bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Joint Flexibility on the Torsion of a Vehicle Body
Authors: Sharman P W
Published: October 2007

Experiments on thin fabricated box members in a tee joint configuration revealed deformations which could not be correlated with beam-type models, even when spring elements were introduced at the joint. The behaviour was also observed in finite element analyses of the joints.

Part of the cab structure of a heavy goods vehicle which formed a plane frame with fabricated members of closed cross-section was tested in torsion and the stiffness compared with theoretical predictions. The application of classical beam and torsional theory gave a result which was approximately ten times the experimental value. A further theoretical estimate, which included the joint flexibility as predicted by a finite element model of the localized region at the joint, gave an improved result which was 26 per cent higher than the experimental value.
Torque Induced by a Butterfly Valve Carrying a Compressible Flow
Authors: Silvester R S
Published: October 2007

This paper relates to a model study of the aerodynamic torque and flow characteristics of a butterfly valve. The tests were done with a compressed air supply capable of choking the 6 in valve model up to an opening of 70°. This was important as the prototype valves are to be used in a high speed wind tunnel system, where compressibility is significant. Two valve disc designs were tested, each with one flat and one convex face. The most significant result was that much higher closing moments were observed if the convex face was directed into the flow. This is explained qualitatively in terms of flow geometry and shock wave dynamics. Comparison of the results was made with a simple theoretical model developed by the author.
The Distribution of Soot in the Cylinder of a Quiescent Combustion Chamber Diesel Engine
Authors: Whitehouse N D , Abdul-Hadi M A
Published: October 2007

Mathematical models for soot formation and combustion have been suggested by many research workers (1, 2, 3), but detailed knowledge of the quality, amount and distribution of soot in engine cylinders is relatively sparse. This work aims at providing such information for one particular case.
The Modelling of Semiflexible Conveyor Structures for Coal-Face Steering Investigations: Part 1: Spatially Discrete Models
Authors: Edwards J B , Yazdi A M S R , Wolfenden J R
Published: October 2007

Discrete dynamic programming is used for the development of a computer simulation of armoured semiflexible conveyor (AFC) structures used in modern longwall coal mining. The object of the simulation is the investigation of the vertical steering characteristics of face installations, the potential long-term instability of which is a continuing problem underground.

The way in which the AFC structure moulds itself to the undulating floor cut by the coal winning machine (the power-loader) between successive cuts is a crucial factor in the steering behaviour of the entire face system. This, the first of two companion papers, treats the AFC as a chain of loosely coupled piecewise rigid segments (trays) resting on a solid coal floor. Such a model is found not to greatly assist the stability of the multipass longwall process.

An elastic model is examined in the companion paper.
Prediction Methods for Entry Length Heat Transfer by Combined Laminar Convection in Horizontal Tubes
Authors: Allen P H G , Szpiro O , Collins M W
Published: October 2007

Numerical prediction methods for calculating velocity and temperature distributions in heated ducts can be made accurately but are time consuming. The paper shows possible simplifications, including the neglect of the buoyancy term, and the resultant accuracy attained. The case studied is for laminar flow, entry length heat transfer in horizontal tubes with constant rate heat flux. Comparison is made between experimental results, a full solution and an approximation based on a series of truncated versions of the fully developed temperature profile. Calculations are made both with and without variation of thermophysical properties with temperature.
Full Steam Ahead to a Workfare State? Analysing the UK Employment Department’s abolition
Authors: Jones Martin
Published: October 2007

In July 1995 the British government announced that the Employment Department was to be abolished and its functions redistributed throughout Whitehall. This article analyses the reasons for this abolition, presenting an argument that is intended to act as a stimulus for further research and policy debate. The article argues that the Employment Department's demise must be seen as part and parcel of a continued restructuring in state intervention from welfare to workfare. In a workfare state, social policy is subordinate to the needs of the market and the unemployed are forced to ‘work off’ benefits through compulsory participation on training schemes. This argument is developed through an historical analysis of British ‘trainingfare’ 1979-95, defined as hidden compulsion on training schemes in return for state benefit. Attention is also given to the June 1995 Jobseeker's Act which, it is contended, represents the introduction of a stricter ‘trainingfare’ regime and a radical restructuring of the welfare state. The article argues that within this new policy framework, there was no role for the Employment Department and the decision to abolish this section of Whitehall is interpreted from this perspective.
Psychiatric Care in the Community: does it fail young men?
Authors: Payne Sarah
Published: October 2007

Much of the interest in community care has stemmed from a feminist concern with the burdens placed on women as carers and, more recently, the needs of women who are cared for as well as those carrying out caring work. Less has been written on the extent to which community care policy meets the different needs of men and women. This article draws on qualitative interview material to explore issues surrounding community psychiatric care for younger people, against a backdrop of increasing over-representation of men in hospital admissions, and asks how far community psychiatric care fails young men more than young women.
Regulating Agricultural Biotechnology: reflexive modernisation and the European Union
Authors: Ashford Tony
Published: October 2007

