bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ImmunoCAPTM Phadiatop® Infant – a new blood test for detecting IgE sensitisation in children at 2 years of age
Authors: Ballardini N. , Nilsson C. , Nilsson M. , Lilja G.
Published: September 2005

Background:  Correct diagnosis of immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated disease is the prerequisite for secondary allergy prevention during early childhood.

Objective:  To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of a new blood test, Phadiatop® Infant, in detecting IgE sensitisation to food and inhalant allergens among children at 2 years of age.

Methods:  Children (n = 239) were followed prospectively from birth to 2 years of age for the presence of IgE sensitisation and the development of atopic manifestations. Immunoglobulin E sensitisation was evaluated by skin prick test (SPT) and analysis of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies in plasma to food and inhalant allergens. The children were classified into three groups: IgE‐sensitised, non‐IgE sensitised and inconclusive, depending on SPT and allergen‐specific IgE results.

Results:  Twenty‐six (11%) of the children were classified as IgE‐sensitised, 182 (76%) as non‐IgE sensitised and 31 (13%) as inconclusive. Phadiatop Infant was positive in 50 (21%) of the children. Ten children (4%) with identified IgE antibodies against the selected food and inhalant allergens showed negative Phadiatop Infant. Three children showed positive Phadiatop Infant but were negative in the other tests performed. These results correspond to positive and negative predictive values for Phadiatop Infant of 89 and 99%, respectively. Children with clinical symptoms of atopic diseases had significantly increased levels for Phadiatop Infant (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  Phadiatop Infant appears to be a reliable alternative to SPT and the measurement of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies in plasma for detecting clinically important IgE sensitisation among children at 2 years of age.
High‐efficiency vacuum cleaners increase personal mite allergen exposure, but only slightly
Authors: Gore R. B. , Durrell B. , Bishop S. , Curbishley L. , Woodcock A. , Custovic A.
Published: September 2005

Background:  High‐efficiency particulate‐arrest‐filter vacuum cleaners are recommended to allergy sufferers although their use increases personal cat allergen exposure. We aimed to measure personal mite allergen exposure during vacuum cleaning by nasal air sampling and to compare exposures while vacuuming and emptying the vacuum cleaner bag.

Methods:  Five brand new high‐efficiency vacuum cleaners were selected. An old, previously used vacuum cleaner with its original microfilter in situ was used as a control. Nasal air samples were taken prior to and during vacuum cleaning in 10 homes. Samples were processed by HALOgen assay. Personal mite and cat allergen exposure was measured as the dust compartments were emptied.

Results:  There was an increase in personal mite allergen exposure with vacuum cleaning, which approached significance (P = 0.058). There was no difference between the high‐efficiency vacuum cleaners and the control vacuum cleaner (P = 0.141). When the dust compartments were emptied, personal mite and cat allergen exposure increased (P < 0.02).

Conclusions.  The increase in personal mite allergen exposure while vacuum cleaning in an area with mild to moderate mite allergen exposure is small. High‐efficiency vacuum cleaners confer no benefit and cannot currently be recommended to allergy sufferers as a means of reducing personal mite allergen exposure.
Exotic introductions to the fishery of Lake Victoria: What are the management options?
Authors: Njiru M. , Waithaka E. , Muchiri M. , Van Knaap M. , Cowx I. G.
Published: September 2005

Lake Victoria is Africa's most important source of inland fishery production, exhibiting annual catches of ≈ 400 000 mt. The predatory Nile perch, Lates niloticus, and the herbivorous tilapiines, Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis leucostictus, Tilapia zillii and Tilapia rendalii, were introduced in Lake Victoria in the 1950s and 1960s. Nile perch were introduced to convert the abundant, but bony, haplochromines to fish flesh, while the tilapiines were introduced to boost the declining fishery. Since that time, the fisheries of Lake Victoria have undergone dramatic social and ecological changes. The catches increased tremendously, changing the fishery from artisanal to commercial, in turn increasing fisher income and employment opportunities. However, there was a decline and, in some cases, the disappearance of many indigenous fish species, especially the haplochromine cichlids. This reduction was attributed to overexploitation, predation, and competition and hybridization with the introduced species. The decline of the native fish species has had impacts on the trophic and ecological status of the lake. Nile perch now dominate the formerly complex food web. The loss of phytoplanktivorous haplochromines has contributed to an increase in algal blooms, reduction in water quality and occasional fish kills. Water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes, invaded Lake Victoria in 1988, with high rates of infestation in shallow waters and bays, which are breeding and nursery grounds for most fish species. Catches of Nile perch decreased following the infestation, while those of Nile tilapia, lung fish (Protopterus aethiopicus) and mud fish (Clarias gariepinus) increased. Haplochromines species also showed some signs of recovery. In view of all these changes, the future of the Lake Victoria fishery is uncertain.
The assessment of suspended sediment inputs to Volta Lake
Authors: Akrasi Sampson Asante
Published: September 2005

