bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Potential Cardiotoxic Side Effects of Mitoxantrone in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Zingler Vera Carina , Näbauer Michael , Jahn Klaus , Groβ Ariane , Hohlfeld Reinhard , Brandt Thomas , Strupp Michael
Published: July 2005

Previous studies showed that mitoxantrone can reduce disability progression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). There is, however, concern that it may cause irreversible cardiomyopathy with reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) and congestive heart failure. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate cardiac side effects of mitoxantrone by repetitive cardiac monitoring in MS patients. The treatment protocol called for ten courses of a combined mitoxantrone (10 mg/m2 body surface) and methylprednisolone therapy. Before each course, a transthoracic echocardiogram was performed to determine the LV end-diastolic diameter, the end-systolic diameter and the fractional shortening; the LV-EF was calculated. Seventy-three patients participated (32 males; age 48 ± 12 years, range 20–75 years; 25 with primary progressive, 47 with secondary progressive and 1 with relapsing-remitting MS) who received at least four courses of mitoxantrone. Three of the 73 patients were excluded during the study (2 patients discontinued therapy; 1 patient with a previous history of ischemic heart disease developed atrial fibrillation after the second course of mitoxantrone). The mean cumulative dose of mitoxantrone was 114.0 ± 33.8 mg. The mean follow-up time was 23.4 months (range 10–57 months). So far, there has been no significant change in any of the determined parameters (end-diastolic diameter, end-systolic diameter, fractional shortening, EF) over time during all follow-up investigations. Mitoxantrone did not cause signs of congestive heart failure in any of the patients. Further cardiac monitoring is, however, needed to determine the safety of mitoxantrone after longer follow-up times and at higher cumulative doses.
Promoting Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among European Schoolchildren: Rationale, Conceptualization and Design of the Pro Children Project
Authors: Klepp Knut-Inge , Pérez-Rodrigo Carmen , de Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Due P.Pernille , Elmadfa Ibrahim , Haraldsdóttir Jóhanna , König Jürgen , Sjöström Michael , Thórsdóttir Inga , Vaz de Almeida Maria Daniel , Yngve Agneta , Brug Johannes
Published: July 2005

Background/Aims: The Pro Children Project was designed to assess fruit and vegetable consumption in European schoolchildren and their parents, as well as determinants of the children’s consumption patterns. A second objective was to develop and test strategies, applicable across Europe, for promoting consumption of fruits and vegetables among schoolchildren and their parents. In this paper, the rationale, theoretical background, overall design and implementation of the project is presented. Methods: Surveys of national, representative samples of 11-year-old schoolchildren and their parents were conducted in 9 countries, i.e. in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. Comprehensive school-based educational programmes have been developed and tested in three settings, i.e. in Spain, the Netherlands and in Norway. A precoded 24-hour recall form combined with a set of food frequency questions assessing regular intake were used to assess fruit and vegetable consumption. Determinants were assessed employing a comprehensive theoretical framework including personal, social and environmental factors related to fruit and vegetable consumption. The intervention programmes have been tested employing a group-randomized trial design where schools have been randomly allocated to an intervention arm and a delayed intervention arm. Surveys among all participating children and their parents were conducted prior to the initiation of the intervention, immediately after the end of the intervention and at the end of the subsequent school year. Conclusion: The project is expected to provide new information of great importance for improving our understanding of consumption patterns of fruits and vegetables and for guiding future efforts to promote increased consumption patterns across Europe.
Fruit and Vegetable Intake of Mothers of 11-Year-Old Children in Nine European Countries: The Pro Children Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Wolf Alexandra , Yngve Agneta , Elmadfa Ibrahim , Poortvliet Eric , Ehrenblad Bettina , Pérez-Rodrigo Carmen , Thórsdóttir Inga , Haraldsdóttir Jóhanna , Brug Johannes , Maes Lea , Vaz de Almeida Maria Daniel , Krølner Rikke , Klepp Knut-Inge
Published: July 2005

Objective: To describe and compare fruit and vegetable intakes of mothers of 11-year-old children across Europe. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were carried out in 9 European countries in October/November 2003. Self-administered questionnaires assessing fruit and vegetable consumption were used for data collection. The current paper presents dietary intake data obtained by a precoded 24-hour recall and a food frequency questionnaire. Results: The consumption levels of fruit and vegetables (without fruit juice) were in line with World Health Organization recommendations of ≧400 g/day for only 27% of all participating mothers. Based on both instruments, the Pro Children results showed comparatively high average fruit intake levels in Portugal, Denmark and Sweden (211, 203 and 194 g/day) and the lowest intake in Iceland (97 g/day). High vegetable intake levels were found in Portugal and Belgium (169 and 150 g/day), the lowest in Spain (88 g/day). A south-north gradient could not be observed in the Pro Children study. Conclusion: Fruit and vegetable intakes are low in mothers of 11-year-olds across Europe. Especially vegetable consumption can be regarded as marginal in most of the studied European countries. A high percentage of mothers indicated to eat fruit and vegetables less than once a day. The results have shown that national and international interventions are necessary to promote fruit and especially vegetable consumption in the European population of mothers.
Estrogen Treatment Abrogates Neointima Formation in Human C-Reactive Protein Transgenic Mice
Authors: Wang Dajun , Oparil Suzanne , Chen Yiu-Fai , McCrory Mark A. , Skibinski Gregory A. , Feng Wenguang , Szalai Alexander J.
Published: July 2005