This article provides a case study of the controversy surrounding the regulation of agricultural biotechnology in the European Union. It interprets the recent struggles surrounding attempts to license Bovine Somatotropin (BST), a synthesised hormone which increases dairy production, in relation to the claims of contemporary social theorists relating to the concept of ‘reflexive modernisation’. In this example of a late modern policy debate, existing regulatory and political institutions have had limited success in resolving conflict. In a context characterised by a general incapacity for institutional learning and development, it is argued that the European Parliament has provided a significant focus for debate.
Training Without the State? New Labour and labour markets
Authors: King Desmond , Wickham-Jones Mark
Published: October 2007

English

In 1996 the British Labour Party abandoned its commitment to a state-led training policy funded through a levy on business. It adopted a new scheme based on individual plans with minimal public intervention and no levy. Drawing on archival sources, this article examines the development of Labour’s policy towards training over the last 15 years. The authors argue that the new proposals mark the failure of the Party’s attempt to locate itself within the mainstream of European social democracy. Three factors explain this outcome: the changing nature of Labour’s relationship with trade unions; an acceptance by the Party of the UK’s uncoordinated market economy; and the decision by Labour to advance an electoral strategy aimed at reassuring business and voters. The Party’s effort to meet employers’ training policy preferences has decisively shaped the nature of its social democratic commitments.
Devolution and Economic Development in France
Authors: Rogers Vaughan
Published: October 2007

English

The role of the French regions in economic intervention since the decentralisation reforms of the 1980s has been considerably more significant than recent appraisals have suggested. The diversity in the strategies adopted from one region to another indicates an increased capacity to shape policy initiatives according to their own priorities. The enhancement of regional autonomy is examined in the case of Brittany, where the development of an original pattern of local authority relations in the sphere of economic intervention has helped to overcome some of the obstacles to the effective functioning of the system instituted by the decentralisation programme.
Factors affecting wettability and bond strength of solder joint couples
Authors: Sobczak Natalia , Kudyba Artur , Nowak Rafal , Radziwill Waldemar , Pietrzak Krystyna
Published: October 2007

The paper discusses the scientific understanding of the role of interfacial phenomena in joining of dissimilar materials using liquid-phase-assisted processes. From the example of the Sn-alloy/Cu system, it is demonstrated that interaction in the liquid solder/substrate couples is accompanied by a number of complex interfacial reactions leading to significant changes in the structure and chemistry of interfaces (solder/substrate, solder/environment, substrate/environment) and remaining solder layer that finally influence the mechanical properties of solder joints. The experimental data on wetting behavior, interface characterization, and mechanical properties of different solder/metal substrate couples are analyzed in order to display the role of such factors as time and temperature of interaction, environment (protective atmosphere, flux), presence of oxide films on interfaces, alloying additions to a solder, formation of interfacial phases, and porosity.
Osteoblast-Targeted Expression of Sfrp4 in Mice Results in Low Bone Mass
Authors: Nakanishi Rika , Akiyama Haruhiko , Kimura Hiroaki , Otsuki Bungo , Shimizu Motoyuki , Tsuboyama Tadao , Nakamura Takashi
Published: October 2007

Transgenic mice overexpressing Sfrp4 in osteoblasts were established. These mice exhibited low bone mass caused by a decrease in bone formation.

Introduction: We recently reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms in the secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (Sfrp4) gene are responsible for low peak BMD in senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) P6. In vitro studies revealed inhibition of osteoblast proliferation by Sfrp4, which is supposed to be mediated by canonical Wnt signaling.

Materials and Methods: We examined the expression of Sfrp4 in neonate long bones by in situ hybridization and generated transgenic mice in which Sfrp4 was specifically overexpressed in osteoblasts under the control of a 2.3-kb Col1a1 osteoblast-specific promoter. Next, we compared the phenotype of Sfrp4 transgenic (Sfrp4 TG) mice with that of mice in which one allele of β-catenin was conditionally disrupted in osteoblasts (βChet), and administered lithium chloride (LiCl) to Sfrp4 TG mice.

Results: Hemizygous Sfrp4 TG mice exhibited a 30% reduction of trabecular bone mass compared with that in wildtype littermates at 8 wk of age, and histomorphometrical analysis showed decreases in both osteoblast numbers and bone formation rate. βChet mice exhibited a 17% reduction of trabecular bone mass in distal femora caused by an increase in the osteoclast number and a decrease in bone formation rate. Furthermore, LiCl administration rescued the bone phenotype of Sfrp4 TG mice.

Conclusions: Expression of Sfrp4 in periosteum and bone tissues suggested the role of Sfrp4 in osteoblasts, and we identified that overexpression of Sfrp4 in osteoblasts suppressed osteoblast proliferation, resulting in a decrease in bone formation in vivo. Partial suppression of β-catenin/canonical Wnt signaling also impaired bone formation, and activation of the signaling restored low bone mass of Sfrp4 TG mice. Thus, these results indicate that Sfrp4 decreases bone formation at least in part by attenuating canonical Wnt signaling in vivo.
Complete Volumetric Decomposition of Individual Trabecular Plates and Rods and Its Morphological Correlations With Anisotropic Elastic Moduli in Human Trabecular Bone
Authors: Liu X Sherry , Sajda Paul , Saha Punam K , Wehrli Felix W , Bevill Grant , Keaveny Tony M , Guo X Edward
Published: October 2007

Trabecular plates and rods are important microarchitectural features in determining mechanical properties of trabecular bone. A complete volumetric decomposition of individual trabecular plates and rods was used to assess the orientation and morphology of 71 human trabecular bone samples. The ITS-based morphological analyses better characterize microarchitecture and help predict anisotropic mechanical properties of trabecular bone.

