bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5-Aminosalicylic Acid Given in the Remission Stage of Colitis Suppresses Colitis-Associated Cancer in a Mouse Colitis Model
Authors: Ikeda Ikuko , Tomimoto Ayako , Wada Koichiro , Fujisawa Toshio , Fujita Koji , Yonemitsu Kyoko , Nozaki Yuichi , Endo Hiroki , Takahashi Hirokazu , Yoneda Masato , Inamori Masahiko , Kubota Kensuke , Saito Satoru , Nagashima Yoji , Nakagama Hitoshi , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: November 2007

Purpose: The risk of colorectal cancer is increased in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, especially those with ulcerative colitis (UC). Although 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is widely used in the treatment of UC to suppress the colitic inflammation, no studies have been conducted to examine the chemopreventive effect of 5-ASA, given in the remission phase of colitis, against colitis-associated cancer using animal models. We therefore investigated the possible inhibition by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) ligands and 5-ASA of colitis-associated colon carcinogenesis in a mouse model.

Experimental Design: A dextran sodium sulfate/azoxymethane–induced mouse colon cancer model was used, and the chemopreventive effects of 5-ASA and PPARγ ligands, given in the remission phase of colitis, against colitis-related colon carcinogenesis, were evaluated.

Results: The number of neoplasms in the mice treated with 5-ASA was significantly lower than that in the control mice. In addition, the size of the neoplasms in treated mice was also significantly smaller than that in the control mice. In contrast, no significant suppression in the number or size of the tumors was observed in the mice treated with PPARγ ligands. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen–labeling index in the tumor cells of the 5-ASA–treated mice was significantly smaller than that in the control, indicating that 5-ASA reduced tumor cell proliferation.

Conclusion: Our results revealed that 5-ASA given in the remission phase of colitis significantly suppressed the development of colitis-associated cancer in a mouse model, which indicates the clinical importance of adopting chemopreventive strategies even in UC patients in remission.
Amplicon Mapping and Expression Profiling Identify the Fas-Associated Death Domain Gene as a New Driver in the 11q13.3 Amplicon in Laryngeal/Pharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Gibcus Johan H. , Menkema Lorian , Mastik Mirjam F. , Hermsen Mario A. , de Bock Geertruida H. , van Velthuysen Marie-Louise F. , Takes Robert P. , Kok Klaas , Álvarez Marcos Cesar A. , van der Laan Bernard F.A.M. , van den Brekel Michiel W.M. , Langendijk Johannes A. , Kluin Philip M. , van der Wal Jacqueline E. , Schuuring Ed
Published: November 2007

Purpose: Amplification of the 11q13 region is a frequent event in human cancer. The highest incidence (36%) is found in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Recently, we reported that the amplicon size in 30 laryngeal and pharyngeal carcinomas with 11q13 amplification is determined by unique genomic structures, resulting in the amplification of a set of genes rather than a single gene.

Experimental Design: To investigate which gene(s) drive the 11q13 amplicon, we determined the smallest region of overlap with amplification and the expression levels of all genes within this amplicon.

Results: Using array-based comparative genomic hybridization analysis, we detected a region of ∼1.7 Mb containing 13 amplified genes in more than 25 of the 29 carcinomas. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR revealed that overexpression of 8 potential driver genes including, cyclin D1, cortactin, and Fas-associated death domain (FADD), correlated significantly with DNA amplification. FADD protein levels correlated well with DNA amplification, implicating that FADD is also a candidate driver gene in the 11q13 amplicon. Analysis of 167 laryngeal carcinomas showed that increased expression of FADD (P = 0.007) and Ser194 phosphorylated FADD (P = 0.011) were associated with a worse disease-specific survival. FADD was recently reported to be involved in cell cycle regulation, and cancer cells expressing high levels of the Ser194 phosphorylated isoform of FADD proved to be more sensitive to Taxol-induced cell cycle arrest.

Conclusion: Because of the frequent amplification of the 11q13 region and concomitant overexpression of FADD in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, we hypothesize that FADD is a marker to select patients that might benefit from Taxol-based chemoradiotherapy.
Identification of a Novel Cancer-Testis Antigen CRT2 Frequently Expressed in Various Cancers Using Representational Differential Analysis
Authors: Hayashi Emiko , Matsuzaki Yuriko , Hasegawa Go , Yaguchi Tomonori , Kurihara Sachiko , Fujita Tomonobu , Kageshita Toshiro , Sano Makoto , Kawakami Yutaka
Published: November 2007

Purpose: Cancer-testis antigens are promising targets for cancer immunotherapy. Identification of additional cancer-testis antigens with frequent expression in various cancers was attempted using representational differential analysis (RDA) and immunogenicity evaluation.