Information on a river basin's sediment yield is an important requirement for water resources development and management. In the Volta River basin of Ghana, data on suspended sediment yield are limited due to the lack of logistic support for systematic sediment sampling activities. This paper presents the results of a study using the available measurements of suspended sediment transport for eight monitoring stations in order to develop a simple predictive tool for estimating the suspended sediment yields for catchments for which no sediment measurements had been undertaken. Regression analysis was used to establish a relationship between specific suspended sediment yield and both the mean annual run‐off and the drainage basin area. The prediction model was used to estimate the sediment loads of the Volta River and its main tributaries (Black Volta, White Volta and Oti Rivers) in order to estimate the total suspended sediment input to the reservoir and the equivalent specific suspended sediment yield from the catchment surface. Although these sediment yield values are relatively low by world standards, the results obtained provide a basis for assessing future sedimentation problems in Lake Volta and for underpinning the development of sediment control and management strategies for the reservoir.
An assessment of the purse‐seine (winch‐net) fishery in Lake Volta, Ghana
Authors: Ofori‐Danson P. K.
Published: September 2005

An assessment has been made of the stock conditions of five major component fishery species (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Chrysichthys auratus, Hemisynodontis membranaceus, Oreochromis niloticus and Schilbe intermedius) exploited with illegal purse‐seine (winch‐net) gear in the Yeji sector of Lake Volta, Ghana. Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus was clearly found to be overexploited, but the others were being exploited near to, or under, optimum harvest levels. All five species were harvested at an inappropriate age‐at‐first‐capture of ≈ 6 months, suggesting overfishing of young fishes. Consequently, the computed Lm:L∞ ratios were > 0.64. For most fish species, such a ratio implies their exploitation when at early maturity and at very small sizes. The estimated range of mesh sizes in the cod‐ends was far lower (5–8 mm) than the legal mesh size of 25 mm, calling for urgent enforcement of rules and regulations. Single‐species yield‐per‐recruit analyses indicated that yields could be improved by the reduction in the current fishing effort. As the fishery of the lake is not segmented to allow fish to be taken by the illegal small‐mesh purse seines, studies on the interactions between the different fishery sectors need to be undertaken, alongside the proposed ban of the gear as enshrined in the Fisheries Law of Ghana.
Seminal plasma inhibin‐B level is a useful predictor of the success of conventional testicular sperm extraction in patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Nagata Yuko , Fujita Kazuyuki , Banzai Junichi , Kojima Yumi , Kasima Katsunori , Suzuki Mina , Tanaka Kenichi
Published: September 2005

Aim: The value of serum inhibin‐B as a predictor of the presence of testicular spermatozoa is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the predictive value of the seminal plasma inhibin‐B level, which might more directly reflect the secretion by Sertoli cells, and to discriminate between successful and failed testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in non‐obstructive azoospermia.

Methods: Sixty‐two patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia were examined at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Niigata University Hospital, Niigata, Japan. The level of inhibin‐B was measured using a two‐site enzyme‐linked immunoassay.

Results: Testicular sperm were successfully retrieved in 17 of 62 patients (27.4%). The serum levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) were significantly lower and the serum and seminal inhibin‐B concentrations were significantly higher in the successful TESE group compared with the failed TESE group. According to the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, the best discriminating seminal plasma inhibin‐B level was 27.0 pg/mL (sensitivity 88.2%, specificity 93.3%). The best discriminating serum inhibin‐B level was 34.0 pg/mL (sensitivity 70.6%, specificity 95.6%). The area under the ROC curve for seminal plasma inhibin‐B was significantly larger than that for FSH and testicular volume. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, only seminal plasma inhibin‐B was an independent predictor of the presence of spermatozoa on TESE.

Conclusion: Seminal plasma inhibin‐B level is a useful predictor of the presence of testicular sperm in men with non‐obstructive azoospermia.
Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary with elevated CA125
Authors: Terauchi Fumitoshi , Onodera Takamoto , Nagashima Takeo , Kobayashi Yukari , Moritake Tetsuya , Oharaseki Toshiaki , Ogura Hisao
Published: September 2005

The case is reported herein of an 18‐year‐old woman who developed sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary. Although she was suspected to have a malignant tumor due to magnetic resonance imaging findings and an abnormal blood CA125 value, the tumor was benign. The immunohistochemical staining by CA125 antibody was negative. She had an uneventful postoperative course, with no postoperative recurrence of the tumor.
Relationship between body mass index and the risk of ovarian cancer in the Japanese population: Findings from the Japanese Collaborate Cohort (JACC) study
Authors: Niwa Yoshimitsu , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Tamakoshi Koji , Nishio Kazuko , Kondo Takaaki , Lin Yingsong , Suzuki Sadao , Wakai Kenji , Tokudome Shinkan , Yamamoto Akio , Hamajima Nobuyuki , Toyoshima Hideaki , Tamakoshi Akiko ,   JACC Study Group
Published: September 2005

Aim:The incidence of ovarian cancer in Japan has increased since the 1970s. The many studies that have assessed the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of ovarian cancer have produced contradictory results. Here we investigated this relation using data from the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study for the Evaluation of Cancer Risk, which was initiated in 1988.

Methods:A self‐administered questionnaire on dietary habits and other risk factors for cancer was completed by 36 456 Japanese women. After 7.6 years of follow up, 38 cases of ovarian cancer were available for analysis. Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to compute relative risks and to adjust for confounders.

Results:Compared to women with BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, the relative risk of ovarian cancer was 2.24 (95% CI = 1.10–4.21) for BMI of 25.0–29.9 and 1.78 (95% CI = 0.24–13.34) for BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m2. A test for trend revealed that this finding was statistically significant (P = 0.014).