Introduction: Standard morphological analyses of trabecular architecture lack explicit segmentations of individual trabecular plates and rods. In this study, a complete volumetric decomposition technique was developed to segment trabecular bone microstructure into individual plates and rods. Contributions of trabecular type-associated morphological parameters to the anisotropic elastic moduli of trabecular bone were studied.

Materials and Methods: Seventy-one human trabecular bone samples from the femoral neck (FN), tibia, and vertebral body (VB) were imaged using μCT or serial milling. Complete volumetric decomposition was applied to segment trabecular bone microstructure into individual plates and rods. The orientation of each individual trabecula was determined, and the axial bone volume fractions (aBV/TV), axially aligned bone volume fraction along each orthotropic axis, were correlated with the elastic moduli. The microstructural type-associated morphological parameters were derived and compared with standard morphological parameters. Their contributions to the anisotropic elastic moduli, calculated by finite element analysis (FEA), were evaluated and compared.

Results: The distribution of trabecular orientation suggested that longitudinal plates and transverse rods dominate at all three anatomic sites. aBV/TV along each axis, in general, showed a better correlation with the axial elastic modulus (r2 = 0.95∼0.99) compared with BV/TV (r2 = 0.93∼0.94). The plate-associated morphological parameters generally showed higher correlations with the corresponding standard morphological parameters than the rod-associated parameters. Multiple linear regression models of six elastic moduli with individual trabeculae segmentation (ITS)-based morphological parameters (adjusted r2 = 0.95∼0.98) performed equally well as those with standard morphological parameters (adjusted r2 = 0.94∼0.97) but revealed specific contributions from individual trabecular plates or rods.

Conclusions: The ITS-based morphological analyses provide a better characterization of the morphology and trabecular orientation of trabecular bone. The axial loading of trabecular bone is mainly sustained by the axially aligned trabecular bone volume. Results suggest that trabecular plates dominate the overall elastic properties of trabecular bone.
The Sensitivity of Variance Component Estimates to Underreporting: Method and Application to Substance Abuse Data
Authors: Andrews Paul W. , Kendler Kenneth S. , Gillespie Nathan , Neale Michael C.
Published: October 2007

Many studies of human behavior and psychological constructs rely on subjects' willingness to disclose information about themselves. This is problematic for phenotypes that require the disclosure of sensitive information, such as sexual behavior or illicit drug use, which are likely to be underreported. We describe a method for evaluating how sensitive variance component estimates are to underreporting. The method involves estimating, by maximum likelihood, the original population proportions of the response classes, and adjusting them for a set of hypothesized underreporting parameters. If the true values of the underreporting parameters were known, the researcher could estimate the variance components based on these values. Usually, underreporting levels are not known with certainty. However, it is possible to assume a specific value for the underreporting rate, obtain response pattern proportions adjusted for this rate, and then to conduct the analyses on these revised estimates. By repeating the procedure across the range of plausible underreporting values, the researcher can assess how sensitive the variance component estimates are to variation in underreporting. We apply this method to a sample of male-male twin pairs who reported on themselves and their co-twins for illicit drug abuse and dependence (DAD). We show how underreporting influences estimates of additive genetic, common environment, and specific environment variance components (A, C, and E) obtained for DAD in a classical twin design.
Dietary Patterns and Heritability of Food Choice in a UK Female Twin Cohort
Authors: Teucher Birgit , Skinner Jane , Skidmore Paula M. L. , Cassidy Aedin , Fairweather-Tait Susan J. , Hooper Lee , Roe Mark A. , Foxall Robert , Oyston Sarah L. , Cherkas Lynn F. , Perks Ursula C. , Spector Tim D. , MacGregor Alex J.
Published: October 2007

To examine the contribution of genetic factors to food choice, we determined dietary patterns from food frequency questionnaires in 3262 UK female twins aged 18 to 79 years. Five distinct dietary patterns were identified (fruit and vegetable, high alcohol, traditional English, dieting, low meat) that accounted for 22% of the total variance. These patterns are similar to those found in other singleton Western populations, and were related to body mass index, smoking status, physical activity and deprivation scores. Older subjects had higher scores on the fruit and vegetable and traditional English patterns, while lower social deprivation was associated with higher scores for fruit and vegetable, and lower scores for traditional English patterns. All 5 patterns were heritable, with estimates ranging from 41% to 48%. Among individual dietary components, a strongly heritable component was identified for garlic (46%), coffee (41%), fruit and vegetable sources (49%), and red meat (39%). Our results indicate that genetic factors have an important influence in determining food choice and dietary habits in Western populations. The relatively high heritability of specific dietary components implicates taste perception as a possible target for future genetic studies.
Heritability of Body Mass Index: A Comparison Between The Netherlands and Spain
Authors: Ordoñana J. R. , Rebollo-Mesa I. , González-Javier F. , Pérez-Riquelme F. , Martínez-Selva J. M. , Willemsen G. , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: October 2007

