bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel nanobody that detects the gain-of-function phenotype of von Willebrand factor in ADAMTS13 deficiency and von Willebrand disease type 2B
Authors: Hulstein Janine J. J. , de Groot Philip G. , Silence Karen , Veyradier Agnès , Fijnheer Rob , Lenting Peter J.
Published: July 2005

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is unable to interact spontaneously with platelets because this interaction requires a conversion of the VWF A1 domain into a glycoprotein Ibα (GpIbα) binding conformation. Here, we discuss a llama-derived antibody fragment (AU/VWFa-11) that specifically recognizes the GpIbα-binding conformation. AU/VWFa-11 is unable to bind VWF in solution, but efficiently interacts with ristocetin- or botrocetin-activated VWF, VWF comprising type 2B mutation R1306Q, or immobilized VWF. These unique properties allowed us to use AU/VWFa-11 for the detection of activated VWF in plasma of patients characterized by spontaneous VWF-platelet interactions: von Willebrand disease (VWD) type 2B and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). For VWD type 2B, levels of activated VWF were increased 12-fold (P < .001) compared to levels in healthy volunteers. An inverse correlation between activated VWF levels and platelet count was observed (R2 = 0.74; P < .003). With regard to TTP, a 2-fold (P < .001) increase in activated VWF levels was found in plasma of patients with acquired TTP, whereas an 8-fold increase (P < .003) was found in congenital TTP. No overlap in levels of activated VWF could be detected between acquired and congenital TTP, suggesting that AU/VWFa-11 could be used to distinguish between both disorders. Furthermore, it could provide a tool to investigate the role of VWF in the development of thrombocytopenia in various diseases.
Normal uniform mixture differential gene expression detection for cDNA microarrays
Authors: Dean Nema , Raftery Adrian E
Published: July 2005

Background

One of the primary tasks in analysing gene expression data is finding genes that are differentially expressed in different samples. Multiple testing issues due to the thousands of tests run make some of the more popular methods for doing this problematic.

Results

We propose a simple method, Normal Uniform Differential Gene Expression (NUDGE) detection for finding differentially expressed genes in cDNA microarrays. The method uses a simple univariate normal-uniform mixture model, in combination with new normalization methods for spread as well as mean that extend the lowess normalization of Dudoit, Yang, Callow and Speed (2002) [1]. It takes account of multiple testing, and gives probabilities of differential expression as part of its output. It can be applied to either single-slide or replicated experiments, and it is very fast. Three datasets are analyzed using NUDGE, and the results are compared to those given by other popular methods: unadjusted and Bonferroni-adjustedttests, Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM), and Empirical Bayes for microarrays (EBarrays) with both Gamma-Gamma and Lognormal-Normal models.

Conclusion

The method gives a high probability of differential expression to genes known/suspected a priori to be differentially expressed and a low probability to the others. In terms of known false positives and false negatives, the method outperforms all multiple-replicate methods except for the Gamma-Gamma EBarrays method to which it offers comparable results with the added advantages of greater simplicity, speed, fewer assumptions and applicability to the single replicate case. An R package callednudgeto implement the methods in this paper will be made available soon athttp://www.bioconductor.org.
lin-12 Notch functions in the adult nervous system of C. elegans
Authors: Chao Michael Y , Larkins-Ford Jonah , Tucey Tim M , Hart Anne C
Published: July 2005

Background

Notch signaling pathways are conserved across species and traditionally have been implicated in cell fate determination during embryonic development. Notch signaling components are also expressed postdevelopmentally in the brains of adult mice and Drosophila. Recent studies suggest that Notch signaling may play a role in the physiological, rather than developmental, regulation of neurons. Here, we investigate a new non-developmental role for Caenorhabditis elegans lin-12 Notch signaling in neurons regulating the spontaneous reversal rate during locomotion.

Results

The spontaneous reversal rate of C. elegans during normal locomotion is constant. Both lin-12 gain and loss of function mutant animals had significantly increased reversal rates compared to wild type controls. These defects were caused by lin-12 activity, because the loss of function defect could be rescued by a wild type lin-12 transgene. Furthermore, overexpression of lin-12 recapitulated the gain-of-function defect. Increasing or decreasing lin-12 activity in the postdevelopmental adult animal was sufficient to rapidly and reversibly increase reversals, thereby excluding a developmental role for lin-12. Although lin-12 is expressed in the vulval and somatic gonad lineages, we find that these tissues play no role in regulating reversal rates. In contrast, altering lin-12 activity specifically in the nervous system was sufficient to increase reversals. These behavioral changes require components of the canonical lin-12 signaling cascade, including the ligand lag-2 and the transcriptional effector lag-1. Finally, the C. elegans AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor homolog glr-1 shows strong genetic interactions with lin-12, suggesting that glr-1 and/or other glutamate gated channels may be targets of lin-12 regulation.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate a neuronal role for lin-12 Notch in C. elegans and suggest that lin-12 acutely regulates neuronal physiology to modulate animal behavior, without altering neuronal cell fate specification or neurite outgrowth. This is consistent with a role for Notch signaling in neurological disease with late onset symptoms.
Association between congenital toxoplasmosis and parent-reported developmental outcomes, concerns, and impairments, in 3 year old children
Authors: Freeman Katherine , Salt Alison , Prusa Andrea , Malm Gunilla , Ferret Nicole , Buffolano Wilma , Schmidt Dorthe , Tan Hooi Kuan , Gilbert Ruth E ,   The European Multicentre Study on Congenital Toxoplasmosis (EMSCOT)
Published: July 2005

Background

Information is lacking on the effects of congenital toxoplasmosis on development, behavior, and impairment in later childhood, as well as on parental concerns and anxiety. This information is important for counselling parents about the prognosis for an infected child and for policy decisions on screening.

