bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explaining the Rise of Class Politics in Venezuela
Authors: HEATH OLIVER
Published: August 2008

The sudden rise to power of leftist former coup leader Hugo Chávez and the subsequent politicisation of social class raises a number of interesting questions about the sources of class politics and political change in Venezuela. Using nationally representative survey data over time, this article considers different explanations for the rise of class politics. It argues that explanations for the politicisation of class can best be understood in terms of ‘top‐down’ approaches that emphasise the role of political agency in reshaping and re‐crafting political identities, rather than more ‘bottom‐up’ factors that emphasise the demands that originate within the electorate. The economic crises during the 1990s undermined support for the existing parties, but it did not create a politically salient class‐based response. Rather, it created the electoral space that facilitated new actors to enter the political stage and articulate new issue dimensions.
Accessing public health information: a preliminary comparison of CABI's global health database and medline
Authors: Aalai Elham , Gleghorn Colette , Webb Anne , Glover Steven William
Published: August 2008

Background:  Access to a comprehensive public health index or database has been identified as problematic for health professionals. Public health literature contains many varied sources including reports, journal articles, and grey literature. Traditional biomedical databases such as medline often do not meet the needs of public health workers and researchers.

Aim/Methods:  The aim of the study was to examine the unique content of the global health database, by comparing it to the medline database. Pre‐determined terms were used as baseline comparators where controlled vocabulary definitions in each database were sufficiently matched. Retrieved results were stored and compared using EndNote libraries.

Results:  Results obtained from the terms used in the comparison study protocol suggest that the global health database holds a high proportion of unique records in comparison to medline. The largest overlap of duplicates from the global health database perspective came from the coccidiomycosis results set which contained 70.5% of references retrieved from both databases. Analyzing the results from a medline perspective, the subject with the largest overlap was dengue, with a 43% overlap.

Conclusion:  The results of this study show that the global health database is complimentary to medline in the subject areas of public health and global health.
Absence of glutathione peroxidase‐1 exacerbates cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion injury by reducing post‐ischemic microvascular perfusion
Authors: Wong Connie H. Y. , Bozinovski Steven , Hertzog Paul J. , Hickey Michael J. , Crack Peter J.
Published: August 2008

Mice deficient in the anti‐oxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase‐1 (Gpx1) have a greater susceptibility to cerebral injury following a localized ischemic event. Much of the response to ischemia‐reperfusion is caused by aberrant responses within the microvasculature, including inflammation, diminished endothelial barrier function (increased vascular permeability), endothelial activation, and reduced microvascular perfusion. However, the role of Gpx1 in regulating these responses has not been investigated. Wild‐type and Gpx1−/− mice underwent focal cerebral ischemia via mid‐cerebral artery occlusion followed by measurement of cerebral perfusion via laser Doppler and intravital microscopy. Post‐ischemic brains in wild‐type mice displayed significant deficit in microvascular perfusion. However, in Gpx1−/− mice, the deficit in cerebral blood flow was significantly greater than that in wild‐type mice, and this was associated with significant increase in infarct size and increased vascular permeability. Ischemia‐reperfusion also resulted in expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in endothelial cells. The absence of Gpx1 was associated with marked increase in pro‐MMP‐9 expression as well as potentiated MMP‐9 activity. Pre‐treatment of Gpx1−/− mice with the anti‐oxidant ebselen restored microvascular perfusion, limited the induction and activation of MMP‐9, and attenuated the increases in infarct size and vascular permeability. These findings demonstrate that the anti‐oxidant function of Gpx1 plays a critical role in protecting the cerebral microvasculature against ischemia‐reperfusion injury by preserving microvascular perfusion and inhibiting MMP‐9 expression.
Soluble aggregates of the amyloid‐β protein selectively stimulate permeability in human brain microvascular endothelial monolayers
Authors: Gonzalez‐Velasquez Francisco J. , Kotarek Joseph A. , Moss Melissa A.
Published: August 2008

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by cerebrovascular deposition of the amyloid‐β protein (Aβ). Aβ elicits a number of morphological and biochemical alterations in the cerebral microvasculature, which culminate in hemorrhagic stroke. Among these changes, compromise of the blood‐brain barrier has been described in Alzheimer’s disease brain, transgenic animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, and cell culture experiments. In the current study, presented data illustrates that isolated soluble Aβ1–40 aggregates, but not unaggregated monomer or mature fibril, enhance permeability in human brain microvascular endothelial monolayers. Aβ1–40‐induced changes in permeability are paralleled by both a decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance and a re‐localization of the tight junction‐associated protein zonula occludin‐1 away from cell borders and into the cytoplasm. Small soluble Aβ1–40 aggregates are confirmed to be the most potent stimulators of endothelial monolayer permeability by establishing an inverse relationship between average aggregate size and stimulated changes in diffusional permeability coefficients. These results support previous findings demonstrating that small soluble Aβ1–40 aggregates are also primarily responsible for endothelial activation, suggesting that these same species may elicit other changes in the cerebrovasculature associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer’s disease.
Mitochondrial turnover in liver is fast in vivo and is accelerated by dietary restriction: application of a simple dynamic model
Authors: Miwa Satomi , Lawless Conor , Von Zglinicki Thomas
Published: August 2008

