bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase, a regulator of the glucose transporter, and elastic lamellae thinning during experimental cerebral aneurysm development
Authors: Sibon Igor , Mercier Nathalie , Darret Danièle , Lacolley Patrick , Lamazière Jean-Marie Daniel 
Published: February 2008

Object
Amine oxidases play a key role in the polymerization and cross-linking of the collagens and elastic lamellae of the arterial wall. The loss of elastic lamellae integrity is one of the first steps in the genesis of a cerebral aneurysm. The authors investigated the relation between semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) and the organization of the cerebral arterial wall during aneurysm development.

Methods
Intracranial aneurysms were induced in rats via unilateral carotid artery ligation and renovascular hypertension. This modified Hashimoto model was used to create elevated blood pressure associated with shear stress in cerebral arteries. The authors immunohistologically investigated some markers of the extracellular matrix (Types I, III, and IV collagen and elastin), vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation (smooth muscle myosin heavy chain [sm-MHC], α–smooth muscle actin, and desmin), and amine oxidases (SSAO and lysyl oxidase [LOX]) in the cerebral arterial wall in control and treated rats 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 months after the surgical procedure.

Results
The authors found severe disorganization and thinning of the elastic lamellae and a dramatic reduction in SSAO activity and immunostaining during cerebral aneurysm development. In contrast, LOX markers were slightly increased. Elastic lamellae thinning was highly correlated with decreases in SSAO (r = 0.76, p < 0.0001). There was also a correlation between sm-MHC and SSAO levels.

Conclusions
The data suggested that cerebral hemodynamic modifications induce decreases in SSAO activity resulting in cell dedifferentiation and inducing dysregulation of glucose transport.
A prospective gait analysis study in patients with diplegic cerebral palsy 20 years after selective dorsal rhizotomy
Authors: Langerak Nelleke G. , Lamberts Robert P. , Fieggen A. Graham , Peter Jonathan C. , van der Merwe Lize , Peacock Warwick J. , Vaughan Christopher L. 
Published: February 2008

Object
Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) has been widely performed for the reduction of spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy during the past 2 decades. The objective of this study was to determine whether the surgery has yielded long-term functional benefits for these patients.

Methods
The authors present results from a prospective 20-year follow-up study of locomotor function in 13 patients who underwent an SDR in 1985. For comparison, we also present gait data for 48 age-matched healthy controls (12 at each of 4 time points). Patients were studied preoperatively and then at 1, 3, 10, and 20 years after surgery. Study participants were recorded in the sagittal plane while walking using a digital video camera, and 6 standard gait parameters were measured.

Results
In this group of patients 20 years after surgery, knee range of motion (ROM) was on average 12° greater than preoperative values (p < 0.001). Hip ROM before surgery was no different from that in the healthy control group. This parameter increased markedly immediately after surgery (p < 0.001) but had returned to normal after 20 years. The knee and hip midrange values—a measure of the degree of “collapse” due to muscle weakness after surgery—had returned to preoperative levels after 20 years, although they were respectively 11 and 8° greater than those in healthy controls. Both temporal-distance parameters (dimensionless cadence and dimensionless step length) were significantly greater at 20 years than preoperative values (cadence, p = 0.003; step length, p = 0.02), leading to improved walking speed.

Conclusions
Twenty years after undergoing SDR, our patients showed improved locomotor function compared with their preoperative status.
Surgical treatment of moyamoya syndrome in patients with sickle cell anemia: outcome following encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis
Authors: Hankinson Todd C. , Bohman Leif-Erik , Heyer Geoffrey , Licursi Maureen , Ghatan Saadi , Feldstein Neil A. , Anderson Richard C. E. 
Published: February 2008

Object
Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and moyamoya syndrome carry a significant risk of ischemic stroke. Given the success of encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) or pial synangiosis in the treatment of moyamoya disease, the purpose of this study was to examine whether it reliably and durably protected children with SCA and moyamoya syndrome against cerebrovascular complications.

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed a series of 12 patients with SCA who developed clinical and/or radiological evidence of moyamoya syndrome and underwent EDAS.

