bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryo Effect During Solidification on the Tribological Behavior of Aluminum-Alloy/Glass (SiO2) Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Hemanth Joel
Published: January 2009

The present investigation aims at producing cast aluminum alloy/SiO 2 composites in molds containing cryo cooled copper chills by dispersing particles in molten aluminum alloy above the liquidus temperature, the size of the particles dispersed being between 50 to 100μm. The dispersoid being added ranges from 3 to 12wt% in steps of 3wt%. The resulting composites cast using cryo cooled copper chills were tested for their wear behavior. Subzero cooled copper chills of different thickness (10—25mm) was used to study the effect of chilling rate on the wear behavior of the composite developed. The wear tests were carried out using a computerized pin on disc type wear testing machine as per ASTM 325 A 98 standards. The superior mechanical properties of the castings, particularly their ultimate tensile strength (UTS), hardness, and wear resistance are discussed in relation to their microstructure. Dispersoid content up to SiO2—9 wt% was found to increase the mechanical properties and therefore SiO2—9 wt% is considered as the optimum limit. Results of the investigation indicate that, strength, hardness and wear resistance of the composite developed is highly dependent on the chilling rate and also the dispersoid content of the composite. Wear resistance of cryo chilled Al alloy/SiO2 composites were remarkably improved by adding SiO2 particles. The effect of amounts of dispersoid content up to 3 wt% can be ignored for all the MMCs until a low sliding speed of 0.44 m/s. From SEM structural studies, wear surfaces of 9wt% composite chilled using copper chill of 25 mm thickness at low sliding speed showed slight groove formation than those of the other chilled MMCs. Chill thickness (25mm), coolant used (liquid nitrogen) and chill material (copper) however does significantly affect volumetric heat capacity of the chill and hence strength, hardness and wear resistance of the composite.
Fanning the Flames of a Partisan Divide
Authors: Holbert R. Lance , LaMarre Heather L. , Landreville Kristen D.
Published: January 2009

Elections should serve to reaffirm a citizenry's belief in the legitimacy of its political processes and outcomes. This study focuses on perceptions of vote count accuracy as a criterion variable. An argument is offered that voters' personal perceptions of postelection vote count accuracy are predicted by vote choice, with those citizens who did not vote for the winning candidate having to deal with the cognitive dissonance created by the election outcome. The model offered in this work focuses on an interaction between partisan strength and debate viewing as predictor of vote choice. In addition, an indirect effect of partisanship on vote choice through debate viewing is explored. Debate viewing is shown to promote partisan voting, and vote choice serves as a strong predictor of perceptions of vote count accuracy. A subset of the 2004 National Annenberg general election panel data ( N = 5,660) was used for this secondary analysis.
Understanding Contracting Performance
Authors: Fernandez Sergio
Published: January 2009

This study explores the outcomes of contractual relationships between American local governments and private service providers. Researchers have approached the issue of contract administration and performance from a variety of theoretical perspectives, each providing its own insight into how to manage contractual relationships effectively. The analysis, which is based on a unique data set of more than 400 contractual relationships, focuses on the effects of contract monitoring, competition, and trust on contracting performance. The results of the analysis indicate that trust has an independent positive effect on overall contracting performance, as well as on eight specific dimensions of performance. In most of the models tested, monitoring and competition were not related to contracting performance. The relationship between monitoring and contracting performance appears to be more complex than previously thought, involving interactions with moderating variables.
Religion and the politics of science
Authors: Audi Robert
Published: January 2009

This article examines the permissibility of teaching evolution in the public schools of a religiously diverse society. Science is committed to methodological naturalism, which is a limited epistemological position that is silent on issues of religious importance. The article argues that it is possible to teach evolution under the assumptions of methodological naturalism without violating the principle, of secular rationale or the neutrality principle which apply to religion in a pluralistic democracy. However, neither creationism nor Intelligent Design qualify for inclusion in a science curriculum. The article ends with a discussion of philosophical and pedagogical approaches that an instructor should employ when teaching evolutionary theory.
The roles of religious conviction in a publicly justified polity
Authors: Gaus Gerald F. , Vallier Kevin
Published: January 2009

We discuss whether religious reasons may be appealed to in justification and political debate in a polity whose laws must be justified to those subject to them in terms of reasons that are accessible to one and all. We argue that, properly understood, a commitment to public justification provides no grounds for the exclusion of religious reasons from politics. We trace the view that religious reasons are excluded from public reason to three basic errors: (1) the error of supposing that public justification must be based on shared reasons; (2) the error of supposing that in public justification the same constraints apply to reasons to impose coercion and reasons to resist coercion; and (3) the error of supposing that generating publicly justified laws must occur through public deliberations in which all aim at such laws.
Religion as a basis of law-making?
Authors: Perry Michael J.
Published: January 2009

