bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volume Status and Blood Pressure in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Wang Xin , Axelsson Jonas , Lindholm Bengt , Wang Tao
Published: July 2005

The pathophysiology of hypertension in dialysis patients is largely attributed to positive sodium balance and volume expansion. Whereas the relationship between fluid status and blood pressure control in hemodialysis patients is well established, this relationship is not well studied in peritoneal dialysis patients. Methods: 100 stable CAPD patients who had been dialyzed for more than 3 months, as well as 60 healthy controls, were studied cross-sectionally. CAPD patients were divided into three groups according to their blood pressure level: group 1 (normotension), group 2 (controlled hypertension with antihypertensive medication (AHM)) and group 3 (uncontrolled hypertension with AHM). Extracellular water (ECW) and intracellular water (ICW) were measured using bioimpedance spectroscopy in all subjects. Dialysis adequacy and transport test was conducted in each patient. Results: Height normalized ICW (nICW) was much lower, and ECW/ICW was higher in both male and female dialysis patients as compared to healthy controls. nECW was also significantly higher in group 3 when compared to group 1. The dose of AHM was similar in group 2 and group 3. In female CAPD patients, there were no differences in urinary volume (UV) and the total fluid removal among the three patient groups. However, in male CAPD patients, UV and total fluid removal were significantly higher in group 3 than in group 1. Renal and total removal of sodium was also significantly higher in group 3 male patients than group 1. Conclusions: Peritoneal dialysis patients with uncontrolled hypertension are more volume overloaded and their blood pressure may be difficult to control by AHM alone. These findings indicate that volume control preferably by dietary salt and fluid restriction should be intensified in hypertensive CAPD patients.
Association of the Fibrinolytic System and Hemorheology with Symptoms in Patients with Carotid Occlusive Disease
Authors: Soinne Lauri , Saimanen Eija , Malmberg-Céder Kirsi , Kovanen Petri , Lindsberg Perttu J. , Kaste Markku , Lassila Riitta
Published: July 2005

Background and Objectives: The risk of stroke caused by a symptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis (CS) is high. Disturbed balance between the procoagulant and fibrinolytic activity in blood associated with unfavorable hemorheology could render CS symptomatic. We wanted to assess whether hemostatic and fibrinolytic plasma markers as well as basic indicators of hemorheology differentiate asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with a high-grade CS and whether they are associated with the macroscopic appearance of the plaque and the rate of microembolization. Methods: We recruited 92 consecutive consenting patients referred to the neurological or the surgical department of our university teaching hospital for treatment of their high-grade CS. Blood samples were collected before surgery for determination of prothrombin fragments F1 and 2, thrombin-antithrombin complex, tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) activity and antigen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity and antigen, D-dimer, homocysteine, fibrinogen, in plasma, and hematocrit in blood, and the patients underwent transcranial Doppler ultrasonology for evaluation of microembolic signals (MES). Results: Patients with symptomatic plaques had higher hematocrit levels (p = 0.04), as well as trends for higher tPA antigen and MES rate (p = 0.07). Hematocrit, tPA antigen, and PAI-1 antigen and activity were positively correlated with the degree of stenosis. Ulceration was more common in symptomatic plaques but did not reflect variables of hemostasis or fibrinolysis. In multivariate analysis, tPA antigen and hematocrit were risk factors for a symptomatic high-grade stenosis. Conclusion: Mediators of fibrinolysis and unfavorable hemorheology may contribute to the development of a symptomatic disease in patients with a high-grade CS.
A Qualitative Exploration of Determinants of Fruit and Vegetable Intake among 10- and 11-Year-Old Schoolchildren in the Low Countries
Authors: Wind Marianne , Bobelijn Kelly , de Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Klepp Knut-Inge , Brug Johannes
Published: July 2005

Background: For the development of fruit and vegetable promotion interventions, insight is needed into determinants of health behaviour. This study presents results of focus group interviews held with 10- to 11-year-old schoolchildren from Ghent (Belgium-Flanders) and Rotterdam (the Netherlands) to explore personal beliefs and motivations and environmental factors related to schoolchildren’s fruit and vegetable intake, to inform the Pro Children intervention development. Methods: Twelve focus groups were held with 92 schoolchildren. The interviews were recorded and transcribed and NVivo was used to analyse the transcripts. Results: Positive health beliefs, taste preferences, lack of knowledge and practical barriers were identified as personal factors related to fruit and vegetable intake. Home and school availability of fruits and vegetables, as well as parenting practices were identified as important environmental factors. Conclusion: A fruit and vegetable promotion intervention should aim to increase fruit and vegetable accessibility and should include educational and motivational activities tailored to these personal and environmental factors. These indications should be further evaluated in quantitative research among representative samples.
Fruit and Vegetable Intake in a Sample of 11-Year-Old Children in 9 European Countries: The Pro Children Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Yngve Agneta , Wolf Alexandra , Poortvliet Eric , Elmadfa Ibrahim , Brug Johannes , Ehrenblad Bettina , Franchini Bela , Haraldsdóttir Jóhanna , Krølner Rikke , Maes Lea , Pérez-Rodrigo Carmen , Sjöström Michael , Thórsdóttir Inga , Klepp Knut-Inge
Published: July 2005

