bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Registration of Three-Dimensional Left Atrial Computed Tomographic Images With Projection Images Obtained Using Fluoroscopy
Authors: Sra Jasbir , Krum David , Malloy Angela , Vass Melissa , Belanger Barry , Soubelet Elisabeth , Vaillant Regis , Akhtar Masood
Published: December 2005

Background—

Anatomic structures such as the left atrium and the pulmonary veins (PVs) are not delineated by fluoroscopy because there is no contrast differentiation between them and the surrounding anatomy. Representation of an anatomic structure via a 3D model obtained from computed tomography (CT) imaging and subsequent projection of these images over the fluoroscopy system may help in navigation of the mapping and ablation catheter to the appropriate sites during electrophysiology procedures.

Methods and Results—

In this feasibility study, in vitro experiments were performed with a plastic heart model (phantom) with 2 catheters or radiopaque platinum beads placed in the phantom at the time of CT imaging and fluoroscopy. Subsequently, 20 consecutive patients underwent contrast-enhanced, ECG-gated CT scanning. Left atrial volumes were generated from the reconstructed data at &75% of the R-R interval during the cardiac cycle. Similarly, the superior vena cava and the coronary sinus were also reconstructed from these images. During the electrophysiology procedure, digital records (cine sequences) were obtained. Using predetermined algorithms, both the phantom model and the patients’ 3D left atrial models derived from the CT were registered with projection images of fluoroscopy. Registration was performed with a transformation that linked the superior vena cava and the coronary sinus from the CT model with a catheter placed inside the coronary sinus via the superior vena cava. Registration was successfully accomplished with the plastic phantom and in all 20 patients. Registration accuracy was assessed in the phantom by assessing the overlapping beads seen both in the CT and the fluoroscopy images. The mean registration error was 1.4 mm (range 0.9 to 2.3 mm). Accuracy of the registered images was assessed in patients with recordings from a basket catheter placed sequentially in the superior PVs and by injecting contrast into the PVs to assess overlapping of contrast-filled PVs with the corresponding vessels on the registered images. The images could be calibrated quite accurately. Any rotational error, which was usually minor, could be corrected by rotating the images as needed.

Conclusions—

Registration of 3D models of the left atrium and PVs with fluoroscopic images of the same is feasible and could enable appropriate navigation and localization of the mapping and ablation catheter during procedures such as atrial fibrillation ablation.
Regime Insecurity and International Cooperation: Explaining China's Compromises in Territorial Disputes
Authors: Fravel M. Taylor
Published: December 2005

Since the 1995-96 Taiwan Strait crisis, scholars and policymakers have become increasingly concerned about China's territorial ambitions. Yet China has also used peaceful means to manage conficts, settling seventeen of its twenty-three territorial disputes, often with substantial compromises. This article develops a counterintuitive argument about the effects of domestic confict on foreign policy to explain China's behavior. Contrary to the diversionary war hypothesis, this argument posits that state leaders are more likely to compromise in territorial disputes when confronting internal threats to regime security, including rebellions and legitimacy crises. Regime insecurity best explains China's pattern of compromise and delay in its territorial disputes. China's leaders have compromised when faced with internal threats to regime security, including the revolt in Tibet, the instability following the Great Leap Forward, the legitimacy crisis after the Tiananmen upheaval, and separatist violence in Xinjiang.
India and Pakistan's Unstable Peace: Why Nuclear South Asia Is Not Like Cold War Europe
Authors: Kapur S. Paul
Published: December 2005

Scholars attribute conventional violence in a nuclear South Asia to a phenomenon known as the “stability/instability paradox.” According to this paradox, the risk of nuclear war makes it unlikely that conventional confict will escalate to the nuclear level, thereby making conventional confict more likely. Although this phenomenon encouraged U.S.-Soviet violence during the Cold War, it does not explain the dynamics of the ongoing confict between India and Pakistan. Recent violence has seen Pakistan or its proxies launching limited attacks on Indian territory, and India refusing to retaliate in kind. The stability/instability paradox would not predict such behavior. A low probability of conventional war escalating to the nuclear level would reduce the ability of Pakistan's nuclear weapons to deter an Indian conventional attack. Because Pakistan is conventionally weaker than India, this would discourage Pakistani aggression and encourage robust Indian conventional retaliation against Pakistani provocations. Pakistani boldness and Indian restraint have actually resulted from instability in the strategic environment. A full-scale Indo-Pakistani conventional confict would create a significant risk of nuclear escalation. This danger enables Pakistan to launch limited attacks on India while deterring allout Indian conventional retaliation and attracting international attention to the two countries' dispute over Kashmir. Unlike in Cold War Europe, in contemporary South Asia nuclear danger facilitates, rather than impedes, conventional confict.
Microcellular Injection Molded Wood Fiber-PP Composites: Part II - Effect of Wood Fiber Length and Content on Cell Morphology and Physico-mechanical Properties
Authors: Bledzki Andrzej K. , Faruk Omar
Published: December 2005

Microcellular wood fiber reinforced PP composites, a new development using bio-fiber strengthened plastic, are prepared in an injection molding process. The microcellular composites with five different types of wood fibers (hard wood fiber, finer hard wood fiber, soft wood fiber, finer soft wood fiber, and long wood fiber) are examined. The influence of wood fiber content (30-60% by weight) on the microcellular properties is also investigated. Microcell morphology (cell size, shape, and distribution) is observed using optical light and scanning electron micrographs (SEMs).