Ahigh body mass index (BMI) is commonly used as an index of overweight and obesity. There is persistent evidence of high heritability for variation in BMI, but the effects of common environment appear inconsistent across different European countries. Our objective was to compare genetic and environmental effects on BMI in a sample of twins from two different European countries with distinct population and cultural backgrounds. We analysed data of adult female twins from the Netherlands Twin Register (222 monozygotic [MZ] and 103 dizygotic [DZ] pairs) and the Murcia Twin Register (Spain; 202 MZ and 235 DZ pairs). BMI was based on self-reported weight and height. Dutch women were taller and heavier, but Spanish women had a significantly higher mean BMI. The age related weight increase was significantly stronger in the Spanish sample. Genetic analyses showed that genetic factors are the main contributors to variation in height, weight, and BMI, within both countries. For height and weight, estimates of genetic variances did not differ, but for height, the estimate for the environmental variance was significantly larger in Spanish women. For BMI, both the genetic and the environmental variance components were larger in Spanish than in Dutch women.
Effects of the Chorion Type on Prosocial Behavior in Young South Korean Twins
Authors: Hur Yoon-Mi.
Published: October 2007

The present study examined the possible effects of chorionicity of twins on variation of prosocial behavior in the classical twin design. Mothers of 56 pairs of monochorionic monozygotic (MCMZ) twins, 34 pairs of dichorionic monozygotic (DCMZ) twins, and 316 pairs of dizygotic (DZ) twins rated their children's prosocial behavior. The MCMZ correlation for prosocial behavior was similar to the DCMZ correlation (.63 vs. 61), but both correlations were higher than the DZ correlation (.33). Models incorporating the chorion effects were fit to the data. Genetic, shared and nonshared environmental, and chorion effects in the full model were, respectively, 53% (95% CI: 1–70%), 7% (95% CI: 0–37%) , 40% (95% CI: 29–54%), and 0% (95% CI: 0–27%), with the effects of chorion and shared environment being nonsignificant. These findings indicate that genetic and environmental factors in prosocial behavior estimated from twin studies are not significantly influenced by the chorion type of MZ twins.
Studies of Corrosion of Cladding Materials in Simulated BWR Environment using Impedance Measurements
Authors: Forsberg S. , Ahlberg E. , Limbäck M.
Published: October 2007

In the present work, the corrosion of three Zircaloy-2 cladding materials have been studied in-situ in an autoclave using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Measurements were conducted in simulated boiling water reactor environment at temperatures up to 288°C, both in the pre-transition and the post-transition stage. In addition, impedance measurements were performed at room temperature on samples previously exposed to irradiation. This work clearly demonstrates that impedance spectroscopy can be used for in-situ studies of the corrosion of Zircaloy cladding materials in the pre-transition region at high temperatures. Oxide thickness, oxide conductivity, and effective donor density were successfully evaluated from the impedance data. Less information has been able to be gained from the impedance measurements in the post-transition region compared to the measurements in the pre-transition region. However, the thickness of the inner oxide layer, oxide conductivity, and oxide porosity were successfully evaluated from the impedance data. The measurements on irradiated samples of the same materials as investigated in autoclaves indicate that irradiation introduces defects in the oxide structure, resulting in a higher number of charge carriers and a more inhomogeneous oxide than produced under autoclave exposure.
Neonatal Neurologic Consultations
Authors: Scher Mark S.
Published: October 2007

The pediatric neurologist can serve as a subspecialty consultant for both the fetus and neonate in whom a brain disorder is suspected. Although acute neonatal brain disorders must be assessed and treated vigorously, neurologic disease may occur before the intrapartum period, either from a primary brain disease or secondarily from systemic diseases. Medical conditions during the antepartum and intrapartum periods can predispose the fetus or neonate to express acute brain dysfunction as a neonate, representing both acute and chronic conditions. The pediatric neurologist must, therefore, consider maternal, placental, and fetal diseases on which a neonatal encephalopathy may be superimposed. This review describes four consultations by a neonatal neurointensive care service in which an integrative approach to fetal neurology is applied to neonatal consultations, emphasizing perspectives from other subspecialties concerning maternal-fetal medicine, developmental pathology, neonatology, and other pediatric subspecialties. Future strategies for fetal or neonatal brain resuscitation will need to consider the developmental context in which a suspected brain injury occurred during antepartum, intrapartum, and neonatal periods. Accurate etiologic diagnoses and timing of an insult will influence the forms of therapy of neuroprotection or neurorescue.
Cutaneous Reactions to Drugs in Children
Authors: Segal Alissa R. , Doherty Kevin M. , Leggott John , Zlotoff Barrett
Published: October 2007

Cutaneous eruptions are a commonly reported adverse drug reaction. Cutaneous adverse drug reactions in the pediatric population have a significant impact on patients' current and future care options. A patient's recollection of having a “rash” when they took a medication as a child is a frequent reason for not prescribing a particular treatment. The quick detection and treatment of cutaneous adverse drug reactions, plus identification of the causative agent, are essential for preventing the progression of the reaction, preventing additional exposures, and ensuring the appropriate use of medications for both the current condition and others as the patient ages. The purpose of this review is to discuss a reasonable approach to recognition and initial management of cutaneous adverse drug reactions in children.
Swaddling: A Systematic Review
Authors: van Sleuwen Bregje E. , Engelberts Adèle C. , Boere-Boonekamp Magda M. , Kuis Wietse , Schulpen Tom W.J. , L'Hoir Monique P.
Published: October 2007

