bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Phase I-II Preoperative Biomarker Trial of Fenretinide in Ascitic Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Colombo Nicoletta , Formelli Franca , Cantù Maria Grazia , Parma Gabriella , Gasco Milena , Argusti Alessandra , Santinelli Alfredo , Montironi Rodolfo , Cavadini Elena , Baglietto Laura , Guerrieri-Gonzaga Aliana , Viale Giuseppe , Decensi Andrea
Published: October 2006

Purpose: To evaluate study feasibility, toxicity, drug concentrations, and activity of escalating doses of the synthetic retinoid fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4-HPR)] in ovarian cancer by measuring serum CA125 and cytomorphometric biomarkers in cancer cells collected from ascitic fluid before and after treatment.

Methods: Twenty-two naive patients with ascitic ovarian cancer were treated with escalating doses of 4-HPR at 0, 400, 600, and 800 mg/d for 1 to 4 weeks before surgery. Changes in the proportion of proliferating cells expressed by Ki67 and computer-assisted cytomorphometric variables (nuclear area, DNA index, and chromatin texture) were determined in ascitic cells. Drug levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results: Doses up to 800 mg/d were well tolerated, and no adverse reactions occurred. There was no effect of 4-HPR on changes in serum CA125, Ki67 expression, which were assessed in 75% of subjects, and cytomorphometric variables, which were assessed in 80% of subjects. Plasma retinol levels were significantly lower in affected women than healthy donors. 4-HPR plasma concentrations increased slightly with increasing doses and attained a 1.4 μmol/L concentration with 800 mg/d. Drug levels in malignant ascitic cells and tumor tissue were higher than in plasma but were 50 and 5 times lower, respectively, than in carcinoma cells treated in vitro with 1 μmol/L 4-HPR.

Conclusions: Cell biomarkers can be measured in ascitic cells to assess drug activity. Under our experimental conditions, 4-HPR did not show activity in advanced ovarian cancer cells. However, clinical evidence supports further investigation of fenretinide for ovarian cancer prevention. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1914–9)
Globalization, Migration, and the Challenges of Development in Africa
Authors: Akokpari John
Published: October 2006

The paper argues that, while globalization is a catalyst for international migration, its impact on Africa's development remains polemical. Generally, discussions on the impact of international migration on African development feature two contrasting views. One view, which is gradually gaining currency, points to tangible benefits from migration in the form of migrant remittance, which recent World Bank reports identify as the second largest form of capital flow to Africa after foreign direct investments (FDI). This view thus sees the impact of international migration on African development as positive. This paper, however, takes a different view and argues that the adverse effects of international migration on Africa, in the form of brain drain—the emigration of Africa's trained professionals—far outweighs the perceived advantages associated with migrant remittances. Consequently, on the aggregate, Africa's development suffers under the weight of international migration. The paper thus suggests the formulation of workable policies by the AU to manage the brain drain. Such policy measures should include a conscious attempt to address the root causes of the so-called "push factors" which instigate the emigration of Africa's brains in the first instance.
Polycarp of Smyrna, Letter to the Philippians
Authors: Holmes Michael
Published: October 2006

The Letter to the Philippians penned by Polycarp of Smyrna is sometimes dismissed as an example of a proof-texting moralism, indicative of the post-apostolic church’s fall from the heights of Pauline Christianity. Read on its own terms, this complex exhortatory letter reveals a vigorous, pastorally sensitive effort to integrate both behavioural and theological aspects of ‘righteousness’ as Polycarp seeks to maintain the stability and integrity of the Philippian congregation.
The Effects of Self-Efficacy and Relationship Harmony on Depression Across Cultures
Authors: Chen Sylvia Xiaohua , Chan Wai , Bond Michael Harris , Stewart Sunita Mahtani
Published: October 2006

Cross-cultural theories of individualism and collectivism have stimulated the development of the personal constructs of independence and interdependence to help us understand the working out of their cultural dynamics. To delineate the contributions of both personal or independent and interpersonal or interdependent predictors of depressive symptomatology, this study assessed self-efficacy and relationship harmony (peer and family) among adolescents in Hong Kong and the United States. By applying both level- and structure- oriented techniques, the authors tested cultural differences in the levels of the constructs and their linkage across gender and culture. The path leading from self-efficacy to depressed symptoms was significantly stronger for American adolescents than for Hong Kong adolescents, whereas the path of relationship harmony was statistically equivalent across the two cultures. Both pathways supplemented one another in their effects on depressive symptomatology in both cultures, underscoring the importance of managing both agency and communion in promoting psychological health.
Trinidadian and U.S. Citizens’ Attitudes Toward Domestic Violence and their Willingness to Intervene
Authors: Griffith Sandy-Ann M. , Negy Charles , Chadee Derek
Published: October 2006