Experimental Design: cDNAs preferentially expressed in testis were enriched using RDA by subtraction between testis and normal tissues. Thirty clones showing cancer-testis–like expression based on EST database analysis were evaluated by reverse transcription-PCR. A potential antigen, CRT2, was identified and its expression was analyzed with a newly generated anti-CRT2 antibody. The immunogenicity of CRT2 was examined based on reactivity with serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) from cancer patients, using Western blot and ELISA analysis, and on in vitro induction of tumor-reactive CTLs from HLA-A24 transgenic mice and human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Results: CRT2 was expressed in elongated spermatids of testis among normal tissues and in various cancer cell lines and tissues. The recombinant CRT2 protein was recognized by serum IgG from patients with various cancers in Western blot and ELISA analyses. A CRT2-derived peptide was identified as an HLA-A24–restricted T-cell epitope that induced tumor-reactive CTLs.

Conclusion: CRT2 was identified as a new cancer-testis antigen expressed in elongated spermatids of testis and in cancer tissues (particularly melanoma) that is recognized by serum IgG from cancer patients. An HLA-A24–restricted T-cell epitope capable of inducing tumor-reactive CTLs was identified, suggesting that CRT2 may be useful for cancer diagnosis and immunotherapy.
Transforming Growth Factor-β and the Immune Response to Malignant Disease
Authors: Teicher Beverly A.
Published: November 2007

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a key player in malignant disease through its actions on host tissues and cells. Malignant cells often secrete large amounts of TGF-β that act on nontransformed cells present in the tumor mass as well as distal cells in the host to suppress antitumor immune responses creating an environment of immune tolerance, augmenting angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, and increasing tumor extracellular matrix deposition. Cells of the innate immune system contribute to the high concentrations of TGF-β found in tumor masses. In addition, dendritic cell subpopulations secreting TGF-β contribute to the generation of regulatory T cells that actively inhibit the activity of other T cells. Elevated levels of plasma TGF-β are associated with advanced stage disease and may separate patients into prognostically high-risk populations. Anti–TGF-β therapy could reverse the immunosuppressive effects of this cytokine on the host as well as decrease extracellular matrix formation, decrease angiogenesis, decrease osteolytic activity, and increase the sensitivity of the malignant cells to cytotoxic therapies and immunotherapies. Phase I clinical trials of an inhibitor of TGF-β receptor type I kinase activity and a TGF-β neutralizing antibody are under way.
Legitimacy and Institutional Change
Authors: Gilley Bruce
Published: November 2007

What explains the nature of institutional change in post-1989 China? Dominant theories of institutional change focus on economic-rationalist, sociopolitical, or historical causes. Yet they have trouble explaining the pattern of institutional change in China. An alternative legitimacy-based perspective is proposed here that provides a more parsimonious and general theory of institutional change for China and potentially for other cases as well.
Sovereign Bond Ratings and the Democratic Advantage
Authors: Biglaiser Glen , Hicks Brian , Huggins Caitlin
Published: November 2007

As developing countries expose portfolio investors to potential high risk, it is expected that investors will follow the advice of credit rating agencies (CRAs) before sending capital abroad. Controlling for political and economic explanations in the literature, the authors use panel data for 50 developing countries from 1987 to 2003 to determine if changes in CRA ratings affect portfolio flows. Using a two-stage Heckman model, they find that countries that are under newer political institutions and facing economic challenges are more likely to be selected by portfolio investors because they offer risk premia, but that CRA ratings and democracy have significant positive signaling effects on the countries that receive the largest private equity inflows. In fact, democracy and bond ratings are the most important for the poorest developing countries. The results suggest the significance of CRA ratings for equity investors and contribute a revision for the democratic advantage debate.
About Some 19th-Century Theories of Suicide
Authors: Bradatan Cristina
Published: November 2007

In this article I compare the suicide theories advanced by two 19th-century thinkers, Masaryk and Durkheim, and test their conclusions using data from an East European country, Romania, before and after the 1989 fall of communism. Using data from various sources (censuses, vital statistical publications, European databases), I follow two main directions in my discussion: a) differences and similarities between the two theories of suicide and b) what can still be used from these theories to explain suicide as a social phenomenon.
Transformation of the Turkish Military and the Path to Democracy
Authors: Satana Nil S.
Published: November 2007

Democratization scholars argue that Turkey has successfully transitioned to democracy and is consolidating liberal democracy. The political elite and the parties are deemed important factors in crafting democracies. However, the Turkish political leadership has not changed much until recently; therefore, it remains a puzzle why consolidation is taking place. There are two explanations: (1) there is no consolidation of democracy (2) a factor other than the turnover in political elite/change in the political system has led to consolidation. I argue that consolidation is in progress because of the lengthy but persistent transformation of the military in Turkey. I examine previously overlooked changes in Turkish military with respect to its structure and its relations to the society. I find that the change in the military contributes to the consolidation of democracy in Turkey, and other transitional democracies. As with any other institutional change, this process is slow and risky.
Is it possible to predict outcome in cardiac ECMO? Analysis of preoperative risk factors
Authors: Wagner Kari , Risnes Ivar , Abdelnoor Michael , Karlsen Harald M. , Svennevig Jan Ludvig
Published: November 2007

