bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase equilibria in the Sn–Zn–Ni system
Authors: Gandova Vania , Soares Delfim , Lilova Kristina , Tedenac Jean-Claude , Vassilev Gueorgui P. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The objective of this study is to elucidate the phase equilibria of the Sn–Zn–Ni system. For this purpose, ternary alloys were synthesized using quartz ampoules and annealing. The samples were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, optical and scanning electron microscopy and microhardness measurements. The results show relatively significant solubility of tin or zinc (about 10 at.% roughly) in Ni–Zn and Ni–Sn phases, respectively. Moreover, evidence of the presence of two formerly unknown ternary compounds denoted as T1 and T2 was found. The first one has a composition (mole fraction) of about: XSn = 0.38 ± 0.04, XNi = 0.36 ± 0.02, XZn = 0.26 ± 0.03 while the approximate composition of the second is XSn = 0.26 ± 0.03, XNi = 0.55 ± 0.00, XZn = 0.19 ± 0.03. Three unidentified compositions were observed: U1 (XSn = 0.26 ± 0.07, XNi = 0.29 ± 0.03, XZn = 0.45 ± 0.04), U2 (XSn = 0.55 ± 0.01, XNi = 0.21 ± 0.00, XZn = 0.24 ± 0.01), and U3 (XSn = 0.48 ± 0.05, XNi = 0.08 ± 0.00, XZn = 0.44 ± 0.05) but there was still a lack of evidence to categorize any of them as a ternary compound. A tentative isothermal section of the Sn–Zn–Ni phase diagram at 600 °C was constructed.
Experimental investigation and thermodynamic calculation of the Zn–Al–Sb system
Authors: Su Xuping , Zhu Zhongxi , Wu Changjun , Yin Fucheng , Wang Jianhua , Li Zhi 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The 873 K isothermal section of the Zn–Al–Sb ternary system was experimentally determined using scanning electron microscopy coupled with wave and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. No ternary compound was found in the present study. Based on the experiment results together with available information in the literature, the phase diagram calculation for Zn–Al–Sb was carried out by means of the CALPHAD technique. A consistent set of thermodynamic parameters for each phase was derived. The optimized results and the experimental data are in good agreement.
One-dimensional red photoluminescence of (Y,Gd)BO3 nanofibers doped with Eu3+
Authors: Wei Liu , Ce Wang 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
One-dimensional (Y,Gd)BO3: Eu3+ nanofibers with hexagonal structure have been prepared as potential red phosphors by an electrospinning technique, and characterized with Xray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis and photoluminescence spectra. The effect of annealing temperature on the crystallization and luminescence properties has been studied. The main emission position is centered at 591 nm (5D0–7F1). Photoluminescence spectra indicate that higher temperature would result in improved fluorescence capability.
Arachnoscopy: a special application of spinal intradural endoscopy
Authors: Mauer Uwe Max , Gottschalk Andreas , Kunz Ulrich , Schulz Chris 
Published: April 2011

Object
The microsurgical removal of obstructions to CSF flow is the treatment of choice in the surgical management of intradural arachnoid cysts. Cardiac-gated phase-contrast MR imaging is an effective tool for the primary diagnosis and localization of arachnoid cysts. Microsurgery, however, does not lend itself to assessments of further adhesions beyond the borders of the exposed area. The use of a thin endoscope allows surgeons to assess intraoperatively whether the exposure is wide enough.

Methods
Between 2006 and 2010, a single neurosurgeon performed 31 consecutive microsurgical procedures with endoscopic assistance in 28 patients with spinal arachnoid adhesions. A MurphyScope endoscope was used for this purpose. The CSF flow was studied before and after surgery in all patients by using phase-contrast MR imaging in the region of the craniocervical junction, the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine.

Results
In all 31 procedures, CSF flow obstructions were detected at the level identified by phase-contrast MR imaging. In 29 procedures, image quality was sufficient for an inspection of the adjacent subarachnoid space. In 6 cases, the surgeon detected further adhesions that obstructed CSF flow in the adjacent subarachnoid space that were not visualized with the microscope. In all cases, these adhesions were identified and removed during microsurgery.

