bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Thermal Annealing and Hydrogen Passivation of Polycrystalline Silicon Thin-Film Solar Cells on Low-Temperature Glass
Authors: Terry Mason L. , Inns Daniel , Aberle Armin G.
Published: December 2007

The changes in open-circuit voltage (Voc),
short-circuit current density (Jsc), and
internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of aLuminum induced crystallization, ion-assisted deposition (ALICIA) polycrystalline silicon thin-film solar cells on low-temperature glass substrates due to rapid thermal anneal (RTA) treatment and subsequent remote microwave hydrogen plasma passivation (hydrogenation) are examined.
Voc
improvements from 130 mV to 430 mV, Jsc
improvements from 1.2 mA/cm2
to 11.3 mA/cm2, and peak IQE improvements from
16% to > 70% are achieved. A 1-second RTA plateau at 1000°C followed by hydrogenation increases the Jsc by a factor of 5.5. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy measurements are used to determine the concentration profiles of dopants, impurities, and hydrogen. Computer modeling based on simulations of the measured IQE data reveals that the minority carrier lifetime in the absorber region increases by 3 orders of magnitude to about 1 nanosecond (corresponding to a diffusion
length of at least 1 μm) due to RTA and subsequent hydrogenation. The evaluation of the changes in the quantum efficiency and Voc due to RTA and hydrogenation with computer modeling significantly improves the understanding of the limiting factors to cell performance.
Some New Parallel Flows in Weakly Conducting Fluids with an Exponentially Decaying Lorentz Force
Authors: Pantokratoras Asterios
Published: December 2007

We investigate the fully developed flow between two parallel plates and the film flow over a plate in an electrically conducting fluid under the action of a parallel Lorentz force. The Lorentz force varies exponentially in the vertical direction due to low-fluid electrical conductivity and the special arrangement of the magnetic and electric fields at the lower plate. Exact analytical solutions are derived for velocity, flow rate, and wall shear stress at the plates. The velocity results are presented in figures. All these flows are new and are presented for the first time in the literature.
Autobiographical Memory Retrieval and Hippocampal Activation as a Function of Repetition and the Passage of Time
Authors: Nadel Lynn , Campbell Jenna , Ryan Lee
Published: December 2007

Multiple trace theory (MTT) predicts that hippocampal memory traces expand and strengthen as a function of repeated memory retrievals. We tested this hypothesis utilizing fMRI, comparing the effect of memory retrieval versus the mere passage of time on hippocampal activation. While undergoing fMRI scanning, participants retrieved remote autobiographical memories that had been previously retrieved either one month earlier, two days earlier, or multiple times during the preceding month. Behavioral analyses revealed that the number and consistency of memory details retrieved increased with multiple retrievals but not with the passage of time. While all three retrieval conditions activated a similar set of brain regions normally associated with autobiographical memory retrieval including medial temporal lobe structures, hippocampal activation did not change as a function of either multiple retrievals or the passage of time. However, activation in other brain regions, including the precuneus, lateral prefrontal cortex, parietal cortex, lateral temporal lobe, and perirhinal cortex increased after multiple retrievals, but was not influenced by the passage of time. These results have important implications for existing theories of long-term memory consolidation.
New Complex Chromosomal Translocation in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia: t(9;18;22)(q34;p11;q11)
Authors: El Andaloussi Abdeljabar , Bilhou-Nabera Chrystele
Published: December 2007

A Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) case with a new complex t(9;18;22)(q34;p11;q11) of a 29-year-old man is being reported. For the first time, this translocation has been characterized by karyotype complemented with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In CML, the complex and standard translocations have the same prognosis. The patient was treated with standard initial therapy based on hydroxyurea before he died due to heart failure four months later. Our finding indicates the importance of combined cytogenetic analysis for diagnosis and guidance of treatment in clinical diagnosis of CML.
On Sectional Curvatures of (ε)-Sasakian Manifolds
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Rani Rachna , Nagaich R. K.
Published: December 2007

We obtain some basic results for Riemannian curvature tensor of (ε)-Sasakian manifolds and then establish equivalent relations amongφ-sectional curvature, totally real sectional curvature, and totally real bisectional curvature for (ε)-Sasakian manifolds.
Integral Transforms of Fourier Cosine and Sine Generalized Convolution Type
Authors: Thao Nguyen Xuan , Tuan Vu Kim , Hong Nguyen Thanh
Published: December 2007

Integral transforms of the formf(x)↦g(x)=(1−d2/dx2){∫0∞k1(y)[f(|x+y−1|)+f(|x−y+1|)−f(x+y+1)−f(|x−y−1|)]dy+∫0∞k2(y)[f(x+y)+f(|x−y|)]dy}fromLp(ℝ+)toLq(ℝ+),(1≤p≤2,p−1+q−1=1)are studied. Watson's and Plancherel's theorems are obtained.
Thermal-Hydraulic Analysis Tasks for ANAV NPPs in Support of Plant Operation and Control
Authors: Reventós F. , Batet L. , Llopis C. , Pretel C. , Sol I.
Published: December 2007