The wood fiber length, geometry, and content strongly affected the microcellular structures of wood-PP composites. Composites with finer wood fibers possess better microcellular structures, and at a constant chemical foaming content, the higher percentage of wood fiber results in composites with smaller microcells. Due to the finer microcellular structures, finer wood fibers also result in improved physico-mechanical properties.
Exploring Alternatives in an Automotive Industry Job Shop Using Simulation
Authors: Williams Edward J. , VanBelle Ryan
Published: December 2005

The bastion of simulation application has long been the manufacturing industry. In particular, the major corporations within the automotive industry, which is highly complex, multiply tiered, and a significant component of the manufacturing economic sector in both North America and Europe, have repeatedly, aggressively, and profitably applied simulation to the investigation and improvement of production systems. However, many of the smaller companies supplying components to motor vehicle manufacturers have had greater difficulty accessing and applying simulation technology. This difficulty, in the experience of the first author, is typically due to high initial costs, political inertia among managers, or both. In this case study, the authors examine the introduction and use of discrete process simulation into an automotive component supplier for the examination of various plausible scenarios whose effects production engineers and their management wished to anticipate.
Mathematical Correlation of Polydispersity using Gel Permeation Chromatography and Rubber Process Analyzer for Raw Rubbers
Authors: Agrawal S. L. , Chakraborty S. , Mandot S. , Dasgupta S. , Bandyopadhyay S. , Mukhopadhyay R. , Deuri A. S.
Published: December 2005

In this study, an attempt has been made to correlate the polydispersity value measured through gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and that obtained through rubber process analyzer (RPA 2000). The tanδ at higher and lower frequencies is measured using RPA 2000. The inverse of tanδ difference at higher and lower frequencies obtained through RPA 2000 is correlated with the polydispersity data measured from GPC for different grades of raw rubbers like ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) and butyl rubber (IIR). Polydispersity as predicted by RPA 2000 shows excellent correlation with that measured through GPC. The coefficient of correlation is found to be 0.98 for EPDM and 0.99 for IIR. The predicted polydispersity value obtained through RPA 2000 is within ±8% from that measured through GPC.
Polymer Concrete from Marble Wastes and Recycled Poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Tawfik M. E. , Eskander S. B.
Published: December 2005

A polymer concrete (PC) was synthesized by mixing styrenated polyester (SP) and marble wastes as fillers. The unsaturated polyester (UP) used was prepared from the reaction of oligomers obtained from the depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) soft drink bottles with maleic anhydride and adipic acid. The UP was then mixed with the styrene monomers at a ratio of 60: 40% by weight to obtain the SP used for the synthesis of the PC. The aim of this work is to study the suitability of the prepared PC to be used as polymer based building materials. Using marble and PET soft drink bottle wastes for the preparation of the PC affects the environment positively, by avoiding the accumulation of these wastes. Saving the raw materials of polymer and fillers for other applications is another economical advantage of preparing the PC from the recycled PET and marble waste. Mechanical integrity of the PC was studied as blocks prepared under different experimental conditions. Chemical resistance and water absorption were also followed to evaluate the durability of the products obtained. In addition, the flammability of the SP and the PC prepared was also studied. Based on the data obtained, it could be concluded that the PC under consideration has good chemical resistance for 20% Na2CO3, 10% Noah, tap water, ground water and sea water. Besides the acceptable chemical resistance, the prepared PC shows low apparent porosity, low water absorption, and small open pores.
Selective processing of social threat cues following acute tryptophan depletion
Authors: Munafò Marcus R , Hayward Gail , Harmer Catherine
Published: December 2005

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of low dose tryptophan depletion on recovered depressed patients both on and off antidepressant medication on an emotional Stroop task using social threat cues.

Twenty-four healthy volunteers, 24 euthymic volunteers with a history of depression not currently on antidepressant medication and 24 euthymic volunteers with a history of depression and currently on antidepressant medication were randomly allocated to double-blind treatment with either a tryptophan depleting or a balanced mixture. All participants then completed subjective mood ratings and an emotional Stroop task using social threat cues.

The recovered depressed group on medication demonstrated an increase in selective processing of social threat cues on the emotional Stroop task in the tryptophan depletion compared to the control condition. This was not the case for either healthy controls or the recovered depressed group not on medication. Although none of the patients showed a clinically significant relapse following tryptophan depletion, the medicated group showed a small but statistically significant increase in self-rated depression on the Profile of Mood States (POMS).

