values obtained from distinct physiological situations.
A NEW APPROACH FOR IDENTIFYING SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME USING WAVELET TRANSFORM AND NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: LIN ROBERT , LEE REN-GUEY , TSENG CHWAN-LU , ZHOU HENG-KUAN , CHAO CHIH-FENG , JIANG JOE-AIR
Published: December 2008

This paper describes a new technique to classify and analyze the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal and recognize the EEG signal characteristics of Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) by using wavelet transforms and an artificial neural network (ANN). The EEG signals are separated into Delta, Theta, Alpha, and Beta spectral components by using multi-resolution wavelet transforms. These spectral components are applied to the inputs of the artificial neural network. We treated the wavelet coefficient as the kind of the training input of artificial neural network, might result in 6 groups of wavelet coefficients per second signal by way of characteristic part processing technique of the artificial neural network designed by our group, we carried out the task of training and recognition of SAS symptoms. Then the neural network was configured to give three outputs to signify the SAS situation of the patient. The recognition threshold for all test signals turned out to have a sensitivity level of approximately 69.64% and a specificity value of approximately 44.44%. In neurology clinics, this study offers a clinical reference value for identifying SAS, and could reduce diagnosis time and improve medical service efficiency.
A NOVEL SCHEME FOR REGISTRATION OF TWO DIMENSIONAL GEL ELECTROPHORESIS IMAGES
Authors: LEE JIANN-DER , CHEN WEI-CHUN
Published: December 2008

The research of proteomics is becoming one of important tasks in biological medical research after genomics. The first step to perform the protein analysis is to analyze gel electrophoresis images. In this paper, a novel scheme for registration of 2D gel electrophoresis images is proposed. First, we move one 2DE image along the x-axis and y-axis directions, overlap it on the second 2DE image and then calculate the mutual information of these two images. Repeat this procedure, we can find out the best registration result when the maximum mutual information is achieved. Next, the spot detection process is accomplished by using fuzzy c-means for segmentation and region growing for spot size calculation. At last, linear tracking technique is employed for spot matching. From the experimental results, it is observed that the performance of the proposed system is superior to the common used registration software Image Master System.
EFFECTS OF PH OF NA5P3O10/NAOH REACTION SOLUTION ON THE PROPERTIES OF CHITOSAN MICROSPHERES
Authors: LIN LI-CHUN , CHANG SHWU JEN , CHEN SHU FEN , CHOU YI JIUN , KUO SHYH MING
Published: December 2008

With an attempt to expand the versatilities and applications in chitosan microspheres, chitosan were first converted into micro-droplets by using a high voltage electrostatic field system, and then treated with Na5P3O10/NaOH solution of volume ratio of 17/3, 19/1, 1/0 (pure Na5P3O10) or 0/1 (pure NaOH) to fabricate chitosan microsphere. By varying the pH values of these reacting agents, distinct morphological structures and properties of chitosan microspheres were further be changed. Chitosan microsphere prepared in this study exhibited a good spherical shape and was in a range of 185.8 ± 13.8 μm to 380.9 ± 11.5 μm in diameter. The size of chitosan microspheres varied by treating with various pH values of these reaction reagents. The prepared chitosan microspheres upon treatment with pH 7 of various ratios Na5P3O10/NaOH solution, all exhibited a shrunken surface morphological structure. This densely shrunken structure of microspheres yielded a stronger mechanical strength and a slower release rate of drug (5-FU), no matter what the ratios of Na5P3O10/NaOH solution was used. From the data of FTIR analyses, the protonated amino peak of NH3+ at around 1562 cm−1 has decreased significantly after treated with various pH values of these reaction reagents. It could be attributed to the linkage between phosphoric and ammonium ion of the protonated chitosan molecules. Besides, another boarder absorption at about 3366cm−1 of treated chitosan microspheres (under the employed range of pH values), which represented the hydrogen bonding was enhanced as compare with the pure chitosan material.
AN AMPUTATION SIMULATOR WITH BONE SAWING HAPTIC INTERACTION
Authors: HSIEH MING-SHIUM , TSAI MING-DAR , YEH YI-DER
Published: December 2008

This paper describes a haptic device equipped surgical simulator that provides visual and haptic responses for amputation surgery. This simulator, based on our reported volume (constituted from CT slices) manipulation algorithms, can compute and demonstrate bone changes for the procedures in various orthopedic surgeries. The system is equipped with a haptic device. The position and attitude the haptic device are transformed into the volume to simulate and render the oscillating virtual saw together with the virtual bones. The system then judges if every saw tooth immersing in (cutting) any bone. The load for removing the bone chip on a cutting tooth is calculated according to the feed rate, oscillating speed, saw geometry and bone type. The loads on all the saw teeth are then summed into the three positional forces that the haptic device generates and thus the user feels. The system provides real-time visual and haptic refresh speeds for the sawing procedures. A simulation example of amputation surgery demonstrates the sawing haptic and visual feelings of the sawing procedure are consistent and the simulated sawing force resembles the real force. Therefore, this prototype simulator demonstrates the effectiveness as a surgical simulator to rehearsal the surgical procedures, confirm surgical plains and train interns and students.
RESIDUAL CAPABILITIES OF HEMIPLEGIC PATIENTS TO RESTORE HAND FUNCTIONS VIA A NON-INVASIVE FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM
Authors: CHIOU YING-HAN , LUH JER-JUNN , CHEN SHIH-CHING , LAI JIN-SHIN , KUO TE-SON
Published: December 2008

