bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mercados eficientes e arbitragem: um estudo sob o enfoque das finanças comportamentais
Authors: Rabelo Junior Tarcísio Saraiva , Ikeda Ricardo Hirata
Published: June 2011

A Hipótese dos Mercados Eficientes (HME) tem se mostrado uma das mais influentes teorias no campo das finanças, sendo base para inúmeros modelos de precificação de ativos, com aplicações que vão desde modelos tradicionais utilizados em Finanças Corporativas até avançadas teorias utilizadas na identificação do preço "justo" de derivativos financeiros. Um dos pilares da HME é a possibilidade da arbitragem como mecanismo de correção de possíveis desvios que o mercado possa sofrer de sua forma eficiente.Pela teoria clássica dos mercados eficientes, mesmo em um ambiente caracterizado pela presença de alguns investidores não totalmente racionais, a possibilidade de arbitragem anularia o efeito destes nos preços dos ativos negociados, trazendo-os de volta ao seu valor fundamental. Um campo relativamente novo e de crescente importância das finanças, denominado Finanças Comportamentais, tem mostrado, entretanto, que nos mercados reais a possibilidade de arbitragem é, muitas vezes, custosa e não passível de realização, comprometendo sua utilização como ferramenta reguladora do mercado e, até mesmo, a definição clássica de sua eficiência, que é a de refletir corretamente nos preços as informações existentes sobre os ativos financeiros. Este trabalho aborda a importância da arbitragem para a HME, discutindo seus aspectos teóricos. Posteriormente, são levantados, através de uma abordagem derivada das Finanças Comportamentais, os principais problemas existentes quanto à sua efetiva utilização nos mercados reais e as conseqüências destes para a HME.
Uma estimativa do custo de subordinação da dívida financeira estabelecida pela atual lei de falência
Authors: Securato José Roberto , Carrete Liliam Sanchez , Savoia José Roberto Ferreira
Published: June 2011

Este trabalho tem como objetivo verificar o impacto no custo de endividamento das empresas devido à ordem de prioridade de pagamento das dívidas corporativas em caso de falência. A nova Lei de Falência em tramitação no Congresso Nacional, Projeto de Lei 4.376, define a ordem de classificação dos créditos na falência pelo artigo 83. A atual Lei de Falência estabelece que as dívidas trabalhistas, previdenciárias e tributárias possuem prioridade de pagamento às demais dívidas. Entende-se, portanto, que existe uma subordinação das dívidas contratadas junto aos bancos e investidores com relação aos passivos prioritários. Este estudo estima o custo de subordinação do passivo financeiro - empréstimos e financiamentos - aos passivos com preferência de pagamento. Primeiro, obteve-se evidência a favor do modelo de precificação, através da comparação do valor do passivo obtido pela aplicação do modelo com o valor de mercado, e finalmente, calculou-se uma média de 0,30%a.a. de custo de subordinação dos passivos financeiros.
A informação contabilística nas decisões financeiras das pequenas empresas
Authors: Nunes Leonor da C. Ferreira , Serrasqueiro Zélia Mª da Silva
Published: June 2011

O presente artigo tem por objectivo analisar a importância da informação contabilística atribuída pelos empresários/gestores das pequenas empresas na tomada de decisão estratégica (que comporta as decisões de investimento, financiamento e distribuição de dividendos) e operacional (relacionada com as decisões de gestão corrente). Assim como, verificar se existem grupos distintos de empresas na importância atribuída à informação contabilística segundo as decisões estratégicas e operacionais e se esses grupos se distinguem entre si, quando a contabilidade é feita na própria empresa ou por um gabinete de contabilidade/consultadoria externa. Os resultados evidenciam que os empresários/ gestores atribuem uma maior importância à informação contabilística nas decisões de investimento e operacionais do que nas decisões de financiamento e distribuição de dividendos. Constatou-se que, quando a contabilidade é feita na própria empresa, os empresários/gestores atribuem maior importância à informação contabilística tanto nas decisões estratégicas como operacionais.
Planos de incentivos baseados em opções de ações: uma exposição das distinções encontradas entre as demonstrações contábeis enviadas à CVM e à SEC
Authors: Nunes Alexssander de Antonio , Marques José Augusto Veiga da Costa
Published: June 2011

Os planos de incentivos atrelados a opções de ações são uma forma de remuneração variável, na qual ao funcionário é dada a oportunidade de participar da empresa como acionista. Trata-se de um tipo de incentivo que pode apresentar vantagens para o funcionário e para a empresa. A Contabilidade trata da mensuração dos valores envolvidos e das formas de divulgação desses valores. Normas específicas constam no FASB e no IASB. No Brasil, a matéria é motivo de pareceres e recomendações da CVM e do IBRACON. Este artigo apresenta os fundamentos das opções de ações a funcionários e as normas existentes no tratamento contábil dos planos. No estudo empírico, foram selecionadas 14 companhias abertas nacionais e as informações coletadas demonstram que há diferenças entre o que é divulgado para os órgãos reguladores e o mercado de capitais brasileiro, em comparação à divulgação aos órgãos reguladores e ao mercado de capitais internacional.
Population Dynamics and Impacts of the Red-Headed Leafy Spurge Stem Borer on Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula)
Authors: Progar Robert A. , Markin George , Milan Joseph , Barbouletos Tom , Rinella Matthew J.
Published: June 2011

