bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stiff-person syndrome with acute recurrent peripheral vertigo: possible evidence of gamma aminobutyric acid as a neurotransmitter in the vestibular periphery
Authors: Teggi R , Piccioni L O , Martino G , Bellini C , Bussi M 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjective:We report a case of a 58-year-old man suffering from stiff-person syndrome and recurrent peripheral vertigo.Method:A case report and a review of the recent literature on stiff-person syndrome are presented.Results:The patient presented with recurrent episodes of vertigo with a pure peripheral pattern and with concomitant episodes of burning muscle pain, muscle twitching, weight gain and fatigue, worsening with tension or stress that also occurred in periods without vertigo. Cochlear examinations only showed presbyacusis-like hearing loss. The diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome was made with electromyographic examination and from findings in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of high titres of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67) autoantibodies. In a two-year follow-up period, therapy for stiff-person syndrome abolished episodes of both stiffness and vertigo.Conclusion:As far as we know, no other clinical case of acute vestibular damage with a possible correlation with anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies has been described. Peripheral vertigo possibly related to a lack of gamma aminobutyric acid underlines a possible role of gamma aminobutyric acid as a neurotransmitter in the peripheral vestibular system.
Deterioration of noise-induced hearing loss among bottling factory workers
Authors: Ologe F E , Olajide T G , Nwawolo C C , Oyejola B A 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground:Repeated exposure to excessive noise will eventually lead to an irreversible increase in hearing thresholds. In theory, the damage reflects both the intensity of the noise and the duration of exposure. This is not linear with respect to duration of exposure; rather, the worker may experience a disproportionate loss in the early years of exposure.Methods:A prospective study surveying workers of the production section (i.e. most noise-exposed area) of a bottling factory was carried out in December 2003 and in December 2005. A self-administered questionnaire was used to extract information about worker's demographic characteristics, drug intake, and medical and occupational history, as well as information on the use of hearing protection devices. Noise mapping of the various departments of the factory was carried out. Otological examination, tympanometry and audiometry were also carried out on selected subjects.Results:Eighty-four workers, 76 (90.5 per cent) men and eight (9.5 per cent) women, were studied. Their mean age was 33.0 ± 7.6 years in 2003 and 35.0 ± 7.6 years in 2005. The recorded noise levels in the factory production section ranged between 91.5 and 98.7 dBA. The prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss among workers was noted to be 64.9 and 86.9 per cent for test one (2003) and test two (2005), respectively. The degree of hearing deterioration within the two years of this study was 1.0–3.2 dB for the right ear and 1.6–3.4 dB for the left ear. This deterioration was at discrete frequencies. More than half (53.6 per cent) of the workers did not have a hearing protection device. Of the 46.4 per cent who did, only 38.5 per cent claimed to have used it regularly.Interpretation:These findings showed that there was a high prevalence of mild sensorineural hearing loss and significant hearing deterioration among workers, due to exposure to excessive noise over a two-year period. The study demonstrates the practical importance of serial audiometry for noise-exposed workers as a means of monitoring hearing deterioration. It is necessary to enforce existing occupational health laws in our industries in order to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, since it is eminently preventable.
Inadequate analgesic prescription increases secondary post-tonsillectomy bleed rates: a completed audit loop
Authors: Alhamarneh O , Raja H , England R J A 
Published: August 2007

AbstractA significantly greater than normal secondary haemorrhage rate was noted in patients who had undergone tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy as waiting list ‘initiative’ cases within an alternative healthcare provider setting, compared with patients undergoing the same surgery within a primary healthcare trust (17.8 vs 3.9 per cent, respectively; p < 0.001).An audit was therefore set up to examine any variations in practice which may have caused this difference. Duration of analgesic prescription was identified as the only significant variable, and this was subsequently altered from three to seven days, to match the primary trust's protocol. Completion of the audit loop showed that the difference in secondary haemorrhage rates between the two provider sites had ceased to be significant (5.9 vs 3 per cent; p > 0.1). We conclude that adequate analgesia, for the first week post-tonsillectomy, is essential in order to keep the secondary haemorrhage rate within an acceptable range.
