bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of an Alumina-wall Tube Reactor and Its Catalytic Performance in the Steam-reforming of Methanol
Authors: Naka-o Fumihiko , Ikenaga Na-oki , Miyake Takanori , Suzuki Toshimitsu
Published: October 2007

The inner wall of a narrow-bore aluminum tube was successfully oxidized to give a thin alumina wall by electrolysis. A Cu–Zn-loaded alumina-wall tube reactor afforded high performance in the steam reforming of CH3OH to supply H2.
The use and perceptions of routine health data: a qualitative study of four cancer network teams in England
Authors: Wilkinson Dawn , Michie Susan , McCarthy Mark
Published: October 2007

Health service managers have been criticized for placing more emphasis on the collection of data than on their use for the improvement of care. The present study examined how routine aggregate data on cancer services are perceived by management teams and how such data are used to inform strategic decision-making and planning. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 members of four cancer network teams in England. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed independently by two researchers. Respondents said that routine aggregate data were not highly prioritized as an information resource, although their use had produced some beneficial impacts, such as reduced waiting times. Limited use of aggregate data appeared to relate to problems of accessibility, lack of resources to turn the data into meaningful information and service improving action, and poor data quality and relevance. These factors apparently lead to inability or reluctance to use routine data to monitor and improve cancer services at the network level. Data-user concerns should be addressed to facilitate greater use of available routine data.
The management of first episode genital herpes in genitourinary medicine clinics: a national audit in 2006
Authors: Challenor Rachel , Theobald Nick , Pinsent Sue , Mullan Helen ,   The Genitourinary Medicine Non Consultant Career Grade Group of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV
Published: October 2007

A national audit of the management of first episode genital herpes (GH) was undertaken by non-consultant career grade doctors working in genitourinary (GU) medicine clinics in the United Kingdom. In total, 1620 data collection forms were completed (794 men and 826 women). Virus culture is the main detection method (1150, 71%), although polymerase chain reaction (PCR) use is increasing (442, 28%). PCR was significantly associated ( P<0.0001) with fewer negative isolates (29/442, 6.6%) compared with virus culture (174/1150, 15%). Herpes simplex virus type 1 was isolated in 552 cases (46%). For 243 cases (15%), there was no evidence of counselling about GH. A total of 1355 (84%) were screened for other sexually transmitted infections. Serological testing for syphilis was undertaken in 72%. GU medicine clinics are managing first episode GH as broadly outlined in the guidelines. Areas identified for improvement are to increase counselling/written information/testing for syphilis towards 100%.
Revertant multiresistant HIV in chronically infected drug naïve patients: when baseline resistance testing is not enough
Authors: Baraboutis Ioannis G , Papastamopoulos Vassilios , Georgiou Ourania , Skoutelis Athanasios T
Published: October 2007

We present a patient with chronic HIV-1 infection and primary multi-drug resistance, the magnitude of which was underestimated by the baseline genotypic resistance testing (GRT) due to reversion of some of the mutations of the transmitted strain. This resulted in complete failure of his first antiretroviral regimen with rapid appearance of presumably archived mutations to more than one antiretroviral classes. Interestingly, his viral load remained high even in the presence of the M184V mutation. Baseline GRT in chronic HIV infection may not give adequate information in the presence of acquired multi-drug-resistant HIV strains, which have one or more of their mutations reverted. The presence of 215 codon polymorphisms should alert physicians to the possible coexistence of archived nucleoside and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor mutations. In such a case, initiation of a regimen with a low genetic barrier to resistance may not be the best choice and, if done, should be done cautiously and with more frequent monitoring of treatment response than usual.
Localized amyloidosis of glans penis
Authors: Kawsar Mo , Long Shaila
Published: October 2007

We describe a case of black Caribbean man who presented with penile rash for several months. The rash showed no improvement with topical steroid or anti-bacterial/fungal creams. A subsequent tissue biopsy and further investigations confirmed the diagnosis of localized amyloidosis.
Decline in HIV prevalence among women of childbearing age in Moshi urban, Tanzania
Authors: Msuya S E , Mbizvo E M , Stray-Pedersen B , Uriyo J , Sam N E , Rusakaniko S , Hussain A
Published: October 2007

The objective of this study was to describe trends over time in HIV prevalence, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexual behaviour among women in Moshi urban, Tanzania. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted in 1999 and in 2002–04 among women attending three primary health-care clinics. They were interviewed and screened for HIV and STIs. There was a significant decrease in HIV prevalence (11.5–6.9%). The decline was greatest among women aged 15–24 years. Syphilis, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, genital ulcers and reported STI symptoms also decreased significantly over the three-year inter-survey period. The proportion of women reporting casual sex decreased and knowledge of STI symptoms and health-care seeking behaviour improved. Herpes simplex virus type 2, genital warts, age at sexual debut, age at first pregnancy and condom use remained unchanged. In conclusion, decline in curable STIs and casual sex partners may partly explain the observed decline in HIV seroprevalence. Both STIs and sexual behaviour should be monitored in HIV sentinel surveillance. There remains a gap between knowledge of preventive behaviour and actual preventive practices.
Sexual behaviour as the limiting and linking factor in HIV-infected people in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Alkatout Ibrahim , Furey Alison , Vineberg Rebecca , Schulz Ulrike , Thistle Paul
Published: October 2007

