bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redrawing Maps, Manipulating Demographics: On Exchange of Populated Territories and Self-Determination
Authors: Shany Yuval
Published: July 2008

In “The Blessing of DepartureExchange of Populated Territories The Lieberman Plan as an Abstract Exercise in Demographic Transformation,” Prof. Timothy Waters offers a strong endorsement of the right of ethnic majorities within a state to redefine their state's boundaries in ways consistent with the majority's right to self-determination and to opt out of a political union with minority groups, regardless of the latter's' political preferences. Applied to the Israeli context, Waters concludes that parts of the Lieberman Plana plan advocating the redrawing of Israel borders, inter alia, in ways which exclude some areas populated by Israeli citizens belonging to the Arab-Palestinian minority (Israeli-Arabs)does not run afoul of international law (although Waters accepts that the Plan might be politically undesirable).This short response challenges two points that are central to Waterss analysis. First, that the right to self-determination of peoplesin particular, the right to external self-determination (i.e., the right to create independent or other types of polities that express the will of an identifiable people)is subject to temporal or contextual limitations. The right is fully applicable only in exceptional and formative moments in the life of a natione.g., during the formation of a new polity or the collapse of an existing political arrangement (which invites the configuration of new political entities in their lieu), and when states systematically fail to respect the basic interest of some of the groups that comprise its populacei.e., in response to extraordinary situations of groups exclusion or oppression. Second, even if Waters is correct and an ongoing right to self-determinationincluding, a right to secede from existing statesis available to ethnic groups comprising diverse national societies, the invocation of such a right must necessarily be limited by other positive rules of international law designed to protect group and individual interests. Specifically, Waterss concept of self-determination as a right of a preliminary nature, that overrides other human rights (which are themselves often characterized as rights of a pre-political nature), is debatable.
A Different Departure: A Reply to Shany's "Redrawing Maps, Manipulating Demographics: On Exchange of Populated Territories and Self-Determination"
Authors: Waters Timothy William
Published: July 2008

Anyone reading Yuval Shanys response to my article, The Blessing of DepartureExchange of Populated Territories The Lieberman Plan as an Abstract Exercise in Demographic Transformation, would hardly characterize it as agreement. In part this is because Shany builds his case by assuming I am saying something about self-determination that missesat least misplacesmy real point. This is unfortunate, both as it masks the fact that Shany and I actually agree transfers can be legal, and it distracts attention from the points of real, substantive disagreement. The misreading is not an accident, rather the product of a patterned view. The points of disagreement, center on: whether transfer is a harm per se; whether the presence of a minority affects the states power to transfer; whether there is a positive right not to be denationalized; and whether there is a hierarchy of rights.
Nationalist Priorities and Restrictions in Immigration: The Case of Israel
Authors: Gans Chaim
Published: July 2008

It may be that the appropriate demographic objective of Israel as a country in which the Jewish people realize their right to self-determination is the existence of a Jewish public in Israel in numbers sufficient to allow its members to live in the framework of their culture. It may also be that the appropriate demographic objective of Israel should be the existence of a Jewish majority within it. While I discussed this issue elsewhere; here I discuss the legitimate means for the realization of these goals. Israels principal means for realizing these objectives thus far has been its Law of Return and its Citizenship Law. These laws afford every Jew anywhere in the world the right to immigrate to Israel and become a citizen of the State of Israel. Many liberals and left-wingers consider these laws to be tainted with racism, because they regard any nationally-based preference with regard to immigration to be a form of racism. In the first part of my paper I argue against this position. I offer three justifications for nationality-based preferences in immigration. However, the fact that nationality-based priorities in immigration are not necessarily racist and that there are legitimate human interests justifying such priorities, does not entail that the specific priorities manifested by Israels Law of Return and its other immigration and citizenship policies are just. These policies in effect mean that all Jews and only Jews (or anyone related or married to a Jew) have the right to immigrate to Israel and to become fully integrated in Israeli life. In the second part of the paper, I argue that these two aspects of Israels immigration policies, namely, its almost categorical inclusion of all Jews and its almost categorical exclusion of all non-Jews, are somewhat problematic. In addition to the Law of Return, a number of additional ways to ultimately increase the number of Jews in relation to the number of Arabs have been proposed and even adopted in Israel in recent years. During the incumbency of the fifteenth Knesset, right-wing Member of Knesset Michael Kleiner tabled a draft bill intended to encourage people that do not identify with the Jewish character of the state [i.e., Palestinian citizens of Israel C.G.] to leave. The Israeli Government later tabled a billthat was eventually passedto amend the Israeli Citizenship Law in a manner that would deny Arabs who are Israeli citizens and have married Palestinian residents of the Occupied Territories the right to live in Israel with their spouses and children. In the third part of the paper, I clarify why in contrast to granting Jews priority in immigration, both the aforementioned laws, namely, Kleiners law and the law pertaining to family unification are racist and are therefore morally unacceptable.
Immigration Rights and the Demographic Consideration
Authors: Ben-Shemesh Yaacov
Published: July 2008