Objective—Previously we established that the vascular injury response was attenuated in ovariectomized wild-type rodents treated with 17β-estradiol (E2). We also showed that the response to acute vascular injury in transgenic mice expressing human C-reactive protein (CRPtg) is exaggerated compared with their nontransgenic (NTG) counterparts. Herein we tested the hypothesis that E2modulates vascular injury in the CRPtg mouse.

Methods and Results—Intact (INT) or ovariectomized (OVX) CRPtg and NTG, treated with E2or vehicle, had their right common carotid artery ligated. Resultant neointima formation was exaggerated in CRPtg compared with NTG, whether INT or OVX, but was prevented in both genotypes by E2. Expression of human CRP protein (immunohistochemical analysis) and mRNA (laser microdissection followed by real-time quantitative RT-PCR) was detected in the neointima of OVX CRPtg and was greatly diminished by E2treatment. CRP was not detected in uninjured arteries or in the media of injured arteries, and blood CRP level was consistently low.

Conclusions—The exaggerated response to vascular injury in CRPtg is associated with increased neointimal expression of human CRP. E2reduces both neointima formation and neointimal expression of human CRP, suggesting that E2is vasoprotective.
Cytosolic Lipid Droplets Increase in Size by Microtubule-Dependent Complex Formation
Authors: Boström Pontus , Rutberg Mikael , Ericsson Johanna , Holmdahl Peter , Andersson Linda , Frohman Michael A. , Borén Jan , Olofsson Sven-Olof
Published: July 2005

Objectives—

Adipocyte differentiation-related protein (ADRP)-containing lipid droplets have an essential role in the development of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Such droplets form in a cell-free system with a diameter of 0.1 to 0.4 μm, while the droplets present in cells vary in size, from small to very large, suggesting that the droplets can increase in size after being assembled. We have addressed this possibility.

Methods and Results—

Experiments in NIH 3T3 cells demonstrated that the lipid droplets could increase in size independently of triglyceride biosynthesis. NIH 3T3 cells were either microinjected with ADRP–GFP (green fluorescent protein) or stained with Nile Red and followed by confocal microscopy and time-lapse recordings. The results showed that lipid droplets formed complexes with each other, with a volume equal to the sum of the merging particles. The formation of complexes could be inhibited by the nocodazole-induced depolymerization of the microtubules; thus, the process is dependent on microtubules. The presence of dynein on ADRP-containing droplets supports a role for this motor protein.

Conclusions—

Lipid droplets can grow after they have been assembled. This increase in size is independent of triglyceride biosynthesis and involves formation of complexes, which requires intact microtubules.
Endothelial Protein Kinase C Isoform Identity and Differential Activity of PKCζ in an Athero-Susceptible Region of Porcine Aorta
Authors: Magid Richard , Davies Peter F.
Published: July 2005

Endothelial protein kinase C (PKC) signaling was investigated in different regions of normal porcine aorta. The locations map to differential atherosclerotic susceptibility and correlate with sites of disturbed (DF) or undisturbed (UF) local flow profiles. Endothelial lysates were isolated from the inner curvature of the aortic arch (DF; athero-susceptible) and a nearby UF region of the descending thoracic aorta (UF; athero-protected), and in some experiments a distant athero-protected UF site, the common carotid artery. Total endothelial PKC activity in the DF regions was 145% to 240% of that in both UF locations (
P
<0.05), whereas the UF regions were not significantly different from each other. PKC protein isoforms α, β, ε, ι, λ, and ζ were expressed in similar proportions in both aortic regions, suggesting that differences of kinase activity were not directly attributable to expression levels. Inhibition of members of the “conventional” and “novel” PKC families had no differential effect on regional kinase activity. However, inhibition of PKCζ, a member of the “atypical” PKC family, reduced the DF lysate kinase activity to that of UF levels (NS
P
=0.35). Differential phosphorylation of PKCζ Thr410 and Thr560, along with increased levels of PKCζ degradation products in UF endothelial lysates, suggested posttranslational modification of PKCζ as the basis for site-specific differences in vivo. Steady-state regional heterogeneity of an important family of regulatory proteins in intact arterial endothelium in vivo may link localized athero-susceptibility and the associated hemodynamic environment.
Genetic Polymorphisms and the Risk of Stroke After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Grocott Hilary P. , White William D. , Morris Richard W. , Podgoreanu Mihai V. , Mathew Joseph P. , Nielsen Dahlia M. , Schwinn Debra A. , Newman Mark F.
Published: July 2005

Background and Purpose—

Stroke represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. Although the risk of stroke varies according to both patient and procedural factors, the impact of genetic variants on stroke risk is not well understood. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that specific genetic polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of stroke after cardiac surgery.