We evaluated the efficacy of the biological control agent, red-headed leafy spurge stem borer, against the nonnative invasive plant leafy spurge. Our three treatments were release of the biological control agent into uncaged plots, release of the biological control agent into plots caged to prevent agent escape, and control plots caged to prevent agent entry. These treatments were replicated three times at six sites in the western United States. We measured leafy spurge biomass for 1 or 2 yr following release. We also measured the percentage of leafy spurge stems showing evidence of red-headed leafy spurge stem borer oviposition for either 1 or 2 yr following agent release, depending on the site. Red-headed leafy spurge stem borer did not demonstrably reduce leafy spurge biomass in our study. Moreover, compared to the release year, evidence of red-headed leafy spurge stem borer oviposition declined with time, suggesting the agent population was diminishing. This suggests the agent is incapable of building large populations capable of controlling leafy spurge at the sites we studied. However, after being released, populations of biological control agents sometimes go through long lag phases and then begin rapid population increases, so we cannot completely dismiss the possibility that red-headed leafy spurge stem borer might become effective given more time.
The mechanics of inelastic buckling using a Shanley-like model
Authors: Huang Shan-Shan , Burgess Ian , Huang Zhaohui , Plank Roger
Published: June 2011

This paper presents a study of the mechanics of inelastic buckling using a Shanley-like simplified column model. The model is an extension of the original Shanley model with multiple springs and two dampers. The inclusion of damping enables the dynamic response of the model under constant loading to be captured. The model has been evaluated against the tangent-modulus and reduced-modulus critical buckling loads, and has been found effective in representing the progressive change in the regions of loading and unloading during inelastic buckling. It is also able to simulate the extreme situations of inelastic buckling by varying the ratio of the two damping coefficients. It is seen that high rotational damping, relative to vertical damping, causes the buckling to move towards the reduced-modulus buckling load at much lower deflections than when the relationship is reversed.
The pressure distribution along stone columns in soft clay under consolidation and foundation loading
Authors: SIVAKUMAR V. , JELUDINE D.K.N.M. , BELL A. , GLYNN D.T. , MACKINNON P.
Published: June 2011

The mechanism whereby foundation loading is transmitted through the column has received little attention from researchers. This paper reports on some interesting findings obtained from a laboratory-based model study in respect of this issue. The model tests were carried out on samples of soft clay, 300 mm in diameter and 400 mm high. The samples were reinforced with fully penetrating stone columns, of three different diameters, made of crushed basalt. Four pressure cells were located along each stone column. The 60 mm diameter footing used in the model was supported on a clay bed reinforced with a stone column and subjected to foundation loading under drained conditions. The results show that the dissipation of excess pore water pressure developed during the initial application of total stresses, when the foundation was subjected to no loading, generated considerable stresses within the column, and that this was directly attributable to the development of negative skin friction. The pressure distributions in the column during foundation loading showed some complex behaviour.
Lateral soil stiffness adjacent to deep integral bridge abutments
Authors: LEHANE B.M.
Published: June 2011

Our understanding of the performance of integral bridge abutments subjected to cyclic loading has been improved using well-designed laboratory experiments, and by observation of abutment performance in the field. However, there remains significant uncertainty on how the increase in lateral stress that arises due to cycling of the backfill may be assessed for abutment design. Such uncertainty is addressed in this paper by drawing on results from a series of experiments performed using the University of Western Australia (UWA) beam centrifuge. The experimental results shed light on the effects, for granular backfill, of initial density, retained height, cyclic history and particle shape. These results, as well as observations made from tests involving overconsolidated clays, are used in conjunction with the existing database of lateral stress measurements to assist in the development of recommendations for assessment of design lateral stresses on deep integral bridge abutments.
Shear strength model for reinforced concrete beams with web reinforcement
Authors: Wei Wei-wei , Gong Jin-xin , Che Yi
Published: June 2011

The modified compression field theory (MCFT), developed in the 1980s, is capable of predicting the shear behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) and forms the basis of shear provisions in Canadian and American specifications for the design of concrete structures. In the MCFT method, shear is considered to be resisted by cracked concrete and web reinforcement. However, previous studies have shown that a significant portion of the shear is carried by the compression zone. This paper describes further studies on the MCFT to predict shear capacity while taking account of the contribution of concrete in compression. In the proposed model, the shear strength of RC beams is defined as the sum of contributions of concrete in the compression zone, cracked concrete below the neutral axis and shear reinforcement. The results predicted by the proposed model are compared with data from beam experiments in the literature. The shear strengths predicted by the proposed method are in good agreement with the test results, implying that the method can be used to predict shear capacity for RC beams.
Experimental study on reinforced concrete walls under combined flexure, shear and torsion
Authors: Peng Xiao-Ning , Wong Yuk-Lung
Published: June 2011