Background. Serious heart failure may be treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) when other treatment fails. The aim of the present study was to analyse preoperative risk factors of early mortality in patients treated with veno-arterial (VA)-ECMO. Methods. We studied a total of 18 possible risk factors in 80 patients with severe cardiac insufficiency treated with VA-ECMO. All consecutive cases treated at our institution between Sept.1990 and May 2006 were included. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed on 16 risk factors. The endpoint was early mortality (any death within 30 days of ECMO treatment). Results. Thirty patients (37.5%) died within 30 days. Age, gender, cause of cardiac failure, pre-ECMO treatment (ventilator, NO, IABP) did not significantly influence early mortality. A higher SvO2 was associated with survival and remained significant in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion. Treatment with VA-ECMO in patients with severe cardiac failure may save lives. It is, however, difficult to predict outcome. In this study, only SvO2 values prior to ECMO were positively associated with survival. Perfusion (2007) 22, 225—229.
Effect of a miniaturized extracorporeal circulation (MECC™System) on liver function
Authors: Prasser Christopher , Abbady Mohamed , Keyl Cornelius , Liebold Andreas , Tenderich Magda , Philipp Alois , Wiesenack Christoph
Published: November 2007

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a miniaturized extracorporeal circulation system (MECC™System) compared to conventional extracorporeal circulation (ECC) regarding liver function in cardiac surgical patients. Methods: Double indicator dilution measurements were achieved by bolus injection of indocyanine green (ICG) for assessment of cardiac index (CI) and plasma disappearance rate of ICG (PDRig). Measurements were simultaneously performed preoperatively after induction of anaesthesia (T1), following admission on the ICU (T2) and 6 h postoperatively (T3). Results: CI and PDRig were markedly increased after cardiac surgery without significant differences between groups. The percentage increase in CI was significantly correlated to the percentage increase in PDRig in both groups. Conclusion: Liver function improved after cardiac surgery in both groups of patients, which may partly be explained by an increase in CI under mild inotrope support. Differences between the extracorporeal circuits with respect to PDRig appear to be minimal in a group of patients without pre-existing liver injury. Perfusion (2007) 22, 245—250.
The potential of accurate SVO2 monitoring during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an in vitro model using ultrasound dilution
Authors: Walker Joshua , Primmer Johanna , Searles Bruce E. , Darling Edward M.
Published: November 2007

Introduction. Some degree of recirculation occurs during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) which, (1) reduces oxygen (O2) delivery, and (2) renders venous line oxygen saturation monitoring unreliable as an index of perfusion adequacy. Ultrasound dilution allows clinicians to rapidly monitor and quantify the percent of recirculation that is occurring during VV ECMO. The purpose of this paper is to test whether accurate patient mixed venous oxygen saturation (SVO2) can be calculated once recirculation is determined. It is hypothesized that it is possible to derive patient mixed venous saturations by integrating recirculation data with the ECMO circuit arterial and venous line oxygen saturation data. Methods. A test system containing sheep blood adjusted to three venous saturations (low-30%, med-60%, high-80%) was interfaced via a mixing chamber with a standard VV ECMO circuit. Recirculation, arterial line and venous line oxygen saturations were measured and entered into a derived equation to calculate the mixed venous saturation. The resulting value was compared to the actual mixed venous saturation. Results. Recirculation was held constant at 30.5 ± 2.0% for all tests. A linear regression comparison of “actual” versus “calculated” mixed venous saturations produced a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.88. Direct comparison of actual versus calculated saturations for all three test groups respectively are as follows; Low: 31.8 ± 3.95% vs. 37.0 ± 6.7% (NS), Med: 61.7 ± 1.5% vs. 72.3 ± 1.8% (p < 0.05), High: 84.4 ± 0.9% vs. 91.2 ± 1.1% (p < 0.05). Discussion. There was a strong correlation between actual and calculated mixed venous saturations; however, significant differences between actual and calculated values where observed at the Med and High groups. While this data suggests that using quantified recirculation data to calculate SVO2 is promising, it appears that a straightforward derivative of the oxygen saturation-based equation may not be sufficient to produce clinically accurate calculations of actual mixed venous saturations. Perfusion (2007) 22, 239—244.
Pulmonary thrombectomy in a patient with hemoglobin Nottingham
Authors: Memtsoudis Stavros G. , Lekowski Robert W. , Rosenberger Peter , Khalpey Zain , FitzGerald Daniel J. , Claypoole Valorie , Courtney Kevin D. , Landzberg Michael J. , Bunn H. Franklin , Shekar Prem S.
Published: November 2007

A 36-year-old female with hemoglobin Nottingham (betaFG 5(98) Val → Gly) causing severe hemolytic anemia and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension presented with symptomatic subacute right lower lobar pulmonary arterial thrombosis requiring surgical pulmonary thrombectomy. We describe a successful, multidisciplinary approach to the problems associated with this disease, particularly with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Perfusion (2007) 22, 299—301.
Effect of acute alpha adrenergic stimulation on cardiac function
Authors: Dunaway Stacy , Qianli Yu  , Larson Douglas F.
Published: November 2007

