bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dermatoses provoquées par des champignons opportunistes
Authors: Götz Hans
Published: October 2009

In my expose I confined myself to the moulds. Generally speaking, there are two groups of fungi. One group that often provokes diseases in otherwise normal subjects (fungi of parasitic-pathogenic character), and a second group that causes diseases in cases of lowered immunobiological resistance (fungi of saprophytic-opportunistic character). Though the biological conditions of the host are important, they are by no means the only prerequisites for the development of a mycosis. Just as important are the enzymatic qualities of the fungus. Ubiquitous moulds can become opportunists and provoke dermatoses under two conditions: (1) The fungus must possess keratolytic capabilities (2) its penetration and growth must be preceded by a lesion due to trauma, or bacterial or viral infection.
The Sézary Syndrome
Authors: Goor W. , Maier C. , Fierz W. , Ott F. , Pedio G. , Rüttner J.R. , Schmid W.
Published: October 2009

Symptoms of the Sézary syndrome are described in a case history. Sézary’s syndrome is a lymphoproliferative process of the skin, which eventually develops into an erythrodermia. Strange lymphocytes with a cerebriform chromatin structure, often with T-cell characteristics, circulate in the blood stream. In few instances they are also found in lymphnodes and bone marrow. This primarily benign disease can become malignant, possibly due to an overaggressive cytostatic therapy. Besides the hitherto unknown endogenous causes, exogenous factors cannot be excluded.
A Clinical and Bacteriological Evaluation of the Effect of Sulphamethoxazole-Trimethoprim in Acne vulgaris, Resistant to Prior Therapy with Tetracyclines
Authors: Nordin Karin , Hallander Hans , Fredriksson Torsten , Rylander Christina
Published: October 2009

42 patients with acne vulgaris, clinically resistant to prior therapy with tetracyclines, were evaluated after therapy with sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (400 + 80 mg) twice daily. Initially and after 6, 12 and 18 weeks of treatment in each patient the different acne lesions were counted and pus specimens from unhealed pustules were taken for bacteriological analysis. Complete remission or excellent results were obtained in 33 patients (79%) at the end of treatment despite a relative increase of Staphylococcus hominis and Propionibacterium granulosum. These species were more resistant in agar dilution test to the combination sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (20:1) than other isolated species.
Introductory Immunological Remarks
Authors: Wybran Joseph
Published: October 2009

The immune system is reviewed. Its ontogeny, differentiation and localization are discussed. Although cellular immunity mainly depends on T cells (thymus-derived) and humoral immunity depends on B cells (bone-marrow-derived), there are many interactions between these two systems. The role of T cells, in the production of antibodies, appears to be mainly regulatory. Various subpopulations of T cells are mentioned. The interactions between B cells and macrophages are described, as well as the markers of human T and B cells.
Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Wybran Joseph
Published: October 2009

This paper briefly reviews some mechanisms of tumor immunity and the principles of cancer immunotherapy. Cellular and humoral immunity can both influence tumor cells. Most of the cells belonging to the immune system can act on neoplastic cells. T cells can kill them, macrophages inhibit their growth, and K cells through their Fc receptor also destroy antibody-coated tumor cells. Cancer patients have usually depressed cellular immune functions. The goal of immunotherapy is to amplify the immune reactions in order to destroy the tumor cells. The modalities of immunotherapy are described. They may become important as adjuvant therapy. Immunotherapy has already been successful in skin cancers, lung cancer and acute myeloblastic leukemia.
Alterations of the Clinically Noninvolved Skin in Patients with Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Szekeres L. , Orfanos C.E.
Published: October 2009

Clinically noninvolved skin of 5 patients with metastasizing malignant melanoma (MM) has been investigated under the electron microscope before and 4 weeks after repeated BCG inoculations (4 ×). Increased melanin content, giant and unusual melanosomes, signs of cellular activity and some degenerative changes of the melanocytes were observed both in nontreated and in treated patients. Langerhans cells were markedly stimulated containing melanosome complexes and membrane-bound inclusions of different size and shape. Presence of amyloid, macrophages and plasma cells were also observed prior to and after repeated BCG inoculation, however, cellular infiltration was increased after this treatment and several dermal Langerhans cells appeared. These observations suggest that alterations of the melanocytes occur in MM, which are not confined to the tumor area. Moreover, BCG treatment seems to stimulate the tissue reaction against the tumor, including the activity of Langerhans cells.
Reduction of Sebaceous Secretion in Hyperseborrheic Skin by a Synthetic Steroid: Promestriene
Authors: Agache P. , Caperan A.
Published: October 2009

Using the ‘ground glass method’, the forehead seborrheic index of 72 patients was determined before and during local treatment with promestriene 1% in a o/w base. In hyperseborrheic patients a significant decrease of the seborrheic index was obtained from the 3rd week of treatment and maintained for all its duration, while in normoseborrheics no change was observed under the same conditions. It may be concluded that promestriene reduces the sebum secretion but only in hyperseborrheic patients.
Effect of Ultraviolet Light Therapy, given over a Period of Several Weeks, on the Amount and Composition of the Skin Surface Lipids
Authors: Gloor Max , Karenfeld Anette
Published: October 2009

Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy was given over a period of several weeks to 19 test persons on one side of the back. The duration of the treatment was gradually increased from 30 sec to 7 min. After conclusion of the treatment quantitative lipid determination was made on both the treated and the untreated sides of the back, using the direct extraction method and the paper absorption method. The lipids obtained in this way were analysed by thin-layer chromatography. The following were the most important results: (1) The amount of skin surface lipids was significantly increased by UV irradiation. This results goth from an increase in the epidermal lipids as well as in the lipids of the sebaceous blands. (2) The percentage of free cholesterol in the skin surface lipids was significantly increased by UV irradiation. This increase is probably connected with a thickening of the stratum corneum. (3) The percentage of free fatty acids in the skin surface lipids is significantly increased by UV therapy. This shows that the living conditions of the saprophyte skin flora, which set free upases, are improved as a result of this treatment or that this treatment leads to an increase of the activity of the bacterial upases in the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in the Adult Subject
Authors: Coucke C. , Kint A. , Gabriel P.
Published: October 2009

Description of a case of recurrent hand, foot and mouth disease in an adult patient. The antibody titers were elevated for Coxsackie B5 on one occasion and for B3 on the next.
Tonofilament-Desmosome Complex in Induced Regenerated Epidermis in Senile Elastosis
Authors: Vukas A. , Velfl D. , Gligora M.
Published: October 2009

This paper presents the ultramicroscopic structure of the epidermis in senile elastosis, and compares it with the structure of an induced regenerated specimen in the same layers. In the regenerated specimen it was found that tonofilament-desmosome complexes have been replaced by a regular twist of villous processes. Such a substitution influences the structure and function of keratinocytes. Newly-formed structures may be established even 10 years after the induction.
Effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor on Treating Tinnitus in Patients Stratified for Presence of Depression or Anxiety
Authors: Oishi Naoki , Kanzaki Sho , Shinden Seiichi , Saito Hideyuki , Inoue Yasuhiro , Ogawa Kaoru
Published: October 2009

We evaluated the effects of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, paroxetine, on treating tinnitus.Tinnitus patients stratified for the presence of depression and anxiety were studied retrospectively. Fifty-six patients were observed for more than 6 months. They were initially treated with paroxetine only at a dose of 10 mg/day for 2–4 weeks; thereafter, the dose was increased to 20 mg/day. Tinnitus distress was evaluated with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and with visual analog scales (VASs) for tinnitus loudness and annoyance. Depression and anxiety were measured with the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and the trait section of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The patients were grouped according to their SDS and STAI scores, and each variable was compared at baseline and the 6-month follow-up. Changes among these variables were also examined to determine whether reduced tinnitus distress was related to the improvement of depression or anxiety. Patients with both depression and anxiety showed better results (decrease in THI, VASs, SDS and STAI scores) than patients with anxiety alone, or patients without depression and anxiety. In patients with depression and anxiety, changes in tinnitus variables and changes in depression and anxiety scores were strongly correlated. In other patients, however, changes in tinnitus variables and changes in depression and anxiety scores were not correlated. These results suggest that paroxetine is effective in treating distressed tinnitus patients with depression and anxiety by reducing their tinnitus severity as well as their depression and anxiety.
Two-Layer Appearance on Brain Perfusion SPECT in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: A Qualitative Analysis by Using Easy Z-Score Imaging System, eZIS
Authors: Kobayashi Seiju , Tateno Masaru , Utsumi Kumiko , Takahashi Akira , Morii Hidetoshi , Saito Toshikazu
Published: October 2009

Background/Aims: It is often difficult to distinguish idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) from other neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To understand the characteristic pattern of blood flow in iNPH, we performed brain perfusion SPECT and analyzed the results by using the easy Z-score imaging system (eZIS). Methods: Subjects were 12 patients with probable iNPH and 10 probable AD patients with prominent ventriculomegaly. They underwent brain perfusion SPECT using 99mTc-ethylcysteinate dimer as a tracer. Results: The two-tailed view display in eZIS demonstrated an obvious two-layer structure consisting of decreased blood flow around the corpus callosum and, in iNPH, enhanced perfusion in areas surrounding the cingulate gyrus in the sagittal view, while no AD cases showed these findings. Conclusion: Hypoperfusion around the corpus callosum in iNPH could be, at least partially, a false-positive finding due to an insufficient anatomical standardization of SPECT images caused by an abnormally enlarged ventricle. Increased blood perfusion in the external layer adjacent to the hypoperfused area might be caused by increased radioisotope count per volume resulting from exclusion of cerebral cortex by a dilated ventricle. Our results demonstrate that a two-layer appearance revealed by the two-tailed view analysis of brain perfusion SPECT using eZIS could be a means to detect iNPH.
Pustular Psoriasis and Arthritis in Congenital Psoriasiform Erythroderma
Authors: Henriksen L. , Zachariae H.
Published: October 2009