Although the incidence of AIDS continues to increase in Zimbabwe, no systematic investigation has been done of the contextual (behavioural and situational) variables important to the tailoring of AIDS educational prevention programmes for those at risk. As part of a World Health Organization-recommended cotrimoxazole prophylaxis programme to 1146 HIV-positive individuals in rural Zimbabwe, data were collected on risk behaviours and characteristics of all participants. Outcomes included condom use, relationship, marital status, duration of the programme and reason for HIV testing. Forty-five participants (4.1%) reported always using condoms, 379 (34.5%) reported occasional use and 673 (61.4%) reported no condom use. Statistical analysis showed significant positive correlations between condom use and participant age, duration of the programme, the reason for HIV testing, knowledge about the partners' HIV status and the partner's awareness of the patient's HIV-positive status. Results reflect the need to target subpopulations, for specific HIV/AIDS education initiatives in rural Africa.
Rationalization of microscopy in the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in women
Authors: Forbes K M , Vaze U , Wheeler H L
Published: October 2007

This study looks at the sensitivity of microscopy in the diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), the effect of microscopy on time to treatment of NG and the added value of microscopy in the management of gonorrhoea. Women diagnosed with NG at an inner city genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic between August 2005 and July 2006 were identified and the notes reviewed. There were 103 women who were culture positive for NG. The sensitivity of microscopy was 38%. Microscopy is a point of care test (POCT) and in this group, it facilitated the treatment of 19% ( n=20) of cases of NG infection at the first visit to a GU medicine service. If a POCT is not available, this would result in delayed treatment (32% of patients waited longer than 14 days and 3% did not return for treatment). In total, 29% of women did not return for test of cure, therefore confirming that effective first-line therapy is essential in the treatment of N. gonorrhoeae.
An audit on the management of pelvic inflammatory disease in the West Midlands, UK
Authors: Walzman M , Tariq A , Bhaduri S , Ross J D C
Published: October 2007

The potential complications of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) make optimizing its management a high priority. A clinical audit of PID against current national management guidelines was conducted in 14 departments of genitourinary medicine in the West Midlands for women presenting with PID between January and December 2005. There were a total of 810 diagnoses of PID made from a total of 49,390 female attendees for that year, giving an incidence of 164 cases per 10,000 attendees. Of these 810 cases, data collection and analysis for this audit were performed on 139. An ofloxacin 400 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) based regimen was prescribed in 91 (65%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 57–73%) cases. Doxycycline 100 mg b. i. d. for 14 days plus metronidazole 400 mg b. i. d. for 5–14 days was prescribed in 44 (32%, 95% CI 25–40%) cases, but a third-generation cephalosporin was only given with this regimen in three cases. Partner notification was performed in 101 (73%, 95% CI 65–79%) cases. A total of 130 male contacts were recorded on the data collection forms, and of these 58 (45%) were traced and 51 (39%), treated. A follow-up appointment was given to 133 (96%, 95% CI 91–98%) women, although in most cases this was for seven days or more, and 104 (78%, 95% CI 67–81%) women attended for follow-up. Adherence to the national guidelines in this cohort of patients did not reach the national standard for choice of treatment regimen nor did it attain the target for proportion of male partners traced. Barriers preventing adherence to the national guidelines need to be explored and appropriate assistance given to physicians to help meet national standards of care.
Incidence and risk factors of nevirapine-associated skin rashes among HIV-infected patients with CD4 cell counts <250 cells/μL
Authors: Manosuthi Weerawat , Sungkanuparph Somnuek , Tansuphaswadikul Somsit , Inthong Yaowarat , Prasithsirikul Wisit , Chottanapund Suthat , Mankatitham Wiroj , Chimsuntorn Sukanya , Sittibusaya Chayanan , Moolasart Visal , Chumpathat Nopphanath , Termvises Patamavadee , Chaovavanich Achara
Published: October 2007

The objective of the study was to determine cumulative incidence and risk factors of nevirapine (NVP)-associated rashes that lead to NVP discontinuation among HIV-infected patients with CD4 <250 cells/ μL. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among antiretroviral-naïve HIV-infected patients who had baseline CD4 <250 cells/ μL and were initiated NVP-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) between January 2003 and October 2005. There were 910 patients with a mean age of 35.4 years and 43% were women. Median CD4 cell count was 27 cells/ μL and median HIV RNA was 5.5 log copies/mL. Cumulative incidences of rashes at 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after ART were 3.7%, 6.2%, 8.1%, 8.5% and 8.5%, respectively. By Kaplan–Meier analysis, the higher baseline CD4 cell counts had a higher probability of NVP-associated rashes (log-rank test, P=0.041). By Cox regression analysis, higher baseline CD4 cell count was associated with a higher incidence of rashes (hazard ratio=1.244, 95% confidence interval=1.045–1.482, for every 50 cells/ μL increment of baseline CD4 stratum). In conclusion, NVP-associated skin rashes that lead to NVP discontinuation are common among HIV-infected patients with baseline CD4 <250 cells/ μL. Despite the low baseline in this population, the higher number of baseline CD4 cells is continuously associated with a higher risk for skin rashes.
Heavy episodic drinking among Kenyan female sex workers is associated with unsafe sex, sexual violence and sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Chersich M F , Luchters S M F , Malonza I M , Mwarogo P , King'ola N , Temmerman M
Published: October 2007