In this study, Trinidadian ( n = 194) and U.S. ( n = 290) citizens were compared on their attitudes toward domestic violence (DV) as well as their willingness to intervene in five distinct DV contexts (when the DV involved an immediate family member, extended family member, a friend, neighbor, and a coworker). The results indicated that Trinidadians were modestly, albeit statistically significantly, more tolerant of DV compared to U.S. citizens—a finding that was accounted for primarily by age differences between the two national groups. Also, Trinidadians reported being significantly less willing to intervene in DV involving a friend, neighbor, and coworker than U.S. citizens, even after controlling for differences in sociodemographic variables. Regarding gender, women expressed significantly less tolerance for DV than men across nationality. Diverse interpretations of these findings are discussed in the context of culture.
Capitalizing on Value: Towards a Sociological Understanding of Kidnapping
Authors: Tzanelli Rodanthi
Published: October 2006

Kidnapping is a crime that has not received due attention in sociological literature. Policy and risk assessment milieux discursively construct it as a ‘threat to society’, and administrative studies have focused on classifications that describe the phenomenon. The most widespread typology of kidnapping incidents takes as a starting point criminal motivation, producing a bipolar analysis of the crime as economic or political. This article re-examines classificatory and discursive approaches, placing emphasis on the social logic of kidnapping. It is argued that kidnapping presents all the characteristics of a rationalized system of exchange, based on rules and regulations reminiscent of legitimate business. The way that these regulations are described by state authorities or private agents alike allows us an in-depth analysis of the crime itself.
The Role of Democratic Values in Transformational Leadership
Authors: Denhardt Janet V. , Campbell Kelly B.
Published: October 2006

Transformational leaders are typically seen as visionaries and catalysts of organizational change. Although organizational change is important, the transformational leadership model is vitally important and relevant to the public sector in ways that are not accounted for in this model. This article builds on and extends existing literature by identifying the key normative elements of a public sector transformational leadership model. Specifically, it focuses on why transformational leadership in the public sector should explicitly address democratic norms and the role of citizens and citizenship in both formulating and realizing shared goals.
Communities, care and domestic violence
Authors: Wilcox Paula
Published: October 2006

Whilst there has been a resurgence of interest in community in many fields in the UK this has been singularly missing in relation to domestic violence. Relatively little is known about informal community networks and their responsiveness to survivors of domestic violence and the intersections of these with formal agency networks. This paper argues that (mis)understandings of domestic violence, a focus on agency/state responses and the traditional association of discourses of caring with women have all been important contributory factors here. Drawing on an empirical study on the informal support of survivors in the north of England in the mid 1990s and current research with survivors in the south of England this paper reviews the evidence for arguing that, whilst community-based work against domestic violence raises particularly complex challenges, it is nevertheless essential to explore this as an additional strategy in tackling domestic violence.
Civil society between the state and society: Turkish women with Muslim headscarves?
Authors: Seckinelgin Hakan
Published: October 2006

Issues raised by women in relation to the wearing of Muslim headscarves challenge the assumed democratic rights of citizens and the conditions of distribution of social goods, such as education, in many countries in Europe. These demands to wear headscarves also point to a cleavage in the assumed relationship between state and civil society in democratic systems. By looking at the situation in Turkey, this study questions the priority given to civil society in the analysis of democratic systems as the space for social negotiation through which marginalized voices can participate in the democratic discussions. It is instead argued that in cases where state and the civil society are closely associated and share a similar socio-cultural value system in relation to the broader national identity, then the civil society ‘space’ is in practice very limited. This has serious consequences for both the claims of women in headscarves and for democratic rights in general.
The reforms of health care finance in Hong Kong and urban China: A mixed attitude to social welfare
Authors: Yu Wai Kam
Published: October 2006

Both the Hong Kong and Beijing governments intend to secure the functions of social welfare in enhancing the attractiveness of their economies to private capital by strengthening social stability and reducing the negative effects of social welfare on the private market. This article examines the difficulties they face in carrying out these two tasks at the same time with the focus on the health finance reforms in Hong Kong and urban China. Three questions are discussed: What are the causes of these reforms? What are their key features? What are the difficulties faced by the Hong Kong and Beijing governments in launching them?
Writing Into the 21st Century
Authors: Juzwik Mary M. , Curcic Svjetlana , Wolbers Kimberly , Moxley Kathleen D. , Dimling Lisa M. , Shankland Rebecca K.
Published: October 2006

