bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compensation effects and compensation defects in kinetic and mechanistic interpretations of heterogeneous chemical reactions
Authors: Galwey Andrew K. , Mortimer Michael
Published: May 2006

A case is presented for kinetic compensation effects (KCEs) reported for sets of heterogeneous rate processes to be classified. Because many of these KCEs do not conform to the ideal of isokinetic behavior, a quantitative method for describing the degree of compensation (κ) is introduced. In the case of solid‐promoted catalytic reactions, it is suggested that (unlike simple homogeneous reactions) the effective concentrations and dispositions of surface intermediates can vary with temperature. Thus, the rate constants vary differently with temperature for the individual reactions of a set and, thereby, influence apparent magnitudes of the measured Arrhenius parameters. As a consequence, compensation is observed for sets of chemically related reactions occurring within a common temperature interval. KCEs are thus linked to mechanistic information and, depending on the magnitude of κ, for identifying shared features of catalytic rate controls. In this respect, the classification of KCEs is useful and can be based on similarities or differences between the reactants, catalysts, or experimental conditions in a given set of measurements. These ideas are demonstrated for selected sets of catalytic reactions. KCEs reported from a range of thermal decompositions of solids are also discussed. It is argued that, for mathematical as well as term definition reasons, compensation in this type of heterogeneous process is often artifactual and, therefore, cannot provide information of mechanistic value. Overall, it is concluded that a more thorough interpretation of compensation trends should lead to greater understanding of heterogeneous processes, particularly at the mechanistic level. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 464–473, 2006
Noninvasive diagnostic assessment of brain tumors using combined in vivo MR imaging and spectroscopy
Authors: Galanaud Damien , Nicoli François , Chinot Olivier , Confort‐Gouny Sylviane , Figarella‐Branger Dominique , Roche Pierre , Fuentès Stéphane , Le Fur Yann , Ranjeva Jean‐Philippe , Cozzone Patrick J.
Published: May 2006

To determine the potential value of multimodal MRI for the presurgical management of patients with brain tumors, we performed combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton MR spectroscopy (MRS) in 164 patients who presented with tumors of various histological subtypes confirmed by surgical biopsy. Univariate statistical analysis of metabolic ratios carried out on the first 121 patients demonstrated significant differences in between‐group comparisons, but failed to provide sufficiently robust classification of individual cases. However, a multivariate statistical approach correctly classified the tumors using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) of combined MRI and MRS data. After initial separation of contrast‐enhancing and non‐contrast‐enhancing lesions, 91% of the former and 87% of the latter were correctly classified. The results were stable when this diagnostic strategy was tested on the additional 43 patients included for validation after the initial statistical analysis, with over 90% of correct classification. Combined MRI and MRS had superior diagnostic value compared to MRS alone, especially in the contrast‐enhancing group. This study shows the clinical value of a multivariate statistical analysis based on multimodal MRI and MRS for the noninvasive evaluation of intracranial tumors. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of futility in clinical trials
Authors: Snapinn Steven , Chen Mon‐Gy , Jiang Qi , Koutsoukos Tony
Published: May 2006

The term ‘futility’ is used to refer to the inability of a clinical trial to achieve its objectives. In particular, stopping a clinical trial when the interim results suggest that it is unlikely to achieve statistical significance can save resources that could be used on more promising research. There are various approaches that have been proposed to assess futility, including stochastic curtailment, predictive power, predictive probability, and group sequential methods. In this paper, we describe and contrast these approaches, and discuss several issues associated with futility analyses, such as ethical considerations, whether or not type I error can or should be reclaimed, one‐sided vs two‐sided futility rules, and the impact of futility analyses on power. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting the effects of area closures and fishing effort restrictions on the production, biomass, and species richness of benthic invertebrate communities
Authors: Hiddink J.G. , Hutton T. , Jennings S. , Kaiser M.J.
Published: May 2006

To effectively implement an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF), managers need to consider the effects of management actions on the fishery and the ecosystem. Methods for assessing the effects on target stocks are generally well developed, but methods for assessing the effects on other components and attributes of the ecosystem are not. Area closures and effort controls are widely used fishery management tools that affect the distribution of fishing effort and may therefore have consequences for a range of species and habitats. An approach is developed to predict the effects of area closures and effort control on the biomass, production, and species richness of benthic communities in the North Sea. The redistribution of beam trawling effort as a result of management action was modelled with a random utility model, assuming that fishers selected fishing grounds on the basis of their knowledge of past catch rates. The effects of trawling on benthic invertebrates were predicted using a size-based model that accounted for differences in habitat among fishing grounds. Our simulations demonstrated that closures of different sizes and in different locations could have positive or negative effects on benthic communities. These predicted effects resulted from the trade-off between recovery in the closed areas and additional trawling effects in the open areas that arose from displaced fishing activity. In the absence of effort controls, closure of lightly fished areas had the strongest positive effect on benthic communities. Effort reduction also had a positive effect. Therefore, area closures in lightly fished areas, coupled with effort reduction, are expected to minimize the effects of fishing on benthic communities. As it was not possible to access full international data for the North Sea beam trawl fleet, the results of the analyses are illustrative rather than complete. Nevertheless, what is demonstrated is an effective approach for assessing the environmental consequences of fishery management action that can be used to inform management decision-making as part of an EAF.
Parathyroid adenocarcinoma in a nephropathic persian cat
Authors: Cavana Paola , Vittone Valentina , Capucchio Maria T. , Farca Anna M.
Published: May 2006