This study examined patterns of alcohol use and its association with unsafe sex and related sequelae among female sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using snowball sampling. Binge drinkers (≥5 alcoholic drinks on ≥1 occasion in the previous month) were compared with non-binge drinkers. Of 719 participants, 22.4% were lifetime-alcohol abstainers, 44.7% non-binge and 33.0% binge drinkers. Compared with non-binge drinkers, binge drinkers were more likely to report unprotected sex (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.00–2.53; P=0.047) and sexual violence (AOR=1.85, 95% CI=1.27–2.71; P=0.001) and to have either syphilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Trichomonas vaginalis infection (AOR=1.56, 95% CI=1.00–2.41; P=0.048). HIV prevalence was higher among women having ever drunk (39.9%) than lifetime abstainers (23.2%; P<0.001), but was not associated with drinking patterns. Interventions are needed to assist female sex workers adopt safer drinking patterns. Investigation is needed for the effectiveness of such interventions in reducing unprotected sex, sexual violence and sexually transmitted infections.
Antiretroviral therapy in pregnancy: local practice in East London, UK
Authors: Forbes K M , Noble H , Swan J , Thomas P , Limb S
Published: October 2007

A review of antiretroviral prescribing, mode of delivery and pregnancy outcome was performed to assess local practice against the new British HIV Association guidelines. HIV status prior to pregnancy, antiretroviral medication, viral load, mode of delivery and pregnancy outcome were determined in 95 pregnancies recorded between 2004 and 2006 via retrospective case-note review. In total, 75% ( n=71) of pregnancies resulted in live births; 56% ( n=53) of pregnancies occurred in women who knew they were HIV positive prior to the current pregnancy; 49% ( n=26) of them conceived on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Use of protease-inhibitor-based ART and number of normalvaginal delivery increased and the use of zidovudine (AZT) monotherapy and emergency caesarean section (CS) fell during the study period. In conclusion, there was an increase in vaginal deliveries and a reduction in the number of emergency CSs between 2004 and 2006.
A study of the receptivity to telecare technology in a community-based elderly minority population
Authors: Bertera Elizabeth M , Tran Binh Q , Wuertz Ellen M , Bonner Aisha
Published: October 2007

We examined the readiness of an elderly minority population to use various technologies for telecare. Eighty-five people with an average age of 73 years living in affordable housing completed a self-administered survey (a response rate of 43%). The technology that would be most likely to be used was environmental sensors in the home. The top five situations in which respondents would be receptive to new technology were all related to improving communications with a doctor or a nurse, especially when a medical emergency occurred. These included devices to send information to a doctor, to call for medical help, to signal to a nurse that 'I am OK' and to detect falls. This highlights the importance of including numerous opportunities for the individual to communicate better with their medical providers. The one situation that gave respondents the most concern was the 'use of a camera to check on me when I am unwell'. The study provides some evidence that elderly minorities residing in affordable housing were receptive to the introduction of new telecare technologies.
Credit Risk in a Network Economy
Authors: Cossin Didier , Schellhorn Henry
Published: October 2007

We develop a structural model of credit risk in a network economy, where any firm can lend to any other firm, so that each firm is subject to counterparty risk either from direct borrowers or from remote firms in the network. This model takes into account the role of each firm's cash management. We show that we can obtain a semiclosed form formula for the price of debt and equity when cash accounts are buffers to bankruptcy risk. As in other structural models, the strategic bankruptcy decision of shareholders drives credit spreads, and differentiates debt from equity. Cash-flow risk also causes credit-risk interdependencies between firms. Our model applies to the case where not only financial flows but also operations are dependent across firms. We use queueing theory to obtain our semiclosed form formulae in steady state. We perform a simplified implementation of our model to the U.S. automotive industry, and show how we infer the impact on a supplier's credit spreads of revenue changes in a manufacturer or even in a large car dealer. We also obtain prices for first-to-default and second-to-default basket credit default swaps.
Campaign Spending Limits and Political Advertising
Authors: Soberman David , Sadoulet Loïc
Published: October 2007

Traditionally, research on political campaigns has focused on the positioning of parties and not on how parties communicate with the electorate. We construct a model where two parties fund both the “creative” and “media” elements of political advertising and examine how campaign budgets affect advertising strategies in the context of a political campaign. Our key finding is that tight campaign limits stimulate aggressive advertising on the part of competing parties, while generous budgets often lead to parties acting defensively. The analysis also provides an explanation for the increasingly partisan campaigns that the Republicans and Democrats have taken in recent elections. When there is significant polarization amongst noncommitted voters and campaign spending limits are higher, we find that parties “retrench” toward traditional constituencies.
Using Census Data to Predict Income Support Dependency
Authors: Noble Michael , Cheung Sin Yi , Smith George , Smith Tom
Published: October 2007