Background/Aims: An adequate fruit and vegetable intake provides essential nutrients and nutritive compounds and is considered an important part of a healthy lifestyle. No simple instrument has been available for the assessment of fruit and vegetable intake as well as its determinants in school-aged children applicable in different European countries. Within the Pro Children Project, such an instrument has been developed. This paper describes the cross-sectional survey in 11-year-olds in 9 countries. Methods: The cross-sectional survey used nationally, and in 2 countries regionally, representative samples of schools and classes. The questionnaires, including a precoded 24-hour recall component and a food frequency part, were completed in the classroom. Data were treated using common syntax files for portion sizes and for merging of vegetable types into four subgroups. Results: The results show that the fruit and vegetable intake in amounts and choice were highly diverse in the 9 participating countries. Vegetable intake was in general lower than fruit intake, boys consumed less fruit and vegetables than girls did. The highest total intake according to the 24-hour recall was found in Austria and Portugal, the lowest in Spain and Iceland. Conclusion: The fruit and vegetable intake in 11-year-old children was in all countries far from reaching population goals and food-based dietary guidelines on national and international levels.
Impaired Glomerular and Tubular Function as a Short-Term Effect of Sirolimus Treatment in the Rat
Authors: Nielsen Finn Thomsen , Starklint Henrik , Dieperink Hans
Published: July 2005

Aims: To investigate acute and short-term effects of sirolimus (SRL) on glomerulo-tubular function, blood pressure (BP), and renal morphology in the rat. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing initially 140–180 g were treated with SRL in three series: SRL 0.2, 0.4, or 0.8 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for up to 28 days after skin allo-transplantation from Lewis donors (to establish a dosage with significant immunosuppressive effect). SRL 0.4 mg/kg intravenously (acute effects). SRL 0.4 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 7 days (short-term effects). Inulin, lithium (CLi) and sodium clearance, and intra-arterial BP were measured in conscious catheterized rats. Morphological kidney studies were completed after post-mortem fixation. Results: Maximum immunosuppressive effect was achieved with SRL 0.4 mg/kg/day. SRL acutely increased GFR and CLi, whereas fractional proximal reabsorption (PFR) declined. In the short-term study SRL had opposite effects on GFR and CLi, unaffected proximal tubular reabsorption and PFR, raised BP, diminished food consumption, and slower increase in body weight. Morphological changes were non-specific. Conclusion: In a dosage giving maximum immunosuppressive effect, SRL revealed acute effects on glomerular and proximal tubular function thus indicating increased outflow from the proximal tubules whereas one week of SRL treatment produced a change resembling the known nephrotoxic effects of the calcineurine inhibitors.
Lipoprotein Retention—and Clues for Atheroma Regression
Authors: Williams Kevin Jon , Tabas Ira
Published: July 2005

Subendothelial retention of apoB-lipoproteins is the key initiating event in atherosclerosis, provoking a cascade of pathogenic responses. Dissection of the molecular participants provides fresh insight into how this major killer might be reversed. Efflux of harmful lipids derived from retained lipoproteins may be crucial in promoting beneficial remodeling of lesions.
Chronic Stress Induces Rapid Occlusion of Angioplasty-Injured Rat Carotid Artery by Activating Neuropeptide Y and Its Y1 Receptors
Authors: Li Lijun , Jönsson-Rylander Ann-Cathrine , Abe Ken , Zukowska Zofia
Published: July 2005

Objective—

We reported previously that neuropeptide Y (NPY) induces an atherosclerotic-like lesion that is significantly reduced by NPY-Y1 and NPY-Y5 receptor (R) inhibitors. Because antagonists also inhibit neointima induced by angioplasty alone, we now test whether stress-induced endogenous NPY release mimic these changes.

Methods and Results—

Rats were nonstressed or stressed (4°C water; 2 hours per day for 14 days) starting immediately before and continuing after carotid artery angioplasty. Stress acutely and chronically increased blood pressure and doubled plasma NPY levels. After 14 days, angioplasty-induced neointima was markedly greater in stressed (than nonstressed) rats, in which most of the vessels became occluded with an atherosclerotic-like lesion containing macrophages, lipids, thrombus, and microvessels that was similar but more inflammatory than the injury in the NPY-treated vessels. Fourteen days after angioplasty combined with stress or NPY, Y1R and Y5R (mRNA and protein) became upregulated in areas of neointima, microvessels, and macrophages in injured carotid arteries. Stress- and NPY-induced changes were completely prevented by a selective Y1R antagonist (0.02 μmol/kg per minute for 14 days), whereas neointima induced by angioplasty alone was reduced by 60%.