This report describes an uncommon clinical case of cystic parathyroid adenocarcinoma. A 17-year-old male Persian cat was presented for evaluation of a ventral cervical mass. The cat was inappetent and showed weight loss, polydipsia and vomiting. Serum biochemistry and urinalysis revealed moderate hypercalcaemia, a mild increase of creatinine, isosthenuria and proteinuria. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-agarose gel electrophoresis showed a mixed tubular proteinuric pattern, in accordance with histological examination that revealed interstitial nephritis and glomerulonephritis. Diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma was based on histopathological findings.
On the surface stability of liquid conductors in electromagnetic shaping
Authors: Felici Thomas P.
Published: May 2006

In a process involving electromagnetic shaping, a high-frequency electromagnetic field is used to deform a liquid conductor into a required shape. This is particularly relevant to processes such as levitation melting. In this paper the stability of such configurations are investigated. The second variation of an appropriate energy functional is derived whose minimum states correspond to stable configurations, thus providing a stability criterion. As an example, this is applied to the shaping of a levitated cylinder of circular cross-section and to an almost spherical axisymmetric shape. In both cases we find that these shapes are unstable. We then consider enclosing the entire shaping device in a metal shield, thus preventing the escape of the magnetic field. It is then shown that in general the shield has a stabilizing effect, whose exact nature depends on the topology of the liquid shape and on the field structure on its surface. This differing behaviour is discussed for two-dimensional spherical and toroidal shapes.
The bifurcation of steady gravity water waves in (R, S) parameter space
Authors: Doole S. H. , Norbury J.
Published: May 2006

The bifurcation of steady periodic waves from irrotational inviscid streamflows is considered. Normalizing the flux Q to unity leaves two other natural quantities R (pressure head) and S (flowforce) to parameterize the wavetrain. In a well-known paper, Benjamin & Lighthill (1954) presented calculations within a cnoidal-wave theory which suggested that the corresponding values of R and S lie inside the cusped locus traced by the sub- and supercritical streamflows. This rule has been applied since to many other flow scenarios. In this paper, regular expansions for the streamfunction and profile are constructed for a wave forming on a subcritical stream and thence values for R and S are calculated. These describe, locally, how wave brances in (R, S) parameter space point inside the streamflow cusp. Accurate numerics using a boundry-integral solver show how these constant-period branches extend globally and map out parameter space. The main result is to show that the large-amplitude branches for all steady Stokes’ waves lie surprisingly close to the subcritical stream branch, This has important consequences for the feasibility of undular bores (as opposed to hydraulic jumps) in obstructed flow. Moreover, the transition from the ‘long-wave region’ towards the ‘deep-water limit’ is char-acterized by an extreme geometry, bith of the wave branches and how they sit inside each other. It is also shown that a single (Q, R, S) trriple may represent more than one wave since the global branches can overlap in (R, S) parameter space. This non-uniqueness is not that associated with the known premature maxima of wave propertties as functions of wave amplitude near waves of greatest height.
Die chronische gastrointestinale Blutung
Authors: Orlandi  , Inauen
Published: May 2006

Eine chronische gastrointestinale Blutung kann sich durch sichtbare, wiederholte Blutabgänge ab ano (in Form von Meläna oder Frischblut) oder durch wiederholte Hämatemesis manifestieren. Als okkulte gastrointestinale Blutungen bezeichnet man einen wiederholt positiven Hämokkult-Test und/oder eine Eisenmangelanämie ohne sichtbaren Blutabgang. Die Hauptursache für eine Eisenmangelanämie wiederum ist ein Blutverlust vorwiegend aus dem Magen-Darm-Trakt (bei Frauen kann es auch im Rahmen einer starken Menstruationsblutung zu einer Eisenmangelanämie kommen). Etwa 5% aller Patienten mit chronischer gastrointestinaler Blutung weisen trotz einer initialen Abklärung mittels Gastroskopie und Kolonoskopie keine erfassbare Blutungsquelle auf. Die Mehrzahl der Blutungsquellen liegt in dieser Situation im Dünndarm (z.B. Angiodysplasien, Meckel-Divertikel, NSAR-Enteropathie, Neoplasien). Falls bei wiederholter Blutungsanämie eine Blutungsquelle im oberen Verdauungstrakt und im Kolon/terminalen Ileum ausgeschlossen werden kann, sollte eine Blutungsquelle im Dünndarm gesucht werden. Dies kann mittels Push-Enteroskopie, Kapsel-Endoskopie, Dünndarmpassage, nuklearmedizinischen Untersuchungen, Angiographie oder intraoperativer Enteroskopie erfolgen. Welche Untersuchungsmethode jeweils angewendet wird, hängt von der klinischen Situation des Patienten ab. Die intraoperative Enteroskopie ist für Patienten mit wiederholten, schweren Blutungen indiziert, oder wenn mittels anderer Verfahren eine Läsion identifiziert werden konnte (z.B. bei der Kapsel-Endoskopie), welche mit konventionellen endoskopischen Verfahren nicht behandelt werden kann. Dieser Artikel gibt eine Übersicht bezüglich Differentialdiagnose und Abklärungsstrategie bei Patienten mit einer chronischen gastrointestinalen Blutung.
Qualitätskriterien, die Altenpflegeheimbewohnern und Angehörigen wichtig sind – Eine Literaturanalyse
Authors: Josat Sabine , Schubert Hans-Joachim , Schnell Martin W. , Köck Christian
Published: May 2006

