bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol Interaction with Zirconia Powders
Authors: Kaliszewski Mary Sue , Heuer Arthur H.
Published: October 2005

The mechanism by which alcohol washing of ceramic powders produces “soft” agglomerates has been investigated by studying the interaction of ethanol with hydrous ZrO2 powders using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Unambiguous evidence of ethoxide formation has been found, which apparently prevents bond formation between adjacent particles and thus the formation of “hard” agglomerates.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Chemical Vapor Deposition of BN + AIN Composite Coatings
Authors: Twait D. J. , Lackey W. J. , Smith Arlynn W. , Lee Woo Y. , Hanigofsky John A.
Published: October 2005

Thermodynamic calculations were performed using a modified solgasmix‐pv computer program in order to study the feasibility of codepositing boron nitride (BN) plus aluminum nitride (AIN) by chemical vapor deposition. Reactants considered were AICl3, BCl3 or B2H6, NH3, and H2. Deposition diagrams were generated for the BCl3‐AICl3‐NH3 system over a range of processing conditions such as temperature, total system pressure, and reagent concentrations. Codeposition of BN + AIN was predicted by the calculations for temperatures in the range of 900 to 1700 K and pressures of 10.13 to 101.3 kPa. The predicted deposition efficiency at equilibrium was much higher for BN than for AlN at most reagent compositions. The AlN deposition efficiency increased with decreasing temperature and decreasing BCl3 content, with increasing NH3 content, or with the addition of H2. Aluminum chlorides were found to be the dominant gaseous species.
Contribution to the Phase Diagram Al4C3‐AIN‐SiC
Authors: Oden Laurance L. , McCune R. A.
Published: October 2005

Compositions on the join A14C3·2AIN‐A14C3.2SiC were investigated using X‐ray diffraction and thermal analysis of hot‐pressed bodies prepared from materials of various purities. The quaternary phase A14C3· AIN · SiC was observed in samples prepared from the high‐purity elements, but the ternary phases A14C3·2AIN and A14C3·2SiC were observed only in samples containing significant impurities. A projection onto the base triangle at 1860°C for the pseudoternary system Al4C3‐AlN‐SiC was constructed using X‐ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and existing information in the literature.
Active‐to‐Passive Transition in the Oxidation of Silicon Carbide and Silicon Nitride in Air
Authors: Vaughn Wallace L. , Maahs Howard G.
Published: October 2005

The active‐to‐passive transition in the oxidation of SiC and Si3N4 was determined in a flowing air environment as a function of temperature and total pressure. The experimentally observed transition temperatures ranged from a low of 1347°C to a high of 1543°C for partial pressures of oxygen of 2.5 and 123.2 Pa, respectively. The SiC and Si3N4 samples had approximately the same transition point for a given pressure. In general, the higher the flow rate, the higher the transition temperature for a given pressure. The transitions for SiC measured in this study agree with previous data for the transition of SiC measured in pure oxygen at reduced pressures and in oxygen inert gas mixtures.
Three‐Dimensional Effects in Microcrack Nucleation in Brittle Polycrystals
Authors: Ghahremani Fariborz , Hutchinson John W. , Tvergaard Viggo
Published: October 2005

Stress concentration at vertices where grains of a polycrystal meet at a point is contrasted with stress concentration at two‐dimensional junctions where grains join along a line. Effects of thermal anisotropy and elastic anisotropy orientation mismatches from grain to grain are considered. Special geometries with moduli mismatches are also analyzed to shed light on three‐dimensional vs two‐dimensional behavior. Although there are exceptions, it is generally found that the stress concentration at vertices is more singular than that at junctions. Singularities which are stronger than cracklike singularities (i.e., stress αr−s where s > 1/2) are found, and the implication of such “super singularities” for microcrack nucleation is discussed. Conditions for propagation of microcrack flaws at vertices are analyzed and contrasted with those at junctions.
Superplastic Flow of Two‐Phase Ceramics Containing Rigid lnclusions— Zirconia/Mullite Composites
Authors: Yoon Chong K. , Chen I‐Wei
Published: October 2005

A continuum theory for non‐Newtonian flow of a two‐phase composite containing rigid inclusions is presented. It predicts flow suppression by a factor of (1 ‐ V)q, where V is the volume fraction of the rigid inclusion and q depends on the stress exponent and the inclusion shape. Stress concentrations in the rigid inclusion have also been evaluated. As the stress exponent increases, flow suppression is more pronounced even though stress concentration is less severe. To test this theory, superplastic flow of zirconia/mullite composites, in which zirconia is a soft, non‐Newtonian superplastic matrix and mullite is a rigid phase of various size, shape, and amount, is studied. The continuum theory is found to describe the two‐phase superplastic flow reasonably well.
Effect of Green States on Sintering Behavior and Microstructural Evolution of High‐Purity Barium Titanate
Authors: Hsieh Huey‐Lin , Fang Tsang‐Tse
Published: October 2005

Compacts prepared from three differently agglomerated powders were studied. Hg‐penetration results and SEM observations were employed to compare the uniformity of powder compacts and to investigate the pore‐size evolution and the microstructural development during sintering. It was found that the more nonuniform the powder compact, the higher the degree of pore growth in the initial and at the beginning of intermediate stages of sintering. Moreover, a higher sintering temperature and a nonuniform microstructure with larger grains could not be avoided. Microstresses might develop because of the differential shrinkage, but they would be released thereafter via the change of grain morphology. It was observed that the aggregate and pore‐boundary separation might not be the primary reason for the initiation of discontinuous grain growth.
Depletion‐layer Dielectric Properties of Positive Temperature Coefficient of Resistance Barium Titanate
Authors: Wang Da Yu , Umeya Kazumasa
Published: October 2005

