bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy of pristine poly (sodium poly[2-(3-thienyl)-ethoxy-4-butylsulfonate) (PTEBS) and doped with perylene tetracarboxylicdiimide (PTCDI) nanobelts
Authors: Pinto Leon Rohan , Khopkar Yashdeep , Chambers David Keith , Koorie Mark , Kizilkaya Orhan , Losovyj Ya. B. , Ji Hai-Feng , Zivanovic Sandra
Published: September 2010

We investigated the possibility of doping poly (sodium poly[2-(3-thienyl)-ethoxy-4-butylsulfonate) (PTEBS) with perylene tetracarboxylicdiimide (PTCDI) nanobelts through ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) measurements. For our experiment, PTEBS was tuned to absorb maximum light in the range of 450 nm to 550 nm which corresponds to the maximum solar irradiance of the Earth’s atmosphere. Nanobelts of PTCDI were synthesized by gas phase self assembly process. Doping PTEBS with PTCDI nanobelts causes a shift in the Fermi level of the composite material with respect to the vacuum level as observed in the photoemission spectrum. With increased PTCDI doping, PTCDI does not act much like an electron donor, but more like an electron acceptor. The peaks corresponding to the sigma bonds shift towards the vacuum level with higher concentrations of the dopant. Using angled resolved photoemission spectra from a 3m toroidal grating monochromator, PTEBS displays change in the highest occupied molecular orbital in respect to its Fermi level when the side groups were substituted by H+ or OH- groups. The results confirm that the binding energy decreases with increase in activity of the dissolved hydrogen ions. It is evident that there is an increase in the density of states near the Fermi level and shifts to lower binding energies of the occupied molecular orbitals with pH level decrease, which is in agreement with the published optical absorption characteristics of PTEBS. Since UPS data confirm that PTCDI nanobelts dope PTEBS, along with its tunable absorption characteristics, this composite might be a promising material for optoelectronic application.
Microscale Fracture Testing of Mg-Zn-Y
Authors: Matsuyama Shun , Sakamoto Tetsuya , Otsu Masaaki , Takashima Kazuki , Kawamura Yoshihito
Published: September 2010

A microfracture testing technique was applied for investigating the fracture properties of Mg-Zn-Y alloys with a long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase. Microsized cantilever beam specimens with dimensions ≈ 10×20×50 μm3 were prepared from Mg-Zn-Y alloys by focused ion beam (FIB) machining. Notches with widths of 0.5 μm and depths of 3.5–5 μm were also introduced into the specimens by FIB machining. In this study, three types of Mg-Zn-Y alloys―Mg99.2Zn0.2Y0.6, Mg97Zn1Y2, and Mg88Zn5Y7―were used. Fracture tests were successfully conducted using a mechanical testing machine for microsized specimens at room temperature. The fracture toughness values (KIC) could not be obtained as the specimen size was too small to satisfy the plane strain condition. Hence, provisional KQ values were considered. The KQ values of the Mg97Zn1Y2 alloy were 0.8–1.2 MPam½, and those of the Mg88Zn5Y7 alloy were 1.2–3.0 MPam½. As the fracture in the Mg99.2Zn0.2Y0.6 alloy specimen occurred in a ductile plastic deformation, it was impossible to evaluate KQ values of this specimen. The increasing volume fraction of the LPSO phase indicates that the fracture toughness of Mg-Zn-Y alloys increases in LPSO phase.
Annealing Effects on Electrical Properties and Defects of CaCu3Ti4O12 Thin Films Deposited by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Deng Guochu , Muralt Paul
Published: September 2010

We present a systematic study of semiconductor and dielectric properties as a function of annealing treatments at CCTO thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition at 720 °C in 200 mTorr oxygen. The as-deposited thin film samples contain a high concentration of defects that contribute to the semiconductivity in the interior of grains. With increasing annealing temperature, the apparent dielectric constant decreases, and the resistance increases, both at a given temperature (e.g. room temperature). After annealing at 680oC, the semiconductivity was almost completely suppressed and CaCu3Ti4O12 behaved as a dielectric material. Knowing that oxygen vacancies are removed during annealing, one can infer that the dopant states are related to oxygen vacancies. A double plateau behavior in the dielectric constant vs temperature graph indicates that there are at least two defect levels in CaCu3Ti4O12 thin films. This was confirmed by simulating the capacitance response of a Schottky barrier containing two defect levels. Apart of the usual acceptor level, a trap at 500 meV from the valence band was identified. The finally achieved quasi intrinsic material exhibits a negative temperature dependency of the dielectric constant below 120 K.
Serological monitoring of a Toxoplasma infection after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Rossi Cláudio L. , Nascimento Fernanda S. , Barros-Mazon Sílvia de , Dias Daniela F. , Vigorito Antonio C. , Souza Cármino A. de
Published: September 2010

We report a primary response to Toxoplasma gondii following a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a patient with multiple myeloma. The primary response to T. gondii was supported by IgM, IgG and IgA seroconversion. The patient was promptly treated and there were no complications related to toxoplasmosis in the subsequent months.
Resposta de diferentes genótipos de tangerinas e seus híbridos à inoculação in vitro e in vivo de Alternaria alternata
Authors: Azevedo Fernando Alves , Polydoro Denis Augusto , Bastianel Marines , Kupper Katia Cristina , Stuart Rodrigo Makowiecky , Costa Francelino Pereira , Pio Rose Mary
Published: September 2010