Control strategies are the chief attraction in the field of rehabilitation engineering, and especially in a functional electrical stimulation (FES) system, a reliable control method is important for paralyzed patients to restore lost their functions. In this paper, we have presented a demonstration of the control strategy, which is based on the patient-driven loop, used in a non-invasive FES system for hand function restoration. With the patient-driven loop control, hemiplegic patients could use their residual capabilities, such as shoulder movements in their sound extremities, the myoelectric signals generated from different muscles, etc, to operate the FES system. Here we have chosen the most common and acceptable signals as the input sources, i.e. electromyographic (EMG) signals, to control a non-invasive FES system, generating the electrical stimuli to excite the paralyzed muscles. In addition, EMG signals recorded by the sensors in the electrical stimulator can serve both as the trigger of the system and as the adjustment of the electrical stimulation parameters, thereby improving the system's performance and reliability. From the experimental results, subjects can successfully use their residual capabilities to control the FES system and restore their lost hand functions as well. On the other hand, from the viewpoints of rehabilitation and psychology, hemiplegics will benefit greatly by using their residual capabilities to regain their lost functions. It is believed that the patient-driven loop control is very useful, not only for the FES system in this study, but also for other assistive devices. By the control strategy proposed in this paper, we deeply hope that patients will benefit greatly and regain their self-confidence.
SEPARATION OF TWO RADIONUCLIDES IN SIMULTANEOUS DUAL-ISOTOPE IMAGING WITH INDEPENDENT COMPONENT ANALYSIS
Authors: CHANG CHIA-JUNG , HUANG WEN-SHENG , SU KUAN-HAO , CHEN JYH-CHENG
Published: December 2008

Simultaneous dual-isotope imaging has contributions from two different energy gamma rays, such as Tc-99m (140KeV) and I-123 (159KeV). Dual-isotope Tc-99m/I-123 imaging has capability in nuclear medicine applications for brain perfusion or presynaptic and postsynaptic dopamine system and for myocardial perfusion system. It reduces acquisition time and makes registration much easier. But the disadvantages of dual-isotope technique are the scatter and cross-talk between the two emitted gamma-ray photons. We proposed a new method to correct for cross-talk from primary and scattered photons using independent component analysis (ICA), which was compared to conventional energy-window method (CONW). In this paper we investigated the performance of ICA to separate Tc-99m and I-123 energy spectra from dual-isotope simulated data to obtain images of each isotope. In Tc-99m images, the estimated image was extracted from mixed dual-isotope imaging using ICA with the percentage bias (P) about -11% and the mean square error (MSE) of 80.48. The counts of Tc-99m were overestimated by CONW method with P < 66% and MSE of 1860.28. ICA could reduce the contamination significantly from I-123 to Tc-99m window. In I-123 images, the cross-talk was disappeared in both methods, but the percentage bias for ICA (< -18%) was less than that of CONW (< -57%). The MSE was 104.63 for the ICA case and 960.15 for the CONW case. The results demonstrated that ICA method improved the quantitative accuracy and can be a promising and effective tool for dual-isotope imaging.
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF RECONSTRUCTION METHODS FOR AN IN-HOUSE DESIGNED CONE-BEAM MICRO-CT IMAGING SYSTEM
Authors: FU HSIAO-MEI , CHUEH HO-SHIANG , TSAI WEN-KAI , CHEN JYH-CHENG
Published: December 2008

Purpose: Cone-beam micro computed tomography CT (micro-CT) can offer comprehensive 3D information and high-resolution images. This technology can be used with other imaging modalities in the preclinical application of molecular imaging research. Image reconstruction algorithm affects final image spatial resolution, which is the primary topic of this study. We use two types of reconstruction methods, which are analytical (tent-FDK) and statistical iterative (convex algorithm) algorithms, to reconstruct the micro-CT images for evaluation. Materials and Methods: In this study, projection data of the Defrise phantom and HA (Hydroxy-Apatite) phantom were obtained using an in-house designed micro-CT imaging system and images were reconstructed with the tent-FDK and convex algorithms. We develop a new way to calculate the system matrix of our micro-CT. Human tooth sample and mouse bone sample data were reconstructed with the analytic and iterative algorithms. Results: The Defrise phantom results show coronal view of the images reconstructed by the tent-FDK and convex algorithms. From the profile of the results, image reconstructed by the convex algorithm has higher pixel value in the high-density layer. Comparison of the results of human tooth sample and mouse bone sample reconstructed by the two kinds of algorithms, the image reconstructed by the convex algorithm has fewer artifacts and more correct pixel value representing for the attenuation coefficients. Conclusion: Tent-FDK algorithm is a kind of useful analytic method to reconstruct cone-beam CT data. We also develop the convex iterative method to reconstruct images for low dose X-ray cone-beam CT, which performs better than the analytical one in general.
CLUSTERING ECG COMPLEXES USING SELF-ORGANIZING CMAC
Authors: WEN CHENG , HUANG CHIH-HUNG , YEH MING-FENG , CHANG KUANG-CHIUNG
Published: December 2008