Methods—

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery were studied. DNA was isolated from preoperative blood and analyzed for 26 different single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to determine the association of clinical and genetic characteristics with stroke. Permutation analysis was used to adjust for multiple comparisons inherent in genetic association studies.

Results—

A total of 1635 patients experiencing 28 strokes (1.7%) were included in the final genetic model. The combination of the 2 minor alleles of C-reactive protein (CRP; 3′UTR 1846C/T) and interleukin-6 (IL-6; −174G/C) polymorphisms, occurring in 583 (35.7%) patients, was significantly associated with stroke (odds ratio, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.4 to 8.1;
P
=0.0023). In a multivariable logistic model adjusting for age, the CRP and IL-6 single-nucleotide polymorphism combination remained significantly associated with stroke (
P
=0.0020).

Conclusions—

We demonstrate that common genetic variants of CRP (3′UTR 1846C/T) and IL-6 (−174G/C) are significantly associated with the risk of stroke after cardiac surgery, suggesting a pivotal role of inflammation in post–cardiac surgery stroke.
101 and Counting: Dalmatians in Film and Advertising
Authors: Sheen Erica
Published: July 2005

In both academic and animal welfare circles, Disney's live action films 101 and 102 Dalmatians have been criticised as a commercial exploitation of the breed. From this perspective, it was widely held that the Dalmatian has been subject to over-breeding and abandonment as a direct result of these films, and that Disney should be held responsible for this abuse. I question these assumptions. I discuss the Hollywood animal image as a form of intellectual property and provide a detailed account of negotiations between Disney and Dalmatian breed associations in America and the UK. In response to critics who described the films as "an advertisement for the breed", I suggest that Disney's animal imagery should be seen as a more complex cultural and economic negotiation between filmmaker and audience, and conclude that our understanding of the commercial deployment of the Dalmatian image must be situated in a more nuanced account of the relationship between advertising and film.
Religion and the 2004 Presidential Campaign
Authors: Denton Robert E.
Published: July 2005

In 2004, pollsters found that an individual’s level of religious commitment and activity was the primary indicator of voting behavior. Evangelical Christians turned out in record numbers and moral values was identified as the most important issue influencing voter choices. This article examines the role of religion in the 2004 presidential contest. It examines the social and political context and constituency for religious issues, direct appeals, strategies and tactics of the campaigns, and concludes with a more detailed analysis of the impact of religion in the presidential campaign.
The Idealized Presidential Candidate
Authors: Trent Judith S. , Short-Thompson Cady , Mongeau Paul A. , Metzler Maribeth S. , Trent Jimmie D.
Published: July 2005

Image as a transaction between what candidates say and do and the way voters compare that behavior with their personal vision of what candidates should be or do stimulates at least three critical questions important to political communication. First, although the ability or power of the media to affect the success or failure of candidates and campaigns is believed by many citizens and documented by research, do views of individual members of the media regarding ideal qualities presidential candidates should possess differ significantly from those of voters? Second, do characteristics or attributes of the “ideal” presidential candidate, as affixed by the media and the electorate, vary from election to election? Finally, do the evaluative dimensions of “idealness” differ in relationship to gender, age, or party affiliation? Answers are determined from results of a survey of journalists covering and citizens attending political rallies in New Hampshire during the 1988 to 2004 presidential primaries.
The Nonconscious Influence of Religious Symbols in Motivated Performance Situations
Authors: Weisbuch-Remington Max , Mendes Wendy Berry , Seery Mark D. , Blascovich Jim
Published: July 2005

Anthropological, sociological, and psychological theories suggest that religious symbols should influence motivational processes during performance of goal-relevant tasks. In two experiments, positive and negative religious (Christian) symbols were presented outside of participants’ conscious awareness. These symbols influenced cardiovascular responses consistent with challenge and threat states during a subsequent speech task, particularly when the speech topic concerned participants’ mortality, and only for Christian participants; similar images lacking Christian meaning were not influential. Results suggested that these effects were due to the learned meaning of the symbols and point to the importance of religion as a coping resource.
Cultural Differences in Affective Forecasting: The Role of Focalism
Authors: Lam Kent C. H. , Buehler Roger , McFarland Cathy , Ross Michael , Cheung Irene
Published: July 2005

The impact bias in affective forecasting—a tendency to overestimate the emotional consequences of future events—may not be a universal phenomenon. This prediction bias stems from a cognitive process known as focalism, whereby predictors focus attention narrowly on the upcoming target event. Three studies supported the hypothesis that East Asians, who tend to think more holistically than Westerners, would be less susceptible to focalism and, consequently, to the impact bias. In Studies 1 and 2, Euro-Canadians exhibited the impact bias for positive future events, whereas East Asians did not. A thought focus measure indicated that the cultural difference in prediction was mediated by the extent to which participants focused on the target event (i.e., focalism). In Study 3, a thought focus manipulation revealed that defocused Euro-Canadians and East Asians made equally moderate affective forecasts.
Internal and External Motivation to Respond Without Sexism
Authors: Klonis Suzanne C. , Plant E. Ashby , Devine Patricia G.
Published: July 2005