A severidade da mancha-marrom de alternária nos pomares brasileiros de tangerinas tem causado sérias preocupações aos citricultores, devido aos prejuízos em plantios comerciais de variedades suscetíveis, como a tangerina Ponkan e o tangor Murcott. Para avaliar a resposta de diferentes genótipos ao fungo, foram realizadas inoculações de Alternaria alternata in vitro e in vivo, em 54 diferentes genótipos de tangerinas e seus híbridos, selecionados no Banco Ativo de Germoplasma de Citros do Centro APTA Citros Sylvio Moreira, do Instituto Agronômico, em Cordeirópolis-SP, visando a encontrar variedades resistentes. Para isso, inicialmente, testes de patogenicidade foram realizados com dez isolados de A. alternata para a seleção dos mais agressivos. Posteriormente, foram realizadas inoculações em folhas destacadas e em plântulas e, aos dois (in vitro) e três (in vivo) dias após, fez-se a contagem do número de lesões/folha e a estimativa da severidade da doença com auxílio de escala diagramática (in vivo). A maior parte dos genótipos apresentou sintomas da doença, porém com diferentes graus de suscetibilidade. Genótipos como a tangerina Sul da África e o tangelo Orlando foram os mais suscetíveis. Por outro lado, o grupo das satsumas e mexericas, assim como algumas tangerinas mostraram-se resistentes, indicando novas opções para a citricultura nacional.
Efeitos do exercício resistido de membros superiores na força muscular periférica e na capacidade funcional do paciente com DPOC
Authors: Ike Daniela , Jamami Mauricio , Marino Diego Marmorato , Ruas Gualberto , Pessoa Bruna Varanda , Di Lorenzo Valéria Amorim Pires
Published: September 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: A disfunção muscular periférica na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) contribui diretamente para a intolerância ao exercício físico, porém ainda não há consenso sobre estratégias adequadas de treinamento físico para esses pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do exercício resistido de membros superiores (MMSS) em pacientes com DPOC moderada a muito grave no ganho de força e na capacidade funcional. MÉTODOS: Doze pacientes com DPOC foram divididos em dois grupos: controle (GC) e treinado (GT). O GT realizou treinamento de força, três vezes por semana, durante seis semanas, com carga de 80% de uma repetição máxima (RM). Antes e após o tratamento, foram realizados os testes de 1 RM e o Pegboard and Ring Test (PBRT) em ambos os grupos. RESULTADOS: Após o tratamento, verificou-se aumento significativo da força muscular no GT (aumento de 52% no supino sentado e 22% no pulley, com p < 0,05); e quanto ao PBRT, não houve diferença significativa em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: O treinamento de força de MMSS com duração de seis semanas foi capaz de aumentar a força muscular, mas não a funcionalidade de pacientes com DPOC moderada a muito grave.
Seleção de linhagens de feijoeiro com tipo de grão carioca e com os alelos co-4 e co-5 de resistência à antracnose
Authors: Marcondes Eduardo Henrique Keller , Santos João Bosco dos , Pereira Helton Santos
Published: September 2010

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, identificar linhagens de feijão que reúnam, além da resistência à antracnose, alta produtividade de grãos do tipo carioca e resistência à mancha angular. Foram utilizadas 194 linhagens F5:6 extraídas de sete famílias segregantes, selecionadas do cruzamento entre os genitores H147 e B1. A linhagem H147 possui grãos tipo carioca, portadora do alelo Co-5, que confere resistência a várias raças de Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. A linhagem B1 também possui grãos tipo carioca e é portadora do alelo Co-4, que confere resistência a outro grupo de raças do mesmo patógeno. As linhagens foram avaliadas na safra das águas 2005/2006, em Lavras, com a cultivar Talismã e H147 como testemunhas, com base na produtividade e tipo de grãos. Foram selecionadas 99 linhagens, as quais foram avaliadas na safra da seca/2006, juntamente com a testemunha Talismã, com base na produtividade, tipo de grão e resistência à mancha angular. Dessas 99 linhagens, foram selecionadas 24, as quais foram avaliadas na safra de inverno/2006 em Lavras e Lambari, com base no tipo de grão e produtividade. Essas 24 linhagens foram inoculadas com a raça 321 de C. lindemuthianum, que quebra a resistência conferida pelo alelo Co-4, mas não o Co-5. Para verificar a presença do alelo Co4 foi utilizado um marcador SCAR que amplifica um fragmento de 950 pb por meio do primer SAS 13. Foi possível identificar 14 linhagens que possuem a pirâmide de alelos Co-4/Co-5 e entre elas, quatro destacaram-se em todos os caracteres avaliados.
Turning Around Our Perceptions and Practices, Then Our Readers
Authors: Enriquez Grace , Jones Stephanie , Clarke Lane W.
Published: September 2010

In this column, the authors encourage teachers to resist using the unhelpful term struggling reader and instead focus on who the reader is and what will motivate her or him. The authors present a five‐part framework for meeting the needs of all readers and argue that focusing on students' negative behaviors during reading creates a missed opportunity for the teacher to turn herself or himself around and see the reader from a different perspective.
A Model for Scaffolding Writing Instruction: IMSCI
Authors: Read Sylvia
Published: September 2010