The question whether in a liberal democracy religion may serve as a basis of law-making should be desaggregated into two distinct questions. First, is religion a morally legitimate basis of law-making in a liberal democracy? Second, is religion a constitutionally legitimate basis of law-making in the United States? My focus in this article is on the second question, which, as a question about constitutional legitimacy, should not be confused with the first question, which is about moral legitimacy. Like other liberal democracies, the United States is committed to the right to freedom of religious practice. Unlike most other liberal democracies, however, the United States is also committed to the non-etablishment of religion. According to the constitutional law of the United States, law-makers and other government officials may neither prohibit the `free exercise' of religion nor `establish' religion. Does the non-establishment norm ban religion as a basis of law-making? More precisely, should the non-establishment norm be understood to ban laws for which the only discernible rationale — or, at least, the only discernible rationale other than an implausible secular rationale — is religious?
Habermas, religion and the ethics of citizenship
Authors: Boettcher James W.
Published: January 2009

A recent essay by Jürgen Habermas revisits political liberalism and takes up the question of the extent to which democratic citizens and officials should rely on their religious convictions in publicly deliberating about and deciding political issues. With his institutional translation proviso, a proposed alternative to Rawls' idea of public reason, Habermas hopes to dodge familiar (and often overstated) criticisms that liberal requirements of citizenship are unfair or disproportionately burdensome to religious believers. I argue that, due in part to its sharp contrast between the obligations attributed to political officials and those attributed to ordinary citizens, Habermas' position is beset by additional, quite considerable difficulties. I conclude that Habermas' account of religion in the public sphere does not present a genuine alternative to the leading liberal theory of citizenship and public reasoning.
Information Professionals in the Open Access Era: the competencies, challenges and new roles
Authors: Ghosh Maitrayee
Published: January 2009

The push for open access is to encourage new avenues of disseminating information quickly and broadly to advance knowledge. Self-archiving in open access repositories, metadata harvesting, electronic resource management, interoperability in searching, etc. are presenting a whole new dimension of the information landscape. Information professionals working in libraries have been facing tremendous challenges in disseminating scholarly material and learning objects emanating from their institutions. Librarians serving in universities and academic institutions can launch a program to help faculty pay for publishing in open access journals, introduced the concept and secured the funding through various means. A pro-active approach in information handling and collaboration with IT staff and academics are essential for open access to be sustained. The skills and competencies for information professionals are outlined, along with challenges they may face in developing sustainable models for open access repositories. The paper elaborates the different roles that information professionals have been playing in the development and promotion of digital resources in this open access era and offers recommendations for further improvement.
Cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in a massively obese patient
Authors: Molnar J , Colah S , Larobina M , Large SR , Arrowsmith JE , Klein AA
Published: January 2009

As a consequence of the rising global prevalence and magnitude of obesity, a greater proportion of patients presenting for cardiac surgery is morbidly obese. Being overweight (body mass index; BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2) or obese (BMI 30-35 kg/m2) appears to confer some survival benefit following cardiac surgery. By contrast, morbid obesity (BMI >40 kg/m2) is associated with an increased likelihood of postoperative complications and prolonged intensive care unit and hospital length of stay. The physical difficulties encountered when managing this group of patients is exemplified by those undergoing complex, multiple procedures requiring prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). We present the successful management of a massively obese 19-year-old male (BMI 45 kg/m2) with Marfan’s syndrome who required aortic root and arch replacement under DHCA. The selection of extracorporeal circuit components to accommodate a large circulating volume and permit high CPB flow rates (>9 l/min) is discussed.
Intra-aortic balloon pumping increases renal blood flow in patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Sloth E , Sprogøe P , Lindskov C , Hørlyck A , Solvig J , Jakobsen CJ
Published: January 2009

Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) has, for decades, been one of the key treatment modalities following impaired cardiac function after cardiac surgery. IABP increases cardiac output, decreases oxygen consumption of the heart and relieves the left ventricle. However, a number of complications have been reported in connection with IABP treatment. Only a few studies have evaluated renal blood flow and the purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate whether renal blood flow was affected by IABP treatment in high-risk patients. After approval from the county ethical committee and informed consent, seven consecutive patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction and scheduled for preoperative IABP treatment were allocated to the study. Assessment of renal blood flow was based on ultrasound spectral Doppler estimation of the flow velocity profiles in the interlobar kidney arteries. The result was described as balloon index (BI), which is maximal systolic velocity divided by the temporal mean velocity. Typical velocity profiles were demonstrated in all patients before, during and after IABP. BI measurement changed with time (p <0.05). BI was lower during IABP compared to both pre-IABP and post-IABP (p <0.025), indicating a higher renal blood flow. No statistically significant changes were seen in s-creatinine or creatinine clearance. Assuming unchanged diameter of kidney arteries and no considerable decrease in renal resistance and/or compliance, we conclude that the interlobar renal blood flow was significantly increased during IABP treatment, measured by ultrasound Doppler technique, but without a simultaneously significant change in creatinine clearance.
Differences in displayed pump flow compared to measured flow under varying conditions during simulated cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Hargrove M , O’Donnell A , Aherne T
Published: January 2009