For pure and impurity‐added positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) barium titanate ceramic samples, a −11°C shift of the Curie point at the grain‐boundary/depletion‐layer region was observed. This result is obtained by fitting the PTCR grain‐boundary resistance and capacitance data to a theory which combines a double‐depletion‐layer model with the Devonshire thermodynamic theory of barium titanate. The parameters used in the fitting are obtained from independent experiments. The shift of the Curie point is believed to result from the grain‐boundary clamp ing effect near the cubic‐tetragonal phase transition point.
Initial Specific Surface Area and Graln Growth in Donor‐Doped Barium Titanate
Authors: Drofenik Miha
Published: October 2005

The grain growth of donor‐doped BaTiO3 prepared from BaTiO3 powders with different initial specific surface areas was studied. Results show that a higher initial surface area and, consequently, a smaller critical grain size at the phase boundary drastically increase the critical amount of donor dopant, causing the grain size anomaly during sintering.
Reaction Sequence and Effects of Calcination and Sintering on Microwave Properties of (Ba,Sr)O‐Sm2O3‐TiO2 Ceramics
Authors: Wu Jenn‐Ming , Chang Ming‐Chu , Yao Pei‐Chih
Published: October 2005

The reaction sequence of 0.15(Ba0.95Sr0.05)O· 0.15Sm2O3· 0.7TiO2 ceramics during heating as well as the effects of calcination and sintering on microwave properties were investigated. Quantitative microscopic analysis was performed to obtain the volume fraction of the phases. It was found that the amount of second phase, especially TiO2 (rutile), greatly affected the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency of the ceramics. The higher the amount of TiO2 phase, the more positive or the less negative the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency. The temperature coefficient of BaO · Sm2O3· 5TiO2 was calculated using the logarithmic mixing rule to be −30 ppm/°C. The volume fractions of the phases varied with conditions of calcination and sintering. Therefore, by varying calcination and/or sintering temperature, the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency could be adjusted to nearly zero.
Grain‐Boundary‐Phase Crystallization and Strength of Silicon Nitride Sintered with a YSlAlON Glass
Authors: Cinibulk Michael K. , Thomas Gareth , Johnson Sylvia M.
Published: October 2005

Densifying silicon nitride with a YSiAlON glass additive produced 99% dense materials by pressureless sintering. Subsequent heat‐treating led to nearly complete crystallization of the amorphous intergranular phase. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that for heat treatments at 1350°C, only β‐Y2Si2O7 was crystallized at the grain boundaries. At a higher temperature of 1450°C, primarily YSiO2N and Y4Si2O7N2 in addition to small amounts of Y2SiO5 were present. Al existed only in high concentrations in residual amorphous phases, and in solid solution with Si3N4 and some crystalline grain‐boundary phases. In four‐point flexure tests materials retained up to 73% of their strengths, with strengths of up to 426 MPa, at 1300°C. High‐strength retention was due to nearly complete crystallization of the intergranular phase, as well as to the high refractoriness of residual amorphous phases.
Particle Impact Damage in Silicon Nitride
Authors: Shockey Donald A. , Rowcliffe David J. , Dao Kim C. , Seaman Lynn
Published: October 2005

The evolution of particle‐impact‐induced fracture damage in hot‐pressed (HP) silicon nitride was established by accelerating single 2.4‐mm‐diameter tungsten carbide spheres against polished HP Si3N4 surfaces. Threshold velocities for ring, cone, and radial cracks were determined and the corresponding threshold stress for ring cracking was obtained from an elastic stress analysis. Particle size had significant effects on the threshold velocities for the inelastic impression and the various crack types. Loading rate had little effect on the threshold stress for ring cracks; rate effects on other crack types could not be assessed because the quasistatic indenter failed at stresses less than those required to invoke other crack types. A 20‐μm‐thick oxide scale had little influence on morphology and extent of damage but was removed easily at low velocities, suggesting higher erosion rates for Si3N4 in oxidizing environments. Damage phenomenology in 85% dense reaction‐bonded Si3N4 was similar to that in HP material; however, all stages of damage occurred at substantially lower velocities.
Activity and Reactivity of Carbon Formed by the Thermal Degradation of Poly(vinyl butyral) in Alumina Pellets
Authors: Boddu Mallu V. , Viswanath Dabir S. , Natarajan Govindarajan , Knickerbocker John U.
Published: October 2005

This paper discusses the kinetics of the oxidation of carbon formed by the thermal degradation of poly (vinyl butyral) (PVB) in alumina pellets. The kinetics, studied in a flow reactor using wet nitrogen as the oxidant, followed zero‐order kinetics. The carbon was found to be very reactive, and it possibly was a form of Dent carbon. The activity of this carbon compared with graphite in alumina pellets showed that the carbon formed by the thermal degradation of PVB to be 4 to 6 times more active than graphite. The total organic content of the pellets was varied from 0% to 15% and the kinetics was studied in the temperature range of 873 to 1073 K. Activation energies were expressed as a function of the weight percent of carbon in the pellet. Experimental data with two particle sizes of alumina gave different activation energies.
Nonequiiibrium Surface Segregation in Aluminum‐Doped TiO2 under an Oxidizing Potential: Effects on Redox Color‐Boundary Migration
Authors: Ikeda Jeri Ann S. , Chiang Yet‐Ming , Fabes Brian D.
Published: October 2005