Conclusions—

Because of sympathetic NPY release, stress may be a less-than-appreciated risk factor for restenosis/atherosclerosis, and Y1R antagonists a potential therapy for these conditions.
Thrombopoietin Gene Transfer–Mediated Enhancement of Angiogenic Responses to Acute Ischemia
Authors: Amano Hideki , Hackett Neil R. , Rafii Shahin , Crystal Ronald G.
Published: July 2005

The development of new blood vessels is a complex process, likely requiring the synergy of multiple angiogenic mediators. This study focuses on the proximal angiogenic response using the platelet as a complex carrier of critical mediators of angiogenesis. Platelet levels are controlled by circulating levels of thrombopoietin (TPO) functioning to activate megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet release through the c-mpl receptor. We hypothesized that TPO gene transfer should enhance correction of experimental ischemia by providing increased levels of platelets and hence platelet-derived mediators of angiogenesis. To evaluate this hypothesis, we dissected the role of the TPO–c-mpl–megakaryocyte–platelet pathway in the angiogenic response using a model of acute hindlimb ischemia of wild-type, TPO
−/−
, and c-mpl
−/−
mice. The data demonstrate that infusion of platelets will enhance the angiogenic response in wild-type mice and that the endogenous angiogenic response is blunted in TPO
−/−
and c-mpl
−/−
mice. Consistent with this observation, adenovirus (Ad)-mediated transfer of TPO (AdTPO) enhanced the correction of ischemia in wild-type and TPO
−/−
, but not c-mpl
−/−
, mice. Local versus systemic administration of AdTPO showed that the effect of TPO gene transfer was systemic, not local, and it could be replaced by gene transfer of VEGF, one of the many mediators of angiogenesis carried by the platelets, even in the absence of components in the TPO–c-mpl–megakaryocyte–platelet pathway.
Transgenic Overexpression of Locally Acting Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Inhibits Ubiquitin-Mediated Muscle Atrophy in Chronic Left-Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: Schulze P. Christian , Fang Jennifer , Kassik Kimberly A. , Gannon Joe , Cupesi Mihaela , MacGillivray Cathy , Lee Richard T. , Rosenthal Nadia
Published: July 2005

Metabolic abnormalities develop in various chronic diseases and lead to progressive catabolism with decrements in the skeletal musculature that result in muscle atrophy. We investigated pathways of skeletal muscle proteolysis using an experimental model of chronic left-ventricular dysfunction. Skeletal muscle atrophy developed in wild-type mice 12 weeks following myocardial infarction accompanied by an increase in total protein ubiquitination and enhanced proteasome activity, activation of Foxo transcription factors, and robust induction of the ubiquitin-protein ligase
atrogin-1/MAFbx
. Further studies identified skeletal muscle myosin as a specific target of ubiquitin-mediated degradation in muscle atrophy. In contrast, transgenic overexpression of a local isoform of insulin-like growth factor-1 prevented muscle atrophy and increased proteasome activity, inhibited skeletal muscle activation primarily of Foxo4, and blocked the expression of
atrogin-1/MAFbx
. These results suggest that skeletal muscle atrophy occurs through increased activity of the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. The inhibition of muscle atrophy by local insulin-like growth factor-1 provides a promising therapeutic avenue for the prevention of skeletal muscle wasting in chronic heart failure and potentially other chronic diseases associated with skeletal muscle atrophy.
Genetic Association Studies in Stroke
Authors: Dichgans Martin , Markus Hugh S.
Published: July 2005

Background and Purpose—

A large number of candidate gene association studies have attempted to identify genes implicated in stroke, but there have been few replicable and robust associations reported.

Summary of Review—

The skantness of replicable associations partly relates to poor study design. Important methodological considerations include adequate sample size, the selection of appropriate controls, careful clinical phenotyping using standardized classification systems, and determining associations with stroke subtypes as well as stroke as a whole. The use of intermediate phenotypes, particularly carotid intima-media thickness and MRI white matter hyperintensities, appears promising. It is essential that positive associations are replicated in independent populations, and appropriate methodology is used in such studies. To be of use for others, association studies should meet certain standards. In particular, genetic association studies should enable replication studies and meta-analyses.

Conclusions—

This article discusses key methodological aspects and suggests standard criteria for candidate gene studies in stroke.
Use of Multimodal MRI and Novel Endovascular Therapies in a Patient Ineligible for Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator
Authors: Suzuki Shuichi , Kidwell Chelsea S. , Starkman Sidney , Saver Jeffrey L. , Duckwiler Gary , Vinuela Fernando , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: July 2005

Background and Purpose—

Options are limited for individuals who present to the ED within 3 hours of ischemic stroke onset, but who are deemed ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis. Multimodal MRI has been shown to be of great help in identifying stroke patients with large areas of at risk “penumbral tissue”, who may gain from the use of novel endovascular therapies. We report a patient who twice benefited from this management approach, in the setting of hemorrhagic risk following successive ischemic strokes.