Background. Phenylephrine (PE) is a α-adrenergic agent commonly administered by perfusion and anesthesia. It is important to identify the effect of PE, especially on cardiac function. This study was intended to show the effects of PE on cardiac function in the murine model via pressure-volume loops. Methods. Six C57BL/6J twelve-week-old female mice were studied prior to and following PE administration at 50 μg/kg IV. In vivo pressure-volume loops were recorded at both time points. Results. There was an expected increase in maximum arterial pressure by 30% (p < 0.001) and end-systolic pressure by 34% (p < 0.001). However, there was a decrease in cardiac output by 30% (p = 0.0006), ejection fraction by 36% (p = 0.0003) and stroke volume by 25% (p < 0.004). Conclusions. This study demonstrates that PE has an effect on cardiac function beyond increasing vascular resistance. The data suggest the negative effects of PE on cardiac function may be related to stimulation of cardiac α-adrenergic receptors. Perfusion (2007) 22, 289—292.
Clinical effects of leukofiltration and surface modification on post-cardiopulmonary bypass atrial fibrillation in different risk cohorts
Authors: Gunaydin Serdar , Ayrancioglu Kamil , Dikmen Erkan , Mccusker Kevin , Vijay Venkataramana , Sari Tamer , Tezcaner Tevfik , Zorlutuna Yaman
Published: November 2007

Objective. A manifestation of inflammatory injury to the heart, atrial fibrillation (AF), ranks among the most frequent and potentially life-threatening post-operative complications. Methods. In a prospective randomized study, 120 patients undergoing CABG were allocated into two groups (N = 60): Group 1- Polymethoxyethylacry late-coated circuits + Leukocyte filters (Terumo,USA); Group 2: Control:Uncoated circuits (Terumo,USA). Each group was further divided into three subgroups (N = 20) with respect to low (Euroscore 0—2), medium (3—5) and high (6+) risk patients. Results. Serum IL-2 levels were significantly lower in the study group at T4 and T5 (p < 0.01). C3a levels showed significant differences in the leukofiltrated group at T4 and T5 (p < 0.05). CPKMB levels demonstrated well-preserved myocardium in the leukofiltration group, post-operatively. AF incidence was 10% (2 patients) in the study and 35% (7 patients) in the control cohorts (p < 0.05). Phagocytic capacity on fibers in filtered patients was significantly lower. Conclusion: Leukofiltration and coating significantly reduce the incidence, ventricular rate, and duration of AF after CABG via modulation of systemic inflammatory response and platelet preservation in high risk groups. Perfusion (2007) 22, 279—288.
Intraoperative fluid balance during cardiopulmonary bypass: effects of different mean arterial pressures
Authors: Haugen Oddbjørn , Farstad Marit , Kvalheim Venny , Hammersborg Stig , Husby Paul
Published: November 2007

Financial support . This study was financially supported by The Western Norway Regional Health Authority, The Norwegian Council on Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen and The Frank Mohn Foundation, Norway. Introduction. This study investigated whether two levels of mean arterial pressure (MAP) during cardiopulmonary bypass did influence per-operative fluid shifts. Methods. Sixteen pigs underwent 60 minutes of normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) followed by 90 minutes of hypothermic CPB. Eight animals had a MAP of 60—80 mmHg by norepinephrine (HP group). Another 8 animals had a MAP of 40—45 mmHg by phentolamine (LP group). Blood chemistry, plasma/interstitial colloid osmotic pressures, plasma volume, fluid balance, fluid extravasation rate and tissue water content were measured or calculated. Results. The plasma volume was significantly lower in the HP group compared with the LP group after 60 minutes of CPB. Net fluid balance was 0.18 (0.05) ml·kg-1·min -1 in the HP group and 0.21 ml·kg- 1·min-1 in the LP group (P > 0.05) while fluid extravasation rate was 1.18 (0.5) and 1.13 (0.4) ml·kg -1·min-1 in the HP group and the LP group during CPB (P > 0.05). Conclusion. Net fluid balance and fluid extravasation rate were similar in the animals with elevated and with lowered MAP during CPB. Perfusion (2007) 22, 273—278.
Knee Valgus during Drop Jumps in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Female Athletes
Authors: Joseph Michael , Tiberio David , Baird Jennifer L. , Trojian Thomas H. , Anderson Jeffrey M. , Kraemer William J. , Maresh Carl M.
Published: November 2007

Background

Female athletes land from a jump with greater knee valgus and ankle pronation/eversion. Excessive valgus and pronation have been linked to risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury. A medially posted orthosis decreases component motions of knee valgus such as foot pronation/eversion and tibial internal rotation.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized a medial post would decrease knee valgus and ankle pronation/eversion during drop-jump landings in NCAA-I female athletes.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Knee and ankle 3-dimensional kinematics were measured using high-speed motion capture in 10 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female athletes during a drop-jump landing with and without a medial post. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences in posting condition, t tests were used to determine dominant-nondominant differences, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine relationships between variables.

Results

Significant differences were found for all measures in the posted condition. A medial post decreased knee valgus at initial contact (1.24°, P< .01) and maximum angle (1.21 °, P< .01). The post also decreased ankle pronation/eversion at initial contact (0.77°, P < .01) and maximum angle (0.95°, P = .039).