This article briefly reviews the development of area measures of deprivation. It examines the construction of indices of deprivation and the uses to which such indices are put, particularly in respect of resource allocation. Previous attempts to develop indices have been based on a priori definitions of deprivation (eg the Department of the Environment’s z score and its successor, the 1991 Deprivation Index) and have lacked an empirical base. The inherent difficulties in validation of such indices are briefly rehearsed and the article presents work in progress on an index which predicts dependency on income support. The index is based on weighted Census of Population variables and is constructed using multiple regression techniques. We present the findings and two validation procedures.
Mine, Yours or Theirs? Accountability in the New NHS
Authors: Wall Andrew
Published: October 2007

The recent changes in the British National Health Service were intended to make this previously popular public service more responsive to its users and at the same time less bureaucratic and more businesslike. This improved accountability would, it was assumed by the Conservative government, be a consequence of a greater market orientation brought about by the separation of those who purchase from those who provide health services. This article assesses how far these aims have been achieved and explores options for improving accountability and the public’s involvement in the dilemmas facing the NHS.
Business Partnerships and Regional Government
Authors: Coulson Andrew
Published: October 2007

In the USA local partnerships (‘growth coalitions’) involving leading figures from the public and private sectors date from the years after World War II. But it was not until the early 1990s that the British government recognised the potential contribution to economic regeneration of partnerships involving local authorities, Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs), and Chambers of Commerce. Then in 1994 it set up ‘Government Offices’ in 10 regions, giving them particular responsibility for spending on regeneration; this in turn has led to a strengthening of institutions representing both local authority and private sector interests at the regional level. A debate is now going on as to how business interests should best be represented locally: should local TECs merge with, and thereby strengthen, local Chambers of Commerce? Or as many, for example in the Labour Party, would prefer, should TECs concentrate on training and leave broader interests for economic regeneration to local authorities and chambers? Local strategies based on partnerships between business and the public sector require both parties to be well organised. The creation of effective business leadership at local and regional levels is therefore a necessary and welcome step.
Regionalisation, Regional Institutions and Economic Development
Authors: Evans Richard , Harding Alan
Published: October 2007

Recent claims that regional government structures are crucial to regional economic competitiveness are controversial. This article summarises the economic arguments for regional government and assesses how far British policy-making on economic development has become regionalised. It examines links between regional institutional capacity and regional economic performance in Britain, commenting in detail upon the experiences of four British regions. The penultimate section suggests the common allegation that Britain is out of step with its European Union partners in terms of regional structures and support for regional economic development is overdrawn. The final section argues that regional government is by no means a proven economic necessity.
The Government Offices for the English Regions: towards regional governance?
Authors: Mawson John , Spencer Ken
Published: October 2007

The Government Offices for the English regions (GORs) were established in 1994 in response to mounting pressures for improved territorial coordination in the English regions. For the first time government departments with a regional presence were brought under the management control of a single senior civil servant, the Regional Director. The article explores the underlying pressures which led to their establishment, their role and functions within the regions and their relationship with Whitehall.

Against the background of the government’s own stated objectives for the GORs and the expectations of others the article examines some of the problems which have emerged in the first two years of their operation. The article highlights the issue of the openness and accountability of the GORs to their regions. the extent of influence over government departments and agencies outside the immediate span of control of the GORs, and how far they have proved able to have an impact on policy making at the centre. It is concluded that from the perspective of a Conservative administration the GORs have proved successful in strengthening the presence of central government in the regions and should provide the administrative building blocks for a more devolved and democratically accountable regional tier of government in the event of a change in government.
Towards a New Structure of Public Employment in Britain?
Authors: Hogwood Brian W.
Published: October 2007

English

This article analyses trends in public employment in Britain since the I970s, comparing them with the postwar pattern of trends up to that period. The most striking development has been the dramatic decline in public employment in ‘industrial’ activities through the reduction of staff in existing industries and, since 1979, the continuing privatisation or contracting out of industrial activities. Decline elsewhere has been less dramatic and far from universal, and is in part due to the transfer of activities to a nominally private, but government-funded and regulated, quasi-public sector. Evidence for a move towards a ‘post-modern’ structure of public employment is mixed. There has been a move towards contracting and quasi-contracting, but in many cases this is a different means of transmitting bureaucratic regulation. There has been a changing relative distribution towards more part-time and casual work, with a heavy gender bias. Britain does seem to be special among OECD countries in the sharp decline in general government employment in relation to total employment since the late 1980s, but this is largely due to the removal of some education functions from local government to nominally private bodies, and the reclassification of most health service employees.
The Politics of Health Charges in Britain: Rhetoric and reality
Authors: Bruce Allan , Falconer Peter K.
Published: October 2007