The case of a patient with the rare combination of psoriasiform erythroderma, pustular psoriasis and arthritis is presented. The patient, now a 10½ -year-old boy, has had his skin disease since birth and a progressing arthritissince the age of five. Several skin biopsies have confirmed thediagnosis of pustular psoriasis. Methotrexate has had a beneficial effect on the skin; whether methotrexate also will influence his arthritis remains to be seen.
Ultrastructure of Half-Desmosomes Fixed only in Glutaraldehyde
Authors: Komura J. , Ofuji S.
Published: October 2009

An electron micrograph of half-desmosomes fixed in glutaraldehyde alone and stained on the section with uranyl acetate is presented. The ultrastructure indicates that Rupec’s [3] M- and H’-layers of half-desmosome correspond respectively to the outer leaflet of cell membrane and the intercellular contact layer of desmosome. Also, glutaraldehyde fixation clearly reveals that fine filamentous structures between the basement membrane and half-desmosomes terminate in the H’-layer of half-desmosome.
The Protective Effect of a Sunscreen upon the Lysosomes of Ultraviolet-Irradiated Skin
Authors: Fand I.
Published: October 2009

It has been generally accepted in the literature that the substituted benzophenones, having wide-spectrum ultraviolet absorbing properties, provide excellent protection from the harmful effects of sunburn. Evidence is here presented which indicates that release of lysosomal acid phosphatase and acid protease was facilitated in cultured human foreskin and rodent skin in vivo after exposure to UV radiation, without protection by 10% sulisobenzone. Under these experimental conditions, there occurred in human foreskin an accelerated leakage of acid phosphatase from membrane-bound sites evidenced by diffuse histochemical staining.
Über die Toxizität der Salicylsäure in der Dermatologie
Authors: Schuppli R. , Schneeberger R. , Seiler H. , Seiler M. , Niggli H. , Hoffmann K.
Published: October 2009

Hospitalised patients have been treated externally with salicylic acid. The concentration of salicylic acid in the blood never exceeded 15 mg%. Experiments on animals showed that the salicylic acid is rapidly eliminated. The ‘half life time’ of salicylic acid in animals does not change when they are poisoned by relativly high doses of sulphonamides during 7–13 days.
Relation between Body Fat and Liver Fat Accumulation and Cytokine Pattern in Non-Alcoholic Patients with Chronic HCV Infection
Authors: González-Reimers E. , Castellano-Higuera A. , Alemán-Valls R. , Alvarez-Argüelles H. , de la Vega-Prieto M.J. , Abreu-González P. , López-Prieto J. , Santolaria-Fernández F. , Valladares-Parrilla F.
Published: October 2009

Background: Liver steatosis in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is multifactorial. Therefore, there is not necessarily a relation between obesity and liver fat.On the other hand, body fat secretes cytokines, and cytokines and oxidative damage play important roles on progression of liver disease. Methods: We analyzed the relationships between liver fat (assessed by histomorphometry) and trunk and subcutaneous fat (waist perimeter, triceps skinfold, BMI); the relationships between liver and body fat and cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, IFN-γ, IL-4), adipokines (adiponectin and TIMP-1), and serum malondiladehyde and antioxidants (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities); and the relationships of these data with histological changes in 40 HCV-infected non-alcoholic patients. Results: Significant correlations were found between liver fat and waist perimeter and BMI, and between serum TIMP-1 and liver fat. Serum TIMP-1 was significantly related to body fat stores; serum IL-6 and IFN-γ were related to histological inflammation. Patients with waist perimeter >102 cm (men) or 88 cm (women) showed increased liver fat. In 38.8% of non-obese patients, liver fat accumulation was intense. Conclusions: There is a relationship between visceral fat, serum TIMP-1 and liver steatosis. However, at least in some patients, factors different from mere adiposity play a role in liver steatosis.
Factors Affecting the Distribution of Copulatory Plugs in Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta) on Cayo Santiago
Authors: Danzy J. , Gutierrez V. , Pampush J. , Campbell B.
Published: October 2009

Although the proximate mechanisms behind the formation of copulatory plugs are well understood, their distribution and function among primates remain largely unstudied. During a study of female rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) mating behaviour on Cayo Santiago, we examined the pattern of the distribution of visible copulatory plugs among females and their potential relationship to female reproductive traits and sexual skin colouration. Our results indicate that non-pregnant females were observed more frequently with visible copulatory plugs than were pregnant females. Female parity status, age and rank were unrelated to copulatory plug observation. Genital colouration components were higher among females observed with copulatory plugs. We suggest that although copulatory plugs are generally thought of in terms of male physiology, plug observation may also be affected by female reproductive status.
Patterns of Water Use in Primates
Authors: Kempf Erica
Published: October 2009

Aquatic resources are used extensively by many human populations but their role in the ecology of other primate species has been understudied. At least 10% of extant primates interact with aquatic environments, and a more complete understanding of these interactions is needed to get a complete view of primate behaviour. Five major factors appear to most strongly influence primate water use: thermoregulation, display behaviour, range, diet and predation. The ecological and evolutionary implications of these factors are discussed for extant primates as well as the possible influence of water on hominin evolution.
Pharmacokinetic and Toxicological Profile of Artemisinin Compounds: An Update
Authors: Medhi Bikash , Patyar Sazal , Rao Ramya S. , Byrav DS Prasad , Prakash Ajay
Published: October 2009

