bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delayed dural laceration by hydroxyapatite spacer causing tetraparesis following double-door laminoplasty
Authors: Kanemura Aritetsu , Doita Minoru , Iguchi Tetsuhiro , Kasahara Koichi , Kurosaka Masahiro , Sumi Masatoshi 
Published: February 2008

Object
The authors describe 4 cases of delayed dural laceration by hydroxyapatite (HA) spacer causing tetra-paresis following double-door laminoplasty. There are few reports of iatrogenic spinal cord lesions developing after double-door laminoplasty, although some complications such as postoperative C-5 paralysis or axial symptoms have been reported. The purpose of this report is to draw attention to the possibility of delayed dural laceration and its triggering mechanism.

Methods
One hundred thirty patients treated for cervical myelopathy were followed up for an average of 2 years and 9 months after laminoplasty.

Results
Four patients experienced aggravation of cervical myelopathy. Anterior dislodgement of HA spacers was shown on plain lateral radiographs. Follow-up T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the dislodged HA spacers were surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid at the time of aggravation. The dislodged HA spacers were removed and the dural membrane defects were repaired by patching with the fascia of the gluteus maximus muscle. The preoperative symptoms improved after the second operation in all patients.

Conclusions
It is hypothesized that the loosening of the HA spacer in split spinous processes could occur with the movement of the cervical spine and/or the breakage of the suture before bone bonding. Anterior dislodgement of the HA spacer toward the spinal canal would cause dural laceration by direct friction between the dural membrane and the dislodged HA spacer, resulting in clinical aggravation. Despite the well-documented advantages of using HA spacers for double-door laminoplasty, possible laceration due to a dislodged HA spacer should be considered as a late complication.
Retrospective analysis of peripheral nerve sheath tumors of the second cervical nerve root in 60 surgically treated patients
Authors: Goel Atul , Muzumdar Dattatraya , Nadkarni Trimurti , Desai Ketan , Dange Nitin , Chagla Aadil 
Published: February 2008

Object
This study is a retrospective analysis of 60 surgically treated patients with 64 peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) at the second cervical (C-2) nerve root. The anatomical subtleties of these tumors and their implications for surgical strategy when compared with other spinal PNSTs and other tumors in the foramen magnum region are reviewed.

Methods
Sixty patients with C-2 PNSTs treated surgically in the Department of Neurosurgery at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College between 1992 and 2006 were studied. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Tumors were divided into 3 groups depending on their anatomical location identified during surgery. Those tumors located within or extending into the spinal dural tube were called Type A, those located within the dural tube of the C-2 ganglion were labeled as Type B, and tumors extending laterally into the paraspinal region were labeled as Type C. Follow-up durations ranged from 6 months to 15 years (mean 64 months).

Results
There were 38 male and 22 female patients in the study, who ranged in age from 6 to 62 years (mean 28 years). Nine patients had clinical features indicative of neurofibromatosis (NF). The mean duration of symptoms at the time of presentation was 27 months (range 4 days–5 years). Two patients had no specific symptoms related to the C-2 PNST, 6 patients had only local symptoms such as neck pain or stiffness, and 52 patients had symptoms of varying degrees of myelopathy. There were 5 solely Type A tumors, 7 Type A + B tumors, 31 Type B tumors, and 21 Type B + C tumors. All Type A, A + B, and B tumors were totally resected. Seven of 21 Type B + C tumors were partially resected, and the remainder were completely resected. All patients postoperatively reported varying improvement in their preoperative symptoms. Except for patients with NF who were disabled by other tumors, the rest of the patients resumed their normal life style. There have been no cases of symptomatic tumor recurrence.