Attaining and maintaining a substantial Jewish majority in Israel has been one of the basic goals of the State of Israel since its early years. A substantial Jewish majority within the borders of the state is thought to be necessary in order to preserve its Jewish nature. Many believe that the demographic consideration also stood behind the enactment of the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law (Temporary Provision), 2003, which prohibits granting Israeli citizenship and residency to Palestinians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and prevents, inter alia, Israeli Arabs from living in Israel with their Palestinian spouses.I examine the legitimacy of the demographic consideration from the perspective of liberal political theory. I conclude that demography can, in principle, be a legitimate consideration in deciding immigration policy, and its justification can be derived from the liberal justification of the right to national self-determination. However, the demographic consideration must be assigned its proper role and weight relative to other important liberal values such as equality and other human rights. I suggest that the demographic consideration might be legitimate only to the extent that it is not used to justify immigration policies that violate constitutional rights.I then discuss the Supreme Court decision concerning the constitutionality of the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law. I demonstrate that, contrary to statements by the judges themselves, the demographic consideration played a key role in the opinions of several judges. It was, however, a hidden consideration. It was not openly acknowledged and discussed. Consequently, a careful examination and balancing of the demographic consideration could not take place. The result was that the actual influence of the demographic consideration on the outcome of the case was much stronger than can be reasonably justified according to liberal principles of justice.
Variable slip coefficient in binary lattice Boltzmann models
Authors: Szalmás Lajos
Published: July 2008

We present a new method in order to obtain variable slip coefficient in binary lattice Boltzmann models to simulate gaseous flows. We present the Boundary layer theory. We study both the single-and multi-fluid BGK-type models as well. The boundary slip and the Knudsen layer are analyzed in detail. Benchmark simulations are carried out in order to compare the analytical derivation with the numerical results. Excellent agreement is found between the two analytical formalism and the numerical simulations.
Generalized Fokker-Planck equation for a class of stochastic dynamical systems driven by additive Gaussian and Poissonian fractional white noises of order α
Authors: Jumarie Guy
Published: July 2008

In a first stage, the paper deals with the derivation and the solution of the equation of the probability density function of a stochastic system driven simultaneously by a fractional Gaussian white noise and a fractional Poissonian white noise both of the same order. The key is the Taylor’s series of fractional order f(x + h) = E
α(hαDx
α)f(x) where E
α() denotes the Mittag-Leffler function, and D
x
α is the so-called modified Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative which removes the effects of the non-zero initial value of the function under consideration. The corresponding fractional linear partial differential equation is solved by using a suitable extension of the Lagrange’s technique involving an auxiliary set of fractional differential equations. As an example, one considers a half-oscillator of fractional order driven by a fractional Poissonian noise.
Gaussian beam diffraction in inhomogeneous and nonlinear media: analytical and numerical solutions by complex geometrical optics
Authors: Berczyński Paweł , Kravtsov Yury , Żeglinski Grzegorz
Published: July 2008

The method of paraxial complex geometrical optics (CGO) is presented, which describes Gaussian beam diffraction in arbitrary smoothly inhomogeneous media, including lens-like waveguides. By way of an example, the known analytical solution for Gaussian beam diffraction in free space is presented. Paraxial CGO reduces the problem of Gaussian beam diffraction in inhomogeneous media to the system of the first order ordinary differential equations, which can be readily solved numerically. As a result, CGO radically simplifies the description of Gaussian beam diffraction in inhomogeneous media as compared to the numerical methods of wave optics. For the paraxial on-axis Gaussian beam propagation in lens-like waveguide, we compare CGO solutions with numerical results for finite differences beam propagation method (FD-BPM). The CGO method is shown to provide 50-times higher rate of calculation then FD-BPM at comparable accuracy. Besides, paraxial eikonal-based complex geometrical optics is generalized for nonlinear Kerr type medium. This paper presents CGO analytical solutions for cylindrically symmetric Gaussian beam in Kerr type nonlinear medium and effective numerical solutions for the self-focusing effect of Gaussian beam with elliptic cross section. Both analytical and numerical solutions are shown to be in a good agreement with previous results, obtained by other methods.
Nonlinear effects in photonic crystal fibers filled with nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Laudyn Urszula , Rutkowska Katarzyna , Rutkowski Robert , Karpierz Mirosław , Woliński Tomasz , Wójcik Jan
Published: July 2008