Conclusion:The results of this study suggest that being overweight is independently associated with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer in the Japanese population.
Incisional endometriosis after cesarean section, episiotomy and other gynecologic procedures
Authors: Gunes Muzeyyen , Kayikcioglu Fulya , Ozturkoglu Esmen , Haberal Ali
Published: September 2005

Aim: To report 11 cases of incisional endometriosis after cesarean section, episiotomy and other gynecologic procedures. The diagnostic approaches and therapies for incisional endometriosis are also evaluated.

Methods: Eleven patients who presented with a painful nodule that was increasing in size during menstruation on the scar of a previous gynecologic procedure were examined retrospectively.

Results: All patients presented with a palpable painful lesion, located on the cesarean section incision, perineal episiotomy incision or the vaginal cuff after hysterectomy. All masses were increasing during menstruation and all patients had been having cyclical pain that worsened during menstrual periods. The mean age of the patients was 28.2 years. The onset of symptoms was referred at variable intervals after surgery ranging between 2 and 11 years (mean: 5.72 years). Ultrasound examination confirmed hypoechoic mass septated with cystic and solid components in the abdomin without intra‐abdominal communications. All endometriotic masses were completely excised under general anesthesia. The excised masses were sent for microscopic examination which confirmed the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Conclusion: Incisional endometriosis seems to be common in women who have had a cesarean section, although it does occur after other procedures and de novo. It is suggested that caution is exercised during gynecologic procedures to avoid transplantation of endometrium to the anterior abdominal wall. The preferred management is to excise the lesion completely even if this necessitates fascial excision.
J‐integral analysis of cord‐rubber serpentine belt using neural‐network‐based material modelling
Authors: SONG G. , CHANDRASHEKHARA K. , BREIG W. F. , KLEIN D. L. , OLIVER L. R.
Published: September 2005

A known factor that limits the performance of automotive front‐end accessory serpentine belt drive is cracking of the elastomer located in the rib tip. In this paper, fracture experiments were conducted using single‐edge notched tension (SENT) specimens to study the fracture behaviour of a belt rib compound. A finite‐element modelling method utilizing singular elements for crack in rubber solid was proposed and implemented in both plane‐stress and 3D solid models using ABAQUS. A newly developed neural‐network‐based model was used to represent a nonlinear elastic belt rib rubber compound. The crack finite‐element model, along with the neural‐network‐based material model, was verified with analytical and experimental results. A global–local finite‐element procedure was developed to evaluate the J‐integral for mode‐I through‐the‐thickness crack in V‐ribbed belt rib. Effects of pre‐crack length, pulley pre‐load and backside pulley displacement were investigated.
Knowledge gained by pediatric residents after neonatal resuscitation program courses
Authors: TREVISANUTO DANIELE , FERRARESE PAOLA , CAVICCHIOLI PAOLA , FASSON ALESSANDRA , ZANARDO VINCENZO , ZACCHELLO FRANCO
Published: September 2005

Background:  The efficacy of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) courses was previously evaluated, demonstrating good retention of knowledge in the participants. However, there is a lack of information regarding the participants’ performance in relation to the different steps of neonatal resuscitation. We aimed to assess the knowledge gained and retained by pediatric residents who participated in a NRP course in relation to the different steps.

Methods:  An 80‐item questionnaire derived from the standard test contained in the American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Neonatal Resuscitation Manual was given to 25 pediatric residents before, immediately after and 6 months after the course.

Results:  The percentages of correct answers significantly improved from before (37.6 ± 3.1%) to immediately after the course (94.1 ± 0.9%) (P < 0.001). The percentages at the 6 months follow‐up test (62.7 ± 2.2%) significantly decreased from posttest (P < 0.001), but remained significantly higher with respect to pretest performance (P < 0.001). The percentages of correct answers were different among the four neonatal resuscitation steps during the entire study (pretest, posttest and follow‐up test).

Conclusions:  The knowledge gained by pediatric residents participating in the NRP course was very high, but was only partially retained over time. In particular, it was different among the four steps of neonatal resuscitation suggesting further studies on teaching resuscitation.
Hyponatremic seizures after suprapubic catheter placement in 7‐year‐old child
Authors: SZOLNOKI J.M. , PUSKAS F. , SWEENEY D.M. , CAMPORESI E.M. , UPADHYAY J.
Published: September 2005

We report a case of hyponatremic seizures in a 7‐year old boy with spina bifida following cystoscopy and suprapubic catheter placement. Immediate postoperative cystogram and pelvic computed tomogram (CT) after the development of seizures demonstrated a fluid collection from the suprapubic catheter site into the anterior abdominal wall. The subsequent reabsorption of free water from the fluid collection, with the contribution of postoperative hypotonic intravenous fluid administration and possible transient inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion resulted in acute dilutional hyponatremia and consequent seizures. Strategies to prevent hyponatremia in children during urological procedures, with emphasis on the importance of reserving free water as the irrigation fluid are discussed.
Anesthetic management of the neonate with congenital complete heart block: a 16‐year review
Authors: KUSSMAN BARRY D. , MADRIL DANIELLE R. , THIAGARAJAN RAVI R. , WALSH EDWARD P. , LAUSSEN PETER C.
Published: September 2005

Background:  Anesthesia for patients with complete heart block can be associated with significant hemodynamic instability. The aim of this study is to review our anesthetic experience of neonates with congenital complete heart block (CCHB) who underwent placement of either a temporary epicardial pacing system or a permanent epicardial pacemaker.

