bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences between subacute and chronic MPTP mice models: investigation of dopaminergic neuronal degeneration and α‐synuclein inclusions
Authors: Gibrat Claire , Saint‐Pierre Martine , Bousquet Mélanie , Lévesque Daniel , Rouillard Claude , Cicchetti Francesca
Published: March 2009

Animal models are invaluable tools to study neurodegenerative disorders but a general consensus on the most accurate rodent model of Parkinson’s disease has not been reached. Here, we examined how different methods of MPTP administration influence the degeneration of the dopaminergic (DA) system. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were treated with the same cumulative dose of MPTP following four distinct procedures: (i) subacute i.p. injections; (ii) 28‐day chronic s.c. infusion; (iii) 28‐day chronic i.p. infusion; and (iv) 14‐day chronic i.p. infusion. Subacute MPTP treatment significantly affected all aspects of the DA system within the nigral and striatal territories. In contrast, the 28‐day chronic s.c. infusion did not significantly alter any components of the DA system. The 28‐ and 14‐day chronic i.p. infusions induced loss of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐positive cells correlated with a decrease inNurr1mRNA levels, but no significant decrease in the density of TH striatal fibers. Importantly, however, only the 14‐day chronic MPTP i.p. infusion protocol promoted the formation of neuronal inclusions as noted by the expression of α‐synuclein protein within the cytoplasm of TH nigral neurons. Overall, we found that the 14‐day chronic MPTP i.p. infusion reproduces more accurately the pathological characteristics of early stage Parkinson’s disease.
Women's Struggles within the American Radical Pacifist Movement
Authors: Mollin Marian
Published: March 2009

Pacifism and peace activism are often stereotyped as the domains of nurturing women acting upon their maternal instincts to end war and thus protect the children of the world. Exploring the history of female radical pacifists with a focus on gender, however, reveals a much more complex set of dynamics that mirrored cultural forces pervading society at large. Their language was not always that of motherhood. From the 1940s through the 1970s, women also used the rhetoric and symbols of ‘brotherhood’ and ‘sisterhood’ to frame and justify their pacifist protests. Nor was their activism always celebrated. Instead, whether as ‘brothers’, ‘mothers’, or ‘sisters’, women who acted on the front lines of struggle repeatedly confronted a political culture that celebrated male heroism and masculine militancy, and cast women in secondary supporting roles. In critical ways, the culture of the peace movement thus mirrored the gender dynamics of the very culture of militarism it sought to undermine.
Interests, Institutions, and the Reliability of International Commitments
Authors: Leeds Brett Ashley , Mattes Michaela , Vogel Jeremy S.
Published: March 2009

One feature associated with democratic governance is frequent leadership turnover. While the ease of replacing leaders improves accountability, it may impede the ability of democracies to make credible long‐term international commitments. Using newly collected data that identify cases in which leaders who derive their support from different domestic interests come to power, we evaluate the effects of changes in domestic political leadership on one important aspect of foreign policy—decisions to maintain military alliances. An analysis covering bilateral alliances between 1919 and 2001 reveals that changes in societal supporting coalitions in nondemocratic states are associated with decisions to abrogate alliances prior to their scheduled end dates, but changes in societal supporting coalitions in democracies have no effect on the probability of premature alliance termination. We conclude that international cooperation is sensitive to changes in core supporting coalitions, but that this effect is moderated by democratic political institutions.
New polymorphic microsatellite loci for population studies in the European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus (L.)
Authors: PAKAKI V. , MAGOULAS A. , KASAPIDIS P.
Published: March 2009

Eleven microsatellite loci were developed in the European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus, and tested in samples from two geographically distant populations (Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea). Number of alleles ranged from eight to 28 and observed heterozygosity from 0.440 to 0.920. There was no evidence of linkage disequilibrium, although two loci are indeed linked. All loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, except for one locus in the Atlantic and two loci in the Mediterranean sample. These three loci plus two more showed evidence for null alleles.
Iatrogenic fatal bleeding of ruptured gastric varix mimicking submucosal mass: An autopsy case
Authors: Song Hye‐Jong , Kwak Jung‐Sik , Lee Sang‐Han
Published: March 2009

A 66‐year‐old woman died during a routine gastroscopic examination. The physician tried to biopsy a submucosal mass‐like lesion with tortuous and exaggerated submucosal blood vessels. Massive bleeding occurred due to iatrogenic injury. Isolated gastric varices are less prevalent than esophageal varices, but it has a higher motality rate because of the difficulty of controlling bleeding. Physicians should be mindful of isolated gastric varices, especially during examination of those with liver cirrhosis.
Status of oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: VASANTHI Pallinti , NALINI Ganesan , RAJASEKHAR G.
Published: March 2009

Aim: To assess the oxidative stress status in rheumatoid arthritis by measuring markers of free radical production, systemic activity of disease, free radical mediated tissue destruction and levels of antioxidant.

Methods: Peripheral blood samples were used for all the assays. Total nitric oxide (NO) was quantitatively measured using immunoassay kit. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and vitamin E were measured by spectrophotometric methods.