Die vorliegende Literaturanalyse geht der Frage nach, welche Qualitätskriterien Altenpflegeheimbewohnern und Angehörigen wichtig sind. Dazu wurden 13 relevante Forschungsartikel aus der internationalen Literatur einer Analyse unterzogen. Für Bewohner sind zwei Gruppen von Qualitätskriterien wichtig: einerseits solche, die sich auf die autonome Ausgestaltung ihrer Lebensführung beziehen, andererseits Kriterien, welche die selbständige Gestaltung sozialer Kontakte und Beziehungen ermöglichen. Im Gegensatz dazu erwähnen Angehörige im besonderen Maße Qualitätskriterien, welche die Qualität der Versorgung und die Ausstattung und Struktur der Institution betreffen. Aus der Perspektive der Angehörigen ist am wichtigsten, dass sich der Bewohner im Heim wohl fühlt.
Evidence for the Factorial Validity of the Dispositional Hope Scale
Authors: Roesch Scott C. , Vaughn Allison A.
Published: May 2006

Confirmatory factor analyses were employed to test the factorial validity and structure of the Dispositional Hope Scale (DHS; Snyder et al., 1991 ). In a large multiethnic sample (n = 1031), a two-factor representation of the DHS fit the data significantly better than a one-factor model. These findings suggest that the DHS is better conceptualized as being composed of Agency and Pathways components and not as a unidimensional representation of general hope. Multigroup analyses revealed that the factor pattern coefficients were invariant across gender and ethnic groups, respectively, thus establishing metric invariance of the DHS. However, item intercepts, item uniqueness terms, the factor variance for the Agency factor, and both the Agency and Pathways latent factor means statistically differed as a function of gender (but not ethnicity). These findings suggest that while the two-factor structure of the DHS is relatively stable and robust, both measurement and substantive differences as a function of gender must be accounted for.
Measurements of the magnetic field induced by a turbulent flow of liquid metal
Authors: Nornberg M. D. , Spence E. J. , Kendrick R. D. , Jacobson C. M. , Forest C. B.
Published: May 2006

Initial results from the Madison Dynamo Experiment provide details of the inductive response of a turbulent flow of liquid sodium to an applied magnetic field. The magnetic field structure is reconstructed from both internal and external measurements. A mean toroidal magnetic field is induced by the flow when an axial field is applied, thereby demonstrating the omega effect. Poloidal magnetic flux is expelled from the fluid by the poloidal flow. Small-scale magnetic field structures are generated by turbulence in the flow. The resulting magnetic power spectrum exhibits a power-law scaling consistent with the equipartition of the magnetic field with a turbulent velocity field. The magnetic power spectrum has an apparent knee at the resistive dissipation scale. Large-scale eddies in the flow cause significant changes to the instantaneous flow profile resulting in intermittent bursts of nonaxisymmetric magnetic fields, demonstrating that the transition to a dynamo is not smooth for a turbulent flow.
Modeling ion-induced electrons in the High Current Experiment
Authors: Stoltz P. H. , Verboncoeur J. P. , Cohen R. H. , Molvik A. W. , Vay J.-L. , Veitzer S. A.
Published: May 2006

A primary concern for high current ion accelerators is contaminant electrons. These electrons can interfere with the beam ions, causing emittance growth and beam loss. Numerical simulation is a main tool for understanding the interaction of the ion beam with the contaminant electrons, but these simulations then require accurate models of electron generation. These models include ion-induced electron emission from ions hitting the beam pipe walls or diagnostics. However, major codes for modeling ion beam transport are written in different programming languages and used on different computing platforms. For electron generation models to be maximally useful, researchers should be able to use them easily from many languages and platforms. A model of ion-induced electrons including the electron energy distribution is presented here, including a discussion of how to use the Babel software tool to make these models available in multiple languages and how to use the GNU Autotools to make them available on multiple platforms. An application to simulation of the end region of the High Current Experiment is shown. These simulations show formation of a virtual cathode with a potential energy well of amplitude 12.0eV, approximately six times the most probable energy of the ion-induced electrons. Oscillations of the virtual cathode could lead to possible longitudinal and transverse modulation of the density of the electrons moving out of the virtual cathode.
Electronic structures and chemical bonding in transition metal monosilicides MSi (M=3d, 4d, 5d elements)
Authors: Wu Z. J. , Su Z. M.
Published: May 2006