Methods

We prospectively studied a cohort of children identified by screening for toxoplasmosis in pregnant women or neonates between 1996 and 2000 in ten European centers. At 3 years of age, parents of children with and without congenital toxoplasmosis were surveyed about their child's development, behavior, and impairment, and about parental concerns and anxiety, using a postal questionnaire.

Results

Parents of 178/223 (80%) infected, and 527/821 (64%) uninfected children responded. We found no evidence that impaired development or behavior were more common in infected children, or that any potential effect of congenital toxoplasmosis was masked by prenatal treatment. Parents of infected children were significantly more anxious and reported more visual problems in their children.

Conclusion

On average, children aged three to four years with congenital toxoplasmosis identified by screening and treated during infancy in this European setting had risks of abnormal development and behavior similar to uninfected children. Parental anxiety about infected children needs to be addressed by clinicians. Future studies with longer follow up and clinician-administered assessments may be better able to detect any subtle differences in child outcomes.
Undergraduate nursing students' compatibility with the nursing profession
Authors: Adib-Hajbaghery Mohsen , Dianati Mansur
Published: July 2005

Background

The high rate of attrition among nursing students has caused some nursing leaders to think about the necessity of considering students' personality during the process of admission into nursing schools. Due to the lack of studies on Iranian nursing students' personality traits, this study was designed to assess freshmen nursing students' personality characteristics and their compatibility with the demands of the nursing profession.

Methods

A descriptive study was conducted at Tehran and kashan medical universities and one of the branches of Azad University. Convenience sampling was used and 52 freshmen nursing students were assessed using Holland's Vocational Interests Inventory.

Results

From the total participants 63.5% were females and 36.5% were males. Based on the Holland's Vocational Interests Inventory 44% did not have appropriate personality characteristics for the nursing profession. 77% of the nursing students participating in the study reported that they lacked information about nursing.

Conclusion

It seems that personality tests can help to select the best students for nursing schools from those who show good academic capabilities. This would decrease the rate of attrition and could improve the quality of care.
What do we know about how to do audit and feedback? Pitfalls in applying evidence from a systematic review
Authors: Foy R , Eccles MP , Jamtvedt G , Young J , Grimshaw JM , Baker R
Published: July 2005

Background

Improving the quality of health care requires a range of evidence-based activities. Audit and feedback is commonly used as a quality improvement tool in the UK National Health Service [NHS]. We set out to assess whether current guidance and systematic review evidence can sufficiently inform practical decisions about how to use audit and feedback to improve quality of care.

Methods

We selected an important chronic disease encountered in primary care: diabetes mellitus. We identified recommendations from National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance on conducting audit and generated questions which would be relevant to any attempt to operationalise audit and feedback in a healthcare service setting. We explored the extent to which a systematic review of audit and feedback could provide practical guidance about whether audit and feedback should be used to improve quality of diabetes care and, if so, how audit and feedback could be optimised.

Results

National guidance suggests the importance of securing the right organisational conditions and processes. Review evidence suggests that audit and feedback can be effective in changing healthcare professional practice. However, the available evidence says relatively little about the detail of how to use audit and feedback most efficiently.

Conclusion

Audit and feedback will continue to be an unreliable approach to quality improvement until we learn how and when it works best. Conceptualising audit and feedback within a theoretical framework offers a way forward.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase links NF-κB to PGE2 in polyunsaturated fatty acid altered fibroblast in-vitro wound healing
Authors: Jia Yi , Turek John J
Published: July 2005

Background

This study investigated mechanisms of altered fibroblast collagen production induced by polyunsaturated fatty acids. 3T3-Swiss fibroblasts were grown in medium containing either eicosapentaenoic or arachidonic acid. The effects of nuclear factor-kappaB activation by lipopolysaccharide on inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, collagen production, andin-vitrowound healing were studied.

Results

Eicosapentaenoic acid treated cells produced less prostaglandin E2but had increased inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, nitric oxide production, collagen formation, and recoverage area duringin-vitrowound healing than cells treated with arachidonic acid. Activation of nuclear factor-kappaB with lipopolysaccharide increased inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, the production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, collagen, and thein-vitrowound recoverage area. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide, but the amount of nitric oxide was greater in eicosapentaenoic acid treated cells. NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester plus lipopolysaccharide treatment increased collagen production and cellular recoverage area while treatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester alone decreased it in wounded fibroblasts.