During the oxidation of redued single crystals of Al‐doped rutile, unusual anisotropies in color‐boundary migration have been observed that are opposite to those predicted from published diffusion data. Analysis of the redox kinetics and of surface segregation (using ESCA and AES) shows that rapid transport of minority Al interstitials in the c‐axis direction occurs under an oxidation potential, resulting in a surface segregation layer inhibiting further reoxidation. This surface segregation is nonequilibrium in nature, is driven by oxidation, and bears similarities to the phenomena of kinetic demixing in ionic systems. The results show that minority defects can play critical roles in demixing at the local scale; in their absence this system would not be expected to demix. This thus appears to be an additional mechanism for nonequilibrium interfacial segregation in ionic systems.
Fiber Debonding in Residually Stressed Brittle Matrix Composites
Authors: Charalambides Panos G.
Published: October 2005

The competition between initial fiber debonding versus fiber failure marks a crucial event of the microstructural failure process in fiber‐reinforced brittle matrix composites. In this study, the role of a thermal residual stress field on the debonding conditions is examined theoretically and analytically. The analysis is based on two critical observations, the first being that the mechanics at the tip of a kink crack are driven only by the singularity at the main crack tip. Following from the first is the second observation that any thermal stress effects on the debonding criteria should enter only through the phase angle ψT of the total stress intensity factor at the main crack tip. In general, this stress intensity factor has a thermal as well as a mechanical load contribution. It is shown that when the thermal and mechanical stress intensities, KR and Kt, respectively, are in phase, i.e., ψR=ψt, the existing debonding conditions are universal and can be used even in the presence of thermal loads. On the contrary, when KR and Kt are out of phase, i.e., ψR≠ψt, events such as the delamination of thick films or debonding of inclined aligned fibers in brittle matrix composites become sensitive to the presence of the thermal stresses.
Chemical Model for the Carbonation of a Grout/Water Slurry
Authors: Reardon Eric J. , Dewaele Paul
Published: October 2005

A series of experiments were undertaken to examine the effects of carbonation on the chemical composition of water in a grout/water slurry. Powdered grout samples were reacted with deionized water in sealed flasks. Progressive carbonation was induced by adding known weights of CO2 to the slurries at various times. Solution samples were withdrawn several days after each addition of CO2, filtered, and analyzed for major ions. A chemical equilibria model was used to simulate the reactions between water and grout during progressive carbonation. The equilibria model provides a good representation of the experimental data. Disparities between the simulated and experimental results provide important information on the inadequacies of the physico‐chemical model and suggest areas for further research to improve the description of chemical equilibria in cement/water systems.
Physical Properties and Structure of Silica‐Alumina‐Europium Oxide Glasses
Authors: Tanabe Setsuhisa , Saga Naohiro , Hirao Kazuyuki , Hanada Teiichi
Published: October 2005

SiO2–Al2O3–Eu2O3 glasses were prepared for the composition 50siO2·(50 –x)Al2O3·xEu2O3, and their density, sound velocity, and elastic modulus were measured. The chemical shift of the AIK a band emission spectra and the isomer shift of 151Eu by Mössbauer effect were obtained to determine the coordination states of Al3+ and Eu3+ ions in these glasses. It was found that the coordination number of Eu3+ ions was 12 and that the average coordination number of A13+ ions was almost 5 in these glasses. By introducing Eu2O3, the packing of constituent ions was strongly enhanced and the elastic modulus increased in this system. The compositional dependence of the molar volume and elastic modulus were explained by these states of high coordination number for Eu3+ and low coordination number for Al3+ ions compared with those in the corresponding M2O3 crystals.
TIOx/Al2O3 Multilayer Ceramic Thin Films
Authors: Alexander Kathleen B. , Walker Fred J. , McKee Rodney A. , List Fred A.
Published: October 2005

Titanium oxide/aluminum oxide films have been deposited using molecular beam epitaxy methods and characterized by reflection high‐energy electron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Growth on silicon substrates below 973 K resulted in primarily amorphous multilayers. At 1323 K, the deposition of titanium in an oxygen atmosphere on (0001) Al2O3 substrates resulted in films of Ti2O3. These films consisted of small domains, up to 60 nm, slightly misoriented from a [1120] ∥ [1120] orientation relationship. Two variants of Ti2O3 were observed due to multiple positioning during growth. Closing the titanium shutter during growth resulted in an oriented TiO2 film.
Dislocations and Plastic Deformation In Molybdenum Disilicide
Authors: Unal Ozer , Petrovic John J. , Carter David H. , Mitchell T.E.
Published: October 2005

A composite of MoSi2 (reinforced with SiC whiskers) has been deformed at high temperatures and the resulting dislocation substructure studied by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Classical g.b analysis of the dislocations in the MoSi2 matrix has shown that the Burgers vectors are (100), (110), and 1/2(111) which are the shortest lattice vectors in the body‐centered tetragonal lattice. Trace analysis showed that there are numerous possible slip planes for each of the determined slip directions. This result suggests that various operative slip systems can contribute to the deformation, depending on the orientation of the particular grain with respect to the stress state.
Rapid Formation of the 110 K Phase in BI‐Pb‐Sr‐Ca‐Cu‐O through Freeze‐Drying Powder Processing
Authors: Song Kang‐Ho , Liu Hua‐kun , Dou Shi‐xue , Sorrell Charles C.
Published: October 2005