We have investigated the nonlinear propagation of light in photonic crystal fibers filled with nematic liquid crystals. We analyzed a configuration with a periodic modulation of the refractive index corresponding to a matrix of waveguides. Matrices of coupled waveguides allow observing a variety of new phenomena both for low power light beam propagation and with an existence of nonlinear effects. The opportunity for the creation of solitary waves caused by the interplay between diffraction and nonlinear effects in these kinds of fibers is investigated. At low power the propagating light beam spreads as it couples to more and more waveguides. When the intensity is increased the light modifies the refractive index distribution, inducing a defect in the periodic structure. The creation of such a defect can lead to a situation in which the light becomes self-localized and its diffractive broadening is eliminated. Eventually, in the case of positive Kerr-type nonlinearity, a discrete soliton can be created. In the case of negative nonlinearity the refractive index decreases with the optical power and can lead to bandgap shifting. The incident beam, with a frequency initially within the bandgap, is then turned outside the bandgap resulting in the changing of the propagation effect for the discrete diffraction effect. As a consequence the delocalization of the light can be observed.
Kinetics of the formation and structure of oligoperoxide nanolayers and grafted polymer brushes on glass plate surface
Authors: Kostruba Andriy , Zaichenko Alexander , Mitina Natalya , Rayevska Kateryna , Hertsyk Kateryna
Published: July 2008

Functional oligoperoxide surfactants and coordinating oligoperoxide metal complexes were studied as modifiers of glass flat plates to provide the localization of radical forming sites and other functional fragments in adsorbed polymeric layers of a nanoscale thickness. Both the kinetics of the coating formation and properties of the nanolayers witness the dependence of the packing density of oligoperoxide molecules in the coatings on the oligoperoxide natures, concentrations and conditions of the sorption modification. The availability of definite amount of peroxide groups in formed nanolayer provides the possibility of controlled radical graft polymerization initiated from modified surface leading to reliable surface protection, functionality and targeted surface hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties.
Effect of adsorbed Sn on Ge diffusivity on Si(111) surface
Authors: Dolbak Andrey , Olshanetsky Boris
Published: July 2008

The effect of adsorbed Sn as a surfactant on Ge diffusion on a Si(111) surface has been studied by Low Energy Electron Diffraction and Auger Electron Spectroscopy. The experimental dependence of Ge diffusion coefficients on the Si(111) surface versus temperature in the presence of adsorbed Sn atoms has been measured in the range from 300 to 650°C. It has been shown that at a Sn coverage of about 1 monolayer the mobility of Ge atoms increases by several orders of magnitude.
Efficiency of second harmonic generation for partially coherent light in anisotropic crystals
Authors: Domanski Andrzej , Cieslak Rafal , Karpierz Miroslaw , Budaszewski Daniel , Wolinski Tomasz
Published: July 2008

This paper analyzes the second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of light with partial temporal coherence due to depolarization effects in birefringent media. It discusses relations between SHG efficiency fading, light source spectrum, crystal birefringence, and phase matching conditions. The efficiency of SHG pumped by the partially coherent light beam that may depolarize light in nonlinear birefringent crystal is also analyzed. The basic theory of SHG with its modification for partially coherent light with depolarization and some numerical calculations of the SHG process are described.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: An accurate method to directly measure water strider’s stroke force on the water (Aquarius paludum: Heteroptera: Gerridae)
Authors: Perez Goodwyn Pablo , Wang Jintong , Wang Zhouyi , Ji Aihong , Dai Zhendong , Fujisaki Kenji
Published: July 2008

We measured the force of free pulling water striders, using a hair attached to their backs and a 3D strain gauge force sensor. We showed the repeatability and accuracy of this method. The error of the method was estimated by comparing the projected angles of the force vector on each plane derived from the force data, with those angles derived from video recordings, and was estimated as 12.4%. Females on average were stronger (1.32 mN) than males (0.87 mN), however the ratio of force/weight was not significantly different. Compared with other lighter species, A. paludum seems to be stronger, but the force/weight ratio is actually lower as expected. A. paludum applies about 0.30–0.40 mN/cm with its mid-legs, thus avoiding penetrating the surface tension while propelling itself rapidly over the water.
Detection and identification of atypical quetiapine metabolite in urine
Authors: Atanasov Vasil , Kanev Kamen , Mitewa Mariana
Published: July 2008

Quetiapine fumarate (Seroquel®) is an atypical antipsychotic dibenzothiazepine derivative. Due to its extensive hepatic metabolism and low level of unchanged excretion (< 1%) the routine toxicological drug-screening analyses of urine often leads to false negative results. In the present study, we report that a newly identified metabolite of quetiapine, N-desalkylquetiapine, can be used as an indicative marker of quetiapine-intake in urine using common GC-MS screening procedure. The structure of the mentioned metabolite was solved from the mass-spectrum obtained and the quetiapine presence was proved by consequent HPLC plasma analysis.
Intrapartal posterior cervicoisthmic uterine rupture
Authors: Petrović Davor , Habek Dubravko , Vuković-Bobić Mirna , Vlahović Ivan
Published: July 2008

A case is presented of complete intrapartal rupture of an intact, nonscarred uterus in the cervicoisthmic region in a quadripara without a history of cesarean section or other uterine operation, with dorsoposterior high longitudinal fetal head position.
Antiproteinuric effects of antihypertensive agents in non-diabetic hypertensive population
Authors: Jovic Zorica , Djordjevic Vidojko , Vasic Karin , Cekic Snezana , Irena Jankovic
Published: July 2008