Bond distances, vibrational frequencies, electron affinities, ionization potentials, dissociation energies, and dipole moments of the title molecules in neutral, positively, and negatively charged ions were studied using the density functional method. Ground state was assigned for each species. The bonding patterns were analyzed and compared with both the available data and across the series. It was found that besides an ionic component, covalent bonds are formed between the metal s,d orbitals and the silicon 3p orbital. The covalent character increases from ScSi (YSi) to NiSi (PdSi) for 3d (4d) metal monosilicides, then decreases. For 5d metal monosilicides, the covalent character increases from LaSi to OsSi, then decreases. For the dissociation of cations, the dissociation channel depends on the magnitude of the ionization potential between metal and silicon. If the ionization potential of the metal is smaller than that of silicon, channel MSi+→M++Si is favored. Otherwise, MSi+→M+Si+ will be favored. A similar behavior was observed for anions, in which the dissociation channel depends on the magnitude of electron affinity.
Magnetoelectric microwave phase shifter
Authors: Tatarenko A. S. , Srinivasan G. , Bichurin M. I.
Published: May 2006

An electric field tunable yttrium iron garnet (YIG)-lead zirconate titanate (PZT) phase shifter based on ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) is designed and characterized. The electric field control of the phase shift δφ arises through magnetoelectric interactions. The piezoelectric deformation in PZT in an electric field E leads to a shift in the FMR frequency in YIG and a phase shift. For E=5–8kV∕cm applied across PZT, δφ=90°–180° and an insertion loss of 1.5–4dB are obtained. Theoretical estimates of δφ are in excellent agreement with the data.
Predictability of ecosystem engineering effects on species richness across environmental variability and spatial scales
Authors: WRIGHT JUSTIN P. , JONES CLIVE G. , BOEKEN BERTRAND , SHACHAK MOSHE
Published: May 2006

The effect of physical ecosystem engineering – structurally mediated modification of the abiotic environment by organisms – on species richness and composition probably depends on the area of observation and environmental context.

We develop specific hypotheses to evaluate how such effects will vary with spatial scale and environmental variability, and test these hypotheses by examining the effects of shrub mounds on the diversity of annual plant communities in the Negev Desert, Israel.

We find that previously reported increases in species richness at small spatial scales as a result of shrub mounds are maintained at large spatial scales because shrub mounds host a number of species never found in adjacent crust patches.

We find that the magnitude of this effect is dependent on annual precipitation, with shrub mounds having a smaller effect in years with higher precipitation.

The results generally support our hypotheses. Given the ubiquity of ecosystem engineering, these results have the potential to explain variation in patterns of ecosystem engineer‐induced diversity across ecosystems and environmental gradients. In general, understanding the interactions between resources modified by an ecosystem engineer and the availability of these resources in unmodified habitats aids prediction of the magnitude of the effects of an ecosystem engineer on diversity.
Translocation of viable Aeromonas salmonicida across the intestine of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)
Authors: Jutfelt F , Olsen R E , Glette J , Ringø E , Sundell K
Published: May 2006

The pathogenic bacterium Aeromonas salmonicida is the causative agent of the destructive disease furunculosis in salmonids. Horizontal transmission in salmonids has been suggested to occur via the skin, gills and/or intestine. Previous reports are contradictory regarding the role of the intestine as a route of infection. The present study therefore investigates the possibility of bacterial translocation across intestinal epithelia using Ussing chamber technology, in vitro. Intestinal segments were exposed for 90 min to fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labelled pathogenic A. salmonicida. Sampling from the serosal side of the Ussing chambers showed that bacteria were able to translocate across the intestinal epithelium in both the proximal and distal regions. Plating and subsequent colony counting showed that the bacteria were viable after translocation. During the 90 min exposure to A. salmonicida, the intestinal segments maintained high viability as measured by electrical parameters. The distal region responded to bacterial exposure by increasing the electrical resistance, indicating an increased mucus secretion. This study thus demonstrates translocation of live A. salmonicida through the intestinal epithelium of rainbow trout, suggesting that the intestine is a possible route of infection in salmonids.
Effectiveness of Excimer Laser‐Assisted Pacing and ICD Lead Extraction in Children and Young Adults
Authors: MOAK JEFFREY P. , FREEDENBERG VICKI , RAMWELL CAROLYN , SKEETE ALLISON
Published: May 2006

Background: High capture thresholds, decreased electrical sensing, and lead fractures continue to be a problem in children undergoing transvenous pacing. The clinician must therefore decide at the time of pacing system revision to either abandon chronically implanted transvenous pacing leads or extract them.