Three techniques for processing Bi‐Pb‐Sr‐Ca‐Cu‐O (BPSCCO) powders were investigated: dry‐mixing, sol‐gel formation, and freeze‐drying. It was found that sintering for 120 h at 850°C is required to form nearly single‐phase (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10‐y by dry‐mixing, whereas sintering for 30 h at 840°C was sufficient to form the 110 K (2223) phase when freeze‐drying was used. The sol‐gel route was found to be intermediate in efficiency between these two techniques. Freeze‐drying provided highly reactive, intimately mixed, and carbon‐free precursors. The presence of carbonates in the uncalcined powders was the major cause of phase segregation and sluggishness of the 110 K phase formation.
Grinding‐Induced Texture in Ferroelastic Tetragonal Zirconia
Authors: Mehta Karun , Jue Jan Fong , Virkar Anil V.
Published: October 2005

Ceria‐ and yttria‐doped tetragonal polycrystalline zirconia ceramics were ground at temperatures as high as 1100°C. X‐ray diffraction revealed that the intensity ratio I(002)/I(200) increased (to as high as ∼4.5) compared with that from the as‐sintered surfaces (∼0.55). The enhancement in I(002)/I(200) at temperatures well above the m→t transition temperature shows that it is not related to transformation, reversible or otherwise, but can be explained by ferroelastic domain switching.
Properties of Yttria‐Aluminoborate Glasses
Authors: Rutz Heidi L. , Day Delbert E. , Spencer Charles F.
Published: October 2005

In the Y2O3–Al2O3–B2O3 system, homogeneous glasses were obtained from compositions containing from 50 to 65 mol% B2O3. The density, refractive index, and thermal expansion increase as Y2O3 replaces either B2O3 or Al2O3. These glasses have a dilatometric softening temperature above 665°, and below 300°C their dc electrical resistivity exceeds that of fused silica. The infrared absorption spectra indicate that BO3, BO4, and AlO4, groups are present in these glasses.
Third‐Harmonic Generation from Some Chalcogenide Glasses
Authors: Nasu Hiroyuki , Kubodera Kenichi , Kobayashi Masaki , Nakamura Maki , Kamiya Kanichi
Published: October 2005

Third‐order optical nonlinear susceptibilities (χ(3)) of some high‐refractive‐index chalcogenide glasses were evaluated from third‐harmonic generation. Compared with oxide glasses whose χ(3) has been known, χ(3) of the present glasses was higher by an order of magnitude. The addition of selenium drastically increased χ(3). The highest χ(3) was 1.4 × 10–11 esu, being comparable with those of high‐χ(3)‐organic compounds. Further, χ(3) generally increased with increasing density in the present glasses.
Constant‐K1 Double‐Cantilever‐Beam Test for Ceramic Materials
Authors: Nicholson Patrick S.
Published: October 2005

A constant‐K1, double‐cantilever‐beam (DCB) test is described wherein a computer is used to adjust the load continuously as crack growth occurs. DCB samples of float glass were used to experimentally verify the procedure.
Hydrothermal Preparation of Calcium Hydroxyapatite Powders
Authors: Hattori Takeo , Lwadate Yasuhiko
Published: October 2005

Calcium hydroxyapatite powders were prepared by hydrothermal reactions of calcium pyrophosphate and calcium oxide. Primary particles of the hydroxyapatite obtained were spherical with diameters less than 0.2 μm, and small prismatic crystals were rarely observed in some fields. The effects of temperature, pressure, and soaking time on the structural features of the resultant powders were also studied by means of XRD and SEM and were smaller than expected for the ranges investigated.
Catastrophic microangiopathy induced by high‐titre factor VIII inhibitors after liver transplantation for haemophilia A with cirrhosis
Authors: Khakhar A. K. , Chan N. G. , Allan D. S. , Chakrabarti S. , McAlister V. C.
Published: October 2005

Summary.  Liver transplantation may induce immune tolerance to factor VIII inhibitors but de novo development of inhibitors after transplantation may cause intractable haemorrhage. We report a patient with mild haemophilia A and high‐titre FVIII inhibitors who received an orthotopic liver transplantation for complications of hepatitis C virus cirrhosis. Recombinant activated FVII was used in addition to routine haemostatic agents. Conventional immunosuppression was supplemented with antithymocyte globulin and cyclophosphamide. FVIII inhibitors disappeared from the circulation with liver transplantation but they were found to have bound to the graft endothelium, which became activated and induced catastrophic microangiopathy. A subsequent anamnestic response resulted in FVIII inhibitor titres of 1000 Bethesda Units. Uncontrollable haemorrhage persisted until the recipient's death. In patients with high‐titre FVIII inhibitors resilient desensitization is required before liver transplantation.
Haemophilic arthropathy of the elbow
Authors: Utukuri M. M. , Goddard N. J.
Published: October 2005

Summary.  Patients affected by haemophilia commonly have recurrent intra‐articular bleeding which leads to progressive destruction and instability of joints. Severe arthropathy of the elbow is complicated by pain, stiffness and loss of function which can be debilitating. Conservative measures such as analgesics, physiotherapy and orthotics are commonly used in the management of these patients. Surgery is considered when conservative measures fail to control the symptoms. Total elbow replacement is now increasingly performed with the advances made in factor replacement therapy and evolution of better implants and techniques of total elbow arthroplasty. The pathogenesis, clinical features and radiological changes of haemophilic arthropathy of the elbow are described in this review article.
Management of acquired von Willebrand's sryndrome in a patient requiring major surgery
Authors: Maddox J. M. , Anderson J. A. M. , Plews D. , Ludlam C. A.
Published: October 2005