In the study, we apply a self-organizing cerebellar model articulation controller (SOCMAC) network to cluster QRS complexes. Forty-four out of 48 records from the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database are used to test the SOCMAC network. The SOCMAC network is an unsupervised and nonlinear learning method. For each record, under fixed initial memory contents, we search optimal parameters in the updating rule of the network for achieving the best classification accuracy. The entire classification accuracy, with the optimal parameters, is 99.41%, which is higher than existing results. The testing data are divided into two groups: noisy and clean. The classification accuracy of each group differs not much. Therefore, we can conclude that the SOCMAC shows a certain degree of robustness against noise.
EXTERNAL OUTPUT CONNECTOR AND CABLE FOR WIRE ELECTRODE RECORDING IN FREELY MOVING MOUSE
Authors: Tsai Meng-Li , Huang Jian-Jia , Chen Chien-Chang , Chen Chih-Cheng
Published: December 2008

It is a tricky task to record electrical signals from the subcutaneous fixed tether assembly in freely moving mouse. The thin and pliable skin of the mouse is easily rent at the sutured incision site by dragging of the external output set during movement. We constructed a light weight chassis that made the output plug-in connector tightly fixed at the muscle. It could resist a lot of pulling force produced by the movement of the mouse. Furthermore, the plug-in connector protruded out off the skin only by a silicone tube. The thin cylinder configuration of the silicone tube made it possible for the incision to be sutured finely and the flexible and smooth characteristics of the silicone tube could buffer the pulling force to avoid subjecting the skin to mechanical tear. A shielded external output cable feature which was light weight and flexible was also made, resulting in less loading on the mouse and without impediment during movement.
AN ENHANCED PATIENT CONTROLLED ANALGESIA (EPCA) FOR THE EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE LITHOTRIPSY (ESWL)
Authors: Shieh Jiann-Shing , Chang Liang-Wey , Yang Tzu-Ching , Liu Chien-Chiang
Published: December 2008

The conventional patient-controlled-analgesia (PCA) can be further improved in terms of less drug consumption and better pain control if advanced feedback control algorithm is applied. The purpose of this research was to develop an enhanced patient-controlled analgesia (EPCA) using a hierarchical fuzzy logic control system with two levels and to apply it to patients in an extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) operation. The two-level control system utilizes the conventional PCA as a basic level on the top of which is added an adaptive self-learning fuzzy logic control (SLFLC) level. Twenty-three patients involved in these clinical trials were to study the clinical effectiveness of EPCA for the management or pain during the ESWL process. A two-button device was designed, one button for severe pain (SP) and another for mild/moderate pain (MP) to investigate the frequencies of analgesic demands or delivery related to either severe or mild/moderate pain. The results show that the average percentage of demand/delivery to total demand/delivery due to MP is significantly higher than that due to SP, which implies the pain levels that most patients experienced were mostly mild to moderate in the ESWL process with the EPCA. The drug consumption of alfentanil with the EPCA is comparable to that with a fixed FLC; however, it is much lower than that with conventional PCA. In conclusion, the efficiency of the therapy, pain relief, and the patients' satisfaction of pain management with the EPCA in the ESWL operation are superior to those with the conventional PCA.
CFD SIMULATION OF SHEAR STRESS AND SECONDARY FLOWS IN URETHRA
Authors: Niu Yang-Yao , Chang Ding-Yu
Published: December 2008

In this work, a preliminary numerical simulation of the lower urinary system using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is performed. Very few studies have been done on the simulation of three-dimensional urine through the lower urinary system. In this study, a simplified lower urinary model with rigid body assumption is proposed. The distributions of urine flow velocity, wall pressure and shear stress along the urethra are simulated based on MRI scanned uroflowmetry of a normal female. Numerical results show that violent secondary flows appear on the cross surface near the end of the urethra when the inflow rate is increased. The oscillative variation of pressure and shear stress distributions are found around the beginning section of the urethra when flow rate is at the peak value.
ASSESSMENT UPON CHARACTERISTICS OF CONSTRUCTED L-ASCORBIC ACID/MONTMORILLONITE COMPOSITE
Authors: Lee Yuan-Haun , Chen Bor-Yann , Chang Chi-Yu
Published: December 2008

This study constructs new L-ascorbic acid (LAA) composites in low toxicity and high stability for feasible application. Although literature reveals that sodium thiosulphate could stabilize the activity of LAA, our findings show that the significant toxicity was provoked by sodium thiosulphate. A safe and non-toxic material montmorillonite (MMT) was thus used to attenuate this toxicity and to sustain the stability of composites with economic feasibility for practical use. As the proton released from LAA promots the increases of interlayer spacing of clay layers in MMT, the formation of stable and safe LAA composites resulted. The most feasible were found to be the composites [ MMT + 10% LAA + 0.90% Na 2 S 2 O 3] and [ MMT + 5% LAA + 1.35% Na 2 S 2 O 3].
SIMULATION OF VESSEL STRESS AND SECONDARY FLOWS FOR BLOOD FLOWS THROUGH A REALISTIC AORTA WITH THREE BRANCHES
Authors: Niu Yang-Yao , Wu Pang-Chung , Tseng Wen-Yih I. , Yu Hsi-Yu
Published: December 2008