Our data indicate that low-dose acute tryptophan depletion elicits both cognitive processing typical of the depressed state and subtle changes in subjective mood in the recovered depressed group on medication, but not in the recovered depressed group not on medication. This suggests that these two groups may differ in their underlying vulnerability to compromised serotonin function.
Antinociceptive effect of spinally administered cannabinergic and 2-adrenoceptor drugs on the formalin test in rat: possible interactions
Authors: Khodayar Mohammad Javad , Shafaghi Bijan , Naderi Nima , Zarrindast Mohammad-Reza
Published: December 2005

The current experiments were designed to study the antinociceptive effects of intrathecal (i.t.) administration of cannabinoid CB1receptor and 2-adrenoceptor drugs in the nociceptive processing and also their receptor interactions. Different doses of a cannabinoid receptor agonist, CP 55,940, and an 2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine induced a dose-dependent antinociception in both phases of the formalin test.

CP 55,940-induced antinociception was reduced by pretreatment of a selective cannabinoid CB1receptor antagonist, SR 141716A, but not by pretreatment with an 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine in both phases of the test. However, yohimbine and SR 141716A attenuated the antinociception induced by clonidine in the early phase but not in the late phase of the test. While SR 141716A by itself did not influence pain behaviour, the reversal effect of clonidine by SR 141716A indicate that clonidine stimulate the release of endocannabinoid(s).

In conclusion, our findings may suggest that: (1) spinal cannabinoid and 2-adrenoceptor systems are able to induce antinociception in both phases of formalin test, and (2) the cannabinoid system may be involved in the antinociception induced by adrenoceptors in the early phase.
Opposite effects of MK-801 on the expression of food and morphine-induced conditioned place preference in rats
Authors: Yonghui Li , Xigeng Zheng , Yunjing Bai , Xiaoyan Yang , Nan Sui
Published: December 2005

Behavioural studies have provided strong evidence for common substrates in the rewards of natural and addictive substances, but it is still unclear whether there is a common glutamatergic NMDA receptor mechanism involved in the processing of reward for both. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of MK-801 (0.1mg/kg) on the expression of place preference conditioned with food and morphine (5.0mg/kg) in rats. The data indicates that MK-801 potentiates the expression of food-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) but retards that of morphine CPP. It also demonstrates that the opposite effects of MK-801 on food and morphine CPP expression were caused neither by hyperactivity nor by the impairment of memory retrieval. These results suggest that MK-801 enhances food craving and inhibits morphine craving in rats, and that the roles of glutamatergic NMDA receptor mechanisms in the reward processing of natural reinforcers and addictive drugs may be dissociable.
Increased libido associated with quetiapine
Authors: Menon Anuradha , Williams R. Hamish McAllister , Watson Stuart
Published: December 2005

We report sexual symptoms in a 44 year old man with schizophrenia who was receiving treatment with the atypical antipsychotic quetiapine. The symptoms consisted of an increased drive to masturbate and spontaneous ejaculations at night time. We discuss the potential neuro-chemical mechanisms for this and argue that quetiapine’s unique pharmacological profile may have contributed to the development of his symptoms.
Building Understanding of the Domain of Consumer Vulnerability
Authors: Baker Stacey Menzel , Gentry James W. , Rittenburg Terri L.
Published: December 2005

Consumer vulnerability is a sometimes misunderstood or misused concept that is equated erroneously with demographic characteristics, stigmatization, consumer protection, unmet needs, discrimination, or disadvantage. This article seeks to clarify the boundaries for what is and what is not consumer vulnerability. By explicating the key themes of consumer vulnerability from previous studies in the consumer research and marketing literatures, the authors build a definition and model to explain that consumer vulnerability is multidimensional, context specific, and does not have to be enduring. The authors clarify that multiple and simultaneous internal and external factors contribute to consumer experiences of vulnerability. They conclude by proposing some ways the consumer-driven definition of consumer vulnerability can be implemented into research and policy decisions. Most important, their implementation focuses on treating consumers as they wish to be treated, not as well-meaning others think they should be treated, and on directing policy toward facilitating individual empowerment.
Retail Redlining: Definition, Theory, Typology, and Measurement
Authors: D’Rozario Denver , Williams Jerome D.
Published: December 2005

Retail redlining is a spatially discriminatory practice among retailers, of not serving certain areas, based on their ethnic-minority composition, rather than on economic criteria, such as the potential profitability of operating in those areas. Consequently, consumers in these areas often find themselves “vulnerable” because no other retailers will serve them, or they are exploited by other, often smaller, retailers who charge them higher prices and/or offer them inferior goods. What makes retail redlining worthy of scrutiny is that whereas redlining is illegal in the financial industry, retail redlining is still legal in the retailing industry. There are, however, lawsuits and lobbying efforts under way that seek to make this practice illegal. In this article, the authors define retail redlining, identify eight different commonly seen variations of it, look at both sides of the argument on this practice, and finally suggest a methodology for empirically verifying this practice.
Asian Americans in Magazine Advertising: Portrayals of the “Model Minority”
Authors: Taylor Charles R. , Landreth Stacy , Bang Hae-Kyong
Published: December 2005