Case Description—

The patient is a 78 year old male who experienced acute ischemic stroke on 2 separate occasions 5 months apart, and for whom perceived contraindications to appropriate thrombolytic therapy administration led to the successful use of different endovascular therapies at each encounter. Furthermore, following mechanical clot retrieval during the second encounter, the high intensity signal area noted on the baseline diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in the posterior circulation territory, was almost completely resolved on the day 7 post-procedure MRI.

Conclusion—

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of reversal of a DWI abnormality in the posterior circulation territory.
REACH
Authors: Hess David C. , Wang Samuel , Hamilton William , Lee Sung , Pardue Carol , Waller Jennifer L. , Gross Hartmut , Nichols Fenwick , Hall Christiana , Adams Robert J.
Published: July 2005

Background and Purpose—

Development of stroke networks is critical to bringing guideline-driven stroke care to rural, underserved areas.

Methods—

A Web-based telestroke tool, REACH, was developed to provide a foundation for a rural stroke network that delivered acute stroke consults 24 hours per day 7 days per week to 8 rural community hospitals in Georgia.

Results—

There were 194 acute stroke consults delivered. Thirty patients were treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS) was 15.4, and the median NIHSS was 12.5. The mean onset to treatment time (OTT) was 122 minutes. The OTT dropped from 143 minutes in the first 10 patients treated to 111 minutes in last 20 patients. Of the 30 patients treated with tPA, 23% (7) were treated in ≤90 minutes and 60% (18) were treated within 2 hours. There were no symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages.

Conclusions—

The REACH telestroke system permits the rapid and safe use of tPA in rural community hospitals. Over time, the system became more efficient and OTT decreased.
Simvastatin Reduces Vasospasm After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Lynch John R. , Wang Haichen , McGirt Matthew J. , Floyd James , Friedman Allan H. , Coon Alexander L. , Blessing Robert , Alexander Michael J. , Graffagnino Carmelo , Warner David S. , Laskowitz Daniel T.
Published: July 2005

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral vasospasm remains a major source of morbidity after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We demonstrate that simvastatin reduces serum markers of brain injury and attenuates vasospasm after SAH.

Methods—

Patients with angiographically documented aneurysmal SAH were randomized within 48 hours of symptom onset to receive either simvastatin (80 mg daily; n=19) or placebo (n=20) for 14 days. Plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine phosphokinase were recorded weekly to evaluate laboratory evidence of hepatitis or myositis. Serum markers of brain injury were recorded daily. The primary end point of vasospasm was defined as clinical impression (delayed ischemic deficit not associated with rebleed, infection, or hydrocephalus) in the presence of ≥1 confirmatory radiographic test (angiography or transcranial Doppler demonstrating mean V
MCA
>160 m/sec).

Results—

There were no significant differences in laboratory-defined transaminitis or myositis between groups. No patients developed clinical symptoms of myopathy or hepatitis. Plasma von Willebrand factor and S100β were decreased 3 to 10 days after SAH (
P
<0.05) in patients receiving simvastatin versus placebo. Highest mean middle cerebral artery transcranial Doppler velocities were significantly lower in the simvastatin-treated group (103±41 versus 149±47;
P
<0.01). In addition, vasospasm was significantly reduced (
P
<0.05) in the simvastatin-treated group (5 of 19) compared with those who received placebo (12 of 20).

Conclusion—

The use of simvastatin as prophylaxis against delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal SAH is a safe and well-tolerated intervention. Its use attenuates serum markers associated with brain injury and decreases the incidence of radiographic vasospasm and delayed ischemic deficit.
Constructing the Primary Story
Authors: Kendall Kathleen E.
Published: July 2005

There are many studies of media coverage of political campaigns. However, there are few that focus on the perspective of the professional journalists on the campaign trail. The most famous work is Crouse’s The Boys on the Bus, a popular account of reporters covering the 1972 presidential campaign. To expand this area of research, this study examines the media perspective in the 2004 New Hampshire primary, with references to the primaries from 1988 to 2004. In each of these years, the author mingled with the media in New Hampshire, observing the candidates in their speeches, press conferences, and other events. Press credentials enabled the author to sit in the press section, travel on press buses, and talk informally with reporters. In 2004, the author gained additional knowledge of the press perspective by interviewing journalists, writing reports for a university Web site, and working with a camera crew.
President Bush’s Enthymeme of Evil
Authors: Smith Craig Allen
Published: July 2005

Ted Windt’s description of presidential crisis rhetoric helps explain the successes and the difficulties of President Bush’s war on terror. Immediately after the attacks, the president moved rhetorically to provide reassurance and to delegate policy direction. But President Bush’s rhetorical transformation of a faceless coward’s attack on our country into evil’s attack on everything good and proper in the world prepared us to respond against enemies beyond “those responsible for these attacks” even as his top advisors warned against doing so. The devil-angel melodrama provided the dramatistic proof Windt described, and when the president cast it in the form of a jeremiad, it reconciled contradictions and complicated counterargument and deliberation.
Intercandidate Agenda Setting in the 2004 Democratic Presidential Primary
Authors: Tedesco John C.
Published: July 2005

