bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring instructional congruence in elementary science classrooms: Pedagogical and methodological components of a theoretical framework
Authors: Luykx Aurolyn , Lee Okhee 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis article is situated within a theoretical framework,instructional congruence, articulating issues of student diversity with the demands of academic disciplines. In the context of a large‐scale study targeting elementary school science, the article describes a research instrument that aims to combine the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative approaches to classroom data. The project‐developedclassroom observation guidelineis a series of detailed scales that produce numerical ratings based on qualitative observations of different aspects of classroom practice. The article's objectives are both pedagogical and methodological, reflecting the dual functionality of the instrument: (a) to concretize theoretical constructs articulating academic disciplines with student diversity in ways that are useful for rethinking classroom practice; and (b) to take advantage of the strengths of qualitative educational research, but within a quantitative analytical framework that may be applied across large numbers of classrooms. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 424–447, 2007
Sensitivity and Specificity of Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Stimulation Test for Predicting Vocal Cord Palsy after Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Tomoda Chisato , Hirokawa Yoshihiro , Uruno Takashi , Takamura Yuuki , Ito Yasuhiro , Miya Akihiro , Kobayashi Kaoru , Matsuzuka Fumio , Kuma Kanji , Miyauchi Akira 
Published: June 2006

AbstractINTRODUCTIONRecurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy after thyroidectomy, although infrequently encountered, can decrease quality of life. In addition to the hoarseness that occurs with unilateral RLN palsy, bilateral RLN palsy leads to dyspnea and often to life‐threatening glottal obstruction. Therefore, intraoperative awareness of the nerve’s status is of great importance. This study examined the sensitivity and specificity of a palpation technique to detect contraction of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA) through the posterior hypopharyngeal wall while the RLN was being stimulated with a disposable nerve stimulator during thyroid surgery (the laryngeal palpation test) to predict postoperative RLN deficits.MethodsA total of 2197 RLNs in 1376 patients were identified to be at risk of injury during thyroidectomy performed between July 2003 and August 2004. Postoperative RLN integrity was assessed using direct laryngoscopy or laryngofiberoscopy to visualize vocal fold mobility.ResultsAltogether, 76 RLNs failed to elicit a PCA contraction in response to nerve stimulation, and 80 cases of temporary vocal cord palsy and 21 cases of permanent vocal cord palsy were recognized on postoperative evaluation. For postoperative vocal cord palsy, the sensitivity and specificity of the laryngeal palpation test were 69.3% and 99.7%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 92.1% and negative predictive value of 98.5%. For permanent vocal cord palsy, the sensitivity and specificity were 85.7% and 97.3%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 23.7% and negative predictive value of 99.8%.ConclusionsThe laryngeal palpation test is not a particularly useful method for predicting the level of RLN function after thyroidectomy. All patients must be examined postoperatively by direct laryngoscopy or laryngofiberoscopy to check vocal cord mobility. Even if there is no contraction of the PCA and we detect vocal cord palsy immediately after surgery, vocal cord palsy often recovers within 1 year when visual preservation of RLN is successful.
Value of Water‐soluble Contrast (Meglumine Amidotrizoate) in the Diagnosis and Management of Small Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Salamah Saleh Moh’d Al , Fahim Fraz , Mirza Shaukat Mahmood 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIntroductionThe object of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of a water‐soluble contrast follow‐through study for differentiating complete from incomplete small bowel obstruction (SBO) and for predicting the need for surgery.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted at Riyadh Medical Complex, Saudi Arabia and spanned 2 years. All adult patients admitted with SBO were included, except those with obstructed hernias, peritonitis, or postabdominal irradiation. The initial resuscitation meglumine amidotrizoate (Gastrografin) follow‐though was performed and was considered positive for complete obstruction if the contrast failed to reach the colon as shown on the 24‐hour film. Patients were operated on only if they developed signs of strangulation or failed to improve within 48 hours.ResultsOur study group consisted of 73 patients, 48 (65.7%) of whom were male. The mean age was 35.70 ± 12.65 years. In 60 (82.2%) patients, contrast reached the ascending colon within 24 hours, giving a definitive diagnosis of incomplete obstruction; among these 60 cases, 49 (81.7%) resolved on conservative management. The other 13 (17.8%) patients were diagnosed as having a complete obstruction; 4 (30.8%) of them were treated conservatively, and 9 (69.2%) underwent surgery. Therefore the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for meglumine amidotrizoate follow‐through as an indicator for operative treatment of SBO were 45.0, 92.5, 81.7, and 69.2, respectively. The P value using Fisher’s exact test was 0.0006.ConclusionsWe can confidently diagnose complete and incomplete SBO and differentiate one from the other. This accurate diagnosis indicates a high chance of success with conservative management for incomplete obstruction but does not always correlate with the need for surgical intervention.