Arterial hypertension and proteinuria are important factors associated with the progression of both diabetic and nondiabetic chronic kidney disease. The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of different antihypertensive drug groups on urinary albumin excretion (UAE) as related to blood pressure in non-diabetic population. Subjects (n=39) with chronic renal disease accompanied by mild to moderate hypertension and varying degrees of proteinuria were divided into 3 groups based on UAE values and placed on nonpharmacological and/or treatment with an antihypertensive drug regimen (consisting of one or more antihypertensive drugs [beta blocker, ACE inhibitor or calcium-channel blocker]) to achieve a target blood pressure ≤ 130/85 mmHg. Periodic UAE measurements were performed. A reduction was observed over time in most patients, however, it reached statistical significance only in the microalbuminuric group (P<0.01). Patients were further stratified into 5 groups depending on assigned therapy: 0, nonpharmacological treatment; 1-drug group 1; 12-drug groups 1 and 2; 13-drug groups 1 and 3; 123-all 3 drug groups (1-ACE inhibitors, 2-beta blockers, 3-calcium channel blockers). A statistically significant change in mean UAE values at the start and end of the study period in patients assigned to drug groups 12, 13, and 123 was achieved (P < 0.05). Also, there was a statistically significant difference in the average reduction of proteinuria under varying antihypertensive drug regimens (P < 0.05). In conclusion, in patients with hypertension, changes in UAE depend on initial UAE values and administered antihypertensive treatment. ACE inhibitors combined with calcium channel blockers resulted in a higher UAE reduction than other drug groups.
Recurrent suprapubic abscess and vaginal fistula after anterior intravaginal slingplasty
Authors: Gungor Funda , Yalcin Onay
Published: July 2008

Anterior intravaginal slingplasty is a widely used procedure for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. After the operation, defective wound healing, infection, and fistula formation may follow. We present an unusual complication of anterior IVS that is recurrent suprapubic abscess and vaginal fistula formation in a 72-year-old woman. Fistulography was obtained and revealed a fistula tract extending from the suprapubic incision through the entire length of the mesh. Removal of the mesh and obliteration of the fistula tract was performed. Although the symptoms were relieved, the patient started to have episodes of stress urinary incontinence three weeks after the procedure.
Hypercalcemia: A rare cause of cerebral infarction
Authors: Riyaz Shahzad , Tymms James
Published: July 2008

Hypercalcemia is a definite but rare cause of acute pancreatitis. It is often overlooked in the presence of more common etiological factors such as gallstones, alcohol and trauma. Cerebral infarction secondary to hypercalcemia has also been described. We have done a literature review to explore the possible pathological processes causing cerebral infarction in hypercalcemic patients.
Blood vessels of the normal and pathologically changed wall of the human vena saphena magna
Authors: Kachlik David , Baca Vaclav , Fara Petr , Lametschwandtner Alois , Minnich Bernd , Musil Vladimir , Sosna Bohuslav , Stingl Josef , Straka Zdenek , Setina Marek
Published: July 2008

The vascular supply of the wall of human vena saphena magna was qualitatively studied by the use of several morphological methods on both normal and pathologically changed veins. The material was obtained from patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass or surgery of the varices, and material from cadavers. Under physiological conditions, the wall of vena saphena magna is supplied by delicate system of vasa vasorum, organized in a form of feeding vessels branched into an irregular loose adventitial mesh and continuing further as a microcirculatory network supplying the two outer thirds of the media. Small local dilatations and tortuosities of adventitial veins were found on heavy varicose veins. Slight increase of vasa vasorum growing into the innermost layer of media was detected, but the hyperplastic intima remained avascular. In patients with recurrent varices or with vein thrombophlebitis intimal hyperplasia, degradation of media and thrombosis, were found. Apparent massive increase of vasa vasorum growing into the whole media, hyperplastic intima and into the organizing thrombi, were regularly observed. The increase of vasa vasorum is a part of the complex of pathophysiological reactions of the vein wall on the hypoxia developing during the most serious pathological changes, and not as the primary varicogenic factor. The vascular supply of the wall of the human vena saphena magna was qualitatively studied by the use of several morphological methods on both normal and pathologically changed veins. The material was obtained from patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass grafting or surgery of varices, as well as materials from cadavers. Under physiological conditions the wall of vena saphena magna is supplied by a delicate system of vasa vasorum. It is organized in a form of feeding vessels branched into an irregular loose adventitial mesh, which continues further as a microcirculatory network supplying the outer two thirds of the media. Small local dilatations and tortuosities of adventitial veins were found on severe varicose veins. A slight increase of the vasa vasorum growing into the innermost layer of media was detected, but the hyperplastic intima remained avascular. In patients with recurrent varices or vein thrombophlebitis, intimal hyperplasia, degradation of media and thrombosis, were found. It was regularly observed that there was an apparent, massive increase of the vasa vasorum growing into the entire media, hyperplastic intima, and into the organizing thrombi. The increase of the vasa vasorum is due to the pathophysiological reaction of the vein wall as a result of hypoxia, which develops during the most serious pathological changes. The increase is not the primary varicogenic factor.
Prognostic value of mean platelet volume in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Nalbant Selim , Cagiltay Eylem , Terekeci Hakan , Kaplan Mustafa , Sahan Burak , Sayan Ozkan , Oktenli Cagatay
Published: July 2008