This study assesses candidate issue agendas and intercandidate agenda setting during the 2004 Democratic primary campaign. Candidate press releases, downloaded from official Web sites of Wesley Clark ( n = 232), Howard Dean ( n = 328), John Edwards ( n = 512), and John Kerry ( n = 459), are used to construct candidate issue agendas for each month spanning October 2003 through February 2004. This study investigates prominent issues among candidate agendas, agenda consistency, and intercandidate agenda-setting effects. Despite consistent issue agendas among the leading primary candidates, intercandidate agenda-setting effects were evidenced in each month of the primary campaign.
Reexploring the Connection Between Terror Management Theory and Dissonance Theory
Authors: Friedman Ronald S. , Arndt Jamie
Published: July 2005

Building upon suggestive earlier findings, the present study sought to test more informatively the notion that reminders of mortality can intensify efforts at dissonance reduction. Toward this end, an induced-compliance experiment was conducted in which participants were given high versus low choice to write a counterattitudinal statement regarding a boring topic under conditions of either mortality salience (MS) or uncertainty salience (control). It was predicted that although dissonance reduction (via attitude change) would be provoked in the control group, MS would significantly exacerbate this effect. These predictions were borne out empirically. The findings, obtained using the historically preeminent paradigm for assessing dissonance reduction, provide firm support for the notion that MS amplifies concerns with cognitive consistency.
Cross-Cultural Discrepancies in Self-Appraisals
Authors: Ross Michael , Heine Steven J. , Wilson Anne E. , Sugimori Shinkichi
Published: July 2005

Two studies examined self-appraisals in Japanese and Canadian samples. Study 1 included open-ended self-descriptions; Study 2 incorporated indirect measures of self-enhancing tendencies. In Study 1, the content analysis assessed spontaneous evaluations of self and others, private and relational self-statements, reflected appraisals, temporal and social comparisons, and evaluations of objects and events. Canadian participants typically provided self-enhancing self-descriptions. Japanese participants were generally evenhanded rather than self-critical or self-enhancing, although they were more favorable about relational than private aspects of self. In Study 2, Canadian participants reported that proud events felt closer in time and were easier to recall than similarly distant embarrassing events. Japanese participants reported that embarrassing and proud events felt equally far away and were equally memorable. The two studies provide evidence that Canadians possess stronger self-enhancing motivations than do Japanese and enable a cross-cultural analysis of several social psychological theories of self-appraisal.
Contextual Influences on Implicit Evaluation: A Test of Additive Versus Contrastive Effects of Evaluative Context Stimuli in Affective Priming
Authors: Gawronski Bertram , Deutsch Roland , Seidel Oliver
Published: July 2005

Drawing on two alternative accounts of the affective priming effect (spreading activation vs. response interference), the present research investigated the underlying processes of how evaluative context stimuli influence implicit evaluations in the affective priming task. Employing two sequentially presented prime stimuli (rather than a single prime), two experiments showed that affective priming effects elicited by a given prime stimulus were more pronounced when this stimulus was preceded by a context prime of the opposite valence than when it was preceded by a context prime of the same valence. This effect consistently emerged for pictures (Experiment 1) and words (Experiment 2) as prime stimuli. These results suggest that the impact of evaluative context stimuli on implicit evaluations is mediated by contrast effects in the attention to evaluative information rather than by additive effects in the activation of evaluative information in associative memory.
What We Regret Most... and Why
Authors: Roese Neal J. , Summerville Amy
Published: July 2005

Which domains in life produce the greatest potential for regret, and what features of those life domains explain why? Using archival and laboratory evidence, the authors show that greater perceived opportunity within life domains evokes more intense regret. This pattern is consistent with previous publications demonstrating greater regret stemming from high rather than low opportunity or choice. A meta-analysis of 11 regret ranking studies revealed that the top six biggest regrets in life center on (in descending order) education, career, romance, parenting, the self, and leisure. Study Set 2 provided new laboratory evidence that directly linked the regret ranking to perceived opportunity. Study Set 3 ruled out an alternative interpretation involving framing effects. Overall, these findings show that people’s biggest regrets are a reflection of where in life they see their largest opportunities; that is, where they see tangible prospects for change, growth, and renewal.
Expecting To Be the Target of Prejudice: Implications for Interethnic Interactions
Authors: Shelton J. Nicole , Richeson Jennifer A. , Salvatore Jessica
Published: July 2005

Two studies investigated the implications of ethnic minorities’ prejudice expectations for their affective and behavioral outcomes during interethnic interactions. In both studies, the more ethnic minorities expected Whites to be prejudiced, the more negative experiences they had during interethnic interactions. This finding held true for chronic prejudice expectations in a diary study of college roommates (Study 1) and for situationally induced prejudice expectations in a laboratory interaction (Study 2). In Study 2, the authors extended this work to examine the relationship between ethnic minorities’ prejudice expectancies and their White partners’ psychological experience during interethnic interactions. Consistent with predictions, the more ethnic minorities expected Whites to be prejudiced, the more their White partners had positive experiences during interethnic interactions. These divergent experiences of ethnic minorities and Whites have important implications for the psychological success of interactions between members of these groups.
Group Consensus in Social Influence: Type of Consensus Information as a Moderator of Majority and Minority Influence
Authors: Gardikiotis Antonis , Martin Robin , Hewstone Miles
Published: July 2005