Based on Plant and Devine’s (1998) measures of Internal and External Motivation to Respond Without Prejudice toward Blacks, new scales were developed to assess Internal and External Motivation to Respond Without Sexism (IMS-S and EMS-S, respectively). The scales possess good psychometric properties. Providing evidence of convergent and discriminant validity, the IMS-S was strongly related to measures of sexism yet unrelated to measures of social evaluation. The EMS-S was modestly related to both sexism and social evaluative concerns. Providing evidence of predictive validity, participants who were either internally or externally motivated to respond without sexism rated sexist jokes more negatively in a situation discouraging sexism compared to participants low in both sources of motivation. However, only high IMS-S participants rated the jokes negatively whether the situation encouraged or discouraged sexism and whether their response was public or private. Implications for understanding the similarities and differences between sexism and racism are discussed.
When Less Is More: The Consequences of Affective Primacy for Subliminal Priming Effects
Authors: Stapel Diederik A. , Koomen Willem
Published: July 2005

This research investigates the consequences of the notion that one can distinguish early-evaluative (when exposure is short) and late-descriptive reactions (when exposure is long) to subliminally primed trait concepts. In three studies, it was found that the evaluative effects instigated by short exposure to primed concepts were bigger than the evaluative + descriptive effects instigated by long exposure: Less is more. Only when exposure was short, target interpretations were accompanied by evaluative inferences (Studies 1 and 3). Similarly, only when exposure was short, descriptively inapplicable trait primes affected the interpretation of an ambiguous target (Studies 2 and 3).
Influence of scandium on weldability of 7010 aluminium alloy
Authors: Madhusudhan Reddy G. , Mukhopadhyay A. K. , Sambasiva Rao A.
Published: July 2005

The commercial 7000 series aluminium alloys are based on medium strength Al–Zn–Mg and high strength Al–Zn–Mg–Cu systems. The medium strength alloys are weldable, whereas the high strength alloys are non-weldable. This is because the amount of copper present in these alloys gives rise to hot cracking during solidification of welds. As a result, the high strength Al–Zn–Mg– Cu base alloys are not used for applications where joining of components by welding is an essential step. In the present study, using a combination of qualitative Houldcroft test and quantitative Varestraint test, it is shown that a small addition of scandium to the commercial 7010 alloy reduces the hot cracking susceptibility during solidification of welds produced by the gas tungsten arc welding process. The improvement in weldability is found to be the result of the considerable grain refinement in the weld structure following the scandium addition. The results of microhardness and tensile tests are further described within the context of the present work to demonstrate that the 7010+Sc welds also exhibit a combination of improved strength and ductility.
Effect of friction welding conditions and aging treatment on mechanical properties of A7075-T6 aluminium alloy friction joints
Authors: Kimura M. , Choji M. , Kusaka M. , Seo K. , Fuji A.
Published: July 2005

This article describes the effect of friction welding conditions and aging treatment on the mechanical properties of type 7075-T6 aluminium alloy (A7075) friction welded joints. A7075 was joined by using a continuous drive friction welding machine with an electromagnetic clutch in order to prevent braking deformation during as rotation speed decreases. That is, it was welded by using the ‘Low Heat Input Friction Welding Method’ (LHI method) developed by the authors, in which heat input is lower than in the conventional method. The maximum joint efficiency at a friction pressure of 30 MPa was approximately 25%, and that at 90 MPa was approximately 64%. These joints were made without forge pressure. The low joint efficiency was due to the existence of non-joined regions at the welded interfaces. However, the welded joint had approximately 82% joint efficiency when the friction time was 0·5 s at a friction pressure of 90 MPa with a forge pressure of 180 MPa. The welded joint softened at the welded interface and its adjacent region. It had approximately 90% joint efficiency after aging for 730 days at room temperature (natural aging). It also had approximately 95% joint efficiency after aging for 48 h at 393 K (120°C), and had no softened region at the welded interface. The heat input of the welded joint with the LHI method could be decreased to approximately 50% of that with the conventional method. The LHI method has several advantages for A7075 friction welding; less heat input than with the conventional method, and light post-weld processing (machining, etc.) because the flash can be minimised.
The humping phenomenon during high speed gas metal arc welding
Authors: Nguyen T. C. , Weckman D. C. , Johnson D. A. , Kerr H. W.
Published: July 2005