Methods: We report our experience using an excimer laser‐assisted (LA) strategy for removing chronically implanted pacing (36) and implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) (7) leads in children and young adults. The study population consisted of 25 patients, in whom 29 procedures were performed. The patients ranged in age from 8.4 to 39.9 years, median age was 13.9 years, at the time of the extraction procedure. In all procedures, a Spectranectics™ locking stylet and excimer laser sheath were used to assist in lead extraction.

Results: Lead removal was complete for 39 (91%) leads, and partial for four leads. In two patients, the pacing lead tip was retained and in two, the ring electrode from a bipolar pacing lead was left in situ. All ICD leads were removed completely. Two major complications occurred—cardiac perforation and tamponade (1), and thrombosis of the left subclavian/innominate vein (1). LA extraction facilitated the implantation of new pacing or ICD leads in three patients with obstructed venous access.

Conclusions: Removal of pacing and ICD leads using an excimer LA technique was highly successful. Lead removal was complete in 91%. The most common indication for lead removal in our study was lead fracture. Complications were few, but may be significant.
Clinical outcome of patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: the bug, the host, or the environment?
Authors: Sgouros S N , Bergele C
Published: May 2006

It is well established that only a minority of patients with Helicobacter pylori infection develop severe inflammation leading to peptic ulcer or gastric cancer. Recent evidence suggests that the virulence factors of the organism do not seem crucial in the progression of inflammation towards a more severe disease. It seems probable that other host derived and environmental factors are more significant in determining clinical outcome but additional studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of infection.
A single centre cohort experience with a new once daily antiretroviral drug
Authors: Stebbing J , Bower M , Holmes P , Gazzard B , Nelson M
Published: May 2006

Background

Atazanavir, an azadipeptide protease inhibitor (PI) with once daily dosing, a lack of insulin resistance, lipid increase, and gastrointestinal toxicities, is approved in combination with other antiretrovirals for the treatment of patients infected with HIV. Unboosted atazanavir is also used in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) naive patients.

Methods

The study prospectively followed up an established cohort of patients who received atazanavir, and for whom one year of follow up data were available.

Results

It was found that use of atazanavir in intent to treat and on treatment analyses, maintained and led to virological suppression and increases in CD4 count in both PI naive and experienced patients. Virological failure occurred in 7% of patients and the main toxicity was hyperbilirubinaemia, which led to treatment withdrawal in 2%. Its efficacy and safety profile was similar to that seen in previous randomised studies investigating its use.

Conclusions

These data should provide reassurance for clinicians wishing to introduce a new antiretroviral into an established cohort.
HAVE PENTAQUARK STATES BEEN SEEN?
Authors: BURKERT VOLKER D.
Published: May 2006

The status of the search for pentaquark baryon states is reviewed in light of new results from the first two dedicated experiments from CLAS at Jefferson Lab and of new analyses from several labs on the Θ+(1540). Evidence for and against the heavier pentaquark states, the Ξ(1862) and the [Formula: see text] observed at CERN and at HERA, respectively, are also discussed. I conclude that the evidence against the latter two heavier pentaquark baryons is rapidly increasing making their existence highly questionable. I also conclude that the evidence for the Θ+ state has significantly eroded with the recent CLAS results, but still leaves room for a state with an intrinsic width of Γ < 0.5 MeV . New evidence in support of a low mass pentaquark state from various experiments will be discussed as well.
ULTRA–HIGH-ENERGY COSMIC RAYS
Authors: WESTERHOFF STEFAN
Published: May 2006

One of the most striking astrophysical phenomena today is the existence of cosmic ray particles with energies in excess of 1020 eV. While their presence has been confirmed by a number of experiments, it is not clear where and how these particles are accelerated to these energies and how they travel astronomical distances without substantial energy loss. We are entering an exciting new era in cosmic ray physics, with instruments now producing data of unprecedented quality and quantity to tackle the many open questions. This paper reviews the current experimental status of cosmic ray physics and summarizes recent results on the energy spectrum and arrival directions of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays.
LEPTON PHOTON SYMPOSIUM 2005: SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK
Authors: HALZEN FRANCIS
Published: May 2006