The test results of reinforcement concrete cantilever walls subjected to monotonic combined flexure, shear and torsion are presented. In particular, the effects of the torque to bending moment (T/M) ratio on the failure mechanisms, crack patterns, strength and stiffness are discussed. It is found that the torsional effect is able to induce finer crack distributions and hence more uniform damage. The flexural strength of the test walls is reduced by the increasing torque. On the other hand, the wall under relatively large T/M ratio is capable of sustaining almost equal torsional strength as the wall under pure torsion. For walls under combined loadings, degradations of both pre-cracking torsional stiffness and lateral stiffness are observed. In addition, the test results are compared with predictions by American Concrete Institute (ACI) provisions by evaluating the interaction diagrams between bending moment and torsion. It is found that the ACI provisions give very conservative predictions, especially for walls under pure torsion or dominant torsion.
It Takes a Community to Raise a Nurse: Educating for Culturally Safe Practice with Aboriginal Peoples
Authors: Mahara M. Star , Duncan Susan M , Whyte Nora , Brown Joanne
Published: June 2011

Described, is a strategy session to identify how to integrate the Framework for Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety in Nursing Education (Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada, Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, Canadian Nurses Association) into a baccalaureate nursing program. Emphasis is placed on engaging a wider community building on faculty and institutional strengths and resources to gather a network of Elders, nurses, students, and faculty. Outlined, is the process to identify potential learning experiences, key resources for implementing the Framework, and developing an advocacy statement to influence School of Nursing (SON) and university level policy regarding commitment to the Framework, its values and principles. Written as a narrative, the information can be shared with other SONs as they move forward with their own work in cultural safety and Aboriginal nursing.
Impact of Mind Body Therapies on Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction and Implications for Cardiovacular Disease Management
Authors: Prasad Kavita , Reriani Martin Kaiga , Murad Mohammad Hassan , Sood Amit , Prasad Abhiram
Published: June 2011

Mind body therapies appear to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular diseases, but there is limited understanding of the mechanisms that mediate this effect. Vascular endothelial dysfunction is a central feature of atherogenesis that is adversely impacted by mental stress. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of mind body therapies on peripheral endothelial function in patients with and without established cardiovascular disease.The search included Medline, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Embase to identify studies up to November 2009.Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of mind body therapies and placebo on endothelial function. Two reviewers extracted data on study characteristics, methods, and outcomes. Disagreement was resolved by consensus.Three eligible trials enrolled a total of 258 patients. Sixty one (24 percent) were women and 53 percent had established cardiovascular disease. The trials had good methodological quality. Meta-analysis using random-effects model showed a non significant improvement of endothelial function by mind body therapies (standardized mean difference 0.15; 95% CI, -0.36 to 0.67, P=0.56). The analysis was underpowered due to small sample size.Circumstantial evidence indicates that mind body therapies may have a therapeutic benefit on endothelial dysfunction, however, the aggregate data from the three small randomized trials to date do not support this hypothesis. This biologically plausible effect requires additional investigation in adequately powered studies.
Technology Licensing by Advertising Supported Media Platforms: An Application to Internet Search Engines
Authors: Sapi Geza , Suleymanova Irina
Published: June 2011

We develop a duopoly model with advertising supported platforms and analyze incentives of a superior firm to license its advanced technologies to an inferior rival. We highlight the role of two technologies characteristic for media platforms: the technology to produce content and to place advertisements. Licensing incentives are driven solely by indirect network effects arising from the aversion of users to advertising. We establish a relationship between licensing incentives and the nature of technology, the decision variable on the advertiser side, and the structure of platforms’ revenues. Only the technology to place advertisements is licensed. If users are charged for access, licensing incentives vanish. Licensing increases the advertising intensity, benefits advertisers and harms users. Our model provides a rationale for technology-based cooperations between competing platforms, such as the planned Yahoo-Google advertising agreement in 2008.
Distress in the Financial Sector and Economic Activity
Authors: Carlson Mark A , King Thomas , Lewis Kurt
Published: June 2011

We construct daily market-based measures of distance to default for large U.S. financial institutions since 1973. These measures have significant predictive power for institution bankruptcy more than one year in advance. We aggregate the distances to default across institutions to provide an index of the overall health of the financial-services industry. We show that deteriorations in this Financial Institution Health Index are associated with tighter lending standards and higher interest rates on bank loans and precede declines in employment and industrial production. We argue that this points to the condition of financial institutions as an independent source of macroeconomic variability, distinct from traditional accelerator mechanisms.
Size and Equal Opportunity in the Democratic Process: The Effect of the Danish Local Government Reform on Inequality in Internal Political Efficacy
Authors: Lassen David D. , Serritzlew Søren
Published: June 2011

A classic issue in political science is how the size of political entities affects democracy. We argue that municipal size may affect local internal political efficacy negatively in two ways: first, as existing studies show, greater distance between citizens and politicians in large municipalities may diminish citizens’ belief in their ability to influence politics. Second, it may cause greater inequality in internal political efficacy for different social groups. We use the comprehensive Danish structural reform of 2007 to examine the latter issue in a way that solves various methodological problems associated with cross sectional analysis of size effects. It turns out that there is no unequivocal development in the inequality of different social groups’ sense of efficacy. Hence, although increased size leads to decreased internal political efficacy generally, it does not systematically increase inequality.
The LNT Debate in Radiation Protection: Science vs. Policy
Authors: Mossman Kenneth L.
Published: June 2011