Thermal-hydraulic analysis tasks aimed at supporting plant operation and control of nuclear power plants are an important issue for the Asociación Nuclear Ascó-Vandellòs (ANAV). ANAV is the consortium that runs the Ascó power plants (2 units) and the Vandellòs-II power plant. The reactors are Westinghouse-design, 3-loop PWRs with an approximate electrical power of 1000 MW. The Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) thermal-hydraulic analysis team has jointly worked together with ANAV engineers at different levels in the analysis and improvement of these reactors. This article is an illustration of the usefulness of computational analysis for operational support. The contents presented were operational between 1985 and 2001 and subsequently changed slightly following various organizational adjustments. The paper has two different parts. In the first part, it describes the specific aspects of thermal-hydraulic analysis tasks related to operation and control and, in the second part, it briefly presents the results of three examples of analyses that were performed. All the presented examples are related to actual situations in which the scenarios were studied by analysts using thermal-hydraulic codes and prepared nodalizations. The paper also includes a qualitative evaluation of the benefits obtained by ANAV through thermal-hydraulic analyses aimed at supporting operation and plant control.
Constructing Reservoir Flow Simulator Proxies Using Genetic Programming for History Matching and Production Forecast Uncertainty Analysis
Authors: Yu Tina , Wilkinson Dave , Castellini Alexandre
Published: December 2007

Reservoir modeling is a critical step in the planning and development of oil fields. Before a reservoir model can be accepted for forecasting future production, the model has to be updated with historical production data. This process is called history matching. History matching requires computer flow simulation, which is very time‐consuming. As a result, only a small number of simulation runs are conducted and the history‐matching results are normally unsatisfactory. This is particularly evident when the reservoir has a long production history and the quality of production data is poor. The inadequacy of the history‐matching results frequently leads to high uncertainty of production forecasting. To enhance the quality of the history‐matching results and improve the confidence of production forecasts, we introduce a methodology using genetic programming (GP) to construct proxies for reservoir simulators. Acting as surrogates for the computer simulators, the “cheap” GP proxies can evaluate a large number (millions) of reservoir models within a very short time frame. With such a large sampling size, the reservoir history‐matching results are more informative and the production forecasts are more reliable than those based on a small number of simulation models. We have developed a workflow which incorporates the two GP proxies into the history matching and production forecast process. Additionally, we conducted a case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. The study has revealed useful reservoir information and delivered more reliable production forecasts. All of these were accomplished without introducing new computer simulation runs.
The PPAR‐Platelet Connection: Modulators of Inflammation and Potential Cardiovascular Effects
Authors: Spinelli S. L. , O′Brien J. J. , Bancos S. , Lehmann G. M. , Springer D. L. , Blumberg N. , Francis C. W. , Taubman M. B. , Phipps R. P.
Published: December 2007

Historically, platelets were viewed as simple anucleate cells responsible for initiating thrombosis and maintaining
hemostasis, but clearly they are also key mediators of inflammation and immune cell activation. An emerging body of
evidence links platelet function and thrombosis to vascular inflammation. peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors
(PPARs) play a major role in modulating inflammation and, interestingly, PPARs (PPARβ/δ and PPARγ) were recently
identified in platelets. Additionally, PPAR agonists attenuate platelet activation; an important discovery for two reasons.
First, activated platelets are formidable antagonists that initiate and prolong a cascade of events that contribute to
cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression. Dampening platelet release of proinflammatory mediators, including
CD40 ligand (CD40L, CD154), is essential to hinder this cascade. Second, understanding the biologic importance
of platelet PPARs and the mechanism(s) by which PPARs regulate platelet activation will be imperative in designing
therapeutic strategies lacking the deleterious or unwanted side effects of current treatment options.
Sugarcane Functional Genomics: Gene Discovery for Agronomic Trait Development
Authors: Menossi M. , Silva-Filho M. C. , Vincentz M. , Van-Sluys M.-A. , Souza G. M.
Published: December 2007

Sugarcane is a highly productive crop used for centuries as the main source of sugar and recently to produce ethanol, a renewable bio-fuel energy source. There is increased interest in this crop due to the impending need to decrease fossil fuel usage. Sugarcane has a highly polyploid genome. Expressed sequence tag (EST) sequencing has significantly contributed to gene discovery and expression studies used to associate function with sugarcane genes. A significant amount of data exists on regulatory events controlling responses to herbivory, drought, and phosphate deficiency, which cause important constraints on yield and on endophytic bacteria, which are highly beneficial. The means to reduce drought, phosphate deficiency, and herbivory by the sugarcane borer have a negative impact on the environment. Improved tolerance for these constraints is being sought. Sugarcane's ability to accumulate sucrose up to 16% of its culm dry weight is a challenge for genetic manipulation. Genome-based technology such as cDNA microarray data indicates genes associated with sugar content that may be used to develop new varieties improved for sucrose content or for traits that restrict the expansion of the cultivated land. The genes can also be used as molecular markers of agronomic traits in traditional breeding programs.
Using a Mobile Phone as a “Wii‐like” Controller for Playing Games on a Large Public Display
Authors: Vajk Tamas , Coulton Paul , Bamford Will , Edwards Reuben
Published: December 2007