Lepton Photon 2005 told the saga of the Standard Model which is still exhilarating because it leaves all questions of consequence unanswered.
Deep Lamellar Keratoplasty in the Treatment of Keratoconus
Authors: Pakrou Nima , Fung Shirley , Selva Dinesh , Chehade Mark , Leibovitch Igal
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To present our experience with a series of patients treated with deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLK) for keratoconus (KC). Design: A single surgeon, prospective, consecutive series.Method: The study included all patients with KC who underwent DLK between March 1999 and November 2003 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. The parameters evaluated included patients’ demographics, pre- and post-operative best corrected visual acuities, post-operative keratometry, and intra- and post-operative complications. Results: There were 22 patients (23 eyes); 10 females and 12 males, with a mean age of 35 ± 13 years (median, 33.5; range, 17–73). The median follow-up period was 13 months (range 7–38). In 89% (16/18) of eyes which underwent DLK, and in which a visual acuity could be obtained, a best corrected visual acuity of at least 6/12 was recorded. There were two episodes of Descemet’s membrane perforation (8.7%), in which the procedure was converted to penetrating keratoplasty without complications. One patient developed a double anterior chamber, which resolved spontaneously without consequences. Conclusion: The visual outcomes and complication rates seen in our series are comparable to the recent published literature. Hence DLK can be considered as a suitable alternative to penetrating keratoplasty for the surgical treatment of KC.
Instrumentation and Technique for Delivery of Tissue Explants to the Subretinal Space
Authors: Thumann Gabriele , Aisenbrey Sabin , Schaefer Frank , Bartz-Schmidt Karl Ulrich
Published: May 2006

Purpose: The controlled orientation of subretinal or intraretinal delivery of delicate tissue sheets is a critical problem in retinal transplantation research. Methods: A surgical device (explant injector) was designed and built for the controlled delivery of tissue explants into the subretinal or intraretinal space via a vitrectomy approach. The technical feasibility was demonstrated in enucleated porcine eyes. Results: Using negative pressure, the injector allows for the fixation of an explant, such as a monolayer of cells cultured on a collagen membrane, on the carrier platform. The sheet can then be placed safely without loss of orientation in the subretinal space. Conclusions: With the aid of the explant injector, it is possible to deliver an explant with the proper orientation to a precise location in the subretinal space.
Patent Blue: A Novel Vital Dye in Vitreoretinal Surgery
Authors: Mennel Stefan , Meyer Carsten H. , Tietjen Andreas , Rodrigues Eduardo B. , Schmidt Jörg C.
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To determine a novel vital dye (patent blue; Blueron®) for vitreoretinal surgery in a prospective consecutive case series. Methods: Five patients with either idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM; n = 2), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (n = 2), or a macular hole (n = 1) underwent a three-port pars plana vitrectomy. Patent blue assisted staining of the retinal surface followed by a consecutive peeling of the ERM (n = 4) or of the internal limiting membrane (ILM; n = 1) was performed. The main outcome measures were quality of intraoperative visualization of preretinal structures and postoperative visual acuity. Results: The dye induced a moderate staining (++) of the ERM and a mild staining (+) of the ILM. Complete ERM and ILM removal was successfully achieved in all cases. A mean visual improvement of three Snellen lines was observed 6 months postoperatively. No visual field defects or visible retinal pigment epithelial changes were present 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Patent blue, a novel dye for intraocular applications, may be added as an alternative dye in chromovitrectomy.
Transtympanic Steroids as a Salvage Therapy in Sudden Hearing Loss: Preliminary Results
Authors: Dallan Iacopo , Bruschini Luca , Nacci Andrea , Bruschini Paolo , Traino Claudio , Rognini Ferdinando , Fattori Bruno
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To understand the real efficacy of transtympanic steroid therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) in patients in whom traditional therapies have failed. Procedures: A prospective study was designed in order to evaluate hearing improvement in SSHL patients treated with transtympanic therapy. A solution of methyl-prednisolone (MP) and sodium bicarbonate was administered via a transtympanic injection to 8 patients. Hearing level was evaluated before therapy and at days 1, 7 and 30. Results: Hearing improvement was obtained in 75% of the patients. The patients in this category are usually considered untreatable. Conclusion: Transtympanic steroid therapy is an efficacious solution for patients affected by SSHL in whom traditional therapies have failed. Further studies will be required to identify the most favourable dosage, route of administration and type of steroid. Transtympanic steroid application is safe, inexpensive, easy to perform and efficacious in cases of SSHL not responsive to traditional therapy.
The Technique of the Pluralistic State
Authors: Coker Francis W.
Published: May 2006

What is the pluralistic theory of the state? Roughly speaking, we may identify the pluralistic theory as that theory which denies the logical validity and the practical and moral adequacy of the traditional doctrine of state sovereignty, or of the doctrines of sovereignty which have prevailed since the eras of Bodin and Hobbes, and have in a peculiar degree dominated political thought since the time of John Austin. Although the pluralist dogma does not take precisely the same form for all of its adherents, views held in common by them all are to be found in the chief criticisms which they offer against what they regard as the now prevailing notions of state authority and competence. The pluralists maintain that sovereignty is not, in any community, indivisible, and they deny that the state either is or ought to be sovereign in any absolute or unique sense. They cite many facts of recent political and social experience to discredit the belief that the state does persistently exercise sovereignty over other essential social groups; they argue that the tendency of social and industrial change today is in the direction of a progressive weakening and narrowing of state power; and they hold that the effect of a still further disintegration and decentralization of authority will be to improve the economic, moral and intellectual well-being of man and society.
The Constitutional Convention of Massachusetts
Authors: Evans Lawrence B.
Published: May 2006