Blood secondary flows and vessel wall shear stress distributions in a human aortic arch have been predicted numerically for a Reynolds number of 4700 at entrance. The simulation geometry was derived from a three-dimensional reconstruction of a series of two-dimensional slices obtained in vivo. Numerical results demonstrate wall stresses were highly dynamic, but were generally high along the outer wall in the vicinity of the branches and low along the inner wall, particularly in the descending thoracic aorta. The maximum wall stress distribution is presented on the aortic arch in the systole. Extensive secondary flow motion was observed in the aorta, and the structure of these secondary flows was influenced considerably by the presence of the branches. Within the aorta, it is observed that clockwise secondary flow recirculation, also seen in the MRA scan data, appears in the downstream of aortic arch in the late systole and turn out to be a pair of counter-clockwise vortex in the downstream of the arch in the early diastole.
A MIXED METHOD FOR PROVIDING EXACT SNP IDs FROM SEQUENCES
Authors: Chuang Li-Yeh , Yang Cheng-Hong , Cheng Yu-Huei , Chang Hsueh-Wei
Published: December 2008

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most frequently occurring genetic variations. Biologists use identified SNPs to investigate genetic diseases and heredity markers. They are also used to prevent side effects of medication. Thus, SNPs play an important role in personalized medicine. However, many association studies provide only the relationship among SNPs, diseases and cancers, without giving an SNP ID. In order to identify SNPs in a sequence, this research built dbSNP, SNP fasta and SNP flanking marker databases for the rat, mouse and human genome from the NCBI database. The proposed method utilizes SNP flanking markers that are extracted from a SNP fasta sequence and combines a Boyer–Moore algorithm with a dynamic programming method. The Boyer–Moore algorithm helps to select possible SNPs from the SNP fasta database using unknown sequences, and the dynamic programming method will then validate these SNPs. This method is very reliable retrieving SNP IDs from an unknown sequence. The experimental results show that this method is indeed able to determine exact SNP IDs from a sequence. It constitutes a novel application for the identification of SNP IDs from the literature and can be used in systematic association studies.
PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC LIGHT RECOGNITION FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Authors: Tsao Shun-Hsien , Chen Yu-Luen , Luh Jhe-Jyu , Lai Jin-Shin , Kuo Te-Son , Wu Han-Shuan
Published: December 2008

In this research, we employ the technology of computer vision to recognize traffic light. We manipulate the color information of traffic light under HSI color space. And then, adding motor tracking technology, we can trap the traffic light which is subjected to a region of interest (ROI) to the center area of monitor. Meanwhile, we assign different frequency (peach) according to red light or green light to inform the people what state the light is.

We develop the algorithm at PC with MATLAB. Then, we port the whole system to DSP platform TI TMS320 DM642 EVM. The result is that in the condition of non-complex environment, the system can distinguish the red light from green light, and also can output audio signal by means of speaker.
THE RECOMBINATION OF HUMAN ENTEROVIRUS 71
Authors: Shih Tzu-Ching , Chen Po-Yuan
Published: December 2008

In 1998, the enterovirus (EV) infections outbreak in Taiwan caused 78 fatalities. Since then, EV infections have continuously posed a threat to the public. Among the 64 serotypes of enteroviruses known to infect human, the enterovirus 71(EV71) is suspected to be the major cause for severe cases. In this study, we estimate the recombination point of enterovirus 71 vp1 by using the method of Likelihood Analysis of Recombination in DNA. The datasets of enterovirus 71 DNA sequences are available in GenBank. After careful cross validation, eight candidate sequences are chosen to advance analysis, including 2734TAI98, TW227298, 1423SIN98 and other five DNA sequences as well. Then, the construction of the phylogeny trees (neighbor-joining trees will be used in this paper) would support for recombination in EV71 virus. In these two methods, the breakpoint was found to be in similar position, demonstrating that a single recombination event occurred prior to the divergence of these two strains.
DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPUTER-AIDED TRAINING SYSTEM FOR PEDICLE SCREW IMPLANTATION
Authors: Fang Jing-Jing , Yang Chyun-Yu , Lin Ruey-Mo
Published: December 2008

In this research, we developed an intelligent, computer-assisted training system for pedicle screw implantation in spinal surgery. Base on the biplane X-ray imaging of a pre-drilled saw bone of lumbosacral spine, spatial coordinate correlations between the physical saw bone and the 3D digitizer built an off-line training environment. A senior spine surgeon prepares the pre-drilled position as a standard and the trainee uses the 3D digitizer to approach the referential standard. The techniques developed in this system involve X-ray imaging rectification, registration, image processing, imaging dilation and erosion, bi-plane calibration, and spatial geometric transformation, which will be a pioneer study of further clinical applications. The position accuracy of the guiding system is within 1 mm, and angular accuracy is within 1.5°, which may meet the basic surgical requirements for lumbosacral spine. Eventually, the developed training device was applied to several orthopedics surgeons to collect and analyze the angulation test results.
THE EFFECT OF COMPOSITION CHANGE IN SOL-GEL SYNTHESIZED PSC
Authors: Wang Wen-Hsi , Lee Yuan-Ling , Lin Chun-Pin , Lin Feng-Huei
Published: December 2008