Conclusions
Arachnoscopy is a helpful adjunct to microsurgery and can be performed safely and easily. It allows the surgeon to detect further adhesions in the subarachnoid space that would remain undetected by microscopy alone.
Thoracoscopic discectomy and instrumented fusion using a minimally invasive plate system: surgical technique and early clinical outcome
Authors: Bisson Erica F. , Jost Gregory F. , Apfelbaum Ronald I. , Schmidt Meic H. 
Published: April 2011

Object
The use of minimally invasive noninstrumented fusions has increased as thoracoscopic approaches to the spine have evolved. The addition of instrumentation is infrequent, in part because of the lack of a minimally invasive implant system. The authors describe a technique for thoracoscopic plating after discectomy and report early clinical outcomes.

Methods
After a standard endoscopic discectomy and partial corpectomy and before exposure of the ventral thecal sac, the authors implanted a polyaxial screw and clamping element under fluoroscopic guidance. Reconstruction involves placement of autograft in the defect and subsequent placement of the remainder of the screw/plate construct with 2 screws per vertebral level.

Results
Twenty-five patients underwent thoracoscopic and thoracoscopy-assisted discectomies and fusion in which the aforementioned plate system was used. Of 19 patients presenting with pain, 10 had 6-month clinical follow-up with a greater than 50% reduction in visual analog scale score, which continued to improve up to 2 years postoperatively. There were 3 cases of pneumonia, 3 CSF leaks, 1 chyle leak, and 1 death due to a massive pulmonary embolus on the 1st postoperative day.

Conclusions
The authors conclude that thoracoscopic discectomy and plate-instrumented fusion can be achieved with acceptable results and morbidity. Further studies should evaluate the role of instrumented fusions after thoracoscopic discectomy in larger groups of patients and during a longer follow-up period.
Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for functional pituitary adenomas
Authors: Hofstetter Christoph P. , Shin Benjamin J. , Mubita Lynn , Huang Clark , Anand Vijay K. , Boockvar John A. , Schwartz Theodore H. 
Published: April 2011

Object
The purpose of this study was to analyze preoperative predictors of endocrinological remission following endonasal endoscopic resection of therapy-resistant prolactin-, growth hormone (GH)–, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)–secreting pituitary adenomas and to establish benchmarks for cure by using the most recent consensus criteria.

Methods
The authors reviewed a prospective database of 86 consecutive functional pituitary adenomas that were resected by a purely endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal technique. Extent of resection was evaluated on postoperative contrast-enhanced MR imaging. Endocrinological remission was defined according to the most recent consensus criteria.

Results
The majority of functional adenomas (62.8%) were classified as macroadenomas (> 1 cm in maximum diameter), and 20.9% of lesions had invaded the cavernous sinus (CS) at the time of surgery. A gross-total resection was achieved in 75.6% of all patients. The rate of endocrinological remission differed between various types of functional adenomas. Cure rates were 92.3% (microadenomas) and 57.1% (macroadenomas) for prolactinomas, 75% (microadenomas) and 40% (macroadenomas) for GH-secreting tumors, and 54.5% (microadenomas) and 71.4% (macroadenomas) for ACTH-secreting tumors. Lower rates of cure occurred in GH-secreting macroadenomas due to a high rate of CS invasion, and in ACTH-secreting adenomas due to a high rate of lesions that were not visible on preoperative MR imaging. Whereas univariate analysis showed that macroadenoma, suprasellar, cavernous extension, or extent of resection correlated with cure, on multivariate analysis, only extent of resection and suprasellar extension predicted cure. One patient developed postoperative meningitis that was complicated by hydrocephalus requiring a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Two patients developed postoperative panhypopituitarism, and 2 patients suffered from CSF leaks, which were treated with lumbar CSF diversion.