Results: Statistically significant changes were observed in the levels of MDA, vitamin E, total NO and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in the patient group. Significant differences were also observed in ESR and vitamin E levels in patients with active disease.

Conclusions: Increased oxidative stress status exists, which may lead to connective tissue degradation leading to joint and periarticular deformities in rheumatoid arthritis.
The Effects of Wetting and Surface Roughness on Liquid Metal Droplet Bouncing
Authors: Hsiao Wen-Kai , Chun Jung-Hoon , Saka Nannaji
Published: March 2009

In droplet-based manufacturing processes, such as dropwise rapid prototyping, solder bumping, and spray forming, the quality of the deposit is adversely affected by bouncing of liquid droplets off the target surfaces. This study investigates the effects of wetting and surface roughness on the bouncing phenomenon. An analytical model, based on the conservation of energy during deposition, was developed to correlate wetting and surface roughness to a dimensionless droplet bouncing potential. In addition, experiments were conducted to image the deposition behavior of Sn-37 wt % Pb solder droplets, averaging 280 μm in diameter, on prepared substrates with a wide range of wetting properties and roughness levels. The high-speed image data correlate well with the model prediction that droplets are likely to bounce as a target surface becomes less wetting or is roughened.
Efficient Bioethanol Production by a Recombinant Flocculent
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Strain with a Genome-Integrated NADP
+
-Dependent Xylitol Dehydrogenase Gene
Authors: Matsushika Akinori , Inoue Hiroyuki , Watanabe Seiya , Kodaki Tsutomu , Makino Keisuke , Sawayama Shigeki
Published: March 2009

The recombinant industrial
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strain MA-R5 was engineered to express NADP
+
-dependent xylitol dehydrogenase using the flocculent yeast strain IR-2, which has high xylulose-fermenting ability, and both xylose consumption and ethanol production remarkably increased. Furthermore, the MA-R5 strain produced the highest ethanol yield (0.48 g/g) from nonsulfuric acid hydrolysate of wood chips.
Advances and innovations in dialysis in the 21st century
Authors: Power A , Duncan N , Goodlad C
Published: March 2009

Patients with end stage renal failure (ESRD) require renal replacement therapy in the form of dialysis or renal transplantation. There is an increasing number of people receiving maintenance dialysis as patients with ESRD are increasing faster than the supply of transplantable organs. The mortality rate on dialysis is 4–6 times that of the general population and is substantially reduced by transplantation. For the past 8 years, dialysis research has focused on improving patient outcomes and quality of life on dialysis. This review examines recent advances in haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in a historical context and considers future research possibilities.
Computer-Aided Psychological Treatments: Evolving Issues
Authors: Marks Isaac , Cavanagh Kate
Published: March 2009

Evidence is growing that several computer-aided psychotherapy (CP) systems can effectively improve a range of common mental health problems. Most clients find CP acceptable because of its convenience, confidentiality, and reduction of stigma. CP can be accessed in a clinic, but recently clients have used CP especially on the Internet at home, with brief support on a telephone helpline and/or by email. Brief and efficient screening and support greatly reduce attrition. CP's efficacy, and encouragement of its dissemination and implementation by some national funding bodies and governmental agencies, has led to its spread as a regular care option and is increasing access to psychological therapies in some countries. Transfer of this new approach from use in tight research studies to use as an integrated part of everyday care under widely varying conditions generates teething problems that are being managed in diverse ways across different centers. Anonymized Internet audit of CP outcomes facilitates effective care and clinical governance. This review examines the current state of the art as well as the science and broad applications of CP.
Environmental Influences on Tobacco Use: Evidence from Societal and Community Influences on Tobacco Use and Dependence
Authors: Cummings K. Michael , Fong Geoffrey T. , Borland Ron
Published: March 2009

There is little doubt that nicotine addiction sustains tobacco use in most people and that individual variation in response to tobacco has a strong biological basis. However, the great diversity in tobacco use behaviors observed between countries and within countries over time suggests that biology alone cannot fully explain these variations. This review examines the role of the social environment in understanding tobacco use behaviors and efforts to curb tobacco use at the population level. We conclude that the social environment plays a critical role in determining how innate biological factors involved in nicotine dependency actually get expressed at the population level. Tobacco use as reflected in population trends is seen as the product of the interaction of agent, host, and environmental factors. Government policies are seen as an important modifiable environmental influence that can alter how tobacco products are designed and marketed (agent factors) and how consumers perceive the risks and benefits of smoking (host factors). Evidence suggests that synergy is gained when tobacco control interventions directed at agent, host, and environmental factors are implemented together.
Kyros-Orakel und Kyros-Zylinder: Ein religionsgeschichtlicher Vergleich ihrer Gottes-Konzeptionen
Authors: Leuenberger Martin
Published: March 2009