Prior studies of portrayals of Asian Americans in advertising have found limited representation and portrayals that are skewed toward technology-based products, business and science magazines, and business settings and relationships. This article examines current Asian American portrayals. Findings indicate that, despite improved representation, stereotyped portrayals persist. The “model minority” stereotype, which suggests that Asian Americans are hardworking, technologically savvy, business oriented, successful, and well assimilated, is clearly reflected in advertising portrayals. Portrayals of Asian Americans in family and social contexts are seldom seen. Moreover, even magazines with high Asian American readership reflect the same stereotypes.
Do the Poor Deserve Less Than Surfers? An Essay for the Special Issue on Vulnerable Consumers
Authors: Hill Ronald Paul
Published: December 2005

In his seminal work on an unconditional basic income for each citizen, Philippe Van Parijs provides a new paradigm to facilitate a discussion on the morality (or lack there of) inherent within our global distribution system of goods and services. He also (implicitly) challenges the field to consider the impact of greater exchange parity upon our material world and the quality of life afforded our most vulnerable consumers. After briefly presenting his approach, the work of John Rawls on distributive justice and this author’s own research on consumption adequacy is integrated into this perspective to form a powerful model for policy makers.
Strangers in the Neighborhood: On the Loss of “Society”
Authors: Svensson Peter
Published: December 2005

This article is a comment and reflection on Hill’s text on unconditional basic income (this issue). It deals with a main tendency in contemporary, neoliberal societies, a tendency that—it is suggested—contributes to the experience of unconditional income as a controversial and even unrealistic proposition. Drawing inspiration from Hobbes’ Leviathan, itis argued that the harsh reception of the idea of an unconditional income is intertwined with a general erosion of the notion of society, that is, of a conception of a collective whole, a commonwealth, that transcends the individual.
A Q study of music teachers’ attitudes towards the significance of individual differences for teaching and learning in music
Authors: Hewitt Allan
Published: December 2005

Classroom teachers’ beliefs and attitudes regarding the role and significance of individual differences have received relatively little attention in the literature to date, notwithstanding the well-documented importance both of teachers’ beliefs and factors of individual difference for the learning and teaching process. The purpose of this study was to explore the belief patterns of a small group ( N = 8) of Scottish secondary school classroom music teachers in relation to the significance of 10 factors of individual difference among pupils for learning and teaching in music within the curriculum. Participants completed two Q-sorts, one relating to teaching approaches in music and one to attainment in musical tasks. Both sorts used an identical set of items. Results suggest that a small number of ‘typical’ belief patterns could be identified in each of the two contexts, and that the focus of study makes future development of this investigation appropriate. It appears that some music teachers may focus more on perceived strengths amongst their pupils while others concentrate instead on areas of weaknesses. The implications for practice in music education of these positions are discussed.
Building Egress Analysis
Authors: Shen Tzu-Sheng
Published: December 2005

This study tries to develop an analysis procedure by which the architecture plans for egress systems can be evaluated and compared at normal condition evacuation or emergency evacuation with static (fixed blockage of selected target spaces, e.g., earthquake, bomb) or dynamic (timed block of target spaces, e.g., fire) blocking. This approach can also be used to compare the evacuation performance of buildings, which includes ones that meet the codes and ones that do not.
[This article has been retracted] Fire Performance of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) with Glued-in Steel Rod Connections
Authors: Park Joo-Saeng , Buchanan Andrew H. , Lee Jun-Jae
Published: December 2005

[This article has been retracted] This article describes an investigation into the fire performance of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) made from radiata pine, with glued-in steel rod connections. To determine charring rates, cone calorimeter tests are carried out on samples of LVL with a number of grain orientations, each for a range of constant heat flux exposures. Full-size load-bearing fire resistance tests are carried out on large cross section LVL beams (with no connections) in a 3 × 4m2 full-size furnace, following the ISO 834 curve. Charring rates are found to be similar to solid wood or glulam. To determine connection performance, an experimental investigation is carried out on the axial tensile strength of connections that utilized a threaded steel rod bonded into the timber using two epoxy resins and a composite adhesive. Some specimens are tested at a constant elevated temperature while similar specimens are tested in fire conditions under constant load. The three adhesives give different connection strengths at ambient temperatures and show different strength losses at elevated temperatures. Design recommendations are given in this article.
A Comparison of Chitosan and Collagen Sponges as Hemostatic Dressings
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Yan Yongnian , Zhang Renji
Published: December 2005