This study charts the terrain of research on writing during the 6-year period from 1999 to 2004, asking “What are current trends and foci in research on writing?” In examining a cross-section of writing research, the authors focus on four issues: (a) What are the general problems being investigated by contemporary writing researchers? Which of the various problems dominate recent writing research, and which are not as prominent? (b) What population age groups are prominent in recent writing research? (c) What is the relationship between population age groups and problems under investigation? and (d) What methodologies are being used in research on writing? Based on a body of refereed journal articles ( n = 1,502) reporting studies about writing and composition instruction that were located using three databases, the authors characterize various lines of inquiry currently undertaken. Social context and writing practices, bi- or multi-lingualism and writing, and writing instruction are the most actively studied problems during this period, whereas writing and technologies, writing assessment and evaluation, and relationships among literacy modalities are the least studied problems. Undergraduate, adult, and other postsecondary populations are the most prominently studied population age group, whereas preschool-aged children and middle and high school students are least studied. Research on instruction within the preschool through 12th grade (P-12) age group is prominent, whereas research on genre, assessment, and bi- or multilingualism is scarce within this population. The majority of articles employ interpretive methods. This indicator of current writing research should be useful to researchers, policymakers, and funding agencies, as well as to writing teachers and teacher educators.
Politeness, Power, and Activity Systems
Authors: Bremner Stephen
Published: October 2006

This article, using data from a year-long study of writing processes in an institutional context, looks at the demands made on writers in workplace environments as they make requests of their colleagues. Building on Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory, the study takes a view of context as being a key factor in framing requests, in addition subscribing to the notion of context as an ongoing dynamic, or mutually constitutive activity system. Although the variables of relative power and degree of imposition are important factors in the choices writers make, a further consideration is the need to balance their own relational needs with the expectations of the institution as they create texts for multiple audiences. In addition, the linguistic choices writers make in such contexts as they position themselves in relation to their peers and those further up the hierarchy may also serve to define and reinforce their identity within the institution.
Wise Ways
Authors: Chatterjee Debashis
Published: October 2006

This article describes leadership as the process of evolving adaptive cultures by relating to reality in new ways. Leaders are change artists. They bring about change by creating institutions and communities where people learn to relate to each other in novel ways. Wise leaders transform the quality of relationships within organizations. They ask: What are we able to create together? In a transformational system monologue becomes multilogue. The article further explores the wisdom traditions of the world that have shed light on four fundamental values for personal and organizational excellence. Finally, the author argues that the way towards personal and organizational excellence is to explore the converging ground of these shared values in the form of four interrelated questions: What is right knowledge? What is right action? What is the right way to organize? How do we transform in order to sustain life?
Shaming the Inside Game
Authors: Imbroscio David L.
Published: October 2006

Liberal expansionism is the dominant approach to addressing the problems of American cities. This approach combines liberal political philosophy with the idea that these problems can be solved only by creating linkages between cities and resources beyond their boundaries. The case for liberal expansionism derives from the shaming of the inside game—a critique of community development and the progressive capacities of cities themselves. I develop a countercritique of this notion. I find that much of it is unjustified by empirical evidence, and instead, results from ideological bias. This conclusion suggests that the dominance of liberal expansionism be questioned.
Suburban Money in Central City Elections
Authors: Adams Brian E.
Published: October 2006

When candidates run for municipal office, do they rely on campaign contributions from suburbanites? This research note explores this question by analyzing fund-raising networks in four central cities: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. The majority of campaign contributions to mayoral and city council candidates come from within their city. While the fund-raising networks of central-city candidates extend into the suburbs, they only do so partially. In particular, they only connect to a handful of wealthy suburbs that are geographically close to the central city. Regional fund-raising networks are limited, indicating that the flow of political money does not mirror the economic and policy interdependence that has been documented by new regionalists.
Electronic Fortification in Phoenix
Authors: Monahan Torin
Published: October 2006

This article compares experiences of surveillance technologies in low-income public housing and affluent gated communities in Phoenix, Arizona. Contrary to the popular discourse of surveillance as ensuring protection from external threats, in practice, both groups feel subjected to undesired individual scrutiny and policing of their behaviors. Nonetheless, key differences exist. First, residents in gated communities possess relative mobility and minimal personal risk compared to those in public housing. Second, in public housing, the underlying logics behind surveillance are toward the enforcement of state laws, whereas in gated communities, they are toward the enforcement of conformity in appearance and behavior. The article argues that the dissonance between popular discourse and discourse of practice about surveillance technologies is representative of deeper social instabilities engendered by neoliberal forms of governance.
A Saga of Renewal in a Maine City: Exploring the Fate of Portland’s Bayside District
Authors: Bauman John F.
Published: October 2006

Historically, Bayside, a neighborhood like Monjoy Hill on the fringe of Portland, Maine’s downtown, served as the city’s “Zone of Emergence.” In 1944, it was declared in “need of renewing”; by 1970, barely a shell of Bayside remained. With tree-lined streets and Greek Revival, Italianate, and Second French Empire architecture, Bayside hardly fit the stereotype of a slum. This study not only examines Bayside’s changing socioeconomic configuration but also (within the context of the progressive housers’ rhetoric about deslumming) explores the Depression-era and post-World War II government-energized crusade against blight. Like Robert Fogelsong and Alison Isenberg find for larger cities, the study sees this Bayside-dooming campaign as having much more to do with saving the downtown from the threat of suburbia and white flight than with providing safe and sanitary housing and decent neighborhoods to the urban poor.
Current Status of Surge Research
Authors: Phillips Sally
Published: October 2006