The IMSCI model for teaching writing scaffolds the instruction so that students understand the features of a genre, see the teacher model writing a text in the target genre, participate in the creation of a text in the genre (through shared or collaborative writing), and independently write a text in the genre. This model is based on social learning theory and best practices in the instruction of English‐language learners. An extended example of students writing historical fiction is provided, including images that show teacher modeling and student work.
Sensitivities of mRNA expression levels of Kiss1 and its receptor, Kiss1r, to nutritional status are changed during the developmental period in female rats
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Murakami Masahiro , Kinouchi Riyo , Gereltsetseg Ganbat , Fujisawa Shinobu , Kuwahara Akira , Yasui Toshiyuki , Irahara Minoru
Published: September 2010

Decreased activity of kisspeptin, the product of the hypothalamic Kiss1 gene, is the major cause of the suppression of reproductive function in subnutritional conditions. The sensitivities of the endocrine and the hypothalamic neuronal systems to nutritional status develop during the neonatal period. We examined the developmental changes in the sensitivity of hypothalamic mRNA expression of Kiss1 and its receptor, Kiss1r, to nutritional status in female rats. Kiss1 mRNA expression was reduced by 24 h food deprivation (24 h FD) at postnatal day 25, but not at postnatal day 5 or 15. Kiss1r mRNA expression was reduced by the 12 or 24 h FD at postnatal days 5 and 25, but not at postnatal day 15. Kiss1r mRNA level was found to be correlated with the plasma leptin level, and the administration of leptin, which increased the serum leptin concentration above the physiological range, restored the acute FD-induced suppression of Kiss1r mRNA expression. These data suggest that the hypothalamic Kiss1 and Kiss1r mRNA expression is differentially affected by the nutritional condition at different age points. It is speculated that the sensitivity of Kiss1 mRNA, which is expressed in kisspeptin neuron, to nutritional status develops during the neonatal period. On the other hand, it seems that the sensitivity of Kiss1r mRNA, which is expressed in GnRH neuron, to nutritional status has been already established during the early neonatal period. These data also show that hypoleptinemia plays a role in the reduction of hypothalamic Kiss1r mRNA expression under subnutritional conditions.
TEACHING BRAIN—BEHAVIOR RELATIONS ECONOMICALLY WITH STIMULUS EQUIVALENCE TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Fienup Daniel M. , Covey Daniel P. , Critchfield Thomas S.
Published: September 2010

Instructional interventions based on stimulus equivalence provide learners with the opportunity to acquire skills that are not directly taught, thereby improving the efficiency of instructional efforts. The present report describes a study in which equivalence‐based instruction was used to teach college students facts regarding brain anatomy and function. The instruction involved creating two classes of stimuli that students understood as being related. Because the two classes shared a common member, they spontaneously merged, thereby increasing the yield of emergent relations. Overall, students mastered more than twice as many facts as were explicitly taught, thus demonstrating the potential of equivalence‐based instruction to reduce the amount of student investment that is required to master advanced academic topics.
Rates and Determinants of Coronary and Abdominal Aortic Artery Calcium Progression in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT)
Authors: Saremi Aramesh , Moritz Thomas E. , Anderson Robert J. , Abraira Carlos , Duckworth William C. , Reaven Peter D. ,   on behalf of the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT)
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

To determine the predictors of progression of calcified atherosclerosis and the effect of intensive glycemic control on this process in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

As part of the Risk Factors, Atherosclerosis, and Clinical Events in Diabetes (RACED) substudy of the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT), 197 and 189 individuals with type 2 diabetes received baseline and follow-up computed tomographic scans for measurement of coronary and abdominal artery calcium, respectively. Standard and novel risk factors were assessed at baseline, and progression of calcified atherosclerosis was determined by several methods. Progression was defined both as a categorical (square root increase of volumetric scores ≥2.5 mm3) and continuous variable. In addition, annualized percent change of volume scores was determined.

RESULTS

After an average follow-up of 4.6 years, >75% of individuals demonstrated coronary (CAC) and abdominal artery calcification (AAC) progression. Progression increased with higher baseline calcium categories but was not influenced by standard risk factors. However, the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) (P = 0.02) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) (P = 0.01) predicted progression of CAC, and these results were not altered by adjustment for age and other traditional risk factors. Treatment assignment (intensive versus standard) within the VADT did not influence CAC or AAC progression, irrespective of baseline calcium category.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes, baseline CAC, Lp-PLA2, and ACR predicted progression of CAC. Intensive glycemic control during the VADT did not reduce progression of calcified atherosclerosis.
Referring veterinarians' opinions and veterinary teaching hospital veterinarians' perceptions of those opinions regarding communication and nutritional product recommendations
Authors: Towell Todd L. , Hampe Stephanie , Wayner Charles J.
Published: September 2010

Objective—To compare opinions of referring veterinarians and perceptions of veterinary teaching hospital (VTH) veterinarians of those opinions regarding nutritional product recommendations made by VTH veterinarians.

Design—Survey.

Sample Population—VTH veterinarians from 10 US colleges of veterinary medicine and referring veterinarians within a 160-km (100-mile) radius of each of those colleges.