‘Only Religions Count in Vietnam’: Thich Tri Quang and the Vietnam War
Authors: McALLISTER JAMES 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThich Tri Quang has long been one of the most controversial actors in the history of the Vietnam War. Scholars on the right have argued that Tri Quang was in all likelihood a communist agent operating at the behest of Hanoi. Scholars on the left have argued that Tri Quang was a peaceful religious leader devoted to democracy and a rapid end to the war. This article argues that neither of these interpretations is persuasive. As American officials rightly concluded throughout the war, there was no compelling evidence to suggest that Tri Quang was a communist agent or in any way sympathetic to the goals of Hanoi or the NLF. Drawing on the extensive archival evidence of Tri Quang's conversations with American officials, it is apparent that Tri Quang was in fact strongly anti-communist and quite receptive to the use of American military power against North Vietnam and China. The main factor that led to conflict between the Buddhist movement and the Johnson administration was Tri Quang's insistence that the military regimes that followed Ngo Dinh Diem were hostile to Buddhism and incapable of leading the struggle against Communism to a successful conclusion.
An unfinished mappa mundi from late-eleventh-century Worcester
Authors: Foys Martin K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article discusses the unfinished mappa mundi found in Cambridge, Corpus Christi College 265, dates it to a late-eleventh-century (c. 1065–95) production in Worcester, identifying it as a nearly exact and earlier analogue of two later twelfth-century English maps of the world from the Ramsey area (Oxford, St John's College 17 and London, British Library, Harley 3667). Contained as it is in a collection of Wulfstanian materials, the Worcester map's relationship to these so-called ‘Bryhtferthian’ maps requires a rethinking of how such maps may have circulated and functioned outside of a computisitical context. The close connections between these three maps further point to a unique, late Anglo-Saxon tradition of mappae mundi thus far unrecognized.
A few remarks on differential inclusions
Authors: Sychev M. A. 
Published: July 2007

In this paper we analyse the methodology of the theory of differential inclusions. First, we emphasize that any sequence of piecewise affine functions with successive elements obtained by perturbations of preceding functions in the sets of their affinity converges strongly, together with the gradients. This gives a simple algorithm with which to construct sequences of approximate solutions that converge to exact solutions (neither the specific choice suggested by ‘the method of convex integration for Lipschitz functions’ nor Baire category methodology is required). We then suggest a functional that is defined in the set of admissible functions and measures maximal oscillations produced by sequences of admissible functions weakly convergent to a given function. This functional can be used to prove that the set of stable solutions is dense in the weak topology in the closure of the set of admissible functions either via the Baire category lemma or via a specific choice of strictly convergent sequences.We explain how the above-mentioned methods of finding solutions to differential inclusions are connected to earlier results on weak–strong convergence, i.e. to results on stability, in the calculus of variations and in differential inclusions.We also include information on developments in the subject in the three years after the results of this work were obtained.
Invasive meningococcal disease in children in Jerusalem
Authors: STEIN-ZAMIR C. , ABRAMSON N. , ZENTNER G. , SHOOB H. , VALINSKY L. , BLOCK C. 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARYNeisseria meningitidisis an important cause of childhood meningitis and septicaemia. Between 1999 and 2005, 133 invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases occurred in Jerusalem, 112 (84·2%) of them in children aged 0–14 years. The annual incidence rate in Jerusalem was higher than the national average (2·45±0·6vs. 1·13±0·16/100 000 population,P=0·002). Most of the children (82·1%) were from low socio-economic Arab and Jewish ultra-orthodox communities; mortality was higher among Arab than Jewish children (1·3vs. 0·22/100 000 person-years,P=0·004). A cluster of 10 children with severe meningococcal sepsis (three fatalities) emerged in the winter of 2003–2004. Compared to the other 102 cases in 1999–2005 both meningococcaemia (100%vs. 51%,P=0·003) and mortality (30%vs. 6·9%,P=0·014) rates were higher. Serogroup B comprised 77·6% of the bacterial isolates. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed considerable variability among cluster isolates, but significant resemblance in Arab cases throughout 1999–2005. The increased susceptibility of specific sub-populations to IMD necessitates further evaluation.