Artemisinin has been used effectively in malaria treatment. With the emerging resistance to malaria, the optimum and judicial use of the drug has become important. The drug metabolism and toxicology can have an impact on the therapeutic profile and clinical use of this antimalarial agent. In this review, we discuss the pharmacokinetics and toxicological aspects of artemisinin and its therapeutic implications. Artemisinins have several dosing routes including oral, intramuscular, intravenous and rectal. With repeated dosing, artemisinin has propensity for autoinduction, leading to decreased plasma levels on repeated dosing. Combination with other antimalarials in most cases did not influence the pharmacokinetics of artemisinins. Interactions with cytochrome P450 inhibitors are known but these neither affect the efficacy nor the toxicity of the respective derivative. Artemisinins are generally regarded to be of low toxicity. Two major problems associated with them are neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity. But the extent of this neurotoxicity is dependent on the nature of the compound, on the route of administration, and on the nature of the formulation. Moreover, it occurs in humans at very high doses. However, as a matter of precaution, the use of artemisinins in the first trimester of pregnancy has been contraindicated.
Lack of Diastolic Reserve in Patients With Heart Failure and Normal Ejection Fraction
Authors: Chattopadhyay Sudipta , Alamgir Mohammed F. , Nikitin Nikolay P. , Rigby Alan S. , Clark Andrew L. , Cleland John G.F.
Published: October 2009

Background—

The genesis of symptoms in patients with heart failure (HF) and normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) is unclear. Most investigations of HFNEF have focused on cardiac function at rest although most of these patients are breathless only on exercise. Stress-induced impairment in systolic or diastolic function could result in these symptoms.

Method and Result—

Forty-one patients with HFNEF and 29 controls underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography with color tissue Doppler imaging. Wall motion score index and regional myocardial systolic velocity (Sm) were measured at and peak stress. Systolic (Sa), early diastolic (Ea), and late diastolic (Aa) mitral annular velocities were averaged over the 6 periannular sites. Mitral annular long-axis velocity was lower in the HFNEF than controls at rest. Global, regional, and long-axis systolic function did not worsen with stress in the HFNEF group. The Ea decreased and the E/Ea increased with stress in the HFNEF but not in controls. The 6-minute walk distance was shorter and negatively correlated to the E/EA ratio at rest and stress in the HFNEF group.

Conclusion—

Impaired diastolic reserve results in stress-induced increase in the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in patients with HFNEF giving rise to exercise intolerance.
Characteristics and Clinical Significance of Late Gadolinium Enhancement by Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Rubinshtein Ronen , Glockner James F. , Ommen Steve R. , Araoz Philip A. , Ackerman Michael J. , Sorajja Paul , Bos J. Martijn , Tajik A. Jamil , Valeti Uma S. , Nishimura Rick A. , Gersh Bernard J.
Published: October 2009

Background—

Myocardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has been suggested to represent intramyocardial fibrosis and, as such, an adverse prognostic risk factor. We evaluated the characteristics of LGE on CE-MRI and explored whether LGE among patients with HCM was associated with genetic testing, severe symptoms, ventricular arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Methods and Results—

Four hundred twenty-four patients with HCM (age=55±16 years [range 2 to 90], 41% females), without a history of septal ablation/myectomy, underwent CE-MRI (GE 1.5 Tesla). We evaluated the relation between LGE and HCM genes status, severity of symptoms, and the degree of ventricular ectopy on Holter ECG. Subsequent SCD and appropriate implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapies were recorded during a mean follow-up of 43±14 months (range 16 to 94). Two hundred thirty-nine patients (56%) had LGE on CE-MRI, ranging from 0.4% to 65% of the left ventricle. Gene-positive patients were more likely to have LGE (
P
<0.001). The frequencies of New York Heart Association class ≥3 dyspnea and angina class ≥3 were similar in patients with and without LGE (125 of 239 [52%] versus 94 of 185 [51%] and 24 of 239 [10%] versus 18 of 185 [10%], respectively,
P
=NS). LGE-positive patients were more likely to have episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (34 of 126 [27%] versus 8 of 94 [8.5%],
P
<0.001), had more episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia per patient (4.5±12 versus 1.1±0.3,
P
=0.04), and had higher frequency of ventricular extrasystoles/24 hours (700±2080 versus 103±460,
P
=0.003). During follow-up, SCD occurred in 4 patients, and additional 4 patients received appropriate ICD discharges. All 8 patients were LGE positive (event rate of 0.94%/y,
P
=0.01 versus LGE negative). Two additional heart failure-related deaths were recorded among LGE-positive patients. Univariate associates of SCD or appropriate ICD discharge were positive LGE (
P
=0.002) and presence of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (
P
=0.04). The association of LGE with events remained significant after controlling for other risk factors.