Methods:  The anesthetic management of neonates with CCHB who underwent pacemaker placement at a single institution over a 16‐year period was reviewed.

Results:  Twenty‐four neonates were identified, 17 with a structurally normal heart (NL) and seven with associated congenital heart defects (CHD). Median (range) gestational age was 36.9 (26–41) weeks, birth weight 2.9 (1.0–4.1) kg, and baseline heart rate 47 (38–80) b·min−1. A temporary epicardial pacing system was placed in six patients (four CHD, two NL; P = 0.003) following institution of mechanical ventilation and inotropic support for a low cardiac output state, and a permanent epicardial pacemaker was placed in 18 patients. Atropine 0.02 mg·kg−1 IV prior to induction (n = 5) increased heart rate less than 20%. Intraoperative hypotension was documented in nine neonates, five of seven with CHD and four of 17 with NL (P = 0.02). In four patients (44%) hypotension occurred despite concurrent inotropic support. Intraoperative cardiac arrest occurred in one neonate, necessitating institution of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Two patients (8.3%) died in hospital from complex CHD and complications of prematurity.

Conclusions:  Early institution of mechanical ventilation, inotropic support and pacing are necessary in the neonate with CCHB and poor hemodynamic function, particularly with coexisting CHD or prematurity.
Remifentanil for sedation and analgesia in a preterm neonate with respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: PEREIRA E SILVA YERKES , GOMEZ RENATO SANTIAGO , BARBOSA ROSILU FERREIRA , SILVA ANA CRISTINA SIMÕES E
Published: September 2005

We present the efficacy and safety of the use of remifentanil for intubation, sedation and analgesia in a preterm infant during mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress syndrome. A 34‐week‐old baby, born by cesarean delivery that developed respiratory distress, required intubation and ventilatory support. For intubation, the baby was given midazolam (0.2 mg·kg−1) and remifentanil (1 μg·kg−1). The intubation conditions were assessed and classified as excellent. The remifentanil infusion was started at dose 0.75 μg·kg−1·min−1 and the dose adjustments were made depending on the neonatal infant pain scale (NIPS), hemodynamic and respiratory changes or the presence of spontaneous movements. Pulse oximetry, respiratory rate, ECG and invasive blood pressure were continuously monitored. He was given surfactant within 2.5 h of life after which ventilator parameters could be progressively decreased. Three hours later, the remifentanil infusion was decreased to 0.5 μg·kg−1·min−1, and he remained sedated (NIPS < 2). Six hour after surfactant administration, blood gases and chest X ray were normal. The remifentanil infusion was then discontinued and 30 min later the baby was awake and extubated with success. There were no side effects after intubation or during the continuous infusion. The profile of remifentanil allowing a rapid recovery, the absence of side effects and a good level of sedation and analgesia support the choice of this opioid for sedation in the NICU.
Bayesian Model Uncertainty In Smooth Transition Autoregressions
Authors: Lopes Hedibert F. , Salazar Esther
Published: September 2005

Abstract. In this paper, we propose a fully Bayesian approach to the special class of nonlinear time‐series models called the logistic smooth transition autoregressive (LSTAR) model. Initially, a Gibbs sampler is proposed for the LSTAR where the lag length,k, is kept fixed. Then, uncertainty aboutkis taken into account and a novel reversible jump Markov Chain Monte Carlo (RJMCMC) algorithm is proposed. We compared ourRJMCMC algorithmwith well‐known information criteria, such as the Akaikes̀ information criteria, the Bayesian information criteria (BIC) and the deviance information criteria. Our methodology is extensively studied against simulated and real‐time series.
LET‐60 RAS modulates effects of insulin/IGF‐1 signaling on development and aging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Nanji Manoj , Hopper Neil A. , Gems David
Published: September 2005

The DAF‐2 insulin/insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) receptor signals via a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway to control dauer larva formation and adult longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Yet epistasis analysis suggests signal bifurcation downstream of DAF‐2. We have used epistasis analysis to test whether the Ras pathway (which plays a role in signaling from mammalian insulin receptors) acts downstream of DAF‐2. We find that an activated Ras mutation, let‐60(n1046gf), weakly suppresses constitutive dauer diapause in daf‐2 and age‐1 (PI3K) mutants. Moreover, increased Ras pathway signaling partially suppresses the daf‐2 mutant feeding defect, while reduced Ras pathway signaling enhances it. By contrast, activated Ras extends the longevity induced by mutation of daf‐2, while reduced Ras pathway signaling partially suppresses it. Thus, Ras pathway signaling appears to act with insulin/IGF‐1 signaling during larval development, but against it during aging.
Beyond Biogeography: a Framework for Involving the Public in Planning of U.S. Marine Protected Areas
Authors: DALTON TRACEY MORIN
Published: September 2005