English

Since their introduction into the National Health Service (NHS) in the early 1950s, charges have continually courted controversy. This article examines the role that charges have played within the context of the NHS. It examines the political rhetoric as well as more practical aspects of charging policies. It recognises that policy makers have historically relied upon charges as a means of raising revenue and of blunting frivolous demand. Nevertheless, political realities and practical constraints may serve to limit aspirations of achieving substantially increased revenues through the imposition of additional charges.
Revealing Covariance Structures in Fourier Transform Infrared and Raman Microspectroscopy Spectra: A Study on Pork Muscle Fiber Tissue Subjected to Different Processing Parameters
Authors: Böcker Ulrike , Ofstad Ragni , Wu Zhiyun , Bertram Hanne Christine , Sockalingum Ganesh D. , Manfait Michel , Egelandsdal Bjørg , Kohler Achim
Published: October 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation patterns between Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman microspectroscopic data obtained from pork muscle tissue, which helped to improve the interpretation and band assignment of the observed spectral features. The pork muscle tissue was subjected to different processing factors, including aging, salting, and heat treatment, in order to induce the necessary degree of variation of the spectra. For comparing the information gained from the two spectroscopic techniques with respect to the experimental design, multiblock principal component analysis (MPCA) was utilized for data analysis. The results showed that both FT-IR and Raman spectra were mostly affected by heat treatment, followed by the variation in salt content. Furthermore, it could be observed that IR amide I, II, and III band components appear to be effected to a different degree by brine-salting and heating. FT-IR bands assigned to specific protein secondary structures could be related to different Raman C–C stretching bands. The Raman C–C skeletal stretching bands at 1031, 1061, and 1081 cm−1 are related to the IR bands indicative of aggregated β-structures, while the Raman bands at 901 cm−1 and 934 cm−1 showed a strong correlation with IR bands assigned to α-helical structures. At the same time, the IR band at 1610 cm−1, which formerly was assigned to tyrosine in spectra originating from pork muscle, did not show a correlation to the strong tyrosine doublet at 827 and 852 cm−1 found in Raman spectra, leading to the conclusion that the IR band at 1610 cm−1 found in pork muscle tissue is not originating from tyrosine.
Near-Infrared Excited Raman Optical Activity
Authors: Nafie Laurence A. , Brinson Bruce E. , Cao Xiaolin , Rice David A. , Rahim Omar M. , Dukor Rina K. , Halas Naomi J.
Published: October 2007

Measurements of near-infrared scattered circular polarization Raman optical activity (SCP-ROA) are presented using laser excitation at 780 nm for samples of S-(—)-α-pinene and L-alanyl-L-alanine. These are the first measurements of ROA outside the blue-to-green visible region between 488 and 532 nm. Comparison of Raman and ROA intensities measured with excitation at 532 and 780 nm demonstrate that the expected frequency to the fourth-power dependence for Raman scattering and the corresponding fifth-power dependence for ROA are observed. It can be concluded that, to within this frequency dependence, the same level of efficiency of Raman and ROA measurements using commercial instrumentation with 532 nm excitation is maintained with the change to near-infrared excitation at 780 nm.
Extension of Quadrature Orthogonal Signal Corrected Two-Dimensional (QOSC 2D) Correlation Spectroscopy I: Principal Component Analysis Based QOSC 2D
Authors: Wu Yuqing , Noda Isao
Published: October 2007

The present study proposes a new quadrature orthogonal signal correlation (QOSC) filtering method based on principal component analysis (PCA). The external perturbation variable vector typically used in the QOSC operation is replaced with a matrix consisting of the spectral data principal components (PCs) and their quadrature counterparts obtained by using the discrete Hilbert–Noda transformation. Thus, QOSC operation can be carried out for a dataset without the explicit knowledge of the external variables information. The PCA-based QOSC filtering can be most effectively applied to two-dimensional (2D) correlation analysis. The performance of this filtering operation on the simulated spectra data set with the interference of strong random noise demonstrated that the PCA-based QOSC filtering not only eliminates the influence of signals that are unrelated to the final target but also preserves the out-of-phase information in the data matrix essential for asynchronous correlation analysis. The result of 2D correlation analysis has also demonstrated that essentially only one principal component is necessary for PCA-based QOSC to perform well. Although the present PCA-based QOSC filtering scheme is not as powerful as that based on the explicit knowledge of the external variable vector, it still can significantly improve the quality of 2D correlation spectra and enables OSC 2D to deal with the problems of losing the quadrature (or out-of-phase) information. In particular, it opens a way to perform QOSC for the spectral dataset without external variables information. The proposed approach should have wide applications in 2D correlation analysis of spectra driven by multiplicative effects in complicated systems in biological, pharmaceutical, and agriculture fields, and so on, where the explicit nature of the external perturbation cannot always be known.
Spectroscopic Investigations on the Depth-Dependent Degradation Gradients of Aged Triterpenoid Varnishes
Authors: Theodorakopoulos Charis , Zafiropulos Vassilis , Boon Jaap J. , Boyatzis Stamatis C.
Published: October 2007