Conclusions
This paper reports benchmarks for endocrinological cure as well as complications in a large series of purely endoscopic pituitary surgeries by using the most recent consensus criteria. The advantages of extended endonasal approaches are most profound in tumors with suprasellar extension and CS invasion.
Neuroendoscopic biopsy of ventricular tumors: a multicentric experience
Authors: Oppido Piero Andrea , Fiorindi Alessandro , Benvenuti Lucia , Cattani Fabio , Cipri Saverio , Gangemi Michelangelo , Godano Umberto , Longatti Pierluigi , Mascari Carmelo , Morace Enzo , Tosatto Luigino 
Published: April 2011

Object
Although neuroendoscopic biopsy is routinely performed, the safety and validity of this procedure has been studied only in small numbers of patients in single-center reports. The Section of Neuroendoscopy of the Italian Neurosurgical Society invited some of its members to review their own experience, gathering a sufficient number of cases for a wide analysis.

Methods
Retrospective data were collected by 7 centers routinely performing neuroendoscopic biopsies over a period of 10 years. Sixty patients with newly diagnosed intraventricular and paraventricular tumors were included. No patient harboring a colloid cyst was included. Data regarding clinical presentation, neuroimaging findings, operative techniques, pathological diagnosis, postoperative complications, and subsequent therapy were analyzed.

Results
In all patients, a neuroendoscopic tumor biopsy was performed. In 38 patients (64%), obstructive hydrocephalus was present. In addition to the tumor biopsy, 32 patients (53%) underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), and 7 (12%) underwent septum pellucidotomy. Only 2 patients required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt shortly after the endoscopy procedure because ETV was not feasible. The major complication due to the endoscopy procedure was ventricular hemorrhage noted on the postoperative images in 8 cases (13%). Only 2 patients were symptomatic and required medical therapy. Infection occurred in only 1 case, and the other complications were all reversible. In no case did clinically significant sequelae affect the patient's outcome. Tumor types ranged across the spectrum and included glioma (low- and high-grade [27%]), pure germinoma (15%), pineal parenchymal tumor (12%), primary neuroectodermal tumor (4%), lymphoma (9%), metastasis (4%), craniopharyngioma (6%), and other tumor types (13%). In 10% of patients, the pathological findings were inconclusive. According to diagnosis, specific therapy was performed in 35% of patients: 17% underwent microsurgical removal, and 18% underwent chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Conclusions
This is one of the largest series confirming the safety and validity of the neuroendoscopic biopsy procedure. Complications were relatively low (about 13%), and they were all reversible. Neuroendoscopic biopsy provided meaningful pathological data in 90% of patients, making subsequent tumor therapy feasible. Cerebrospinal fluid pathways can be restored by ETV or septum pellucidotomy (65%) to control intracranial hypertension. In light of the results obtained, a neuroendoscopic biopsy should be considered a possible alternative to the stereotactic biopsy in the diagnosis and treatment of ventricular or paraventricular tumors. Furthermore, it could be the only surgical procedure necessary for the treatment of selected tumors.
Cranial vault expansion by distraction osteogenesis
Authors: Winston Ken R. , Ketch Lawrence L. , Dowlati Dylaan 
Published: April 2011

Object
The object of this report is to present a conceptual and technical approach for expanding the cranial vault, by distraction osteogenesis, in patients with craniocephalic disproportion secondary to pancraniosynostosis and in patients with complex syndromic craniofaciosynostoses undergoing operations for aesthetic improvement.

Methods
The clinical characteristics, techniques used, outcome and complications for all patients who underwent cranial vault expansions with distraction osteogenesis in Children's Hospital of Denver were reviewed.

Results
Twenty-six cranial vault expansions were done in 24 patients. Nineteen patients presented with intracranial hypertension. Twelve of these had pancraniosynostosis and 8 had a syndromic diagnosis. Large segments of cranial bone were translated in a controlled manner for distances up to 30 mm. All but one of the patients with intracranial hypertension experienced complete resolution.

Conclusions
Cranial vault expansion by distraction osteogenesis has the great advantage, as the name implies, of generating new and vascularized autologous bone of the correct shape and in correct locations. The technique, although not simple and not risk free, is much less technically complicated and places patients at lower risk for the most serious complications than does single-stage vault expansion. Less soft tissue dissection and less devascularization of bone are required and there are no postoperative dead spaces. Distraction osteogenesis facilitates far greater vault expansions than do single-stage procedures and can be accomplished in any desired direction.
Bilateral invasive electroencephalography in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex: a path to surgery?
Authors: Carlson Chad , Teutonico Federica , Elliott Robert E. , Moshel Yaron A. , LaJoie Josiane , Miles Daniel , Devinsky Orrin , Weiner Howard L. 
Published: April 2011

Object
Many children with epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) have multiple tubers on MR imaging and poorly localized/lateralized video electroencephalography (EEG) findings. Given the long-term risks associated with frequent seizures and multiple antiepileptic drugs, along with improved success in identifying focal epileptogenic zones in patients with multifocal lesions, the authors used bilateral intracranial EEG to lateralize the epileptogenic zone in patients with nonlateralizable noninvasive preoperative evaluations.