Undoubtedly the biggest success amongst the recent games
console releases has been the launch of the Nintendo Wii.
This is arguably due to its most innovative attribute—the
wireless controller or “Wiimote.” The Wiimote can be used
as a versatile game controller, able to detect motion and
rotation in three dimensions which allows for very
innovative game play. Prior to the Wii, and with much less
furor, Nokia launched its 5500 model phone which contains
3D motion sensors. Using the Sensor API library available
for the Symbian OS, this sensor data can be used by
developers to create interesting new control schemes for
mobile games. Whilst 3D motion can be utilized for ondevice
games, in this paper we present a novel system that
connects these phones to large public game screens via
Bluetooth where it becomes a game controller for a
multiplayer game. We illustrate the potential of this system
through a multiplayer driving game using the Microsoft
XNA framework and present preliminary feedback on the
user experience from a public trial which highlights that
these controls can be both intuitive and fun.
Proteome‐Level Responses of Escherichia coli to Long‐Chain Fatty Acids and Use of Fatty Acid Inducible Promoter in Protein Production
Authors: Han Mee-Jung , Lee Jeong Wook , Lee Sang Yup , Yoo Jong Shin
Published: December 2007

In Escherichia coli, a
long‐chain acyl‐CoA is a regulatory
signal that modulates gene expression
through its binding to a transcription
factor FadR. In this study,
comparative proteomic analysis of
E. coli in the presence
of glucose and oleic acid was
performed to understand cell
physiology in response to oleic acid.
Among total of 52 proteins showing
altered expression levels with oleic
acid presence, 9 proteins including
AldA, Cdd, FadA, FadB, FadL, MalE,
RbsB, Udp, and YccU were newly
synthesized. Among the genes that were
induced by oleic acid, the promoter of
the aldA gene was used
for the production of a green
fluorescent protein (GFP). Analysis of
fluorescence intensities and confocal
microscopic images revealed that
soluble GFP was highly expressed under
the control of the aldA
promoter. These results suggest that
proteomics is playing an important
role not only in biological research
but also in various biotechnological
applications.
Formal Implementation of a Performance Evaluation Model for the Face Recognition System
Authors: Shin Yong-Nyuo , Kim Jason , Lee Yong-Jun , Shin Woochang , Choi Jin-Young
Published: December 2007

Due to usability features, practical applications, and its lack of intrusiveness, face recognition technology, based on information, derived from individuals′ facial features, has been attracting considerable attention recently. Reported recognition rates of commercialized face recognition systems cannot be admitted as official recognition rates, as they are based on assumptions that are beneficial to the specific system and face database. Therefore, performance evaluation methods and tools are necessary to objectively measure the accuracy and performance of any face recognition system. In this paper, we propose and formalize a performance evaluation model for the biometric recognition system, implementing an evaluation tool for face recognition systems based on the proposed model. Furthermore, we performed evaluations objectively by providing guidelines for the design and implementation of a performance evaluation system, formalizing the performance test process.
On the Question of the Stylistic Influences reflected in the Architecture and Art of Chersonesos: 'Snake-legged Goddess' or Rankenfrau
Authors: Buiskikh Alla
Published: December 2007

This article is devoted to the publication of two Sofa-capitals from Chersonesos, to their stylistic analysis and date. The study of the decorative motifs and compositional structure of these architectural details has made it possible to propose various ideas as to how they might have made their way into the architecture of Chersonesos – via mainland Greece and Asia Minor. Of particular interest is the Sofa-capital bearing a depiction of a Rankenfrau in relief. This decorative motif was interpreted over a long period as the "snake-legged goddess", who embodied the mythical progenitrix of the Scythians in examples of Graeco-Scythian metalwork and consequently provided the basis for conclusions regarding the anthropomorphization of Scythian art. New analysis of well-known depictions of the Rankenfrau in examples of North-Pontic metalwork – gold plaques originating from Chersonesos, the Bosporan Kingdom and the Dnieper region – enables us to agree with those authors who had called attention to the absence of "snake-like" features in these artefacts. At the present time various artefacts from the material culture of the North Pontic region have been coming to light which, while containing the decorative motif of the Rankenfrau brought in from Asia Minor in the second half of the 4th Century BC, are not linked in any way with the mythical Great Goddess of the Scythians.
Academician G. F. Miller and the Treasures from Litoi Kurgan
Authors: Tunkina Irina
Published: December 2007