Conclusions
The majority of PNSTs located at the C-2 level in these patients probably arose from the large C-2 ganglion and are limited within the dural confines or are interdural in location. In contrast to other spinal PNSTs, the location of C-2 PNSTs is in most cases posterior to the lateral mass of the atlas and axis and the atlantoaxial joint and is exposed to the posterior without any bone cover. Radical tumor resection is safe, resolution of clinical symptoms is rapid, and recurrence rates are extremely low. In a selected number of cases, bone work for tumor exposure and resection can be entirely avoided.
Cystic lesion of the ventriculus terminalis: proposal for a new clinical classification
Authors: de Moura Batista Leonardo , Acioly Marcus André , Carvalho Carlos H. , Ebner Florian H. , Tatagiba Marcos 
Published: February 2008

✓ The ventriculus terminalis is a small cavity inside the conus medullaris that is formed during the embryonic development. Previous reports regarding cystic lesion of the ventriculus terminalis (CLVT) in adults have detailed a broad and diversified distribution in terms of clinical symptoms, clinical evolution, neurological findings, and treatment. Therefore, nonstandardized management has led to unsatisfactory outcomes. Thus, the authors propose a new classification system in which the clinical presentation is taken into account to standardize the cases and facilitate the proper management of these lesions. Two more cases are described.
The literature was reviewed, dividing the patients into 3 groups by clinical presentation as follows: CLVT Type I, patients with nonspecific neurological symptoms or nonspecific complaints; CLVT Type II, presence of focal neurological deficit; and CLVT Type III, presence of sphincter disturbances (bowel or bladder dysfunction). Two patients were classified as CLVT Type I, 3 as CLVT Type II, and 12 as CLVT Type III. In Type I, no improvement was observed in clinical evaluation after surgery, and stable symptoms were achieved with clinical management. In Type II, 2 patients had total improvement and 1 had subtotal improvement after surgery. Finally, in Type III, 92% of the patients improved postoperatively; among these 33% presented with total improvement. Only 1 case in this group was handled conservatively and no improvement was documented.
This new classification is useful to group the patients into 3 clinical types to provide guidance as to the best management options. Treatment for the Type I lesion seems to be best conducted conservatively, whereas Types II and III seem to be best handled surgically.
Two-stage decompression, reduction, and interbody fusion for lumbosacral spondyloptosis through a posterior approach using Ilizarov external fixation
Authors: Doita Minoru , Uno Koki , Maeno Koichiro , Shimomura Takatoshi , Nishida Kotaro , Fujioka Hiroyuki , Kurosaka Masahiro 
Published: February 2008

✓ The suggested methods of treatment for spondyloptosis have included benign neglect, in situ fusion and variations, decompression and fusion, and vertebrectomy (the Gaines procedure). On review of the literature, the authors found no previous report in the English-language literature in which external fixation was used in the treatment of spondyloptosis.This 33-year-old woman with spondyloptosis underwent a 2-stage operation involving decompression, reduction, and posterior fusion in which an Ilizarov external fixator and transpedicular fixation system were used. Spondylolisthesis with a slippage of angle 78° and > 100% slippage was partially reduced to 30° and 60% without neurological alterations and without complications. The postoperative follow-up showed marked improvement in her symptoms and a good cosmetic result. Reconstructed computed tomography scanning at 18 months demonstrated complete fusion. The use of external fixation in the treatment of spondyloptosis may be preferable because of its neurological safety, despite the longer duration of treatment, than single-stage operation. The authors believe posterior decompression of the cauda equina, partial reduction of the spondylolisthetic deformity, interbody fusion, and stabilization with an external fixator and transpedicular fixation system can be successfully and safely used as a 2-stage treatment for adult high-grade spondyloptosis.
Observation of the β‐Phase in Two Short‐Chain Oligofluorenes
Authors: Tsoi Wing C. , Charas Ana , Cadby Ashley J. , Khalil Gamal , Adawi Ali M. , Iraqi Ahmed , Hunt Barry , Morgado Jorge , Lidzey David G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe polymer poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PF8) can be driven into a morphological form termed the β‐phase that has enhanced planarity and increased structural rigidity. We show that the β‐phase can be generated in two different fluorene oligomers; a fluorene pentamer, and a short (statistical) oligomer composed of chains having a maximum length of 19 monomer units. By comparing the energy of the zero‐zero phonon line in fluorescence from the β‐phase oligomers with that in the PF8 polymer, we show that the electronic conjugation length of the β‐phase is (30 ± 12) monomer‐units, a value consistent with the persistence length of the molecular chain.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silica Nanotubes with Radially Oriented Mesopores
Authors: Yu Yatao , Qiu Huibin , Wu Xiaowei , Li Huachun , Li Yongsheng , Sakamoto Yasuhiro , Inoue Yoshihisa , Sakamoto Kazutami , Terasaki Osamu , Che Shunai 
Published: February 2008