Rectal Stenosis after Procedures for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids (PPH)—A Report from China
Authors: Yao Liqin , Zhong Yunshi , Xu Jianmin , Xu Meidong , Zhou Pinghong 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjectivesAfter it was introduced in China in 2000, the surgical procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) has become a widely accepted for third‐ and fourth‐degree hemorrhoids. Stenosis of the lower rectum is one of the delayed complications. In order to evaluate this specific problem following PPH, we reviewed our data with special reference to potential predictive factors or stenotic events.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 554 consecutive patients that underwent PPH from July 2000 to December 2004 was performed. Only patients with follow‐up check were evaluated; therefore 65 patients (11.7%) Hwere lost to follow‐up, and the analysis therefore includes 489 patients with a mean follow‐up of 324 days (± 18 days). For statistical analysis, the groups with and without stenosis were evaluated using the chi‐square test; using the Kaplan‐Meier statistic, the actuarial incidence for rectal stenosis was plotted.ResultsRectal stenosis was observed in 12 patients (2.5%) in whom the median time to stenosis was 125 (89 ∼ 134) days. All patients complained of obstructive defecation and underwent strictureplasty with electrocautery or balloon dilation through colonoscopy. A statistical analysis revealed that two factors were significantly more prevalent among patients with stenosis: prior sclerosis therapy for hemorrhoids (P = 0.02) and severe postoperative pain (P = 0.003). Other factors, such as gender (P = 0.32), prior surgery for hemorrhoids (P = 0.11), histological evidence of squamous skin (P = 0.77) or revision (P = 0.53) showed no significance.ConclusionsRectal stenosis is an uncommon event after PPH. Early stenosis will occur within the first 4 months after surgery. In most cases, the stenosis can be cured through colonoscopy surgery. Predictive factors for stenosis are previous sclerosis therapy for hemorrhoids and severe postoperative pain.
Predictive Factors of Malignancy in Adults with Intussusception
Authors: Goh Brian K.P. , Quah Hak‐Mien , Chow Pierce K.H. , Tan Kok‐Yang , Tay Khoon‐Hean , Eu Kong‐Weng , Ooi London L.P.J. , Wong Wai‐Keong 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIntroductionAdult intussusception is an unusual entity, and its etiology differs from that in pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience of 60 adult patients with intussusception and determine if there are any preoperative factors predictive of malignancy.MethodsThe records of 60 adult patients (> 18 years of age) with a diagnosis of intussusception surgically treated at Singapore General Hospital and Changi General Hospital between 1990 and 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. The intussusceptions were classified as enteric or colonic. Preoperative predictive factors of malignancy were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThere were 60 patients with a median age of 57.5 years (range 21–85 years). Altogether, 34 (56.7%) patients were male, and there were 31 enteric and 29 colonic intussusceptions. A lead point was identified in 54 patients (90%). A total of 22 (36.7%) patients presented with intestinal obstruction, and the correct preoperative diagnosis of intussusception was made in 31 patients (51.7%). Computed tomography was the most useful diagnostic modality, correctly identifying an intussusception in 24 of 30 patients. A malignant pathology was present in 8 of 31 (26%) enteric versus 20 of 29 (69%) colonic intussusceptions. Age (P = 0.009), the presence of anemia (P < 0.001), and the site of the intussusception (P = 0.001) showed significant differences between the benign and malignant groups by univariate analyses. On multivariate analysis, intussusception in the colon (P = 0.004) and the presence of anemia (P = 0.001) were independent predictive factors of malignancy.ConclusionsAdult intussusception is most commonly secondary to a pathologic lead point. The site of intussusception in the colon and the presence of anemia are independent preoperative predictors of malignancy. All colonic intussusceptions should be resected en bloc without reduction, whereas a more selective approach can be applied for enteric intussusceptions.