The constitutional convention of Massachusetts which assembled in the city of Boston, June 6, 1917, and finally terminated its labors at a short session of two days in August, 1919, is the fourth body of this kind which the Old Bay State has had. The first convention was held in 1779 and 1780 in Cambridge and Boston, and formulated the constitution of 1780. This instrument, to which sixty-six amendments have been added, is the oldest written constitution now in force anywhere in the world. The second convention was held in 1820, and submitted a series of resolutions part of which were adopted and part rejected by the people. A third convention met in 1853 all of whose proposals were rejected. After an interval of sixty-four years, a fourth convention was called, which met in 1917 and again in 1918 and yet again in 1919. It submitted to the people twenty-two amendments and a revised draft of the constitution, all of which were accepted.

The convention was composed of 320 delegates. Of these 16 were elected at large, 4 were elected by each congressional district, and the remaining 240 were elected from the districts created for the purpose of choosing members of the state house of representatives. They were elected without party designations, but before the election took place, the lines between the friends and the opponents of the initiative and referendum were rather sharply drawn, and this served practically all the purposes of party organization and designation. In fact, this question dominated the whole of the first session of the convention and overshadowed other questions which were probably of greater importance.
Constitutionality of Merit System Legislation
Authors: Arneson Ben A.
Published: May 2006

Constitutional objections to many of the provisions of the civil service laws have been raised in several of the jurisdictions in which such legislation has been enacted. In addition to the national government there are today ten states which have provided for the application of the merit system to the appointment of all or a portion of the administrative officers and employees. These ten states with the dates of the adoption of the law are as follows: New York, 1883; Massachusetts, 1884; Wisconsin, 1905; New Jersey, 1908; Illinois, 1911; Colorado, 1912; Ohio, California and Connecticut, 1913; and Kansas, 1915. In Illinois and Colorado the employees in the state institutions had been under the merit system for several years prior to the adoption of the general civil service laws.

In four of these jurisdictions—California, Colorado, Connecticut and Kansas—there have been no cases involving the constitutionality of civil service legislation. In Colorado there have been at least two bitter controversies in the courts as to the interpretation of the law but in neither case did the parties who fought the law contend that it was unconstitutional. The question of the legality of the adoption of the Colorado law has also been before the courts; but the constitutionality of the provisions of the law has not been attacked. In New Jersey the only case of importance touching the matter of constitutionality is that of the Attorney-General v. McGuinness, but here the decision dealt entirely with the constitutionality of one of the methods prescribed for extending the operation of the law to municipalities.
Defective Methods of Legislation
Authors: Bruncken Ernest
Published: May 2006

Frequent, emphatic, and apparently unanimous for many years, have been the complaints that there is too great an output of statutory law by the fifty-odd legislative bodies within the sovereignty of the United States. No less widespread are the charges that the majority of these statutes are unwise, ill-digested and badly drawn. Rarely, however, does one hear a remedy suggested, nor are the causes of these evils often subjected to analysis. The newspapers, to be sure, with their admirable capacity for passing judgment on all things at a moment's notice, without need of the slow process by which other people must arrive at conclusions, have long ago found both the cause and the cure. It would seem, according to most of them, that the cause is found in the preternatural wickedness and incapacity of the men elected to legislatures; while the remedy appears to lie in having just as few sessions as possible, and having the members hurry through their task with the greatest speed that is physically attainable. The public, having no other means of information, reflect the reportorial wisdom.

This paper proposes to show that the true cause of the evil is found in the constitution and methods of our legislative bodies, by which a thorough discussion of proposed legislation, and a proper sifting of worthy bills out of the chaff, are made exceedingly difficult. If the cause is clearly understood, a point of vantage will have been gained from which reforms can be undertaken with reasonable hope of success.
Political Theories of the Cupreme Court from 1789–1835
Authors: Haines Charles G.
Published: May 2006

Prior to the time of the organization of the national government under the Constitution of 1787 the province of a court was very definitely determined. In accordance with the principles of ancient custom, a court was a tribunal established by law with the power to hear controversies between persons and to administer relief or punishment. It was the business of a court to interpret, pronounce and execute the law, to decide controversies and enforce rights. In the words of Lord Coke, “ a court is a place where justice is judicially ministered.”