Swaddling was an almost universal child-care practice before the 18th century. It is still tradition in certain parts of the Middle East and is gaining popularity in the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Netherlands to curb excessive crying. We have systematically reviewed all articles on swaddling to evaluate its possible benefits and disadvantages. In general, swaddled infants arouse less and sleep longer. Preterm infants have shown improved neuromuscular development, less physiologic distress, better motor organization, and more self-regulatory ability when they are swaddled. When compared with massage, excessively crying infants cried less when swaddled, and swaddling can soothe pain in infants. It is supportive in cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome and infants with neonatal cerebral lesions. It can be helpful in regulating temperature but can also cause hyperthermia when misapplied. Another possible adverse effect is an increased risk of the development of hip dysplasia, which is related to swaddling with the legs in extension and adduction. Although swaddling promotes the favorable supine position, the combination of swaddling with prone position increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, which makes it necessary to warn parents to stop swaddling if infants attempt to turn. There is some evidence that there is a higher risk of respiratory infections related to the tightness of swaddling. Furthermore, swaddling does not influence rickets onset or bone properties. Swaddling immediately after birth can cause delayed postnatal weight gain under certain conditions, but does not seem to influence breastfeeding parameters.
Do Adolescent Inpatient Wards Make a Difference? Findings From a National Young Patient Survey
Authors: Viner Russell M.
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVES. There is little evidence to support the effectiveness of adolescent inpatient wards. These analyses test the hypotheses that nursing young people in adolescent wards improves aspects of quality of care and patient satisfaction compared with child or adult wards.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. Secondary analyses of the national English Young Patient Survey 2004 were weighted to take account of variations in hospital size and response rate. Participants included 8855 subjects aged 12 to 17 years. Ward types (adolescent, child, and adult) were compared. Patient-reported quality-of-care indicators included rating by young people of overall care, respect, safety, confidentiality, communication, team-working, noise, and leisure facilities. Logistic regression models were adjusted for gender, disability, and previous hospital admissions.

RESULTS. Ten percent of 12- to 14-year-olds and 18% of 15- to 17-year-olds were nursed in an adolescent ward, 0.4% of 12- to 15-year-olds and 16% of 15- to 17-year-olds in an adult ward, with the remainder in a child ward. Compared with being in an adolescent ward, 15- to 17-year-olds were less likely to report excellent overall care in an adult ward and less likely to report feeling secure, having confidentiality maintained, feeling treated with respect, confidence in staff, appropriate information transmission, appropriate involvement in own care, and appropriate leisure facilities. Compared with being in an adolescent ward, 12- to 14-year-olds were less likely to report excellent overall care in a child ward and less likely to report feeling involved in their own care.

CONCLUSIONS. Dedicated adolescent inpatient wards improve aspects of quality of care for young people compared with child or adult wards, particularly for older adolescents. These data support the continued development of adolescent wards in larger general hospitals and children's hospitals.
Family History of Asthma and Atopy: In-depth Analyses of the Impact on Asthma and Wheeze in 7- to 8-Year-Old Children
Authors: Bjerg Anders , Hedman Linnea , Perzanowski Matthew S. , Platts-Mills Thomas , Lundbäck Bo , Rönmark Eva
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVES. Development of asthma in children is influenced by interactions between genetic and environmental factors. It is unclear whether paternal or maternal histories of disease confer different risks. Previous population-based studies have not stratified analyses by child gender and sensitization status. Our aim was to study in detail the hereditary component of childhood asthma.

METHODS. A population-based cohort of 3430 (97% of invited) 7- to 8-year-old school children participated in an expanded International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood survey, and two thirds were skin-prick tested. Heredity was defined as a family history of (1) asthma and (2) atopy (allergic rhinitis or eczema). Multivariate analyses corrected for known risk factors for asthma.

RESULTS. At ages 7 to 8, prevalence of asthma was 5.3% among the children and 9.0% among the parents. In children without parental asthma or parental atopy, the prevalence of asthma was 2.8%. Corrected for parental asthma, parental atopy was a weak but significant risk factor. There were minor differences in the impact of parental disease between sensitized and nonsensitized children and between boys and girls.

CONCLUSIONS. As risk factors for childhood asthma, there were major differences between parental asthma and parental atopy. Sibling asthma was only a marker of parental disease. Interactions between parental disease and the child's allergic sensitization or gender were not statistically significant. Asthma in both parents conferred a multiplicative risk, whereas the effect of parental atopy was additive, however limited. Asthma and atopy, despite their causal relationship, are separate entities and could be inherited differently. This large, population-based, and well-characterized cohort study does not confirm parent-of-origin effects found in previous studies.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Distribution of Ibuprofen After Intravenous Administration in Children
Authors: Kokki Hannu , Kumpulainen Elina , Lehtonen Marko , Laisalmi Merja , Heikkinen Marja , Savolainen Jouko , Rautio Jarkko
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND. Ibuprofen is the most commonly used nonsteroidal, antipyretic, antiinflammatory analgesic in children. Nonsteroidal, antipyretic, antiinflammatory analgesics act in both the peripheral tissues and the central nervous system. The central nervous system penetration of ibuprofen has been described in adults but not in children.