A commonly observed welding defect that characteristically occurs at high welding speeds is the periodic undulation of the weld bead profile, also known as humping. The occurrence of humping limits the range of usable welding speeds in most fusion welding processes and prevents further increases in productivity in a welding operation. At the present time, the physical mechanisms responsible for humping are not well understood. Thus, it is difficult to know how to suppress humping in order to achieve higher welding speeds. The objectives of this study were to identify and experimentally validate the physical mechanisms responsible for the humping phenomenon during high speed gas metal arc (GMA) welding of plain carbon steel. A LaserStrobe video imaging system was used to obtain video images of typical sequences of events during the formation of a hump. Based on these recorded video images, the strong momentum of the backward flow of molten metal in the weld pool that typically occurred during high speed welding was identified as the major factor responsible for the initiation of humping. Experiments with different process variables affecting the backward flow of molten weld metal were used to validate this hypothesis. These process variables included welding speed, welding position and shielding gas composition. The use of downhill welding positions and reactive shielding gases was found to suppress humping and to allow higher welding speeds by reducing the momentum of the backward flow of molten metal in the weld pool. This would suggest that any process variables or welding techniques that can dissipate or reduce the momentum of the backward flow of molten metal in the weld pool will facilitate higher welding speeds and productivity.
Softening characteristics in ultra-narrow gap GMA welded joints of ultra-fine grained steel
Authors: Ito R. , Hiraoka K. , Shiga C.
Published: July 2005

When a 800 MPa grade ultra-fine grained steel with ferrite grains less than 1 μm and dispersed fine cementite is welded, fine ferrite grains are coarsened resulting in remarkable softening in the heat affected zone (HAZ). The peak temperature at an arbitrary location in HAZ during welding was calculated by heat conduction analysis and the effect of welding thermal history on the microstructure of the UFG steel HAZ was examined by microscopic observation. Softening as a result of ferrite grain coarsening was observed in the region where the peak temperature reaches between 920 and 1300 K for the ultra-fine grained steel with an Ac 1 temperature of 980 K and Ac 3 of 1150 K. The formation of martensite–austenite constituents started as a second phase above the Ac 1 temperature and they curbed HAZ softening in the peak temperature range between 1000 and 1250 K.
Synergetic effects of hybrid laser/arc welding
Authors: Hu B. , den Ouden G.
Published: July 2005

The present study reports the results of a study examining the synergetic effects of hybrid laser/arc welding. Experiments were carried out with a 500 W Nd:YAG laser in combination with standard gas tungsten arc welding equipment and attention was focused on two aspects: the heat transfer efficiency and the melting efficiency. The heat transfer efficiency was determined by calorimetric measurements, whereas the melting efficiency was obtained from the transverse cross-sections of welds produced under various conditions. In addition, analytic calculations of the melting efficiency were performed on the basis of a modified form of the Rosenthal equation. The results show that the interaction of the laser and the arc does not lead to a noticeable change in the heat transfer efficiency, but results in a significant increase in the melting efficiency. The observed synergic melting effect is caused by addition of the two heat sources (laser and arc) and the contraction of the arc by the laser beam.
Modelling of electrically enhanced friction stir welding process using finite element method
Authors: Long X. , Khanna Sanjeer K.
Published: July 2005

Conventional friction stir welding (FSW) of high strength and high melting point materials, such as steel and titanium, has the disadvantages of a serious tool wear problem and slow welding speed. A new friction stir welding process for such materials called ‘electrically enhanced friction stir welding process (EHFSW)’ has been suggested and analysed using finite element modelling. The basic idea of EHFSW is that electric current passes from the welding tool into the workpiece through the contact area in the welding region. Thus it results in more localised heating while welding is in progress and is not simply a preheating process. The temperature distribution in the workpiece during the pin plunge stage and the welding stage of the EHFSW process has been determined. The results show that EHFSW can reduce the plunge force significantly with the help of localised electrical heating during the pin plunge stage, which may imply lower tool wear when compared with conventional FSW. At the same time, in the welding stage, the simulation results indicate that the welding speed of the EHFSW process can be at least two times faster than that of the conventional FSW process. Thus, finite element analysis shows that EHFSW is a promising process and could reduce tool wear while improving the welding speed, especially for high melting/O point materials.
Transferability of critical condition for ductile cracking in bent small scale specimen to evaluation of critical internal pressure for ductile cracking in axially notched linepipe
Authors: Kawaguchi S. , Hagiwara N. , Ohata M. , Toyoda M.
Published: July 2005

For two types of API 5L X65 linepipes, the critical conditions for ductile cracking of the linepipe steel and their applicability to the evaluation of the ductile cracking of an axially notched linepipe were investigated. Static three point bending tests and finite element (FE) analyses for a Charpy V notch specimen were conducted to evaluate the critical conditions for ductile cracking from the notch tip. At the position of ductile cracking for the Charpy specimen, the calculated stress triaxiality was almost constant for both linepipe steels; however, the equivalent plastic strain for each linepipe steel was different. Hydrostatic burst tests were then conducted for internally patched linepipes with an axial through wall notch. The results of FE analyses for the hydrostatic burst tests indicated that the maximum equivalent plastic strain value within the wall thickness was almost the same as that obtained from the three point bending test in the Charpy V notch specimen. It was therefore ascertained that the critical conditions for ductile cracking of linepipes with an actual notch can be predicted from the results of a small scale test and FE analysis, which are used to evaluate the relationship between the stress triaxiality and the equivalent plastic strain.
Optimising multiple qualities of Nd:YAG laser welding onto magnesium alloy via grey relational analysis
Authors: Pan L. K. , Wang C. C. , Shih Y. C. , Sher H. F.
Published: July 2005