Abstract: Planning of marine protected areas (MPAs) is highlighted in the conservation literature but is not explored in much detail. Many researchers acknowledge the importance of involving the public in MPA planning, but there is limited guidance on how to do this in an effective manner. I present a framework for involving the public in planning of U.S. MPAs. Derived from empirically and theoretically based research on public participation in U.S. natural resource management, this framework is composed of factors that influence the success of participatory processes: active participant involvement, complete information exchange, fair decision making, efficient administration, and positive participant interactions. Processes incorporating these factors will produce decisions that are more likely to be supported by stakeholders, meet management objectives, and fulfill conservation goals. This framework contributes to the MPA social science literature and responds to calls in the conservation literature to increase the use of social science research to inform conservation decision making.
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Acupuncture for Chronic Daily Headache
Authors: Coeytaux Remy R. , Kaufman Jay S. , Kaptchuk Ted J. , Chen Wunian , Miller William C. , Callahan Leigh F. , Mann J. Douglas
Published: September 2005

Background.—Approximately 4% of adults experience headaches nearly every day. Nonpharmacologic interventions for frequent headaches may be appropriate because medical management alone is often ineffective.

Objective.—To assess the efficacy of acupuncture as an adjunct to medical management for chronic daily headache (CDH).

Methods.—We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of 74 patients with CDH that compared medical management provided by neurologists to medical management plus 10 acupuncture treatments. Primary outcome measures were daily pain severity and headache‐related quality of life (QoL).

Results.—Patients who received only medical management did not demonstrate improvement in any of the standardized measures. Daily pain severity scores trended downward but did not differ between treatment groups (P= .60). Relative to medical management only, medical management plus acupuncture was associated with an improvement of 3.0 points (95% CI, 1.0 to 4.9) on the Headache Impact Test and an increase of 8 or more points on the role limitations due to physical problems, social functioning, and general mental health domains of the Short Form 36 Health Survey. Patients who received acupuncture were 3.7 times more likely (CI, 1.7 to 8.1) to report less suffering from headaches at 6 weeks (absolute risk reduction 46%; number needed to treat 2).

Conclusion.—Headache‐specialty medical management alone was not associated with improved clinical outcomes among our study population. Supplementing medical management with acupuncture, however, resulted in improvements in health‐related QoL and the perception by patients that they suffered less from headaches.
Headache in Cerebral Hemorrhage Is Associated With Inflammatory Markers and Higher Residual Cavity
Authors: Leira Rogelio , Castellanos Mar , Álvarez‐Sabín José , Diez‐Tejedor Exuperio , Dávalos Antonio , Castillo José ,   on Behalf of the Stroke Project, Cerebrovascular Diseases Group of the Spanish Neurological Society
Published: September 2005

Background and Purpose.—The mechanisms responsible for headache in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are not completely understood. The present study was undertaken to analyze the headache‐associated factors, the possible related biochemical mechanisms, and the headache potential predictors of outcome in spontaneous ICH.

Methods.—We prospectively studied 189 patients from a large cohort of 266 consecutive patients with supratentorial ICH admitted within the first 12 hours of symptoms onset. The presence of headache at stroke onset was evaluated in these patients. The volumes of the initial ICH, peripheral edema at 48 hours, and the residual cavity at 3 months were measured on CT scan. Glutamate, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α levels were measured in blood samples obtained on admission. The Canadian Stroke Scale (CSS) and the modified Rankin Scale were used to evaluate stroke severity and neurological outcome, respectively.

Results.—Headache at onset of stroke was observed in 65 patients (34.4%). Patients who experienced headache had a significantly higher frequency of history of infection (P= .009) or inflammation (P= .045), as well as higher body temperature (P= .021), leukocyte count (P= .038), ESR (P= .011), and mass effect (P= .017) on admission. Plasma concentrations of IL‐6 and TNF‐α were significantly higher in patients with headache than in those without. Headache was an independent predictor of the residual cavity volume in patients with spontaneous ICH (odds ratio 6.49; 95% CI 2.51 to 16.78; P= .0001).

Conclusions.—Headache at ICH onset is associated with clinical and biochemical markers of inflammation and is an independent predictor of higher residual cavity volume after spontaneous ICH.
Removing Barriers to Appropriate Migraine Treatment: Formulary Limitations and Triptan Package Size
Authors: Silberstein Stephen D. , Dodick David , Kesslick Jim
Published: September 2005

The main goals in the pharmacologic management of migraine headache are to avert or relieve debilitating pain, prevent escalating acute medication use, and improve day‐to‐day functioning. This review will examine the evidence supporting the early use of acute medication, usually when pain is mild, to enhance patient outcomes. We will also discuss imposed quantity limits as a practical impediment to the implementation of this strategy in the managed care setting, and will identify strategies for overcoming this barrier to effective care. Quantity limits imposed on triptan therapy by health plans can hinder the optimal acute treatment of migraine. A standard triptan quantity limit sufficient to permit early migraine treatment and a movement by manufacturers to provide blister packs consistent with a standard quantity limit should reduce patients costs, permit brand mobility when appropriate, and bolster long‐term cost effectiveness by removing an important impediment to the use of triptans when they are most effective, early in the migraine attack when pain is often still mild.
Trigeminal Neuralgia in Two Patients With Glioblastoma
Authors: Hess Barbara , Oberndorfer Stefan , Urbanits Sabine , Lahrmann Heinz , Horvath‐Mechtler Barbara , Grisold Wolfgang
Published: September 2005

Headache in glioblastoma patients often indicates raised intracranial pressure by either tumor edema or tumor progression. We report local glioblastoma growth causing cranial nerve lesions as well as trigeminal neuralgia, and highlight pain management in these patients.
Should Older People in Residential Care Receive Vitamin D to Prevent Falls? Results of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Flicker Leon , MacInnis Robert J. , Stein Mark S. , Scherer Sam C. , Mead Kate E. , Nowson Caryl A. , Thomas Jenny , Lowndes Chris , Hopper John L. , Wark John D.
Published: September 2005

Objectives: To determine whether vitamin D supplementation can reduce the incidence of falls and fractures in older people in residential care who are not classically vitamin D deficient.