Errors in blood flow delivery due to shunting have been reported to reduce flow by, potentially, up to 40–83% during cardiopulmonary bypass. The standard roller-pump measures revolutions per minute and a calibration factor for different tubing sizes calculates and displays flow accordingly. We compared displayed roller-pump flow with ultrasonically measured flow to ascertain if measured flow correlated with the heart-lung pump flow reading. Comparison of flows was measured under varying conditions of pump run duration, temperature, viscosity, varying arterial/venous loops, occlusiveness, outlet pressure, use of silicone or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in the roller race, different tubing diameters, and use of a venous vacuum-drainage device.
Initial clinical experience with the admiral oxygenator combined with separated suction
Authors: De Stefano E , Delay D , Horisberger J , von Segesser LK
Published: January 2009

The Admiral, a new microporous membrane oxygenator with a low surface area, decreased priming volume and two separate reservoirs, was tested in 30 adult patients. This study was undertaken to evaluate blood path resistance, gas exchange capabilities and blood trauma in clinical use, with and without shed blood separation. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 had valve surgery without separation of suction, Group 2 had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with direct blood aspiration and Group 3 had coronary artery bypass grafting with shed blood separation. The suctioned, separated, cardiotomy blood in Group 3 was treated with an autotransfusion device at the end of bypass before being returned to the patient. Theoretical blood flow could be achieved in all cases without problem. The pressure drop through the oxygenator averaged 88 ± 13 mmHg at 4 l/min and 109 ± 12 mmHg at 5 l/min. O2 transfer was 163 ± 27 ml/min. Free plasma haemoglobin rose in all groups, but significantly less in group 3. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) rose significantly in Groups 1 and 2. Platelets decreased in all groups without significant differences. Clinical experience with this new oxygenator was safe, the reduced membrane surface did not impair gas exchange and blood trauma could be minimized easily by separating shed blood, using the second cardiotomy reservoir.
The practical use of goal attainment scaling for people with acquired brain injury who receive cognitive rehabilitation
Authors: Bouwens Sharon FM , van Heugten Caroline M , Verhey Frans RJ
Published: January 2009

Objective: To examine the feasibility of and clinical experiences with goal attainment scaling when used for the evaluation of cognitive rehabilitation in people with acquired brain injury.

Design: A prospective observational longitudinal study.

Setting: A 21-week cognitive rehabilitation programme and a cognitive programme with varying length in two different Dutch rehabilitation centres.

Subjects: Forty-eight consecutive patients with acquired brain injury enrolled during a 15-month period.

Interventions: Cognitive rehabilitation programme.

Main measure: Goal attainment scaling; the number of goals was counted; time to set goals was recorded; the number of different domains in which goals were set was counted; goal attainment scaling score was calculated at baseline, one week after the end of the cognitive rehabilitation programme and at six months follow-up; clinical experiences that could be useful for both clinical and research practice were recorded.

Results: The mean (SD) age of the patients was 46.1 (10.7) years; 29 (60%) were male; 186 goals were set with a mean (SD) number of 4 (1) goals per patient. It was possible to set at least three realistic goals per patient within 30 minutes. Most goals were set in the cognitive domain (i.e. memory and attention), followed by the behavioural domain (i.e. fatigue and aggression).

Conclusion: It proved possible to set three goals within an acceptable time-frame, to involve patients in the goal-setting procedure, to set realistic goals, and to set goals within relevant domains. Based on clinical experiences, goal attainment scaling is less feasible for research when patients lack insight, or suffer from comorbidity or mood problems.
“Just Good Different Things”
Authors: Maul Christine A. , Singer George H. S.
Published: January 2009

Fifteen parents and two grandparents of children with developmental disabilities (DD) were interviewed to discover common themes regarding specific ways in which they devised positive adaptations to their everyday routines to accommodate the needs of their children with DD, how they decided upon the accommodations, and how much help they felt they received from professionals in making the accommodations. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed. Using grounded theory methods, the authors analyzed the transcriptions to determine common themes, which were found to be (a) lost opportunities replaced by new opportunities, (b) the family as a team, (c) time adaptations, (d) the idiosyncratic nature of family accommodations, and (e) an insistence on normalcy, accompanied by a resistance to stigma. Participants most commonly described their decision-making process as “trial and error,” and the majority felt professionals had given them good help in making accommodations.
The Engagement and Interaction of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Segregated and Inclusive Early Childhood Center-Based Settings
Authors: Kishida Yuriko , Kemp Coral
Published: January 2009

The engagement and interaction of 12 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were measured during free play in segregated and inclusive prior-to-school early childhood settings to compare the learning opportunities provided in each type of setting. Ratings of overall engagement and the frequency and quality of interaction were also compared across the two types of setting. Although a satisfactory level of engagement was found for segregated and inclusive settings, the children were, on average, slightly better engaged in the segregated settings. Adult interaction was significantly higher in the segregated settings, but the difference in the amount of peer interaction only marginally favored the inclusive settings. Variations in the engagement and interaction across individual children were identified. The implications of these findings for optimizing learning opportunities for children with ASD in early childhood center-based settings were discussed.
Health Care Costs and Utilization Rates for Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders in North Dakota From 1998 to 2004: Impact on Medicaid
Authors: Peng Chun-Zi , Hatlestad Preston , Klug Marilyn G. , Kerbeshian Jacob , Burd Larry
Published: January 2009