‘Mitochondrial dysfunction’, which may result from an accumulation of damaged mitochondria in cells due to a slowed‐down rate of mitochondrial turnover and inadequate removal of damaged mitochondria during aging, has been implicated as both cause and consequence of the aging process and a number of age‐related pathologies. Despite growing interest in mitochondrial function during aging, published data on mitochondrial turnover are scarce, and differ from each other by up to one order of magnitude. Here we demonstrate that re‐utilization of the radioactively labelled precursor in pulse‐chase assays is the most likely cause of significant overestimation of mitochondrial turnover rates. We performed a classic radioactive label pulse‐chase experiment using 14C NaHCO3, whose 14C is incorporated into various amino acids, to measure mitochondrial turnover in mouse liver. In this system, the activity of the urea cycle greatly limited arginine dependent label re‐utilization, but not that of other amino acids. We used information from tissues that do not have an active urea cycle (brain and muscle) to estimate the extent of label re‐utilization with a dynamic mathematical model. We estimated the actual liver mitochondrial half life as only 1.83 days, and this decreased to 1.16 days following 3 months of dietary restriction, supporting the hypothesis that this intervention might promote mitochondrial turnover as a part of its beneficial effects.
ING1a expression increases during replicative senescence and induces a senescent phenotype
Authors: Soliman Mohamed A. , Berardi Philip , Pastyryeva Svitlana , Bonnefin Paul , Feng Xiaolan , Colina Ana , Young Dallan , Riabowol Karl
Published: August 2008

The ING family of tumor suppressor proteins affects cell growth, apoptosis and response to DNA damage by modulating chromatin structure through association with different HAT and HDAC complexes. The major splicing isoforms of the ING1 locus are ING1a and INGlb. While INGlb plays a role in inducing apoptosis, the function of ING1a is currently unknown. Here we show that alternative splicing of the ING1 message alters the INGla:INGlb ratio by ~30‐fold in senescent compared to low passage primary fibroblasts. INGla antagonizes INGlb function in apoptosis, induces the formation of structures resembling senescence‐associated heterochromatic foci containing heterochromatin protein 1 gamma, the accumulation of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity and promotes senescent cell morphology and cell cycle arrest. Phenotypic effects may result from differential effects on gene expression since ING1a increases levels of both retinoblastoma and the p16 cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor and ING1a and ING1b have opposite effects on the expression of proliferating nuclear cell antigen (PCNA), which is required for cell growth. Gene expression appears to be altered by targeting of HDAC complexes to gene promoters since INGla associates with several‐fold higher levels of HDAC1 in senescent, compared to replication‐competent cells and ING1 is found on the PCNA promoter by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis. These data demonstrate a novel role for the ING1 proteins in differentially regulating senescence‐associated chromatin remodeling vs. apoptosis and support the idea that altered ratios of the ING1 splicing isoforms may contribute to establishing the senescent phenotype through HDAC and HAT complex‐mediated effects on chromatin structure.
Blood pressure and heart rate variability analysis of orthostatic challenge in normal human pregnancies
Authors: Heiskanen Nonna , Saarelainen Heli , Valtonen Pirjo , Lyyra‐Laitinen Tiina , Laitinen Tomi , Vanninen Esko , Heinonen Seppo
Published: August 2008

The aim of the present study was to evaluate pregnancy‐related changes in autonomic regulatory functions in healthy subjects. We studied cardiovascular autonomic responses to head‐up tilt (HUT) in 28 pregnant women during the third trimester of pregnancy and 3 months after parturition. The maternal ECG and non‐invasive beat‐to‐beat blood pressure were recorded in the horizontal position (left‐lateral position) and during HUT in the upright position. Stroke volume was assessed from blood pressure signal by using the arterial pulse contour method. Heart rate variability (HRV) was analysed in frequency domain, and baroreflex sensitivity by the cross‐spectral and the sequence methods. In the horizontal position, all frequency components of HRV were lower during pregnancy than 3 months after parturition (P < 0·01 to <0·001), while pregnancy had no influence on normalized low frequency and high frequency powers. During pregnancy haemodynamics was well balanced with only minor changes in response to postural change while haemodynamic responses to HUT were more remarkable after parturition. In pregnant women HRV and especially its very low frequency component increased in response to HUT, whereas at 3 months after parturition the direction of these changes was opposite. Parasympathetic deactivation towards term is likely to contribute to increased heart rate and cardiac output at rest, whereas restored sympathetic modulation with modest responses may contribute stable peripheral resistance and sufficient placental blood supply under stimulated conditions. It is important to understand cardiovascular autonomic nervous system and haemodynamic control in normal pregnancy before being able to judge whether they are dysregulated in complicated pregnancies.
Role of Helicobacter pylori Infection in the Treatment and Outcome of Chronic Urticaria
Authors: Hellmig S. , Troch K. , Ott S. J. , Schwarz T. , Fölsch U. R.
Published: August 2008

Introduction:  Chronic urticaria is thought to have numerous causative factors including a large variety of infectious conditions, food intake, and drugs. The impact of Helicobacter pylori infection has been studied with ambiguous results. The aim of this study was to investigate the course of chronic urticaria in H. pylori‐positive patients undergoing eradication compared to H. pylori‐negative urticaria patients.