OBJECTIVES. Our goals were to investigate the cerebrospinal fluid penetration of ibuprofen in children and evaluate the analgesic plasma concentration of ibuprofen after inguinal surgery in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total 36 healthy children (25 boys) aged 3 months to 12 years received a single intravenous injection of ibuprofen (10 mg/kg). A paired cerebrospinal fluid and blood sample was obtained 10 minutes to 8 hours after the injection. In children having inguinal surgery, a second blood sample was obtained at the time that the child first had wound pain.

RESULTS. The ibuprofen level was determined in all cerebrospinal fluid and plasma samples. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations ranged between 15 and 541 μg/L, and the highest concentrations were measured 30 to 38 minutes after dosing. In all cerebrospinal fluid samples collected after 30 minutes, ibuprofen concentration exceeded that of unbound plasma. The plasma analgesic concentrations after inguinal surgery ranged between 10 and 25 mg/L.

CONCLUSIONS. Ibuprofen penetrates the cerebrospinal fluid readily, with peak concentrations attained 30 to 40 minutes after intravenous injection of a 10 mg/kg dose. The plasma analgesic concentration after inguinal surgery with spinal anesthesia is 10 to 25 mg/L.
Dopamine Receptor D2 GeneTaq1A(C32806T) Polymorphism Modifies the Relationship Between Birth Weight and Educational Attainment in Adulthood: 21-Year Follow-up of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study
Authors: Keltikangas-Järvinen Liisa , Elovainio Marko , Kivimäki Mika , Raitakari Olli T. , Viikari Jorma S.A. , Lehtimäki Terho
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE. Low birth weight is suggested to be a risk factor for a wide variety of negative outcomes, including low educational attainment, but the role of cognition-related genetic influences on this association remains unclear. The objective of this study was to study whether variation in the dopamine receptor gene (dopamine receptor D2 polymorphism, rs1800497) modifies the association between birth weight and educational attainment in adulthood.

METHODS. We studied the association between birth weight (range: 1440–4980 g) and educational attainment in 659 men and 832 women aged 27 to 39. Birth weight, gestational age, and parental education were assessed at ages 6 to 18. The genotyping was performed using TaqMan 5′ nuclease assay.

RESULTS. After adjustment for age, parental education, and gestational age, birth weight was associated with educational attainment in men with A1/A1 or A1/A2 (n = 245) genotype but not in men carrying A2/A2 (n = 414) genotype. In women, no moderating effect of dopamine receptor D2 polymorphism was found.

CONCLUSIONS. Dopamine receptor D2 genotype is suggested to modify the association between birth weight and adulthood educational attainment over the whole birth weight range so that carriers of A1 allele capitalize on optimal birth weight, whereas a low birth weight seems to be a risk among them. These data support the hypothesis that the effect of birth weight on educational attainment depends on genetic influences. Gender-related difference may refer to an environmental effect (ie, to a better goodness-of-fit between girls' school behaving and expectations of school) that may mask a genetic effect.
Assessing Procedural Skills Training in Pediatric Residency Programs
Authors: Gaies Michael G. , Landrigan Christopher P. , Hafler Janet P. , Sandora Thomas J.
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to assess the opinions of pediatric program directors regarding procedural skills training of pediatric residents.

METHODS. We developed a survey based on the Residency Review Committee's guidelines for procedural training. It included items about the importance of 29 procedures encountered in pediatric training, estimates of residents' competence in performing them, and the teaching of procedural skills. The survey was sent to members of the Association of Pediatric Program Directors. The primary outcome was the perceived importance for residents to achieve competence in these procedures, rated on a 10-point Likert scale. Secondary outcomes included perception of resident competence to perform procedures and educational methods used by respondents for teaching procedural skills. Associations between demographic characteristics and perceived importance or competence were also assessed.

RESULTS. Surveys were sent to 139 programs, and 112 responded. Thirteen procedures were rated 8 or higher by >75% of program directors. Seven skills that were prioritized by the Residency Review Committee did not achieve this level of consensus. Respondents reported that many residents failed to achieve competence by the end of training in 9 of 13 procedures that they rated as very important, including venipuncture, neonatal intubation, and administering injections. Residents who perform the majority of venipunctures and intravenous catheter placements at their institutions were more likely to be judged competent in performing these skills than residents who do not.

CONCLUSIONS. The Residency Review Committee's list of procedures does not necessarily reflect the opinions of pediatric program directors on the most essential skills for trainees. Many residents may not develop competence in several important procedures by the end of residency, most notably vascular access and life-saving skills. A more robust and standardized method is needed for teaching procedural skills and for documenting competence.
The eating disorders in sports – sport in eating disorders
Authors: Resch Mária
Published: October 2007