Conclusion

The activation of the NF-κB pathway and PGE2can be linked by the cross-talk of iNOS and NO in the PUFA altered fibroblast collagen production and wound healing. Additional studies are needed to determine how polyunsaturated fatty acids can be used as adjuvants in combination with other treatments (i.e, drugs) to design therapies to either enhance healthy collagen production or inhibit production and reduce fibrosis.
Smart portable rehabilitation devices
Authors: Mavroidis Constantinos , Nikitczuk Jason , Weinberg Brian , Danaher Gil , Jensen Katherine , Pelletier Philip , Prugnarola Jennifer , Stuart Ryan , Arango Roberto , Leahey Matt , Pavone Robert , Provo Andrew , Yasevac Dan
Published: July 2005

Background

The majority of current portable orthotic devices and rehabilitative braces provide stability, apply precise pressure, or help maintain alignment of the joints with out the capability for real time monitoring of the patient's motions and forces and without the ability for real time adjustments of the applied forces and motions. Improved technology has allowed for advancements where these devices can be designed to apply a form of tension to resist motion of the joint. These devices induce quicker recovery and are more effective at restoring proper biomechanics and improving muscle function. However, their shortcoming is in their inability to be adjusted in real-time, which is the most ideal form of a device for rehabilitation. This introduces a second class of devices beyond passive orthotics. It is comprised of "active" or powered devices, and although more complicated in design, they are definitely the most versatile. An active or powered orthotic, usually employs some type of actuator(s).

Methods

In this paper we present several new advancements in the area of smart rehabilitation devices that have been developed by the Northeastern University Robotics and Mechatronics Laboratory. They are all compact, wearable and portable devices and boast re-programmable, real time computer controlled functions as the central theme behind their operation. The sensory information and computer control of the three described devices make for highly efficient and versatile systems that represent a whole new breed in wearable rehabilitation devices. Their applications range from active-assistive rehabilitation to resistance exercise and even have applications in gait training. The three devices described are: a transportable continuous passive motion elbow device, a wearable electro-rheological fluid based knee resistance device, and a wearable electrical stimulation and biofeedback knee device.

Results

Laboratory tests of the devices demonstrated that they were able to meet their design objectives. The prototypes of portable rehabilitation devices presented here did demonstrate that these concepts are capable of the performance their commercially available but non-portable counterparts exhibit.

Conclusion

Smart, portable devices with the ability for real time monitoring and adjustment open a new era in rehabilitation where the recovery process could be dramatically improved.
Engaging with holism in Australian Aboriginal health policy – a review
Authors: Lutschini Mark
Published: July 2005

Background

The ideal concept of Aboriginal holistic health is centrally placed in Australian Aboriginal health policies and strategies. Its effective uptake promises, as advocates suggest, reorienting the complex Australian health system to enable health improvements. However, continual reminders assail us that Aboriginal health is shocking, appalling, disastrous, disgraceful and damning. Could incapacity to engage effectively with the concept undermine health system improvements? The aim of this review of Australian literature was to identify the range of meanings attached to Aboriginal holistic health and engage with their implications for the health system.

Results

In terms of literature synthesis I found that policy makers cannot rely on this approach to provide coherent arguments for meaningful engagement with the concept because authors in general: are uncritical and un-reflexive in the use and interpretation of the concept; often provide no reference for their understandings; tend to alter the concept's definition and constituent elements without justification; ignore the wide range of mainstream literature about holism and health; and fail to acknowledge and examine the range of Aboriginal concepts of health. I used the ten themes from this literature to highlight implications for the health system, and found that a most profound contradiction exists in the acceptance of the English language concept 'holistic' as immutably Aboriginal. Additionally, a range of contradictions and mixed messages within the themes challenge the validity of the concept. Significantly, with the boundary of the concept constructed as diffuse and ethereal, the diverse and uncritical literature, and mixed thematic meanings, it is possible to justify any claim about the health system as holistic.

Conclusion

It seems not so much incapacity to engage, but incapacity to coherently articulate Aboriginal concepts of health, which prevents advisory bodies such as the National Indigenous Council to imbue whole-of-government approaches in accordance with Aboriginal values.
Association of ENPP1gene polymorphisms with hand osteoarthritis in a Chuvasha population
Authors: Suk Eun-Kyung , Malkin Ida , Dahm Stefan , Kalichman Leonid , Ruf Nico , Kobyliansky Eugene , Toliat Mohammad , Rutsch Frank , Nürnberg Peter , Livshits Gregory
Published: July 2005