Conclusions—

In patients with HCM, presence of LGE on CE-MRI was common and more prevalent among gene-positive patients. LGE was not associated with severe symptoms. However, LGE was strongly associated with surrogates of arrhythmia and remained a significant associate of subsequent SCD and/or ICD discharge after controlling for other variables. If replicated, LGE may be considered an important risk factor for sudden death in patients with HCM.
Prevalence and Prognostic Value of Elevated Urinary Albumin Excretion in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Masson Serge , Latini Roberto , Milani Valentina , Moretti Luciano , Rossi Maria Grazia , Carbonieri Emanuele , Frisinghelli Anna , Minneci Calogero , Valisi Massimiliano , Maggioni Aldo P. , Marchioli Roberto , Tognoni Gianni , Tavazzi Luigi
Published: October 2009

Background—

Increased urinary excretion of albumin is an early sign of kidney damage and a risk factor for progressive cardiovascular and renal diseases and heart failure. There is, however, only limited information on the prevalence and prognostic role of urinary albumin excretion in patients with established chronic heart failure.

Methods and Results—

A total of 2131 patients enrolled in 76 sites participating in the GISSI-Heart Failure trial provided a first morning spot sample of urine at any of the clinical visits scheduled in the trial to calculate the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio. The relation between log-transformed urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and all-cause mortality (428 deaths, time from urine collection to event or censoring) was evaluated with Cox multivariable models adjusted for all significant risk factors at the time of urine collection, in the study population, and in patients without diabetes or hypertension. Almost 75% of the patients had normal urinary albumin excretion, but 19.9% had microalbuminuria (30 to 299 mg/g creatinine) and 5.4% had overt albuminuria (≥300 mg/g). There was a progressive, significant increase in the adjusted rate of mortality in the study population (hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.18 per 1-U increase of log(urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio),
P
=0.0002) and in the subgroup of patients without diabetes or hypertension. Randomized treatments (n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids or rosuvastatin) had no major impact on albumin excretion.

Conclusions—

Independently of diabetes, hypertension, or renal function, elevated albumin excretion is a powerful prognostic marker in patients with chronic heart failure.
Fragmentation of the Classical Magnetic Resonance Mismatch “Penumbral” Pattern With Time
Authors: Ma Henry , Zavala Jorge A. , Teoh Hock , Churilov Leonid , Gunawan Marveyles , Ly John , Wright Peter , Phan Thanh , Arakawa Shuji , Davis Stephen M. , Donnan Geoffrey A.
Published: October 2009

Background and Purpose—

The classical mismatch pattern in the middle cerebral artery territory stroke on MR is defined by a central diffusion-weighted image core with surrounding mismatch tissue. Because of variable rates of tissue salvage, we hypothesized that this pattern may fragment over time and may be influenced by vessel patency, mismatch volume, and infarct core location.

Methods—

Patients were recruited with MR studies performed within 48 hours of ischemic stroke. Mismatch patterns based on diffusion-weighted/perfusion-weighted images were categorized as classical (majority of the diffusion-weighted image within the perfusion-weighted image lesion) or nonclassical (fragmented) patterns. The proportion of patterns was assessed with reference to time, vessel patency, mismatch volume, and infarct core location.

Results—

Sixty-seven patients (33 classical [49.3%] and 34 nonclassical patterns [50.7%]) were studied within 48 hours (median age, 74.0 years). Compared to the nonclassical pattern, the classical pattern had a shorter time to MR (3.4 hours vs 10.4 hours;
P
=0.004) and a larger mismatch volume (62.0 mL vs 3.5 mL;
P
<0.0001). The positive predictors for the classical pattern were earlier time, vessel occlusion, superficial core location, and larger mismatch volume.

Conclusion—

The classical mismatch pattern may fragment with time. Over 48 hours the classical pattern is seen earlier after stroke onset, with higher rates of vessel occlusion and larger mismatch volumes.
Doppler Embolic Signals in Cerebrovascular Disease and Prediction of Stroke Risk
Authors: King Alice , Markus Hugh S.
Published: October 2009

Background and Purpose—

Asymptomatic embolic signals (ES) detected using transcranial Doppler have been reported in patients with potential cerebral embolic sources. They may be useful in risk stratification and in assessing therapies. First, it is essential to show whether they predict stroke risk.

Methods—

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the prognostic value of ES in different potential cerebral embolic sources. Studies were identified that used transcranial Doppler to detect ES and included prospective stroke/TIA follow-up. Numbers of ES-positive and ES-negative patients were extracted with stroke/TIA and stroke alone outcomes.

Results—

ES are most frequent in large artery disease, less frequent in cardioembolic stroke, and infrequent in lacunar stroke. Data relating ES to future stroke risk were available for acute stroke, large artery disease, and the perioperative period of carotid endarterectomy. For symptomatic carotid stenosis, ES predicted stroke alone (OR, 9.57; 95%CI, 1.54 to 59.38;
P
=0.02) and stroke/TIA (OR, 6.36; 95% CI, 2.90–13.96;
P
<0.00001). For asymptomatic carotid stenosis, ES predicted stroke alone (OR, 7.46; 95% CI, 2.24–24.89;
P
=0.001) and stroke/TIA (OR, 12.00; 95% CI, 2.43–59.34;
P
=0.002) but with heterogeneity (
P
=0.004). In acute stroke ES predicted stroke alone (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.17–5.08;
P
=0.02) and stroke/TIA (OR, 3.71; 95% CI, 1.64–8.38;
P
=0.002). A high frequency of ES immediately after carotid endarterectomy predicted stroke alone (OR, 24.54; 95% CI, 7.88–76.43;
P
<0.00001) and stroke/TIA (OR, 32.04; 95% CI, 11.36–90.39;
P
<0.00001).