Summary.  We present the case of a patient with acquired von Willebrand's syndrome and a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance who required cystectomy for relapsed transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. We demonstrated that infused von Willebrand factor (VWF) containing factor VIII concentrates had an unacceptably short half‐life, but that this was significantly prolonged following combined therapy with plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIgG). This approach was successfully utilized peri‐operatively, with the total surgical blood loss less than would be expected even for a haemostatically normal patient. Trough VWF antigen and Ristocetin co‐factor activity levels fell on the second postoperative day and we therefore administered further IVIgG. Levels again fell on the fifth postoperative day with the development of a Staphylococcus aureus septicaemia. At this point bleeding occurred from a surgical drain site requiring ‘factor VIII inhibitor bypass activity’ to secure haemostasis while further plasma exchange and IVIgG were administered. Now 5 years later, there is no evidence of recurrence of the TCC or progression of the monoclonal gammopathy.
Pharmacokinetics, thrombogenicity and safety of a double viral inactivated factor IX concentrate compared with a prothrombin complex concentrate
Authors: Ruiz‐Sáez A. , Hong A. , Arguello A. , Echenagucia M. , Boadas A. , Fabbrizzi F. , Minichilli F. , de Bosch N. B.
Published: October 2005

Summary.  Therapeutic options for developing countries have to assure an optimum safety and efficacy and low‐cost antihaemophilic concentrates. A single blind randomized crossover study was carried out in 12 previously treated HB patients, comparing the pharmacokinetics (PK), thrombogenicity (TG) and safety of two plasma‐derived double‐inactivated (solvent/detergent heating at 100°C, 30 min) factor IX (FIX) concentrates, UMAN COMPLEX DI (product A) [plasma‐derived prothrombin concentrates (PCC)] and a high purity FIX concentrate AIMAFIX DI (product B, HPFIX). In a non‐bleeding state, they received one single intravenous dose 50 IU FIX kg−1 of PCC or HPFIX, and after a wash‐out period of 14 days, the other product. We evaluated acute tolerance and determined PK parameters based on FIX levels measured over a 50 h postinfusion period. We studied fibrinogen, platelets, antithrombin, F1 + 2, TAT, D‐dimer, over a 360 min postinfusion period. Ten cases remained in on‐demand treatment for 6 months, five with PCC and five with HPFIX. PK and anti‐FIX inhibitors were repeated at 3 and 6 months. No inhibitors were detected. PK values (PCC vs. HPFIX): clearence (CL; mL h−1 kg−1) 5.2 ± 1.4 vs. 6.5 ± 1.4; the volume of distribution at steady state (mL kg−1) 154.9 ± 54.9 vs. 197.5 ± 72.5; mean residence time (h) 29.7 ± 8.1 vs. 30.7 ± 9.2; T1/2 (h) 22.3 ± 7 vs. 23.5 ± 12.3; incremental recovery (IR; U dL−1 U−1 kg−1) 0.96 ± 0.17 vs. 0.76 ± 0.13. HPFIX showed significant lower IR and higher CL. There were no differences in PK at 3 and 6 months. In TG, significant increments in TAT and F1 + 2 at 30 min and 6 h were found with PCC. Product B PK results agrees with reported results for other HPFIX preparations. Use of PCC product A has to consider its thrombogenic activity.
Italian guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with haemophilia and inhibitors
Authors: Gringeri A. , Mannucci P. M. ,   The Italian Association of Haemophilia Centres
Published: October 2005

Summary. The Italian Association of Haemophilia Centres reviewed and finally approved in November 2004 the new Italian Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with clotting factor inhibitors. The recommendations have been based on the identification of levels of clinical evidence derived from the systematic review carried out in 2003 by the School of Health and Related Research, the University of Sheffield, UK, and further integrated by clinical studies published from 2003 to 2004. The Italian guidelines consist of six major domains concerning inhibitor definition, epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, inhibitor eradication, management of bleeding episodes, in patients with congenital and acquired coagulation disorders, with 121 statements, 59 synthesis and 54 recommendations. We report here recommendations and open issues concerning the diagnosis and monitoring of inhibitors, inhibitor eradication and the management of bleeding in patients with haemophilia A and B.
Assemblages of soil macrofauna across a Scottish land‐use intensification gradient: influences of habitat quality, heterogeneity and area
Authors: EGGLETON PAUL , VANBERGEN ADAM J. , JONES DAVID T. , LAMBERT MATTHEW C. , ROCKETT CAROLE , HAMMOND PETER M. , BECCALONI JANET , MARRIOTT DOUGLAS , ROSS EMMA , GIUSTI ALESSANDRO
Published: October 2005

Land‐use intensification strongly influences biodiversity by altering habitat heterogeneity, the distribution of habitat types and their extent. This study explores these effects within mixed semi‐natural/agricultural mosaic habitats in Scotland, examining the effect of land‐use intensification on the soil macrofauna at point (m2), landscape (km2) and regional (> 1 km2) scales.

The soil macrofauna in six 1‐km2sampling areas (land‐use units; LUU) were sampled using a combined hand‐sorting and Winkler bag extraction technique. Within each LUU, 16 1‐m2samples were taken in each of 2 successive years. Each LUU had a mixture of land‐use types, representing an agricultural intensification gradient.