The burial-mound "Litoi Kurgan" was excavated in 1763 on the instructions of Lieutenant-General A.P. Mel'gunov 30 metres from the fortress of Saint Elizabeth (now known as Kirovograd, Ukraine). It cotained an assemblage of gold and silver articles of the Early Scythian period: examples of oriental metal-work and articles which had been fashioned in the traditions of the Scythian Animal Style. The prestigious nature of these finds was on a par with the grave-goods found in royal Scythian burial-mounds. The artefacts were presented to Empress Catherine II, who commanded that Academician G.F. Miller (1705-1783) should draw up a description of them and that they should be held in the Kunstkammer of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences. One hundred years later the hoard was transferred in installments to the Hermitage Museum. In this article information regarding the assemblage from the Litoi Kurgan site is pieced together on the basis of archive documents and publications dating from the 18th and 19th century. Modern interpretations of this information and attempts to date the finds are also included: some of the artefacts were transferred from the Hermitage to museums in Kharkov and then lost during the Second World War. It is precisely with the excavations of the Litoi Kurgan burial-mound that the birth of a separate branch of archaeology is associated – namely Scythian studies. Litoi Kurgan is one of the sites from the Scythian Archaic period, which link together the Dnieper region and the Northern Caucasus. It is possible that it is a cenotaph burial-mound associated with the era of the Scythian campaigns into the Near East and dating from the second half of the 7th century BC.
Seashells and Nomads of the Steppes (Early Scythian Culture and Molluscs of the Cyprea family in Eastern Europe)
Authors: Bruyako Igor
Published: December 2007

This article is devoted to the question of the sudden and relatively large-scale spread of pendants made of cowrie shells, which is to be observed in the southern parts of Eastern Europe in the Early Scythian period – the 7th-6th Centuries BC. The traditional use of these shells was characteristic of the population of the cultures and civilizations of the Ancient East starting in the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. The appearance of cowrie shells in Eastern Europe is associated with the spread in this part of the world of sites of the Early Scythian Culture: the Early Scythians had adopted this kind of adornment during the Cimmerian-Scythian campaigns into Transcaucasia and the Near East in the 7th Century BC.
Femoral Tunnel Placement in Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Rue John-Paul H. , Ghodadra Neil , Bach Bernard R.
Published: December 2007

Background

There is controversy regarding the necessity of reconstructing both the posterolateral and anteromedial bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Hypothesis

A laterally oriented transtibial drilled femoral tunnel replaces portions of the femoral footprints of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

Footprints of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament were preserved on 7 matched pairs (5 female, 2 male) of fresh-frozen human cadaveric femurs (14 femurs total). Each femur was anatomically oriented and secured in a custom size–appropriate, side-matched replica tibia model to simulate transtibial retrograde drilling of a 10-mm femoral tunnel in each specimen. The relationship of the tunnel relative to footprints of both bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament was recorded using a Microscribe MX digitizer. The angle of the femoral tunnel relative to the vertical 12-o'clock position was recorded for all 14 specimens; only 10 specimens were used for footprint measurements.

Results

On average, the 10-mm femoral tunnel overlapped 50% of the anteromedial bundle (range, 2%–83%) and 51% of the posterolateral bundle (range, 16%–97%). The footprint of the anteromedial bundle occupied 32% (range, 3%–49%) of the area of the tunnel; the footprint of the posterolateral bundle contributed 26% (range, 7%–41%). The remainder of the area of the 10-mm tunnel did not overlap with the anterior cruciate ligament footprint. The mean absolute angle of the femoral tunnel as measured directly on the specimen was 48° (range, 42°–53°) from vertical, corresponding to approximately a 10:30 clock face position on a right knee.

Conclusion

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a laterally oriented transtibial drilled femoral tunnel incorporates portions of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundle origins of the native anterior cruciate ligament.

Clinical Relevance

A laterally oriented transtibial drilled femoral tunnel placed at the 10:30 position (1:30 for left knees) reconstructs portions of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament.
Open Reduction and Posterior Capsular Shift for Cases of Neglected Unreduced Posterior Shoulder Dislocation
Authors: El Shewy Mohamed Taha , El Barbary Hassan Magdy , El Meligy Yasser Hassan , Khaled Sherif Ahmed
Published: December 2007

Background

Neglected unreduced posterior shoulder dislocation is a challenging orthopaedic problem.

Purpose

To evaluate the results of open reduction with posterior cruciate capsular repair for such cases. This corrects the wide posterior capsule, which is the main pathologic entity.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Over a period of 5 years, 17 patients with unreduced neglected posterior shoulder dislocation with an impression fracture involving less than 25% of the humeral head were treated by open reduction together with posterior cruciate capsular repair as described by Neer. The patients’ average age was 48.5 years (range, 32.5–66 years). There were 14 men and 3 women. The dominant shoulder was affected in 14 cases.

Results

After a minimum follow-up of 5 years (range, 5–10 years), the average UCLA score improved from 18 preoperatively to 33 postoperatively. The average modified Rowe score changed from 42.2 to 78.4 points. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder score showed an average of 40.3 points preoperatively and an average of 79.8 points at final follow-up. Three patients developed late osteoarthritic changes. Two had changes of mild degree, and 1 needed a total shoulder replacement.