In this study, we used data from the North Dakota Medicaid claims database from 1998 through 2004 to estimate health care utilization rates and cost of care for children with pervasive developmental disorders. From the dataset, we developed a group comprised of children with pervasive developmental disorders (n = 546) and 2 comparison groups: children with other mental disorders (n = 18 363) and children who did not have pervasive developmental disorders or any mental disorders (n = 63 202). Participants with pervasive developmental disorders utilized 4.6% of all visits and 5% of the total cost of health care over the 7-year period. The average annual cost of care for children with pervasive developmental disorders was much higher than the cost for children without mental disorders for outpatient services ($5051 vs $360, ratio = 14:1), inpatient services ($1585 vs $458, ratio = 3.4:1), and pharmacy services ($1258 vs $82, ratio = 15:1). Children with pervasive developmental disorders covered by Medicaid have increased costs of health care.
Rupture of Intracranial Arterial Aneurysms in Neonates: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Vizcaíno-Díaz C. , Sánchez-Zaplana H. , Carneado Ruiz J. , Jiménez-Cobo B.
Published: January 2009

The rupture of cerebral arterial aneurysm is an extremely rare cause of intracranial hemorrhage in infants. Brain magnetic resonance imaging is an excellent technique commonly used to suggest the diagnosis. In this article, we propose color flow Doppler ultrasound as a useful, simple, inexpensive, noninvasive, and accessible option for confirming the lesion.We report one case of cerebral aneurysm in a neonate admitted to our unit. Furthermore, we performed a thorough review of the literature on cerebral aneurysm that led us to the observation that the vast majority of untreated patients suffered a second bleeding that caused death. Thus, we insist on the benefits of a timely treatment.
A Male Phenotype With Aicardi Syndrome
Authors: Zubairi Mohammad S. , Carter Ronald F. , Ronen Gabriel M.
Published: January 2009

Aicardi syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental condition that occurs almost exclusively in women. We report a second male phenotype and 47,XXY karyotype with a typical presentation of the Aicardi syndrome including a midline arachnoid cyst.
The Neurology of Benign Paroxysmal Torticollis of Infancy: Report of 10 New Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Rosman N. Paul , Douglass Laurie M. , Sharif Uzma M. , Paolini Jan
Published: January 2009

Benign paroxysmal torticollis is an under-recognized cause of torticollis of early infancy. The attacks usually last for less than 1 week, recur from every few days to every few months, improve by age 2 years, and end by age 3. There very frequently is a family history of migraine. We did a detailed analysis of 10 cases of benign paroxysmal torticollis, seen over 5 years, and compared our findings with those in the 103 cases in the literature. Detailed neurodevelopmental assessments, available only in our cases, showed accompanying gross motor delays in 5/10 children, with additional fine motor delays in 3/5. As the benign paroxysmal torticollis improved, so did the gross motor delays in 3/5, and the fine motor delays in 1/3. In all of our cases, at least 2 other family members had migraine. Benign paroxysmal torticollis is likely an age-sensitive, migraine-related disorder, commonly accompanied by delayed motor development.
Pediatric Stroke in the United States and the Impact of Risk Factors
Authors: Lo Warren , Stephens Julie , Fernandez Soledad
Published: January 2009

One approach to studying pediatric stroke is to analyze a national database that contains data on a significant number of children. We examined an administrative dataset of hospital discharges from the United States, Kids' Inpatient Database 2003 (KID2003), for ICD-9 codes associated with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke in children aged >30 days to 20 years. 3156 children were discharged with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke and 2022 with hemorrhagic stroke after statistical weighting. The odds for a male discharged with hemorrhagic stroke was 1.5 (CI: 1.35-1.68) and for ischemic stroke was 1.37 (CI: 1.24-1.51) compared with a female. The odds for males discharged with a stroke were greatest for ages 16 to 20 years and least for 4 years. This study confirms a male predominance for stroke. The odds for hospitalization with a stroke diagnosis are greatest in very young and older adolescent males. Hemorrhage is an important stroke subtype in children.
Regional Expression of Dopamine D1 and D2 Receptor Proteins in the Cerebral Cortex of Asphyxic Newborn Infants
Authors: Kaewsuk Sukit , Tannenberg Rudi K. , Kuo Sheng-Wen , Björkman S. Tracey , Govitrapong Piyarat , Stadlin Alfreda , Dodd Peter R.
Published: January 2009