Conclusion—

ES predict stroke risk in acute stroke, symptomatic carotid stenosis, and postoperatively after carotid endarterectomy; in asymptomatic carotid stenosis, data are less robust. In these conditions ES may be useful in risk stratification and in assessing therapeutic efficacy. For other embolic sources, further prospective data are required.
On the Use of Dynamic Bayesian Networks in Reconstructing Functional Neuronal Networks from Spike Train Ensembles
Authors: Eldawlatly Seif , Zhou Yang , Jin Rong , Oweiss Karim G.
Published: October 2009

Coordination among cortical neurons is believed to be a key element in mediating many high-level cortical processes such as perception, attention, learning, and memory formation. Inferring the structure of the neural circuitry underlying this coordination is important to characterize the highly nonlinear, time-varying interactions between cortical neurons in the presence of complex stimuli. In this work, we investigate the applicability of dynamic Bayesian networks (DBNs) in inferring the effective connectivity between spiking cortical neurons from their observed spike trains. We demonstrate that DBNs can infer the underlying nonlinear and time-varying causal interactions between these neurons and can discriminate between mono- and polysynaptic links between them under certain constraints governing their putative connectivity. We analyzed conditionally Poisson spike train data mimicking spiking activity of cortical networks of small and moderately large size. The performance was assessed and compared to other methods under systematic variations of the network structure to mimic a wide range of responses typically observed in the cortex. Results demonstrate the utility of DBN in inferring the effective connectivity in cortical networks.
Does Science have to be Causal in Order to be Science? Reflections on Nina Azari's Questions
Authors: Walach Harald
Published: October 2009

Nina Azari in her commentary on our article in this issue “Spirituality: The Legacy of Parapsychology” has raised the issue of what it actually takes for something to be called science. Does causality come into the picture? If so, how does causality relate to our non-local model that seems to explicitly eschew the question of causality? The answer lies in what one is willing to accept as causality. If causality can be conceived broader than just efficient-mechanistic causality then certainly our model is causal. If one insists on efficient-mechanistic causality as the only and truly scientific notion of causality, it is not. But then, I would argue, this is a very restricted and also short sighted view which should be questioned, and eventually, disregarded. This is what we have set out to do.
Empirical Research and Paranormal Beliefs: Going beyond the Epistemological Debate in Favour of the Individual
Authors: Mathijsen François P.
Published: October 2009

A brief look at the empirical literature of the past ten years reveals the clear debate raging over the pertinence of paranormal study to the field of psychology. Each of the arguments put forward by sceptics and believers is the product of the epistemological context in which they find themselves. Each addresses a different issue, using different terminology and different scientific approaches. However, these studies do reveal certain personality traits among paranormal believers who use their paranormal beliefs to exercise mental control and organisation, to cope with and manage anxiety, while moderating this with a certain emotional intelligence. Anxiety could well be a common factor underlying all aspects of the personalities of paranormal believers. It seems necessary therefore to leave psychology out of any epistemological debate, in order to enable the study of how being a paranormal believer helps or hinders the individual and their relationships. Refocusing on the experiences of the individual may provide a consensus for future research in this field.
Adolescent Consent and Confi dentiality in the UK
Authors: Cave Emma
Published: October 2009

In R (Axon) v Secretary of State for Health the Gillick competence test was confirmed. Commitment to childhood autonomy and privacy rights caused renewed academic criticism of the 'refusal' cases. This paper considers the form any changes to the law may take, and the potential consequences for the rights of parents and young people. Silber J.'s contention that parental Article 8 rights cease when the child makes a competent decision is potentially problematic if applied to refusal cases, especially in the context of the distinction between competence to consent to treatment and to the disclosure of information.
Testing the phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis in male Moor Frogs (Rana arvalis) exhibiting a conspicuous nuptial colouration
Authors: Hettyey Attila , Hoi Herbert , Herczeg Gábor
Published: October 2009

The conspicuous blue nuptial colouration of Moor Frog (Rana arvalis) males has been associated with sexual selection; it may provide females with information about benefits to be gained through mate choice. Here we investigated the phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis suggesting that exaggerated traits may advertise fertilization ability. We evaluated conspicuousness of males' colouration and related this to the number of sperm stored in their testes. Contrary to our expectation, we did not find a positive relationship between blueness of males and the number of sperm stored in the testes. We discuss this result in the light of alternative traits that may be advertised by colouration, such as sperm quality or good genes for offspring survival. We now need direct studies of female mate choice and the physiology of the blue nuptial colouration to clarify the evolutionary background of the striking temporal sexual dichromatism in the Moor Frog.
Multiple paternity in the moor frog, Rana arvalis
Authors: Knopp Theresa , Merilä Juha
Published: October 2009