Conclusion

Open reduction with posterior cruciate capsular repair offers a good solution for the problem of neglected unreduced posterior shoulder dislocation excluding cases with osteoarthritic changes and those with impression fracture involving less than 25% of the head.
Strategies to Improve Anterior Cruciate Ligament Healing and Graft Placement
Authors: Steiner Mark E. , Murray Martha M. , Rodeo Scott A.
Published: December 2007

Recent improvements in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been notable for strategies to improve ACL healing and to improve graft placements. The controversial choice of 1 -bundle or 2-bundle grafts requires an advanced knowledge of native ACL insertional anatomy and an appreciation for the kinematic effects of graft placements. Understanding the limitations of surgical techniques to place tunnels is important. Once grafts are placed, new biologic strategies to promote intra-articular and intraosseous healing are evolving. Although these biologic engineering strategies are currently experimental, they are projected for clinical application in the near future.
Books and Media Review: Collected Works Addressing Global Health
Authors: Gambescia Stephen F.
Published: December 2007

This article includes brief overviews of three books that have collected works on global health. They were selected given their scope of the issue, author expertise, committed editors, and sponsoring organizations, and each provides in some sense a different level (micro, midlevel, macro) of understanding of the needs to improve global health.
Ascending the Career Ladder, With Dr. Jay Bernhardt
Authors: Hayden Joanna , Cottrell Randall , Bernhardt Jay
Published: December 2007

There are many options available for enhancing one's career, including acquiring further education, obtaining certifications, learning new tools of the trade, and writing for publication, to name just a few. Over the years, many of these have been addressed in this journal. One that has not is career development through studying successful careers of others. For the first career case study, the authors are delighted to present Dr. Jay Bernhardt, director of the National Center for Health Marketing at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
Using Focus Groups to Revise an Educational Booklet for People Living With Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Authors: McBrien Shawn , Felizardo Gwenda R. , Orr Daisye G. , Raymond Monica J.
Published: December 2007

The incidence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has grown in epidemic proportions; in many individuals, MRSA causes recurrent infections. MRSA infections can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact or contact with contaminated objects. Once confined to hospitalized individuals, MRSA is now seen in otherwise healthy individuals and congregate community settings. There is a demand for educational materials to guide MRSA patients in self-care, preventing recurrences, and reducing transmission. In 2004, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department in Washington State led the effort to create an educational booklet for people with MRSA. Due to resource constraints, it was created without audience testing. In 2005, the revision of Living With MRSA involved audience testing using two focus groups comprising people living with MRSA and their families. This report describes the work of an interdisciplinary professional work group using focus groups to revise an educational booklet for people living with MRSA as patients, family members, and caregivers.
Medical Management of Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Caselli Richard J. , Yaari Roy
Published: December 2007

There are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for the medical management of frontotemporal dementia and its related disorders, so all management recommendations are necessarily off-label and borrowed from experience with Alzheimer's disease, psychiatric disease, and related medical illnesses. Six areas of pharmacotherapeutic consideration are prevention (primary and secondary), intellectual decline, behavioral disorders (such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis), sleep disorders, frequently associated disorders (including motor neuron disease), and abrupt decline. In addition to pharmacotherapy, important lifestyle issues confronting the clinician include driving cessation, securing any weapons maintained at home, assisted living, and caregiver burnout.
New Genes, New Dilemmas: FTLD Genetics and Its Implications for Families
Authors: Goldman Jill S. , Adamson Jennifer , Karydas Anna , Miller Bruce L. , Hutton Mike
Published: December 2007

After Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is the second leading cause of dementia in persons less than 65 years of age. Up to 40% of FTLD cases have a positive family history. Research on these families has led to the discovery of four disease-causing genes: microtubule-associated protein tau ( MAPT), progranulin ( PGRN), valosin-containing protein ( VCP), and charged multivesicular body protein 2B ( CHMP2B). MAPT and PGRN are responsible for the largest number of familial cases. Each of these genes differs by disease mechanism. Moreover mutations in both genes are associated with significant interfamilial and intrafamilial phenotypic variation. Genetic counseling needs to address the differences between the PGRN and MAPT mutations as well as the variation in clinical symptoms. The aims of this article are to describe the genetics of the FTLD spectrum and aid in the genetic counseling of individuals who may carry genetic mutations.
Integrating Patient and Informant Reports on the Cornell-Brown Quality-of-Life Scale
Authors: Ready Rebecca E. , Ott Brian R.
Published: December 2007

Patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease can provide information about their quality of life. This study determined whether aggregating patient and informant quality-of-life reports on the Cornell-Brown Scale for Quality of Life in Dementia can provide a broader perspective on the quality of life relative to patient or informant reports separately. Aggregated Cornell-Brown Scale for Quality of Life in Dementia scores were hypothesized to correlate more strongly with both patient and informant perspectives of patient's memory, function, and neuropsychiatric symptoms than the unaggregated measures. Results indicated that aggregated Cornell-Brown Scale for Quality of Life in Dementia scores reflected a blend of patient and informant perspectives on patient function. This study contributes to a growing line of research that recommends integrating patient and informant perspectives to achieve the most complete assessment of quality of life.
The Mini-Mental State Examination in Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia and Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Osher Jason E. , Wicklund Alissa H. , Rademaker Alfred , Johnson Nancy , Weintraub Sandra
Published: December 2007