There is considerable interest in revisiting LNT theory as the basis for the system of radiation protection in the US and worldwide. Arguing the scientific merits of policy options is not likely to be fruitful because the science is not robust enough to support one theory to the exclusion of others. Current science cannot determine the existence of a dose threshold, a key piece to resolving the matter scientifically. The nature of the scientific evidence is such that risk assessment at small effective doses (defined as <100 mSv) is highly uncertain, and several policy alternatives, including threshold and non-linear dose-response functions, are scientifically defensible. This paper argues for an alternative approach by looking at the LNT debate as a policy question and analyzes the problem from a social and economic perspective. In other words, risk assessment and a strictly scientific perspective are insufficiently broad enough to resolve the issue completely. A wider perspective encompassing social and economic impacts in a risk management context is necessary, but moving the debate to the policy and risk management arena necessarily marginalizes the role of scientists.
Biosorption of lead contaminated wastewater using cattails (Typha angustifolia) leaves: Kinetic studies
Authors: Ling Sharain , Joseph Collin , Eng How
Published: June 2011

In this work, dried leaves of Typha angustifolia (TA), also known as the
common cattail, were used as an adsorbent in kinetic studies of Pb(II)
adsorption from synthetic aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption studies with
dried TA leaves were conducted and they were able to adsorb Pb(II) from 100
mL of a 25 mg L-1 Pb(II) solution effectively with the optimized dosage of
0.6 g. Adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 8 hours with an effective
removal percentage of 86.04 %. Adsorption kinetics was further evaluated
using four kinetic models, i.e., the pseudofirst order, pseudo-second order,
intraparticle diffusion and Elovich model. Fitting of the data was performed
based on linear regression analysis. The sorption kinetic data fitted best to
the pseudo-second order model with an R2 of 0.9979, followed closely by the
Elovich model with an R2 of 0.9952. The obtained results showed the
adsorption of Pb(II) by TA leaves, which is an abundant biological material,
is feasible, cheap and environmentally friendly.
Facile syntheses of Mannich bases of 3-[p-(5'-aryl-pyrazolin-3'-yl)]-phenylsydnones, as anti-tubercular and anti-microbial agents, under ionic liquid/TBAB catalytic conditions
Authors: Taj Tasneem , Kamble Ravindra , Gireesh T.M. , Hunnur Ravindra
Published: June 2011

% MIC % antitubercular activity
KR nema
Novel methylene bridged Mannich bases 2(a-j) were synthesized in good to
excellent yields from the pyrazoline derivative (1) using various
primary/secondary amines, 37 % formalin in presence of ionic liquids/TBas
catalyst. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by
IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR and GC-MS spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis.
The title compounds were screened for their anti-tubercular and antimicrobial
activities. Some of the compounds exhibited very good anti-tubercular,
antifungal and antibacterial activities.
Stereospecific ligands and their complexes. VI. The crystal structure of (S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-propanoic acid hydrochloride, (S,S)-H2eddp•HCl
Authors: Glodjovic Verica , Radic Gordana , Stanic Snezana , Heinemann Frank , Trifunovic Srecko
Published: June 2011

(S,S)-Ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-propanoic acid hydrochloride,
(S,S)-H2eddp?HCl, was prepared and its crystal structure determined. The
compound was characterized by infrared and 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. It
forms P1 in the space group of a triclinic crystal system with a = 5.3902(2)
?, b = 5.8967(2) ?, c = 10.3319(2) ?, ? = 99.625(2)?, ? = 91.645(2)?, ? =
109.995(2)? and Z = 1.
Endothelin-1 Reduces Glucose Uptake in Human Skeletal Muscle In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Shemyakin Alexey , Salehzadeh Firoozeh , Esteves Duque-Guimaraes Daniella , Böhm Felix , Rullman Eric , Gustafsson Thomas , Pernow John , Krook Anna
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE

Endothelin (ET)-1 is a vasoconstrictor and proinflammatory peptide that may interfere with glucose uptake. Our objective was to investigate whether exogenous ET-1 affects glucose uptake in the forearm of individuals with insulin resistance and in cultured human skeletal muscle cells.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Nine male subjects (aged 61 ± 3 years) with insulin resistance (M value <5.5 mg/kg/min or a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index >2.5) participated in a protocol using saline infusion followed by ET-1 infusion (20 pmol/min) for 2 h into the brachial artery. Forearm blood flow (FBF), endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, and endothelium-independent vasodilatation were assessed. Molecular signaling and glucose uptake were determined in cultured skeletal muscle cells.

RESULTS

ET-1 decreased forearm glucose uptake (FGU) by 39% (P < 0.05) after the 2-h infusion. ET-1 reduced basal FBF by 36% after the 2-h infusion (P < 0.05) and impaired both endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (P < 0.01) and endothelium-independent vasodilatation (P < 0.05). ETA and ETB receptor expression was detected on cultured skeletal muscle cells. One-hour ET-1 incubation increased glucose uptake in cells from healthy control subjects but not from type 2 diabetic patients. Incubation with ET-1 for 24 h reduced glucose uptake in cells from healthy subjects. ET-1 decreased insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and increased phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 serine 636.