A jelen tanulmány a hazai epidemiológiai vonatkozású evészavar-szakirodalom egyik „mostoháját” mutatja be: a nagy kockázatú populációnak számító sportolók részint a fokozott teljesítménykényszer, részint a nagyon precízen behatárolt testsúly miatt kiemelt jelentőségűek a táplálkozási zavarok előfordulásában.Célkitűzés:Cél az elmúlt 10 év nemzetközi irodalmát áttekintve az anorexia athletica és az atlétatriász fogalmainak körüljárása s az ezzel kapcsolatos új ismeretek feltárása.Módszerek:A meglevő epidemiológiai adatok számbavétele, összehasonlító elemzése.Eredmények:Pontosabbak lettek a korábban meghatározott alapfogalmak: az anorexia athletica tünetei közül a testképzavar a legkevésbé, a fokozott teljesítménykényszer pedig a leginkább a jellemző. Az újabb epidemiológai vizsgálatok számadatai kisebb szórást mutattak: az evészavarok esetében a korábbi 15–62% helyett 20–25%, amenorrhoea esetében 3,4–66% helyett 25–30%, az osteoporosisnál 2–20% prevalencia igazolódott. Az atlétatriász új értelmezést nyert: a tünetek közül az evészavar és a következményes menstruációs panasz együttes előfordulása szignifikáns.Következtetések:Közismert tény a túlzott testedzés és az evészavar közötti szoros korreláció: az evészavarok diagnosztikus feltételrendszerében alapvető követelményként szerepel a súlycsökkentő manőverként használt túlzott testedzés. Fordítva is igaz: a sportolók körében magas (23–25%) az evészavarok előfordulási gyakorisága, ahol a szomatikus szövődmények szerepe egyre fontosabb.
The influence of the Ti/Ba ratio on the formation of pyroelectric and piezoelectric quasi-amorphous films of BaTiO3
Authors: Ehre David , Lyahovitskaya Vera , Lubomirsky Igor
Published: October 2007

The influence of the Ti/Ba ratio on the formation of pyroelectric and piezoelectric quasi-amorphous BaTiO3 films was investigated. Three types of films, Ti-rich, Ba-rich, and stoichiometric, were pulled through a temperature gradient or subjected to isothermal heating. The quasi-amorphous polar phase only formed in films pulled through the temperature gradient with Ti/Ba ratio within the broad range of 0.95–1.1. This implies that quasi-amorphous pyroelectric and piezoelectric thin films are significantly more tolerant of a deviation from stoichiometry than their crystalline counterparts.
Controlled synthesis of quasi-one-dimensional boron nitride nanostructures
Authors: Tang Dai-Ming , Liu Chang , Cheng Hui-Ming
Published: October 2007

A floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition method was developed for the synthesis of quasi-one-dimensional (1D) boron nitride (BN) nanostructures. By carefully tuning the experimental parameters such as growth temperature, floating catalyst concentration, and boron precursor, high quality 1D BN nanostructures including nanotubes, nanobamboos, and nanowires were selectively produced. The microstructures of the obtained 1D BN nanomaterials were characterized, and it was found that the nanostructures are composed of hexagonal BN phase with (002) planes stacking in different manners. A growth mechanism of the BN nanostructures was proposed based on the analysis of their structural characteristics and growth conditions.
Transmission electron microscopy observation of oxide layer growth on Cu nanoparticles and formation process of hollow oxide particles
Authors: Tokozakura D. , Nakamura R. , Nakajima H. , Lee J.-G. , Mori H.
Published: October 2007

The growth of a Cu2O layer on Cu nanoparticles at 323–373 K was investigated by transmission electron microscopy to elucidate the influence of voids formed at the Cu/Cu2O interface on the oxidation rate. The thickness of the Cu2O formed on Cu nanoparticles with an initial diameter of 10 to ∼35 nm was measured as a function of oxidation time. During the initial oxidation stage until the oxide film is about 2.5 nm thick, the oxide film on nanoparticles of 10 to ∼35 nm in diameter grows rapidly at an almost consistent rate. After that, however, the growth rate of smaller nanoparticles decreases drastically compared with that of larger ones, suggesting that the voids formed near the Cu/Cu2O interface prevent Cu atoms from diffusing outward, because the volume ratio of voids to inner Cu in the case of smaller nanoparticles is considerably higher than that for larger ones at the same oxidation time.
Trend in crystal structure of layered ternary T-Al-C carbides (T = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, W, and Ta)
Authors: Wang Jingyang , Zhou Yanchun , Liao Ting , Lin Zhijun
Published: October 2007

Layered ternary T-Al-C ceramics containing early transition metal Sc, Zr, and Hf, crystallize with the TnAl3Cn+2 formula, while others containing neighbor elements Ti, V, Cr, Nb, Mo, W, and Ta yield the Tn+1AlCn formula. Ternary TnAl3Cn+2 ceramics are structurally characterized by NaCl-type TC slabs being separated by Al4C3-type AlC layers. In the present study, we suggest that the ability of forming the TnAl3Cn+2 carbide could be traced back to the structure mismatches between the TC, Al4C3 and TnAl3Cn+2 compounds. Ternary carbides following the TnAl3Cn+2 formula experience small lattice mismatches and strain energies. Moreover, the discrepancy between crystal structures of TnAl3Cn+2 and Tn+1AlCn is interpreted by lattice mismatch and the produced strain energy for the ternary T-Al-C ceramics. We also present close relationships between the atomic radii of transition metal and lattice mismatch, as well as the strain energy. The proposed method is not only helpful to explain the trend in crystal structure of T-Al-C based ceramics, but may be also general to predict the crystal structure of layered compounds constructed by alternatively stacked structural units.
Synthesis of submicrocrystalline TiCx–Al2O3 composites by mechanically-activated pressure-assisted self-propagating high-temperature synthesis technique
Authors: Gauthier V. , Khitev A.V. , Shcherbakov V.A. , Beaufort M.F. , Villechaise P. , Dubois S.
Published: October 2007