Patients and Methods:  We included 74 urticaria patients with positive H. pylori breath test and 74 age‐ and sex‐matched H. pylori‐negative controls. All urticaria patients underwent an extensive diagnostic work‐up to search for trigger foci. H. pylori‐infected patients were submitted to eradication therapy. Mean follow‐up time was 58 months.

Results:  Neither the prevalence of H. pylori nor the eradication therapy had an influence on the clinical course of chronic urticaria. In 81.1% of H. pylori‐infected patients at least one additional infectious focus was found. Nevertheless, it could be shown that individuals that described any kind of symptom relief presented with higher serum IgE levels at diagnosis (198.1 vs 115.7 kU/L, p= .027) but this effect was independent of H. pylori infection.

Conclusions:  In conclusion there is no evidence that eradication of H. pylori improves the outcome in patients with chronic urticaria. The high rate of spontaneous remission and the coexisistance of multiple foci will always obscure the evaluation of any specific antimicrobial therapy.
Helicobacter Hypothesis for Idiopathic Parkinsonism: Before and Beyond
Authors: Dobbs R. John , Dobbs Sylvia M. , Weller Clive , Charlett André , Bjarnason Ingvar T. , Curry Alan , Ellis David S. , Ibrahim Mohammad A. A. , McCrossan Maria V. , O'Donohue John , Owen Robert J. , Oxlade Norman L. , Price Ashley B. , Sanderson Jeremy D. , Sudhanva Malur , Williams John
Published: August 2008