The hemostatic capability, adhesion ability and biocompatibility of chitosan sponges were compared with commercial collagen sponges. The chitosan sponges were briefly immersed in an aqueous 20% ammonia solution before being applied to a rabbit cervical vein wound. The total amount of bleeding from the injured veins until hemostasis was similar for both chitosan and collagen sponges. The complete hemostasis success rates for both the chitosan and collagen sponges were also similar. Under hemostasis, the chitosan sponges strongly adhered to the surface of the rabbit muscles, whereas the collagen sponges were easily detached from the muscles. Under wet conditions, however, there was no significant difference in the adhesive ability between the two sponges. During implantation, the chitosan sponges were much more flexible and resistant to breakage than the collagen sponges. The biocompatibilities and biodegradation rates of the two sponges were totally different after subcutaneous implantation in rabbits. The chitosan sponge was degraded much slower than the collagen sponge, while tissue responses for the chitosan sponges were much greater than for the collagen sponges.
Friction Experiments for Filament Winding Applications
Authors: Koussios Sotiris , Bergsma Otto K.
Published: December 2005

The design procedure of nongeodesic filament wound products requires well-determined values for the available friction situated between the applied roving and the supporting surface. In this paper, we propose a mandrel shape with a specially designed meridian profile that enables a linearly proportional relation between the feed eye carriage translation and the measured values for the coefficients of friction. As a result of this property, the optically or chronometrically obtained measurements can directly be translated into coefficients of friction. Additional features of this approach are the high accuracy, repeatability, low experimental costs, and simple machine control strategies. With the proposed mandrel, we performed several experiments corresponding to the variation of typical filament winding-related process parameters: fiber speed, roving tension, roving dimensions, wet versus dry winding, and surface quality of the mandrel. The results indicate that the surface quality of the mandrel and the type of winding process (wet vs. dry fibers) have a considerable influence on the obtained data. The influence of the fiber speed, roving tension, and fiber material on the other hand, is negligible.
Investigation on the Tensile Properties of Knitted Fabric Reinforced Composites made from GF-PP Commingled Yarn Preforms with Different Loop Densities
Authors: Zaixia Fan , Zhangyu  , Yanmo Chen , Hairu Long
Published: December 2005

The influence of the loop density of rib 1: 1 fabric preform made from GF-PP commingled yarn on the tensile properties of the composites is investigated. Six samples of rib 1: 1 fabric preform with different loop densities are studied. It has been found that the tensile strength of composites show an increase followed by a light decrease as the loop density of the rib 1: 1 fabric preform increases, while the fracture strain just presented a contrary variation tendency. Fiber strength efficiency (FSE) is introduced to explain this phenomenon. Also, the inherent characteristic of loop structure, the homogeneity of fiber-matrix distribution in composites, and the continuousness of the reinforcement are taken into consideration to explain this.
Experimental Characterization of Damage in Random Short Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Dano Marie-Laure , Gendron Guy , Maillette François , Bissonnette Benoît
Published: December 2005

This article presents the results of an experimental program carried out to characterize the mechanical behavior of random short glass fiber reinforced composites. Tensile, compressive, and shear tests are first performed. The results show that the material is characterized by in-plane isotropy and that it exhibits a damageable elastic behavior in tension and a brittle linear elastic behavior in compression. Then, a series of tests are conducted to evaluate the elastic stiffness tensor of the damaged material. The experimental results reveal that damage induces anisotropy. The results of the experimental program are used to identify and validate a continuum damage mechanics model that has been developed to predict the material mechanical behavior.
Experimental Damage Mechanics of Micro/Power Electronics Solder Joints under Electric Current Stresses
Authors: Ye Hua , Basaran Cemal , Hopkins Douglas C.
Published: December 2005

Experimental damage mechanics of flip chip solder joints under current stressing is studied using 20 test vehicle flip chip modules. Three different failure modes are observed. The dominant damage mechanism is caused by the combined effect of electromigration and thermomigration, where void nucleation and growth lead to the ultimate failure of the module. It is observed that thermomigration driving forces are stronger than electromigration; as a result thermomigration, not electromigration, determines the site of void nucleation. The void nucleation and growth modes and their preferred sites are also observed and discussed in detail. The interface between the Ni barrier layer and the solder joint is found to be the favorite site of void nucleation and growth. The effect of pre-existing voids on the failure process of a solder joint is also studied. It is observed that Black’s time to failure law for thin films is unreliable for solder joints.
Fatigue Life Prediction under Random Loading Conditions in 7475-T7351 Aluminum Alloy using the RMS Model
Authors: Kim Sang Tae , Tadjiev Damir , Yang Hyun Tae
Published: December 2005