Conclusion

The authors have demonstrated a significant decrease in knee valgus and ankle pronation/eversion during a drop jump with a medial post placed in the athletes’ shoes.

Clinical Relevance

A medial post may be a potential means to decrease risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury.
So What is this Social Unconscious Anyway?
Authors: Weinberg Haim
Published: November 2007

Although the concept of the Social Unconscious has increased in importance in the group analytic literature recently, there are still many misconceptions and misunderstandings about it and its practical applications. While some papers define the term, there are no papers explaining the basics of the social unconscious and what it includes. The purpose of this article is to address the misconceptions, describe the basic building blocks of the social unconscious, and develop a working definition for this complex term.
Group Analysis and the Affective Disorders
Authors: Pines Malcolm
Published: November 2007

In 1988, a Special Section on Group Therapy with Affective Disorders was published in the March issue of Group Analysis. An authoritative review supported the optimism of group therapies for depression. In general, group treatments compare favourably to individual psychotherapy, though the conclusion was that no one form or model of group therapy has great advantage over others. In this article, I shall discuss the nature of depression, the therapeutic aims of the group-analytic approach and attempt a group-analytic typology of depression. I shall then present some observations based on patients with bipolar affective disorders with whom I have worked in group-analytic and couples therapy.
To Murder the Internal Mother or to Commit Suicide? Anti-Group in a Group of Second-Generation Holocaust Survivors whose Children Committed Suicide
Authors: Yedidia Tova , Yerushalmi Hassia
Published: November 2007

This article presents the development of an anti-group among a group of parents whose children committed suicide. All the participants but two were children of Holocaust survivors (i.e. second-generation Holocaust survivors); these two were married to second-generation Holocaust survivors, so that in all cases, the son who committed suicide had at least one parent who was a second-generation Holocaust survivor. The article explains the transference, countertransference and projective identification that developed in the group.
The Impact of the Post-Totalitarian Social Context on the Group Matrix
Authors: Mojovic Marina B.
Published: November 2007

The analytic group matrix, while mirroring the post-War, post-Communist and post-totalitarian context, offers an opportunity for the mourning process, but also for creating the new. In the struggle between the completely lost hope and the effort of finding any hope, it can be a place for finding the germs of hope through the empathic human exchange. For two decades the author has followed the impact of the social field on the dynamics of analytic groups in Belgrade (small, median and large, institutional and private settings) during the difficult socio-political period of totalitarianism, war and bombing, disintegration of Yugoslavia, revolution and the periods after. In this article she focuses on the specific aspects of the social mirroring in her groups during the actual post-totalitarian period.
`The Light at the End of the Tunnel': Issues of Hope and Loss in Endings with Survivors Groups
Authors: Baker Vikki , Sheldon Helen
Published: November 2007

In this article, the authors explore the issue of ending and loss in a time-limited closed group for women who experienced sexual abuse in childhood. During the course of this one-year long group we found ourselves questioning our chosen model. Should we have adopted a slow-open model or offered a longer time-limited group? We were not in agreement over this. As the group progressed we began to understand our disagreement in terms of our differing countertransference responses to the issues of hope, survival and loss which were present in the group. What is needed for the ending of the group to be mourned and survived? Is it realistic to expect women who have suffered early childhood trauma to have developed this capacity within such a short time? These important questions are considered in this article.
FEA and Testing Studies on Static Camber Performance of the Radial Tire
Authors: Yanjin Guan , Guoqun Zhao , Gang Cheng
Published: November 2007

A three-dimensional non-linear FEA model of radial tire was established. The rebar model was employed to simulate complex multilayer cord-rubber composites and directly define the cord directions varying with their positions. Meanwhile, the geometric non-linearity due to large deformation, material non-linearity, and the non-linear boundary conditions from tire—pavement static camber contact were considered. The static camber performance of the radial tire was studied. Relationships among load and the tire deflection, the tire deformation, contact stress distribution, contact friction force distribution, side force, and deflection were discussed. A set of special testing equipment was designed to realize quasi-static loading with continuous loading and unloading. Then the static camber performance of the radial tire was tested. The contact pressure distribution and the shape of contact area in different camber states of the tire were measured by pre-scale films. The simulation result was in good agreement with the test result.
Failure Analysis of Bolted Aluminum Sandwich Composite Plates under Compressive Preload
Authors: Sayman Onur , Ahishali Ozgur
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study is to examine the failure load and failure mode in an aluminum— glass-epoxy sandwich composite plate fastened mechanically by a bolt and washers on a circular hole under a preload exerted by a moment. Parametric studies were performed by experiments to find out the effects of joint geometry and preload moment on the failure strength and failure mode. The preload moments chosen (M) were 0, 3 and 6 Nm while the end distance to hole diameter (E/D) and width to diameter (W/D) ratios were chosen as 1—5 and 2—5, respectively. It is concluded from these experiments that the failure load increases with the increase of M, E/D and W/D. When M, E/D and W/D ratios reach 3—6, 2—5 and 5 Nm, full bearing strengths occur, respectively. When E/D = 1 for all the widths and preload moments, the shear-out failure mode is observed. The mixed modes, especially bearing and net-tension, are observed for E/D and W/D equal to 2—5 and 3—4, respectively. The preload moments increase the failure strengths of the composite laminate.
In-plane Free Vibration Analysis of Laminated Thick Circular Deep Arches
Authors: Malekzadeh P.
Published: November 2007