The dramatic escalation of bioterrorism and public health emergencies in the United States in recent years unfortunately has coincided with an equally dramatic decline in the institutions and services we rely on for emergency preparedness. Hospitals in nearly every metropolitan area in the country have closed; those that remain open have reduced the number of available beds. “Just in time” supplies and health professional shortages have further compromised the nation's overall surge capacity. Emergency departments routinely operate at capacity. These circumstances make evidence‐based research on emergency preparedness and surge capacity both more urgently needed and more complex. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and other government and private agencies have been rapidly widening the field of knowledge in this area in recent months and years. This report focuses primarily on the work of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Case series of acute presentation of abdominal TB in Ghana
Authors: Ohene-Yeboah Michael
Published: October 2006

We report on a six-year prospective study to determine the presentation and outcome of acute abdominal TB at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Between January 1998 and December 2003, material for biopsy including resected bowel was taken from all cases of acute abdomen, which at laparotomy were suspected as one or other form of abdominal TB. TB-positive cases were then retrospectively analysed for clinical presentation and outcome of surgical treatment. There were 96 histologically proven cases of abdominal TB, 60 in women and 36 in men. Seventy patients (72.9%) were admitted as acute intestinal obstruction with acute abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, distension and fluid levels on abdominal X-ray. Twenty-two (22.9%) patients were admitted as acute diffused peritonitis - with generalized abdominal tenderness, guarding and rebound and four (4.2%) as acute appendicitis. There were 74 emergency bowel resections (77% resection rate) for 34 ileocaecal masses, 16 strictures, 10 perforations and 14 adhesions, with a mortality of 4.2%. Previous series from our subregion have reported similar emergency resection mortality rates for other abdominal conditions. All the patients received postoperative anti-TB therapy. This paper notes that acute intestinal obstruction is the most common acute presentation of abdominal TB in our environment. The results of emergency resection compare favourably with resection for other acute abdominal conditions.
The neurodevelopmental abilities of very-low-birthweight children in Trinidad, West Indies
Authors: Ali Zulaika , Ramcharan Jasmine
Published: October 2006

Neurodevelopmental abilities of 33 very-low-birthweight (VLBW) Trinidadian children and randomly selected matched pairs of classmates who were of normal birth weight were tested in 1998 at ages 68-88 months, using the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities. The 1 min Apgar score was significantly lower in the VLBW children, 6.5 (SD 1.0) versus 7.7 (SD 1.27), P-0.001. Mean scores on the McCarthy Scales for study and control children were: ( Table cannot be represented.)

These differences may reflect a delay in the neurodevelopment of these children. However, the effect of child-rearing practices and the inappropriateness of the test for the population cannot be ruled out.
Infection rate in closed fractures after internal fixations in a municipal hospital in Ghana
Authors: Saris C G J , Bastianen C A , Mvan Swieten E C A , Wegdam H H J
Published: October 2006

This prospective study conducted in the Holy Family Municipal Hospital in Techiman, Ghana aimed to determine the incidence of wound infection following internal fixation of closed fractures in a municipal hospital in a developing country. Between May 2000 and February 2005, 194 patients were treated for closed fractures, implanting a total of 215 internal fixations. Patients were reviewed 10, 30 and 120 days after operation. In 141 (73%) patients, a follow-up of four months was achieved. Of all patients, six developed an infection, two deep and four superficial. The cumulative incidence of wound infection after internal fixation was 3.3%.

This study demonstrates that the incidence of wound infection following internal fixation is comparable with hospitals in a temperate climate in industrialized countries. We therefore conclude that specific tropical risk factors play a minimal role in the development of wound infection.
Evaluation of tests for serological diagnosis of scrub typhus
Authors: Prakash J A J , Abraham O C , Mathai Elizabeth
Published: October 2006

Two specific serological tests, a Dot enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and an immunoglobulin (Ig)M enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the 56 kDa antigen and the Weil-Felix test were evaluated for diagnosis of scrub typhus. Sensitivity of 100, 86.5 and 43.5% were observed with Dot EIA, IgM ELISA and Weil-Felix test, respectively. False-positive reactions were observed in patients with falciparum malaria, pulmonary tuberculosis, S. viridans septicemia and typhoid fever using Dot EIA and IgM ELISA. Therefore, although Dot EIA and IgM ELISA are useful in the serodiagnosis of scrub typhus, efforts should be made to rule out other febrile illnesses.
Fournier gangrene
Authors: Vaz Igor
Published: October 2006

Fournier gangrene is a necrotizing infection involving the soft tissues of the male genitalia. It was first described in 1764 by Baurienne and given its eponymous name after Jean-Alfred Fournier in 1883 presented a case of perineal gangrene in an otherwise healthy young man.