CONCLUSIONS

ET-1 not only induces vascular dysfunction but also acutely impairs FGU in individuals with insulin resistance and in skeletal muscle cells from type 2 diabetic subjects. These findings suggest that ET-1 may contribute to the development of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle in humans.
The thermoluminescence of meteorites: A brief 2010 perspective
Authors: Sears Derek
Published: June 2011

Early work on meteorite thermoluminescence, influenced by pottery dating and dosimetry applications, demonstrated a relationship between natural thermoluminescence and (1) the orbital perihelion of a meteorite and (2) the terrestrial age (time since fall) of a meteorite. For 14 years natural TL measurements were routinely made on newly recovered Antarctic meteorites to help identify unusual thermal and radiation histories, and to sort them by terrestrial age and perihelion. Two examples of the value of such data are presented, an Antarctic meteorite that underwent a major orbit change prior to fall and the collection mechanics of meteorites at the Lewis Cliff collection site. A second major area of focus for meteorite TL, that has no non-meteorite heritage, is the use of their induced TL to provide an extraordinarily sensitive and quantitative means of exploring metamorphic intensity and palaeothermometry. While especially valuable for unequilibrated ordinary chondrites, these types of measurement have proved useful with virtually every major class of meteorite, asteroidal and planetary. The challenge now is to extend the technique to small particles, micrometeorites, interplanetary dust particles, and cometary particles.
Thermoluminescence as a technique for determining the nature and history of small solar system particles
Authors: Craig Jonathan , Sears Derek
Published: June 2011

The thermoluminescence phenomenon has been used for pottery dating and radiation dosimetry for sixty years and for forty years has been applied to the study of meteorites, being successful in quantifying metamorphic histories and providing new insights into terrestrial age and orbits. Here we review some of the fundamental properties of thermoluminescence with particular focus on the study of small extraterrestrial particles. We suggest that natural TL data can be used to identify the burial and release history of cometary particles and that induced TL measurements can provide in-sights into the mineralogy of particles (even when largely amorphous) and the metamorphic history of those particles. We illustrate the use of TL to study small particles by describing recent studies on micrometeorites and 10–100 μm fragments taken from the matrix of a meteorite Semarkona which is type 3.0 ordinary chondrite.
The Relationship between Falls Efficacy and Improvement in Fall Risk Factors Following an Exercise Plus Educational Intervention for Older Adults with Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Arnold C.M. , Faulkner R.A. , Gyurcsik N.C.
Published: June 2011

Purpose: Older adults with decreased confidence in their ability to prevent a fall may benefit from an exercise programme that includes self-efficacy-enhancing education. The objectives of this study were to explore differences in fall-risk outcomes in older adults with higher vs. lower levels of falls efficacy and to evaluate the relationship between baseline falls-efficacy status and changes in fall risk factors following two interventions.

Method: Fifty-four older adults with hip osteoarthritis and at least one risk factor for falls received aquatic exercise twice weekly plus education once weekly (EE) or aquatic exercise only, twice weekly (EO), for 11 weeks.

Results: EE participants with low baseline falls efficacy demonstrated significantly (p<0.05) greater improvement in balance and falls efficacy compared to EE participants with high baseline falls efficacy. In the EE group only, baseline falls-efficacy status (low vs. high median split on the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale) was significantly (p<0.05) correlated with positive balance and falls-efficacy change scores (Spearman rank r=0.45 and 0.63 respectively).

Conclusions: Individuals with one or more fall-risk factors and low falls efficacy may benefit from receiving an intervention that combines exercise with self-efficacy-enhancing education. Falls-efficacy screening may be important for decisions regarding referral to fall-prevention programmes.
Postural Control Is Impaired in People with COPD: An Observational Study
Authors: Roig M. , Eng J.J. , MacIntyre D.L. , Road J.D. , Reid W.D.
Published: June 2011

Purpose: We investigated deficits in postural control and fall risk in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Method: Twenty people with moderate to severe COPD (mean age 72.3 years, standard deviation [SD] 6.7 years) with a mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of 46.7% (SD 13%) and 20 people (mean age 68.2 years, SD 8.1) who served as a comparison group were tested for postural control using the Sensory Organization Test (SOT). A score of zero in any trial of the SOT was registered as a fall. On the basis of the SOT results, participants were categorized as frequent fallers (two or more falls) or as fallers (one fall). To explore the potential influence of muscle weakness on postural control, knee extensors concentric muscle torque was assessed with an isokinetic dynamometer. Physical activity level was assessed with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly.

Results: People with COPD showed a 10.8% lower score on the SOT (p=0.016) and experienced more falls (40) than the comparison group (12). The proportion of frequent fallers and fallers during the SOT was greater (p=0.021) in the COPD group (four of 10) than in the comparison group (two of seven). People with COPD showed deficits in knee extensors muscle strength (p=0.01) and a modest trend toward reduced physical activity level. However, neither of these factors explained the deficits in postural control observed in the COPD group.