The striking similarity of the Cyrus cylinder with the contemporaneous Cyrus oracle in Is 45:1-7 has often been noticed, but up to now, we lack a detailed comparison that concentrates on the conceptions of God. Due to their crucial importance for the understanding of both texts, such a focus, however, promises to be rewarding: It allows to elaborate aspects substantial for both documents and to illuminate their similarities and differences more sharply. For Old Testament research, a particularly relevant result is that the monotheism of Deutero-Isaiah can be located more precisely in the religious- and theological-historical developments of the late Babylonian and early Persian time.
The Deployment Experiences of Ft. Carson's Soldiers in Iraq
Authors: Scott Wilbur J. , McCone David R. , Mastroianni George R.
Published: March 2009

William Lind has argued that the U.S. military is improperly configured and trained to fight “fourth-generation” wars, that is, ones in which one of the participants is a nonstate actor and where the strategy, tactics, and battlefield are unconventional. This position has slowly gained acceptance among U.S. Army and Marine commanders, who have struggled to adapt to fourth-generation realities on the ground in Iraq. Drawing on oral-history and focus-group interviews, the authors explore how two units from Ft. Carson, Colorado, have experienced and adjusted to these contingencies. They offer the SAPRR Model as an illustration of their cognitive approach and a plausible combat script for rapid but considered decision making.
Sensitivity of Liver Injury in Heterozygous Sod2 Knockout Mice Treated with Troglitazone or Acetaminophen
Authors: Fujimoto Kazunori , Kumagai Kazuyoshi , Ito Kazumi , Arakawa Shingo , Ando Yosuke , Oda Sen-ichi , Yamoto Takashi , Manabe Sunao
Published: March 2009

Recently, it was reported that the intraperitoneal administration of 30 mg/kg/day troglitazone to heterozygous superoxide dismutase 2 gene knockout (Sod2+/−) mice for twenty-eight days caused liver injury, manifested by increased serum ALT activity and hepatic necrosis. Therefore, we evaluated the reproducibility of troglitazone-induced liver injury in Sod2+/− mice, as well as their validity as an animal model with higher sensitivity to mitochondrial toxicity by single-dose treatment with acetaminophen in Sod2+/− mice. Although we conducted a repeated dose toxicity study in Sod2+/− mice treated orally with 300 mg/kg/day troglitazone for twenty-eight days, no hepatocellular necrosis was observed in our study. On the other hand, six hours and twenty-four hours after an administration of 300 mg/kg acetaminophen, plasma ALT activity was significantly increased in Sod2+/− mice, compared to wild-type mice. In particular, six hours after administration, hepatic centrilobular necrosis was observed only in Sod2+/− mice. These results suggest that Sod2+/− mice are valuable as an animal model with higher sensitivity to mitochondrial toxicity. On the other hand, it was suggested that the mitochondrial damage alone might not be the major cause of the troglitazone-induced idiosyncratic liver injury observed in humans.
Randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effects of the ‘party pills’ BZP/TFMPP alone and in combination with alcohol
Authors: Thompson I. , Williams G. , Caldwell B. , Aldington S. , Dickson S. , Lucas N. , McDowall J. , Weatherall M. , Robinson G. , Beasley R.
Published: March 2009

The objective of this study was to determine the clinical effects of party pills containing benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) when taken alone and in combination with alcohol. The study was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in a hospital-based clinic in Wellington, New Zealand. Thirty-five volunteers who had previously used party pills containing BZP were included in this trial. Participants received one of the following four treatments: 300 mg/74 mg BZP/TFMPP and placebo, 300 mg/74 mg BZP/TFMPP and 57.6 g (6 units) alcohol, placebo and 57.6 g (6 units) alcohol and double placebo. The primary outcome variable was a measure of driving performance, the standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP) measured at 6.5 h. Secondary measures included adverse events, cardiovascular effects, psychological function and delayed effects on sleep. The study was stopped early, after 35 of the planned 64 subjects had undertaken testing, because of severe adverse events that occurred in four of 10 BZP/TFMPP-only subjects, three of seven combined BZP/TFMPP and alcohol subjects, none of the 6 placebo subjects, and none of the 12 alcohol-only subjects. The overall rate of severe adverse events (defined as causing considerable interference with usual activity and/or rated by subject as severe) in those receiving BZP/TFMPP was seven of 17 (41.2%, 95% CI 18.4—67.1). The severe events included agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, vomiting, insomnia and migraine. BZP/TFMPP significantly improved the driving performance, decreasing SDLP at −4.2 cm (95% CI −6.8 to −1.6, P = 0.002). The effect of alcohol was to increase SDLP: 2.3 cm (95% CI −0.3 to 4.9, P = 0.08). BZP/TFMPP also resulted in increased heart rate and blood pressure and in difficulty in getting to sleep. BZP/TFMPP alone or with alcohol carries a significant risk of severe adverse events when taken in similar doses to those recommended by manufacturers.
Commentary: Overcoming the Challenges of Post-disaster Planning in New Orleans
Authors: Reardon Kenneth M. , Green Rebekah , Bates Lisa K. , Kiely Richard C.
Published: March 2009