While only 600 cases of Fournier gangrene have been reported in the world literature since 1996, it is a common and serious disease in Africa. In Maputo Central Hospital alone, between 12 and 16 cases are admitted every year and treated with a 20% mortality. The typical patient is an elderly male in his sixth or seventh decade with co-morbid diseases.

While considered to affect males only, a similar condition may occasionally affect the female genitalia.
Postpartum care attendance at a rural district hospital in Zambia
Authors: Lagro Marieke , Liche Agnes , Mumba Theresa , Ntebeka Ruth , van Roosmalen Jos
Published: October 2006

Postpartum care is an important tool in both preventive and promotive maternal health care. We studied the postpartum care attendance rate in 540 women who delivered at a district hospital in Zambia.

Forty-two percent of the women attended postpartum care within six weeks of delivery. Women who did not come for postpartum care were older and had to travel more hours to the hospital than women who attended postpartum care.

The low postpartum care attendance rate could be increased if health workers provided mother and child health care in an integrated way and were aware that recently delivered women also visit the hospital for reasons other than postpartum care. Health workers need to inform pregnant women about the benefits of postpartum care and make them feel welcome to attend this health service, also when women decide to deliver at home.
Endemic fluorosis in an isolated village in western Maharashtra, India
Authors: Bawaskar H S , Bawaskar P H
Published: October 2006

We surveyed 76 residents of a small village in Mahad Taluka, where the first index case of dental fluorosis was detected. Thirty-three (43.42%) cases of dental fluorosis were identified. The source of drinking water was a bore well with a fluoride content of 5.37 parts per million.
The acute abdomen and HIV
Authors: Cotton Michael
Published: October 2006

HIV-related disease continues to increase and presents the greatest single challenge to the medical practitioner seeking to alleviate suffering in the developing world. As a result, the practice of surgery cannot ignore the impact of HIV and must assess the implications of this new disease. Although much has been written of HIV-related surgical pathology, the preponderance of the literature reflects the experience of surgeons working in well-equipped hospitals in the First World where HIV prevalence is low and where there is ready access to a multiplicity of drug therapies and nursing backup.
Skin disorders among school children in rural Tanzania and an assessment of therapeutic needs
Authors: Ferié J , Dinkela A , Mbata M , Idindili B , Schmid-Grendelmeier P , Hatz C
Published: October 2006

Eight hundred and twenty primary school children were examined to assess the spectrum and prevalence of skin diseases in rural Tanzania. In all, 55% of the children had one or several skin disorders, but only 33% of all diagnoses in a cluster of 14% of the children required treatment. Tinea versicolor was found in 26.2%, pyoderma and dermatophytoses in less than 10%, while few children had scabies or eczematous lesions.
Hepatic histopathological findings in HIV patients at postmortem in Jos university teaching hospital, Nigeria
Authors: Echejoh Godwins O , Mandong Barnabas M , Tanko Matthew N , Manasseh Agabus N , Okeke Edith N , Agaba Emmanuel I
Published: October 2006

Multi-organ involvement by opportunistic infections and neoplasms is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS. We determined the spectrum/frequency of hepatic histopathological lesions in a prospective study of postmortem liver biopsies from 100 patients (50 females and 50 males, age range 18-55 years) who died from HIV/AIDS in Jos university teaching hospital, Nigeria. The majority of the patients, 65 (65%), had clinical tuberculosis. Granulomatous hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, non-specific reactive hepatitis (NSRH) and steatosis were the commonest hepatic histopathologic lesions occurring in 34, 20,15 and 12% of patients, respectively. Seven (7%) had normal histological features. This study shows that the liver is affected in HIV/AIDS as reported elsewhere in the world. Therefore, liver biopsy in HIV patients may be helpful in the management of these patients.
Exudative pleural effusion due to brucellosis in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Zengi Ayhan , Elmas Funda , Tasbakan Meltem , Basoglu Ozen Kacmaz , Ozhan Mustafa Hikmet
Published: October 2006

Pleural involvement is a rare presentation of brucellosis. We report a patient referred for the evaluation of fever, right-sided pleural effusion and hilar lymph node enlargement. The pleural fluid revealed exudative characteristics with the predominance of neutrophils. Brucella melitensis was isolated from bone marrow, pleural effusion and blood cultures. The diagnosis was also confirmed by demonstration of a high Brucella agglutinin titre. The patient was successfully treated with rifampicin and doxicycline for three months.
Hospital biohazard control: low-cost device for safe collection and disposal of hypodermic needles
Authors: Onayade A A , Omotoso A O , Olafimihan V B
Published: October 2006