In order to accurately determine the natural frequencies of laminated thick circular deep arches, a solution procedure based on the two-dimensional theory of elasticity is presented. The layerwise finite element method is used to discretize the equations of motion and the related boundary conditions through the thickness of the arch. The formulations are general so that the effects of the variation of beam curvature across the cross-section, the transverse shear and normal stresses and rotary inertia can easily be implemented. Exact solutions are obtained for antisymmetric cross-ply laminated thick circular deep arches with simply supported boundary conditions. The convergence of the method is shown against the number of mathematical layers used for modeling the arches. The effects of different parameters such as opening angle, thickness-to-length and orthotropy ratios on the natural frequencies of the arches are outlined. Due to high accuracy of the method, the results can be used as benchmarks for future research.
Municipal Policing Meets the New Deal
Authors: Helms Gesa
Published: November 2007

In urban centres across the UK and elsewhere, one encounters an ever-increasing array of uniformed agencies. Often explicitly aligned with efforts for an urban renaissance, these patrols not only give advice and information to users of urban public spaces but, more significantly, are instrumental in securing these spaces and their populations. Drawing on empirical research in the British city of Glasgow, this article argues that, far from being merely designed to minimize risk, such new policing initiatives work hard to establish a new moral order of acceptable activities for revitalized urban spaces. This happens through renewed involvement of the local authorities as municipal policing. There is, however, one element in the debates of an urban renaissance or the entrepreneurial city that tends to get sidelined easily: that of the actual labour and work lying at the heart of such renaissance. Here, the warden project under discussion, in its design as an intermediate labour market programme, forcefully illustrates the meanings of `securing' and `policing' as it reconnects the moral ordering of contemporary labour market policies with the patrolling of new urban spaces.
From Disciplining To Dislocation
Authors: Belina Bernd
Published: November 2007

In German cities, area bans ( Aufenthaltsverbote) are issued against users of illegalized drugs and other `undesirables' to bar them from entering certain central city spaces. Drawing on materialist state theory, the expert discourses that legitimize these area bans are analysed in order to understand why this spatial measure of policing is on the agenda right now. I argue that these discourses reveal that area bans are aimed at dislocating undesirables; that they are based on a spatialization of `danger'; that they are symptomatic of recent developments in policing in that they abstract from the individual and engage in `governing at a distance'; that this very abstraction is made possible by the spatial approach of the area bans; and that the bans are therefore a suitable means to police the consequences of neo-liberalism in the entrepreneurial city.
`Plastic Police' Or 'Community Support'?
Authors: Paskell Caroline
Published: November 2007

Since 2002, English and Welsh police forces have been able to employ a new form of staff to assist police with street patrols, transport duties, local monitoring and enforcement. These Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs or, as in this article, CSOs) were introduced in the Police Reform Act 2002 to address lower-level crime and disorder and to reassure the public. This and subsequent Acts designated limited police powers for CSOs, and most forces actually granted even fewer. The CSO role is therefore one of a high-profile, frontline police worker linking between police and the public, but without powers typically associated with policing. This limitation has cast doubt on CSOs' ability to address disorder or to reassure the public. This article argues that CSOs were able to offer valuable support both to police and the areas they serve despite these limited powers. Indeed, the research indicates that having few powers actually enhanced CSOs' ability to engage with local residents, workers and organizations. The article traces how CSOs were operating in low-income areas with low-grade environments and above-average crime rates. These areas are considered because they would benefit most from efforts to address disorder and insecurity. Not only should local quality of life be enhanced in the short term, but such reductions could also help to foster and sustain longer-term renewal. Using evidence from eight low-income areas in England and Wales, the article assesses CSOs' contribution to reducing environmental disorder, promoting order and reassuring local people. The research finds that, although referred to as `plastic police', CSOs were in fact contributing to policing and to the area more broadly in ways which could be expected to aid renewal.
Incidence of Colon Cancer in Tianjin, China, 1981- 2000
Authors: Fengju S. , Guanglin W. , Kexin C.
Published: November 2007

The objective of this study is to describe and analyze the incidence trend of colon cancer in Tianjin, China from 1981 to 2000. Tumour cases were coded by ICD-9 in this study. Incidence rates were calculated by five-year age-groups as well as sex and year of diagnosis. From 1981 to 2000, the total number of colon cancer cases ascertained in urban Tianjin was 4954, including 2547 males and 2407 females. 67.88% colon cancer cases occurred in the age group 55-79 and age specific incidence rate reached its peak in the age group 75-79. The mean incidence rate of colon cancer during the 20 years was 7.01/100000 and this rate had been increasing constantly from 1981 to 2000. The average age at diagnosis was 62.41years. An ascending trend was observed in the mean age at diagnosis of colon cancer from 1981 through 2000. As for the sex ratio, there was no clear trend exhibited. The incidence trend of colon cancer during 1981 to 2000 in Tianjin warranted a further research on its risk factors and prevention warranted. Asia Pac J Public Health 2005: 17(1): 22-25.
Infrared Thermography to Mass-Screen Suspected Sars Patients with Fever
Authors: Chiu WT , Lin PW , Chiou H.Y. , Lee W.S. , Lee C.N. , Yang Y.Y. , Lee H.M. , Hsieh M.S. , Hu CJ , Ho Y.S. , Deng W.P. , Hsu C.Y.
Published: November 2007