The depth-profiles of accelerated aged triterpenoid dammar and mastic varnishes, which had been uncovered by optimized KrF excimer laser ablation (248 nm, 25 ns), were examined by ultraviolet–visible (UV/VIS) spectrophotometry and attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The results reflect both the optical properties at the bulk (UV/VIS) and the surface (ATR/FT-IR) and establish the presence of degradation gradients across the depth of the degraded natural resin films. It is demonstrated that the UV part of the ambient radiation is absorbed by the deteriorated surface and that the optical densities of the aged varnish decrease as a function of depth. The absorbed UV wavelengths at the surface and the depth-wise reduction of light intensity result in a depth-dependent decrease in carbonyl absorbance and an increase in C–H bending vibration modes of methylene species pointing to structural modification in the triterpenoid mixture across depth.
Multiplexed Microfluidic Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Abu-Hatab Nahla A. , John Joshy F. , Oran Jenny M. , Sepaniak Michael J.
Published: October 2007

Over the past few decades, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has garnered respect as an analytical technique with significant chemical and biological applications. SERS is important for the life sciences because it can provide trace level detection, a high level of structural information, and enhanced chemical detection. However, creating and successfully implementing a sensitive, reproducible, and robust SERS active substrate continues to be a challenging task. Herein, we report a novel method for SERS that is based upon using multiplexed microfluidics (MMFs) in a polydimethylsiloxane platform to perform parallel, high throughput, and sensitive detection/identification of single or various analytes under easily manipulated conditions. A facile passive pumping method is used to deliver Ag colloids and analytes into the channels where SERS measurements are done under nondestructive flowing conditions. With this approach, SERS signal reproducibility is found to be better than 7%. Utilizing a very high numerical aperture microscope objective with a confocal-based Raman spectrometer, high sensitivity is achieved. Moreover, the long working distance of this objective coupled with an appreciable channel depth obviates normal alignment issues expected with translational multiplexing. Rapid evaluation of the effects of anion activators and the type of colloid employed on SERS performance are used to demonstrate the efficiency and applicability of the MMF approach. SERS spectra of various pesticides were also obtained. Calibration curves of crystal violet (non-resonant enhanced) and Mitoxantrone (resonant enhanced) were generated, and the major SERS bands of these analytes were observable down to concentrations in the low nM and sub-pM ranges, respectively. While conventional random morphology colloids were used in most of these studies, unique cubic nanoparticles of silver were synthesized with different sizes and studied using visible wavelength optical extinction spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and the MMF-SERS approach.
Determination of Bioavailable Testosterone [Non–Sex Hormone–Binding Globulin (SHBG)-Bound Testosterone] in a Population of Healthy French Men: Influence of Androstenediol on Testosterone Binding to SHBG
Authors: Giton Frank , Urien Saïk , Born Catherine , Tichet Jean , Guéchot Jérôme , Callebert Jacques , Bronsard Françoise , Raynaud Jean Pierre , Fiet Jean
Published: October 2007

Background: Bioavailable testosterone (BT) is measured [assayed BT (aBT)] or calculated (cBT) in the diagnosis of hypogonadism in men. The cBT depends, however, on the values of the association constants of total testosterone (TT) for sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG; Ks) and albumin (Ka), and its use therefore remains controversial.

Methods: In 503 selected, untreated healthy men, 20–74 years old, we measured TT, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and androstenediol (5-diol) by GC-MS, SHBG by RIA, and BT after ammonium sulfate precipitation or by calculation according to the law of mass action.

Results: A slight decrease in TT, significant decreases in BT and 5-diol, no variation in DHT, and an increase in SHBG were observed with age. In young males (≤39 years), the lower normal limits were between 2.30 and 2.72 nmol/L for aBT and 8.50 nmol/L for TT. For Ks = 1 × 109 L/mol and Ka = 3.6 × 104 L/mol, the lower cBT limit was found to be 2-fold higher than for aBT. With optimized Ks = 1.9 × 109 L/mol and Ka = 2.45 × 104 L/mol, cBT values close to aBT were obtained. When 5-diol was included in the model as a competitive SHBG inhibitor, the correlation between cBT and aBT was better and the cBT:aBT ratios vs 5-diol were less biased.

Conclusion: Lower normal serum aBT concentration in normal men appears to be between 2.30 and 2.72 nmol/L. Much higher serum cBT concentrations are associated with use of different association constants that may be inappropriate. When using the optimized binding constants, taking age-related 5-diol values into consideration slightly improves prediction of cBT.
Tentacle Probes™: Differentiation of Difficult Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Deletions by Presence or Absence of a Signal in Real-Time PCR
Authors: Satterfield Brent C , Kulesh David A , Norwood David A , Wasieloski Leonard P , Caplan Michael R , West Jay AA
Published: October 2007

Background: False-positive results are a common problem in real-time PCR identification of DNA sequences that differ from near neighbors by a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) or deletion. Because of a lack of sufficient probe specificity, post-PCR analysis, such as a melting curve, is often required for mutation differentiation.