This study included patients with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage who were treated in intensive care unit of GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Division of Internal Medicine during 1 year. Medical and demographic data of the patients were recorded. These patients were followed for 3 months after being discharged from the intensive care unit. Of the 50 patients in the study, 18 were female (36%), 32 were male (64%). The mean age was 47±2 years, and the ages ranged between 17 and 89 years. We did not find any statistically significant results in our evaluation of the relationship between the mean platelet volume and the number of transfusions, endoscopic findings, and prognosis after 3 months of follow-up.
The effect of calnexin deletion on the expression level of binding protein (BiP) under heat stress conditions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zhang Huili , Hu Bingjie , Ji Yanyan , Kato Akio , Song Youtao
Published: July 2008

In order to investigate the effect of calnexin deletion on the induction of the main ER molecular chaperone BiP, we cultured the wild-type and calnexin-disrupted Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains under normal and stressed conditions. The growth rate of the calnexin-disrupted yeast was almost the same as that of the wild-type yeast under those conditions. However, the induced level of BiP mRNA in the ER was evidently higher in calnexin-disrupted S. cerevisiae than in the wild-type at 37°C, but was almost the same in the two strains under normal conditions. The Western blot analysis results for BiP protein expression in the ER showed a parallel in the mRNA levels in the two strains. It is suggested that under heat stress conditions, the induction of BiP in the ER might recover part of the function of calnexin in calnexin-disrupted yeast, and result in the same growth rate as in wild-type yeast.
Gene trapping: An antibody-dependent approach for verifying integration in your favorite gene
Authors: Gorelik Anna , Sapir Tamar , Reiner Orly
Published: July 2008

Gene trapping is used to introduce genome-wide insertional mutations in embryonic stem cells. Determining the integration site is based on highthroughput PCR, which has inevitable possibilities for mistakes, thus necessitating clone verification prior to the generation of mutant mice. Here, we propose a rapid method to validate gene identity based on the fact that many high throughput gene-trapping integrations result in fusion proteins encompassing the N-terminal portion of the gene of interest and LacZ being expressed in embryonic stem cells. Our method utilizes an immunoprecipitation assay using a specific N-terminal-directed antibody to the protein product of the gene of interest followed by a color LacZ assay of the immunoprecipitate, strongly supporting the formation of a fusion protein when the color develops.
Spectral and orientational properties of new group of naphthalene derivatives of bicarboxylic acid in liquid crystal 7CB
Authors: Bielejewska N. , Wolarz E. , Stolarski R. , Bauman D.
Published: July 2008

The spectral and orientational properties of some dichroic fluorescent dyes (naphthalene derivatives of bicarboxylic acid) in some isotropic solvents and in an anisotropic matrix have been studied. The order parameter of the dyes in the nematogenic liquid crystal 7CB has been determined from measurements of polarized electronic absorption and fluorescence. The influence of the dye addition on the nematic-isotropic phase transition temperature of 7CB has been investigated. It was found that some of the dyes studied could be successfully utilized in guest-host liquid crystal display devices.
Comparison of dielectric and optical responses of chevron ferroelectric liquid crystals
Authors: Jeżwski W. , Kuczyński W. , Hoffmann J. , Dardas D.
Published: July 2008

An analysis of consistency of dielectric and optical response methods is carried out for surface stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystals (SSFLC) with chevron geometry. The consistency is found both theoretically and experimentally for weak external electric fields of intermediate frequencies, for which the response of SSFLC is dominated by collective relaxation processes due to azimuthal reorientation of molecules arranging chevron layers. The methods are experimentally shown to lack consistency within very low, relatively low, and high field-frequency ranges. The disagreement appearing at relatively low frequencies is argued to be a consequence of different recording by dielectric and optical techniques the dynamics of zig-zag walls, forming defects in chevron structure.
Flexoelectric effect modelling
Authors: Kapanowski A.
Published: July 2008

A statistical theory of dipole flexoelectric (FE) polarization in liquid crystals is used to calculate temperature dependence of order parameters, elastic constants and FE coefficients. Two systems with polar wedge-shaped and banana-shaped molecules are investigated. In both cases, the FE coefficients are proportional to the dipole moment component parallel to the molecule symmetry axis. It results from the symmetries of interactions and of the Mayer function. The origin of the FE effect and microscopic pictures of the distorted phases are discussed.
Polarization difference image analysis with LC filter
Authors: Sutkowski M. , Garbat P. , Nowinowski-Kruszelnicki E. , Walczak A. , Parka J. , Woźnicki J.
Published: July 2008

Image analysis using polarizing methods allows removing the polarized light component from recorded images. This is known as polarization difference imaging (PDI). The use of liquid crystals (LC) in PDI was proposed in 2002. Modified LC unit with a properly oriented LC layer was proposed by the authors. The main parameters which characterize an imaging system, employing a circular LC filter, were determined and presented in previous papers.