Design: Randomized, placebo‐controlled double‐blind, trial of 2 years' duration.

Setting: Multicenter study in 60 hostels (assisted living facilities) and 89 nursing homes across Australia.

Participants: Six hundred twenty‐five residents (mean age 83.4) with serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels between 25 and 90 nmol/L.

Intervention: Vitamin D supplementation (ergocalciferol, initially 10,000 IU given once weekly and then 1,000 IU daily) or placebo for 2 years. All subjects received 600 mg of elemental calcium daily as calcium carbonate.

Measurements: Falls and fractures recorded prospectively in study diaries by care staff.

Results: The vitamin D and placebo groups had similar baseline characteristics. In intention‐to‐treat analysis, the incident rate ratio for falling was 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.57–0.95). The odds ratio for ever falling was 0.82 (95% CI=0.59–1.12) and for ever fracturing was 0.69 (95% CI=0.40–1.18). An a priori subgroup analysis of subjects who took at least half the prescribed capsules (n=540), demonstrated an incident rate ratio for falls of 0.63 (95% CI=0.48–0.82), an odds ratio (OR) for ever falling of 0.70 (95% CI=0.50–0.99), and an OR for ever fracturing of 0.68 (95% CI=0.38–1.22).

Conclusion: Older people in residential care can reduce their incidence of falls if they take a vitamin D supplement for 2 years even if they are not initially classically vitamin D deficient.
Predicting Driving Cessation over 5 Years in Older Adults: Psychological Well‐Being and Cognitive Competence Are Stronger Predictors than Physical Health
Authors: Anstey Kaarin J. , Windsor Timothy D. , Luszcz Mary A. , Andrews Gary R.
Published: September 2005

Objectives: To examine psychological, medical, and sensorimotor risk factors that predict driving cessation in older adults.

Design: Prospective cohort study including five waves of data collected in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1997.

Setting: The Australian Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Participants: One thousand four hundred sixty‐six men and women aged 70 and older drawn from the electoral roll and including 753 drivers at baseline.

Measurements: Interviews, including assessments of self‐rated health (indicating general well‐being); medical conditions; driving status; and clinical assessments of vision, hearing, cognitive function, and grip strength, were conducted in 1992 (baseline) and 1994. Information on current driving status was obtained at baseline and four subsequent waves (1993, 1994, 1995, and 1997). Drivers and nondrivers were compared at baseline. Risk factors for driving cessation were identified using logistic regression.

Results: Drivers were younger and more likely to be male and had better self‐rated health, vision, hearing, and cognitive performance than nondrivers at baseline. Seventeen percent of drivers in the study had vision of 6/18 or worse, and 7.3% were classified as possibly cognitively impaired. In those identified as drivers at baseline, subsequent cessation was associated with increasing age, low grip strength, poorer cognitive performance, and poorer self‐rated health.

Conclusion: Self‐rated health and cognitive function were more important than medical conditions or sensory function for predicting driving cessation.
Mortality Risk and Prospective Medicare Expenditures for Persons with Dementia
Authors: Newcomer Robert J. , Clay Theodore H. , Yaffe Kristine , Covinsky Kenneth E.
Published: September 2005

Objectives: To determine whether an index that stratifies dementia patients into high‐ and low‐mortality‐risk groups can be effective in prospectively identifying persons with high and low expenditures.

Design: A mortality risk index developed for persons with dementia was used to stratify persons into groups at high and low risk of 12‐month mortality. Expenditures were compiled from Medicare claims for 12 months after the predicted mortality classification.

Setting: The Medicare Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Evaluation (MADDE) operated in eight sites across the United States. Subjects were living in a community setting at time of their mortality risk classification.

Participants: Participants (N=2,255) were volunteer enrollees in MADDE; all had a diagnosis of irreversible dementia and two or more limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs).

Measurements: Outcomes were Medicare Part A expenditures. Risk factors included age, sex, ADL limitations, selected chronic conditions, prior year hospital stays, and relationship to caregiver.

Results: Patients predicted as at high risk of death had higher average monthly Medicare expenditures than those predicted to be at low risk of death. At the 50th sensitivity percentile for mortality, differences in average expenditures exceeded $700 per month.

Conclusion: It is not known whether it is possible to achieve reductions in expenditures for patients with advanced dementia at high risk of mortality, but study findings support consideration of an advanced illness model that would attempt to generate acute services savings and use these savings for palliative services that might improve patients' and caregivers' quality of life.
Continuous Progression of Orthostatic Tachycardia as a Further Feature of the Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
Authors: DIEHL ROLF R.
Published: September 2005

Background: The clinical diagnosis of the postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) includes the demonstration of an upright heart rate (HR) of at least 30 beats per minute (bpm) above supine HR. The dynamic behavior of HR during the course of standing has not yet been studied systematically in POTS.