This article describes how New Orleans ACORN members established a highly productive partnership with more than ninety urban planning students and faculty from Cornell, Columbia and Illinois in 2006 to produce a resident-inspired recovery plan for the Ninth Ward. The article explains how participants in this complex community/university partnership overcame significant racial, class, and age barriers to produce “The People's Plan for Overcoming the Hurricane Katrina Blues” that successfully used primary data regarding building conditions and residents' rate of return to encourage public officials, in the spirit of Paul Davidoff, to reinvest in this historic area of the city.
Twenty-nine per cent Women Councillors after a Mere 100 Years
Authors: Game Chris
Published: March 2009

Just over 100 years ago, 5 pioneering women and 1 quite exceptional one became the first legitimately elected female members of English county and county borough councils. While obviously important, the Qualification of Women Act 1907 that enabled their election was far from the only one to have influenced women's electoral involvement in local government. Their first real opportunity had come in 1870, when the remarkably female-friendly electoral system introduced in Forster's Education Act enabled women to become elected members of school boards — one of the very first being the `quite exceptional' woman mentioned above, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson. The first part of this article examines the rules governing women's 19th-century voting and candidacy rights, and concludes that they were a decisive factor in determining both the extent and nature of women's participation in public life. The second part examines the comparable modern-day rules surrounding electoral systems and gender quotas and suggests that they are similarly influential in determining — or limiting — the representational diversity in our elected governmental bodies. With women comprising just 29 per cent of English councillors after more than a century, the time has surely come, the article concludes, to follow other countries in their utilization of electoral quotas.
Gender Balance in Scottish Local Authority Councils
Authors: Siebert Sabina
Published: March 2009

Women make up over 40 per cent of community councillors in Scotland, however, evidence suggests that they are less likely to progress to local authority councils. This article investigates the barriers to wider engagement of women in participative democracy, and based on the analysis of empirical data suggests some ways of promoting a more equitable gender representation in Scottish local authority councils. The barriers identified by respondents include male incumbency, traditional perceptions of gender roles and the bad reputation of local politicians. The adversarial nature of politics, `political infighting' and `backstabbing' as well as a considerable level of misogyny were perceived as barriers against women's participation, as well as a lack of confidence and lack of understanding of the role of the local councillor. Greater representation of women in public life is crucial in ensuring that women's interests are represented in decision-making. Despite some views against positive action, the strategies to increase the number of women being selected and standing for local elections are seen as the most effective solution to the problem of under-representation of women on local councils. The presence of women in representative institutions may create role models and this is perceived to potentially lead to an increase of women's participation. Women's networks, within political parties or independent of them, are effective in sharing experience, skills and knowledge, so are mentoring and shadowing as well as other forms of informal learning. A number of practical solutions were identified throughout the project: an increase of the councillors' allowance, availability of childcare facilities in local councils and family-friendly hours of council meetings are seen as potential incentives for women candidates.
Assistive Robots in Health Care Settings
Authors: Nejat Goldie , Yiyuan Sun  , Nies Mary
Published: March 2009

Excellence in patient care is achieved through the very latest in technological advancements such as assistive robots. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the use of assistive robots in various health care settings. The article includes a discussion of the strengths and limitations for noninteractive and interactive robots in health care and a summary of the implications for practice.
Assessment of Air Change Rates in Chemical Laboratories
Authors: Chien Yeh-Chung , Chang Cheng-Ping , Lo Chi-Pon
Published: March 2009

By performing a set of controlled experiments and field measurements, this study investigated ventilation conditions in chemical laboratories in universities, as well as the impact of various ventilation measures on air change rate (ACR). The controlled study was conducted in one research laboratory. On/off air-conditioning, a fume hood, local exhaust, and an open door were the test variables. The field study measured ACR in 24 chemical laboratories at two universities. Ventilation in each laboratory was assessed by estimating the ACR using CO2-decay approaches. Controlled study results indicate that air-conditioning and local exhaust did not significantly impact the ACR, whereas use of a chemical hood or open door significantly ( p < 0.05) increased the ACR by 4.6- and 3.2-fold, respectively. Field measurements indicate that the average ACR for laboratories with air-conditioning and closed windows, air-conditioning with windows partially closed, and no air-conditioning with windows open and fans were 2.18, 10.1, and 23.8 (h-1), respectively. Overall, 38% of chemical laboratories measured in this study, especially those using air-conditioning with closed windows (∼100%), did not meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration laboratory ventilation requirements of four air exchanges per hour. Opening windows, at least partially, improved the ACR.
Indoor Volatile Organic Compounds in Atopy Patients' Houses in South Korea
Authors: Dal Woong Choi  , Kyong Whan Moon  , Sang Hoon Byeon  , Eun Il Lee  , Dong Geun Sul  , Jang Hee Lee  , Eun Ha Oh  , Young Hwan Kim
Published: March 2009