Dopamine D1 and D2 receptor protein expression was examined by Western blotting in newborn infants dying from cerebral asphyxia between 31 and 42 weeks' gestation, and matched controls. Frontal, occipital, temporal, and motor cortex tissue samples were obtained at autopsy (median postmortem interval 35 hours) and frozen for storage at —80°C. A total of 2 immunoreactive bands were detected with each primary antibody in infant brain, whereas a single band was present in adult human and rat tissue. Immunoreactivity varied between cortical areas for both receptors, but their regional patterns differed significantly. D1 protein levels were higher in motor and temporal cortex than in frontal or occipital cortex. D2 protein showed graded expression frontal > motor > occipital > temporal cortex. Asphyxia cases showed lower expression of the upper D2 immunoreactive band, but no difference in regional pattern. Lower D2 receptor expression may attenuate stress responses and underlie increased vulnerability to hypoxia at birth.
Bilateral Paramedian Thalamic and Mesencephalic Infarcts in a Newborn Due to Occlusion of the Artery of Percheron
Authors: Bain Sarah E. , Hsieh David T. , Vezina L. Gilbert , Chang Taeun
Published: January 2009

Bilateral paramedian thalamic and mesencephalic infarcts are infrequently reported in adults, and to our knowledge, has never been reported in a child. The presumed etiology is an occlusion of the artery of Percheron, an uncommon vascular variation, in which a single common trunk from one of the P1 segments of the posterior cerebral artery provides bilateral irrigation to the paramedian thalami and midbrain. Bilateral paramedian thalamic and mesencephalic infarcts in adults are associated with symptoms of decreased arousal, vertical gaze paresis, mood changes, and memory difficulties. Although some improvement of these symptoms does occur, complete recovery is rare. We present here a full-term male neonate, whose right-hand sided clonic seizures on day-of-life 2 prompted neuroimaging, which revealed bilateral paramedian thalamic and mesencephalic infarcts, suggestive of an occlusion of the artery of Percheron.
Receptive Language Organization in High-Functioning Autism
Authors: Frye Richard E. , Beauchamp Michael S.
Published: January 2009

One of the core defining components of autism is impairment in communication, typically manifested as a delay in speech development. To date, neuroimaging studies have shed limited light on the mechanisms behind delay in speech development in autism. We performed magnetoencephalographic-based auditory language mapping in 2 cases of high-functioning autism. Overall, 2 distinct characteristics were found, such as the use of atypical language pathways and cortical hyperexcitability. These neurophysiological findings parallel those reported in 2 other developmental disorders, developmental dyslexia and Rett syndrome. We discuss common mechanisms that may account for cognitive delays across these developmental disorders.
Evolution of a New Retail Institution Type: Case Study in South Korea and China
Authors: Kim Sookhyun , Kincade Doris H.
Published: January 2009

Kim and Kincade (2006) proposed the Combined Retail Evolution Model (CREM) by examining retailing in a non-Western country (South Korea) and subsequently identified the Private-Branded Hive type store (PBH) as a new retail institution type.The purposes of this new study are (a) to examine the evolution of the PBH and (b) to examine the Supply Chain City (SCC) in China, using a case study research method with content analysis and researcher observation.The results indicate that the evolution of the PBH has begun, and it is changing into a new retail type. For the SCC, environmental influences identified in China were similar to those found in the Dong Dae Moon district (DDM) of South Korea.Although the retail component of the PBH retail institution type has not appeared in the Chinese SCC, the high possibility of acceptance of PBH-style retail stores by Chinese consumers can be seen in Beijing’s Commodity Trading Stores.
Carving Voters Out
Authors: Winburn Jonathan , Wagner Michael W.
Published: January 2009

This article examines how the splitting of counties into multiple congressional districts affects citizens’ abilities to recall House candidates, turnout, roll off their congressional vote, and cast straight-ticket ballots. We demonstrate that while voters living in the “short end of the split” are less likely to recall their House candidates, they do behave similarly at the ballot box to voters drawn into districts containing their natural community of interest. Our results suggest the Supreme Court’s traditional focus on population equality across congressional districts might be more appropriately administered in concert with respect for natural communities of interest such as counties.
Review: Immigrants and Health Care Access, Quality, and Cost
Authors: Pitkin Derose Kathryn , Bahney Benjamin W. , Lurie Nicole , Escarce José J.
Published: January 2009

Inadequate access and poor quality care for immigrants could have serious consequences for their health and that of the overall U.S. population. The authors conducted a systematic search for post-1996, population-based studies of immigrants and health care. Of the 1,559 articles identified, 67 met study criteria of which 77% examined access, 27% quality, and 6% cost. Noncitizens and their children were less likely to have health insurance and a regular source of care and had lower use than the U.S. born. The foreign born or non-English speakers were less satisfied and reported lower ratings and more discrimination. Immigrants incurred lower costs than the U.S. born, except emergency department expenditures for immigrant children. Policy solutions are needed to improve health care for immigrants and their children. Research is needed to elucidate immigrants' nonfinancial barriers, receipt of specific processes of care, cost of care, and health care experiences in nontraditional U.S. destinations.
Safety and immunogenicity of a new formulation of interferon β-1a (Rebif® New Formulation) in a Phase IIIb study in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: 96-week results
Authors: Giovannoni G , Barbarash O , Casset-Semanaz F , King J , Metz L , Pardo G , Simsarian J , Sørensen PS , Stubinski B ,   on behalf of the Rebif® New Formulation Study Group
Published: January 2009

Background

A new formulation of subcutaneous (s.c.) interferon-β-1a has been developed (Rebif® New Formulation, RNF), produced without fetal bovine serum and without human serum albumin as an excipient, with the aim of improving injection tolerability, and reducing immunogenicity.