This paper describes experience with a low-cost initiative for safe collection and disposal of hypodermic needles in health facilities in developing countries. Produced locally, a purpose-made container for collecting 500-1000 used hypodermic needles should cost no more than 20-50 US cents. Trial in our immunization clinic and injection room for the last year has shown its potential for injection safety generally and particularly during immunization campaigns.
Accuracy and cost-benefit of pooled versus singleton screening blood donations for anti-HIV: impact on different blood bank set-ups
Authors: Novack Lena , Pliskin Joseph S , Shinar Eilat , Safi Jamal , Sarov Batia
Published: October 2006

This study evaluates the accuracy and cost-benefit of implementing a pooled screening procedure in blood banks in general and especially in developing countries. The sensitivity of pooled testing was found to be relatively high, with the lowest levels estimated at about 98% for pools consisting of three, six, and 12 samples. Screening in pools of up to 12 samples is expected to be economically beneficial in countries with HIV prevalence rates of 8-10%, which cannot afford the cost of care for an HIV-infected patient.
Fever of unknown origin in North Jordan
Authors: Ammari F
Published: October 2006

This is a retrospective study of all patients admitted to Basma Teaching Hospital with a diagnosis of fever of unknown origin (FUO). The study took place from January 1995 to December 2001. Fifty-two patients fulfilled the criteria of FUO. Infections were responsible for 26 cases (50%), malignancy for eight cases (15%), connective tissue disorder for six cases (12%) and others for 12 cases (23%). Infections remain the most common causes of FUO in Jordan, mainly tuberculosis, brucellosis and typhoid fever.
Penile cancer associated with so-called low-risk human papilloma virus. Report of five cases from rural Venezuela
Authors: Dorfman S , Cavazza M , Cardozo J
Published: October 2006

Penile cancer is uncommon in western countries. It has been related to human papilloma virus (HPV) types 16 and 18. We describe five cases of carcinoma of the penis in men from a rural Venezuelan town that were related to HPV types 6, 11, 53, which represent a rather low risk for cancer.
Clinical and echocardiographic study of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Tanzania
Authors: Maro E E , Janabi M , Kaushik R
Published: October 2006

There are few published reports of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Africans, partly due to lack of Echocardiography machines at most hospitals. Among 6680 patients referred for echocardiography at Muhimbili National Hospital between June 1998 and October 2002, 134 (0.19%) patients had HCM. Their mean age was 54.8±14.2 years. In total 67.9% were men and 32.1% were women. Due to the diverse clinical features only eight (5.9%) patients had a correct diagnosis of HCM prior to their ECHO. The important role of echocardiography in the diagnosis of HCM is stressed with a plea for the increasing availability of this non-invasive technique for early and accurate diagnosis.
Blood transfusion in an emergency paediatric unit in Owerri, Nigeria: pattern and outcome
Authors: Nwolisa C E , Owoeye O O , Anyanwu C , Diogu C , Okeahialiam T C
Published: October 2006

The increasing number of patients presenting with severe anaemia and who invariably receive blood transfusion is of concern. This retrospective study reports the pattern of presentation and the outcome of management of patients who were transfused in the Emergency Paediatric Unit of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, between September 2002 and August 2004.
Pattern of paediatric renal disease in inpatients in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Etuk I S , Anah M U , Ochighs S O , Eyong M
Published: October 2006

A 10-year retrospective review of inpatients in Calabar showed that of 5641 children admitted,182 (3.2%) had renal disease. The major lesions were acute glomerulonephritis (36.9%) and nephrotic syndrome (30.7%), while less common ones included urinary tract infection (8.9%), obstructive uropathy, acute renal failure (6.7%, each) and nephroblastoma (6.2%).
Isolated renal and retroperitoneal hydatid cysts: a report of 23 cases
Authors: Kaya K , Gokce G , Kaya S , Kilicarslan H , Ayan S , Gultekin E Y
Published: October 2006

Isolated extrarenal retroperitoneal and renal echinococcal cysts are rare manifestations of hydatid disease. We report 23 cases of renal and other retroperitoneal hydatid cysts diagnosed and treated in our clinic. Flank pain, abdominal mass and non-specific symptoms such as nausea and vomiting were the major symptoms. Indirect haemagglutination test was positive in 18 cases and eosinophilia in four cases. Among imaging studies computerized tomography was the most valuable diagnostic examination. A high index of suspicion is needed for preoperative diagnosis of hydatid disease of kidney and retroperitoneum.
Fuzzy Logic Based Vector Control of a Doubly-Fed Induction Generator in Wind Power Application
Authors: Soloumah Hany M. , Kar Narayan C.
Published: October 2006