TiCx–Al2O3 composites have been synthesized by pressure-assisted combustion synthesis of (Ti + C + Al2O3) reactant powder. Different alumina contents (10–40 vol%) have been investigated to study the dilution effect on TiC microstructure. A mechanical method and a mixed chemical/mechanical method have been used to obtain (Ti + C + Al2O3) powder mixtures with different alumina distributions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of these mixtures show that alumina is distributed inside micrometric (Ti + C) aggregates for the first method whereas alumina is located around (Ti + C) aggregates for the second one. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM analyses of the composites indicate that TiCx is substoichiometric in carbon and mainly consists of submicrometric grains. A distribution of Al2O3 inside (Ti + C) aggregates is more efficient to reduce TiC grain size. For the 40 vol% Al2O3 diluted (Ti + C) mixture prepared from the mechanical route, TiCx nanocrystallites have been successfully stabilized, which demonstrates that the addition of Al2O3 diluent in a (Ti + C) mixture can be efficiently used to inhibit grain growth.
AlN nanowires for Al-based composites with high strength and low thermal expansion
Authors: Tang Y.B. , Liu Y.Q. , Sun C.H. , Cong H.T.
Published: October 2007

Based on the synthesis of a sufficient amount of AlN nanowires (AlN-NWs), AlN-NWs/Al composites with homogenously distributed AlN-NWs were fabricated. Microstructural observations reveal that the interface between AlN-NWs and Al matrix is clean and bonded well, and no interfacial reaction product was formed at the nanowire-matrix boundary. Mechanical properties including yield and tensile strength of the composites were improved with AlN-NWs volume fraction changing from 5 to 15 vol%, and the maximum yield and tensile strengths of the composite were about 6 and 5 times, respectively, as high as those of Al matrix. Meanwhile, AlN-NWs effectively decreased the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the composites, and the CTE of 15 vol% composite was about one half that of Al matrix. The results obtained suggest that AlN nanowire is a promising reinforcement for optimizing the mechanical and thermal properties of metal matrix composites.
Control of interfacial reactions and strength of the SiC/SiC joints brazed with newly-developed Co-based brazing alloy
Authors: Xiong Hua-Ping , Mao Wei , Xie Yong-Hui , Chen Bo , Guo Wan-Lin , Li Xiao-Hong , Cheng Yao-Yong
Published: October 2007

Co-based brazing alloy CoFeNi(Si, B)CrTi was designed for SiC joining. The periodic banded reaction structure that existed at the interface between SiC and the traditional Ni-based or Co-based braze has been eliminated by the new brazing alloy. The maximum room-temperature four-point bend strength of 161 MPa was achieved for SiC/SiC joint under the optimum brazing condition of brazing filler thickness of 120 μm, brazing temperature of 1150 °C, and brazing time of 10 min. The corresponding reaction layer of the SiC/SiC joint is composed of multilayer silicides and TiC band, and many small TiC particles are scattered throughout the matrix of the central part of the joint. The joints thus exhibit stable high-temperature strength. It is believed that the formation of TiC in the joint contributes not only to the elimination of the periodic banded reaction structure, but also to the high joint strength and the high-temperature stability.
Fabrication of ultrathin film capacitors by chemical solution deposition
Authors: Brennecka Geoff L. , Tuttle Bruce A.
Published: October 2007

A facile solution-based processing route using standard spin-coating deposition techniques has been developed for the production of reliable capacitors based on lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) with active areas of ⩾1 mm2 and dielectric layer thicknesses down to 50 nm. With careful control of the dielectric phase development through improved processing, ultrathin capacitors exhibited slim ferroelectric hysteresis loops and dielectric constants of >1000, similar to those of much thicker films. Thus, it has been demonstrated that chemical solution deposition is a viable route to the production of capacitor films which are as thin as 50 nm but are still macroscopically addressable with specific capacitance values >160 nF/mm2.
Selective growth and kinetic study of copper oxide nanowires from patterned thin-film multilayer structures
Authors: Chopra Nitin , Hu Bing , Hinds Bruce J.
Published: October 2007

Selective growth of CuO nanowires on the etched face of Al2O3/Cu/Al2O3 thin-film multilayer patterns was achieved by ambient oxidation at 400 °C. The nanowires were observed to selectively grow only from the pattern edge with diameter limited by the thickness of Cu thin film. Transmission-electron-microscopy (TEM) characterization confirmed CuO nanowires of a monoclinic CuO growing in the [010] crystallographic direction. Nanowire growth kinetics was studied at 400 °C for different cumulative growth durations with initial growth rates of ∼1 nm/min. A base growth mechanism with kinetics limited by oxygen diffusion through defects of a scaling oxide film is consistent with observed kinetics. The oxygen diffusivity is found to be ∼10−11 cm2/s, consistent with the grain-boundary diffusion of oxygen through polycrystalline copper oxide.