This study was undertaken to determine the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air of atopy patients' (atopic dermatitis 50, allergic asthma 36) and control houses (28 nonpatients). A goal of this study was also to investigate whether indoor VOCs were risk factors for the development of atopic sensitization. Eleven alkanes, 13 aromatics, 7 chlorinated hydrocarbons, 3 terpenes, and 15 aldehyds were measured from 10 March to 15 June, 2006. Aldehyde compounds are the most abundant chemical group in all indoor air, followed by aromatic compounds. The geometric mean concentrations of total VOC (TVOC) in indoor air in atopic dermatitis and allergic asthma patients' houses were 317.1 and 219.2 mg m -3, respectively. However, TVOC concentrations did not differ significantly between control and patient houses in indoor and outdoor air. The geometric mean concentrations of benzene, ethylbenzene ( p<0.05), o-xylene, m-, p-xylene, styrene, levels of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene and formaldehyde ( p<0.01) in the indoor air of houses of patients with atopic dermatitis, and levels of o-xylene and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene ( p<0.01) in houses of allergic asthma patients were significantly higher than those in control houses. The multiple linear regression model in this study indicated several indoor origins of VOCs. House age and floor or wall coverings that had been refurbished within 1 year were correlated with higher concentrations of formaldehyde. Limonene and αpinene concentrations were significantly increased by the replacement of furniture and the use of cleaning products. The type of heating system was significantly associated with indoor benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, nonane, decane, and undecane concentrations in atopy patient houses.
Determination of Carbon Monoxide Levels in Coffee Shops in Ankara
Authors: Tekbaş Ömer Faruk , Güleç Mahir , Odabaşi Ersin , Vaizoğlu Songül Acar , Güler Çağatay
Published: March 2009

Indoor environments are where people spend 80—90% of their time. They are at their riskiest in terms of air pollution when smoking is not prohibited and various combustion and/or cooking applications are performed. If such environments are where people live or work, or are recreation facilities open to everybody, experience has shown that pollution levels to which they are exposed can reach levels that are a threat to their health.

This study is an investigation of coffee shops, which are such communal environments, identified according to factors such as clientele and physical accommodation. The pollution parameter chosen was the level of carbon monoxide in the air, evaluated according to its compliance to the existing standards and setting forth measures that might be taken against probable health risks.

The study was performed in 384 coffee shops selected randomly from amongst those ( N = 7646) located in five central municipal districts of Ankara province. Most of the environments investigated were observed to have deficiencies in respect of accident risk, hygienic features and accommodation conditions. The mean carbon monoxide level was found to be below the short and long-term threshold values. However, CO levels above long-term threshold levels were observed in 34% of the coffee shops.

In conclusion, the environments investigated were found to pose risks in terms of both accommodation conditions and indoor environment air quality. It was concluded that these risks, which could affect the health of workers and clientele, could be eliminated by environmental health measures.
Negative effect of KIR alloreactivity in recipients of umbilical cord blood transplant depends on transplantation conditioning intensity
Authors: Brunstein Claudio G. , Wagner John E. , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Cooley Sarah , Noreen Harriet , Barker Juliet N. , DeFor Todd , Verneris Michael R. , Blazar Bruce R. , Miller Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2009

We examined the clinical impact of killer-immunoglobulin receptor-ligand (KIR-L) mismatch in 257 recipients of single (n = 91) or double (n = 166) unit umbilical cord blood (UCB) grafts after myeloablative (n = 155) or reduced intensity (n = 102) conditioning regimens. Analyses of double unit grafts considered the KIR-L match status of the dominant engrafting unit. After myeloablative conditioning, KIR-L mismatch had no effect on grade III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), transplantation-related mortality (TRM), relapse, and survival. In contrast, after reduced intensity conditioning, KIR-L mismatch between the engrafted unit and the recipient resulted in significantly higher rates of grade III-IV acute GVHD (42% [CI, 27-59] vs 13% [CI, 5-21], P < .01) and TRM (27% [CI, 12%-42%] vs 12% [CI, 5%-19%], P = .03) with inferior survival (32% [CI, 15%-59%] vs 52% [CI, 47%-67%], P = .03). Multivariate analysis identified KIR-L mismatch as the only predictive factor associated with the development of grade III-IV acute GVHD (RR, 1.8 [CI, 1.1-2.9]; P = .02) and demonstrated a significant association between KIR-L mismatch and increased risk of death (RR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0-3.1; P = .05). Our results do not support the selection of UCB units based on KIR-L status and suggest that KIR-L mismatching should be avoided in reduced intensity UCB transplantation.
Influence of the positioning of a cementless glenoid prosthesis on its interface micromotions
Authors: Sua´rez D R , van der Linden J C , Valstar E R , Broomans P , Poort G , Rozing P M , van Keulen F
Published: March 2009

The positioning of the glenoid component in total shoulder arthroplasty is complicated by the limited view during operation. Malalignment and/or motion of the glenoid component with respect to the bone can be a cause of, or contribute to, failure of the implant. The aim of this paper is to determine the effect of the positioning of a cementless glenoid component on the micromotions between the implant and the bone during normal loading after surgery. For this study a three-dimensional finite element model of a complete scapula with a cementless glenoid component was used. In total, eight positions of the upper arm in both abduction and anteflexion were chosen to represent the patient's arm movement post-operatively. A previously published musculoskeletal model was used to determine the joint and muscle forces on the scapula with implant in each arm position. Five different alignments of the glenoid component (neutral, anterior, inferior, posterior, and superior inclinations), two different implantation depths (‘optimal’ and ‘deeper’ implantations), and two bone qualities (healthy and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) bone) were considered. Inclinations of 10° with respect to a neutral alignment did not affect the overall interface micromotions in the optimal implantation depth. However, when the implantation depth was 3 mm deeper, anterior and inferior inclinations were more favourable than a neutral alignment and other inclinations. Micromotions in RA bone were always larger than in healthy bone.
Borrowing, Adapting, and Learning the Practices of Smallpox: Notes from Colonial Goa
Authors: Bastos Cristiana
Published: March 2009