In this article, a fuzzy PI gain scheduler for a vector controller is developed to control a doubly-fed induction generator used in a variable speed wind turbine. Effects of both main flux and leakage flux saturation are considered in the machine model in order to obtain more realistic results. Extensive simulations have been carried out on the proposed system to investigate its dynamic performance. A comparison between the developed vector controller with the proposed fuzzy PI gain scheduler and the same vector controller with a conventional PI controller employing fixed gains shows that using the fuzzy PI gain scheduler, the system has better performance and faster dynamic response without any steady-state error.
Simulation Model of the Transmission Grid for a Large Offshore Windfarm, Used in Education and Research at the Technical University of Denmark
Authors: Akhmatov Vladislav , Nielsen Arne Hejde
Published: October 2006

A small test software-model for the transmission system containing a number of central power plants, consumption centres, local wind turbines and a large offshore windfarm has been implemented in the simulation tool Powerfactory (DigSilent). This model demonstrates the interaction between electricity-producing wind turbines and a realistic transmission system, for instance short-term voltage stability and ride-through capability of the wind turbines. The model has been developed by the Danish Transmission System Operator Energinet.dk for use by the Centre for Electric Technology (CET) at Technical University of Denmark. It has been applied in the education of electric power engineers and in research projects. An example of its use is presented.
Hybrid Passive-Active Absorption of Broadband Noise Using MPPs
Authors: Cobo P. , Fernández A.
Published: October 2006

Passive materials provide sound absorption in a frequency band whose low frequency limit depends on its thickness. In general, sound absorption in the lower frequency range requires such bulky materials that the passive solution becomes impractical, except for special installations, such as anechoic chambers. On the other hand, active systems allow control of the input impedance of multilayer absorbers, affording low frequency absorption. When the properties of the passive system are properly combined with the active controller, it is possible to design broadband sound absorbers with an absorption coefficient close to unity from 100 Hz. These systems are named hybrid passive-active absorbers. This paper describes the implementation of such a hybrid absorber, using a microperforated panel (MPP) as the passive material.
Analytical Investigation on the Effect of Gear Teeth Faults on the Dynamic Response of a Planetary Gear Set
Authors: Chaari Fakher , Fakhfakh Tahar , Haddar Mohamed
Published: October 2006

Due to excessive service load, inappropriate operating conditions or simply end of life fatigue, damage can occur in gears. When a fault, either distributed or localised, is incurred by gears, the stiffness and consequently vibration characteristics of the damaged tooth will change. In this work an analytical formulation of the time varying geannesh stiffness was derived. Two local tooth faults are modelled: tooth pitting and crack. Their influence on the gearmesh stiffness is analysed. A planetary gear set is presented as a case study to implement the tooth fault modelling. The response shows amplitude modulation resulting in high activity of sidebands.
Technical Note: Controlling the Impact Sound Insulation of Concrete Slab Floors
Authors: Seddeq Hoda S.
Published: October 2006

This paper investigates the impact sound attenuation of a concrete slab floor with different covering as topping layers. The basic covering is an extruded polystyrene foam board, reinforced with fiberglass mat and painted with special cementatious mortar. The concrete slab floor was tested with extruded polystyrene foam board of different thicknesses, foam board with thin rubber surfaces, and foam board with a thin rubber layer adhered to ceramic or vinyl tiles. Also, multi layers of extruded polystyrene foam board have been tested as a topping to the tested floor. The weighted normalized impact sound pressure level and weighted reduction of impact sound pressure level have been determined and used for comparison between the tested samples.
Classification of Human Induced Floor Vibrations
Authors: Toratti Tomi , Talja Asko
Published: October 2006

This paper summarizes results from vibration tests on floors. Classification of floors into five headings is given based on vibration characteristics. Suggested criteria and limiting values are proposed. These values are based on tests carried out on site and in laboratory conditions. It was found that the point load deflection is the best indicator for floor vibration design, when the fundamental frequency is higher than 10 Hz. It is further suggested that the deformation caused by the point load is divided into a local deflection mainly caused by soft toppings and floating floors and a global deflection of the main floor joists.
Measurement Methods Adapted to Wood Frame Lightweight Constructions
Authors: Villot Michel , Guigou-Carter Catherine
Published: October 2006

When building elements of wood-frame lightweight constructions are considered, laboratory acoustic measurement methods have to be rethought. Indeed, because lightweight elements are often highly damped, the vibrational fields are no longer reverberant and existing standards often lose relevance, particularly in the case of mechanical excitation (such as in impact noise measurements or in vibration reduction index measurements of junctions). In this paper, standardized methods are identified or new methods are proposed for characterizing lightweight elements in order to obtain input data for prediction models such as that adapted from the standards EN 12354-1 and −2 and described in a companion paper. Moreover, it is shown that a new parameter (the radiation efficiency) is required when predicting the performance of lightweight buildings. Measurement results are shown for both wall and floor elements and the results are discussed, particularly in comparison with heavy building elements.
Mapping the Sound Field of a 400 Seat Theater
Authors: Ermann Michael , Kidner M. R. F. , Mennitt D.
Published: October 2006