Periarticular calcification is a common attendant symptom of generalized arterial calcification of infancy, a rare Mendelian disorder caused by mutations of the gene coding for ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1). This prompted us to perform a family-based association study to test the hypothesis that genetic variation at the ENPP1 locus is involved in the etiology of osteoarthritis of the hand. The study population comprised 126 nuclear families with 574 adult individuals living in small villages in the Chuvasha and Bashkirostan autonomies of the Russian Federation. The extent of osteoarthritis was determined by analyzing plain hand radiographs. The outcome of a principal component analysis of osteoarthritis scores of a total of 28 joints of both hands was used as a primary phenotype in this study. Maximum likelihood estimates of the variance component analysis revealed a substantial contribution of genetic factors to the overall trait variance of about 25% in this homogeneous population. Three short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms – one intragenic and two flanking markers – and four single-nucleotide polymorphisms were tested. The markers tagged the ENPP1 locus at nearly equal intervals. We used three different transmission disequilibrium tests and obtained highly significant association signals. Alleles of the upstream microsatellite marker as well as several single-nucleotide polymorphism haplotypes consistently revealed the association. Thus, our data highlights variability of ENPP1 as an important genetic factor in the pathogenesis of idiopathic osteoarthritis.
Microanatomy of the Intrachoroidal Vasculature of the Lateral Ventricle
Authors: Marinković Slobodan , Gibo Hirohiko , Milisavljević Milan , Djulejić Vuk , Jovanović Vladimir T.
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE:

Intraventricular surgery requires a detailed knowledge of the microanatomy of the choroid plexus vasculature.

METHODS:

Twenty choroid plexuses were microdissected, and two additional plexuses were prepared for microscopic examination.

RESULTS:

The choroid plexus was perfused primarily by the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) and the lateral posterior choroidal artery (LPChA). The AChA, which averaged 650 μm in diameter, most often (in 75% of cases) divided into the medial and lateral trunks, which averaged 450 μm in diameter. The medial trunk gave off the bush-like intrachoroidal branches, whereas the lateral trunk divided into the parallel arteries. The inferior LPChA was present in 50% of the hemispheres, both the inferior and superior LPChAs in 40%, and their common trunk in 10%. In 40%, the LPChA, which averaged 670 μm in diameter, divided into the terminal trunks, with a mean diameter of 490 μm. The anastomoses involving the trunks of the LPChA and other choroidal arteries averaged 310 μm in diameter. All primary intrachoroidal branches of the AChA and LPChA were divided into three groups. The parallel branches, which averaged from 220 to 230 μm in diameter, coursed along the lateral part of the choroid plexus. The tortuous glomus vessels, which averaged 310 μm in size, originated from the AChA (45%), the LPChA (15%), or both (40%). The bush-like vessels, with a mean diameter between 155 and 190 μm, ramified into smaller twigs, up to the intrachoroidal capillaries.

CONCLUSION:

The data obtained on the microanatomy of the intrachoroidal vasculature may have certain neurosurgical implications.
Localized Transcranial Electrical Motor Evoked Potentials for Monitoring Cranial Nerves in Cranial Base Surgery
Authors: Akagami Ryojo , Dong Charles C.J. , Westerberg Brian D.
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To describe a novel monitoring technique that allows “functional” assessment of cranial nerve continuity during cranial base surgery.

METHODS:

Facial motor evoked potentials (MEP) in 71 consecutive patients were obtained by localized transcranial electrical stimulation in all patients requiring facial nerve monitoring during the period from November 2002 to August 2004. With transcranial electrical stimulation localized to the contralateral cortex, facial nerve MEPs are obtained through stimulation of more proximal intracranial structures.

RESULTS:

Logistic regression revealed that the final-to-baseline facial MEP ratio predicted satisfactory (House-Brackmann Grade 1 and 2 function) immediate postoperative facial function (0.005 > P > 0.0005). Contingency table analysis showed high correlation (χ2, P ≤ 2 × 108) and acceptable test characteristics using a 50% final-to-baseline MEP ratio.

CONCLUSION:

Facial nerve MEPs recorded intraoperatively during cranial base surgery using the proposed technique predicts immediate postoperative facial nerve outcome. This technique can also be used to monitor other motor cranial nerves in cranial base surgery.
Preserving Olfactory Function in Anterior Craniofacial Surgery through Cribriform Plate Osteotomy Applied in Selected Patients
Authors: Feiz-Erfan Iman , Han Patrick P. , Spetzler Robert F. , Horn Eric M. , Klopfenstein Jeffrey D. , Kim Louis J. , Porter Randall W. , Beals Stephen P. , Lettieri Salvatore C. , Joganic Edward F.
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE:

Olfaction is often sacrificed to gain access to the cranial base in anterior craniofacial surgery. We describe the long-term results of olfactory function in patients who underwent anterior craniofacial surgery and a cribriform plate osteotomy to preserve olfaction.

METHODS:

Between 1992 and 2004, 28 patients underwent 29 cribriform plate osteotomies in an attempt to preserve olfaction during anterior craniofacial surgery performed through modified extended transbasal approaches. Patients' charts and office notes were reviewed retrospectively. Formal olfactory testing was available in 5 patients, but most data were based on patients' subjective reports of olfaction. Olfactory preservation was defined by the subjective ability to detect fumes such as coffee, chocolate, roses, and orange juice regardless of the intensity of the sensation. Follow-up was based on phone calls to patients.