In this article I will address colonial state policies toward smallpox in nineteenth-century Goa. The picture that emerges from the analysis of health services documents suggests a broad variety of coexisting practices. While the actions of some of the Portuguese head physicians epitomized the conflict between state-sponsored vaccination policies and local preferences for smallpox inoculation, others showed sympathy for and developed arguments in favor of inoculation as practiced by indigenous experts. Still others observed the existence among the population of hybrid practices combining elements of vaccination and inoculation. The diversity of Goan combinations along the violence/collaboration continuum should be interpreted within the context of current trends in the analysis of smallpox in British India—which replace the paradigm of vaccination: variolation :: state violence: native resistance with a more nuanced understanding of a variety of combinations throughout the subcontinent in the nineteenth century.
A Prospective Study of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Children
Authors: Srinivasan Ramya , Asselin Jeanette , Gildengorin Ginny , Wiener-Kronish J. , Flori H.R.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. We conducted a prospective, observational study in a tertiary care pediatric center to determine risk factors for the development of and outcomes from ventilator-associated pneumonia.

METHODS. From November 2004 to June 2005, all NICU and PICU patients mechanically ventilated for >24 hours were eligible for enrollment after parental consent. The primary outcome measure was the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia, which was defined by both Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance criteria and clinician diagnosis. Secondary outcome measures were length of mechanical ventilation, hospital and ICU length of stay, hospital cost, and death.

RESULTS. Fifty-eight patients were enrolled. The median age was 6 months, and 57% were boys. The most common ventilator-associated pneumonia organisms identified were Gram-negative bacteria (42%), Staphylococcus aureus (22%), and Haemophilus influenzae (11%). On multivariate analysis, female gender, postsurgical admission diagnosis, presence of enteral feeds, and use of narcotic medications were associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia. Patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia had greater need for mechanical ventilation (12 vs 22 median ventilator-free days), longer ICU length of stay (6 vs 13 median ICU-free days), higher total median hospital costs ($308534 vs $252652), and increased absolute hospital mortality (10.5% vs 2.4%) than those without ventilator-associated pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS. In mechanically ventilated, critically ill children, those with ventilator-associated pneumonia had a prolonged need for mechanical ventilation, a longer ICU stay, and a higher mortality rate. Female gender, postsurgical diagnosis, the use of narcotics, and the use of enteral feeds were associated with an increased risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia in these patients.
Structural modifications of Gd2Zr2-xTixO7 pyrochlore induced by swift heavy ions: Disordering and amorphization
Authors: Lang M. , Zhang F.X. , Ewing R.C. , Lian Jie , Trautmann Christina , Wang Zhongwu
Published: March 2009

The isometric, pyrochlore structure type, A2B2O7, exhibits a wide variety of properties that find application in a large number of different technologies, from electrolytes in solid oxide fuel cells to actinide-bearing compositions that can be used as nuclear waste forms or inert matrix nuclear fuels. Swift xenon ions (1.43 GeV) have been used to systematically modify different compositions in the Gd2Zr2-xTixO7 binary at the nanoscale by radiation-induced phase transitions that include the crystalline-to-amorphous and order-disorder structural transformations. Synchrotron x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy provide a complete and consistent description of structural changes induced by the swift heavy ions and demonstrate that the response of pyrochlore depends strongly on chemical composition. The high and dense electronic energy deposition primarily results in amorphization of Ti-rich pyrochlore; whereas the formation of the fully disordered, defect-fluorite structure is the dominant process for Zr-rich pyrochlore.
In situ x-ray observation of bainitic transformation of austempered silicon alloyed steel
Authors: Chen Xiang , Vuorinen Esa
Published: March 2009

The in situ x-ray diffraction observations of the bainitic transformation were conducted by using the high-temperature x-ray diffraction technique. The volume fraction and carbon content of austenite depend on the transformation temperature. The d{110} value of bainitic ferrite decreases with increasing austempering temperature, which is related to the decrease of carbon concentration in bainitic ferrite. Asymmetry diffraction peaks are obtained for samples at the early stage of transformation at any austempering temperatures. This asymmetry diffraction peak after the formation of bainitic ferrite could be attributed to a heterogeneous distribution of carbon in different regions of austenite and show that two types of austenite with different carbon contents, low-carbon austenite (γLC) and the high-carbon austenite (γHC), exist during the transformation. The microstructure after cooling down to room temperature is presented to show the effectiveness of the x-ray diffraction analysis.
Is the Spotlight an Obsolete Metaphor of “Seeing with the Mind's Eye“? A Constructive Naturalistic Approach to the Inspection of Visual Mental Images
Authors: D'Angiulli Amedeo
Published: March 2009