Outcome of ligation of the persistently patent arterial duct in neonates as performed by an outreach surgical team
Authors: Sivakumar Shanmugasundaram , Lee Lleona , Tillett Angela , Wells Francis , Dunning Jon , Kelsall A Wilf 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAimOur aim was to review the outcome of ligation of the persistently patent arterial duct in neonates as performed outside a paediatric cardiothoracic centre by an outreach surgical team.MethodsA retrospective observational study of all ligations of the persistently patent arterial duct performed in Cambridge between January, 1988, and December, 2002.ResultsOver the period of 15 years studied, a persistently patent arterial duct was ligated in 43 neonates. The median gestational age at birth was 26 weeks, with a range from 23 to 35 weeks, and median weight at birth was 722 grams, with a range from 500 to 2100 grams. Median age at ligation, was 25 days, with a range from 10 to 89 days, and their weight was 963 grams, with a range from 568 to 2221 grams. Ligation was successful in 42 babies (98%), mortality at 30 days of 5%, and 29 of the babies (67%) surviving to be discharged from the hospital. The late deaths were due to complications of prematurity, rather than the procedure of ligation.ConclusionThe persistently patent arterial duct can successfully be ligated by an outreach surgical team outside a paediatric cardiothoracic centre. There was an excellent 30 day survival.
Motor development in children with congenital cardiac diseases compared to their healthy peers
Authors: Bjarnason-Wehrens Birna , Dordel Sigrid , Schickendantz Sabine , Krumm Constanze , Bott Daniel , Sreeram Narayanswami , Brockmeier Konrad 
Published: August 2007

AbstractTheir perceptual and motor experiences determine the physical and motor development of children, and impact also on their emotional, psychosocial, and cognitive development. Our aim, therefore, was to evaluate motor development in children with congenitally malformed hearts compared to their healthy peers.We compared 194 children, with a mean age of 10.0 years, and standard deviation of 2.7 years, representing the entire spectrum of congenital cardiac disease, to a control group of 455 healthy children, having a mean age 9.6 years, with standard deviation of 2.17 years. The bodily coordination test for children was used to examine motor development.Of the children with congenitally malformed hearts, 26.8% showed moderate, and 31.9% had severe disturbances of motor development, compared to 16.5% and 5.5% of the control group, the p-value for these differences being less than 0.001. The mean motor quotient adjusted for age and gender was lower in the children with congenitally malformed hearts than in their healthy peers, at 79.6, with standard deviation of 18.9 as opposed to 96.6, with standard deviation of 15, this difference having a p-value of less than 0.001. Depending on the presence, and/or the degree, of residual sequels, the children with congenitally malformed hearts were divided into two subgroups, with either no or mild residual sequels, or with significant sequels. The mean motor quotient was lower in those with significant residual sequels, at 75, with standard deviation of 19.3, as opposed to 83, with standard deviation of 17.9, the p-value for this difference being less than 0.01. In both subgroups, the mean motor quotient was lower, with a p-value of less than 0.01, than in the control group.Our findings show that children with congenitally malformed hearts have deficits in their motor development, these being found in the presence of no or mild sequels, as well as with significant residual sequels. Parental overprotection may contribute to these findings.