Conclusions: People with COPD show deficits in postural control and increased risk of falls as measured by the SOT. The deficits in postural control appear to be independent of muscle weakness and level of physical activity. Postural control interventions and fall risk strategies in the pulmonary rehabilitation of COPD are recommended.
Facial nerve function after vestibular schwannoma surgery
Authors: Falcioni Maurizio , Fois Paolo , Taibah Abdelkader , Sanna Mario
Published: June 2011

Object

The object of this study was to evaluate long-term postoperative facial nerve (FN) function in patients undergoing vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical course of patients affected by isolated VSs with normal preoperative FN function, with no previous surgical or radiotherapeutic treatment, and who underwent surgery between 1987 and 2007. Facial nerve function was clinically evaluated according to the House-Brackmann (HB) scale. The minimum postoperative follow-up was 12 months.

Results

Among the 1550 patients surgically treated at the authors' center, 1151 matched inclusion criteria for the present study. The FN was anatomically interrupted in 48 cases (4.2%), and 51 patients (4.4%) underwent subtotal tumor removal and were considered separately. Among the 1052 patients with anatomically preserved FNs and total tumor removal, 684 (65%) enjoyed postoperative HB Grade I or II and 309 (29.4%) enjoyed Grade III, with the remaining 59 cases (5.6%) suffering unsatisfactory results (HB Grades IV–VI). As expected, FN function results deteriorated in cases of larger tumors.

Conclusions

The main factor influencing postoperative FN function was tumor size. Although there was a progressive deterioration in FN function outcome in relation to tumor size, a cutoff point between satisfactory and unsatisfactory results could be identified at around 2 cm in maximum extrameatal tumor diameter, with the “optimal size” for surgery identified at < 1 cm. This finding emphasizes the importance of an early diagnosis and should be kept in mind when selecting the correct timing for VS removal. For small lesions, the results following a middle cranial fossa approach were significantly worse as compared with those following the translabyrinthine and retrosigmoidretrolabyrinthine approaches.
Dr. Harvey Cushing's attempts to cure migraine based on theories of pathophysiology
Authors: Latimer Katherine , Pendleton Courtney , Rosenberg Jason , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A. , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo
Published: June 2011

A multitude of theories characterized medical thought on migraine in the early 20th century. Newly discovered historical case files revealed Dr. Harvey Cushing's previously unpublished early attempts at surgical cure of migraine. Following institutional review board approval, and through the courtesy of the Alan Mason Chesney Archives, the authors reviewed the microfilm surgical records for The Johns Hopkins Hospital from 1896 to 1912. Patients undergoing surgical intervention by Dr. Harvey Cushing for the treatment of migraine were selected for further review. All 4 patients in the series were women and ranged in age from 29 to 41 years old. The women were admitted and observed in the hospital until a migraine occurred. Surgeries were performed while the women were in the midst of an attack. Cushing used surgical strategies including decompression, temporal artery ligation, and removal of the spine of the second vertebra. In each case, the patients' headaches eventually returned following surgery. Cushing relied on a combination of contemporary theories on migraine including humeral science, vasospastic theory, organic cause, and increased intracranial pressure. His unpublished efforts foreshadowed future surgical efforts at curing migraines.
Influence of surgical or endovascular treatment on visual symptoms caused by intracranial aneurysms: single-center series and systematic review
Authors: Schuss Patrick , Güresir Erdem , Berkefeld Joachim , Seifert Volker , Vatter Hartmut
Published: June 2011

Object

Intracranial aneurysms of the anterior circulation might become symptomatic by causing visual deficits. The influence of treatment modality on improvement is still unclear. The objective of this study was to analyze the recovery of visual deficits caused by the mass effect of intracranial aneurysms after surgical clipping or endovascular treatment.

Methods

Between June 1999 and December 2009, 20 patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms causing visual dysfunction due to compression of the optical nerve were treated at the authors' institution. Visual deficits were recorded at admission and at follow-up. To evaluate a larger number of patients, MEDLINE was searched for published studies involving visual disturbance caused by an aneurysm. A multivariate analysis was performed to find independent predictors for favorable visual outcome.

Results

Nine (75%) of 12 patients treated surgically achieved improvement of visual symptoms, compared with 3 (38%) of 8 patients treated endovascularly. A literature review, including the current series, revealed a total of 165 patients with UIAs causing visual dysfunction. Surgical treatment was associated with a significantly higher rate of visual improvement (p = 0.002) compared with endovascular treatment. According to the multivariate analysis, surgical clipping was the only variable significantly associated with improvement of visual outcome (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Aneurysm-related visual dysfunction developed from direct mechanical compression may improve after surgical clipping and endovascular coiling. However, based on the present series combined with pooled analysis of data from the literature, the only factor significantly associated with improvement of visual dysfunction was surgical clipping.
Immunoliposomal drug-delivery system targeting lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor–1 for carotid plaque lesions in rats
Authors: Saito Atsushi , Shimizu Hiroaki , Doi Yusuke , Ishida Tatsuhiro , Fujimura Miki , Inoue Takashi , Kiwada Hiroshi , Tominaga Teiji
Published: June 2011

Object

Targeted drug delivery with immunoliposomes has been applied to various in vivo animal models and is newly focused as a novel therapeutic target. Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor–1 (LOX1) is a potent regulator of systemic atherosclerosis, and the authors focused on its effect on carotid plaques. The authors developed a LOX1-targeted liposomal rho-kinase inhibitor and examined the therapeutic effect on carotid intimal hypertrophy in rats.