Such was the traditional position of a court when the Federal Constitution went into operation in 1789. A supreme court was provided for, to be organized by congress, in whose hands was placed the authority to create such inferior courts as might be necessary to carry out the judicial duties allotted to the federal government. The supreme court which was established by one of the first acts of the congress which met in 1789 very soon recognized and affirmed the limited and definite field for the exercise of judicial authority.
Negro Suffrage: The Constitutional Point of View
Authors: Rose John C.
Published: May 2006

The Constitution of the United States as amended provides that “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” These words are plain. Everybody understands them. They mean, and every one knows that they mean, that, from the constitutional point of view, one question relative to the suffrage is no longer open. That question is the very one about which I am asked to write. From the political point of view, from the historical point of view, from the social point of view, from the economic point of view, and from the ethical point of view, there is much to be said about negro suffrage. For centuries yet to come there may be much to be said. From the constitutional point of view, accurately defined, there has been nothing to say since March 30, 1870. On that day the Secretary of State of the United States proclaimed that the Fifteenth Amendment had been ratified by the legislatures of twenty-nine out of the then thirty-seven States. The apparent assent of a number of these legislatures, perhaps, had not been a real assent. It might have been given under duress. Still, it had been given. The men who assumed to be the legislatures of other of these States may have had little moral and a very doubtful legal right to speak for them.
The Working of the State-Wide Referendum in Illinois
Authors: Gardner C. O.
Published: May 2006

The Illinois constitution of 1870 contains several specific provisions for state-wide referenda. In addition to a popular vote on all proposed changes in the fundamental law, a referendum is required on the question of disposing of Illinois and Michigan Canal lands, on incurring state indebtedness above a certain sum, on acts or amendments thereto creating banking corporations, and on additional appropriations for the state house. The Public Opinion law of 1901 enlarged the field of the referendum by providing for the submission of questions of public policy, the result to be considered merely as an expression of public sentiment. This law and the constitutional provisions mentioned above constitute the sum total of all sources for referenda affecting the entire state.

The constitutions of 1818 and 1848 provided for even fewer opportunities for a popular vote on public measures. The earlier of these documents contained only one section relating to a referendum of any sort, and it dealt with the question of calling a constitutional convention. The second constitution enlarged the total number of possible questions so as to include two others.
The British Trade Disputes Act of 1927
Authors: Mason Alpheus T.
Published: May 2006

One does not speak of the rights of American trade unions glibly or in off-hand fashion. Unlike the English policy of defining the rights of labor by legislative enactment, our legislatures, both federal and state, have been particularly slow to make such definition. Such predicability as the labor law has thus far assumed has been largely the work of the courts. Here, in other words, we discover the rights of trade unions in the opinions of the courts; in England, we have been accustomed to look to the statute-book rather than to judicial opinions. Comparatively, English labor law has at least enjoyed the merit of being reasonably predicable. The acts of 1859, 1871, 1875, 1906, and 1913 were all designed either to make the existing law more definite or to overturn a judicial interpretation of the law adverse to labor. Thus, by the year 1927 the law was rather definite. The statutes contained statements of what labor could or could not do. A reading of the recent Trade Disputes and Trade Unions Act of July 29, 1927, raises the question whether this legislation marks a change in the English policy of fixing the rights of labor by legislative definition.

The immediate occasion for the recent act was the general strike of May, 1926. Introduced and rushed through Parliament by the present Conservative government, this measure failed to receive the preliminary study and consideration that preceded the introduction of the acts of 1871 and 1906.
Labor Parties in Japan
Authors: Colegrove Kenneth
Published: May 2006

One of the results of the passage of the manhood suffrage law of 1925 in Japan has been the rise of proletarian parties and the election of eight of their candidates as members of the Diet. In the House of Representatives these new members find themselves in the company of half a dozen minor parties and a group of independents, alternately ignored and courted by the two major parties. Their appearance coincides with a time when liberal opinion in Japan favors the two-party rather than the multiple-party system. But the economic significance of the new parties has saved them from the aspersion of merely adding to the confusion of minor groups. Moreover, the failure of Japanese liberals to develop a great party of liberalism invites a new association to seize a vantage ground so long unoccupied.

On the eve of the general election of 1928 the founders of the proletarian parties had reason to hope that careful strategy in the campaign would give the new parties a good start upon the same road that led the Labor party in Great Britain to the leadership of the parliamentary opposition and finally into office. The manhood suffrage act had increased the electorate from 3,341,000 to 12,534,360. Among the nine million new voters are included practically all the male factory toilers and agricultural workers. Here, indeed, is a rich field for proletarian vote-getting.
The Balkan Question—The Key to a Permanent Peace
Authors: Spencer Arthur W.
Published: May 2006

The march of events has vindicated the reasoning of those who, for many years, in innumerable books and magazine articles, have been warning the western world of the perils lurking in the “danger zone of Europe,” and the present European war is nothing more nor less than the Armageddon which has at last been removed from the realm of obscure apprehension to that of pitiless reality.

The Balkan question cannot be finally settled by the outcome of military operations alone, however decisive they may appear. If the solution imposed by military force is also the solution dictated by justice, it may be reasonably relied on for permanency. If on the contrary it merely represents the triumph of might over right the decision will be sure to be contested and we must look forward to future wars. Consequently the powers which will determine the form of the treaty of peace should seek a solution in harmony with justice first of all, in a steadfast desire to secure the peace and stability of Europe.