We challenge the concept of idiopathic parkinsonism (IP) as inevitably progressive neurodegeneration, proposing a natural history of sequential microbial insults with predisposing host response. Proof‐of‐principle that infection can contribute to IP was provided by case studies and a placebo‐controlled efficacy study of Helicobacter eradication. “Malignant” IP appears converted to “benign”, but marked deterioration accompanies failure. Similar benefit on brady/hypokinesia from eradicating “low‐density” infection favors autoimmunity. Although a minority of UK probands are urea breath test positive for Helicobacter, the predicted probability of having the parkinsonian label depends on the serum H. pylori antibody profile, with clinically relevant gradients between this “discriminant index” and disease burden and progression. In IP, H. pylori antibodies discriminate for persistently abnormal bowel function, and specific abnormal duodenal enterocyte mitochondrial morphology is described in relation to H. pylori infection. Slow intestinal transit manifests as constipation from the prodrome. Diarrhea may flag secondary small‐intestinal bacterial overgrowth. This, coupled with genetically determined intense inflammatory response, might explain evolution from brady/hypokinetic to rigidity‐predominant parkinsonism.
Multiple Eruptive Milia in a 9‐Year‐Old Boy
Authors: Diba Victoria C. , Handfield‐Jones Sue , Rytina Edward , Hall Per , Burrows Nigel
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  We report a 9‐year‐old boy with a gradual onset of multilobulated cysts on his nose and cheeks and histology in keeping with milia. His presentation was compatible with a diagnosis of multiple eruptive milia. As far as we are aware, this is only the second patient reported. Patterns whereby milia may present in children are discussed.
Use of a Silklike Bedding Fabric in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Kurtz Eleanor J. , Yelverton Christopher B. , Camacho Fabian T. , Fleischer, Jr. Alan B.
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Symptoms of atopic dermatitis are often affected by environmental irritants. Modulation of potential irritants may benefit such symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a novel silklike bedding fabric for persons with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. Participants with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were provided a bedsheet set. Eczema Area and Severity Index and Investigator Global Assessment were the primary outcome measures. Visual Analog Scale for itch and a quality of life were also evaluated. The Wilcoxon signed rank test indicated a significant decrease in severity, with the Investigator Global Assessment score decreasing from 2.05 to 1.74 at week 8 (p = 0.03), the Eczema Area and Severity Index decreasing from 2.63 at baseline to 2.19 (p = 0.014), and the itching score decreasing from 3.97 to 3.00 (p = 0.010). An increase in the study‐specific quality of life index was also observed, changing from −0.08 (no change in quality of life) to 1.23 (some improvement) (p < 0.0001). Atopic dermatitis is commonly recalcitrant to therapy and synthetic silklike bed linens may have value as another option for the treatment of this disease. This pilot study demonstrated promising results that warrant confirmation in controlled clinical studies.
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion Following Forehead Injection with a Corticosteroid Suspension
Authors: Edwards Albert O.
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Intralesional injection of corticosteroid suspensions into or adjacent to the ocular adnexa is performed by a number of medical specialists including dermatologists. Although not widely known outside of the ophthalmic community, these injections can lead to blindness through embolization of the central retinal artery. A case of blindness following injection into the forehead lesion of a child with the rare dermatologic condition pyogenic arthritis and pyodermic gangrenosum syndrome is reported. Injection into or near the ocular adnexa may be performed in small boluses to reduce the chance of retinal embolization following entry into the arterial system.
Skin Care of the Diaper Area
Authors: Adam Ralf
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  The skin of the diaper area has special needs for protection from the irritating effects of urine and feces and prevention of diaper dermatitis. These needs include products such as diapers that absorb the excreta, as well as products for cleansing and conditioning the skin. A number of factors play a role in development of diaper dermatitis, including prolonged exposure to excreta, alterations in skin pH or increased hydration, and changes in skin microbial flora. Recent decades have seen great improvements in our understanding of these factors and our ability to develop new and better products to protect baby skin. Better diaper designs and the development of pH‐buffered baby wipes have improved the care of skin in the diaper area. Continuing research offers the promise of new products with additional benefits for caregivers and infants.
Multiple Basal Cell Carcinomas in Xeroderma Pigmentosum Treated with Imiquimod 5% Cream
Authors: MALHOTRA AMIT KUMAR , GUPTA SOMESH , KHAITAN BINOD K. , VERMA KAUSHAL K.
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  We report successful treatment of multiple basal cell carcinomas with imiquimod 5% cream in a 16‐year‐old boy with xeroderma pigmentosum and review the possibility of prophylactic role of imiquimod in the disease. Imiquimod cream was applied uniformly over all the basal cell carcinoma lesions and background pigmented skin, once at bedtime on every alternate day for 12 weeks. Besides the basal cell carcinomas, the background hyperpigmentation and keratotic papules also cleared, and the skin texture improved. The lesions did not recur at the treated sites during the follow up of 1 year.
Pilomatricomas in Turner Syndrome
Authors: Wood Simon , Nguyen Dai , Hutton Kim , Dickson William
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Pilomatricomas are benign, cutaneous tumors of the hair matrix cells, which present predominantly in childhood. Although usually an isolated finding, they have been described in association with several inherited conditions. We report a 10‐year‐old girl with Turner syndrome who has two pilomatricomas, including one giant tumor. In combination with a previous report of pilomatricoma in two patients with Turner syndrome, our observation indicates that it is likely a real, although uncommon, association of pilomatricomas with Turner syndrome exists.. This apparent predisposition may be etiologically related to the abnormalities of hair‐bearing skin observed in Turner syndrome. Doctors involved in the diagnosis and management of cutaneous masses in children should be aware of this association.
Trichothiodystrophy‐like Hair Abnormalities in a Child with Keratitis Ichthyosis Deafness Syndrome
Authors: De Raeve L. , Bonduelle M. , Deconinck H. , Roseeuw D. , Stene J.‐J.
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Keratitis ichthyosis deafness syndrome is a rare congenital ectodermal disorder. It appears to be genetically heterogeneous and may be caused by mutations in the connexin 26 (Cx26) gene (GJB2) or in the connexin 30 gene. It is characterized by the association of ichthyosis‐like skin lesions, hearing loss, and vascularizing keratitis. We report the clinical and molecular findings in a 5‐year‐old girl with keratitis ichthyosis deafness syndrome. DNA sequencing in our patient revealed a p.Ser17Phe mutation in GJB2. Besides the typical clinical features of keratitis ichthyosis deafness syndrome, a peculiar intriguing finding not previously described in the literature in this condition was that polarizing light microscopy of the scalp hair in our patient revealed striking bright and dark bands as seen in trichothiodystrophy. Amino acid analysis of the hair sample also disclosed a reduced cysteine index. We emphasize that it would be of great benefit to examine hair shafts in other patients with keratitis ichthyosis deafness syndrome for trichothiodystrophy‐like abnormalities.
Acral Cutaneous Findings in Wrinkly Skin Syndrome: Are They Tripe Palms?
Authors: NANDA ARTI
Published: August 2008

Letters to the Editor are welcomed for publication (subject to editing). Letters must be signed by all authors, typewritten double spaced, and must not exceed two pages of text including references. Two copies of all letters should be submitted along with one copy on disk. Letters should not duplicate material submitted or published in other journals. Prepublication proofs will not be provided.
Infantile Acne: A Retrospective Study of 16 Cases
Authors: Hello Muriel , Prey Sorilla , Léauté‐Labrèze Christine , Khammari Amir , Dreno Brigitte , Stalder Jean‐François , Barbarot Sébastien
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Infantile acne is a rare and poorly understood disorder. The objective of this study was to improve our knowledge about the epidemiology and clinical course of infantile acne, and evaluate approaches to treatment. This two‐center retrospective study covered the period between 1985 and 2007. Inclusion criteria were: (i) age less than 24 months when lesions appeared; (ii) presence of both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions; (iii) persistence of lesions for at least 2 months. The data were drawn from clinical and photographic records, followed by administration of a telephone questionnaire to parents. It was proposed that each case be reviewed on the basis of the child’s appearance and score on an acne scar clinical grading scale. Sixteen children were included. Nine had a family history of severe adolescent acne. The average duration of disease was 22 months. Two patients had been effectively treated with oral isotretinoin. More than half of the patients exhibited scars. We re‐examined five children (average acne scar clinical grading scale score = 12/540). On the basis of the frequency of scarring, and the severity and average duration of lesions, the use of oral retinoids in severe infantile acne warrants evaluation.
Mycobacterial Phenolic Glycolipid Inhibits Phagosome Maturation and Subverts the Pro‐inflammatory Cytokine Response
Authors: Robinson Nirmal , Kolter Thomas , Wolke Martina , Rybniker Jan , Hartmann Pia , Plum Georg
Published: August 2008