Methods: HR and arterial blood pressure (ABP) were continuously monitored in 17 POTS patients and in 24 age‐matched controls at rest and during an 11‐minute phase of 80° tilt.

Results: ABP values at different time intervals of the protocol did not differ between the subgroups with the exception of higher diastolic pressures in POTS after 5 and 10 minutes of tilt. POTS patients showed a higher resting HR (80.6 ± 17.0 bpm vs 67.8 ± 10.9 bpm in controls, P < 0.05) and there was a continuous HR acceleration in the course of the 11‐minute tilt phase. In control subjects, the tilt‐induced HR increase was nearly completed after 1 minute with only a minimal further rise between minute 1 and minute 10 (from 83.7 ± 11.5 to 85.3 ± 11.9 bpm vs from 106.1 ± 15.6 to 120.1 ± 13.8 bpm in POTS).

Conclusions: Continuously progressing orthostatic tachycardia can serve as an additional criterion in the diagnosis of POTS. It may be related to the recently observed increased orthostatic capillary filtration rate in POTS.
Microcrack Evolution in Alumina Ceramics: Experiment and Simulation
Authors: Yousef S. Galal , Rödel J. , Fuller E. R. , Zimmermann A. , El‐Dasher B. S.
Published: September 2005

Thermal expansion induced spontaneous microcracking in large‐grained polycrystalline alumina was analyzed using experimental techniques as well as numerical simulations. A microstructure‐based finite‐element model (object oriented finite‐element analysis) was used to simulate the accumulation of microcrack damage upon cooling, taking the measured real crystallographic orientations of the grains into account. Crack initiation and propagation were simulated using a Griffith‐type fracture criterion. The computed evolution of Young's modulus as a function of temperature and grain size was compared with the corresponding experimental results.
Densification and Sintering Viscosity of Low‐Temperature Co‐Fired Ceramics
Authors: Mohanram Aravind , Messing Gary L. , Green David J.
Published: September 2005

In this paper, we present sintering and uniaxial viscosity data of three commercial low‐temperature co‐sintered ceramic systems, i.e., DuPont 951Tape (DU), Heraeus CT2000 (CT), and Ferro A6M (FE), measured by cyclic loading dilatometry. The viscosity initially decreases with temperature, changes little during the intermediate stage, and increases towards the end of densification. The viscosity increases sharply beyond the onset of crystallization. At slower heating rates, the viscosity increases at lower temperature, because of densification and crystallization. The isothermal viscosity data range from 0.1 to 100 GPa·s between 73% and 95% density. Ceramic particle‐filled glasses show a higher isothermal viscosity compared with pure glass system, i.e., FE. From master viscosity curves based on isothermal data, the activation energies for viscous flow were ∼375±30 and 450±10 kJ/mol for DU and FE, respectively. These energies are comparable to values obtained from the master sintering curve approach.
Co‐Firing of Spatially Varying Dielectric Ca–Mg–Silicate and Bi–Ba–Nd–Titanate Composite
Authors: Koh Young‐Hag , Knapp Angela , Halloran John W. , Kim Hae‐Won , Kim Hyoun‐Ee
Published: September 2005

A spatially variant dielectric Ca–Mg–silicate (CMS)/Bi–Ba–Nd–titania (BBNT) composite, in which periodic BBNT inclusions were embedded in the CMS matrix, was fabricated using the thermoplastic extrusion. The co‐firing behavior of the composite was evaluated in terms of its shrinkage compatibility, thermoplastic compatibility, and chemical compatibility. The noticeable shrinkage mismatch between CMS and BBNT materials was observed. Such shrinkage mismatch strongly affected the interfacial bonding types of the composites. The good interfacial bonding was observed for the composite having BBNT inclusions in the CMS matrix; however, the interfacial cracking and matrix cracking for the opposite design (i.e., CMS inclusions in the BBNT matrix). In addition, the (Ca, Zn)‐rich glassy phase in the CMS region migrated into the BBNT region, forming an interfacial reaction layer. The dielectric properties of the CMS, BBNT, and CMS–BBNT mixture were measured to evaluate the spatially variant dielectric CMS/BBNT composite as a novel dielectric substrate.
AlO4/SiO4 Distribution in Tetrahedral Double Chains of Mullite
Authors: Schmücker Martin , Schneider Hartmut , MacKenzie Kenneth J. D. , Smith Mark E. , Carroll Donna L.
Published: September 2005

The order–disorder of the tetrahedrally coordinated aluminum and silicon atoms in mullite has been investigated by means of 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Sinter (3/2) and fused (2/1) mullites in the as‐received state and reheated at 1750°C, and a reference sillimanite were used for this study. All mullites display similar 29Si NMR spectra: The strongest peak occurs at about −88 ppm, with two subpeaks close to −92 and −96 ppm. The −88 ppm signal is assigned to a sillimanite‐type environment with three aluminum oxygen tetrahedra as next nearest neighbors of the silicon oxygen tetrahedra. The two 29Si NMR signals near −92 and −96 ppm are assigned to silicon oxygen tetrahedra surrounded by two aluminum oxygen and one silicon oxygen tetrahedra, and one aluminum oxygen and two silicon oxygen tetrahedra, respectively. 29Si NMR spectra with different short‐range‐order parameters were simulated by an array of 2 × 10 000 tetrahedral positions by means of an adapted random generator. The comparison between measured and simulated mullite and sillimanite 29Si NMR spectra yields a moderate degree of tetrahedral aluminum–silicon order, with no tendency toward cation demixing.
Factors Controlling the Thermal Stability of Aluminum Titanate Ceramics in Vacuum
Authors: Low I. M. , Lawrence D. , Smith R. I.
Published: September 2005