AbstractHierarchical silica nanotubes with radially oriented mesoporous channels perpendicular to the central axis of the tube were synthesized by using self‐assembled chiral anionic surfactant, co‐structure directing agent (CSDA) and silica precursor. The average inner diameter and the wall thickness were ∼94, ∼62, and ∼62 nm and to ∼27, ∼33, and ∼45 nm, respectively, by manipulating the synthesis gel composition, while the diameter of the wall mesopores was kept constant at ∼4 nm. These materials with such a unique structure were produced only with chiral surfactant and achiral or racemic surfactant did not give rise to mesoporous silica nanotubes. The existence of helicity in the lipid bilayer template was confirmed by means of circular dichroism spectroscopy. The mesoporous penetrating from outside to inside of silica nanotubes are thought to originate from the initial formation of self‐assembled lipid tubes with helical bilayers, which in turn re‐assemble to form the mesopores in the wall of the nanotubes upon addition of co‐structure directing agent and silica source.
Atomic Layer Deposition of UV‐Absorbing ZnO Films on SiO2 and TiO2 Nanoparticles Using a Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: King David M. , Liang Xinhua , Carney Casey S. , Hakim Luis F. , Li Peng , Weimer Alan W. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAtomic layer deposition (ALD) was used to apply conformal, nanothick ZnO coatings on particle substrates using a fluidized bed reactor. Diethylzinc (DEZ) and water were used as precursors at 177 °C. Observed growth rates were ca. 2.0 Å/cycle on primary particles as verified by HRTEM. ICP‐AES and XPS were used to quantify Zn:substrate ratios. Layers of 6, 18, and 30 nm were deposited on 550 nm SiO2 spheres for UV blocking cosmetics particles. TiO2 nanoparticles were coated in the second part of this work by ZnO shells of 2, 5, and 10 nm thickness as novel inorganic sunscreen particles. The specific surface area of powders changed appropriately after nanothick film deposition using optimized conditions, signifying that high SA particles can be functionalized without agglomeration. The ZnO layers were polycrystalline as deposited and narrowing of the FWHM occurred upon annealing. Annealing the ZnO‐TiO2 nanocomposite powder to 600 °C caused the formation of zinc titanate (Zn2TiO4) in both oxygen‐rich and oxygen‐deficient environments. The non‐ideal surface behavior of the DEZ precursor became problematic for the much longer times required for high surface area nanoparticle processing and results in Zn‐rich films at this growth temperature. In situ mass spectrometry provides process control capability to functionalize bulk quantities of nano‐ and ultrafine particles without significant precursor waste or process overruns. ZnO overlayers can be efficiently deposited on the surfaces of primary particles using ALD processing in a scalable fluidized bed reactor.
Magnetic Properties of Ni/NiO Nanowires Deposited onto CNT/Pt Nanocomposites
Authors: Salgueiriño‐Maceira Verónica , Correa‐Duarte Miguel A. , Bañobre‐López Manuel , Grzelczak Marek , Farle Michael , Liz‐Marzán Luis M. , Rivas José 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSeveral nanometer‐scale technological applications rely on the promising scenario of highly anisotropic magnetic materials. Bearing this in mind, we have studied the structure, magnetic properties, and interfacial exchange anisotropy effects of unique wires of Ni/NiO synthesized using carbon nanotubes as substrates. Structural analyses of these nanocomposites in correlation with magnetic measurements show that the crystalline NiO outer shells cause an enhanced exchange bias, providing an extra source of anisotropy that leads to their magnetization stability. These Ni/NiO nanowires, with a spin‐glass‐like behavior and with their magnetic moments in a blocked state over a wide temperature range that includes room temperature, should therefore inspire further study concerning the applicability of anisotropic structures.