Objectives

This article reports 96-week analyses of a Phase IIIb, open-label study of the safety and immunogenicity of RNF compared with historical (EVIDENCE study) and recent (REGARD study) data on the original formulation.

Methods

Patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (McDonald criteria) and an Expanded Disability Status Scale score < 6.0 received RNF, 44 μg s.c. three times weekly.

Results

The proportion of neutralizing antibody-positive (NAb+) patients (serum NAb status ≥20 neutralizing units/mL) at week 96 (last observation carried forward; primary endpoint) was 17.4% (exact 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.0–22.5), compared with 21.4% (95% CI: 17.2–26.2) in the EVIDENCE study, and 27.3% (95% CI: 22.8–32.1) in the REGARD study. The proportion of patients NAb+ at any time during the 96 weeks was 18.9% (95% CI: 14.4–24.2), compared with 27.1% (95% CI: 22.4–32.2) and 33.7% (95% CI: 28.9–38.7), respectively. Most pre-specified categories of adverse events were reported by patients in the RNF study at a similar or lower proportion than in the EVIDENCE and REGARD studies. Injection-site reactions were experienced by fewer patients than in the EVIDENCE and REGARD studies.

Conclusions

RNF has improved overall immunogenicity and safety profiles compared with the original formulation.
Characterization of tumefactive demyelinating lesions using MR imaging and in-vivo proton MR spectroscopy
Authors: Malhotra HS , Jain KK , Agarwal A , Singh MK , Yadav SK , Husain M , Krishnani N , Gupta RK
Published: January 2009

Background and Objectives

Diagnosis of tumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDLs) is challenging to both clinicians and radiologists. Our objective in this study was to analyze and characterize these lesions clinically, biochemically, electrophysiologically, and on imaging.

Methods

A retrospective analysis with prospective follow-up of 18 cases of TDLs was performed. Imaging included T2-, T1-weighted, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), post-contrast T1-weighted, diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (PMRS).

Results

All the lesions appeared hyperintense on T2 and FLAIR images. Increased Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) (0.93–2.21 × 10−3 mm2/s) in centre of the lesion was seen in 14/18 cases; however, peripheral restriction (ADC values 0.55–0.64 × 10−3 mm2/s) was noted in 11/18 cases. In all, 13/18 cases showed contrast enhancement with open ring ( n = 5), complete ring ( n = 1), minimal ( n = 4), and infiltrative ( n = 3) pattern of enhancement. Nine of these 13 cases also showed venular enhancement. On PMRS, nine showed glutamate/glutamine (Glx) at 2.4 ppm.

Conclusion

Clinical features along with several MRI characteristics such as open ring enhancement, peripheral restriction on DWI, venular enhancement, and presence of Glx on spectroscopy may be rewarding in differentiating TDLs from neoplastic lesions.
Intentions to retire, life dissatisfaction and the subsequent risk of disability retirement
Authors: Harkonmäki Karolna , Martikainen Pekka , Lahelma Eero , Pitkäniemi Janne , Halmeenmäki Tuomo , Silventoinen Karri , Rahkonen Ossi
Published: January 2009

Background and aims: To examine the predictive value of intentions to retire early on the process of disability retirement and the contribution of life dissatisfaction to the association between intentions to retire early and disability retirement. Methods: A cohort of 6484 employees over 40 years and working for the City of Helsinki was followed from 2000 to 2004. At baseline, the participants had responded to a questionnaire. Information on disability retirement was obtained from the Local Government Pensions Institution and the State Treasury. We calculated age and gender adjusted incidence rates and estimated Cox regression models. Results: During the follow-up 232 (3.6%) participants were granted a disability pension. Clear predictive value of disability retirement was found for strong intentions to retire early (age and gender adjusted hazard ratio HR 6.55, 95% CI 4.64—9.26) and for life dissatisfaction (dissatisfaction with subjective well-being, HR 5.31, 4.11—6.87). After adjusting for life dissatisfaction, the HR for those with strong intentions to retire early attenuated to 3.86 (2.66—5.62). After simultaneous adjustments for various risk factors the associations of intentions to retire early and dissatisfaction with subjective well-being with disability retirement attenuated, but remained statistically significant. Conclusions: The impact of intentions and subjective experience of well-being as measured by life dissatisfaction to the process of disability retirement should be recognized. Intentions to retire and life dissatisfaction should be considered as suitable measures when identifying people with elevated risk of disability retirement.
Effect of Cold Plasma Treatment on Macromolecular Structure, Thermal and Mechanical Behavior of Jute Fiber
Authors: Sinha E.
Published: January 2009