Inhibition of phagosome maturation is an important hallmark of mycobacterial pathogenesis. A variety of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic approaches have been used to pin down the molecule responsible for this pathogenic principle. We in this study characterize a glycolipid of Mycobacterium marinum identified through a screen of mutants disabled in inhibiting phagosome maturation to be phenolphthiocerol diester (phenolic glycolipid, PGL). This molecule is sufficient to impart its ability to inhibit phagosome maturation onto other microbial cells and even inert beads that are used as model pathogens. In addition, it abrogates pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion induced by strong inducers such as heat‐killed Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette–Guérin. This strong dual agonistic effect of PGL overrides pro‐inflammatory and pro‐lysosomal delivery impulses set not only by mycobacteria but also by other pathogens and thus provides convincing evidence that this molecule is a vital mycobacterial virulence factor.
High prevalence of allergic diseases and sensitization in a low allergen country
Authors: Clausen Michael , Kristjansson Sigurdur , Haraldsson Asgeir , Björkstén Bengt
Published: August 2008

Background: The prevalence of adult atopic diseases in Iceland is lower than in other West European countries, despite an affluent lifestyle, but limited data are available on children. The main aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of atopic diseases and sensitivity to common allergens in 10‐ to 11‐year‐old Icelandic schoolchildren as part of phase II of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC).

Methods: Nine hundred and forty‐six children and their parents answered a questionnaire about atopic diseases. Skin prick tests with six allergens were performed on 773 children and they were examined for signs of atopic dermatitis (AD).

Results: The 12‐month prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma was 11.5% and 8.9% respectively. The reported prevalence of AD was 27%, but only 9.2% had signs when inspected. A positive skin prick test (SPT) was found in 24.4% of the children, that is 18.8% to grass, 12.9% to cat, 3.6% to trees, 3.0% to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 1.4% to D. farinae and 0.5% to Alternaria.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of atopic diseases in children at 10–11 years is surprising, as the prevalence in adults is low in Iceland. The findings resemble those in developing countries. Iceland has had an affluent lifestyle for a considerable time, but the absence of dust mites, low pet ownership and relatively low pollen counts in the country raise doubts about the role of exposure levels in the development of sensitization and atopic diseases.
Do drugs that block transforming growth factor beta reduce posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation in a neonatal rat model?
Authors: Aquilina Kristian , Hobbs Catherine , Tucker Alexander , Whitelaw Andrew , Thoresen Marianne
Published: August 2008

Aim: Posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) after intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) remains a significant problem in preterm infants. No treatment has reduced the need for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. Considerable evidence implicates transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) in the pathogenesis of PHVD. Pirfenidone and losartan reduce TGF‐β expression and decrease postinflammatory fibrosis in the lungs, kidneys, heart and liver. They have excellent CSF and brain penetration. We hypothesized that administration of pirfenidone or losartan would reduce ventricular dilatation.

Methods: Ninety‐two rat pups underwent intraventricular blood injection on postnatal days (PN) 7 and 8, and were randomised to pirfenidone, losartan or water by gavage for 14 days. Neuromotor testing was carried out twice weekly. After sacrifice at PN21, ventricular area was measured on coronal sections using image‐analysis software.

Results: Ninety‐five percent of animals undergoing IVH developed PHVD. Ventricular size was not significantly different between animals receiving either drug or water. Neuromotor testing at PN14 was significantly worse in IVH animals than in controls; neither drug improved performance in IVH animals.

Conclusion: Drugs that block TGF‐β do not reduce ventricular dilatation in this model. Further study is required to identify other cytokine targets and to determine how PHVD differs from postinflammatory fibrosis in other organs.
Incidence rates of asthma, rhinitis and eczema symptoms and influential factors in young children in Sweden
Authors: Larsson M , Hägerhed‐Engman L , Sigsgaard T , Janson S , Sundell J , Bornehag C‐G
Published: August 2008

Aim: To estimate the incidence rates for asthma, rhinitis and eczema symptoms and to investigate the importance of different influential factors for the incidence of these symptoms.

Methods: The Dampness in Building and Health study commenced in the year 2000 in Värmland, Sweden with a parental questionnaire based on an ISAAC protocol to all children in the age of 1–6 years. Five years later a follow‐up questionnaire was sent to the children that were 1–3 years at baseline. In total, 4779 children (response rate = 73%) participated in both surveys and constitute the study population in this cohort study.