RESULTS:

Four patients were lost to follow-up and excluded. Therefore, follow-up was available in 24 patients after 25 procedures. On the basis of patients' subjective reports, olfaction was spared in 22 patients after 23 procedures (92%) and was confirmed objectively in the five patients formally tested. After surgery, only two patients were anosmic.

CONCLUSION:

Olfaction can be preserved in selected patients undergoing anterior craniofacial surgery. At least 1 cm of nasal mucosa should remain attached to the cribriform plate, which can be achieved by including the nasal bone in the osteotomy of the orbital bar. A medial orbital canthopexy is therefore necessary after these procedures.
MacCarty Keyhole and Inferior Orbital Fissure in Orbitozygomatic Craniotomy
Authors: Shimizu Satoru , Tanriover Necmettin , Rhoton Albert L. , Yoshioka Nobutaka , Fujii Kiyotaka
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE:

This study had two objectives. The first was to define the ideal position of the MacCarty keyhole, a commonly used craniotomy entry site into which three of the bone cuts in orbitozygomatic craniotomy extend. The second objective was to examine the relationships in the inferior orbital fissure, a site into which two of the bone cuts in orbitozygomatic craniotomy extend.

METHODS:

Twenty frontotemporal regions from adult skulls were examined to delineate the relationships between the surface anatomy of the fronto-orbitozygomatic region and the underlying frontal fossa and orbit. Drill holes placed along, above, and below the frontosphenoid suture were made beginning anteriorly at an area referred to as the three-suture junction, located at the junction of the frontozygomatic, sphenozygomatic, and frontosphenoid sutures. The site of the deep end of each hole was recorded to clarify the ideal position of the keyhole. The relationships in the inferior orbital fissure, the site of the lower end of the bone cut that begins in the orbital portion of the keyhole and extends along the lateral orbital wall, were also examined.

CONCLUSION:

Placing the MacCarty keyhole on the frontosphenoid suture 5 to 6 mm behind the three-suture junction results in greater preservation of the lateral wall and roof of the orbit than when the hole is placed at a more anterior site, as previously recommended. The anterolateral part of the inferior orbital fissure, which faces the temporal fossa and into which the bone cuts in the orbitozygomatic craniotomy extend, has a lower density of vascular and neural structures than the middle and posteromedial parts, which are related to the infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossa.
Contralateral Approaches to Multiple Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Clatterbuck Richard E. , Tamargo Rafael J.
Published: July 2005

NOT INFREQUENTLY, PATIENTS with bilateral cerebral aneurysms are encountered. In such patients, the ability to treat bilateral aneurysms through a unilateral approach spares the patient the risk and inconvenience associated with a separate craniotomy. The contralateral approach for aneurysm repair is technically feasible and safe in appropriately selected patients. Herein, we review our technique for maximizing contralateral exposure and clipping contralateral aneurysms through the four anatomic triangles that serve as corridors in this approach.
New Endoscope Shaft for Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery
Authors: van Lindert Erik J. , Grotenhuis J. André
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To describe a new endoscope shaft developed for suction-aspiration during endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.

METHODS:

A custom-made shaft for a Wolf endoscope (Richard Wolf GmbH, Knittlingen, Germany) was developed with a height of 10 mm and a width of 5 mm, allowing an additional working channel for the endoscope for flexible suction tubes with a diameter of up to 10-French.

RESULTS:

The new shaft was used in 30 consecutive endoscopic transsphenoidal procedures for pituitary adenomas. It allowed true bimanual manipulation without having to fixate the endoscope. Tumor removal was facilitated, technical problems were not encountered, and operation time was reduced. There were no instrumentation-related complications.

CONCLUSION:

The new shaft improves the ergonomics of endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery in cases in which the endoscope is handheld.
Aggressive Cranial Vault Decompression for Cranial Hyperostosis: Technical Case Report of Two Cases
Authors: Mocco J. , Komotar Ricardo J. , Zacharia Brad E. , Feldstein Neil A. , Bruce Jeffrey N.
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:

Camurati-Engelmann's disease, also known as progressive diaphysial dysplasia, is a disorder of the bone metabolism. Neurological manifestations of progressive diaphysial dysplasia include cranial nerve dysfunction, generalized weakness, cerebellar herniation, and increased intracranial pressure. In the past, surgical intervention has been of limited and temporary benefit. We present two patients with cranial hyperostosis secondary to Camurati-Engelmann's disease who were treated successfully with a single surgery involving a combination of multiple craniotomies for cranial vault decompression.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

Two patients presented with signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure secondary to Camurati-Engelmann's syndrome. Radiological workup revealed marked cranial hyperostosis.

INTERVENTION:

The patients underwent aggressive cranial vault decompression. Multiple craniotomies were performed, and the inner table was then drilled down until the bone was 1 cm thick.