Does conscious aware inspection of visual mental images mimic a spotlight? To answer this, a constructive naturalistic approach was used to integrate image latency (time necessary to generate a visual image), image size (specified by the size of an external display), and vividness (verbal report, through rating, indicating activation strength of images). Participants were asked to form images at “small” and/or “large” sizes and immediately rate them on a 7-point vividness scale. In Experiment 1, sizes varied between participants, and images were “trial-unique.” In Experiment 2, the task required forming all images repeatedly at 4 varying sizes. In Experiment 1, larger images took longer than smaller images to reach same vividness level, with interaction between vividness and size. Size effects and interaction disappeared in Experiment 2; furthermore, images seemed to undergo gradual built-up and more uniformly-distributed inspection. Both imagery phenomenology and its behavioral correlates seem to support the spotlight metaphor.
Nanocomposite powders for new contact materials based on copper and alumina
Authors: Korac Marija , Kamberovic Zeljko , Tasic Milos , Gavrilovski Milorad
Published: March 2009

This paper is a contribution to characterization of Cu-Al2O3 powders with nanostructure designed for the production of dispersion strengthened contact materials. New materials with predetermined properties can be successfully synthesized by utilizing the principles of hydrometallurgy and powder metallurgy. The results show a development of a new procedure for the synthesis. The applied characterization methods were differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis (DTA-TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): Focused Ion Beam (FIB) and Analytical Electron Microscopy (AEM). Nanostructure characteristics, particle size in range 20-50 nm, and uniform distribution of dispersoide in copper matrix were validated.
Exhaled Breath Condensate pH in Adult Croatian Population Without Respiratory Disorders: How Healthy a Population Should Be to Provide Normative Data?
Authors: Varnai Veda , Ljubičić Anita , Prester Ljerka , Macan Jelena
Published: March 2009

Exhaled Breath Condensate pH in Adult Croatian Population Without Respiratory Disorders: How Healthy a Population Should Be to Provide Normative Data?

The aim of this study was to obtain preliminary exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH values for healthy adult Croatian subjects, and to evaluate criteria for defining respiratory health of population providing normal EBC pH values in epidemiologic studies. In 109 adults without a history of lower airway symptoms (AS), four groups were described by narrowing the definition of "health" down to 1) without lower AS; 2) without lower and upper AS; 3) without AS, with normal FEV1 and bronchial normoreactivity; 4) without AS, with normal FEV1, bronchial normoreactivity, normal total IgE, and with negative skin prick test. Median EBC pH values did not differ between the groups (7.72, 7.73, 7.73, 7.73), but as health criteria got stricter, we observed a slight, nonsignificant increase in minimal pH values (6.95, 7.10, 7.20, 7.37). Median EBC pH values with interquartile range in the total sample (7.72; 7.63 to 7.76) were within the range previously reported by other authors. They did not differ regarding sex, smoking habit and atopic status, and were not associated with age, FEV1 or total IgE. The non-significant trend in EBC pH observed with stricter criteria of respiratory health and atopic status indicates the need for further research on criteria for defining healthy population in a larger sample.
Removal by laparoscopic partial ovariohysterectomy of a uterine leiomyoma assumed to have caused fetal death in a mare
Authors: Heijltjes J. M. , Rijkenhuizen A. B. M. , Hendriks W. K. , Stout T. A. E.
Published: March 2009

A 13‐year‐old pluriparous Dutch Warmblood mare presented to Utrecht University's Department of Equine Sciences 4 weeks after suspected abortion at 3.5 months gestation, to investigate the nature of a uterine mass and persistent vulval discharge. Transrectal ultrasonographic examination revealed copious flocculent fluid and fetal remnants within the uterus and a 5–6 cm heterogenous mass in the uterine wall at the tip of the right horn. Expulsion of fetal parts and resolution of the coexisting endometritis were effected by a combination of repeated PGF2aanalogue injections to induce oestrus, application of PGE2gel to aid cervical relaxation, and daily uterine lavage and antibiotic instillation. The presence of the mass in the uterine wall was confirmed by hysteroscopy and the suspected tumour subsequently removed by partial laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy under standing sedation and local anaesthesia. The histological appearance of the tumour was consistent with a leiomyoma or moderately malignant leiomyosarcoma. Although a follow‐up examination 6 months post surgery revealed uncomplicated healing of the uterus, the owner decided to retire the mare from breeding. Uterine neoplasia is an extremely unusual cause of fetal death in the mare but, in the present case, laparoscopic partial ovariohysterectomy proved a promising, minimally invasive technique for salvaging sufficient uterus to make subsequent breeding a realistic proposition.
richardthesecond: Adapting Shakespeare to the Local in a Culture of Global Celebrity
Authors: Ormsby Robert
Published: March 2009