Aluminum titanate (Al2TiO5) is a promising engineering material because of its low thermal expansion coefficient, excellent thermal shock resistance, good refractoriness, and nonwetting with most metals. However, it is susceptible to thermal dissociation in the temperature range of 800°–1280°C, which degrades its desirable properties. In this work, the various factors controlling the thermal instability of Al2TiO5 in the temperature range of 20°–1100°C have been characterized by neutron diffraction to study the temperature‐ and time‐dependence structural changes in real time during the process of thermal decomposition. Results show that the thermal stability of Al2TiO5 is strongly influenced by temperature, dwell time, heating rate, phase purity, grain size, atmosphere, and additives. Possible mechanisms of structure stabilization and instability in Al2TiO5 under different conditions are discussed.
When Is Momentum Conserved, and What About Car Crashes in Virginia?
Authors: Ehrlich Robert
Published: September 2005

Many years ago I consulted on the reconstruction of an automobile accident for an attorney. After writing a report on the accident, I was deposed by the other side's attorney, and my report was challenged. One key calculation in my report made use of the conservation of momentum in the crash, and the attorney notified me that arguments involving conservation of momentum are not recognized by courts in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Apparently the situation today is more mixed, according to an accident reconstructionist I recently spoke with, who noted that about half the judges (the “more open-minded ones”) do admit such arguments in court. This real-world experience with a conflict between the laws of physics and the laws of man made me reflect on whether there might be some validity to the disinclination of many judges to acknowledge a law of physics in their courtrooms.
The Hammer Falls: A Fresh Look at the Pile Driver
Authors: Hathcox Kyle , Ward David
Published: September 2005

The pile driver is a classic laboratory exercise that traditionally utilizes relationships from mechanics, such as work and energy, to determine the force involved in driving a nail. Many physics departments have a commercial device consisting of a metal mass (about 4.0 kg) that slides on two vertical metal rails. The rails are attached to a metal base at the bottom and a crosspiece at the top.1 Typically, instructors use the apparatus to find the average force needed to drive a nail in a board or crush a soda can.
Pizza Boy vs the Highway Department
Authors: Ilyes Mark A. , Filizzi James M.
Published: September 2005

Many physics teachers and physics education researchers have found that students are highly motivated by classroom or laboratory experiences involving practical, “real-life” scenarios.1 Rather than attempting to verify a known relationship, they are asked to use an existing relationship to solve some practical problem. The purpose of this experimental investigation is to determine the speed of a car prior to applying the brakes and skidding into a flatbed tractor-trailer.
Conceptualizing Series and Parallel Circuits Through 3-D Modeling
Authors: Minich Tony
Published: September 2005

Understanding series and parallel circuits involves conceptualizing how voltages drop and currents pass through an entire circuit. A technique that I found useful in helping students conceptualize and remember the nature of voltage drops in circuits involves sculpting 3-D wire models.
A Bernoulli's Law Lab in a Bottle
Authors: Guerra David , Plaisted Aaron , Smith Michael
Published: September 2005

Bernoulli's law is a fundamental relationship in fluid dynamics that is covered in most introductory physics courses. Basically a statement of conservation of energy for an open fluid system, Bernoulli's law is often used in labs and examples to analyze the lift force on a fixed wing or the forces on objects in a fluid flow.1–4 Although these are legitimate uses of the law, they do not introduce students to the way in which several concepts, such as Bernoulli's law and the conservation of mass, are used in combination to study the dynamics of fluid systems. Thus, to give students an easily understandable introduction to this method of analysis, we present a laboratory experience in which the drain time of water flowing out of an inverted soda bottle is measured and calculated for a set of easily interchangeable exit holes.
Using Science Fiction Movies in Introductory Physics
Authors: Dark Marta L.
Published: September 2005

This paper discusses the use of science fiction movies in introductory physics courses at Spelman College. There are several reasons to use these movies in the classroom environment. Movies are a visual learning aid. Introductory physics students show a strong interest in participating in movie-related activities compared to standard group problem-solving sessions. Finally, these activities encourage creative thinking and can be used to develop writing skills. The students involved with these movie-based activities have included biology and pre-medical majors taking general physics. In the introductory level courses, physics, chemistry, and engineering majors worked on movie-based activities.
Using and Writing Explorations in Science
Authors: Riendeau Diane
Published: September 2005

Diane Riendeau has been a physics teacher in suburban Chicago for 17 years and has been mentored by outstanding physics teachers such as Jim Hicks and Chris Chiaverina. She believes in building a foundation before discussing any equations by giving students a personal, fun experience with the concepts prior to classroom discussion. Believing that students should drive the discussions in class, Diane uses explorations to establish a common background and experiences from which they can contribute to the discussion.