There is little information regarding the usefulness of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for tracking progression of non-Alzheimer's disease dementias. This study examined the utility of the MMSE in capturing disease severity in the behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA), 2 nonamnestic clinical dementia syndromes. Retrospective data from 41 bvFTD and 30 PPA patients were analyzed. bvFTD patients' change in MMSE scores over time was significantly correlated with change over time on a measure of activities of daily living. In contrast, PPA patients' MMSE scores showed greater decline over time than scores on the activities of daily living scale. Results suggest that the MMSE score, heavily dependent on language skill, overestimates dementia severity in PPA patients. However, the score may be a more accurate measure of functional impairment in bvFTD due to the influence of their executive function and attentional deficits on MMSE performance.
Multidisciplinary Design and Implementation of a Day Program Specialized for the Frontotemporal Dementias
Authors: Grinberg Anna , Lagunoff Joyce , Phillips Diane , Stern Bianca , Goodman Mindy , Chow Tiffany
Published: December 2007

To supervise activities for patients with frontotemporal dementias presents major challenges to day programs typically equipped to care for more elderly, frail patients. In this article, we present the development and immediate outcomes of integrating a day program specialized for patients with frontal lobe disturbances into an already established day program. Planning required new collaborations between the ambulatory memory clinic and the day program staff. Immediate outcomes have included relief of burden for an under-served group of caregivers and behavioral management that more seamlessly combines strategies for medication titration, environmental adjustments, and activity participation.
Diffuse Neurofibrillary Tangles With Calcification (DNTC)
Authors: Nanda Sudip , Bhatt Surya Prakash , Pamula John , Woodruff William W. , Fowler Martin , Miller Donna
Published: December 2007

Alzheimer's disease and Pick's disease are representative dementias. Cases which do not fit prototypes are termed unclassifiable dementias. New dementia subtypes are identified when a conglomerate of clinical, radiologic and pathologic findings are consistently identified. One such variant is diffuse neurofibrillary tangles with calcification (DNTC), which has been reported almost exclusively from Japan. Significant pathological advances in this decade have established DNTC as a distinct entity. Although initially the diagnosis was neuropathologic, increasing knowledge about DNTC has made it possible for a clinical diagnosis to be made. We report a clinical case of DNTC in a Caucasian American. The diagnosis of DNTC was based on his atypical senile dementia, anomia, apathy and parkinsonian features, normal serum biochemistry, and evidence of basal ganglia and cerebellar calcification with predominant temporal lobe atrophy on neuroimaging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical description of DNTC from the United States.
Portomesenteric Reconstruction During Whipple Procedures: Review and Report of a Case
Authors: Leon Luis R. , Hughes John D. , Psalms Shemuel B. , Guerra Robert , Biswas Atanu , Prasad Anil , Krouse Robert S.
Published: December 2007

A 60-year-old man undergoing a Whipple procedure to treat a pancreatic cancer was found to have tumor adherence to the portal vein. An en block pancreaticoduodenectomy with segmental portal vein resection (PVR) was performed. A primary portal vein anastomosis was initially attempted but failed. Hemodynamic deterioration led the authors to perform a temporary prosthetic portal vein interposition graft and abdominal closure. The following morning, once stable, the patient was brought back to the operating room for autologous reconstruction with femoral vein and completion of the pancreaticoduodenectomy. The role of PVR for vein invasion or tumor adherence during a Whipple procedure is still under debate. However, there is growing evidence that the perioperative morbidity and long-term survival in patients who undergo a pancreaticoduodenectomy with PVR are similar to those of patients without vein resection. Therefore a combined resection of the pancreatic head and the portal vein has been suggested in the absence of other contraindications for resection to be able to offer a curative surgical intervention to a larger number of patients. The authors herein report the details of a patient's case and also review the currently available methods for PVR and reconstruction.
Stent-Assisted Gugliemi Detachable Coil Repair of Wide-Necked Renal Artery Aneurysm Using 3-D Angiography
Authors: Clark Timothy W. I. , Sankin Alex , Becske Tibor , Nelson Peter Kim , Fox Martin
Published: December 2007

Purpose To report a wide-necked renal artery aneurysm treated successfully with stent-assisted Gugliemi detachable coil occlusion, assisted by three-dimensional (3-D) angiography.

Case Report A 56-year-old woman with history of hypertension presented with a 2.5-cm wide-necked saccular aneurysm involving her distal right renal artery. A balloon-expandable stent was positioned across the neck of the aneurysm and multiple Gugliemi detachable coils were deployed through a microcatheter inserted through the interstices of the stent into the aneurysm sac, guided by 3-D angiography. Follow-up 3-D angiography at 6 months revealed a patent renal artery with continued exclusion of the aneurysm and preservation of renal blood flow.