In this work, the basics of the circular LC filter construction and theory are presented. Two application configurations of PDI imaging systems are shown. Experimental results of image processing based on object’s polarization properties are discussed.
LEGITIMATING PUBLIC POLICY
Authors: Woolley Alice
Published: July 2008

This article critiques the failure to adopt and enforce procedural norms in Canadian public policy making and suggests that the failure of legislatures and courts to require appropriate procedure prior to the elaboration and implementation of regulatory policy undermines the democratic and substantive legitimacy of that policy. It supports this position through analysis of current approaches to policy making in Canada and the United States, through application of theories of deliberative democracy to policy making and, ultimately, through consideration of what appropriate procedures for policy making should look like.
Growth rates of intracranial aneurysms: exploring constancy
Authors: Koffijberg Hendrik , Buskens Erik , Algra Ale , Wermer Marieke J. H. , Rinkel Gabriel J. E.
Published: July 2008

Object

The annual rate of rupture of intracranial aneurysms is often assumed to be constant, but it is unknown whether this assumption is true. Recent case reports have suggested that aneurysms grow fast in a short period of time. The authors of the present report investigated the plausibility of a constant growth rate for intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

Assuming a constant aneurysm growth rate within an individual and varying rates between individuals, a hypothetical cohort was simulated. Individuals with high growth rates will display aneurysm formation and rupture at a young age; such persons disappear early from the hypothetical cohort. As a result the mean lesion growth rate varies over time. In hypothetical cohorts with different initial mean growth rates, the authors calculated age-specific incidence rates (per 100,000 person-years) of subarachnoid hemorrhage and compared these rates with population-based data on the incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (per 100,000 person-years).

Results

A hypothetical cohort with a mean initial growth rate of 0.18 mm/year reproduced most closely the incidence rates observed in the population. However, even for this most plausible hypothetical cohort, age-specific incidence rates in the model differed substantially and statistically significantly from those observed in the population.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study, it is unlikely that intracranial aneurysms in general grow at a constant time-independent rate. The authors hypothesized that the actual growth process is irregular and discontinuous, which results in periods with and without aneurysm growth and with high and low risks of rupture.
Hydrogel coil–related delayed hydrocephalus in patients with unruptured aneurysms
Authors: Marchan Edward M. , Sekula Raymond F. , Ku Andrew , Williams Robert , O'Neill Brent R. , Wilberger Jack E. , Quigley Matthew R.
Published: July 2008

Object

Because of high recanalization rates associated with wide-necked intracranial aneurysms treated with bare platinum coils, hydrogel coils (HydroCoil, MicroVention, Inc.) have been developed. Hydrogel coils undergo progressive expansion once exposed to the physiological environment of blood and increase overall aneurysm filling.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed their series of patients with unruptured aneurysms treated between 1998 and 2006 and who underwent placement of bare platinum and hydrogel coils for cerebral aneurysms. They examined the incidence of delayed hydrocephalus as related to coil type. In a subgroup of patients in which preand postprocedure CT and MR imaging studies were available, the authors quantitatively analyzed the ventricular size change after hydrogel coils were placed.

Results

Four of 29 patients treated with hydrogel coils developed symptomatic hydrocephalus 2–6 months after the intervention compared with 0 of 26 treated with bare platinum coils alone. The difference in ventricular size between the subgroups in which pre- and postprocedure imaging was performed was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). All 4 HydroCoil-treated patients in whom hydrocephalus developed required placement of a shunt.

Conclusions

A 14% incidence (95% confidence interval 3.9–31.7%) of hydrocephalus in patients with unruptured aneurysm undergoing embolization with hydrogel coils was discovered. This incidence is much higher than previously reported. The mechanism by which hydrogel coils may induce hydrocephalus remains poorly understood.
Cranial nerve palsy following transvenous embolization for a cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula: association with the volume and location of detachable coils
Authors: Nishino Kazuhiko , Ito Yasushi , Hasegawa Hitoshi , Kikuchi Bumpei , Shimbo Junsuke , Kitazawa Keiko , Fujii Yukihiko
Published: July 2008

Object

Transvenous embolization (TVE) for the treatment of a cavernous sinus (CS) dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) occasionally causes cranial nerve palsy (CNP). Overpacking of coils is considered to result in CNP. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association of TVE-induced CNP with the volume and location of coils activated in the CS.

Methods

Thirty-one patients with CS DAVFs (33 lesions) underwent TVE.