Results
Eleven patients (92%) presented following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), transient ischemic attack (TIA), or seizure. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging or angiography suggested moyamoya vascular changes, and cerebral angiography confirmed the diagnosis in all 12 patients. At the time of surgery, the median age was 12.3 years (range 6.8–19.4 years). Ten (83%) of 12 patients had a history of CVA, and 4 of these patients were compliant with a transfusion protocol at the time of their CVA. Bilateral (7 patients) or unilateral (5 patients) EDAS was performed without complications. The mean follow-up period was 46.8 months (range 8.1–106 months). During the follow-up period, 2 patients (16.7%) suffered cerebrovascular events. One patient, who was stroke-free preoperatively, suffered a CVA 3 weeks after the procedure. The other patient suffered a single left lower-extremity TIA 18 months following right-sided EDAS. She returned to her neurological baseline condition and remains stable 53 months postoperatively. Seven patients underwent follow-up angiography or MR angiography, and evidence of revascularization was noted in all cases. At this time, no patient has developed progressive disease requiring a contralateral procedure after unilateral EDAS.

Conclusions
The EDAS procedure is a safe and effective treatment option in patients with SCA who develop moyamoya syndrome.
Nerve repair using acidic fibroblast growth factor in human cervical spinal cord injury: a preliminary Phase I clinical study
Authors: Wu Jau-Ching , Huang Wen-Cheng , Tsai Yun-An , Chen Yu-Chun , Cheng Henrich 
Published: February 2008

Object
The aim of this study was to assess functional outcomes of nerve repair using acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods
Nine patients who had cervical SCI for longer than 5 months were included in pre- and postoperative assessments of their neurological function. The assessments included evaluating activities of daily living, associated functional ability, and degree of spasticity, motor power, sensation, and pain perception. After the first set of assessments, the authors repaired the injured segment of the spinal cord using a total laminectomy followed by the application of fibrin glue containing acidic FGF. Clinical evaluations were conducted 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months after the surgery. Preoperative versus postoperative differences in injury severity and grading of key muscle power and sensory points were calculated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results
The preoperative degree of injury severity, as measured using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scoring system, showed that preoperative motor (52.4 ± 25.9 vs 68.6 ± 21.5), pinprick (61.0 ± 34.9 vs 71.6 ± 31.0), and light touch scores (57.3 ± 33.9 vs 71.9 ± 30.2) were significantly lower than the respective postoperative scores measured 6 months after surgery (p = 0.005, 0.012, and 0.008, respectively).

Conclusions
Based on the significant difference in ASIA motor and sensory scale scores between the preoperative status and the 6-month postoperative follow-up, this novel nerve repair strategy of using acidic FGF may have a role in the repair of human cervical SCI. Modest nerve regeneration occurred in all 9 patients after this procedure without any observed adverse effects. This repair strategy thus deserves further investigation, clinical consideration, and refinement.
Predictive value of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring during cervical spine surgery: a prospective analysis of 1055 consecutive patients
Authors: Kelleher Michael O. , Tan Gamaliel , Sarjeant Roger , Fehlings Michael G. 
Published: February 2008

Object
Despite the growing use of multimodal intraoperative monitoring (IOM) in cervical spinal surgery, limited data exist regarding the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of such a technique in detecting new neurological deficits in this setting. The authors sought to define the incidence of significant intraoperative electrophysiological changes and new postoperative neurological deficits in a cohort of patients undergoing cervical surgery.

Methods
The authors conducted a prospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients who had undergone cervical surgery during a 5-year period at a university-based neurosurgical unit, in which multimodal IOM was recorded. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPVs), and negative predictive values (NPVs) were determined using standard Bayesian techniques. The study population included 1055 patients (614 male and 441 female) with a mean age of 55 years.