This work evaluates multiple quality optimisation of Nd:YAG laser welding onto magnesium alloy via grey relational analysis. The effectiveness of the grey relational grade lies in quantifying and judging the performance obtained using various combinations of laser welding parameters. The parameters are shielding gas, laser energy, travelling speed of workpiece, point at which the laser is focused, pulse frequency, and pulse shape in this work. Moreover, 18 combinations of these six essential welding parameters were set following Taguchi's method to evaluate the integrated performance. The welding parameters that govern the laser beam in thin plate butt welding were evaluated by measuring the ultimate tension stress, and both the depth and the width along the welding path. This integrated performance was then quantified and judged via grey relational analysis to obtain an optimised set-up for laser welding. The verifying test was proved to optimise the ultimate tension stress, depth and width along the welding path from 67·0 MPa, 0·50 mm and 0·77 mm to 142·3 MPa, 0·79 mm and 0·79 mm, respectively.
CD11c- and CD11b-expressing mouse leukocytes transport single Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites to the brain
Authors: Courret Nathalie , Darche Sylvie , Sonigo Pierre , Milon Geneviève , Buzoni-Gâtel Dominique , Tardieux Isabelle
Published: July 2005

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii enters hosts through the intestinal mucosa and colonizes distant tissues such as the brain, where its progeny persists for a lifetime. We investigated the role of CD11c- and CD11b-expressing leukocytes in T gondii transport during the early step of parasitism from the mouse small intestine and during subsequent parasite localization in the brain. Following intragastric inoculation of cyst-containing parasites in mice, CD11c+ dendritic cells from the intestinal lamina propria, the Peyer patches, and the mesenteric lymph nodes were parasitized while in the blood, parasites were associated with the CD11c- CD11b+ monocytes. Using adoptive transfer experiments, we demonstrated that these parasitized cells triggered a parasitic process in the brain of naive recipient mice. Ex vivo analysis of parasitized leukocytes showed that single tachyzoites remained at the cell periphery, often surrounded by the host cell plasma membrane, but did not divide. Using either a dye that labels circulating leukocytes or an antibody known to prevent CD11b+ circulating leukocytes from leaving the microvascular bed lumen, and chimeric mice in which the hematopoietic cells expressed the green fluorescent protein, we established that T gondii zoites hijacked CD11b+ leukocytes to reach the brain extravascular space.
COX-2 expression during early lung squamous cell carcinoma oncogenesis
Authors: Mascaux C. , Martin B. , Verdebout J-M. , Ninane V. , Sculier J-P.
Published: July 2005

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is implicated in the oncogenesis of many cancers, and COX-2 inhibitors are effective in preventing the development of tumours, such as in colon cancer. Its expression is increased in nonsmall cell lung cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. The present study assessed COX-2 expression in normal bronchial epithelium, as well as in all the putative precursors of squamous cell carcinomas.

COX-2 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry in 106 biopsies collected during autofluorescence bronchoscopy in consecutive patients at high-risk for lung cancer.

All biopsies corresponding to normal epithelium or low-grade lesions (lesions up to moderate dysplasia) did not show increased COX-2 expression. Lesions were positive for COX-2 in eight out of 14 severe dysplasia patients, eight out of 14in situcarcinomas and five out of eight invasive carcinomas. A strong statistically significant difference in COX-2 expression was found between normal epithelium or low-grade lesions and high-grade lesions (severe dysplasia or worse). The positive and negative predictive values of COX-2 expression for high-grade lesion were 100% and 82.35%, respectively.

In conclusion, bronchial precursors of squamous cell carcinoma showed increased cyclooxygenase-2 expression and were segregated into low-versushigh-grade with a high positive predictive value. Thus, cyclooxygenase-2 appears as a potential early marker of squamous cell carcinoma.
Health measurement using the ICF: Test-retest reliability study of ICF codes and qualifiers in geriatric care
Authors: Okochi Jiro , Utsunomiya Sakiko , Takahashi Tai
Published: July 2005

Background

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was published by the World Health Organization (WHO) to standardize descriptions of health and disability. Little is known about the reliability and clinical relevance of measurements using the ICF and its qualifiers. This study examines the test-retest reliability of ICF codes, and the rate of immeasurability in long-term care settings of the elderly to evaluate the clinical applicability of the ICF and its qualifiers, and the ICF checklist.