Procedures—Questions intended to assess the attitudes of VTH clinicians and referring veterinarians toward recommendations on nutritional products were designed by use of item statements with a 7-point Likert scale. Data were evaluated by use of crosstab analysis and Likert bipolar scaling to measure overall positive or negative responses to statements and to determine significant differences in responses to demographic and communication questions.

Results—Referring veterinarians returned 1,430 of 12,720 surveys, and VTH veterinarians returned 98 of 690 surveys (response rate, 11.2% and 14.2%, respectively). Significant communication gaps between general practitioners and board-certified veterinarians existed. The VTH veterinarians consistently reported providing written case summaries sooner than referring veterinarians reported receiving them. Referring veterinarians indicated that they expected and welcomed specific nutritional recommendations more than was perceived by VTH veterinarians.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—VTH veterinarians should not assume the attitudes of referring veterinarians, particularly with regard to specific nutritional recommendations. Failure to discuss specific nutritional recommendations may prevent effective consultation between veterinarians and also may directly affect clients who may experience delays in treatment for their pets. Procedural issues related to delivery and receipt of written case summaries should be investigated by VTH veterinarians and general practitioners.
Reference intervals and relationships between health status, carapace length, body mass, and water temperature and concentrations of plasma total protein and protein electrophoretogram fractions in Atlantic loggerhead sea turtles and green turtles
Authors: Osborne Ann G. , Jacobson Elliott R. , Bresette Michael J. , Singewald Dave A. , Scarpino Russell A. , Bolten Alan B.
Published: September 2010

Objective—To determine reference intervals for concentrations of plasma total protein (TP) and electrophoretogram fractions (ELFs) for healthy, wild loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and to assess relationships between TP and ELF concentrations and health status, body size, body mass, and water temperature.

Design—Evaluation study.

Animals—437 healthy and 35 ill Atlantic loggerhead sea turtles and 152 healthy and 3 ill Atlantic green turtles.

Procedures—Free-ranging turtles were captured from a nuclear power plant intake canal in southern Florida. Plasma samples were obtained from all turtles. Plasma TP and ELF concentrations were measured, and reference intervals were calculated. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare TP and ELF values between healthy and ill loggerhead sea turtles. Spearman rank correlations were evaluated between concentrations of TP and ELFs and carapace length, body mass, and water temperature.

Results—Reference intervals for TP concentrations were 2.2 to 5.2 g/dL and 2.0 to 5.4 g/dL for loggerhead sea turtles and green turtles, respectively. Except for γ-globulin, concentrations of ELFs were significantly higher in healthy than in ill loggerhead sea turtles. There was a positive correlation between TP, α-globulin, β-globulin, and γ-globulin concentrations and water temperature in loggerhead sea turtles and between only TP and α-globulin concentrations and water temperature in green turtles.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Reference intervals for concentrations of TP and ELFs for healthy, free-ranging loggerhead sea turtles and green turtles can be used in combination with other diagnostic tools to assess health status of sea turtles.
Case Study of Conformity Assessment of Automated Production Line
Authors: Dświarek Marek
Published: September 2010

Case Study of Conformity Assessment of Automated Production Line

According to machinery directive 2006/42/WE, "assemblies of machinery which, in order to achieve the same end, are arranged and controlled so that they function as an integral whole" are considered as a machine. It means that before putting an automated production line into service the conformity assessment should be conducted. Different directives, e.g. machinery directive, low voltage directive, pressure equipment directive, etc may apply to the machines and devices forming an automated production. It is a duty of the main manufacturer to appoint the responsibility to particular manufactures of machines and devices. Using the automated production line for production of glass wool, built by the SAINT-GOBAIN Construction Products Poland, as a study case the general rules for conformity assessment of such have been presented in the paper.
The Width of a Fairway - Comparison of Models
Authors: Gucma Stanisław
Published: September 2010

The Width of a Fairway - Comparison of Models

This article presents probabilistic and deterministic methods of safe waterway width assessment. The models were used to obtain optimal parameters of different type waterways. An analysis of results will be conducted to determine possible applications of the proposed methods.
Managing Competence and Certifying Persons Responsible for Functional Safety
Authors: Kosmowski Kazimierz , Śliwiński Marcin
Published: September 2010

Managing Competence and Certifying Persons Responsible for Functional Safety

This article emphasizes that knowledge and competences of managers, engineers and specialists dealing with safety-related technologies for hazardous industry should be appropriately shaped in the technical education processes and training programmes fulfilling some quality requirements and assessment criteria. It concerns especially persons dealing with the functional safety solutions in the design and operation of the electric, electronic and programmable electronic (E/E/PE) systems. Such persons can now be certified in Poland according to a certification system developed by a Programme Committee consisting of experts from the industry and two Technical Universities (in Gdansk and Warsaw). This committee was created within the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT-CERT) in Warsaw. The UDT-CETRT is formally responsible for certifying persons dealing with functional safety solutions.
Diffusion-Weighted MRI for the Healthy Cervical Multifidus: A Potential Method for Studying Neck Muscle Physiology Following Spinal Trauma
Authors: Elliott James , Pedler Ashley , Beattie Paul , McMahon Katie
Published: September 2010

Study Design

Cross-sectional.

Objective

To develop a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measure for the diffusive properties of the healthy cervical multifidus and to determine the interrater and intrarater reliability of the measurement.