Results

Cranial nerve palsy occurred or was aggravated in 13 cases (39.4%; CNP group). The cumulative volume of activated coils was significantly greater in the CNP group (0.241 ± 0.172 cm3) than in the non-CNP group (0.119 ± 0.075 cm3; p < 0.05). Of those lesions with > 0.2 cm3 of coil volume, 77.8% showed immediate aggravation or a new occurrence of CNP after TVE. Five lesions treated with a smaller volume of coils showed a delayed worsening or occurrence of CNP. In cases with induced oculomotor nerve palsy, coils had been densely packed in the superolateral part of the anterior CS. Dense packing in the lateral portion of the posterior CS frequently induced abducent nerve palsy. Although patients harboring lesions with a greater coil volume required a longer recovery time, newly developed or aggravated CNP, related to 84.6% of the lesions, resolved completely.

Conclusions

The cumulative volume and specific locations of coils in the CS correlated with TVE-induced CNP. Overpacking appeared to be the predominant cause of CNP; however, for CNP in cases involving smaller coil volumes, an alternative mechanism may be involved.
Efficacy and safety of a collagen matrix for cranial and spinal dural reconstruction using different fixation techniques
Authors: Stendel Ruediger , Danne Marco , Fiss Ingo , Klein Ilse , Schilling Andreas , Hammersen Stefanie , Pietilae Terttu , Jänisch Werner , Hopfenmüller Werner
Published: July 2008

Object

The use of dural grafts is frequently unavoidable when tension-free dural closure cannot be achieved following neurosurgical procedures or trauma. Biodegradable collagen matrices serve as a scaffold for the regrowth of natural tissue and require no suturing. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of dural repair with a collagen matrix using different fixation techniques.

Methods

A total of 221 patients (98 male and 123 female; mean age 55.6 ± 17.8 years) undergoing cranial (86.4%) or spinal (13.6%) procedures with the use of a collagen matrix dural graft were included in this retrospective study. The indications for use, fixation techniques, and associated complications were recorded.

Results

There were no complications of the dural graft in spinal use. Five (2.6%) of 191 patients undergoing cranial procedures developed infections, 3 of which (1.6%) were deep infections requiring surgical revision. There was no statistically significant relationship between the operative field status before surgery and the occurrence of a postoperative wound infection (p = 0.684). In the 191 patients undergoing a cranial procedure, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection occurred in 5 patients (2.6%) and a CSF fistula in 5 (2.6%), 3 of whom (1.6%) required surgical revision. No patient who underwent an operation with preexisting CSF leakage had postoperative CSF leakage. Postoperative infection significantly increased the risk for postoperative CSF leakage.

The collagen matrix was used without additional fixation in 124 patients (56.1%), with single fixation in 55 (24.9%), and with multiple fixations in 42 (19%). There were no systemic allergic reactions or local skin changes. Follow-up imaging in 112 patients (50.7%) revealed no evidence of any adverse reaction to the collagen graft.

Conclusions

The collagen matrix is an effective and safe cranial and spinal dural substitute that can be used even in cases of an existing local infection. Postoperative deep infection increases the risk for CSF leakage.
Preoperative localization of hand motor cortex by adaptive spatial filtering of magnetoencephalography data
Authors: Nagarajan Srikantan , Kirsch Heidi , Lin Peter , Findlay Anne , Honma Susanne , Berger Mitchel S.
Published: July 2008

Object

The goal of this study was to examine the sensitivity and specificity in preoperative localization of hand motor cortex by imaging regional event-related desynchronization (ERD) of brainwaves in the β frequency band (15–25 Hz) involved in self-paced movement.

Methods

Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), the authors measured ERD that occurred before self-paced unilateral index finger flexion in 66 patients with brain tumors, epilepsy, and arteriovenous malformations.

Results

The authors applied an adaptive spatial filtering algorithm to MEG data and found that peaks of the tomographic distribution of β-band ERD sources reliably localized hand motor cortex compared with electrical cortical stimulation. They also observed high specificity in estimating contralateral hand motor cortical representations relative to somatosensory cortex. Neither presence nor location of tumor changed the qualitative or quantitative location of motor cortex relative to somatosensory cortex.

Conclusions

An imaging protocol using ERD obtained by adaptive spatial filtering of MEG data can be used for extremely reliable preoperative localization of hand motor cortex.
Subthalamic deep brain stimulation after anesthetic inhalation in Parkinson disease: a preliminary study
Authors: Lin Sheng-Huang , Chen Tsung-Ying , Lin Shinn-Zong , Shyr Ming-Hwang , Chou Yu-Cheng , Hsieh Wanhua Annie , Tsai Sheng-Tzung , Chen Shin-Yuan
Published: July 2008

Object

The authors of this preliminary study investigated the outcome and feasibility of intraoperative microelectrode recording (MER) in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) undergoing deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) after anesthetic inhalation.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 10 patients with PD who received a desflurane anesthetic during bilateral STN electrode implantation. The MERs were obtained as an intraoperative guide for final electrode implantation and the data were analyzed offline. The functional target coordinates of the electrodes were compared preoperatively with estimated target coordinates.

Results

Outcomes were evaluated using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale 6 months after surgery. The mean improvement in total and motor Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores was 54.27 ± 17.96% and 48.85 ± 16.97%, respectively. The mean STN neuronal firing rate was 29.7 ± 14.6 Hz. Typical neuronal firing patterns of the STN and substantia pars nigra reticulata were observed in each patient during surgery. Comparing the functional target coordinates, the z axis coordinates were noted to be significantly different between the pre- and postoperative coordinates.