The frequency of multiple paternity in 21 moor frog (Rana arvalis) egg clutches from one Swedish breeding locality was investigated using nine microsatellite loci. By genotyping on average 24 fertilized eggs per female, two different analyzes revealed multiple paternity in 14% and 29% of the egg clutches examined, respectively. In the multiply sired broods, approximately 23% of the individual eggs belonged to a second male. The observed frequency of multiple paternity was relatively high and in line with earlier amphibian studies. The evolutionary significance and proximate reason (active multiple mating or sperm leakage at communal lek) for the observed patterns remain unclear.
Examining Dual Meanings of Items in 2 × 2 Achievement Goal Questionnaires Through MTMM Modeling and MDS Approach
Authors: Wu Chia-Huei , Chen Lung Hung
Published: October 2009

In 2001, Elliot and McGregor proposed a 2 × 2 (mastery—performance × approach— avoidance) achievement goal frameworks and developed a questionnaire to measure four goals (mastery—approach, mastery—avoidance, performance—approach, and performance—avoidance goals).This study examines the dual meanings of items in 2 × 2 achievement goal questionnaires by confirmatory factor analysis with an uncorrelated-trait and uncorrelated-method model and multidimensional scaling technique. A total of 2,111 freshmen completed the Achievement Goal Questionnaire for General Academics, and a total of 1,014 university students in Taiwan provided their ratings on the Chinese Achievement Goal Questionnaire for Physical Education. Confirmatory factor analysis results show that the uncorrelated-trait and uncorrelated-method model is better than the 2 × 2 four-factor model, supporting the dual meanings of items. In addition, multidimensional scaling results show that items can be plotted on a two-dimensional (mastery—performance and approach—avoidance) map, in which four quadrants represent one type of goal. The evidence indicates that the items in the Chinese Achievement Goal Questionnaire for Physical Education have adequate construct validity in their dual meanings derived from the combinations of mastery— performance and approach—avoidance dimensions.
The Malabar Hill murder trial of 1925
Authors: Jhala Angma D.
Published: October 2009

This article seeks to address issues relating to sovereignty, law and sexual politics in colonial princely India through an examination of the Malabar Hill Murder Trial of 1925 in the Bombay High Court. In this particular case, the Hindu Maratha Maharaja of Indore was charged with the murder of his Muslim courtesan's lover. The ensuing trial illuminates two important developments in late colonial Indian law. First, it reveals how British courts empowered some Indian women as individual agents before the law, despite the restrictions of pardah (or seclusion), to contest and resist indigenous patriarchies. Second, it exposes the complex rela-tionship between Indian kingship and British paramountcy. Due to their position as semi-autonomous rulers, who were not under the restrictions of British Indian law, native princes were exempt from being tried in British Indian courts on the basis of their treaty regulations. This case discusses the extent to which the sexual desires and love unions of the Indian kings were affected by the princely state's fraught relationship with the colonial regime. In this in-stance, the Malabar Hill Murder trial cost the ruler his gaddi (throne) when he was compelled to abdicate.
To ‘tear the mask off the face of the past’
Authors: Rai Mridu
Published: October 2009

This article examines the historical and political course followed by a colonial discipline, namely the British-initiated archaeological project, as it was extended to the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir in the early twentieth century. It examines how and in what circumstances colonial archaeology was adopted both by the Dogra-Hindu rulers and their preponderantly Muslim subjects in this indirectly governed part of the British Indian Empire. This article argues that the adoption of this project emanated not so much from interest in the discipline of archaeology qua discipline, but in its ancillary political effects. It demonstrates that whereas the Hindu princely rulers modified colonial archaeology in ways that could enable them to use it buttress their sovereignty, their Kashmiri Muslim subjects appropriated it to strip the legitimacy off that very sovereignty. In the process, this article also highlights the capacity of various indigenous actors to recast aspects of colonial projects to serve their own several purposes.
Valuing interdependence
Authors: Abdulahad Raika , Delaney Roger , Brownlee Keith
Published: October 2009

English

This study examined whether gender, ethnic group, age, years in Canada, level of education and country where educated influenced the acculturation process for Iraqi immigrants to Canada. For the 153 participants in this study, a continuing strong identification with traditional values was found to exist irrespective of differences in demographic factors.

French

La présente recherche s’intéresse à l’influence du genre, du groupe ethnique, de l’âge, du nombre d’années au Canada, du niveau de scolarisation et du pays dans lequel la scolarisation a été effectuée sur le processus d’acculturation vécu par les immigrants d’origine irakienne établis au Canada. Chez les 153 participants à l’étude, le maintien d’une forte identification aux valeurs traditionnelles se présente de façon indépendante des différences sociodémographiques.

Spanish

Se examina si el género, el grupo étnico, la edad, años en Canadá, nivel de educación, y país donde fueron educados influye en la aculturación de inmigrantes iraquíes en Canadá. Se halla que respecto a los 153 participantes en este estudio, la fuerte identificación con valores tradicionales continúa, independientemente de los factores demográficos.
Registration in New Zealand social work
Authors: Beddoe Liz , Duke Jan
Published: October 2009

English

Internationally the greater regulation of social work is intended to raise standards and enhance the standing of the profession. Regulatory systems must also be aligned to the demands of an increasingly global workforce. The achievement of limited registration in New Zealand creates challenges and opportunities for the profession.