Results: The 5‐year incidence of doctor‐diagnosed asthma was 4.9% (95% CI 4.3–5.3), rhinitis was 5.7% (5.0–6.4) and eczema was 13.4% (12.3–14.5). However, incidence rates strongly depend on the health status of the baseline population. Risk factors for incident asthma were male gender and short period of breast‐feeding. Allergic symptoms in parents were also a strong risk factor for incident asthma, as well as for rhinitis and eczema.

Conclusion: When comparing incident rates of asthma between different studies it is important to realize that different definitions of the healthy baseline population will give rise to different incident rates.
Does circumcision increase neonatal jaundice?
Authors: Eroğlu E , Balcı S , Özkan HC , Yörükalp Ö , Göksel AK , Şarman G , Dayanıklı P
Published: August 2008

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of circumcision done during the early newborn period on the baby's feeding frequency and therefore a possible effect on serum bilirubin values.

Methods: Sixty consecutive male patients, of whom 30 were circumcised, were comparatively followed. Babies born between 35 and 40 gestational weeks, weighing above 3000 g and who had no antenatal and/or perinatal problems were enrolled. Changes in weight, frequency of feeds, urination, stooling and the serum bilirubin levels were compared.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion: In experienced hands, newborn circumcision on the second day of life is safe, does not affect babies' feeding frequency or bowel movements on day 3, and does not increase serum bilirubin on day 4, thus does not increase the risk of neonatal jaundice.
Massage decreases aggression in preschool children: a long‐term study
Authors: Von Knorring Anne‐Liis , Söderberg Anna , Austin Lena , Uvnäs‐Moberg Kerstin
Published: August 2008

Aim: To evaluate the effects of massage in 4‐ to 5‐year‐old children with aggression and deviant behaviour at day‐care centres.

Method: The children received daily massage in preschool at the midday rest (n = 60). The controls were listening to a story (n = 50). The Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) was used to rate the children's behaviour by parents and staff before the treatment started, and after 3 and 6 months. A long‐term evaluation was also carried out. It included all massaged children still in daycare after 12 months (n = 34).

Results: Children with high scores of behaviour problems, receiving massage and/or extra attention showed significant decrease in aggression scores after 3 months, but after 6 months significantly lowered scores were only found in massage‐treated deviant children. Parents of the children receiving massage rated a significant decrease of somatic problems of their children. Staff rated that the massaged children's social problems decreased, compared to the control children. Attention problems tended to decrease, especially at home. A continuous decrease in aggressive behaviour and somatic problems over a 12‐month period was observed in the children receiving massage.

Conclusion: Daily touching by massage lasting for 5–10 min could be an easy and inexpensive way to decrease aggression among preschool children.
Density probability distribution functions of diffuse gas in the Milky Way
Authors: Berkhuijsen E. M. , Fletcher A.
Published: August 2008

In a search for the signature of turbulence in the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM) in gas density distributions, we determined the probability distribution functions (PDFs) of the average volume densities of the diffuse gas. The densities were derived from dispersion measures and H i column densities towards pulsars and stars at known distances. The PDFs of the average densities of the diffuse ionized gas (DIG) and the diffuse atomic gas are close to lognormal, especially when lines of sight at |b| < 5° and |b| ≥ 5° are considered separately. The PDF of 〈nH i〉 at high |b| is twice as wide as that at low |b|. The width of the PDF of the DIG is about 30 per cent smaller than that of the warm H i at the same latitudes. The results reported here provide strong support for the existence of a lognormal density PDF in the diffuse ISM, consistent with a turbulent origin of density structure in the diffuse gas.
Lack of somatic alterations of MC1R in primary melanoma
Authors: Kim R. D. , Curtin J. A. , Bastian Boris C.
Published: August 2008

Germline variation of the melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R) is a risk factor for cutaneous melanoma. Recent studies have indicated that the risk is significantly higher for melanomas with somatic BRAF mutations, suggesting that MC1R variants may have a more specific role than their demonstrated effects on skin and hair pigmentation. To address the possibility that MC1R may act like a tumor suppressor gene by creating a permissive condition for melanocytes with specific somatic mutations to proliferate or survive, we analyzed 103 primary melanomas for somatic MC1R mutations and copy number alterations. This cohort included melanomas from skin with and without chronic sun‐induced damage, mucosal membranes, and acral skin (palms, soles, and subungual). We did not find somatic mutations or frequent DNA copy number alterations at the MC1R locus, nor any skewed pattern of copy number alterations that would favor one allele type over the other. In conclusion, our findings indicate that MC1R is not a frequent target of somatic alterations in melanoma.
Mesoscale Mechanical Model for Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking and Implications for Microstructure Engineering
Authors: Jivkov Andrey P. , Stevens Nicholas P. C. , Marrow Thomas J.
Published: August 2008