This essay discusses how Matthew MacFadzean's richardthesecond adapts Shakespeare's Richard II to both popular American (or global) culture and local (Canadian) points of orientation. MacFadzean's solo multimedia performance treats sceptically both the notion that Shakespeare can be used as a high-culture defence against popular culture and Marshall McLuhan's proposition that Canada is an anti-environment that renders visible the United States' global environment. Instead, richardthesecond aligns culturally conservative views of Shakespeare with multinational corporate greed and implies that Canada cannot form a national identity that is wholly distinct from that of the United States. The play requires of its audience a sort of “triple vision,” or a fluency in Shakespeare and popular culture as well as a detailed understanding of Canadian culture. Ultimately, the demands that MacFadzean makes on his audience not only demonstrate the interpenetration of the global and the local but also expose the heterogeneity of local theatre communities.
Reliability of intraoperative high-resolution 2D ultrasound as an alternative to high–field strength MR imaging for tumor resection control: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Gerganov Venelin Miloslavov , Samii Amir , Akbarian Arasch , Stieglitz Lennart , Samii Madjid , Fahlbusch Rudolf
Published: March 2009

Object

Ultrasound may be a reliable but simpler alternative to intraoperative MR imaging (iMR imaging) for tumor resection control. However, its reliability in the detection of tumor remnants has not been definitely proven. The aim of the study was to compare high-field iMR imaging (1.5 T) and high-resolution 2D ultrasound in terms of tumor resection control.

Methods

A prospective comparative study of 26 consecutive patients was performed. The following parameters were compared: the existence of tumor remnants after presumed radical removal and the quality of the images. Tumor remnants were categorized as: detectable with both imaging modalities or visible only with 1 modality.

Results

Tumor remnants were detected in 21 cases (80.8%) with iMR imaging. All large remnants were demonstrated with both modalities, and their image quality was good. Two-dimensional ultrasound was not as effective in detecting remnants < 1 cm. Two remnants detected with iMR imaging were missed by ultrasound. In 2 cases suspicious signals visible only on ultrasound images were misinterpreted as remnants but turned out to be a blood clot and peritumoral parenchyma. The average time for acquisition of an ultrasound image was 2 minutes, whereas that for an iMR image was ~ 10 minutes. Neither modality resulted in any procedure-related complications or morbidity.

Conclusions

Intraoperative MR imaging is more precise in detecting small tumor remnants than 2D ultrasound. Nevertheless, the latter may be used as a less expensive and less time-consuming alternative that provides almost real-time feedback information. Its accuracy is highest in case of more confined, deeply located remnants. In cases of more superficially located remnants, its role is more limited.
Development of depth hoar and its effect on stable oxygen isotopic content in snow–firn stratigraphy on Ürümqi glacier No. 1, eastern Tien Shan, China
Authors: Feiteng Wang , Zhongqin Li , Huilin Li , Mingjun Zhang , Wenbin Wang , Lin Wang
Published: March 2009

We report on the development of depth hoar and its relation to stable oxygen isotopic content in snow–firn stratigraphy in the percolation zone of Ürümqi glacier No. 1, eastern Tien Shan, China, during the period September 2004–August 2006. The essential condition for the development of depth hoar in the snow–firn pack is the temperature gradient. When the temperature gradient of the snow–firn pack reaches a maximum value of 13.0˚Cm–1 in mid-October, depth hoar begins to develop. By the end of March, the depth hoar might account for 25% of the total snow–firn pack depth. From April to June, as the weather becomes warm, the transport of water vapor diminishes and melting– regelation metamorphism replaces metamorphism caused by the temperature gradient. As a result, the depth hoar turns into coarse-grained firn. Fractionation of the oxygen isotopic content also occurs during formation of the depth hoar. The bottom 15 cm of the depth-hoar δ18O values were depleted in the lighter isotopic species as the snow sublimated from the lower to the upper crystals, and the δ values increased from –9.4% to –7.0% from 8 September 2004 to 25 January 2005. The upper 10 cm of the depth-hoar δ18O values were enriched in the lighter isotopic species and the δ values decreased from –6.8% to –9.3% during the same period.
Syntheses, Spectroscopic and AFM Characterization of Some Manganese Porphyrins and Their Hybrid Silica Nanomaterials
Authors: Fagadar-Cosma Eugenia , Mirica Marius Constantin , Balcu Ionel , Bucovicean Carmen , Cretu Carmen , Armeanu Ileana , Fagadar-Cosma Gheorghe
Published: March 2009

The present work is concerned with the manganese complexes of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin and of 5,10,15,20-tetra(3-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin, which were prepared by metallation of the corresponding porphyrin ligands, and the study of their spectroscopic and photophysical behavior under strongly acidic and alkaline conditions. The second objective was to obtain and study some new hybrid materials, with special optoelectronic and surface properties, by impregnation of silica gels obtained by one step acid and by two steps acid-base catalysis with these Mn-porphyrins. The resulting nanomaterials exhibited interesting bathochromic and hyperchromic effects of their second band in the emission spectra in comparison with the Mn-porphyrins and also they have distinct orientation of the aggregates on surfaces, as shown by AFM images, making them useful for applications in medicine, formulation of sensors and for environmental-friendly catalysts for photodegradation of organic compounds.