Three experiments investigated the effect of consensus information on majority and minority influence. Experiment 1 examined the effect of consensus expressed by descriptive adjectives (large vs. small) on social influence. A large source resulted in more influence than a small source, irrespective of source status (majority vs. minority). Experiment 2 showed that large sources affected attitudes heuristically, whereas only a small minority instigated systematic processing of the message. Experiment 3 manipulated the type of consensus information, either in terms of descriptive adjectives (large, small) or percentages (82%, 18%, 52%, 48%). When consensus was expressed in terms of descriptive adjectives, the findings of Experiments 1 and 2 were replicated (large sources were more influential than small sources), but when consensus was expressed in terms of percentages, the majority was more influential than the minority, irrespective of group consensus.
Residual stresses and distortions in welded structures: A perspective for engineering applications
Authors: Dong P.
Published: July 2005

In this paper, some of the historical developments and recent advances in understanding welding induced residual stresses and distortions are discussed in the context of their impact on today's engineering applications. With recent rapid advances in computational simulation techniques, the complex thermomechanical phenomena associated with typical welding processes can be effectively dissected into solvable problem sets for both fundamental understanding and specific engineering applications. Although a great deal of research is currently still ongoing to advance our fundamental understanding of the complex thermophysical and thermomechanical phenomena, an engineering perspective is provided to demonstrate how an engineer can make use of the current state of knowledge to derive effective practical solutions when dealing with day to day problems in the areas of residual stresses and distortions in welded structures. First, some of the fundamental mechanical considerations associated with residual stress and distortion developments are presented. Then, some of the computational modelling requirements for engineering applications are discussed in the light of recent developments. Finally, application examples are presented to demonstrate how an effective engineering solution can be sought by taking advantage of today's advanced modelling techniques with appropriate engineering assumptions.
Laser and laser assisted arc welding processes for DH 36 microalloyed steel ship plate
Authors: McPherson N. A. , Suarez-Fernandez N. , Moon D. W. , Tan C. P. H. , Lee C. K. , Baker T. N.
Published: July 2005

A series of laser and laser assisted metal inert gas (MIG) welds was produced from a common plate. Each weld was mechanically tested, and the welds showed broadly similar properties, except for the autogenous CO2 laser weld metal, which had poorer toughness. This was related to a harder weld metal microstructure. Toughness and hardness were related to the lath width of the ferrite, for the welds involved. The weld metal area/volume was used as an indicator of potential distortion. In this instance, the autogenous CO2 laser weld was superior to the CO2 laser assisted MIG weld which was better than the Nd:YAG laser assisted MIG weld. Each weld was examined using carbon extraction replicas in the TEM, and also using an SEM with an EDAX attachment. A number of inclusions and precipitates were observed, identified and sized. It was concluded that the particles observed were not detrimental in this specific case. A tentative relationship was established between parent plate inclusion size distribution and weld metal inclusion size distribution.
Derivation of current density distribution by arc pressure measurement in GTA welding
Authors: Oh D.-S. , Kim Y.-S. , Cho S.-M.
Published: July 2005

Arc pressure is an important factor in understanding physical arc phenomena, especially its effects on the penetration, size and shape of GTA welding. The purpose of the present study is to derive the current density distribution on the anode base metal from the measured arc pressure distribution in GTA welding using the results from previous investigators. Using the measured arc pressure distribution on the anode base metal in GTA welding from the central part to the circumference and the equations of Lin et al. and Maecker, the current density distribution was derived. Applying the derived equation from the present work, the current density distribution was calculated from the low current region to the high current region by means of shield gas mixing ratio. It is compared and discussed with the practical welding current and the derived current by numerical integration of the current density distribution from the central part to the circumference region.
Study of structure/property relationships of diffusion bonded Ti6Al4V + 10 wt-%TiC particulate composite
Authors: da Silva A. A. M. , dos Santos J. F. , Strohaecker T. R. , Reguly A.
Published: July 2005

Ti–C particulate reinforced Ti6Al4V metal matrix composites (Ti6Al4V + 10 wt-%TiC) have demonstrated a high strength-to-weight ratio as well as good high temperature properties. A poor fusion welding performance is commonly observed in these materials making solid-state diffusion bonding a potential process to produce complex structural components. This work aims to characterise the microstructure and the mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V + 10 wt-%TiC diffusion bonded joints. Microstructural evaluation has been performed using both optical and scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical characterisation consisted of room temperature microflat tensile tests for the different bonding conditions and microhardness along the joint. The best results were associated with a bonding temperature of 1000°C and pressure 5 MPa together with bonding times ranging from 35 to 60 min.
Improving mechanical properties of 2219 aluminium alloy GTA welds by scandium addition
Authors: Koteswara Rao S. R. , Madhusudhan Reddy G. , Srinivasa Rao P. , Kamaraj M. , Prasad Rao K.
Published: July 2005