Background

Diffusion-weighted MRI, via calculation of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), provides a representation of microscopic movements of water molecules in human tissues and may be useful to assess structural changes in neck muscle, as has been observed following whiplash. The optimal imaging parameters, however, have not been established.

Methods

A diffusion-weighted MRI measure was developed, and, for the basic examination, the right cervical multifidus muscle at the C5 level was studied. A total of 6 asymptomatic volunteer individuals (3 females and 3 males) underwent a single diffusion-weighted MRI scan. Interrater and intrarater agreement was evaluated using Bland-Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results

Mean ADCb0–b50 and ADCb50–250 were significantly different from one another (P = .03). The plots confirmed the agreement of raters for ADC of the right cervical multifidus at C5.

Conclusions

A quantitative and reliable diffusion-weighted MRI measure of cervical multifidus ADC has been described. There appears to be a fast and slow component ADC for the healthy multifidus, suggesting changes in extracellular and intracellular volume. Further comparative study is needed to quantify ADCs in the neck muscles in patients with traumatic whiplash. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(11):722–728. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3423
Diffusion tensor imaging tractography in patients with intramedullary tumors: comparison with intraoperative findings and value for prediction of tumor resectability
Authors: Setzer Matthias , Murtagh Ryan D. , Murtagh F. Reed , Eleraky Mohammed , Jain Surbhi , Marquardt Gerhard , Seifert Volker , Vrionis Frank D.
Published: September 2010

Object

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the predictive value of diffusion tensor (DT) imaging with respect to resectability of intramedullary spinal cord tumors and to determine the concordance of this method with intraoperative surgical findings.

Methods

Diffusion tensor imaging was performed in 14 patients with intramedullary lesions of the spinal cord at different levels using a 3-T magnet. Routine MR imaging scans were also obtained, including unenhanced and enhanced T1-weighted images and T2-weighted images. Patients were classified according to the fiber course with respect to the lesion and their lesions were rated as resectable or nonresectable. These results were compared with the surgical findings (existence vs absence of cleavage plane). The interrater reliability was calculated using the κ coefficient of Cohen.

Results

Of the 14 patients (7 male, 7 female; mean age 49.2 ± 15.5 years), 13 had tumors (8 ependymomas, 2 lymphomas, and 3 astrocytoma). One lesion was proven to be a multiple sclerosis plaque during further diagnostic workup. The lesions could be classified into 3 types according to the fiber course. In Type 1 (5 cases) fibers did not pass through the solid lesion. In Type 2 (3 cases) some fibers crossed the lesion, but most of the lesion volume did not contain fibers. In Type 3 (6 cases) the fibers were completely encased by tumor. Based on these results, 6 tumors were considered resectable, 7 were not. During surgery, 7 tumors showed a good cleavage plane, 6 did not. The interrater reliability (Cohen κ) was calculated as 0.83 (p < 0.003), which is considered to represent substantial agreement. The mean duration of follow-up was 12.0 ± 2.9. The median McCormick grade at the end of follow-up was II.

Conclusions

These preliminary data suggest that DT imaging in patients with spinal cord tumors is capable of predicting the resectability of the lesion. A further prospective study is needed to confirm these results and any effect on patient outcome.
Examining risk factors for posterior migration of fusion cages following transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a possible limitation of unilateral pedicle screw fixation
Authors: Aoki Yasuchika , Yamagata Masatsune , Nakajima Fumitake , Ikeda Yoshikazu , Shimizu Koh , Yoshihara Masakazu , Iwasaki Junichi , Toyone Tomoaki , Nakagawa Koichi , Nakajima Arata , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Ohtori Seiji
Published: September 2010

Object

Because the authors encountered 4 cases of hardware migration following transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, a retrospective study was conducted to identify factors influencing the posterior migration of fusion cages.

Methods

Patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease (125 individuals; 144 disc levels) were treated using transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and followed for 12–33 months. Medical records and pre- and postoperative radiographs were reviewed, and factors influencing the incidence of cage migration were analyzed.

Results

Postoperative cage migration was found in 4 patients at or before 3 months. Because all the cages that migrated postoperatively were bullet-shaped (Capstone), only these cages were analyzed. The analysis of preoperative radiographs revealed that higher posterior disc height ([PDH] ≥ 6 mm) significantly increased the incidence of postoperative cage migration, but percent slippage, translation, range of motion, and Cobb angle did not. The incidence of cage migration in patients with unilateral fixation (3 [8.3%] of 36) was not significantly different from that in patients with bilateral fixation (1 [2.1%] of 48). Patients who had scoliotic curvature with a Cobb angle > 10° when treated with unilateral fixation demonstrated a tendency to have more frequent postoperative cage migration than patients treated with bilateral fixation.