The following hypotheses were tested: (i) the study area sustains a number of distinct habitats as defined by soil macrofaunal composition; (ii) a greater number of restricted range species are found in semi‐natural habitats; (iii) local (point) species density is related to habitat type; (iv) overall levels of species richness per habitat at regional scales are related to species‐area effects; and (v) landscape‐level species density is correlated with habitat heterogeneity.

Initial analysis revealed five distinct habitat types: Caledonian forest (semi‐natural pine forest), closed canopy woodland (pine plantation and broadleaved woodland), riparian habitats (wet woodland and grassland), pasture (improved grassland) and arable (crop fields).

As hypothesized, the Caledonian habitat contained a greater number of restricted‐range species than the other habitats. However, conifer plantations contained more restricted range species than expected, given their anthropogenic origin. Species density per m2was most strongly affected by habitat type. At the regional level, the size of the species pool was correlated with the size of habitat areas. There were more species overall in LUU with greater habitat heterogeneity.

Synthesis and applications.Caledonian pine forests have high species densities and contain species of conservation value. Mixed conifer plantations also appear to have a surprisingly high invertebrate conservation value. In contrast, intensively managed agricultural habitats have low species densities and conservation value. Generally, mixed land‐use areas have higher species densities than single land‐use areas. This emphasizes the need for careful management of forest systems within the matrix of agricultural habitats to maximize landscape diversity.
Recent invasion of the tropical Atlantic by an Indo‐Pacific coral reef fish
Authors: ROCHA LUIZ A. , ROBERTSON D. ROSS , ROCHA CLAUDIA R. , VAN TASSELL JAMES L. , CRAIG MATTHEW T. , BOWEN BRIAN W.
Published: October 2005

The last tropical connection between Atlantic and Indian–Pacific habitats closed c. 2 million years ago (Ma), with the onset of cold‐water upwelling off southwestern Africa. Yet comparative morphology indicates more recent connections in several taxa, including reef‐associated gobies (genus Gnatholepis). Coalescence and phylogenetic analyses of mtDNA cytochrome b sequences demonstrate that Gnatholepis invaded the Atlantic during an interglacial period ∼145 000 years ago (d = 0.0054), colonizing from the Indian Ocean to the western Atlantic, and subsequently to the central (∼100 000 years ago) and eastern Atlantic (∼30 000 years ago). Census data show a contemporary range expansion in the northeastern Atlantic linked to global warming.
Subterranean phylogeography of freshwater crayfishes shows extensive gene flow and surprisingly large population sizes
Authors: BUHAY JENNIFER E. , CRANDALL KEITH A.
Published: October 2005

Subterranean animals are currently viewed as highly imperiled, precariously avoiding extinction in an extreme environment of darkness. This assumption is based on a hypothesis that the reduction in visual systems and morphology common in cave faunas reflects a genetic inability to adapt and persist coupled with the perception of a habitat that is limited, disconnected, and fragile. Accordingly, 95% of cave fauna in the United States are presumed endangered due to surface environmental degradation and limited geographic distributions. Our study explores the subterranean phylogeography of stygobitic crayfishes in the southeastern United States, a global hotspot of groundwater biodiversity, using extensive geographic sampling and molecular data. Despite their endangered status, our results show that subterranean crayfish species have attained moderate to high levels of genetic diversity over their evolutionary histories with large population sizes and extensive gene flow among karst systems. We then compare the subterranean population histories to those of common surface stream‐dwelling crayfishes. Our results show recent drastic declines in genetic variability in the surface crayfish and suggest that these species also warrant conservation attention.
Factors associated with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐induced peripheral blood stem cell yield in healthy donors
Authors: Suzuya H. , Watanabe T. , Nakagawa R. , Watanabe H. , Okamoto Y. , Onishi T. , Abe T. , Kawano Y. , Kagami S. , Takaue Y.
Published: October 2005

Background and Objectives  Poor collection results are a clinical problem in granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐induced peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection in healthy donors. It would be beneficial to be able to predict the PBSC yield from allogeneic donors before mobilization or harvesting.

Materials and Methods  We examined the relationship between certain donor characteristics and the effectiveness of G‐CSF‐induced PBSC collection in 59 healthy family donors aged 3–63 years old (median 16 years). G‐CSF was administered subcutaneously at 10 µg/kg for mobilization, daily for 5 days, and PBSC harvest using a continuous blood cell separator was started on day 5 of G‐CSF treatment. Total cell yields were calculated as the number per unit of processed blood (l) per unit weight of the donor (kg).

Results  In a univariate analysis, the donor's age, body mass index (BMI), white blood cell (WBC) count before mobilization, and platelet count before and during mobilization were significantly correlated with the yield of mononuclear cells (MNC), CD34+ cells and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐forming units (GM‐CFU). Younger age (P < 0·001), a low BMI (P = 0·002), a high WBC count before mobilization (P = 0·004), a high platelet count before (P = 0·012) and during (P < 0·05) mobilization, and a low speed of withdrawal (P = 0·019) were associated with a higher CD34+ cell yield. No significant correlation was found for gender, the type of G‐CSF, the serum level of G‐CSF, the type of cell separator, or the type of blood access. A multivariate forward and backward stepwise selection regression analysis showed that the factors associated with CD34+ cell yield were age, platelet count before and during mobilization, and circulating CD34+ cell concentration on day 2 of G‐CSF treatment.