Results
The IOM modalities performed included somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) recording in 1055 patients, motor evoked potential (MEP) recording in 26, and electromyography (EMG) in 427. Twenty-six patients (2.5%) had significant SSEP changes. Electromyographic activity was transient in 212 patients (49.6%), and 115 patients (26.9%) had sustained burst or train activity. New postoperative neurological deficits occurred in 34 patients (3.2%): 6 had combined sensory and motor deficits, 7 had new sensory deficits, 9 had increased motor weakness, and 12 had new root deficits. Of these 34 patients, 12 had spinal tumors, of which 7 were intramedullary. Overall, of the 34 new postoperative deficits, 21 completely resolved, 9 partially resolved, and 4 had no improvement. The deficits that completely resolved did so on average 3.3 months after surgery. Patients with deficits that did not fully resolve (partial or no improvement) were followed up for an average of 1.8 years after surgery.
Somatosensory evoked potentials had a sensitivity of 52%, a specificity of 100%, a PPV of 100%, and an NPV of 97%. Motor evoked potential sensitivity was 100%, specificity 96%, PPV 96%, and NPV 100%. Electromyography had a sensitivity of 46%, specificity of 73%, PPV of 3%, and an NPV of 97%.

Conclusions
Combined neurophysiological IOM with EMG and SSEP recording and the selective use of MEPs is helpful for predicting and possibly preventing neurological injury during cervical spine surgery.
Evaluation of lumbar segmental instability in degenerative diseases by using a new intraoperative measurement system
Authors: Hasegawa Kazuhiro , Kitahara Ko , Hara Toshiaki , Takano Ko , Shimoda Haruka , Homma Takao 
Published: February 2008

ObjectIn vivo quantitative measurement of lumbar segmental stability has not been established. The authors developed a new measurement system to determine intraoperative lumbar stability. The objective of this study was to clarify the biomechanical properties of degenerative lumbar segments by using the new method.MethodsTwenty-two patients with a degenerative symptomatic segment were studied and their measurements compared with those obtained in normal or asymptomatic degenerative segments (Normal group). The measurement system produces cyclic flexion–extension through spinous process holders by using a computer-controlled motion generator with all ligamentous structures intact. The following biomechanical parameters were determined: stiffness, absorption energy (AE), and neutral zone (NZ). Discs with degeneration were divided into 2 groups based on magnetic resonance imaging grading: degeneration without collapse (Collapse[−]) and degeneration with collapse (Collapse[+]). Biomechanical parameters were compared among the groups. Relationships among the biomechanical parameters and age, diagnosis, or radiographic parameters were analyzed.ResultsThe mean stiffness value in the Normal group was significantly greater than that in Collapse(−) or Collapse(+) group. There was no significant difference in the average AE value among the Normal, Collapse(−), and Collapse(+) groups. The NZ in the Collapse(−) was significantly higher than in the Normal or Collapse(+) groups. Stiffness was negatively and NZ was positively correlated with age. Stiffness demonstrated a significant negative and NZ a significant positive relationship with disc height, however.ConclusionsThere were no significant differences in stiffness between spines in the Collapse(−) and Collapse(+) groups. The values of a more sensitive parameter, NZ, were higher in Collapse(−) than in Collapse(+) groups, demonstrating that degenerative segments with preserved disc height have a latent instability compared to segments with collapsed discs.
Destructive pathological changes in the rat spinal cord due to chronic mechanical compression
Authors: Xu Peng , Gong Wei-Ming , Li Yao , Zhang Tao , Zhang Kai , Yin De-Zhen , Jia Tang-Hong 
Published: February 2008

Object
Chronic mechanical compression of the spinal cord, which is commonly caused by degeneration of the spine, impairs motor and sensory functions insidiously and progressively. Yet the exact mechanisms of chronic spinal cord compression (SCC) remain to be elucidated. To study the pathophysiology of this condition, the authors developed a simple animal experimental model that reproduced the clinical course of mechanical compression of the spinal cord.

Methods
A custom-designed compression device was implanted on the exposed spinal cord of female Wistar rats between the T-7 and T-9 vertebrae. A root canal screw attached to a plastic plate was tightened 1 complete turn (1 pitch) every 7 days for 6 weeks. The placement of the compression device and the degree of compression were validated every week using radiography. Furthermore, a motor sensory deficit index was also calculated every week. After 3, 6, 9, or 12 weeks, the compressed T7–9 spinal cords were harvested and examined histologically.