To examine the influence of the height of fusion cages, a value obtained by subtracting preoperative anterior disc height (ADH) or PDH from cage height was defined as “Cage height – ADH” (or “Cage height –PDH”). The analysis revealed that the value for “Cage height –ADH” as well as “Cage height –PDH” was significantly lower in migrated levels than in nonmigrated levels, suggesting that the choice of undersized cages may increase the incidence of cage migration.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the use of a bullet-shaped cage, higher PDH, the presence of scoliotic curvature, and undersized fusion cages are possible risk factors for cage migration. One patient with postoperative cage migration following bilateral screw fixation underwent revision surgery, and the pedicle screw fixation was found to be disrupted. Other than in this patient, cage migration occurred only in those treated by unilateral fixation. The potential for postoperative cage migration and limitations of unilateral fixation should be considered by spine surgeons.
Anatomy and landmarks for the superior and middle cluneal nerves: application to posterior iliac crest harvest and entrapment syndromes
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Levin Matthew R. , Loukas Marios , Potts Eric A. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A.
Published: September 2010

Object

To date, only scant descriptions of the cluneal nerves are available. As these nerves, and especially the superior group, may be encountered and injured during posterior iliac crest harvest for spinal arthrodesis procedures, the present study was performed to better elucidate their anatomy and to provide anatomical landmarks for their localization.

Methods

The superior and middle cluneal nerves were dissected from their origin to termination in 20 cadaveric sides. The distance between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and superior cluneal nerves at the iliac crest and the distance between this bony prominence and the origin of the middle cluneals were measured. The specific course of each nerve was documented, and the diameter and length of all cluneal nerves were measured.

Results

Superior and middle cluneal nerves were found on all sides. An intermediate superior cluneal nerve and lateral superior cluneal nerve were not identified on 4 and 5 sides, respectively. The superior cluneal nerves always passed through the psoas major and paraspinal muscles and traveled posterior to the quadratus lumborum. The mean diameters of the superior and middle cluneal nerves were 1.1 and 0.8 mm, respectively. From the PSIS, the superior cluneal branches passed at means of 5, 6.5, and 7.3 cm laterally on the iliac crest. At their origin, the middle cluneal nerves had mean distances of 2 cm superior to the PSIS, 0 cm from the PSIS, and 1.5 cm inferior to the PSIS. In their course, the middle cluneal nerves traversed the paraspinal muscles attaching onto the dorsal sacrum.

Conclusions

Knowledge of the cutaneous nerves that cross the posterior aspect of the iliac crest may assist in avoiding their injury during bone harvest. Additionally, an understanding of the anatomical pathway that these nerves take may be useful in decompressive procedures for entrapment syndromes involving the cluneal nerves.
Update on the natural history of cavernous malformations and factors predicting aggressive clinical presentation
Authors: Washington Chad W. , McCoy Kathleen E. , Zipfel Gregory J.
Published: September 2010

Cavernous malformations (CMs) are angiographically occult, low-pressure neurovascular lesions with distinct imaging and clinical characteristics. They present with seizure, neurological compromise due to lesion hemorrhage or expansion, or as incidental findings on neuroimaging studies. Treatment options include conservative therapy, medical management of seizures, surgical intervention for lesion resection, and in select cases stereotactic radiosurgery. Optimal management requires a thorough understanding of the natural history of CMs including consideration of issues such as mode of presentation, lesion location, and genetics that may impact the associated neurological risk. Over the past 2 decades, multiple studies have been published, shedding valuable light on the clinical characteristics and natural history of these malformations. The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with a concise consolidation of this published material such that they may better understand the risks associated with CMs and their implications on patient treatment.
Brainstem cavernous malformations: anatomical, clinical, and surgical considerations
Authors: Giliberto Giuliano , Lanzino Desiree J. , Diehn Felix E. , Factor David , Flemming Kelly D. , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: September 2010

Symptomatic brainstem cavernous malformations carry a high risk of permanent neurological deficit related to recurrent hemorrhage, which justifies aggressive management. Detailed knowledge of the microscopic and surface anatomy is important for understanding the clinical presentation, predicting possible surgical complications, and formulating an adequate surgical plan. In this article the authors review and illustrate the surgical and microscopic anatomy of the brainstem, provide anatomoclinical correlations, and illustrate a few clinical cases of cavernous malformations in the most common brainstem areas.
Heavy Metals in Frozen and Canned Marine Fish of Korea
Authors: Islam M. M. , Bang S. , Kim Kyoung-Woong , Ahmed M. K. , Jannat M.
Published: September 2010

Heavy metal contaminants in fish are of particular interest because of the potential risk to humans who consume them. The edible muscles of eight different species of fishes were analyzed by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy) for heavy metals, collected from Market in Gwangju, Korea during April-May in 2008. The concentrations of Hg, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn varied between 0.24±0.007 - 0.01±0.001, 44.54±5.69 - 1.23±0.20, 0.13±0.05 – ND (not detected), 1.32±0.47 - 0.09± 0.02, 3.13±2.53 - 0.63±0.06, 107.17±28.02 - 11.27±1.56, 12.38±1.23 - 0.25±0.02, 1.025±1.41 - 0.12±0.09, 0.74±0.28 - 0.05±0.03 and 80.30±17.09 - 22.35±6.89 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of arsenic and nickel exceeded the maximum allowable intake level. Keywords: Heavy metals; Marine fish; Korea. © 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i3.4667              J. Sci. Res. 2 (3), 551-557 (2010)
DANCING ON BELA LUGOSI'S GRAVE: THE POLITICS AND AESTHETICS OF GOTHIC CLUB DANCING
Authors: Young Tricia Henry
Published: September 2010