Modified calcium silicate cement had previously been developed as a dental retrograde filling. It had great sealing ability, good biocompatibility, and anti-bacterial properties. However, its clinical application was limited by a long setting time and poor handling property. In previous study,1, 2 the setting property of PSC was greatly improved due the sol-gel process, without the addition of transition metal element.

In this study, different ratio of starting material of PSC was prepared. The composition of each group was also altered with the ratio of the starting materials according to the result of XRD pattern. There is no significant difference in pH variation profile between each group. Even though low C 3 S / C 4 AF ratio (DX631 and DX541 groups) possessed high initial strength at first 24 hours after hydration, there was no increase in strength ever since according to the result of microhardness. However, the groups with high C 3 S / C 4 AF ratio (DX811 and DX721 groups) possessed relatively low initial strength at 24 hours after hydration, but the strength increased rapidly and continuously at least for the next six days of hydration. Moreover, the peak intensity of hydration product (Portlandite) on XRD pattern in DX811 group was much higher than other three groups, and this was also in agreement with the result of microhardness. DX811 group is determined to be the optimal one for the further development in the application as root-end filling materials.
η3‐Diphosphavinylcarbene: A P2 Analogue of the Dötz Intermediate
Authors: Aktas Halil , Slootweg J. Chris , Ehlers Andreas W. , Lutz Martin , Spek Anthony L. , Lammertsma Koop
Published: December 2008

Ein bewegliches Molekül: Die Umsetzung von in situ erzeugten Phosphinidenen mit Phosphaalkinen eröffnet einen einfachen Zugang zum neuen metallkoordinierten η3‐Diphosphavinylcarben 1, das leicht Ligandenaustauschreaktionen und eine neuartige Umlagerung eingeht, an welcher der Phosphinidenkomplex 2 und der η3‐Phosphaalkenylphosphinidenkomplex 3, das 1,3‐Isomer von 1, beteiligt sind.

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The Inverted Bond in [1.1.1]Propellane is a Charge‐Shift Bond
Authors: Wu Wei , Gu Junjing , Song Jinshuai , Shaik Sason , Hiberty Philippe C.
Published: December 2008

Bonded or not bonded? An ab initio valence bond study of [1.1.1]propellane shows that the two bridgehead carbons are linked by a strong and direct σ bond that is neither classically covalent nor classically ionic, but rather a charge‐shift bond, in which the covalent–ionic resonance energy plays the major role. As such, the central bond of [1.1.1]propellane closely resembles the single bond of difluorine.

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Quality of life of male outpatients with personality disorders or psychotic disorders: a comparison
Authors: Bouman Yvonne HA , Van Nieuwenhuizen Chijs , Schene Aart H , De Ruiter Corine
Published: December 2008

Background Quality of life (QoL) has become increasingly important as an outcome measure in community‐based psychiatry. QoL refers to an individual's sense of well‐being and satisfaction with his current life conditions. It is measured both through objective social indicators and life domain‐specific subjective indicators. People with a personality disorder (PD) or a major mental disorder (MMD) tend to show poor social adjustment, but their relative subjective QoL is not known.

Aim To compare the QoL of male outpatients in treatment for PD or MMD overall and by means of specific social and subjective indicators.

Methods A sample of 135 men under treatment for PD in Dutch forensic outpatient facilities were compared with 79 men with MMD using the extended Dutch version of the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile (LQoLP).

Results Almost all of the objective indicators of QoL were significantly poorer among men with MMD than those with PD, but the groups did not differ on domain‐specific subjective ratings of QoL. Indeed, global subjective QoL was lower in the PD than in the MMD patient group. PD outpatients seemed to have a more complex concept of QoL than the MMD outpatients for whom almost half of the variance in subjective QoL rating was related to their everyday activities and their objective sense of safety.

Conclusions and implications for practice Further study of QoL among PD patients would be warranted to test the extent to which subjective dissatisfaction is intrinsic to PD and to explore the possibility of improving it with targeted treatments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Juvenile sex offenders and institutional misconduct: the role of thought psychopathology
Authors: Delisi Matt , Vaughn Michael G. , Beaver Kevin M. , Wright John Paul , Hochstetler Andy , Kosloski Anna E. , Drury Alan J.
Published: December 2008

Background Little is known about the institutional behaviour of incarcerated sex offenders.

Aim To study the relationships between juvenile sex offending, thought psychopathology and institutional misconduct.

Method We applied negative binomial regression and Area Under Curve Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUC‐ROC) analyses to self‐report and records data from institutionalised delinquents (N = 813) committed to the California Youth Authority to explore the links between sex offending and institutional misconduct, controlling for offender demographics, institution, index offence, and self‐reported and official criminal history.