Methods

Reliability of 85 body function (BF) items and 152 activity and participation (AP) items of the ICF was studied using a test-retest procedure with a sample of 742 elderly persons from 59 institutional and at home care service centers. Test-retest reliability was estimated using the weighted kappa statistic. The clinical relevance of the ICF was estimated by calculating immeasurability rate. The effect of the measurement settings and evaluators' experience was analyzed by stratification of these variables. The properties of each item were evaluated using both the kappa statistic and immeasurability rate to assess the clinical applicability of WHO's ICF checklist in the elderly care setting.

Results

The median of the weighted kappa statistics of 85 BF and 152 AP items were 0.46 and 0.55 respectively. The reproducibility statistics improved when the measurements were performed by experienced evaluators. Some chapters such as genitourinary and reproductive functions in the BF domain and major life area in the AP domain contained more items with lower test-retest reliability measures and rated as immeasurable than in the other chapters. Some items in the ICF checklist were rated as unreliable and immeasurable.

Conclusion

The reliability of the ICF codes when measured with the current ICF qualifiers is relatively low. The result in increase in reliability according to evaluators' experience suggests proper education will have positive effects to raise the reliability. The ICF checklist contains some items that are difficult to be applied in the geriatric care settings. The improvements should be achieved by selecting the most relevant items for each measurement and by developing appropriate qualifiers for each code according to the interest of the users.
Role of traditional healers in psychosocial support in caring for the orphans: A case of Dar-es Salaam City, Tanzania
Authors: Kayombo Edmund J , Mbwambo Zakaria H , Massila Mariam
Published: July 2005

Orphans are an increasing problem in developing countries particularly in Africa; due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic; and needs collective effort in intervention processes by including all stakeholders right from the grass roots level. This paper attempts to present the role of traditional healers in psychosocial support for orphan children in Dar-es-Salaam City with special focus on those whose parents have died because of HIV/AIDS. Six traditional healers who were involved in taking care of orphans were visited at their "vilinge" (traditional clinics). In total they had 72 orphans, 31 being boys and 41 being girls with age range from 3 years to 19. It was learned that traditional healers, besides providing remedies for illnesses/diseases of orphans, they also provided other basic needs. Further, they even provided psychosocial support allowing children to cope with orphan hood life with ease. Traditional healers are living within communities at the grass roots level; and appear unnoticed hidden forces, which are involved in taking care of orphans. This role of traditional healers in taking care of orphans needs to be recognised and even scaling it up by empowering them both in financial terms and training in basic skills of psychosocial techniques in how to handle orphans, in order to reduce discrimination and stigmatisation in the communities where they live.
Social defeat: Risk factor for schizophrenia?
Authors: Selten Jean-Paul , Cantor-Graae Elizabeth
Published: July 2005

The hypothesis that chronic and long-term experience of ‘social defeat’ may increase the risk for schizophrenia is proposed. This increased risk may result from sensitisation of the mesolimbic dopamine system and/or increased baseline activity of this system. Data supporting the social defeat hypothesis are presented.
Unravelling the complexity of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A behavioural genomic approach
Authors: Asherson Philip , Kuntsi Jonna , Taylor Eric
Published: July 2005

International research has established that there is a strong genetically inherited contribution to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the genetic mechanisms involved are being sought with considerable success. It is now established that certain alleles of the genes coding for the dopamine D4 receptor and the dopamine transporter occur more frequently in children with ADHD than in healthy controls, and we are finding other DNA changes associated with ADHD. A major challenge for the field now is to clarify how genetic susceptibility is translated into disorder by integrating the fields of quantitative and molecular genetics, neuropsychology and environmental risks.
Meta-review of high-quality systematic reviews of interventions in key areas of liaison psychiatry
Authors: Ruddy Rachel , House Allan
Published: July 2005

Background

When planning and delivering a liaison psychiatry service it is important to have an understanding of the research evidence supporting the use of interventions likely to be delivered by the service.

Aims

To identify high-quality systematic reviews for all interventions in three defined areas of liaison psychiatry, to summarise their clinical implications and to highlight areas where more research is needed. The three areas were the psychological effects of physical illness or treatment, somatoform disorders and self-harming behaviour.

Method

Computerised database searching, secondary reference searching, hand-searching and expert consultation were used to identify relevant systematic reviews. Studies were reliably selected, and quality-assessed, and data were extracted and interpreted by two reviewers.

Results

We found 64 high-quality systematic reviews. Only 14 reviews included meta-analyses.

Conclusions

Many areas of liaison psychiatry practice are not based on high-quality evidence. More research in this area would help inform development and planning of liaison psychiatry services.
Acute tryptophan depletion as a model of depressive relapse
Authors: Booij Linda , Van Der Does A. J. Willem , Haffmans P. M. Judith , Spinhoven Philip , McNally Richard J.
Published: July 2005

Background

Acute tryptophan depletion transiently induces symptoms in those with remitted depression. The behavioural specificity is uncertain, however. Recently, symptom provocation studies have become controversial, particularly in the USA.

Aims

To assess the specificity of acute tryptophan depletion. To investigate systematically the subjective experiences of those taking part in a symptom provocation study.