The importance of spectacular subcultures here is not that they represent the whole of ‘youth’ in some homogenous ‘youth culture’ but, in their practices of ‘winning space’ within and against the hegemonic order, they constitute fragile, transient and minority forms, issuing symbolic challenges to the dominant culture and its definitions.1
An organically rich medieval midden and other finds from the Top of the Town, Stirling
Authors: F. James Heather
Published: September 2010

The replacement of the water mains from Touch to Stirling involved the digging of 42 trenches within the historic core of Stirling. This work has highlighted the presence and survival of waterlogged medieval middens within this historic centre which have been destroyed by piecemeal developments within the burgh. During this project a waterlogged midden deposit was revealed in Broad Street (Trench 29) and found to contain both carbonised and uncarbonised plant remains, animal bones, leather, wood offcuts and industrial waste. The presence of medieval pottery and a radiocarbon date indicate that the midden accumulated during the 13th to early 15th centuries and represents the remains of waterlogged domestic and industrial waste.
Influence of IL2RA rs2104286 Polymorphism in the Risk of Biopsy-proven Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ-RODRÍGUEZ LUIS , CASTAÑEDA SANTOS , VÁZQUEZ-RODRÍGUEZ TOMÁS R. , MORADO INMACULADA C. , MARÍ-ALFONSO BEATRIZ , GÓMEZ-VAQUERO CARMEN , MIRANDA-FILLOY JOSÉ A. , ORTEGO-CENTENO NORBERTO , NARVAEZ JAVIER , BLANCO RICARDO , FERNÁNDEZ-GUTIÉRREZ BENJAMÍN , MARTÍN JAVIER , GONZÁLEZ-GAY MIGUEL A.
Published: September 2010

Objective.

To assess the influence of the IL2RA rs2104286 A>G polymorphism on susceptibility to and clinical spectrum of manifestations of biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods.

Our study included 318 patients with biopsy-proven GCA. DNA from patients and healthy controls was obtained from peripheral blood. Samples were genotyped for the IL2RA rs2104286 A>G polymorphism using a predesigned TaqMan allele discrimination assay and by PCR amplification.

Results.

Although GCA patients showed a higher frequency of the minor allele homozygote of IL2RA rs2104286 (GG) compared to controls (5.1% vs 2.8%, respectively; p = 0.06, odds ratio 1.84, 95% confidence interval 0.91–3.70), the allele distribution showed no significant differences between GCA patients and controls. Stratification of GCA patients according to sex or polymyalgia rheumatica, jaw claudication, visual ischemic manifestations, or other severe ischemic complications did not yield significant differences in the allele or genotype frequencies of the IL2RA rs2104286 polymorphism.

Conclusion.

IL2RA rs2104286 polymorphism does not appear to be a genetic risk factor for susceptibility to biopsy-proven GCA. Also, this polymorphism does not seem to be implicated in the clinical expression of this vasculitis.
Bilateral Serous Retinal Detachments Associated with Accelerated Hypertensive Choroidopathy
Authors: Hirano Yoshio , Yasukawa Tsutomu , Ogura Yuichiro
Published: September 2010

Purpose. We report a case of hypertensive choroidopathy with bilateral serous retinal detachments.Patient. A 50-year-old man underwent bilateral serous retinal detachments. Retinal arteriolar narrowing, vascular tortuosity, and arteriovenous nicking were identified in both eyes. The blood pressure was 206/125 mmHg. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral hypertensive choroidopathy and treated with oral antihypertensive treatment.Results and discussion. One month after antihypertensive treatment, the serous retinal detachments resolved and the visual acuity improved. A patient with those findings should be considered as having hypertensive choroidopathy and treated as soon as possible.
An Analysis of Language as a Barrier to Receiving Influenza Vaccinations among an Elderly Hispanic Population in the United States
Authors: Pearson William S. , Zhao Guixiang , Ford Earl S.
Published: September 2010

Background. The Hispanic population in the United States is growing, and disparities in the receipt of healthcare services as a result of limited English proficiency have been demonstrated. We set out to determine if Spanish language preference was a barrier to receiving influenza vaccinations among Hispanic persons 65 years and older in the USA.Methods. Differences in the receipt of vaccinations by language preference were tested with both Chi-square analyses and adjusted logistic regression analyses.Results. Findings suggest that elderly Hispanic persons, 65 years of age and older, who prefer to communicate in Spanish instead of English, are significantly less likely to have received influenza vaccinations when compared to their Hispanic counterparts who prefer to communicate in English.Conclusions. Influenza infections can more often be fatal in older persons and may disparately affect minority populations such as Hispanic persons. Therefore, understanding barriers to the receipt of effective preventive health measures is necessary.
Lewende Godsprake vir ons: Die implikasie van λόγια ζῶντα in Handelinge 7:38
Authors: Zuiddam Benno A.
Published: September 2010

Living oracles from God to us: The implication of λόγια ζῶντα in Acts 7:38 In what turned out to be his final sermon on earth, Stephen the Deacon used the expression λόγια ζῶντα� to describe the authoritative oracles from God as the people of Israel received them from God and his angels through Moses. From a philological understanding of this passage, the use of λόγια instead of λόγοι has important implications for Bible translation and theological understanding of the verse. Acts 7:38 indicates early Christianity�s understanding of the nature of the Law, and claims a divine origin for the same. It was not sanctioned by God, but it literally came from God. Luke and Stephen esteem the λόγια ζῶντα as divine oracles, with relevance far beyond Moses. These were the living oracles, not in the least because of their lasting empowerment by the Author. In the mind of the author of Acts of the Apostles, the λόγια ζῶντα received their power and lasting relevance from God rather than from the Israelites as a religious community.
Double constructions of Frobenius algebras, Connes cocycles and their duality
Authors: Bai Chengming
Published: September 2010