Conclusion Stent-assisted coil occlusion assisted by 3-D angiography is a potential renal-sparing endovascular approach to treating wide-necked renal artery aneurysms with complex vascular anatomy.
Assessment of Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease Using a Novel Automated Optical Device
Authors: Alnaeb Mohamad E. , Boutin Adrien , Crabtree Vincent P. , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Seifalian Alexander M. , Hamilton George
Published: December 2007

The resting ankle-brachial pressure index (rABPI) is used in the diagnosis of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. This article compares the rABPI with a new optical device based on photoplethysmograph (PPG) technology with new algorithms for the assessment of PAD. Functional PPG (fPPG) is a promising noninvasive automated device using a novel cuffless functional test for assessing mild or significant PAD without the operator dependency issues associated with rABPI. This system utilizes both changes in pulsatile arterial blood volume and skin color redness in lower limbs. All subjects underwent rABPI, fPPG, and duplex angiography (DA). Significant correlation was found between fPPG and DA scores, rABPI and DA, and fPPG and rABPI. In the hands of operators with little experience, fPPG may prove to be superior to rABPI and may be useful as a simple screening tool for early detection of PAD in primary care.
Reversal of Deep Vein Reflux After Successful Stenting in a Patient With Venous Hypertension After Thigh Access Graft Creation
Authors: Antoniou George A. , Georgiadis George S. , Souftas Vasilios D. , Deftereos Savas P. , Lazarides Miltos K.
Published: December 2007

Presented here is a case of reversal of deep vein reflux after successful stenting in a patient with venous hypertension and valve incompetence after thigh angioaccess creation. The patient with exhausted upper-extremity access sites underwent a loop graft in the upper thigh. Six months later, the patient developed leg edema and significant femoral vein reflux on duplex ultrasound. Fistulography revealed an iliac vein stenosis, which was treated successfully with stenting. The edema and reflux on duplex promptly resolved. In similar cases, reflux may be a consequence of functional valve incompetence and can be reverted by timely treating the underlying stenosis.
Endovascular Repair of a Penetrating Thoracic Aortic Ulcer Presenting With Left Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy
Authors: Sadat Umar , Titchner Andrew , Noor Nadim , Naik Jagjeet , Boyle Jonathan R.
Published: December 2007

Endovascular repair offers minimally invasive management of otherwise complex thoracic aneurysms. Here, a case is reported of a 74-year-old man, a known hypertensive and ex-smoker, who underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy for gradually progressing intermittent hoarseness of voice, which revealed incomplete left vocal cord palsy with no visible mass; however, computerized tomography and subsequent arteriography demonstrated a penetrating thoracic aortic ulcer with an associated false aneurysm (5 × 4 cm) from the distal inferior aortic arch just beyond the left subclavian origin, possibly compressing the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. Successful repair of the pseudoaneurysm was undertaken by endovascular technique with marked resolution of hoarseness after 1 year of follow-up.
High Bifurcation of Brachial Artery With Acute Arterial Insufficiency: A Case Report
Authors: Cherukupalli C. , Dwivedi A. , Dayal R.
Published: December 2007

The upper extremity arterial system shows a large number of variations in the adult human body. Most of these variations occur in either the radial or ulnar artery; brachial artery variations are less common. Because the upper extremity is a frequent site of injury and various surgical and invasive procedures are performed in this region, it is of utmost importance to be aware of arterial variations. We report a case of a high bifurcation of the brachial artery presenting with acute ischemia secondary to an embolic event. The anomaly was identified, and the ischemia was successfully resolved with embolectomy.
Acute Thrombosis of a Mesenteric Artery Drug-Eluting Stent Following Clopidogrel Cessation
Authors: Sutphin Daniel , Stevens Scott , Kirzeder Daniel , Gash Judson
Published: December 2007

Learning Objective To describe thrombosis of sirolimus-coated mesenteric arterial stents following cessation of clopidogrel therapy.

Background Cardiac drug-eluting stent thrombosis following cessation of antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel has been associated with increased mortality. The application of such stents in the mesenteric arterial system and the subsequent need for clopidogrel therapy has not been studied. This is the first case report of acute thrombosis of a drug-coated stent in the mesenteric circulation.

Clinical Findings Acute mesenteric ischemia secondary to thrombosis of a mesenteric arterial stent following clopidogrel cessation is described.

Conclusion Drug-eluting stents represent an option for mesenteric revascularization in the surgically complicated abdomen. As in the setting of cardiac stenting, acute thrombosis of these devices following cessation of clopidogrel therapy is a concern. Indefinite clopidogrel therapy following deployment of drug-coated stents should be considered.
Reliability of Selective Surveillance Colonoscopy in the Early Diagnosis of Colonic Ischemia After Successful Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Megalopoulos Angelos , Vasiliadis Konstantinos , Tsalis Konstantinos , Kapetanos Dimitrios , Bitzani Militsa , Tsachalis Theodor , Batziou Eleni , Botsios Dimitrios
Published: December 2007

Purpose To evaluate the reliability of selective surveillance colonoscopy based on 6 specific perioperative risk factors in the early diagnosis of colonic ischemia (CI) after successful ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair.

Patients and Methods From 1999 to 2005, 62 consecutive patients underwent rAAA repair. In 59 of them, routine aggressive surveillance colonoscopy was offered every 12 hours within the first 48 hours, and CI was graded consistently. Patients with stage I or stage II CI were treated conservatively and were followed up with repeat colonoscopy, whereas patients with stage III CI underwent immediate laparotomy and colectomy. In parallel, 6 specific perioperative risk factors (PRFs) were retrospectively analyzed.