Fever greater than 38°C is a cardinal sign of patients with the severe acute respiratory syndromes (SARS). To reduce the risk of nosocomial cross infections, screening all patients and visitors who visit hospitals and clinics for fever at the entrance of every hospital building has become a standard protocol in Taiwan during the SARS epidemic from mid-April to mid-June 2003. We used a digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) system (Telesis Spectrum 9000 MB) to conduct mass screening of patients and visitors who entered the hospital to identify those with fever. The DITI system has two components: a sensor head and a PC imaging workstation. The sensor head is an optic-mechanical device which consists of imagining optics for focusing the infrared source information on the infrared detector. The infrared images are further converted into electrical signals, which are then processed for real-time display on the monitor. During the period from April 13 to May 12 2003, 72,327 outpatients and visitors entered Taipei Medical University-Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. A total of 305 febrile patients (0.42%) was detected by infrared thermography. Among them, three probable SARS patients were identified after thorough studies including contact history, laboratory tests and radiology examinations. The findings suggests that infrared thermography was an effective and reliable tool ideal for mass-screening patients with fever in the initial phase of screening for SARS patients at a busy hospital which sees approximately 3,000 outpatients every weekday during the SARS epidemic. Asia Pac J Public Health 2005: 17(1): 26-28.
A Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire for Women in Southeast China: Development and Reproducibility
Authors: Zhang M. , Binns CW , Lee AH
Published: November 2007

This study describes the development and reproducibility of a 128-item quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to measure usual food consumption for women in southeast China. The FFQ was pre-tested using 51 Chinese women who recently migrated to Australia. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.81 for internal consistency. The reliability of the FFQ was then assessed by another test-retest study. A sample of 41 women residing in southeast China was interviewed twice within 12 weeks. Intraclass correlation coefficients were moderate to high for mean food group consumption (0.43-0.96) and mean daily nutrient intakes (0.47-0.89). Kappa statistics for eating habits ranged from 0.27 to 0.89 in the test-retest. The mean ratio of energy intake to basal metabolic rate was 1.73 (S.D. 0.39) in both test and retest samples. The study confirmed that the FFQ method using standard containers is appropriate to assess dietary intake for women in southeast China. Asia Pac J Public Health 2005: 17(1): 29-35.
Smoking in Adults in Sri Lanka: Prevalence and Attitudes
Authors: Perera B. , Fonseka P. , Ekanayake R. , Lelwala E.
Published: November 2007

A questionnaire was administered to 1565 adults to identify the prevalence of smoking and to assess respondents' attitudes toward smoking. Of men 41% were yearly smokers, 27.8% were monthly smokers and 21% were daily smokers. The corresponding figures for women were 3.4%, 2% and 0.6% respectively. Higher prevalence rates were observed among less educated, middle-aged men who were from underprivileged families. About 23% of men and 0.9% of women were monthly alcohol users. Alcohol use seems to be positively associated with smoking. A considerable portion of both smokers and non-smokers expressed a favorable attitude towards smoking habits of adult males (40.1% of smokers and 12.8% of non-smokers) and towards the tobacco industry (25.1% of smokers and 13.1 of non-smokers). Since the majority of people in Sri Lanka are non-smokers, attitudinal support given by them in promoting smoking in the society needs to be addressed effectively in smoking control interventions. Asia Pac J Public Health 2005: 17(1): 40-45.
The Association between Subjective and Clinical Indicators of Health in Prospective Vietnamese Migrants
Authors: Watkins RE , Plant AJ , Sang D. , O'Rourke TF , Eltom AA , Streeton J. , Gushulak B.
Published: November 2007

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1669 prospective Vietnamese migrants who had applied to migrate to Australia to describe the association between self-reported health status and several commonly used clinical indicators of health among prospective Vietnamese migrants. Participants were recruited from the International Organization for Migration's standardised medical screening program.' We found that clinical indicators of health are related to self-reported health status among prospective Vietnamese migrants. Self-reported health status, which was assessed using a modified version of the Short Form-36 health survey, was significantly associated with clinical indicators of health, including the number of body system abnormalities identified during medical screening, evidence of tuberculosis on chest radiograph, and self-reported weight loss over the previous six months. These findings support the validity of self-reported health status assessment among prospective migrants, although the assessment of subjective indicators of health during compulsory medical screening may be limited by reporting bias. Asia Pac J Public Health 2005: 17(1): 46-50.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Undetected Elevated Blood Pressure in an Elderly Southeast Asian Population
Authors: Joshi V. , Lim J. , Nandkumar M.
Published: November 2007