The resistance of polycrystalline materials to intergranular cracking can be influenced by the microstructure. In sensitized stainless steels, for example, the grain boundaries prone to sensitization form paths of low resistance for intergranular stress corrosion cracking. The nonsensitized grain boundaries, such as twin boundaries, have been observed to encourage the formation of crack bridging ligaments. Computational models of intergranular cracking have been developed to investigate the consequences of crack bridging, through its effects on crack propagation in microstructures with different fractions of nonsensitized boundaries. This paper introduces the recently developed two-dimensional model for intergranular cracking with crack bridging, and reports its application to investigate the effect of grain size. It is shown that the size of the crack bridging zone depends on the grain size, and the shielding contribution depends on the relative size of the bridging zone compared to the crack length. It is concluded that both grain refinement and increase in the fraction of resistant boundaries can improve microstructure resistance to intergranular cracking. These observations are consistent with the effects of grain boundary engineering on stress corrosion cracking resistance in sensitized stainless steels.
Validation of RTT0 for German Reactor Pressure Vessel Steels
Authors: Siegele Dieter , Keim Elisabeth , Nagel Gerhard
Published: August 2008

For the introduction of the new reference temperature RTT0 of the ASME Code Cases N-629 and N-631 into the German Standard KTA 3201.2, the applicability of RTT0 was validated by the reevaluation of the existing fracture toughness database of German reactor pressure vessel. (RPV) steels including unirradiated and irradiated base materials and weld metal data. The test temperatures of the database were standardized to the reference temperature T0 of the master curve of the data sets and the database was compared with the ASME KIC-curve as adjusted by RTT0. The KIC-curve adjusted by RTT0 enveloped both the 1T-size adjusted database and also the as-measured database, corresponding to the definition of RTT0. Thus, the results also prove the validity of the KIC(RTT0)-curve for allowable flaw sizes and up to the crack length spectrum of the ASME KIC-database without size adjustment of T0. The results of both investigations confirmed the validity of RTT0 for German RPV steels. The majority of existing fracture toughness data are based on KIC-values. More recent data are (KJC) related to the issuing of ASTM E 1921 in 1997 and to the success of the master curve-based T0 approach. Therefore, the possible difference between T0 determined from KJC and from KIC was investigated with available databases for RPV steels. The comparison of T0(KJC) and T0(KIC) showed a 1:1 correlation proving the equivalence of KJC and KIC in the determination of T0.
Three-Dimensional Crack Growth in Ductile Materials: Effect of Stress Constraint on Crack Tunneling
Authors: Zuo Jianzheng , Deng Xiaomin , Sutton Michael A. , Cheng Chin-Shan
Published: August 2008

Crack tunneling is a crack growth feature often seen in stable tearing crack growth tests on specimens made of ductile materials and containing through-thickness cracks with initially straight crack fronts. As a specimen is loaded monotonically, the midsection of the crack front will advance first, which will be followed by crack growth along the rest of the crack front, leading to the formation of a thumbnail shaped crack-front profile. From the viewpoint of fracture mechanics, crack tunneling will occur if the operating fracture criterion is met first in the midsection of the crack front, which may be due to a higher fracture driving force and∕or a lower fracture toughness in the midsection. A proper understanding of this fracture behavior is important to the development of a three-dimensional fracture criterion for general stable tearing crack growth in ductile materials. In this paper, the phenomenon of crack tunneling during stable tearing crack growth in a single-edge crack specimen is investigated by considering the effect of stress constraint on the fracture toughness. Crack growth in the specimen under nominally Mode I loading conditions is considered. In this case, crack tunneling occurs while the initially flat crack surface (which is normal to the specimen’s lateral surfaces) evolves into a final slanted fracture surface. A mixed-mode crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) fracture criterion and a custom three-dimensional (3D) fracture simulation code, CRACK3D, are used to analyze the crack tunneling event (but not crack slanting) in the specimen. Results of this investigation suggest that the critical CTOD value (which is the fracture toughness) has a clear dependence on the crack-front stress constraint Am (the constraint measure in this work is the stress triaxiality, which is the ratio of the mean normal stress to the von Mises effective stress). For simplicity, this dependence can be approximated by a straight line within the range of stress constraint values found, with the toughness decreasing as the constraint increases. It is found that crack tunneling in this case is mainly the result of a higher stress constraint (hence a lower fracture toughness) in the midsection of the crack front. Details of the crack growth simulation and other findings of this study will also be presented.
The Effect of Cylinder and Hub Creep on the Load Relaxation in Bolted Flanged Joints
Authors: Nechache Akli , Bouzid Abdel-Hakim
Published: August 2008

The leakage tightness behavior of bolted flange joints is compromised due to the high temperature effects and, in particular, when creep of the materials of the different components of the bolted flanged joint takes place. The relaxation of bolted flanged joints is often estimated from the creep of the gasket and the bolts. The creep behavior of the flange ring, the hub, and the cylinder is often neglected. Apart from an acknowledgement of relaxation due to the creep, the designer has no specific tools to accurately assess this effect on the bolt load relaxation. The objective of this paper is to present an analytical approach capable of predicting the bolt load relaxation due to the creep of the flange ring, hub, and cylinder. The proposed approach is compared to the 3D finite element models of different size flanges. An emphasis will be put toward the importance of including creep of the hub and cylinder in high temperature flange designs.
Structural Integrity Estimates of Steam Generator Tubes Containing Wear-Type Defects
Authors: Chang Yoon-Suk , Kim Jong-Min , Huh Nam-Su , Kim Young-Jin , Hwang Seong-Sik , Kim Hong-Pyo
Published: August 2008