Validity and reliability of a calcium checklist in early elementary-school children
Authors: Marcotte Lori , Hennessy Erin , Dwyer Johanna , Hyatt Raymond R , Goldberg Jeanne P , Naumova Elena N , Economos Christina D 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo create, validate and assess the reliability of a checklist to measure calcium intake in children.DesignCalcium intakes from a checklist and parent-assisted 24-h dietary recall were compared. Checklist reliability was assessed separately.SettingAfter-school programmes in the United States.SubjectsForty-two children (18 males, 24 females, age = 8.0 ± 0.9 years) participated in the validation analysis and 49 children (28 males, 21 females, age = 7.5 ± 0.9 years) in the reliability analysis.ResultsNo differences in mean calcium intakes were found by method or gender. The checklist correlated well with recall among girls (r= 0.65,P= 0.01) but not boys (r= −0.33,P= 0.19). Agreement over time was above 80% for most foods.ConclusionThe calcium checklist is useful for assessing calcium intake among groups of 6–10-year-old children in settings that preclude parental assistance. More research is needed to improve accuracy among boys.
Linear programming can help identify practical solutions to improve the nutritional quality of food aid
Authors: Rambeloson Zo J , Darmon Nicole , Ferguson Elaine L 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the nutritional quality of food aid delivered by food banks in France and to identify practical modifications to improve it.DesignNational-level data were collected for all food aid distributed by French food banks in 2004, and its nutrient content per 2000 kcal was estimated and compared with French recommendations for adults. Starting with the actual donation and allowing new foods into the food aid donation, linear programming was used to identify the minimum changes required in the actual donation to achieve the French recommendations.ResultsFrench food-bank-delivered food aid does not achieve the French recommendations for dietary fibre, ascorbic acid, vitamin D, folate, magnesium, docosahexaenoic acid, α-linolenic acid and the percentage of energy from saturated fatty acids. Linear programming analysis showed that these recommendations are achievable if more fruits, vegetables, legumes and fish were collected and less cheese, refined cereals and foods rich in fat, sugar and/or salt. In addition, new foods not previously collected are needed, particularly nuts, wholemeal bread and rapeseed oil. These changes increased the total edible weight (42%) and economic value (55%) of the food aid donation, with one-third of its edible weight coming from fruits and vegetables, one-third from staples, one-quarter from dairy products and approximately a tenth from meat/fish/eggs.ConclusionsImportant changes in the types and amounts of food collected will improve the nutritional quality of food-bank-delivered food aid in France. Such changes are recommended to improve the diets of deprived French populations.
Why do boys eat less fruit and vegetables than girls?
Authors: Bere Elling , Brug Johannes , Klepp Knut-Inge 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo explore why boys eat less fruit and vegetables (F&V) than girls, using longitudinal data following pupils from the age of 12.5 to 15.5 years, including perceived accessibility, modelling, intention, preferences, self-efficacy and knowledge of recommendations as potential mediators.Design/setting/subjectsA longitudinal study, based on data collected among the control schools within the intervention project ‘Fruits and Vegetables Make the Marks’. This sample contains 896 6th and 7th graders from 20 randomly selected elementary schools within two Norwegian counties. Questionnaires were administered in May 2002 and May 2005 (when the participants were in 9th and 10th grade in 18 secondary elementary schools).ResultsIn single mediation analyses all determinants mediated parts of the gender difference, but only preferences decreased the gender difference to a level below statistical significance. Preferences alone explained 81% of the gender difference. In the multiple mediation analyses, the six mediators together explained 91% of the gender difference, but only preferences and perceived accessibility contributed uniquely to the explanation, with 25% and 10% respectively.ConclusionsPreference appears as the strongest mediator of the difference in F&V intakes between boys and girls. Further research should explore why girls like F&V more than boys.