Conclusion  In this small preliminary study, we found that donor age is the most important factor in predicting G‐CSF‐induced PBSC yields. Old age and low platelet counts before mobilization might be useful indicators for identifying poor mobilizers. Further validation of these findings in a larger number of donors are needed to establish whether these findings apply to other populations.
In‐vitro evaluation of the PALL Leukotrap Affinity Prion Reduction Filter as a secondary device following primary leucoreduction
Authors: Saunders C. , Herbert P. , Rowe G. , Hayward M. , Wilkins K. , Milligan J. , Stenning M. , Seacombe A. , Prowse C.
Published: October 2005

Background and Objectives  A filter (PRF1) designed to remove abnormal prion proteins from red‐cell units has been developed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of red cells produced using this device.

Materials and Methods  Leucocyte‐depleted red‐cell units (CPD, CPD‐A1 and CPD/SAGM) processed according to standard UK practices were filtered using PRF1. Filtered and control units were stored and sampled on day 1, day 7 and on the date of expiry and were tested using standard measures of red‐cell quality.

Results  Filtered units were found to have significantly higher percentage haemolysis levels, lower haemoglobin levels and a smaller volume compared with controls. All results, however, were well within the permitted 0·8% haemolysis level at the end of storage and all units met the UK guidelines for haemoglobin and volume. The other test parameters measured showed no significant differences between the test and control units.

Conclusions  The PRF1 filter was found to be easy to use and resulted in red‐cell units that met all relevant UK and European Guidelines.
Comparative study of diagnostic value of cytologic sampling by endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration and that by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography for the management of pancreatic mass without biliary stricture
Authors: WAKATSUKI TAKERU , IRISAWA ATSUSHI , BHUTANI MANOOP S , HIKICHI TAKUTO , SHIBUKAWA GORO , TAKAGI TADAYUKI , YAMAMOTO GO , TAKAHASHI YUTA , YAMADA YUKIE , WATANABE KAZUO , OBARA KATSUTOSHI , SUZUKI TOSHIMITSU , SATO YUKIO
Published: October 2005

Background:  Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) can now provide a cytopathological diagnosis of underlying pancreatic malignancy with higher success rates than endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP). To determine the significance of EUS‐FNA for the diagnosis of pancreatic mass without biliary stricture, the value of cytopathological diagnosis obtained by EUS‐FNA was retrospectively compared with that by ERP, and the complications associated with these procedures evaluated.

Methods:  Eighty‐three patients who were suspected to have a pancreatic mass (excluding a cystic mass), without biliary stricture on conventional ultrasound and/or computed tomography were enrolled. The EUS‐FNA biopsy was performed in 53 patients and cytology utilizing ERP was performed in 30 patients.

Results:  The sampling rate of adequate specimen was 100% in both groups. In the EUS‐FNA group, the overall results for the available samples were sensitivity 92.9% and accuracy 94.3%. In contrast, in the ERCP group, the overall results were sensitivity 33.3% and accuracy 46.7%. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). With regard to complications, there was a significant difference (P < 0.01) in the frequency of post‐procedure pancreatitis between the EUS‐FNA group and ERP group (0%, 0/53 vs 33.3%, 10/30, respectively).

Conclusion:  Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration is safer and more accurate for the cytopathological diagnosis of suspected pancreatic masses without a biliary stricture as compared with cytology during ERP. Endoscopic ultrasonography with FNA should be considered a preferred test (prior to attempting endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) when a cytological diagnosis of a pancreatic mass is required, especially when there is no biliary obstruction, or when emergent decompression of an obstructed biliary tree is not considered clinically necessary due to lack of signs and symptoms of cholangitis.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Endoscopic ultrasound staging of rectal cancer: Diagnostic value before and following chemoradiation
Authors: MAOR YAAKOV , NADLER MOSHE , BARSHACK IRIS , ZMORA ODED , KOLLER MOSHE , KUNDEL YULIA , FIDDER HERMA , BAR‐MEIR SIMON , AVIDAN BENJAMIN
Published: October 2005

Background:  Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been shown to be a reliable tool for staging rectal cancer. Nevertheless, the accuracy of EUS after chemoradiation remains unclear; therefore the purpose of the present paper was to compare the accuracy of EUS staging for rectal cancer before and following chemoradiation.

Methods:  Patients with rectal cancer undergoing EUS staging were stratified into two groups. Group I consisted of 66 patients who underwent surgery following EUS staging without preoperative chemoradiation. Group II consisted of 25 patients who had EUS evaluation following chemoradiation. The EUS staging was compared to surgical/pathological staging.

Results:  The accuracy of the T staging for group I was 86% (57/66). Inaccurate staging was mainly associated with overstaging EUS T2 tumors. The accuracy of the N staging for group I was 71% (47/66). The accuracy of EUS for a composite T and N staging relevant to treatment decisions in group I was 91%. In group II, the accuracy of T and N staging was 72% (18/25) and 80% (20/25), respectively. Overstaging EUS T3 tumors accounted for most inaccurate staging. The EUS staging predicted post‐chemoradiation T0N0 stage correctly in only 50% of cases.