Results Juvenile sex offending was associated with six forms of institutional misconduct (sexual, general and total misconduct as reviewed by parole board) over 12 and 24 months prior to rating. Two measures of thought psychopathology, which were related to psychosis‐like thought, were significantly associated with juvenile sex offender status. These constructs did not, however, mediate the independent predictive effects of adolescent sex offending on institutional misconduct.

Conclusion Interventions to help incarcerated young offenders are likely to be particularly important for those with a sex offending history as they are otherwise likely to persist with antisocial behaviours of all kinds within and beyond the institution. Attention to their thought processes may be particularly useful. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes over time in homicides by women: a register‐based study comparing female offenders from 1982 to 1992 and 1993 to 2005
Authors: Putkonen Hanna , Weizmann‐Henelius Ghitta , Lindberg Nina , Rovamo Tuija , Häkkänen Helinä
Published: December 2008

Background The contribution of women to violent offending, including homicide, may be increasing as society changes.

Aims The aim of this paper was to test for trends in homicide by women in Finland.

Methods A retrospective register‐based study was conducted by comparing two national cohorts: one from 1982 to 1992 and the other from 1993 to 2005.

Results There was a small increase in the proportion of homicides committed by women over time, but the most striking difference between the cohorts was in the significantly higher frequency of alcohol abuse/dependence in the later cohort and of being under the influence of alcohol during the crime. Fewer perpetrators were regarded as lacking or being of diminished responsibility in the later cohort. The victims of the earlier cohort were emotionally closer to the offender than those of the later one.

Conclusions In Finland, there have been changes in characteristics of women who commit homicide and their crimes over time, with the apparent development of a subgroup of women who kill who are much more like men who kill than women in the 1980s and early 1990s. Preventing substance abuse and marginalization are likely to be important ways of preventing homicide by both female and male perpetrators. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Release and activity of anti‐TNFα therapeutics from injectable chitosan preparations for local drug delivery
Authors: Shamji Mohammed F. , Hwang Priscilla , Bullock Robert W. , Adams Samuel B. , Nettles Dana L. , Setton Lori A.
Published: December 2008

Background: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is a cytokine that regulates immune and inflammatory overactivation in various pathological states. Protein therapeutics may antagonize this cytokine, but may also have systemic toxicities. Small molecule natural products are also efficacious, but can suffer from poor oral bioavailability. A drug delivery vehicle is needed to sustain release of active therapeutics and address localized inflammation. Materials: Chitosan is a biocompatible aminopolysaccharide that undergoes thermally‐initiated gelation in cosolutions with glycerophosphate (GP), and may entrap and sustain release of additive therapeutics. Gelation time and temperature of chitosan/GP were evaluated by turbidity (OD350), as was the kinetic effect of bovine serum albumin (BSA) entrapment. We investigated in vitro release of BSA and various anti‐TNF agents (curcumin, sTNFRII, anti‐TNF antibody) and confirmed in vitro activity of the released drugs using an established bioassay. Results: Turbidity results show that chitosan/GP thermogel achieves gelation at 37°C within 10 min, even with significant protein loading. Sustained BSA release occurred with 50% retained at 7 days. All anti‐TNF therapeutics exhibited sustained release, with 10% of sTNFRII and anti‐TNF antibody remaining after 7 days and 10% of curcumin remaining after 20 days. After release, each compound antagonized TNFα‐cytotoxicity in murine fibrosarcoma cells. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that thermogelling chitosan/GP entraps and sustains release of a broad range of anti‐TNF agents. Such delivery of disease‐modifying therapy could establish a drug depot to treat local inflammation. The breadth of molecular sizes demonstrates significant versatility, and slow release could protect against toxicities of systemic delivery. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Strength test: Debunking an unbalanced approach to development
Authors: Kaiser Robert B. , White Randall P.
Published: December 2008

An approach to development that concentrates on identifying and maximizing leaders' strengths, to the exclusion of addressing their weaknesses, has gained enormous popularity in recent years. But amid the hype, are there hidden dangers? Could a more balanced strategy for developing leaders be more likely to raise their effectiveness and enhance organizational performance?
Structure and properties of fullerite C60 intercalated with CH2F2
Authors: Shulga Yury M. , Martynenko Vyacheslav M. , Baskakov Sergey A. , Shilov Gennady V. , Trukhanenok Anton N. , Shestakov Alexander F. , Morozov Yury G. , Fursova Tatyana N. , Bazhenov Anatoly V. , Vasilets Victor N.
Published: December 2008

We have obtained fullerite intercalated with CH2F2 by precipitation of C60 from the solution in 1,2‐dichlorobenzene saturated by CH2F2. The chemical composition was identified as (CH2F2)x C60 (x = 1.03 ± 0.21). The fcc lattice parameter (14.28 Å) was found to increase significantly for (CH2F2)C60 in comparison with that for pristine C60 (14.16 Å). The IR absorption peak attributed to the stretching vibration of the C–F bond in (CH2F2)C60 was 30 cm–1 shifted to lower wave numbers in comparison with the gas phase CH2F2 spectrum. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sciatic Nerve Injury Associated with Acetabular Fractures
Authors: Issack Paul S. , Helfet David L.
Published: December 2008