Cold Ar plasma treatment can be used to modify the structure of cellulosic fibers for a variety of applications. Jute fibers (Corchorus olitorius), a cellulosic fibers are treated with argon cold plasma for 5, 10, and 15 minutes. The above samples are characterized by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), Fourier transform infra spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Instron1185. Results from SAXS and XRD confirmed the macromolecular and micro-structural changes after plasma treatment. This is caused due to the bombardment of high energetic ions on the fiber surfaces. Rough topography with the formation of the pit was clearly seen in SEM micrograph for plasma treated fiber, which resulted in the loss of mechanical strength as detected by Instron 1185 in the test for single fiber mechanical strength. It was also shown that the modulus and tenacity of the jute fibers were decreased after plasma treatment. FT-IR studies supported the surface chemistry changes after treatment DSC data demonstrated that the thermal degradation of hemicelluloses lowered to 270°C from 290°C and cellulose degradation temperature lowered to 351°C from 365°C after 15-min plasma treatment resulted in the thermal instability of fiber after cold plasma treatment.
Sinusoidal Model of Fiber-reinforced Plastic Composite
Authors: Szablewski Piotr
Published: January 2009

This article describes a simple geometrical model of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite. On the basis of this model it will be presented how to obtain certain geometrical parameters, which fully characterize the geometry of composite structure. Using geometrical considerations it is possible to obtain from this model basic mechanical parameters very useful for further strength analysis. Such mechanical considerations and method for calculating mechanical parameters will be presented in future article. On the basis of above mentioned theoretical considerations a special computer program was developed. The method of calculation presented in this article can be applied to more complicated models of FRP composites.
How material are cyberbodies? Broadband Internet and embodied subjectivity
Authors: Gies Lieve
Published: January 2009

Internet use is commonly portrayed as a form of disembodied communication, that is, communication from which bodily performativity has vanished, leaving users free to indulge in identity play and even downright identity fraud. In this article, I seek to challenge this particular construction of cyberspace. I argue that in the broadband era, enhanced bandwidth is increasingly facilitating the exchange of bodily cues and creating stronger convergence with audio-visual media. Second, even in largely text-based online communications, bodily markers often emerge either unintentionally as part of the dynamics of discourse construction or deliberately to authenticate users' identity. Third, the material body is central to Internet use, which is to a considerable extent motivated by bodily needs and desires, as the popularity of countless health and lifestyle websites suggests. Finally, I also argue that constructing the Internet as virtual and disembodied obscures the material and embodied lived reality in which technology operates.
Transgressive decor: Narrative glimpses in Australian prisons, 1970s—1990s
Authors: Wilson Jacqueline Z.
Published: January 2009

This article presents a number of examples of prison inmate graffiti photographed by the author in Australian decommissioned prisons. The images are examined with regard to aspects of the sociology and social psychology of the prison environment. Abiding themes of prison life are identified and discerned as factors contributing to the content of the graffiti. These include especially power relationships, sexuality, revenge, violence, boredom and the simple desire for some form of entertainment, however fleeting.
Growing up bad: Black youth, `road' culture and badness in an East London neighbourhood
Authors: Gunter Anthony
Published: January 2009

This paper addresses the role and importance of badness within the youth subculture (`Road' Life) of young black Caribbean males growing up in an East London neighbourhood. The research that I have undertaken attempts to explore how the notion of badness particularly influences the young informant's attitudes, values, behaviour and dress wear. Adapting and integrating the concepts of `drift' (Matza, 1964), `code of the street' (Anderson, 1999), and the `seductions of crime' (Katz, 1988), I examine the way in which the majority of young black males involved with Road Life, look to appropriate and flirt with certain aspects of badness for reasons to do with survival, `money-making', and aesthetics (style and fashion). I will then go on to briefly focus on the small minority of young males whose lifestyles centre around the practicing of badness; where I am mainly concerned with detailing their values, attitudes and the types of activities that these `rude boys' might be involved in. This paper is based upon a much larger ethnographic study undertaken in an East London neighbourhood. Empirical data was gleaned via participant observation supplemented by semi-structured interviews.
Booing or cheering? Ambiguity in the construction of victimhood in the case of Maria Colwell
Authors: Butler Ian , Drakeford Mark
Published: January 2009

This paper presents a microanalysis of the media representation of victimhood in key public narratives. It builds on Peelo's account of the `mediated witness' as part of the struggle for control of the crime agenda. To extend Peelo's analysis to other areas of public policy making, the paper uses the example of an iconic welfare `scandal' (the Maria Colwell case) and focuses particularly on the role of victims themselves in the struggle to own and exploit victimhood. The paper argues that ambiguity in the ascription of victimhood can reveal points of unresolved tension in the emerging public narrative that the scandal (or crime) is meant to signify, explain and incorporate.
Deficiency of von Willebrand factor protects mice from ischemic stroke
Authors: Kleinschnitz Christoph , De Meyer Simon F. , Schwarz Tobias , Austinat Madeleine , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Nieswandt Bernhard , Deckmyn Hans , Stoll Guido
Published: January 2009