CONCLUSION:

Effective surgical options are needed for clinically significant cranial hyperostosis. In an effort to further define operative management in these patients, we describe a single, aggressive surgical procedure that may be used for successful cranial decompression.
Remote Cerebellar Hemorrhage after a Spinal Surgery Complicated by Dural Tear: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Karaeminogullari Oguz , Atalay Basar , Sahin Orcun , Ozalay Metin , Demirors Huseyin , Tuncay Cengiz , Ozen Ozlem , Tandogan Reha
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:

This report presents a case in which cerebellar hemorrhage occurred after lumbar decompression surgery that was complicated by dural tear and prolonged cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Remote cerebellar hemorrhage after spinal surgery is extremely rare. Our objective is to describe this unusual complication, discuss the possible mechanisms of remote cerebellar hemorrhage, and review the literature.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 73-year-old woman underwent surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. A dural tear occurred during decompression, and the patient developed remote cerebellar hemorrhage on postoperative Day 2.

INTERVENTION:

The cerebellar hemorrhage was treated surgically, and a biopsy of hemorrhagic brain parenchyma revealed an arteriovenous malformation.

CONCLUSION:

Although it is an extremely rare complication, remote cerebellar hemorrhage should be kept in mind as a possible complication of spinal surgery, especially in operations complicated by dural tears.
Volumetric Image Guidance for Motor Cortex Stimulation: Integration of Three-dimensional Cortical Anatomy and Functional Imaging
Authors: Gharabaghi Alireza , Hellwig Dieter , Rosahl Steffen Klaus , Shahidi Ramin , Schrader Christoph , Freund Hans-Joachim , Samii Madjid
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE:

Epidural electrical stimulation of the motor cortex is a promising treatment option in patients with intractable pain. Varying rates of success in long-term pain relief have been attributed to inaccurate positioning of the electrode array, partly because the sulcal landmarks are not directly visualized. We describe an integrated protocol for precise electrode placement, combining functional image guidance and intraoperative electrical stimulation in the awake patient.

METHODS:

Volumetric rendering of a three-dimensional (3-D) magnetic resonance data set was used to visualize the cortical surface and to superimpose functional magnetic resonance imaging data in six patients with refractory chronic pain. The intraoperative positioning of the quadripolar electrode array was monitored by functional 3-D image guidance. Continuous electrophysiological monitoring and clinical assessment of the motor effects complemented the procedure.

RESULTS:

Volumetrically rendered 3-D images were advantageous for the location of the burr hole over the perirolandic area by revealing individual cortical morphological features (e.g., the hand knob) and function at the same time. The exact position of the electrodes was verified reliably by cortical stimulation. No complications were observed throughout the procedures.

CONCLUSION:

The combination of 3-D functional neuronavigation, intraoperative electrical stimulation, and continuous motor output monitoring in awake patients provides optimal information for the identification of the appropriate somatotopic area of motor cortex. This combined imaging and stimulation approach for electrode positioning offers a safe and minimal invasive strategy for the treatment of intractable chronic pain in selected patients.
Microvascular Retractor: A New Concept of Retracting and Repositioning Cerebral Blood Vessels
Authors: Youssef A. Samy , van Loveren Harry R.
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE:

In this technical note, we report our results with a newly designed retractor blade that can be directly applied for the retraction and repositioning of cerebral blood vessels and delicate neural structures.

METHODS:

This new malleable retractor with a semicircular tip was designed to fit in the flexible arms of a self-retaining retractor system. After prototype evaluation and optimization in laboratory studies, we used the new retractor in 15 patients during surgical procedures that included retraction of the internal carotid artery during aneurysm clipping, expansion of the surgical window, and transposition of cranial nerves.

RESULTS:

No intraoperative injuries occurred to neurovascular structures. The retractor blade remained stable on pulsating vessels during the procedure and largely preserved the vessel diameter.

CONCLUSION:

The new retractor incorporates the existing advantages offered by flexible self-retaining retractor blades with those features that adapt to blood vessel retraction. Rather than concentrating force at one point as typical retractors do, the semicircular tip distributes the retraction force over multiple points along its circumference.
Comparison of Flow Injection and Continuous Sample Introduction for Automatic Simultaneous Determination of As, Sb, and Se by Hydride Generation and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Pyen Grace S. , Browner Richard F.
Published: July 2005

The determination of As, Sb, and Se using flow injection sample introduction, hydride generation, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry has been studied. Measurements were made with the use of a simultaneous three-channel system and compared with continuous hydride generation using the same detection system. In general, peak signals obtained with the flow injection system, with 750-μL injections, were approximately three times lower than steady-state signals for the continuous introduction system. Detection limits obtained by flow injection (As, 3.5 μg/L; Se, 3.6 μg/L; Sb, 7.0 μg/L) were also approximately three times poorer than they were for continuous introduction. By contrast, precision was approximately 150% better with flow injection, due to reduced pump pulsations in the flow injection system. Other advantages of the flow injection system are the reduced sample size necessary for analysis (≤750 μL vs. 4 to 5 mL for the continuous introduction system) and the potential for a greatly increased rate of sample throughput. Recovery studies with surface water samples showed acceptable accuracy for the flow injection system.
Vibrational Spectra of Some Cyclic Polysulfides
Authors: Nash Charles P. , Musker W. Kenneth , Lam Ada P.-J.
Published: July 2005