Major Vascular Resection and Prosthetic Replacement for Retroperitoneal Tumors
Authors: Fueglistaler Philipp , Gurke Lorenz , Stierli Peter , Obeid Tamim , Koella Christoph , Oertli Daniel , Kettelhack Christoph 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIntroductionInvolvement of major vascular structures has been considered a limiting factor for resecting advanced tumors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome after concomitant retroperitoneal tumor and vascular resection with prosthetic replacement of the aorta/vena cava.MethodsThe authors reviewed a 5‐year series of eight patients with a median age of 50 years (range 11–68 years) who had undergone resection of a retroperitoneal tumor and concomitant resection and replacement of the abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava, or both. The histologic diagnoses were sarcoma (five patients), teratoma (one), transitional cell carcinoma (one), and ganglioneuroma (one). The main outcome measures were early (< 30 days) and late (≥ 30 days) surgical morbidity and mortality. Secondary endpoints were vascular graft patency and tumor‐free survival. Two patients underwent combined graft replacement of the aorta and vena cava. Single aortic and vena cava graft replacement were each done in three patients.ResultsTwo patients showed early surgical morbidity necessitating reoperation for a thrombotic graft occlusion. No patient died during the early course of the follow‐up. During a median follow‐up of 14 months (range 1–56 months), two patients had late surgical morbidity. The median tumor‐free survival for patients with malignancy was 14 months (range 1–54 months). One patient developed locoregional tumor recurrence, and two developed distant metastases. The median survival for patients with malignancy was 14 months (range 1–60 months).ConclusionsAn aggressive surgical approach for otherwise unresectable retroperitoneal tumors with vascular resection and prosthetic vascular replacement is justified in selected cases and has acceptable morbidity and mortality.
Pancreatic Serous Oligocystic Adenomas: Clinicopathologic Features and a Comparison with Serous Microcystic Adenomas and Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms
Authors: Goh Brian K.P. , Tan Yu‐Meng , Yap Wai‐Ming , Cheow Peng‐Chung , Chow Pierce K.H. , Chung Yaw‐Fui Alexander , Wong Wai‐Keong , Ooi London L.P.J. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIntroductionThe preoperative distinction between serous cystic neoplasms (SCNs) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) is essential, as all MCNs are considered malignant or potentially malignant and should be surgically resected, whereas SCNs are almost always benign. However, the radiologic distinction between SCNs and MCNs is frequently difficult especially with serous oligocystic adenoma (SOA), a morphologic variant of SCN, as both SOA and MCN appear on cross‐sectional imaging as a solitary macrocystic lesion in the pancreas. We reviewed all SOAs managed at our institution to determine if any clinicopathologic features would prove useful for establishing a preoperative diagnosis.MethodsOver a 15‐year period, 64 patients with a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of a pancreatic cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma treated at Singapore General Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. There were 27 MCNs and 37 SCNs including 12 SOAs. In addition, 40 cases of SOA previously reported in the literature were reviewed and analyzed together with the 12 patients, making this a series of 52 SOAs.ResultsIn our experience, SOAs comprised 32.4% of the SCNs, and females predominated (7/12). The median age of the patients was 42.5 years (range 22–74 years), and only 4 of the 12 patients were symptomatic. Most of the cysts were located in the body or tail of the pancreas (9/12), and the median cyst size was 52.5 mm (range 10–190 mm). When the clinicopathologic features of SOAs and serous microcystic adenomas (SMAs) were compared, there was no difference between the patients with SOAs and SMAs in terms of age, sex, presence of symptoms, cyst size, or site of the lesion. However, SOAs occurred in the women less frequently (67.3% vs. 96.3%, P = 0.004), were smaller [40 mm (range 10–190 mm) vs. 95 mm (range 25–180 mm), P < 0.001], and occurred more commonly in the head of the pancreas [25 (48.1%) vs. 2(7.4%)] compared to MCNs. None of the SOAs were frankly malignant compared to the 29.6% of MCNs that were.ConclusionsSOAs and SMAs have similar clinicopathologic features. On the other hand, SOAs differ from MCNs by their relatively higher male/female ratio, higher frequency of tumors occurring in the head of the pancreas, and smaller cyst size. Knowledge of these distinguishing clinical features when used in combination with other diagnostic modalities such as endoscopic ultrasonography/fine‐needle aspiration will enable clinicians to better differentiate these two pathologic entities preoperatively.
Vaginal delivery and serum markers of ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Conner E. , Margulies R. , Liu Mengling , Smilen S.W. , Porges R.F. , Kwon C. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjective: Vaginal deliveries have been associated with pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence. The objective was to show whether markers of ischemia/reperfusion injury are dependent upon the mode of delivery and length of labor. Method: Complete venipuncture sets were obtained on 62 subjects. All samples collected were analyzed for serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Lipid peroxidation was analyzed, using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), on a subset of 37 patients. Results: There was a significant increase in CPK from admission to 1 h postpartum and postpartum day 1 in vaginal delivery versus cesarean delivery. Longer second stages were associated with significant increases in CPK. There were no significant changes in either LDH or TBARS from admission to any other time point regardless of mode of delivery. Conclusion: Vaginal delivery and longer second stages were associated with a much greater increase in one of these injury markers.