Results Overall mortality was 33.9%. Nineteen patients (32.2%) developed CI and 12 (63.2%) of them survived.

Thirteen (22%) had grade III CI and among these 6 survived. In patients with CI the mortality rate was 36.2%. Patients with less than 3 PRFs had no CI whereas all instances of CI could be diagnosed if colonoscopy was offered selectively in patients with more than 3 PRFs. The positive predictive value of CI increased with the number of PRFs. Patients with 5 or 6 PRFs were about 101 times more likely to develop CI compared with patients with 0 to 4 PRFs ( P < .001).

Conclusion Our study showed that CI is a frequent complication after successful rAAA repair and could reliably be early diagnosed if surveillance colonoscopy was offered selectively in patients with more than three PRFs.
No Difference in Medium-Term Outcome Between Zenith and Talent Stent-Grafts in Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Badger Stephen A. , O'Donnell Mark E. , Loan William , Hannon Raymond J. , Lau Louis L. , Lee Bernard , Soong Chee V.
Published: December 2007

Background Many devices are available for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Our aim was to analyze morphological effects of the Zenith and Talent systems.

Methods Patients included underwent EVAR from June 1999 to June 2005 using a Zenith or Talent stent-graft, with computed tomography follow-up. Aortic dimensions over time and clinical outcome were analyzed.

Results Twenty-nine patients with Zenith stent-grafts and 33 with Talent devices were included. Mean preoperative age was similar (75.5 ± 6.0 years vs 74.2 ± 6.7 years; P = .29). Preoperative neck length was longer in the Zenith group (29.9 ± 15.2 mm vs 25.5 ± 10.8 mm; P = .10), and stent-graft oversizing was greater in the Talent patients (20.2% ± 7.9% vs 23.0% ± 11.3%). There was proximal aortic dilatation and aneurysm sac shrinkage in each group. Complication rates were comparable, with 83% of both groups free from 10-mm migration.

Conclusion Although device designs differ, there is no difference in clinical outcome between Zenith and Talent stent-grafts. Migration rates were not influenced by suprarenal fixation.
Metalloproteinase Expression in Carotid Plaque and Its Correlation With Plasma Levels Before and After Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Taurino Maurizio , Raffa Salvatore , Mastroddi Massimo , Visco Vincenzo , Rizzo Luigi , Torrisi Maria Rosaria , Faraglia Vittorio
Published: December 2007

Purpose To assess baseline and follow-up plasma concentrations of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), MMP-2, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in patients undergoing carotid thromboendarterectomy (TEA) in relation to tissue expression and diagnostic features.

Basic Methods Using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, plasma levels of enzymes were determined in 15 patients undergoing carotid TEA. Tissue sections were incubated with specific antibodies and fluorescence intensity was analyzed.

Principal Findings MMP-9 levels were higher in patients with carotid stenosis versus controls, significantly in those with cerebral lesions at neuroimaging. MMP-9 levels decreased in 93.4% of the patients at 1 month. MMP-2 levels tended to increase 30 days after surgery. TIMP-2 showed no difference.

Conclusions High concentrations of MMP-9 found in patients with carotid stenosis and cerebral lesions suggest that MMP-9 assay could be useful in the evaluation of all carotid lesions to help identify those at highest risk of a neurologic event.
Use of the Vectra Polyetherurethaneurea Graft for Dialysis Access in HIV-Positive Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Schild A. Frederick , Perez Eduardo A. , Gillaspie Erin , Patel Asha R. , Noicely Karlene , Baltodano Neyton
Published: December 2007

The primary objective of this study was to establish the safety, efficacy, infection rate, and patency of the Vectra graft (polyetherurethaneurea) for dialysis access in patients diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and end-stage renal disease. The Vectra graft has a unique self-sealing property; therefore we hypothesize that these patients will have fewer infections. A Vectra graft was implanted in 30 consecutive HIV-positive patients without sufficient veins for an autologous fistula. These surgeries were carried out over a 2.5-year period. Primary graft patency was 42% at 12 months and 3 (10%) of the grafts developed infection. This rate of graft infection was less (10% vs 45%) than both our prior experience and published reports using polytetrafluorothene bridge grafts. The unique self-sealing property of the Vectra graft minimizes the development of perigraft hematoma with repetitive needle cannulation and in the immunosuppressed HIV-positive patient, may account for the observed decrease in dialysis access infection.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to antisynthetase syndrome is reversible with tacrolimus
Authors: Guglielmi S. , Merz T. M. , Gugger M. , Suter C. , Nicod L. P.
Published: December 2007

Polymyositis and interstitial lung diseases, predominantly nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), are known to be frequent in antisynthetase syndrome, where anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase antibodies are often identified.

An unusual case of acute respiratory distress syndrome, secondary to such proven NSIP of cellular type with predominant CD8 lymphocytes, is described herein.

The patient described in the present case study initially had a poor recovery with high dose of steroids, but this was followed by a good improvement after the prescription of tacrolimus and a low dose of prednisone.

A precise diagnosis in similar circumstances may be life-saving, allowing the successful application of new immunosuppressants.