The effect of scandium additions to 2219 aluminium alloy weld metal has been investigated. At low levels (0·16%) of scandium, in spite of grain refinement in the weld metal, improvement in the mechanical properties has been nominal. At higher levels of scandium (0·37%), a substantial improvement in the tensile properties has been obtained. Further improvement in mechanical properties has been achieved by adding small amounts of magnesium. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of fine precipitate particles in the scandium containing weld metals. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and SEM–EDX revealed extensive copper segregation to grain and subgrain boundaries. The presence of scandium reduces the severity of segregation by producing fine equiaxed grains in the weld metals and also by refining the grain substructure. The morphology and size of the high copper eutectic phase at grain boundaries and sub-boundaries have been found to be finer and well distributed in the case of scandium containing weld metals. EPMA linescans and quantitative analyses proved that the depletion of copper in the matrix is minimised as a result of the fine grained structure.
Laser stabilisation of arc cathode spots in titanium welding
Authors: Shinn B. W. , Farson D. F. , Denney P. E.
Published: July 2005

Cathode spot formation is very pronounced during arc welding of titanium and titanium alloys. The dynamic behaviour of these spots was observed to interfere with metal transfer during welding, this interference being a fundamental cause of poor weld quality in these alloys. In the present work, stabilisation of the arc cathode spot with a focused Nd–YAG laser beam during pulsed gas metal arc welding of titanium was investigated. The laser beam was focused near the leading edge of the weld pool and the laser power and focus spot size were varied to determine the values required to confine the cathode spot to the laser focus position. The results showed that, for fixed welding conditions, the laser power required to prevent cathode spot motion varied as a function of focus spot size. The required laser power was minimised at 200 W for a spot size of 0.6 mm. The laser stabilised arcs had lower voltage but approximately the same current density as stabilised arcs. Increased welding speeds required marginally higher laser powers to stabilise the spot, but the minimum power was still attained with a 0.6 mm focus spot diameter. The laser power density required for stabilisation decreased as spot size was increased, varying from almost 106 W cm−2 at the smallest spot size to approximately 104 W cm−2 at the largest. Cathode spot stabilisation improved weld quality by reducing spatter generation and weld bead irregularity.
Hydrogen effusion from high strength weld metal
Authors: Yurioka N. , Yamasaki S. , Morimoto H.
Published: July 2005

Constant heating rate hydrogen thermal analyses were carried out for weld metals with tensile strengths in the range 490–1000 MPa. It was found that the hydrogen diffusion rate in the highest strength weld metal is lower by a factor of five than that in a lower strength variant. The hydrogen diffusion behaviour varied greatly between weld metal and wrought steel. Finite difference analyses indicated that this difference can be attributed to the changes in the interaction energy between a trap site and hydrogen. Using the analysis it was possible to determine apparent diffusion rates at temperatures from 20 to 300°C and explain satisfactorily the effect of plastic deformation on hydrogen diffusion in a steel.
Mutant nucleophosmin (NPM1) predicts favorable prognosis in younger adults with acute myeloid leukemia and normal cytogenetics: interaction with other gene mutations
Authors: Döhner Konstanze , Schlenk Richard F. , Habdank Marianne , Scholl Claudia , Rücker Frank G. , Corbacioglu Andrea , Bullinger Lars , Fröhling Stefan , Döhner Hartmut ,   for the AML Study Group (AMLSG)
Published: July 2005

To assess the prognostic relevance of mutations in the NPM1 gene encoding a nucleocytoplasmic shuttle protein in younger adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and normal cytogenetics, sequencing of NPM1 exon 12 was performed in diagnostic samples from 300 patients entered into 2 consecutive multicenter trials of the AML Study Group (AMLSG). Treatment included intensive double-induction therapy and consolidation therapy with high cumulative doses of high-dose cytarabine. NPM1 mutations were identified in 48% of the patients including 12 novel sequence variants, all leading to a frameshift in the C-terminus of the nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) protein. Mutant NPM1 was associated with specific clinical, phenotypical, and genetic features. Statistical analysis revealed a significant interaction of NPM1 and FLT3 internal tandem duplications (ITDs). NPM1 mutations predicted for better response to induction therapy and for favorable overall survival (OS) only in the absence of FLT3 ITD. Multivariable analysis for OS revealed combined NPM1-mutated/FLT3 ITD–negative status, CEBPA mutation status, availability of a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–compatible donor, secondary AML, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as prognostic factors. In conclusion, NPM1 mutations in the absence of FLT3 ITD define a distinct molecular and prognostic subclass of young-adult AML patients with normal cytogenetics.
Nonconventional and new methods in the diagnosis of tuberculosis: feasibility and applicability in the field
Authors: Palomino J. C.
Published: July 2005

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the major causes of death from a single infectious agent worldwide. Of great concern for TB control is the emergence of drug resistance. Since there is no cure for some multidrug-resistant strains ofMycobacterium tuberculosis, there is concern that they may spread around the world, stressing the need for additional control measures, such as new diagnostics, better drugs for treatment, and a more effective vaccine.