To what extent does a receiver's location in a room impact what is heard and can that impact be modeled? For this line of study, acoustic parameters of a 400 seat theater were mapped as a function of position at every-seat resolution to quantify the spatial disparity of a sound field. A 1:20 scale model and a ray-tracing software model were then constructed. This study seeks to (1) relate the sound decay rate and pressure level measured at one theater seat to that measured at others, (2) compare the inter-seat sound field maps measured across the frequency spectrum with an eye toward the Schroeder cut-off frequency, and (3) determine the models' reliability in replicating the measured inter-seat variation.
Prediction Method Adapted to Wood Frame Lightweight Constructions
Authors: Guigou-Carter Catherine , Villot Michel , Wetta Roland
Published: October 2006

When wood frame lightweight constructions are considered, both the standardized methods, EN 12354-1 and -2, for predicting building performances from the performances of building elements and the related standardized laboratory measurement methods for characterizing building elements and their junctions have to be reconsidered. In this paper, a prediction method based on Statistical Energy Analysis and adapted to lightweight constructions, is presented. It was applied to a two-storey four-room building where an analysis of the different transmission paths was required in order to understand and improve the acoustic performances of the building. Comparisons between results, expressed in terms of airborne and impact sound insulation between rooms, either directly measured or calculated using the prediction method, are given in the three cases of vertical, horizontal and diagonal transmission. A satisfactory agreement between calculated and measured results is obtained.
The Effect of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy on neutrophil chemotaxis
Authors: Sennaroḡlu Levent , Önerci Metin , Hascelik GÜlsen
Published: October 2006

Although tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are common surgical procedures, the effects of these operations on the immune system have not been thoroughly determined. Our data on neutrophil chemotaxic functions in a group of 17 patients with chronic tonsillitis and adenoid hypertrophy show that chronic tonsillitis and adenoid hypertrophy impair neutrophil chemotaxic functions and that there is a subsequent normalization of these values following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
Evidence for an Elders' Advantage in the Naive Product Usability Judgments of Older and Younger Adults
Authors: Stephens Eric C. , Carswell C. Melody , Schumacher Mitzi M.
Published: October 2006

Objective: To determine whose naive judgments of consumer product usability are more accurate---those of younger or older adults. Accuracy is here defined as judgments compatible with results from performance-based usability tests. Background: Older adults may be better able to predict usability problems than younger adults, making them particularly good participants in studies contributing to the user-centered design of products. This advantage, if present, may stem from older adults' motivation for more usable products or from their experience adapting their own environments to meet their changing physical, cognitive, and sensory needs. Method: Sixty older participants (ages 65-75 years) and 60 younger ones (ages 18-22 years) evaluated illustrations of consumer products on specific criteria (e.g., readability, learnability, or error rates). They either rated a single design for each product or ranked six alternative designs. They also explained their choices, indicated which features were most critical for usability, and selected usability-enhancing modifications. Results: Although there was no reliable age difference in the amount of usability information provided in the open-ended explanations, older adults were more accurate at ranking alternative designs, selecting the most usability-critical features, and selecting usability-enhancing modifications (all ps < .05). Conclusion: The usability judgments of older adults are more accurate than those of younger adults when these judgments are solicited in a fixed-alternative, but not open-ended, format. Application: Because older adults are more discerning about potential product usability problems, they may be particularly valuable as research participants in early-stage design research (prior to the availability of working prototypes).
Using Eye Movements to Evaluate a PC-Based Risk Awareness and Perception Training Program on a Driving Simulator
Authors: Pollatsek Alexander , Narayanaan Vinod , Pradhan Anuj , Fisher Donald L.
Published: October 2006

Objective: Evaluation of the effects of a PC-based training program on risk perception in a driving simulator. Background: Novice drivers have a fatality rate some eight times higher than that of the most experienced group of drivers, primarily because of the novice driver's inability to predict ahead of time the risks that will appear in the roadway. Current driver education programs, at least those in the United States, do not emphasize the teaching of risk awareness skills to novice drivers. Method: APC-based risk awareness and perception training program was developed and evaluated. The training involved using plan (top-down) views of 10 risky scenarios that helped novice drivers identify where potential risks were located and what information should be attended. Both the 24 trained novice drivers and 24 untrained novice drivers were evaluated on an advanced driving simulator. The eye movements of both groups of drivers were measured. The evaluation on the driving simulator included both scenarios used in the training and others not used in training. Results: The set of trained novice drivers were almost twice as likely as untrained drivers to fixate appropriately either on the regions where potential risks might appear or on signs that warned of potentially risky situations ahead, both for the scenarios they had encountered in training and for novel scenarios. Application: The PC training program developed, which is portable and can be widely used, has great promise in improving risk perception for novice drivers on the road.