Molecular cell biology of KATPchannels: implications for neonatal diabetes
Authors: Smith Andrew J. , Taneja Tarvinder K. , Mankouri Jamel , Sivaprasadarao Asipu 
Published: August 2007

AbstractATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels play a key role in the regulation of insulin secretion by coupling glucose metabolism to the electrical activity of pancreatic β-cells. To generate an electric signal of suitable magnitude, the plasma membrane of the β-cell must contain an appropriate number of channels. An inadequate number of channels can lead to congenital hyperinsulinism, whereas an excess of channels can result in the opposite condition, neonatal diabetes. KATPchannels are made up of four subunits each of Kir6.2 and the sulphonylurea receptor (SUR1), encoded by the genesKCNJ11andABCC8, respectively. Following synthesis, the subunits must assemble into an octameric complex to be able to exit the endoplasmic reticulum and reach the plasma membrane. While this biosynthetic pathway ensures supply of channels to the cell surface, an opposite pathway, involving clathrin-mediated endocytosis, removes channels back into the cell. The balance between these two processes, perhaps in conjunction with endocytic recycling, would dictate the channel density at the cell membrane. In this review, we discuss the molecular signals that contribute to this balance, and how an imbalance could lead to a disease state such as neonatal diabetes.
The Formation of Stellar Galactic Nuclei through Dissipative Gas Dynamics
Authors: Bekki K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIt is a long-standing and remarkable problem as to howstellar galactic nuclei (SGN) were formed in the central region of galaxies. In order to elucidate the formation processes of SGN, we numerically investigate gas dynamics, star formation, and chemical evolution in the central 1–1000 pc of gas disks embedded by galactic stellar spheroids. The main results of the present numerical study are: (a) SGN can be formed from dissipative, repeated merging of massive stellar and gaseous clumps that have typical masses of 105–106 M⊙ and are developed from nuclear gaseous spiral arms owing to local gravitational instability. Typically ∼5% of the masses of their host spheroids can be transfered to the central∼50 pc and thus become SGN. (b) SGN have very flattened shapes, and rotational kinematics and central velocity dispersions much smaller than those of their host spheroids. These structural and kinematic characteristics do not depend on model parameters such as masses of spheroids (Msph) and initial gas mass fraction (fg). (c) Stellar populations of SGN can show a wide rage of ages and metallicities, because SGN are formed from massive clumps with different star-formation and chemical-evolution histories. The mean metallicities of SGN can be significantly higher than those of their host spheroids. (d) More massive, higher density SGN can be formed in spheroids with higher surface brightness. Furthermore there can be a threshold value (∼0.2) of fg below which massive SGN are less likely to be formed in the central gas disks of spheroids. (e) More massive spheroids can have more massive, more metal-rich and higher-density SGN, because star formation and chemical enrichment proceed more efficiently owing to the less dramatic suppression of star formation by supernovae feedback effects in more massive spheroids.Based on these results, we discuss correlations between the physical properties of SGN and those of their host galaxies, structural and kinematic properties of SGN of dwarf elliptical galaxies and the origin of very massive star clusters such as ω Cen and ultra-compact dwarf galaxies.
No Way Back: Maximizing Survival Time Below the Schwarzschild Event Horizon
Authors: Lewis Geraint F. , Kwan Juliana 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIt has long been known that once you cross the event horizon of a black hole, your destiny lies at the central singularity, irrespective of what you do. Furthermore, your demise will occur in a finite amount of proper time. In this paper, the use of rockets in extending the amount of time before the collision with the central singularity is examined. In general, the use of such rockets can increase your remaining time, but only up to a maximum value; this is at odds with the ‘more you struggle, the less time you have' statement that is sometimes discussed in relation to black holes. The derived equations are simple to solve numerically and the framework can be employed as a teaching tool for general relativity.
Expanding Space: the Root of all Evil?
Authors: Francis Matthew J. , Barnes Luke A. , James J. Berian , Lewis Geraint F. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWhile it remains the staple of virtually all cosmological teaching, the concept of expanding space in explaining the increasing separation of galaxies has recently come under fire as a dangerous idea whose application leads to the development of confusion and the establishment of misconceptions. In this paper we develop a notion of expanding space that is completely valid as a framework for the description of the evolution of the universe and whose application allows an intuitive understanding of the influence of universal expansion. We also demonstrate how arguments against the concept in general have failed thus far, as they imbue expanding space with physical properties not consistent with the expectations of general relativity.