Methods
A retrospective analysis from January 1, 1998, to June 30, 2008, identified 62 children with TSC who were presented at a surgical conference. Of the 52 patients undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures during the study period, 20 underwent bilateral intracranial EEG. The presurgical testing results, intracranial EEG findings, surgical interventions, and outcomes were reviewed.

Results
Fourteen of 20 patients had intracranial EEG findings consistent with a resectable epileptogenic zone. One patient is awaiting further resection. Five patients had findings consistent with a nonresectable epileptogenic zone, and 1 of these patients underwent a callosotomy. Seven patients had Engel Class I outcomes, 1 was Class II, 3 were Class III, and 3 were Class IV (mean follow-up 25 months).

Conclusions
Bilateral intracranial EEG can identify potential resectable seizure foci in nonlateralizable epilepsy in TSC. Although 6 of 20 patients did not undergo resection (1 patient is pending future resection), significant improvements in seizures (Engel Class I or II) were noted in 8 patients. In the authors' experience, this invasive monitoring provided a safe method for identifying the ictal onset zone.
Etiology and cranial CT scan profile of nontumoral hydrocephalus in a tertiary black African hospital
Authors: Idowu Olufemi , Olumide Adebayo 
Published: April 2011

Object
Hydrocephalus is a common condition in the pediatric population. The cause of hydrocephalus, Evans ratio, ventricular index, and cerebral mantle thickness are some of the factors associated with poor surgical outcome. This study was conducted to evaluate the profile of these factors in the authors' patient population.

Methods
The authors conducted a prospective study from the August 1, 2006, to May 30, 2010. The consecutive patients were all 6 years of age or younger. The demographic information, cause of hydrocephalus, and cranial computerized measurements were taken (including widths of the frontal/occipital horns, third ventricle, and cerebral mantle thickness) and entered into the procedural forms.

Results
One hundred thirty-seven patients presented to the unit over the stipulated period. The male/female ratio was 1.1:1. The median age at presentation was 4 months (mean 7.3 months, range 4 days to 6 years). Myelomeningocele-associated hydrocephalus, aqueductal stenosis, and postmeningitic hydrocephalus accounted for 30.7%, 22.6%, and 17.5%, respectively, of the cases. The mean Evans ratio was 0.56 (range 0.43–0.70), the mean ventricular index was 197.18 (range 135.0–245.3), and the mean cerebral mantle was 10.8 mm (10–14 mm).

Conclusions
This study shows that the congenital form of hydrocephalus is the predominant variety in the authors' population. Myelomeningocele-associated hydrocephalus, aqueductal stenosis, Dandy-Walker malformation, and postmeningitic hydrocephalus are common causes of hydrocephalus.
Iatrogenic cerebral venous sinus occlusion with flowable topical hemostatic matrix
Authors: Singleton Richard H. , Jankowitz Brian T. , Wecht Daniel A. , Gardner Paul A. 
Published: April 2011

Object
The use of commercially available topical hemostatic adjuncts has increased the safety profile of surgery as a whole. Cranial surgery has also benefited from the development of numerous agents designed to permit more rapid achievement of hemostasis. Flowable topical hemostatic agents applied via syringe injection are now commonly employed in many neurosurgical procedures, including cranial surgery. Intravascular use of these strongly thrombogenic agents is contraindicated, but in certain settings, inadvertent intravascular administration can occur, resulting in vascular occlusion, thrombosis, and potential dissemination. To date, there have no reports detailing the presence and incidence of this complication.