It is requested that steam generator tubes with defects exceeding 40% of wall thickness in depth should be plugged to sustain all postulated loads with appropriate margin. This critical defect size has been determined based on a concept of plastic instability, however, which is known to be too conservative for some locations and types of defects. The application of this concept may even cause premature retirement of steam generator tubes. In reality, a reliable structural integrity estimation for steam generator tubes containing a defect has received increasing attention. Although several guidelines have been developed and used for assessing defect containing tubes, most of these guidelines are focused on stress corrosion cracking or wall-thinning phenomena. Because some of steam generator tubes fail due to fretting and so on, specific integrity estimation schemes for relevant defects are required. In this paper, more than a hundred three-dimensional finite element analyses of steam generator tubes under internal pressure condition are carried out to simulate the failure behavior of steam generator tubes with specific defect configurations: elliptical wear-type, tapered wedge-type, and flat wear-type defects. After investigating the effect of key parameters such as defect depth, defect length, and wrap or tapered angle on equivalent stress across the ligament thickness, burst pressure estimation equations are proposed in relation to material strengths. Predicted burst pressures agreeded well with the corresponding experimental data, so the proposed equations can be used to assess the structural integrity of steam generator tubes with wear-type defects.
A Noncyclic Method for Plastic Shakedown Analysis
Authors: Reinhardt W.
Published: August 2008

Shakedown is a cyclic phenomenon, and for its analysis it seems natural to employ a cyclic analysis method. Two problems are associated when this direct approach is used in finite element analysis. First, the analysis typically needs to be stabilized over several cycles, and the analysis of each individual cycle may need a considerable amount of computing time. Second, even in cases where a stable cycle is known to exist, the finite element analysis can show a small continuing amount of strain accumulation. For elastic shakedown, noncyclic analysis methods that use Melan’s theorem have been proposed. The present paper extends noncyclic lower bound methods to the analysis of plastic shakedown. The proposed method is demonstrated with several example problems.
Low-Velocity Perforation of Mild Steel Rectangular Plates With Projectiles Having Different Shaped Impact Faces
Authors: Jones Norman , Birch R. S. , Duan R.
Published: August 2008

This article studies the perforation of mild steel square and rectangular plates struck normally by cylindrical projectiles having blunt, hemispherical, and conical impact faces. Experimental results are obtained in a drop hammer rig for the perforation of 4mm and 8mm thick plates struck by relatively heavy projectiles weighing between 11.9kg and 200kg and traveling at an initial velocity up to about 13m∕s. The plates were struck at the center and at several positions near the fully clamped supports. The effect of the aspect ratio on the perforation energies of rectangular plates is examined, and comparisons are made with the perforation behavior of fully clamped circular plates. The predictions of several empirical equations are compared with the corresponding experimental values of the perforation energies. Simple design equations are also presented for predicting the maximum permanent transverse displacements of square plates prior to any cracking or perforation.
Low Velocity Perforation of Mild Steel Circular Plates With
Projectiles Having Different Shaped Impact Faces
Authors: Jones Norman , Birch R. S.
Published: August 2008

This article studies the perforation of mild steel circular plates struck normally by cylindrical projectiles having blunt, hemispherical, and conical impact faces. Experimental results are obtained using a drop hammer rig for the perforation of 2–8mm thick plates struck by projectiles weighing between 1.75kg and 176kg and traveling up to about 12m∕s. The impact positions are at several radial locations across a plate, and it turns out that the perforation energy decreases as the impact location is moved away from a plate center toward the support. It transpires that the projectiles with hemispherical and blunt impact faces require the largest and the smallest impact perforation energies, respectively. Comparisons are made between the experimental results for the perforation energies and the predictions of several empirical equations. Design calculations for the impact perforation of plates could be undertaken using projectiles with blunt impact faces, which would provide a lower bound on the perforation energy of projectiles having hemispherical or conical impact faces, at least within the range of the parameters studied.
On the Scaling of Low-Velocity Perforation of Mild Steel Plates
Authors: Jones Norman , Birch R. S.
Published: August 2008

Experimental results are reported for the perforation of geometrically similar fully clamped circular and square mild steel plates struck transversely by cylindrical projectiles having blunt, conical, and hemispherical noses. The striking masses are much heavier than the corresponding plate mass and travel with initial impact velocities up to about 12m∕s. The blunt projectiles perforate the plating easiest, while the hemispherical-nosed ones require the greatest energy. The perforation energy of a conical-nosed projectile is somewhat less than that for a hemispherical-nosed one. The data are used to explore the validity of the geometrically similar scaling laws over a geometric scale range of 4. The experimental results are compared to the empirical equations for the impact perforation of plates and with theoretical rigid-plastic predictions for the large ductile deformation behavior of those test specimens, which did not suffer cracking or perforation. The experimental results satisfy the requirements of geometrically similar scaling and some simple equations are presented, which are useful for design purposes.