Sciatic nerve injuries associated with acetabular fractures may be a result of the initial trauma or injury at the time of surgical reconstruction. Patients may present with a broad range of symptoms ranging from radiculopathy to foot drop. There are several posttraumatic, perioperative, and postoperative causes for sciatic nerve palsy including fracture–dislocation of the hip joint, excessive tension or inappropriate placement of retractors, instrument- or implant-related complications, heterotopic ossification, hematoma, and scarring. Natural history studies suggest that nerve recovery depends on several factors. Prevention requires attention to intraoperative limb positioning, retractor placement, and instrumentation. Somatosensory evoked potentials and spontaneous electromyography may help minimize iatrogenic nerve injury. Heterotopic ossification prophylaxis can help reduce delayed sciatic nerve entrapment. Reports on sciatic nerve decompression are not uniformly consistent but appear to have better outcomes for sensory than motor neuropathy.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Structured Triacylglycerols Containing CLA Isomers Starting from sn‐1,3‐Diacylglycerols
Authors: Maurelli Silvia , Blasi Francesca , Cossignani Lina , Bosi Ancilla , Simonetti Maria Stella , Damiani Pietro
Published: December 2008

The synthesis of structured triacylglycerols (TAG) by the enzymatic reaction between sn‐1,3‐diacylglycerols (sn‐1,3‐DAG) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers was studied. Both the substrates of the reaction were produced from vegetable oils, the sn‐1,3‐DAG from extra virgin olive oil and the CLA isomers from sunflower oil. The enzymatic reactions between these substrates were catalyzed for 96 h by an immobilized lipase from Rhizomucor miehei (Lipozyme IM) and the reactions carried out in solvent were monitored every 24 h by using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC‐ELSD). The enzymatic reactions were carried out in different reaction media (hexane, isooctane and solvent free) and with different CLA/sn‐1,3‐DAG ratios. Total % acidic composition and structural analysis data were evaluated to verify the presence of CLA isomers in sn‐2‐ position of synthesized TAG. The results showed good levels of CLA incorporation in sn‐1,3‐DAG, from 19.2% of TAG synthesized in solvent free conditions with a 0.5:1 substrate ratio, to 47.5% of TAG synthesized in isooctane with a 2:1 substrate ratio. It was observed that for all the reaction media, the best sn‐2‐ acylic specificity was obtained with a 0.5:1 substrate ratio.
Acute effects of pharmacological modifications of fatty acid metabolism on human satiety
Authors: Gatta Blandine , Zuberbuehler Christine , Arnold Myrtha , Aubert Roberte , Langhans Wolfgang , Chapelot Didier
Published: December 2008

The role of NEFA in eating behaviour is still poorly known. Our objective was to examine whether etomoxir (ETO), an inhibitor of NEFA oxidation, or ( − )-hydroxycitrate (HCA), an inhibitor of lipogenesis which may indirectly stimulate NEFA oxidation, alters satiety. Post-lunch satiety was measured in eight normal-weight male subjects who were deprived of time cues and received on three occasions either ETO (320 mg), HCA (2 g) or placebo (PLA) in random order. Between lunch and dinner, blood was withdrawn continuously and collected every 10 min for measures of plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, lactate, TAG, NEFA, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), leptin and ghrelin. Results showed that HCA began to decrease hunger and desire to eat compared to PLA and ETO 210 min after lunch and increased satiety duration compared to PLA by 70 (se23) min (P < 0·05), but did not modify energy intake at dinner. ETO did not affect any variable of satiety. HCA increased NEFA concentrations during the pre-dinner period, whereas ETO increased and decreased plasma concentrations of NEFA and BHB, respectively. Mean differences in plasma NEFA concentrations between HCA and PLA were predictive of the differences in satiety duration between treatments (r20·71,P < 0·01). Among treatments, plasma leptin concentration at dinner onset was the only blood variable correlated with energy intake at this meal (r− 0·75,P < 0·0005). In healthy, normal-weight men, acute HCA increased the intensity and duration of satiety possibly via increased NEFA disposal for oxidation.
Folate contents in human milk and casein-based and soya-based formulas, and folate status in Korean infants
Authors: Han Young-Hee , Yon Miyong , Han Heon-Seok , Kim Kwang-Yup , Tamura Tsunenobu , Hyun Taisun H.
Published: December 2008

We assessed folate nutritional status from birth to 12 months in fifty-one infants who were fed human milk (HM;n20), casein-based formula (CBF;n12) or soya-based formula (SBF;n19). Folate contents in ninety-five HM samples obtained from twenty mothers for the first 6-month period and twelve CBF and nineteen SBF samples were measured by bioassay after trienzyme extraction. Folate intake was estimated by weighing infants before and after feeding in the HM group and by collecting formula intake records in the formula-fed groups. After solid foods were introduced, all foods consumed were included to estimate folate intake. Serum folate and total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations were determined at 5 and 12 months of age, and infant growth was monitored for the first 12 months. Mean HM folate contents ranged from 201 to 365 nmol/l with an overall mean of 291 nmol/l, and the contents peaked at 2 months postpartum. HM folate contents were higher than those reported in North America. Folate contents in CBF and SBF were markedly higher than those in HM and those claimed on the product labels. The overall folate intakes in formula-fed infants were significantly higher than those in HM-fed infants, and this was associated with significantly higher folate and lower tHcy in formula-fed infants than HM-fed infants at 5 months. At 12 months, serum folate was significantly higher in the SBF group than the other groups, whereas serum tHcy and overall growth were similar among all groups.
The Impact of Martin Luther upon Bohemia
Authors: Heymann Frederick G.
Published: December 2008