Methods: Tentacle Probes™, cooperative reagents with both a capture and a detection probe based on specific cell-targeting principles, were developed as a replacement for 2 chromosomal TaqMan–minor groove binder (MGB) assays previously developed for Yersinia pestis and Bacillus anthracis detection. We compared TaqMan-MGB probes to Tentacle Probes for SNP and deletion detection based on the presence or absence of a growth curve.

Results: With the TaqMan-MGB Y. pestis yp48 assays, false-positive results for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis occurred at every concentration tested, and with the TaqMan-MGB B. anthracis gyrA assays, false-positive results occurred in 21 of 29 boil preps of environmental samples of near neighbors. With Tentacle Probes no false-positive results occurred.

Conclusions: The high specificity exhibited by Tentacle Probes may eliminate melting curve analysis for SNP and deletion mutation detection, allowing the diagnostic use of previously difficult targets.
Separation of actinides by extraction chromatography prior to X-ray fluorescence measurement for analytical control of a PUREX test
Authors: Crozet Marielle , Guigue Mireille
Published: October 2007

Five separation methods by Eichrom column extraction chromatography were developed and implemented for performance control of a PUREX (Plutonium, Uranium Refining by EXtraction) test.

Four of them, concerning the separation between actinides, are described in this work. The latest, concerning the separation of actinides from fission products in a main raffinate is described in another article submitted to the same journal.

For the production of U, Pu and Np streams following the “main extraction” step in the PUREX process, it is necessary to determine the concentration of the two residual actinides in the third actinide stream: i.e. determine the Pu and Np concentrations in the U flow, the U and Np concentrations in the Pu flow, and the U and Pu concentrations in the Np flow. The predominance of any of these three actinides in solution impedes direct L-line X-ray fluorescence LXF: chromatographic separation ensures quantitative separation efficiency for each of the two residual actinides prior to the LXF measurement, and is therefore performed in each case.

A final separation method was developed to quantify the residual U in a Pu/Np flow for the Np/Pu partitioning step of the PUREX process. This separation is a prerequisite for LXF to eliminate any interference due to Pu and Np when measuring the U concentration.

These separation methods necessary upstream from the LXF measurement were applied during the PUREX test in 2005 in ATALANTE (French acronym for “Alpha facilities and analysis laboratories, transuranics and reprocessing research”).
Development of [201Tl](III)-DTPA-human polyclonal antibody complex for inflammation detection
Authors: Jalilian A. R. , Khorrami A. , Tavakoli M. B. , Kamali-Dehghan M. , Kamrani Yari Y.
Published: October 2007

Thallium-201 (T
1/2=3.04 d) in Tl+ form was converted to Tl3+ cation in presence of O3 in 6 M HCl controlled by RTLC/gel electrophoresis methods and used in the labeling of human polyclonal antibody (HIgG) after conjugation with freshly prepared cyclic DTPA-dianhydride. The best results of the conjugation were obtained by the addition of 1 mL of a HIgG pharmaceutical solution (5 mg/ml, in phosphate buffer, pH=7) to a glass tube pre-coated with DTPA-dianhydride (0.01 mg) at 25 °C with continuous mild stirring for 30 min. The final isotonic [201Tl](III)-DTPA-HIgG complex was checked by radio-TLC using several solvent systems to ensure the formation of only one species followed by filtration through a 0.22 μ filter (specific activity= 33.7 TBq/mM, radiochemical purity >95%). Preliminary bio-distribution studies in normal and inflammation-bearing rats were performed. The target/skin and target/blood ratios were 4 and 6 after 28 h respectively, showing the selectivity of the radiopharmaceutical for the inflammatory lesions.
Missing Strategic Opportunity in U.S. China Policy since 9/11: Grasping Tactical Success
Authors: Twomey Christopher P.
Published: October 2007

Washington has two long-term interests toward China: promoting a profitable, equitable economic relationship and managing Beijing's challenge to the U.S.-led international order. Although recent policy has achieved many tactical successes in these areas, the predominant record is one of broader strategic failure in the face of the rise of China.
Israeli-Palestinian Peacemaking and its Discontents
Authors: Shafir Gershon
Published: October 2007

Extremists on both sides have made peacemaking difficult, but it is too soon to write off the Oslo formula of “land for peace” as a viable path to a two-state solution.
Pertussis Booster Vaccination in HIV-Infected Children Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Abzug Mark J. , Song Lin-Ye , Fenton Terence , Nachman Sharon A. , Levin Myron J. , Rosenblatt Howard M. , Pelton Stephen I. , Borkowsky William , Edwards Kathryn M. , Peters Jody ,   for the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Group P1024 Protocol Team
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of pertussis booster vaccination in children infected with HIV on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

PATIENTS AND METHODS. HIV-infected children on stable HAART for ≥3 months with plasma HIV-RNA concentrations of <30000 to 60000 copies per mL who previously received ≥4 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP)–containing vaccine were eligible. Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine was administered to subjects 2 to <7 years old who had 4 previous DTP-containing vaccines, subjects 2 to <7 years old who had ≥5 previous DTP-containing vaccines and negative tetanus antibody, and subjects ≥7 to ≤13 years old who had negative tetanus antibody. Pertussis toxin and filamentous hemagglutinin antibodies were measured before and 8, 24, and 72 weeks after DTaP vaccine.