French

Une plus grande réglementation du travail social sur la scène internationale vise à hausser les normes et à améliorer la profession. Les systèmes de régulation devraient tenir compte des particularités d’une main-d’oeuvre de plus en plus globalisée. La réalisation d’une inscription limitée en Nouvelle-Zélande crée des défis et des possibilités pour la profession.

Spanish

Internacionalmente la regularización del trabajo social tiene como objetivo elevar los estándares y mejorar el estatus de la profesión. Los sistemas regulatorios deben tener en cuenta las demandas de un mercado laboral cada vez más globalizado. El registro limitado de Nueva Zelanda crea retos y también oportunidades para la profesión.
Effect of the SMA Trigger on the Energy Absorption Characteristics of CFRP Circular Tubes
Authors: Huang Jian-Cheng , Wang Xin-Wei
Published: October 2009

Quasi-static compressive tests were performed on carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) circular tubes to examine their axial crushing behaviors. Stable progressive crushing processes with brittle fracturing crushing mode were observed during the experiments. It is found that the crushing triggers including the ply drop off trigger and the shape memory alloy (SMA) trigger introduced in the specimens can efficiently initiate a stable progressive crushing process and significantly improve the specific energy absorption (SEA) as well as the crushing load efficiency (CLE) of the specimens. It is important to mention that the SMA trigger provides 37.2% increase of the SEA and 28.0% increase of the CLE, respectively, as compared with the specimens without a crushing trigger. Moreover, the SEA and the CLE of the composite tubes with the SMA trigger are 22.8% and 4.3% higher than those of specimens with the ply drop off trigger. In addition, the significant improvement of the SEA and the CLE is achieved with only a little increase of the initial peak-specific crushing stress.
Identifying Multi-Level Emergent Behaviors in Agent-Directed Simulations using Complex Event Type Specifications
Authors: Chen Chih-Chun , Clack Christopher D. , Nagl Sylvia B.
Published: October 2009

Agent-directed simulations (ADS) are used in many domains to study complex systems. These are systems where non-linear effects can result from these emergent behaviors, making them difficult to analyze and predict. Correspondingly, in ADS, as well as explicitly specified behaviors of individual agents, higher level behaviors can emerge spontaneously from agent action sequences and agent—agent interactions. We have previously introduced the complex event formalism for specifying emergent behaviors in dynamically executing ADS [1, 2]. Based on the formalism, we also described a method for detecting and analyzing emergent behaviors in multi-agent simulations, giving us an effective means of studying, and a more reliably way of predicting, these systems. Complex event types define sets of multi-dimensional structures of interrelated events arising from the actions of one or more agents. They are therefore directly related to the agent specifications, which determine the behavior of individual agents. Although the abstract constructs of the formalism have already been introduced in [1] and [2], they have not yet been related to a specific agent-based specification language. Here, we define the constructs in terms of the X-machine formalism, which is widely used to specify multi-agent systems. This extends the existing X-machine framework to model higher level emergent behaviors as well as agent-level state transitions. Thus, emergent behaviors at any level of abstraction can be specified for detection and analysis in a dynamically executing ADS.
Specification-based Verification in a Distributed Shared Memory Simulation Model
Authors: Marurngsith Worawan , Ibbett Roland N.
Published: October 2009

The emergence of chip multiprocessors is leading to rapid advances in hardware and software systems to provide distributed shared memory (DSM) programming models, so-called DSM systems. A DSM system provides programming advantages within a scalable and cost-effective hardware solution. This benefit derives from the fact that a DSM system creates a shared-memory abstraction on top of a distributed-memory machine by caching data replicas locally. In this respect, a coherence protocol is a vital component responsible for assuring data consistency across all replicas. The design of coherence protocols impacts a DSM system in terms of both performance and accuracy. Performance is often measured via simulation and various verification techniques have been proposed to deal with protocol accuracy. Nevertheless, integrating accuracy verification into a DSM cluster simulation to ensure correct simulation results is still an open issue. In this paper, we address three properties of a coherence protocol (safety, liveness, and inclusion) without which errors may occur in the simulation results. We propose a specification-based parameter—model interaction (SPMI) technique to detect these cases in a particular DSM cluster simulator called DSiMCluster. Our experimental results demonstrate that with SPMI, DSiMCluster can ensure the coherence protocol properties and provides a correct reflection of memory characteristics in shared-memory and DSM multiprocessors.
The Mystery Customer: Continuing Absences in the Sociology of Service Work
Authors: Korczynski Marek
Published: October 2009

This article charts the historical and contemporary absences in the sociology of service work. Although studies of service work have now become the empirical mainstream in the sociology of work, there have been few attempts to conceptualize broad patterns of worker—customer relations in ser vice work. This neglect is to be regretted because whether the customer is an alienating figure for service workers constitutes a key unasked question in contemporary sociology of work. The article highlights three factors that are likely to have a key influence on workers’ sense of alienation vis-a-vis the customer. It highlights divergent literature in each of these areas and hence ends with a call for research on this topic.