Methods
The authors conducted a retrospective review of all cranial surgeries performed at Presbyterian University Hospital by members of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Department of Neurological Surgery between 2007 and 2009. Cases complicated by vascular occlusion due to inadvertent intravascular administration of flowable topical hemostatic matrix (FTHM) were identified and analyzed.

Results
Iatrogenic vascular occlusion induced by FTHM was identified in 5 (0.1%) of 3969 cranial surgery cases. None of these events occurred in 3318 supratentorial cases, whereas 5 cases of cerebral venous sinus occlusion occurred in 651 infratentorial cases (0.8%). The risk of accidental vessel occlusion was significantly associated with infratentorial surgery, and all events occurred in the transverse and/or sigmoid sinus. No episodes of inadvertent vascular occlusion occurred during endoscopic surgery. No cases of arterial occlusion were identified. Of the 5 patients with FTHM-related cerebral venous sinus occlusion, none developed long-term neurological sequelae referable to the event.

Conclusions
Inadvertent intravascular administration of FTHM is a rare complication associated with cranial surgery that occurs most commonly during infratentorial procedures around the transverse and/or sigmoid sinuses. Modifications in the choice of when to use an FTHM and the method of application may help prevent accidental venous sinus administration.
Attitudes of Caregivers to Management of End-Stage Renal Disease in Infants
Authors: Teh Jun Chuan , Frieling Michelle L. , Sienna Julianna L. , Geary Denis F. 
Published: April 2011

Objectives To characterize the attitudes of pediatric nephrologists caring for infants with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compared with attitudes from a survey published in 1998. Nephrology nurses and social workers were included. Methods An e-mail survey was distributed to pediatric nephrology teams in Canada, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Results Survey responders totaled 270. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is offered by all nephrologists to some children 1 – 12 months, and by 98% to some less than 1 month of age (93% in 1998). Of responding nephrologists, 30% offer RRT to all children less than 1 month of age (41% in 1998), and 50%, to all children 1 – 12 months. Among respondents, 50% indicated that parents can never refuse RRT for children aged 1 – 12 months, compared with 27% for younger infants. The most influential factor in rejecting RRT for infants was the presence of a co-existing abnormality. Nurses were more likely to believe that parents have the right to refuse RRT for infants. Conclusions Attitudes of pediatric nephrologists have changed since 1998. Also, nurses have opinions that are different from those of the nephrologists on some issues, and a consensus should be reached before speaking to families.
Difference in the Expression of Hormone Receptors and Fibrotic Markers in the Human Peritoneum—Implications for Therapeutic Targets to Prevent Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis
Authors: Braun Niko , Fritz Peter , Biegger Dagmar , Kimmel Martin , Reimold Fabian , Ulmer Christoph , Alscher M. Dominik 
Published: April 2011

Objective Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but life-threatening complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). The optimal management of patients with EPS is uncertain. In the present study, we investigated differences in the expression of nuclear receptors [progesterone (PR), androgen (AR), vitamin D (VDR), and glucocorticoid (GCR)] in the human peritoneum. We also investigated estrogen receptor (ER), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) in the context of their potential role in tamoxifen therapy. Methods We analyzed clinical and histologic characteristics of 72 peritoneal biopsy specimens (22 from EPS patients, 11 from PD patients, 15 from uremic patients, and 24 from control subjects undergoing hernia repair). For immunophenotyping, we used antibodies against VDR, GCR, ER, PR, AR, MMP9, and TGFβ1. Results In human peritoneum, VDR and GCR are highly expressed (98.6% and 87.3% respectively). Except in the case of VDR ( p = 0.0012), we observed no significant difference in receptor expression between the groups. Expression of ER and PR was sparse (11.4% and 31% respectively), with higher expression in women, and AR was absent. Minimal MMP9 expression and moderate TGFβ1 expression were observed in all groups. The differences between the groups were nonsignificant. Conclusions Nuclear receptors are present in human peritoneum. Except in the case of VDR, the pattern for any one group is nonspecific. Glucocorticoids, vitamin D, and angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (via the vitamin D/angiotensin II pathway) might be suitable interventions for preservation of the integrity of the peritoneal membrane. The mechanism of action of tamoxifen is still not elucidated, ER expression in the peritoneum is sparse, and data about the studied pathways (MMP9, TGFβ) are inconsistent.