Data on the prevalence of Hypertension (HTN) among elderly Asians is limited. We investigated the prevalence of elevated blood pressure (EBP) and its risk factors in a multiracial Southeast Asian elderly population who participated in the National Kidney Foundation Singapore nationwide screening programme. Among 19,848 subjects ≥ 65 years (approximately 6% of the total Singapore population), the mean age was 70.6 ± 5.26 yrs. After excluding 36.6% with known HTN, analysis revealed that 5,889 (46.8%) of the remaining population had previously undetected EBP >140/ 90. Increasing age, male gender, BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 and pre-existing diabetes were significantly associated with previously undetected EBP on multivariate analysis. 6% of cases with undetected EBP had proteinuria suggestive of longstanding EBP and renal damage. We conclude that there is a high prevalence of undetected EBP in elderly Asians, suggesting the need for increased e forts in screening in the elderly population. Asia Pac J Public Health 2007; 19(2): 3—9.
Relationship between Reproductive Exposures and Age-Related Cataract in Women
Authors: Noran N.H. , Salleh N. , Zahari M.
Published: November 2007

The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between reproductive exposures and age-related cataract among women. This was a hospital based case-control study. The study population included female patients, aged 50 years and above who attended the Eye clinic at the University of Malaya Medical Centre. The outcome measurement was based on ophthalmologic examination by an ophthalmologist. The data on exposure was obtained from face to face interview using a structured questionnaire. In order to reduce the recall bias, patients' medical records were used to substantiate the exposure status. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association of age-related cataract with exogenous estrogen usage (HRT and OCP) and duration of menses. Important confounders such as age, history of diabetes, cigarette smoking and steroids usage were controlled for in the analysis. Females with 29 years or less of endogenous estrogen exposure of, have almost three times the risk of developing age related cataract (adjusted OR 3.42: 95% CI: 1.28,9.16), similarly among those with exposure of 30- 32 years (adjusted OR 3.64: 95% CI: 1.08,12.26). Hormone Replacement Therapy used for more than three years was found to be a protective factor of age-related cataract. There is evidence that reproductive exposure may play a role in reducing the occurrence of age-related cataract among Malaysian women. Asia Pac J Public Health 2007; 19(2): 23-28.
Gender Differences in Sexual Behavior and Condom-related Behaviours and Attitudes among Korean Youths
Authors: Sohn A. , Chun S.S.
Published: November 2007

We examined gender differences in sexual behaviours, condom-related behaviours and attitudes to premarital sex in order to identify gender differences in young Korean singles aged 19 to 30 years. This study was based on data from the 2003 national survey of attitudes and behaviours towards AIDS in the Korean adult population, which contains information on a national sample of the general population aged 19 to 59 years. We selected 501 unmarried subjects between the ages of 19-30 from 1,995 respondents. The selection criterion for the subjects' age was based on the 2003 Korean mean age for marriage which was 29.8 for men and 27.0 for women. Gender differentials in sexual behaviour, condom use and related attitudes toward condom use were assessed. Although men initiated sexual practice earlier and had more multiple partners than women, both genders were equally likely to have engaged in inconsistent condom use, even when having sex with a high risk partner. These findings suggest that sex education focusing on condom use should be included in the school curricula. Implementation of early sexual education should start before the students initiate sexual activity to give them a chance to prepare gradu ally. Asia Pac J Public Health 2007; 19(2): 45-52.
The Incidence of Study-Related Stress in International Students in the Initial Stage of the International Sojourn
Authors: Brown Lorraine
Published: November 2007

This article explores the incidence of stress in international students in relation to the requirements of an international master's programme. The data presented here were taken from a doctoral ethnographic study of the adaptation of international postgraduate students to life in the United Kingdom, involving individual interviews with 13 students during the academic year 2003-2004 as well as participant observation of the entire cohort of 150 masters students. It is suggested that stress related to the academic task is caused by academic cultural differences, particularly in regard to critical evaluation and participation in discussion in class, and by language ability. This study shows that stress is intense at the beginning of the academic programme and declines gradually as a function of a reduction in the academic workload rather than as a function of time.
Domestic Practices in Foreign Lands: Lessons on Leadership for Diversity in American International Schools
Authors: Murakami-Ramalho Elizabeth
Published: November 2007

One of the prevalent concerns in educational leadership practices in urban schools in the United States relates to diversity issues, especially the disengagement among students of certain ethnic groups with regard to succeeding in school. In this ethnographic study, educators who once served in U.S. public schools were invited to reflect on this issue. Their perceptions as educators in K-12 American international schools were significant because their overseas experience seemed to develop new perceptions about leadership for diversity. The questions in this study included, (a) What kind of leadership for diversity is being practiced in American international schools that can inform the U.S. social and cultural educational landscape? and (b) How can educators' knowledge of teaching and leading in multicultural settings inform schools with high demographic diversity? The educators' lessons included deep concerns in relation to public schools, especially the practice of educating for assimilation instead of educating for integration.