Room‐Temperature Self‐Organizing Characteristics of Soluble Acene Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Lee Wi Hyoung , Lim Jung Ah , Kim Do Hwan , Cho Jeong Ho , Jang Yunseok , Kim Yong Hoon , Han Jeong In , Cho Kilwon 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe report on the room‐temperature self‐organizing characteristics of thin films of the organic small‐molecule semiconductor triethylsilylethynyl‐anthradithiophene (TES‐ADT) and its effect on the electrical properties of TES‐ADT‐based field‐effect transistors (FETs). The morphology of TES‐ADT films changed dramatically with time, and the field‐effect mobility of FETs based on these films increased about 100‐fold after seven days as a result of the change in molecular orientation from a tilted structure in the as‐prepared film to a well‐oriented structure in the final film. We found that the molecular movement is large enough to induce a conformational change to an energetically stable state in spin‐coated TES‐ADT films, because TES‐ADT has a low glass‐transition temperature (around room temperature). Our findings demonstrate that organic small‐molecule semiconductors that exhibit a low crystallinity immediately after spin‐coating can be changed into highly crystalline structures by spontaneous self‐organization of the molecules at room temperature, which results in improved electrical properties of FETs based on these semiconductors.
Evaluation of a community‐based effort to reduce blueberry harvesting injury
Authors: May John , Hawkes Lynae , Jones Amanda , Burdick Patrick , Ginley Barbara , Santiago Blanca , Rowland Michael 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackgroundHarvesting of blueberries is associated with musculoskeletal injury. This study assessed the effects of several alternative designs of the harvesting rake.MethodsA community‐based work team selected rake design for intervention and pilot tested potential design modifications to the blueberry harvesting rake. An “extended” handle design was selected for comparison with the traditional short‐handle rake. Tested rakes were of two widths (70 and 80 tines) and four handle lengths (short handle; extended: 10, 14, or 16 in.). Workers rated each of five configurations after 4 hr of use. Evaluators tracked qualitative and quantitative indicators of the community‐based approach throughout.ResultsData from 29 subjects were analyzed using two‐factor analysis of variance. There was increased productivity (P = 0.041); greater acceptability (P < 0.0001); less force (P < 0.001); and less pain (P < 0.0001) with the extended handle designs. The 80 tine width was favored over the 70. Process evaluation identified problems that generally could be addressed. Outcome evaluation indicated successful achievement of all stated goals.ConclusionsThe “extended” handle rake may prove effective in reducing musculoskeletal injury associated with blueberry harvesting. A community‐based approach to migrant farmworker injuries can be effective, particularly if employers participate. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:307–315, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autosomal dominant gigantiform cementoma associated with bone fractures
Authors: Moshref Mohammad , Khojasteh Arash , Kazemi Bahram , Roudsari Mohsen Vahid , Varshowsaz Masood , Eslami Behnam 
Published: February 2008