Vibrational spectra and normal-coordinate analyses using a modified Urey-Bradley force field are reported for 1,2,3,5,6-pentathiepane (lenthionine), 1,3,5,7-tetrathiocane, and 1,2,3-trithiane. Characteristic Raman bands are identified for S-CH2-S and S-S-S functionalities in cyclic molecules.
Negative Ions in Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Fulford J. E. , Quan E. S. K.
Published: July 2005

Basic characteristics of negative ions observed in ICP-MS have been evaluated and compared with those reported for positive ions. The types of ion species, ion sensitivities, background ions, and ion energies suggest that the negative ions observed in this study do not originate directly from the plasma but rather from electron capture or reaction downstream of the free jet expansion.
Fluorescence Lifetime Measurements of Mercury/Protein Complexes
Authors: Pesek Joseph J. , Abpikar Hassan , Becker Joseph F.
Published: July 2005

Fluorescence lifetime and steady-state fluorescence measurements are used to characterize various mercury/protein and mercury/protein/EDTA complexes. The proteins studied are ovalbumin, α-chymotrypsinogen, and acid phosphatase. Mercury quenches fluorescence in ovalbumin with a change in lifetime, while in α-chymotrypsinogen quenching occurs without a change in lifetime. No quenching by mercury is observed for acid phosphatase. EDTA causes a further small decrease in fluorescence for both mercury/ovalbumin and mercury/α-chymotrypsinogen, while no change is observed for mercury/acid phosphatase. In all cases the decrease in fluorescence intensity is consistent with a static quenching mechanism. The results reported are correlated to previous studies by bromine-81 magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
UV Resonance Raman Characterization of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Coal Liquid Distillates
Authors: Rumelfanger Robert , Asher Sanford A. , Perry Mildred B.
Published: July 2005

Ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy has been used to characterize the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composition of a series of distillates of coal-derived liquids. The UV Raman spectra easily monitor changes in the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composition as a function of distillation temperature. Specific species, such as pyrene, can be determined by judicious choice of excitation wavelength.
Characterization of an Analytical Theta-Pinch Plasma Generated with a Unidirectional Capacitive Discharge
Authors: Johnson E. T. , Sacks R. D.
Published: July 2005

The plasma produced by a high-current capacitive discharge through a graphite fiber bundle is compressed by a magnetic field coaxial with the plasma. The magnetic field is generated by the plasma current in a large coil surrounding the plasma. The field induces an azimuthal (theta) current in the plasma. This current couples with the external magnetic field and produces a radial Lorentz force which reduces the rate of plasma expansion. A diode shunt in the capacitive discharge circuit is used for the generation of a unidirectional discharge current. This arrangement eliminates zero-crossings of the discharge current and thus increases the effectiveness of the magnetic field in controlling the radiative properties of the plasma. Design features of the discharge circuit are presented, as well as a comparison of the plasma properties with oscillatory and unidirectional discharge current waveforms.
Sensitivity Calibration of Multichannel Raman Spectrometers Using the Least-Squares-Fitted Fluorescence Spectrum of Quinine
Authors: Iwata K. , Hamaguchi H. , Tasumi M.
Published: July 2005

A method of sensitivity calibration of multichannel Raman spectrometers is described which employs the fluorescence spectrum of quinine as an intensity standard. The reported absolute fluorescence spectrum of quinine was least-squares fitted with a polynomial so that it gave an interpolation of the spectrum in the “Raman scale.” The obtained least-squares-fitted fluorescence spectrum was cross-checked with the rotational Raman spectrum of D2. The fluorescence intensities calculated for every 100 cm−1 from the two Ar+ laser lines are tabulated for convenience.
Advantages of Phase Analysis in Fourier Transform Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy
Authors: Bertrand Lionel
Published: July 2005

Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy is greatly improved by the simultaneous measurement of the photoacoustic signal amplitude and phase. Saturation effects, sample dilation, and optical scattering, even in heterogeneous samples, can be easily corrected to give the absorption coefficient real value. Quantitative analyses without any special sample preparation or special photoacoustic cell are now possible. Moreover, the phase of the photoacoustic signal permits depth localization of the absorbing species within the thermal diffusion length. Surface analyses are thus possible that have a depth resolution at least one order of magnitude higher than that obtained by changing the thermal diffusion length. In this paper we illustrate the advantages of phase analysis in Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy with the detection of sorbed water in polyethylene.
UV Raman Excitation Profiles of Imidazole, Imidazolium, and Water
Authors: Asher Sanford A. , Murtaugh James L.
Published: July 2005