Results
Lateral projection of the thoracic spine showed a progressively increasing rate of mean spinal cord narrowing in the compression group. Motor and sensory deficiencies were observed from Week 3 onward; paralysis was observed in 2 rats at Week 12. Motor deficiency appeared earlier than sensory deficiency. Obvious pathological changes were observed starting at Week 6. The number of neurons in the gray matter of rats with chronic compression of the spinal cord decreased progressively in the 6- and 9-week compression groups. In the white matter, myelin destruction and loss of axons and glia were noted. The number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL)–positive neurons increased in the ventral-to-dorsal direction. The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased from Week 6 onward and peaked at Week 9.

Conclusions
This practical model accurately reproduces characteristic features of clinical chronic SCC, including progressive motor and sensory disturbances after a latency and insidious neuronal loss.
Propagation mechanisms in Agave macroacantha (Agavaceae), a tropical arid‐land succulent rosette
Authors: Arizaga Santiago , Ezcurra Exequiel 
Published: February 2008

Agave macroacantha can sexually reproduce by seeds and propagate vegetatively by aerial bulbils and ground‐level basal shoots and rhizomes. It forms compact patches apparently generated by the multiplication of ground‐level offshoots. We experimentally evaluated the establishment and survival of bulbils and seedlings of A. macroacantha in the Tehuacán Valley, Mexico, between 1991 and 1994 and studied comparatively the effectiveness of sexual reproduction against vegetative propagation.Seedlings showed low survival rates. Cohorts placed outside nurse plants died in less than 1 yr, while 1–10% of cohorts under nurse plants survived for more than 2 yr. Herbivores negatively affected seedling survival in non‐nursed plots. In rainy years, survival rates increased. Bulbils showed higher survival rates than seedlings.The excavation of rosettes showed that most are derived from vegetative shoots, as indicated by remains of rhizomes in their base. Most rosettes had ground‐level vegetative offspring totaling almost three shoots per rosette.In A. macroacantha, the establishment of seedlings and bulbils is a rare event that possibly only occurs under nurse plants in rainy years, while ground‐level cloning is highly effective as a propagation mechanism. These results are consistent with the aggregated spatial pattern of the species.
Interpreting claims in offender profiles: the role of probability phrases, base‐rates and perceived dangerousness
Authors: Villejoubert Gaëlle , Almond Louise , Alison Laurence 
Published: March 2008