This article is concerned with the fatigue life prediction in specimens of 7475-T7351 high strength aluminum alloy subjected to random fatigue loading. Fatigue life predictions are made using the root mean square model. This model is chosen because it has been defined as the most simple and effective one for fatigue life prediction in the components subjected to random loading by the authors of this article. The analysis procedure used in this study is relatively simple. The loading history for each specimen is analyzed to determine the root mean square maximum and minimum stresses and predictions are then made by assuming that the tests have been conducted under constant amplitude loading at the root mean square maximum and minimum stresses. The ratios of the predicted lives range from 3.22 to 1.52. These ratios are fairly good considering that the normal scatter in fatigue crack growth rates may range from a factor of two to four under identical load conditions. Moreover, an attempt has been made to improve prediction procedure using Forman’s equation applied in the root mean square model. While using the improved prediction procedure, the ratios of the predicted lives range from 1.35 to 0.62 (e.g., error bound is reduced almost five times: from 222 to 48). Only relatively simple computer programs (Microsoft Excel for load history analysis and Mathematica for performing calculations) and a desktop computer are employed to make predictions. Improved prediction procedure allows more precise prediction of fatigue life as well as helps to obtain better prediction ratios but further experimental work should be performed to verify the validity of the attempt.
Fuzzy Approach for Maintainability Evaluation in the Design Process
Authors: Slavila Corneliu-Alexandru , Decreuse Christophe , Ferney Michel
Published: December 2005

The maintainability aspect of some complex products has a significant role during the life cycle; it is the design attribute determining the performance of various maintenance activities such as: inspection, diagnosis, repair, and replacement. If a product has poor maintainability, the maintenance activities which have to be performed on it during its life cycle are difficult, increasing the costs, and also the time required to accomplish the maintenance tasks. An early evaluation of maintainability during the design process may help the designers to make educated design choices, also from the maintenance point of view. In this article, we present a maintainability evaluation approach based on fuzzy logic; fuzzy linguistic variables are employed in order to represent and handle the design data available early in the design process. The main reason for employing fuzzy logic principles for maintainability evaluation is the imprecision and uncertainty generally characterizing the design data available at the beginning of the design process, when design specifications and requirements are subject to change and the description of the design is incomplete. The measure of the product maintainability or maintainability index might be expressed by a fuzzy numerical value computed as the weighted mean of the criteria values used for the evaluation.
Postharvest Quality of Coated Cherries cv. ‘Burlat’ as Affected by Coating Composition and Solids Content
Authors: Rojas-Argudo C. , Pérez-Gago M. B. , del Río M. A.
Published: December 2005

The aim of this work was to study the effect of edible composite coating with different hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio and solids content (SC) to improve storability of fresh cherries. Cherries cv. Burlat were coated with four edible composite coatings based on locust bean gum (LBG), shellac and beeswax. Three coatings differed on the hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio (75/25, 50/50 and 25/75) and were applied at constant SC (1.75%). Whereas, one coating was applied at 3.50% SC, maintaining the hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio at 75/25. Quality was assessed during storage at 1°C up to 11 days followed by 1 day at 20°C. Increasing coating hydrophobicity decreased weight and firmness loss of cherries during storage. Increasing SC did not improve weight and firmness loss, but it increased deterioration index. In general, no benefits were achieved in colour and titratable acidity retention as a result of coating application. Major benefits by coating application were found in weight, firmness and deterioration index. The application of the most hydrophobic solution at 1.75% of SC prolonged the storability of the cherries.
Effects of Ultra High Pressure on Bay Scallop (Aequipecten irradians) Adductor Muscles
Authors: Pérez-Won M. , Tabilo-Munizaga G. , Barbosa-Cánovas G. V.
Published: December 2005

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ultra high pressure (UHP) on the adductor muscles of bay scallops ( Aequipecten irradians) pertaining to certain physicochemical characteristics and microstructure. UHP treatment was applied at 200MPa and 400MPa, each application with one pulse and a holding time of 10min, or 2 pulses and a holding time of 5min per pulse, in a continuous or oscillation mode. Determination of textural parameters and L*, a* and b* colour parameters were carried out and compared with untreated scallops. Microstructure was observed using a scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) technique and, for microbial analyses, a total plate count was performed. SEM showed that UHP treatments induced a size reduction of the honeycomb structure of myofibres, giving a more compact appearance to the structure. Colour and compressibility enhanced by pressure treatment, however loss of hardness was observed. UHP treatments also reduced the initial load in total plate count of microorganisms to 10cfu/g. UHP is a competitive technology in food processing and ready for use on this high-priced seafood product.
Simulate the Dynamic Draping Behavior of Woven and Knitted Fabrics
Authors: Ji Feng , Li Ruqin , Qiu Yiping
Published: December 2005

In this article a practical mass-spring system was developed to simulate the draping of woven and knitted fabrics. The material properties important to fabric drape, including aerial density, tensile, shear, and bending properties were measured using the Kawabata Evaluation System and the experimental data were incorporated into the mass-spring model to simulate the dynamic draping behavior of a few selected woven and knitted fabrics. The draping of a garment made of the corresponding five types of fabrics was simulated as well. It was found in dynamic draping simulation that the selected knitted fabrics experience more deformation with smoother appearance than the woven fabrics due to their lower bending and shear moduli.
Donor CD4+ T and B cells in transplants induce chronic graft-versus-host disease with autoimmune manifestations
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Todorov Ivan , Zhang Zhifang , Liu Yinping , Kandeel Fouad , Forman Stephen , Strober Samuel , Zeng Defu
Published: December 2005

Chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality of long-term survivors of allogeneic hemato-poietic cell transplantation (HCT). Chronic GVHD can have features of an autoimmune collagen vascular disease with clinical manifestations similar to autoimmune scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the pathogenesis of chronic GVHD is poorly understood. It is unclear how autoreactive T and B cells are generated in chronic GVHD recipients. We have recently developed a new chronic GVHD model by transplantation of donor DBA/2 (H-2d) spleen cells into major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-matched but minor antigen-mismatched sublethally irradiated BALB/c (H-2d) recipients as well as athymic BALB/cnu/nu and adult-thymectomized BALB/c recipients. Both euthymic and athymic BALB/c recipients developed high levels of serum IgG autoantibodies, sclerodermatous skin damage, and glomerulonephritis. Disease induction required both donor CD25-CD4+ T and B cells in transplants. In contrast, donor CD25+CD4+ T regulatory (Treg) cells prevented the disease induction. These results indicate that host thymus is not required for induction of chronic GVHD and that quiescent autoreactive T and B cells in transplants from nonautoimmune donors may be activated and expanded to cause chronic GVHD with autoimmune manifestations in allogeneic recipients, and donor Treg cells can suppress this process.
SP-A binds alpha1-antitrypsin in vitro and reduces the association rate constant for neutrophil elastase
Authors: Gorrini Marina , Lupi Anna , Iadarola Paolo , Santos Conceição Dos , Rognoni Paola , Dalzoppo Daniele , Carrabino Natalia , Pozzi Ernesto , Baritussio Aldo , Luisetti Maurizio
Published: December 2005

Background

α1-antitrypsin and surfactant protein-A (SP-A) are major lung defense proteins. With the hypothesis that SP-A could bind α1-antitrypsin, we designed a series ofin vitroexperiments aimed at investigating the nature and consequences of such an interaction.

Methods and results

At an α1-antitrypsin:SP-A molar ratio of 1:1, the interaction resulted in a calcium-dependent decrease of 84.6% in the association rate constant of α1-antitrypsin for neutrophil elastase. The findings were similar when SP-A was coupled with the Z variant of α1-antitrypsin. The carbohydrate recognition domain of SP-A appeared to be a major determinant of the interaction, by recognizing α1-antitrypsin carbohydrate chains. However, binding of SP-A carbohydrate chains to the α1-antitrypsin amino acid backbone and interaction between carbohydrates of both proteins are also possible. Gel filtration chromatography and turnover per inactivation experiments indicated that one part of SP-A binds several molar parts of α1-antitrypsin.

Conclusion

We conclude that the binding of SP-A to α1-antitrypsin results in a decrease of the inhibition of neutrophil elastase. This interaction could have potential implications in the physiologic regulation of α1-antitrypsin activity, in the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema, and in the defense against infectious agents.
Simple technique for evacuation of traumatic subcutaneous haematomas under tension
Authors: Chami George , Chami Belinda , Hatley Edward , Dabis Hossam
Published: December 2005

Background

Traumatic subcutaneous haematomas are common cases in the accident and emergency department. Occasionally, urgent evacuation is required to prevent skin necrosis.

Methods

We present a simple and safe technique, based on a principle similar to liposuction to evacuate traumatic subcutaneous haematomas under tension. Instruments readily available in the accident and emergency department are used without the need of general anaesthesia.

Results

The technique was performed in six cases without complication such as infection or re-collection of the haematoma under tension. We present two typical scenarios where urgent evacuation was indicated and the technique performed.

Conclusion

The technique is useful as an urgent and safe procedure in the accident and emergency department setting.
The host response to the probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917: Specific up-regulation of the proinflammatory chemokine MCP-1
Authors: Ukena Sya N , Westendorf Astrid M , Hansen Wiebke , Rohde Manfred , Geffers Robert , Coldewey Sina , Suerbaum Sebastian , Buer Jan , Gunzer Florian
Published: December 2005

Background

The use of live microorganisms to influence positively the course of intestinal disorders such as infectious diarrhea or chronic inflammatory conditions has recently gained increasing interest as a therapeutic alternative.In vitroandin vivoinvestigations have demonstrated that probiotic-host eukaryotic cell interactions evoke a large number of responses potentially responsible for the effects of probiotics. The aim of this study was to improve our understanding of theE. coliNissle 1917-host interaction by analyzing the gene expression pattern initiated by this probiotic in human intestinal epithelial cells.

Methods

Gene expression profiles of Caco-2 cells treated withE. coliNissle 1917 were analyzed with microarrays. A second human intestinal cell line and also pieces of small intestine from BALB/c mice were used to confirm regulatory data of selected genes by real-time RT-PCR and cytometric bead array (CBA) to detect secretion of corresponding proteins.