Preresonance absolute differential Raman cross sections have been measured between 217 and 600 nm for the symmetric ring mode vibrations of imidazole and imidazolium and for the 1645-cm−1 bending vibration of water. For imidazole and imidazolium the Raman intensities observed with visible wavelength excitation derive mainly from states in the far-UV. The two 190–210 nm π → π* transitions in these species dominate the Raman intensities only for excitation below 300 nm. Both π → π* transitions appear to contribute equally to preresonance enhancement. The data project that selective imidazole ring enhancement from histidine residues in proteins will require excitation below 210 nm. The intensities of the 1645-cm−1 bending vibration of water derive from states in the far-UV. The Raman cross section of this vibration increases only slightly faster than the scattered frequency to the fourth power. This Raman band can now be used as an internal intensity standard for aqueous Raman studies. Preresonance Raman enhancement dominated by transitions which occur at extraordinarily high energies have now been observed for water, acetonitrile, acetone, sulfate, and perchlorate. This behavior may result because molecular valence transitions in the vacuum UV spectral region of condensed phase samples are strongly mixed with ionizing, charge transfer, and Rydberg transitions and have no separate and discrete existence.
In Situ Measurement of the FT-IR Spectra of Phospholipid Monolayers at the Air/Water Interface
Authors: Dluhy Richard A. , Wright Norman A. , Griffiths Peter R.
Published: July 2005

External reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been applied to the in situ measurement of the infrared spectra of insoluble phospholipid monolayer films that were spread at the air/water interface. The spreading conditions for the phospholipids [1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC)] were chosen to mimic those of liquid-condensed and liquid-expanded surface films, respectively. It is shown that the infrared reflection spectra can identify vibrations due to the hydrocarbon acyl chains, carbonyl ester, and phosphate groups for these monolayer films on water. Detailed examination of the frequencies and polarization properties of the C-H stretching region shows that the liquid-condensed DSPC acyl chains are in a rigid, mostly all-trans configuration, while the liquid-expanded DMPC acyl chains are highly fluid. The spectra demonstrate that the external reflection FT-IR experiment can differentiate between the physical conformation of monomolecular films when water is used as a reflective substrate.
JCAMP-DX: A Standard Form for Exchange of Infrared Spectra in Computer Readable Form
Authors: McDonald Robert S. , Wilks Paul A.
Published: July 2005

JCAMP-DX is a standard file form for exchange of infrared spectra and related chemical and physical information between spectrometer data systems of different manufacture, main-frame time-sharing systems, general purpose lab computers, and personal computers. It is compatible with all media: telephone, magnetic and optical disk, magnetic tape, and even the printed page (via optical reader).

All data are stored as labeled fields of variable length using printable ASCII characters. A JCAMP-DX spectrum is a text file which can be viewed, corrected, and annotated with a text editor. The present focus is on infrared spectra, but JCAMP-DX can easily accommodate Raman, UV, NMR, mass, and other types of spectra, x-ray powder patterns, chromatograms, thermograms, and other plots which require the capability of representing contours as well as peak position and intensity. JCAMP-DX also provides for combining adequate information about the sample and method of observation with its spectrum.
Demonstration of Reciprocity in the Angular Pattern of Fluorescence Emission Collected from Langmuir-Blodgett Deposited Thin Films
Authors: Suci P. A. , Reichert W. M.
Published: July 2005

Application of a principle of reciprocity results in an explicit prediction for the angular pattern of fluorescence emission which is detected in the far field from a fluorophore located in a thin film between two dielectric interfaces. With the use of the method of Langmuir-Blodgett deposition, thin films of three different thicknesses were deposited on the flat surface of a hemicyclindrical quartz prism. Each film was constructed so as to contain a plane of fluorophores located at a specific distance from the prism/film interface. According to the principle of reciprocity, a distinct angular pattern of fluorescence is predicted for each film type. The close correspondence of fluorescence data curves with theoretical curves lends empirical support to the validity of the principle. The prediction made by this principle of reciprocity is relevant to the analysis of observation angle data obtained from variable angle total internal reflection fluorescence spectroscopy (VA-TIRF) and related techniques.
Automated Mapping of High-Temperature Corrosion Products on Iron Chromium Alloy Using Raman Microscopy
Authors: Gardiner Derek J. , Littleton C. John , Bowden Michael
Published: July 2005

An automated Raman microscope mapping system is described which uses single point analysis combined with a stepper-motor-driven microscope stage. Methods for one-dimensional full spectra line-scans and repetitive frequency selective line-scans providing a two-dimensional species map are reported. The technique is applied to a surface feature appearing on a sample of Fe-Cr steel oxidized at 800°C for 143 h. The results suggest that Fe3O4, FeCr2O4 and Cr2O3 develop fairly uniformly across much of the surface and that the formation of raised areas of more extensive corrosion is due to the absence of Cr2O3 in these regions. In addition, a sample oxidized at 675°C for two hours was ball-cratered to provide a Raman depth profile. The corrosion scale was complex—the outermost layer comprising Fe2O3 and some Fe3O4, while the inner layer consisted mainly of FeCr2O4, with some evidence of Cr2O3.
An Attempt to Incorporate the Gaussian Line Shape in the Study of Spectroscopic Limiting Line Intensity
Authors: Yap C. T. , Anion I. V.
Published: July 2005

We approach the problem of detection limits in particle or photon counting spectroscopies by looking at both the intensity and the shape of the spectral line instead of looking only at the background under the line. We develop a method by which, for a given experimental situation in which the background height and FWHM are known, and at a given statistical precision, we obtain a uniquely defined limiting line intensity.