AbstractOffender profilers use verbal and numerical probability expressions to convey uncertainty surrounding claims made about offender's characteristics. No previous research has examined how these expressions might affect the recipient's interpretation of the information. Seventy participants completed an online questionnaire and results showed a diverse range of interpretations of these uncertainty expressions. Moreover, characteristic base‐rates and dangerousness affected the perceived likelihood of the profiling claim, such that increased base‐rates and perceived dangerousness resulted in an increased perception of the claim being likely. Perceived likelihoods also depended on the framing of characteristics as well as the framing of the claim itself. Finally, where claims involved presenting a characteristic qualified by a low probability these claims were interpreted as more likely than not to be present. These findings have practical implications for profilers and more general theoretical implications for the study of risk perception. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermodynamics and Kinetic Processes of Polymer Blends and Block Copolymers in the Presence of Pressurized Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Walker T. A. , Frankowski D. J. , Spontak R. J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractEnvironmentally‐responsible materials processing is becoming an important global consideration in a wide variety of technologies, especially those wherein volatile and/or residual organic solvents cannot be tolerated. In this context, polymer processing has benefited tremendously from advances achieved using high‐pressure CO2 as a viscosity modifier, plasticizing agent, foaming agent, and reaction medium. Pressurized CO2 is environmentally benign, inexpensive, sustainable, and versatile owing to its gas‐like viscosity and liquid‐like solubility, which can be tuned through judicious choice of temperature and pressure. The addition of high‐pressure CO2 to homopolymer blends and block copolymers can have a profound impact on polymer thermodynamics and kinetic processes since the number of interacting species increases. As a result, the compressibility as well as plasticization and intermolecular screening effects become non‐negligible. In this work, we review how these factors influence such polymeric systems, and discuss commercial polymer processes and applications that benefit from the use of high‐pressure CO2.
Pyrotechnik mit dem “Ökosiegel”: eine chemische Herausforderung
Authors: Steinhauser Georg , Klapötke Thomas M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractKaum eine andere Anwendung aus dem Bereich der Chemie weckt in der Allgemeinbevölkerung so positive Assoziationen wie die Feuerwerkerei. Dabei wird das Umweltverschmutzungspotenzial von Feuerwerken sowie zivilen und militärischen pyrotechnischen Anwendungen häufig außer Acht gelassen. Moderne Entwicklungen in der Pyrotechnik konzentrieren sich verstärkt auf die Implementierung stickstoffreicher, energetischer Verbindungen wie Tetrazol‐ und Tetrazinderivate, um der längst fälligen Ökologisierung Rechnung zu tragen. Der vorliegende Aufsatz widmet sich den Umweltaspekten der Pyrotechnik und den aktuellen Bestrebungen, ihr ein neues, umweltverträglicheres Gesicht zu verleihen.
“Green” Pyrotechnics: A Chemists' Challenge
Authors: Steinhauser Georg , Klapötke Thomas M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractFireworks are probably the application of chemistry which resonates best with the general public. However, fireworks and (civil and military) pyrotechnic applications cause environmental pollution and thus have given rise to the development of new, environmentally friendly pyrotechnic compounds and formulations. Nitrogen‐rich energetic materials, such as the derivatives of tetrazoles and tetrazines, are about to revolutionize traditional pyrotechnic compositions. This Review summarizes the sources of pollution in current formulations and recent efforts toward “green” pyrotechnics.
Effects of the diluent mixing ratio and conditions of the thermally induced phase‐separation process on the pore size of microporous polyethylene membranes
Authors: Yoo S. H. , Kim C. K. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractMicroporous polyethylene (PE) membranes having a controlled pore size were produced via the thermally induced phase separation process by manipulation of the phase boundary of the PE/diluent blend and process conditions. The phase boundary of the PE blend, caused by upper critical solution temperature type phase behavior, was controlled by the use of a diluent mixture, that is, an isoparaffin/soybean oil mixture. The phase‐separation temperature of the PE/soybean oil blend was always higher than that of the PE/isoparaffin blend. In PE/(isoparaffin/soybean oil) ternary blends, the phase‐separation temperature of the ternary blend rapidly increased with increasing soybean oil content in the diluent mixture. Furthermore, the phase‐separation temperatures of ternary blends were always higher than that of the PE/soybean oil blend, regardless of the blend compositions, when the diluent mixture contained more than 50 wt % soybean oil. The observed phase behavior of the ternary blends was analyzed with interaction energy densities calculated with the Flory–Huggins theory and ternary stability conditions. The growth of droplets caused by both coalescence and the Oswald ripening process was observed after the onset of phase separation. As the blends became less stable, the droplet growth rate increased, and larger equilibrium droplets were formed. Microporous membranes with the desired pore structure could be prepared by control of the phase boundary and the variation of processing conditions such as the quenching depth, annealing time, and cooling rate. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Microstructural investigation of long‐term degradation mechanisms in GFRP dowel bars for jointed concrete pavement
Authors: Park Chan‐Gi , Jang Chang‐Il , Lee Si‐Won , Won Jong‐Pil 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSteel dowel bar is used to transfer loads in concrete pavement slab. However, once the steel dowel bar corrodes, it may cause faults, such as joint freezing in concrete pavement, level differences resulting from spalling or decreased efficiency of load transfer, etc., which are the same problems experienced by typical reinforcing steel. This study evaluated the applicability of glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) dowel bar as a substitute for steel dowel bar. A microstructural analysis was conducted to examine the decrease in durability of GFRP dowel bar exposed to deterioration environments. To analyze the deterioration mechanism of GFRP dowel bar, scanning electron microscopy was employed and the porosity was measured by the gas absorption method. It was concluded that the longer the GFRP dowel bar was exposed to deterioration environments, the more the interlaminar shear stress decreased. This result was validated by the microstructural analysis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008