We construct an associative algebra with a decomposition into the direct sum of the underlying vector spaces of another associative algebra and its dual space such that both of them are subalgebras and the natural symmetric bilinear form is invariant or the natural antisymmetric bilinear form is a Connes cocycle. The former is called a double construction of a Frobenius algebra and the latter is called a double construction of the Connes cocycle, which is interpreted in terms of dendriform algebras. Both of them are equivalent to a kind of bialgebras, namely, antisymmetric infinitesimal bialgebras and dendriform D-bialgebras, respectively. In the coboundary cases, our study leads to what we call associative Yang–Baxter equation in an associative algebra and

D

-equation in a dendriform algebra, respectively, which are analogues of the classical Yang–Baxter equation in a Lie algebra. We show that an antisymmetric solution of the associative Yang–Baxter equation corresponds to the antisymmetric part of a certain operator called

\mathcal O

-operator which gives a double construction of a Frobenius algebra, whereas a symmetric solution of the

D

-equation corresponds to the symmetric part of an

\mathcal O

-operator which gives a double construction of the Connes cocycle. By comparing antisymmetric infinitesimal bialgebras and dendriform D-bialgebras, we observe that there is a clear analogy between them. Due to the correspondences between certain symmetries and antisymmetries appearing in this analogy, we regard it as a kind of duality.
Codes and noncommutative stochastic matrices
Authors: Lavallée Sylvain , Perrin Dominique , Retakh Vladimir , Reutenauer Christophe
Published: September 2010

Given a matrix over a skew field fixing the column t(1,…,1), we give formulas for a row vector fixed by this matrix. The same techniques are applied to give noncommutative extensions of probabilistic properties of codes.
Moduli Spaces in Algebraic Geometry
Authors: Abramovich Dan , Farkas Gavril , Kebekus Stefan
Published: September 2010

The workshop on Moduli Spaces in Algebraic Geometry aimed to bring together researchers from all branches of moduli theory, in order to discuss moduli spaces from different points of view, and to give an overview of methods used in their respective fields. Highlights included a complete proof of Göttsche’s conjecture, a proof of rationality of a moduli space constructed via GIT quotient using reduction modulo
p
, and a proof of a conjecture of Looijenga using the ideas of mirror symmetry.
Mini-Workshop: Semiparametric Modelling of Multivariate Economic Time Series With Changing Dynamics
Authors: Bauwens Luc , von Sachs Rainer , Yao Qiwei
Published: September 2010

Modelling multivariate time series of possibly high dimension calls for appropriate dimension-reduction, e.g. by some factor modelling, additive modelling, or some simplified parametric structure for the dynamics (i.e. the serial dependence) of the time series. This workshop aimed to bring together experts in this field in order to discuss recent methodology for multivariate time series dynamics which are changing over time: by an abrupt switch between two (or more) different regimes or rather smoothly evolving over time. The emphasis has been on mathematical methods for semiparametric modelling and estimation, where ”semiparametric” is to be understood in a rather broad sense: parametric models where the parameters are themselves nonparametric functions (of time), regime-switching nonparametric models with a parametric specification of the transition mechanism, and alike. An ultimate goal of these models to be applied to economic and financial time series is prediction. Another emphasis has been on comparing Bayesian with frequentist approaches, and to cover both theoretical aspects of estimation, such as consistency and efficiency, and computational aspects.
Statistical Issues in Prediction: what can be learned for individualized predictive medicine?
Authors: Held Leonhard , Henderson Robin , Mansmann Ulrich
Published: September 2010

Error is unavoidable in prediction. And it is quite common, often sizable, and usually consequential. In a clinical context, especially when dealing with a terminal illness, error in prediction of residual life means that patients and families are misinformed about their illness, that they may take foolish actions as a result, and that they may be given inappropriate or needlesly painful treatments or denied appropriate ones. In meteorology, error in prediction of storm paths or extreme events can have devastating consequences. In finance and economics, major policy decisions are taken on the basis of predictions and forecasts. Rational approaches to reduce and assess error in prediction are presented. Ideas are introduced how to relate these statistical strategies with clinical and medical concepts in particular and how to integrate ideas from apparently different areas.
Noncommutative Geometry and Loop Quantum Gravity: Loops, Algebras and Spectral Triples
Authors: Fleischhack Christian , Marcolli Matilde , Nest Ryszard
Published: September 2010

Spectral triples have recently turned out to be relevant for different approaches that aim at quantizing gravity and the other fundamental forces of nature in a mathematically rigorous way. The purpose of this workshop was to bring together researchers mainly from noncommutative geometry and loop quantum gravity –two major fields that have used spectraltriples independently so far– in order to share their results and open issues.
Graph Theory
Authors: Diestel Reinhard , Schrijver Alexander , Seymour Paul
Published: September 2010

Highlights of this workshop on structural graph theory included new developments on graph and matroid minors, continuous structures arising as limits of finite graphs, and new approaches to higher graph connectivity via tree structures.