RESULTS. Ninety-two subjects received DTaP vaccine and met criteria for analysis. Antibody concentrations were low at entry: pertussis toxin geometric mean concentration at 4.8 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay units (EU) per mL and filamentous hemagglutinin geometric mean concentration at 4.1 EU/mL. Pertussis toxin and filamentous hemagglutinin geometric mean concentrations rose to 22.3 and 77.0 EU/mL, respectively, 8 weeks after the study DTaP vaccine. Antibody concentrations fell by 24 weeks after vaccination but remained higher than before vaccination. Predictors of response 8 weeks after DTaP vaccine included the concentration of homologous antibody, lower HIV-RNA level, and higher CD4 percentage at entry. One vaccinated subject experienced erythema and induration of ≥25 mm.

CONCLUSIONS. A DTaP vaccine booster was well tolerated by children on HAART and induced increases in antibodies. Antibody concentrations after vaccination were lower than those reported in populations uninfected by HIV. Although comparison among studies must be made with caution, these data suggest that children infected with HIV may be deficient in immunologic memory from previous DTP-containing vaccination and/or that immune reconstitution with HAART may be incomplete for pertussis antigens.
Cohesion in subtitles: A corpus-based study
Authors: Tirkkonen-Condit Sonja , Mäkisalo Jukka
Published: October 2007

It has been shown in earlier research on comparable corpora that translated language differs from non-translated language in its use of the linguistic resources of the target language. For example, language-specific or “unique” items have been shown to manifest significantly lower frequencies in translated Finnish. There are reasons to expect, however, that subtitle language might differ from other varieties of translated language in its exploitation of such cohesive devices that contribute to brevity and conciseness. It is now possible to test this hypothesis on a subtitle corpus of 100 million words which we have recently compiled from the subtitle files of the Finnish Broadcasting Company (FBC/YLE). The clitic particles and other short cohesive elements are an excellent case in point for testing the hypothesis. This paper will report on our preliminary findings of the cohesive devices as they are used in subtitled Finnish of the FBC corpus. Our results suggest that the “unique” cohesive particles manifest even greater frequencies in subtitles than in varieties of non-translated language. Thus it seems that subtitles do not conform to some of the patterns found in previous research on translated language.
Disease course, frequency of relapses and survival of patients with juvenile or adult dermatomyositis
Authors: Constantin Tamás , Ponyi Andrea , Kálovics Tamás , Orbán Ilonka , Molnár Katalin , Dérfalvy Beáta , Dicső Ferenc , Sallai Ágnes , Garami Miklós , Balogh Zsolt , Szalai Zsuzsanna , Fekete György , Dankó Katalin
Published: October 2007

Az idiopathiás inflammatoricus myopathiák szisztémás autoimmun megbetegedések, amelyek krónikus izomgyulladás által okozott progresszív izomgyengeséggel, továbbá egyes belső szervek, úgymint a cardiovascularis rendszer, a tüdő és az emésztőrendszer elváltozásaival jellemezhetők.Cél:79 juvenilis és felnőtt korú dermatomyositisben szenvedő beteg adatai alapján a betegség kórlefolyásának és a relapsusok gyakoriságának, továbbá a túlélési valószínűségének bemutatása.Módszer:A szerzők retrospektív módon elemezték 44, a Bohan- és Peter-féle diagnosztikus kritériumrendszer alapján 1976 és 2004 között diagnosztizált juvenilis dermatomyositisben szenvedő gyermek adatait. A túlélési valószínűséget a Kaplan–Meier-módszer segítségével számították ki. A juvenilis dermatomyositisben szenvedő gyermekek adatait 35 felnőtt dermatomyositises beteg adataival hasonlították össze.Eredmények:A betegség kórlefolyása az esetek több mint felében monofázisos volt, míg a betegek egyharmada policiklusos formában szenvedett. A relapsus kockázata a remissziót követő első évben volt a legnagyobb. A juvenilis betegek közül senki sem hunyt el, míg a felnőtt korú betegek között négy betegséghez köthető haláleset is előfordult.Összegzés:Nem találtak összefüggést a relapsusmentes túlélés és a betegség kezdeti terápiája között (glükokortikoid önmagában vagy immunszuppresszív szerrel kiegészítve). A betegek jelentős aránya szenvedett policiklusos vagy krónikus lefolyású betegségben. A relapsusok jelentkezésére egy hosszabb betegségmentes intervallum után is számítani lehet, ezért mindenképpen javasolt a betegek hosszabb távú követése, legkevesebb 2 éven keresztül. Bár igen kedvező eredményeket találtak a betegség túlélésével kapcsolatban, további vizsgálatok szükségesek a betegség funkcionális kimenetelét illetően.