Conclusions

The authors found that MER can be adequately performed while the patient receives a desflurane anesthetic, and the results can serve as a guide for STN electrode implantation. This may be a good alternative surgical method in patients with PD who are unable to tolerate deep brain stimulation surgery with local anesthesia.
Effect of nerve graft porosity on the refractory period of regenerating nerve fibers
Authors: Vleggeert-Lankamp Carmen L. A. M. , Wolfs Jasper , Pêgo Ana Paula , van den Berg Rutgeris , Feirabend Hans , Lakke Egbert
Published: July 2008

Object

In the present study the authors consider the influence of the porosity of synthetic nerve grafts on peripheral nerve regeneration.

Methods

Microporous (1–13 μm) and nonporous nerve grafts made of a copolymer of trimethylene carbonate and ε-caprolactone were tested in an animal model. Twelve weeks after surgery, nerve and muscle morphological and electrophysiological results of regenerated nerves that had grown through the synthetic nerve grafts were compared with autografted and untreated (control) sciatic nerves. Based on the observed changes in the number and diameter of the nerve fibers, the predicted values of the electrophysiological parameters were calculated.

Results

The values of the morphometric parameters of the peroneal nerves and the gastrocnemius and anterior tibial muscles were similar if not equal in the rats receiving synthetic nerve grafts. The refractory periods, however, were shorter in porous compared with nonporous grafted nerves, and thus were closer to control values.

Conclusions

A shorter refractory period enables the axon to follow the firing frequency of the neuron more effectively and allows a more adequate target organ stimulation. Therefore, porous are preferred over nonporous nerve grafts.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in pituitary macroadenomas: preliminary results
Authors: Stadlbauer Andreas , Buchfelder Michael , Nimsky Christopher , Saeger Wolfgang , Salomonowitz Erich , Pinker Katja , Richter Gregor , Akutsu Hiroyoshi , Ganslandt Oliver
Published: July 2008

Object

The aim of this study was to correlate proton MR (1H-MR) spectroscopy data with histopathological and surgical findings of proliferation and hemorrhage in pituitary macroadenomas.

Methods

Quantitative 1H-MR spectroscopy was performed on a 1.5-T unit in 37 patients with pituitary macroadenomas. A point-resolved spectroscopy sequence (TR 2000 msec, TE 135 msec) with 128 averages and chemical shift selective pulses for water suppression was used. Voxel dimensions were adapted to ensure that the volume of interest was fully located within the lesion and to obtain optimal homogeneity of the magnetic field. In addition, water-unsuppressed spectra (16 averages) were acquired from the same volume of interest for eddy current correction, absolute quantification of metabolite signals, and determination of full width at half maximum of the unsuppressed water peak (FWHMwater). Metabolite concentrations of choline-containing compounds (Cho) were computed using the LCModel program and correlated with MIB-1 as a proliferative cell index from a tissue specimen.

Results

In 16 patients harboring macroadenomas without hemorrhage, there was a strong positive linear correlation between metabolite concentrations of Cho and the MIB-1 proliferative cell index (R = 0.819, p < 0.001). The metabolite concentrations of Cho ranged from 1.8 to 5.2 mM, and the FWHMwater was 4.4–11.7 Hz. Eleven patients had a hemorrhagic adenoma and showed no assignable metabolite concentration of Cho, and the FWHMwater was 13.4–24.4 Hz. In 10 patients the size of the lesion was too small (< 20 mm in 2 directions) for the acquisition of MR spectroscopy data.

Conclusions

Quantitative 1H-MR spectroscopy provided important information on the proliferative potential and hemorrhaging of pituitary macroadenomas. These data may be useful for noninvasive structural monitoring of pituitary macroadenomas. Differences in the FWHMwater could be explained by iron ions of hemosiderin, which lead to worsened homogeneity of the magnetic field.
Self-closing surgical clips for use in pericallosal artery–pericallosal artery side-to-side bypass
Authors: Ferroli Paolo , Ciceri Elisa , Addis Alessandro , Broggi Giovanni
Published: July 2008

The authors demonstrate the feasibility of a new procedure to create intracranial interrupted microvascular anastomosis. Self-closing nitinol surgical clips were used for a pericallosal artery–pericallosal artery side-to-side bypass in a 52-year-old man harboring an unruptured large aneurysm located on the right A2 segment. The outflow artery was found to arise from the dome of the aneurysm, which was considered unsuitable for stand-alone clip ligation or coil occlusion. After bypass patency was intraoperatively confirmed using near-infrared indocyanine green videoangiography, the aneurysm and feeding artery were embolized with coils and safely occluded. Both postoperative courses were uneventful. The patient was discharged neurologically intact on the 5th postembolization day. Postprocedure angiography demonstrated no ipsilateral aneurysm filling and excellent bilateral distal outflow from the left anterior cerebral artery.