Methods

LOX1-targeted rho-kinase inhibitor fasudil-containing liposomes, composed of hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol/PEG2000-DSPE, were prepared by conjugating anti-LOX1 antibodies on the surface and by remote loading of fasudil. Carotid intimal hypertrophy was induced by balloon injury, and the drugs were intravenously administered on Day 3 postinjury. The rats were divided into 4 groups: nontreatment, treatment with intravenous fasudil (2 mg), treatment with liposomal fasudil (2 mg), and treatment with LOX1-targeted liposomal fasudil (2 mg). The authors compared intimal hypertrophy, atherosclerotic factor, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression among groups.

Results

DiI–labeled LOX1-targeted liposomes were prominently observed in the lesions on Day 7 after the surgery. The intimal thickness was significantly reduced in the LOX1-targeted liposomal fasudil–treated group (mean 81.6 ± 13.9 μm) compared with the other groups (no treatment 105.4 ± 16.8 μm; fasudil treatment 102.4 ± 20.0 μm; and liposomal fasudil treatment 102.8 ± 22.2 μm; p = 0.046). Matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression was also significantly reduced in the LOX1-targeted liposomal fasudil group.

Conclusions

Liposomes conjugated with anti-LOX1 antibody effectively reached carotid artery lesions, and liposomal rho-kinase significantly inhibited intimal hypertrophy. The new liposomal drug delivery system targeting LOX1 may become a therapeutic strategy for atherosclerotic diseases.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon in Medical Laboratory Workers Who Work with Solvents
Authors: PURDIE GORDON L. , PURDIE DIANNE J. , HARRISON ANDREW A.
Published: June 2011

Objective.

To investigate whether there is an association between Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) and exposure to organic solvents in laboratory workers.

Methods.

Technicians, scientists, and laboratory assistants working in histology, cytology, and transfusion medicine were surveyed about their use of solvents, particularly xylene and toluene, and about symptoms of RP. There were 341 responses. OR for having worked with solvents were calculated with logistic regression adjusted for age and sex.

Results.

Laboratory workers who had worked with solvents had higher rates of severe RP, particularly those who had worked with xylene or toluene and either acetone (OR 8.8, 95% CI 1.9–41.1), or chlorinated solvents (OR 8.9, 95% CI 1.9–41.6), xylene or toluene and acetone compared to those who had worked with xylene or toluene but not acetone (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.2–16.2), and similarly for chlorinated solvents (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.2–16.3). RP symptoms occurring in the absence of cold exposure were more frequent for those who had worked with any solvent (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.2–10.5) and just xylene or toluene (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1–7.3). Associations were also seen between increasing exposure to xylene or toluene and severe RP (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.7, per 10 years) and with symptoms occurring in the absence of cold exposure (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.5, per 10 years).

Conclusion.

We found that exposure to solvents may be associated with the development of RP, supporting previous work indicating that solvent exposure may be an etiological factor in systemic sclerosis.
Intervention au domicile : gestion sociale de l'intime
Authors: Djaoui Elian
Published: June 2011

Résumé Le domicile a un statut paradoxal, à la fois sanctuaire de l’intime et catégorie de l’action sociale. Les politiques du domicile, la professionnalisation du prendre soin, la marchandisation du travail social, la marchandisation de l’intimité, tous ces phénomènes ont pour effet de remettre en question les limites entre sphère intime, espace privé et domaines publics. Ce fait oblige les professionnels à s’interroger sur le sens de leur pratique, respect de l’intimité de la personne ou application d’orientations politiques. Leur propre intimité se trouve interpellée, ce qui pourrait être la source du malaise qu’ils expriment.
De l'ingérence bien tempérée
Authors: Lafay-Amado Marie-Aline
Published: June 2011

Résumé Partant de sa pratique du travail à domicile, l’auteur, psychologue clinicienne, psychanalyste, propose une réflexion sur la clinique de cette rencontre singulière, au domicile, et ce qu’elle peut nous apprendre en retour, notamment au niveau des enjeux transférentiels. Elle présente le travail d’élaboration/construction d’un dispositif de thérapie mère-enfant effectuée au domicile, celui-ci devenant alors un élément constitutif à part entière du cadre, et en même temps paradoxal du fait de son caractère privé et sous contrôle exclusif de la mère. Cette particularité serait-elle à l’origine des représentations/sensations de type cannibalique chez le thérapeute : être avalé, ingéré ? Cette perspective, articulée avec les notions d’intrusion et de curiosité, vient éclairer autrement la question de l’ingérence : pour pouvoir s’ingérer faudrait-il d’abord se laisser ingérer ? Pourrait-on alors parler d’« ingérence bien tempérée » ?
La vad, un va-et-vient soutenant le travail de symbolisation
Authors: Buisson Élodie , Collier-Bordet Carole
Published: June 2011