Conclusions:  Preoperative staging of rectal cancer by EUS is a useful modality in determining the need for preoperative chemoradiation. The EUS T staging following chemoradiation appears to be less accurate. Detection of complete response may be insufficient for selecting patients for limited surgical intervention.
Distribution and isoforms of epimorphin in carbon tetrachloride‐induced acute liver injury in mice
Authors: SEGAWA DAISUKE , MIURA KOUICHI , GOTO TAKASHI , OHSHIMA SHIGETOSHI , MIKAMI KEN‐ICHIRO , YONEYAMA KAZUO , SHIBUYA TOMOMI , WATANABE DAISUKE , KATAOKA EI , YOSHINO RYUTARO , WATANABE SUMIO
Published: October 2005

Background and Aim:  Epimorphin, a morphoregulatory factor essential to organ development, is believed to direct normal morphogenesis in tissue repair. We examined the dynamics and the roles of epimorphin, a cell surface‐associated molecule detected on mesenchymal cells, in hepatic tissue repair from acute liver injury.

Methods:  After acute liver injury was induced by carbon tetrachloride in Balb/c mice, the distribution of epimorphin‐expressing cells was studied immunohistochemically. To clarify interactions between epimorphin expression and hepatocyte behavior, epimorphin‐expressing cells and proliferating hepatocytes were counted. Then, epimorphin quantity and isoforms were assessed by western blotting. To better understand effects of epimorphin, we cultured rat hepatocytes in its presence.

Results:  Epimorphin was distributed in relation to sinusoids, portal veins, central veins and granulomas, expressed in stellate cells and myofibroblasts. In the periportal zone, the expression in sinusoids was decreased at 24 h but increased on day 7 after carbon tetrachloride administration. Numbers of epimorphin‐expressing cells and proliferating hepatocytes changed in an inverse manner as time progressed. In the pericentral zone, reactivity for epimorphin was markedly enhanced concurrently with appearance of granulomas. Quantities of 34‐kDa isoform paralleled epimorphin‐staining intensity. In vitro, epimorphin induced spherical hepatocyte aggregates and maintained differentiated hepatocyte function.

Conclusions:  Epimorphin is involved in tissue repair following a single injection of carbon tetrachloride, in which distribution and the quantity of epimorphin expression are important, particularly in maintaining hepatocyte function.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Role of esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the initial assessment of children with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: LEMBERG DANIEL A , CLARKSON CATHY M , BOHANE TIMOTHY D , DAY ANDREW S
Published: October 2005

Introduction:  Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and differentiation between Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) can be difficult in children. Several previous studies suggest that esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and biopsies are important in the initial investigation of children with suspected IBD. The aim of the present paper was to assess the importance of EGD in the initial diagnostic appraisal of children with suspected IBD.

Methods:  Children diagnosed with IBD over a 4‐year period were identified from a dedicated IBD database. Retrospective chart review documented presenting signs and symptoms, endoscopic features in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract and histological findings on mucosal biopsies.

Results:  Eighty‐six children were diagnosed with IBD of whom 61 (70.9%) had CD, 13 (21.3%) UC, and the remainder, indeterminate colitis. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed in 76 (88.4%). Nine children were diagnosed with IBD solely on the basis of information obtained following EGD. None of these children had colitis and all had abnormal histological findings on review of mucosal biopsies from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Thirteen (23.6%) of 55 children with CD had granulomas noted within biopsies obtained during EGD and another 20 had significant inflammatory changes on histological examination of upper gastrointestinal tract biopsies. Crohn's disease was diagnosed in 25 of 38 children with pan‐colitis. Thirteen children were correctly classified as having CD only following assessment of their upper gastrointestinal tract. This included the presence of upper gut granulomata in eight children.

Conclusion:  The performance of EGD in these children with IBD provided additional diagnostic yield and guided the differentiation of disease type in many patients. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is an essential component in the initial diagnostic assessment of children with possible CD or UC.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Safety limit of the extent of hepatectomy for rats with moderately fatty liver: Experimental study concerning living liver donor safety
Authors: MORIOKA DAISUKE , WATANABE KAZUTERU , MAKINO HIROCHIKA , SAITO SHUJI , UEDA MICHIO , KUBOTA TORU , SEKIDO HITOSHI , MATSUO KEN‐ICHI , ICHIKAWA YASUSHI , ENDO ITARU , TOGO SHINJI , SHIMADA HIROSHI
Published: October 2005

Introduction:  The aim of the present study was to determine whether rats with moderately fatty liver could withstand a 90% hepatectomy, which rats with normal livers can survive.

Material and Methods:  Nine‐week‐old male Wistar rats were used. Normal rat chow was fed to the normal liver group, and fat‐enriched rat chow was fed to the fatty liver group for 4 weeks to induce a moderately fatty liver. The authors have previously reported that this fatty liver rat model can cause fatal liver dysfunction after reduced‐size‐liver transplantation. A 90% and 95% hepatectomy were performed using rats of both groups to evaluate posthepatectomized liver function.

Results:  All rats undergoing a 90% hepatectomy were still alive 30 days after the hepatectomy, but the rats that underwent a 95% hepatectomy were all dead within 4 days regardless of group. Increases in the liver remnant wet weight measured until 7 postoperative days after 90% hepatectomy were almost similar among the two groups. Alanin aminotransferase measured at 24, 48, 72, and 168 h after a 90% hepatectomy were significantly higher in the fatty liver group than in the normal liver group. Similarly, at up to 72 h postoperatively, the serum hyarulonic acids were significantly higher in the fatty liver group.

Conclusion:  A moderately fatty liver did not cause mortality in 90% hepatectomized rats. However, it caused a higher degree of hepatic parenchymal as well as sinusoidal injury.