Results

Whole genome expression analysis revealed 126 genes specifically regulated after treatment of confluent Caco-2 cells withE. coliNissle 1917. Among others, expression of genes encoding the proinflammatory molecules monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 ligand 2 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-2 alpha (MIP-2α) and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 beta (MIP-2β) was increased up to 10 fold. Caco-2 cells cocultured withE. coliNissle 1917 also secreted high amounts of MCP-1 protein. Elevated levels of MCP-1 and MIP-2α mRNA could be confirmed with Lovo cells. MCP-1 gene expression was also up-regulated in mouse intestinal tissue.

Conclusion

Thus, probioticE. coliNissle 1917 specifically upregulates expression of proinflammatory genes and proteins in human and mouse intestinal epithelial cells.
Reproducibility of cervical range of motion in patients with neck pain
Authors: Hoving Jan Lucas , Pool Jan JM , van Mameren Henk , Devillé Walter JLM , Assendelft Willem JJ , de Vet Henrica CW , de Winter Andrea F , Koes Bart W , Bouter Lex M
Published: December 2005

Background

Reproducibility measurements of the range of motion are an important prerequisite for the interpretation of study results. The aim of the study is to assess the intra-rater and inter-rater reproducibility of the measurement of active Range of Motion (ROM) in patients with neck pain using the Cybex Electronic Digital Inclinometer-320 (EDI-320).

Methods

In an outpatient clinic in a primary care setting 32 patients with at least 2 weeks of pain and/or stiffness in the neck were randomly assessed, in a test- retest design with blinded raters using a standardized measurement protocol. Cervical flexion-extension, lateral flexion and rotation were assessed.

Results

Reliability expressed by the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was 0.93 (lateral flexion) or higher for intra-rater reliability and 0.89 (lateral flexion) or higher for inter-rater reliability. The 95% limits of agreement for intra-rater agreement, expressing the range of the differences between two ratings were -2.5 ± 11.1° for flexion-extension, -0.1 ± 10.4° for lateral flexion and -5.9 ± 13.5° for rotation. For inter-rater agreement the limits of agreement were 3.3 ± 17.0° for flexion-extension, 0.5 ± 17.0° for lateral flexion and -1.3 ± 24.6° for rotation.

Conclusion

In general, the intra-rater reproducibility and the inter-rater reproducibility were good. We recommend to compare the reproducibility and clinical applicability of the EDI-320 inclinometer with other cervical ROM measures in symptomatic patients.
Metallothionien 3 expression is frequently down-regulated in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma by DNA methylation
Authors: Smith Eric , Drew Paul A , Tian Zi-Qing , De Young Neville J , Liu Jun-Feng , Mayne George C , Ruszkiewicz Andrew R , Watson David I , Jamieson Glyn G
Published: December 2005

Background

Metallothionein 3 (MT3) inhibits growth in a variety of cell types. We measured MT3 gene expression by RT-PCR, and DNA methylation in the MT3 promoter by combined bisulphite restriction analysis, in four oesophageal cancer cell lines and the resected oesophagus from 64 patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Results

MT3 expression was not detected in one of the four oesophageal cell lines. The MT3 promoter was methylated in all of the oesophageal cell lines, but the degree of methylation was greater in the non-expressing cell line. After treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine there was a reduction in the degree of methylation, and an increase in MT3 expression, in each of the cell lines (p < 0.01). Methylation was detected in 52% (33 of 64) of primary SCC and 3% (2 of 62) of histologically normal resection margins. MT3 expression was measured in 29 tumours, 17 of which had methylation of MT3. The expression of MT3 was significantly less in the methylated tumours compared to either the unmethylated tumours (p = 0.03), or the matched margin (p = 0.0005). There was not a significant difference in MT3 expression between the tumour and the margin from patients with unmethylated tumour. No correlations were observed between methylation of MT3 and survival time, patient age, gender, smoking or drinking history, tumour stage, volume, or lymph node involvement.

Conclusion

We conclude that MT3 ex pression is frequently down-regulated in oesophageal SCC, by DNA methylation, but that this is not a prognostic indicator.
Cortex reorganization of Xenopus laeviseggs in strong static magnetic fields
Authors: Mietchen Daniel , Jakobi Jörg W , Richter Hans-Peter
Published: December 2005

Observations of magnetic field effects on biological systems have often been contradictory. For amphibian eggs, a review of the available literature suggests that part of the discrepancies might be resolved by considering a previously neglected parameter for morphological alterations induced by magnetic fields – the jelly layers that normally surround the egg and are often removed in laboratory studies for easier cell handling. To experimentally test this hypothesis, we observed the morphology of fertilizable Xenopus laevis eggs with and without jelly coat that were subjected to static magnetic fields of up to 9.4 T for different periods of time. A complex reorganization of cortical pigmentation was found in dejellied eggs as a function of the magnetic field and the field exposure time. Initial pigment rearrangements could be observed at about 0.5 T, and less than 3 T are required for the effects to fully develop within two hours. No effect was observed when the jelly layers of the eggs were left intact. These results suggest that the action of magnetic fields might involve cortical pigments or associated cytoskeletal structures normally held in place by the jelly layers and that the presence of the jelly layer should indeed be included in further studies of magnetic field effects in this system.