Method

Twenty individuals with remitted depression underwent acute tryptophan depletion in a double-blind, crossover trial. Psychiatric symptoms and self-schemata relevant to depression were assessed. The quality of the informed consent procedure and subjective experiences were also evaluated.

Results

Acute tryptophan depletion induced a specific depressive response. The effects were more pronounced in females than in males. Participants were quite satisfied with the informed consent procedure. They had understood that this was a fundamental research project and personal benefits were not expected. However, some participants still found it a positive experience.

Conclusions

Acute tryptophan depletion is a suitable model of vulnerability to depression, from both a scientific and an ethical perspective.
Relationship between antisocial behaviour, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and maternal prenatal smoking
Authors: Button T. M. M. , Thapar A. , McGuffin P.
Published: July 2005

Background

There is substantial evidence that maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with both antisocial behaviour and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring. However, it is not clear whether maternal smoking during pregnancy is independently associated with antisocial behaviour or whether the association arises because antisocial behaviour and ADHD covary.

Aims

To examine the relationship between maternal smoking during pregnancy, antisocial behaviour and ADHD in offspring.

Method

Questionnaires concerning behaviour and environmental factors were sent to twins from the CaStANET study and data analysed using a number of bivariate structural equation models.

Results

Maternal prenatal smoking contributed small but significant amounts to the variance of ADHD and of antisocial behaviour. The best fitting bivariate model was one in which maternal prenatal smoking had a specific influence on each phenotype, independent of the effect on the other phenotype.

Conclusions

Both antisocial behaviour and ADHD symptoms in offspring are independently influenced by maternal prenatal smoking during pregnancy.
Childhood IQ in relation to later psychiatric disorder
Authors: Batty G. David , Mortensen Erik L. , Osler Merete
Published: July 2005

Studies examining the relationship between early-life IQ and the risk of subsequent psychiatric disorder in adulthood are scarce. In the present investigation, the childhood IQ scores of 7022 singleton-born Danish males were linked to psychiatric hospital discharge records in adulthood. IQ scores were inversely related to the risk of total psychiatric illness, with the highest levels apparent in the lowest scoring IQ group (HRlowest quintile v. highest = 1.70, 95% Cl 1.34–2.14). Adjusting for paternal occupational social class and birth weight had only a small attenuating effect. Low childhood IQ may have an aetiological role in the development of adult total psychiatric disorder.
Clinical characteristics of first-admitted patients with ICD-10 schizotypal disorder
Authors: Handest Peter , Parnas Josef
Published: July 2005

Background

The clinical picture of schizotypal disorders is rarely comprehensively described.

Aims

To describe psychopathological profiles of patients with ICD-10 schizotypal disorder.

Method

A total of 151 first-admitted patients (with affective and somatic disorders excluded) were given a comprehensive psychopathological evaluation, including the Bonn Scale for the Assessment of Basic Symptoms. Patients with schizotypal disorder (n=50) were compared with those with psychosis (n=51) and those outside the schizophrenia spectrum (other diagnoses, n=50) on a number of psychopathological scales.

Results

Patients with schizotypal disorder scored intermediately between patients with psychosis and other diagnoses on scales related to positive and negative symptoms, disorders of emotional contact and formal thought disorder, but had the same scores as patients with schizophrenia for subtle aberrations of subjective experience. Schizotypal criteria were not normally distributed with an excess of patients between 2 and 6 criteria. Family history of schizophrenia was equally elevated among those with schizotypal disorder and those with psychosis.

Conclusions

ICD-10 schizotypy represents a milder, less psychotic, variant of schizophrenia but there is no clear-cut division between the two disorders.
Developing services for first-episode psychosis and the critical period
Authors: Edwards Jane , Harris Meredith G. , Bapat Swagata
Published: July 2005

Background

Providing specialised services to individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis (FEP) is a relatively new endeavour.

Aims

To overview developing services for newly diagnosed cases of FEP and the context in which they develop.

Method

This paper describes five model multi-element FEP programmes, outlines recent evaluation studies of FEP services, discusses current evidence gaps relating to the evaluation of complex interventions and specific interventions for FEP and illustrates attempts to examine aspects of clinical work practised at the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) in Melbourne, Australia.

Results

Considerable progress has been made in terms of influencing practice in the assessment and treatment of early psychosis.

Conclusions

There is need for quality clinical and research efforts to inform and accelerate progress in this burgeoning field.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: should we believe the mass media or peer-reviewed literature?
Authors: Coghill Dave
Published: July 2005

Bailly's review describes the author's perspectives on the ‘intense controversies' surrounding attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its treatment with stimulant medications. Drawing on a range of literature sources, including the UK press, pharmaceutical industry websites and peer-reviewed scientific papers, he questions the validity of ADHD as a concept and disorder, the accuracy and reliability of diagnosis, the use of stimulant medications and the impact of advertising by the pharmaceutical industry. There are, however, additional sources and alternative interpretations.