Résumé Si, en allant chez les familles, une équipe de sessad répond souvent à des difficultés de se déplacer, au désir d’aller au plus près des souffrances familiales, il faut se demander ce qui peut se jouer dans de telles rencontres, aussi bien du côté des familles que du côté des professionnels. Les auteurs ne prétendent pas répondre de façon exhaustive à ce questionnement, mais ils s’efforcent néanmoins, dans cet article, de réfléchir sur ce qui s’agit dans la rencontre entre ces deux groupes (professionnel et familial). D’autant que lors des soins à domicile c’est bien une situation spatialement inversée qui est en scène, une situation où ce sont les professionnels qui sont délogés de leur cadre de travail, contrairement à la famille. S’appuyant sur un cas clinique, l’article interroge le processus de différenciation et de cocréation d’un « espace transitionnel ».
Spécificité du travail à domicile à la Protection judiciaire de la jeunesse
Authors: Foulquier Claudine
Published: June 2011

Résumé L’article aborde la spécificité des pratiques à domicile de l’assistant de service social à la Protection judiciaire de la jeunesse. L’auteur observe ce qui se joue lors d’une visite à domicile, du côté des familles et des professionnels. L’imprévu est toujours possible dans cette rencontre avec l’intimité familiale qui éveille souvent un imaginaire d’effraction. Des exemples illustrent les difficultés rencontrées quand les cadres internes sont trop attaqués, mais aussi ce qui se rejoue devant nous des problématiques familiales en souffrance et en quête de sens, enfin comment le professionnel peut tenir un rôle d’étayage. Là se situe le paradoxe de ces interventions, qui à la fois sont intrusives et permettent au sentiment d’intimité de moins se déchirer, voire de se reconstruire.
L'accompagnement d'un parent âgé à domicile : entre passion et tendresse
Authors: Caleca Catherine , Jonchères Élise
Published: June 2011

Résumé L’article présente une réflexion sur le dispositif spécifique du domicile comme lieu de rencontre dans la prise en charge de patients âgés. Fruit de l’expérience des deux auteurs, il illustre par une vignette clinique certains questionnements en jeu. Au cours de la prise en charge à domicile de patients âgés, le psychanalyste est tenu d’élaborer psychiquement les affects traumatiques suscités par la réalité du cadre matériel et familial où il rencontre les patients. Il est mis en présence des modalités relationnelles souvent passionnelles qui ont motivé sa venue. La possibilité d’élaboration qu’il ouvre peut donner accès à une tendresse sublimée.
Hospitalisation à domicile en psychiatrie de secteur
Authors: Furtos Jean
Published: June 2011

Résumé L’ had (hospitalisation à domicile) ici relatée est considérée comme une psychothérapie au domicile du patient, le plus souvent destinée à des patients psychotiques. La difficulté consiste à tenir un cadre d’inspiration psychanalytique dans un contexte trivial où le concret doit être approché à la fois comme tel et comme objet de transfert. La cothérapie doit être de principe, comme la supervision. La prise en compte de la famille, lorsqu’elle existe, a pu faire parler de « psychiatrie familiale », comme on parle de médecin de famille ; il ne s’agit jamais d’une thérapie familiale au sens technique du terme. Cette pratique a quasiment disparu en France, bien qu’autorisée par la loi et existant ici ou là.
Femmes actives et assistance médicale à la procréation
Authors: Hertzog Irène-Lucile
Published: June 2011

Résumé Les femmes actives engagées dans un protocole de fécondation in vitro ( fiv ) en raison d’une infertilité conjugale sont inévitablement confrontées à la nécessité de donner une place à ce vécu intime dans un univers professionnel qui, a priori, ne s’y prête guère. Exposées au regard malgré l’indifférence qu’elles peuvent souhaiter, ces femmes sont loin d’exhiber leur infertilité. Mais l’imbrication de deux logiques (garantir son engagement professionnel et favoriser un protocole médical contraignant) les somme de choisir ce qu’elles vont révéler de leur état. Après avoir réalisé une enquête sociologique par entretiens semi-directifs, l’auteur fait apparaître les différentes tentatives de mises en scène et en mots, par les femmes, de leur difficulté à procréer dans un univers professionnel traversé par les valeurs rationnelles de gestion et de performance.
Expérience de passivité et affects d'angoisse dans le temps de la grossesse
Authors: Pascal Camille , Spiess Martine , Thévenot Anne
Published: June 2011

Résumé Temps subjectif intense en remaniements psychiques et corporels, la grossesse est mise en avant, dans notre société contemporaine, dans sa dimension positive, constructive et épanouissante pour la femme. Issu d’un travail de recherche réalisé auprès de femmes enceintes consultant dans un service de maternité, cet article propose de mettre en exergue l’existence conjointe d’un vécu d’angoisse, lié à la résurgence des éléments infantiles et à des expériences corporelles inédites. Il présente l’hypothèse que cette donnée particulière serait suscitée par le vécu subjectif très imprégné de passivité, position incontournable du fait de l’investissement corporel temporaire par un autre en devenir. Les propos des femmes enceintes rencontrées ont ainsi révélé cette réalité psychique faite de craintes et d’angoisses dans ce temps de passage nécessaire mais qui déroute par son impossible maîtrise.