We recently demonstrated that blockade of the platelet adhesion receptor glycoprotein (GP) Ibα protects mice from ischemic stroke. Although von Willebrand factor (VWF) is the major ligand for GPIbα, GPIbα can engage other counterreceptors on endothelial cells, platelets, and leukocytes (eg, Mac-1 or P-selectin) potentially involved in stroke outcome. To further analyze whether VWF is of particular relevance for stroke development, VWF−/− mice underwent 60 minutes of middle cerebral artery occlusion. After 24 hours, VWF−/− mice had significantly smaller infarctions (P < .05) and less severe neurologic deficits (P < .01) compared with controls. This effect was sustained after 1 week, and intracranial bleeding was absent in VWF−/− mice as revealed by serial magnetic resonance imaging. Hydrodynamic injection of a VWF-encoding plasmid restored the susceptibility for stroke in VWF−/− mice. This study indicates that VWF is critically involved in cerebral ischemia. Hence, targeted inhibition of the GPIbα-VWF pathway might become a promising therapeutic option.
Leukemogenic Ptpn11 causes fatal myeloproliferative disorder via cell-autonomous effects on multiple stages of hematopoiesis
Authors: Chan Gordon , Kalaitzidis Demetrios , Usenko Tatiana , Kutok Jeffery L. , Yang Wentian , Mohi M. Golam , Neel Benjamin G.
Published: January 2009

PTPN11, which encodes the tyrosine phosphatase SHP2, is mutated in approximately 35% of patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) and at a lower incidence in other neoplasms. To model JMML pathogenesis, we generated knockin mice that conditionally express the leukemia-associated mutant Ptpn11D61Y. Expression of Ptpn11D61Y in all hematopoietic cells evokes a fatal myeloproliferative disorder (MPD), featuring leukocytosis, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, and factor-independent colony formation by bone marrow (BM) and spleen cells. The Lin−Sca1+cKit+ (LSK) compartment is expanded and “right-shifted,” accompanied by increased stem cell factor (SCF)–evoked colony formation and Erk and Akt activation. However, repopulating activity is decreased in diseased mice, and mice that do engraft with Ptpn11D61Y stem cells fail to develop MPD. Ptpn11D61Y common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) and granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (GMPs) produce cytokine-independent colonies in a cell-autonomous manner and demonstrate elevated Erk and Stat5 activation in response to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) stimulation. Ptpn11D61Y megakaryocyte-erythrocyte progenitors (MEPs) yield increased numbers of erythrocyte burst-forming units (BFU-Es), but MEPs and erythrocyte-committed progenitors (EPs) produce fewer erythrocyte colony-forming units (CFU-Es), indicating defective erythroid differentiation. Our studies provide a mouse model for Ptpn11-evoked MPD and show that this disease results from cell-autonomous and distinct lineage-specific effects of mutant Ptpn11 on multiple stages of hematopoiesis.
Complement fraction 3 binding on erythrocytes as additional mechanism of disease in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria patients treated by eculizumab
Authors: Risitano Antonio M. , Notaro Rosario , Marando Ludovica , Serio Bianca , Ranaldi Danilo , Seneca Elisa , Ricci Patrizia , Alfinito Fiorella , Camera Andrea , Gianfaldoni Giacomo , Amendola Angela , Boschetti Carla , Di Bona Eros , Fratellanza Giorgio , Barbano Filippo , Rodeghiero Francesco , Zanella Alberto , Iori Anna Paola , Selleri Carmine , Luzzatto Lucio , Rotoli Bruno
Published: January 2009

In paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) hemolytic anemia is due mainly to deficiency of the complement regulator CD59 on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). Eculizumab, an antibody that targets complement fraction 5 (C5), has proven highly effective in abolishing complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis in PNH; however, the hematologic benefit varies considerably among patients. In the aim to understand the basis for this variable response, we have investigated by flow cytometry the binding of complement fraction 3 (C3) on RBCs from PNH patients before and during eculizumab treatment. There was no evidence of C3 on RBCs of untreated PNH patients; by contrast, in all patients on eculizumab (n = 41) a substantial fraction of RBCs had C3 bound on their surface, and this was entirely restricted to RBCs with the PNH phenotype (CD59−). The proportion of C3+ RBCs correlated significantly with the reticulocyte count and with the hematologic response to eculizumab. In 3 patients in whom 51Cr labeling of RBCs was carried out while on eculizumab, we have demonstrated reduced RBC half-life in vivo, with excess 51Cr uptake in spleen and in liver. Binding of C3 by PNH RBCs may constitute an additional disease mechanism in PNH, strongly enhanced by eculizumab treatment and producing a variable degree of extravascular hemolysis.
Some principles and practices of genetic biobanking studies
Authors: MacLeod A. K. , Liewald D. C. M. , McGilchrist M. M. , Morris A. D. , Kerr S. M. , Porteous D. J.
Published: January 2009

Genetic biobanking studies are becoming increasingly common as researchers recognise the need for large samples to identify the genetic basis of susceptibility to complex disease. In the present review, the authors give a brief overview of some of the issues that should be considered when implementing such a large-scale project, from study design to sample management, data coding and storage to the statistical analysis and engagement with the public. Specific solutions to these issues are presented, as implemented in the Generation Scotland projects, but the general principles outlined are relevant to any biobanking study.