AbstractHere, we report a family with gigantiform cementomas, bone fractures, and autosomal dominant inheritance. Lesions are composed of benign, lobulated, calcified masses resembling cementum. Identification of a COL1A2 mutation in one patient was a polymorphism of no pathological significance. The subject of gigantiform cementomas and the associated bone disorder is both confusing and complex. Reported familial instances indicate genetic heterogeneity with (1) osteopenia and bone fractures, (2) one form of osteogenesis imperfecta, and (3) a polyostotic diaphyseal bone disorder. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cranial nerve manifestations in CHARGE syndrome
Authors: Blake Kim D. , Hartshorne Timothy S. , Lawand Christopher , Dailor A. Nichole , Thelin James W. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractCranial nerve (CN) anomalies have been regarded as a major criterion for a clinical diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome for some time. However, there have been relatively few studies of the extent of this involvement. A detailed questionnaire (in French or English) was distributed to all physicians who participated in the 2001–2004 Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP), and who identified themselves as caring for an individual with CHARGE syndrome. Clinical data were collected from multiple sources for each individual, including evidence of CN dysfunction. Evidence for CN anomalies recorded by the clinical presentations and evidence from specialized testing, were: weak chewing and/or sucking (CN V), facial palsy (CN VII), sensorineural hearing loss (CN VIII), balance vestibular problems (CN VIII), and swallowing problems (CN IX/X). Data were analyzed as to the frequency of the CN anomalies and compared to the literature. At the time of this study, there were 99 individuals identified with CHARGE syndrome across Canada. The CHARGE syndrome diagnosis was confirmed by geneticists across the country. Gene testing was not available at the time of this study. Of these 92% exhibited symptoms of at least one CN anomaly, and 72% reported involvement of more than one. Isolated CN involvement was rare. Ascertainment was highest for CN IX/X, and lowest for VIII vestibular. The frequency of CN involvement was generally higher than that reported in the literature. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Screening program for Waardenburg syndrome in Colombia: Clinical definition and phenotypic variability
Authors: Tamayo Marta L. , Gelvez Nancy , Rodriguez Marcela , Florez Silvia , Varon Clara , Medina David , Bernal Jaime E. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA screening program to detect Waardenburg syndrome (WS) conducted between 2002 and 2005, among 1,763 deaf individuals throughout Columbia identified 95 affected individuals belonging to 95 families, giving a frequency of 5.38% of WS among the institutionalized deaf population. We confirmed the clinical diagnosis of WS in the 95 propositi and, through the family evaluation, we also identified 45 non‐institutionalized affected relatives. Audiologic, ophthalmologic, and genetic studies were performed to confirm the diagnosis. Following the classification of the WS consortium, based on the Waardenburg Index (WI), to define the type of WS. We classified 62.1% of the propositi as WS2 and 37.9% as WS1. We present here the results of the study of clinical manifestations, analyzing the presence, severity, and symmetry of clinical findings among this affected population. Overall, among the 95 propositi, in addition to sensorineural deafness in all, the most frequent features were broad nasal root (58.9%), a first degree relative affected (37.9%), heterochromia irides (36.8%), skin hypopigmentation (31.6%), white forelock (28.0%), intense blue iris (27.4%), synophrys (12.6%), premature graying (10.5%), ptosis of the eyelids (9.5%), and hypoplasia alae nasi (1.1%). The majority of individuals had normal psychomotor development (87%), while the remaining 13% had developmental delay. Among the latter, 9.4% corresponded to WS2 and 3.6% to WS1. Our data confirm an interesting inter‐ and intrafamilial variability in the phenotypic manifestations as well as extremely variable expression. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phenomic, Convergent Functional Genomic, and biomarker studies in a stress‐reactive genetic animal model of bipolar disorder and co‐morbid alcoholism
Authors: Le‐Niculescu H. , McFarland M.J. , Ogden C.A. , Balaraman Y. , Patel S. , Tan J. , Rodd Z.A. , Paulus M. , Geyer M.A. , Edenberg H.J. , Glatt S.J. , Faraone S.V. , Nurnberger J.I. , Kuczenski R. , Tsuang M.T. , Niculescu A.B. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe had previously identified the clock gene D‐box binding protein (Dbp) as a potential candidate gene for bipolar disorder and for alcoholism, using a Convergent Functional Genomics (CFG) approach. Here we report that mice with a homozygous deletion of DBP have lower locomotor activity, blunted responses to stimulants, and gain less weight over time. In response to a chronic stress paradigm, these mice exhibit a diametric switch in these phenotypes. DBP knockout mice are also activated by sleep deprivation, similar to bipolar patients, and that activation is prevented by treatment with the mood stabilizer drug valproate. Moreover, these mice show increased alcohol intake following exposure to stress. Microarray studies of brain and blood reveal a pattern of gene expression changes that may explain the observed phenotypes. CFG analysis of the gene expression changes identified a series of novel candidate genes and blood biomarkers for bipolar disorder, alcoholism, and stress reactivity. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of epoxy/amine terminated amide‐imide‐imide blends
Authors: Bhuvana S. , Sarojadevi M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA new amine terminated amide‐imide (ATAI) was synthesized by the polycondensation reaction of tetrimide dicarboxylic acid containing bulky m‐chloro phenyl pendant with p‐phenylene diamine. The structure of all the prepared compounds were confirmed by FTIR,1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR techniques. This new diamine was then used to cure epoxy resin namely diglycidyl ester of bisphenol‐A and the cure reaction was studied by Differential scanning calorimetry. The cured blends show better thermal properties. The Tg of the epoxy resin was increased from 134°C to 156°C on addition of 6% of ATAI. The DMA results indicate that the polymer blend with 8% ATAI composition has higher storage modulus compared to 3% and 6% ATAI composition. The polymer blends with 3% and 6% ATAI composition have higher crosslinking density and lower intersegmental and intrasegmental friction coefficients than 8% ATAI composition. In the DMA curves an increase in the peak half‐width was observed with increasing ATAI composition, indicating the possibility of the existence of more than one phase with increasing ATAI concentration. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008