Pulmonary TB can be diagnosed by its symptoms, chest radiography, sputum smear microscopy and by cultivation ofM. tuberculosis, which is considered as the gold standard. Recent advances in molecular biology and molecular epidemiology, and a better understanding of the molecular basis of drug resistance in TB, have provided new tools for rapid diagnosis; however, the high cost of most of these techniques, and their requirement for sophisticated equipment and skilled personnel have precluded their implementation on a routine basis, especially in low-income countries.

Other nonconventional diagnostic approaches proposed include the search for biochemical markers, detection of immunological response and early detection ofM. tuberculosisby methods other than colony counting.

In the present article, some of these approaches will be reviewed and the feasibility for their implementation in diagnostic laboratories will be discussed.
Combination aerosol therapy to treatBurkholderia cepaciacomplex: Fig. 1—
Authors: Middleton P. G. , Kidd T. J. , Williams B.
Published: July 2005

Burkholderia cepaciainfection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, yet no definitive treatment is currently available. This report describes a new approach to treatB. cepaciainfection in CF patients, using a combination of amiloride and tobramycin aerosols.

Four adults with the typical clinical syndrome of CF were recruited after repeated positive sputum cultures forB. cepacia. Aerosols of amiloride and tobramycin were given three times daily for 1–6 months, and repeated sputum cultures were collected to assess efficacy.

Three of the four patients treated with the combined therapy eradicatedB. cepaciafrom their sputum cultures for at least 2 yrs, and there were no adverse events.

This novel combination may provide a new therapeutic option forBurkholderia cepaciainfections. Furthermore, the strategy of combining antibiotics with ion transport agents may have ramifications for the treatment of other multi-resistant organisms.
Comparison of tiotropium once daily, formoterol twice daily and both combined once daily in patients with COPD
Authors: van Noord J. A. , Aumann J-L. , Janssens E. , Smeets J. J. , Verhaert J. , Disse B. , Mueller A. , Cornelissen P. J. G.
Published: July 2005

This study compared the bronchodilator effects of tiotropium, formoterol and both combined in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A total of 71 COPD patients (mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 37% predicted) participated in a randomised, double-blind, three-way, crossover study and received tiotropium 18 μgq.d., formoterol 12 μgb.i.d.or both combinedq.d.for three 6-week periods. The end-points were 24-h spirometry (FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC)) at the end of each treatment, rescue salbutamol and safety.

Compared with baseline (FEV1prior to the first dose in the first period), tiotropium produced a significantly greater improvement in average daytime FEV1(0–12 h) than formoterol (127versus86 mL), while average night-time FEV1(12–24 h) was not different (tiotropium 43 mL, formoterol 38 mL). The most pronounced effects were provided by combination therapy (daytime 234 mL, night-time 86 mL); both differed significantly from single-agent therapies. Changes in FVC mirrored the FEV1results. Compared with both single agents, daytime salbutamol use was significantly lower during combination therapy (tiotropium plus formoterol 1.81 puffs·day−1, tiotropium 2.41 puffs·day−1, formoterol 2.37 puffs·day−1). All treatments were well tolerated.

In conclusion, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, tiotropiumq.d.achieved a greater improvement in daytime and comparable improvement in night-time lung function compared with formoterolb.i.d.A combination of both drugsq.d.was most effective and provided an additive effect throughout the 24-h dosing interval.
Reduced apoptosis of memory T-cells in the inner airway wall of mild and severe asthma
Authors: Lamb J. P. , James A. , Carroll N. , Siena L. , Elliot J. , Vignola† A. M.
Published: July 2005

Effector memory T-cells (CD45RO+) may provide pro-inflammatory signals that contribute to the persistent airway inflammation that is characteristic of asthma, and reduced apoptosis of these cells may prolong their effects.

The present authors compared apoptosis of CD45RO+ T-cells in the inner airway wall in nonfatal asthma (n = 7), fatal asthma (n = 7) and control (n = 8) cases. Apoptotic cells were identified using both the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dNTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) technique and cell morphology.

The percentage of CD45RO+ T-cells that were apoptotic was significantly greater in control cases compared with nonfatal and fatal cases of asthma, respectively, in small (42±19, 16±9, 7±6%), medium (40±12, 15±11, 12±8%) and large airways (42±15, 23±18, 18±12%). The reduction in the percentage of apoptotic CD45RO+ cells in the cases of asthma was observed in both blood vessels and the interstitium in large airways.

In conclusion, these data suggest that reduced apoptosis may prolong the active life of effector memory T-cells in the airways. It is possible that survival signals may be received before cells migrate into the interstitium of the inner airway wall.