The question of Luther's relations with Bohemia is not a new one. It has been treated by a number of distinguished scholars of different backgrounds. In 1953 S. H. Thomson gave a clear description of Luther's attitudes and actions in relation to Bohemia and its religious bodies. But the emphasis of this most valuable presentation was more on Luther than on the country of Jan Hus, and the same has been true of most recent treatments, e.g., the three articles published in 1948–49 by Jaroslav Pelikan. While it is impossible to separate strictly the changing attitudes of Luther himself toward the Czech religious bodies from the corresponding events in Bohemia, the main emphasis of the present article rests on the reception which Luther and his teaching found in Bohemia, rather than on Luther's own actions and reactions.
The First German Congress of Workers' and Soldiers' Councils and the Problem of Military Reforms
Authors: Herwig Holger H.
Published: December 2008

The bleak wintry days of November and December 1918 were filled with ominous events for the new men in Berlin. On November 9, 1918, they had found themselves unwilling keepers of a crumbling edifice. Revolution had compounded the disaster of military defeat. The Kaiser had fled. His government had resigned. A weary, bloodied army was straggling back to a blockaded country on the verge of starvation. The Reich seemed in total dissolution: the Poles were rising in Silesia, the French demanded at least Alsace-Lorraine, the Bavarians were trying to negotiate independently with the Entente, and the entire Rhineland seemed to be on the verge of secession. During these dark days of confusion and fear it became the task of the German socialist movement, the Reichsfeinde of yesterday, to restore some semblance of order and to lay the foundations for the future German state. Crucial to the fulfilment of these tasks would be the attitude of the Provisional Government (Rat der Volksbeauftragten) toward the former Imperial Army, and especially toward the officer corps.
The Austro-Hungarian Compromise, 1867–1918: A Half Century of Diagnosis; Fifty Years of Post-Mortem
Authors: Tihany Leslie C.
Published: December 2008

The fall of the Dual Monarchy in October 1918, after a half-century existence, gave rise to a Schuldfrage which prolonged by another fifty years the polemics begun in 1867 about the constitutional foundations of the reformed Habsburg state. Both before and after 1918 the pivotal problem of the controversy had to do with the political wisdom and implementation of the Ausgleich or Compromise of 1867. The purpose of this article is to reconstruct the dispute over the Compromise in its successive historical settings through four generations of critics and, with benefit of their insight, to attempt a reassessment of the 1867–1918 edifice from a centennial vantage point.
The Arrest and Freeing of the Protestant Bishops of Württeberg and Bavaria, September–October 1934
Authors: Helmreich Ernst C.
Published: December 2008

Ludwig Müller, former naval chaplain and confidant of Hitler, had managed in September 1933 to get himself elected bishop of the newly organized German Evangelical Church, which was intended to bring all the Evangelical churches under one head. His election had caused great controversy, and the conflict (Kirchenkampf) which soon developed led to the establishment of the Confessing Church (Bekennende Kirche) in opposition to the church government headed by Bishop Müller. This disorder in the church delayed Müller's formal installation, but it finally took place with great pomp on September 23, 1934, in the Berlin Cathedral, despite the deliberate absence of many churchmen as well as important political officials. Müller could not have been a particularly happy man on that day, although he had long sought this formal ecclesiastical blessing. He was definitely in hot water, and many sought his removal from office.
Big Business and the Kapp Putsch
Authors: Feldman Gerald D.
Published: December 2008

The Kapp-Lüttwitz Putsch, hastily begun on March 13, 1920, and ingloriusly ended with the resignation of Dr. Wolfgang Kapp on March 17, has already been the subject of significant study. The details of the putsch itself, the character of the conspirators, and their motives, the positions taken by the political parties and leaders, and the reasons for its failure are fairly Well known. It is generally agreed that the circle of conspirators had too narrow a social base and was too divided in its purposes to be successful. In essence, it was a revolt of unemployed reactionary East Elbian officials like Kapp himself and his “Minister of the Interior,” Traugott von Jagow, disgruntled conservative military officers, the most important of whom was Freiherr von Lüttwitz, and military adventurers like Colonel Max Bauer, Major Pabst, and Captain Ehrhardt. Where Kapp sought far-reaching constitutional and political changes, Lüttwitz strove for more short-term goals, i.e., reconstruction of the cabinet to give it an “expert” character, new elections, and a larger army. The Kapp regime was doomed because of the refusal of the government bureaucracy to serve it and because of the general strike called by the trade unions on March 14.