Global endometrial ablation: A modern day solution to an age‐old problem
Authors: Morgan H. , Advincula A.P. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractMenorrhagia remains a significant health issue for women worldwide. Traditionally hysterectomy has been the treatment of choice when excessive menstrual bleeding remains unresolved by hormonal manipulation. In an attempt to provide a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy, traditional techniques such as rollerball endometrial ablation were developed 20 years ago. Although extremely effective, they possessed the potential of significant intra‐operative risks and their success depended on high technical proficiency of the surgeon. As surgery and technology evolved, second generation endometrial ablation devices were developed which demonstrated improved safety and efficacy rates that paralleled traditional treatments. Since 1997, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved five such devices for use in the United States. Each possesses a unique technology profile with supporting level I evidence that allows for the treatment of a wide variety of uterine anatomy.
The evolution of a management philosophy: The theory of constraints
Authors: Watson Kevin J. , Blackstone John H. , Gardiner Stanley C. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn 2004, the Theory of Constraints celebrated its Silver Anniversary. In twenty‐five years, what started out as a scheduling software has evolved into a management philosophy with practices and principles spanning a multitude of operations management subdisciplines. As the Theory of Constraints has grown, so has its acceptance by both practitioners and academicians. At this point in its development, as it transitions from niche to mainstream, it is important to review what has been accomplished and what deficiencies remain so that both the promise and problems impeding greater acceptance can be examined. To that end, we review the evolution of principal TOC concepts and practices in an objective fashion.
Psychological barriers in gold prices?
Authors: Aggarwal Raj , Lucey Brian M. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis paper examines for the first time the existence of psychological barriers in a variety of daily and intra‐day gold price series. This paper uses a number of statistical procedures and presents evidence of psychological barriers in gold prices. We document that prices in round numbers act as barriers with important effects on the conditional mean and variance of the gold price series around psychological barriers.
Speleology and magnetobiostratigraphic chronology of the Buffalo Cave fossil site, Makapansgat, South Africa
Authors: Herries Andy I.R. , Reed Kaye E. , Kuykendall Kevin L. , Latham Alf G. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractSpeleological, stratigraphic, paleomagnetic and faunal data is presented for the Buffalo Cave fossil site in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Speleothems and clastic deposits were sampled for paleomagnetic and mineral magnetic analysis from the northern part of the site, where stratigraphic relationships could be more easily defined and a magnetostratigraphy could therefore be developed for the site. This is also where excavations recovered the fossil material described. A comparison of the east and South African first and last appearance data with the Buffalo Cave fauna was then used to constrain the magnetostratigraphy to produce a more secure age for the site. The magnetostratigraphy showed a change from normal to reversed polarity in the basal speleothems followed by a short normal polarity period in the base of the clastic deposits and a slow change to reversed directions for the remainder of the sequence. The biochronology suggested an optimal age range of between 1.0 Ma and 600,000 yr based on faunal correlation with eastern and southern Africa. A comparison of the magnetobiostratigraphy with the GPTS suggests that the sequence covers the time period from the Olduvai event between 1.95 and 1.78 Ma, through the Jaramillo event at 1.07 Ma to 990,000 yr, until the Bruhnes–Matuyama boundary at 780,000 yr. The faunal-bearing clastic deposits are thus dated between 1.07 Ma and 780,000 yr with the main faunal remains occurring in sediments dated to just after the end of the Jaramillo Event at 990,000 yr.
Identification and characterization of Thermoplasma acidophilum glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase: a new class of NADP+-specific aldehyde dehydrogenase
Authors: Jung Jin Hwa , Lee Sun Bok 
Published: June 2006

Thermoacidophilic archaea such as Thermoplasma acidophilum and Sulfolobus solfataricus are known to metabolize D-glucose via the nED (non-phosphorylated Entner–Doudoroff) pathway. In the present study, we identified and characterized a glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase involved in the downstream portion of the nED pathway. This glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase was purified from T. acidophilum cell extracts by sequential chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose, Q-Sepharose, Phenyl-Sepharose and Affi-Gel Blue columns. SDS/PAGE of the purified enzyme showed a molecular mass of approx. 53 kDa, whereas the molecular mass of the native protein was 215 kDa, indicating that glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase is a tetrameric protein. By MALDI–TOF-MS (matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization–time-of-flight MS) peptide fingerprinting of the purified protein, it was found that the gene product of Ta0809 in the T. acidophilum genome database corresponds to the purified glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase. The native enzyme showed the highest activity towards glyceraldehyde, but no activity towards aliphatic or aromatic aldehydes, and no activity when NAD+ was substituted for NADP+. Analysis of the amino acid sequence and enzyme inhibition studies indicated that this glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase belongs to the ALDH (aldehyde dehydrogenase) superfamily. BLAST searches showed that homologues of the Ta0809 protein are not present in the Sulfolobus genome. Possible differences between T. acidophilum (Euryarchaeota) and S. solfataricus (Crenarchaeaota) in terms of the glycolytic pathway are thus expected.