bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C antibody intraassay correlation: is retest in duplicate necessary?
Authors: Contreras Ana M. , Tinoco Erendi , Celis Alfredo , Novelo Bárbara , Romero M.V. Patricia , Carrada Etelvina , Jiménez‐Méndez Ricardo ,   donHCVir Mexican Study Group
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND:The hepatitis C virus antibody (anti‐HCV) can be identified with third‐generation immunoassays. The purpose of this study was to define the correlation or agreement between first and second reactive results of anti‐HCV microparticle‐based enzyme immunoassay (MEIA) and of chemiluminescence assays (ChLIAs) in blood donors, to determine whether repeat testing is necessary.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:Commercially available assays, third‐generation HCV MEIA (Abbott), third‐generation HCV ChLIA (Ortho), and third‐generation HCV ChLIA (Abbott), were used to evaluate anti‐HCV repeatedly reactive blood obtained from donations made at 23 Mexican blood centers over a period of 1 year. The intraassay correlation between first and second reactive anti‐HCV tests with the Pearson r test and the coefficient of variation (CV) were determined.

RESULTS:The intraassay correlation of 565 anti‐HCV repeatedly reactive samples was 0.996 for the Abbott third‐generation HCV MEIA, 0.995 for the Ortho third‐generation HCV ChLIA, and 0.993 for the Abbott third‐generation HCV ChLIA. The CVs of these assay systems were 2.82, 5.33, and 5.69 percent, respectively.

CONCLUSION:A highly significant intraassay correlation between anti‐HCV duplicates was found. Specimens with a single reactive anti‐HCV result with the Abbott third‐generation HCV MEIA, Ortho third‐generation HCV ChLIA, and Abbott third‐generation HCV ChLIA assays should be considered as positive and need not be retested. Such a change in the algorithm for blood donor screening is feasible because of the availability of highly automated platforms.
ADAMTS13 activity and the presence of acquired inhibitors in human immunodeficiency virus–related thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Gunther Karen , Garizio Dominique , Nesara Paul
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the pathophysiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐related thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). It is generally assumed that acquired ADAMTS13 deficiency is due to the presence of autoantibody inhibitors, but limited data are available regarding ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitors in such patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: By use of a collagen‐binding assay, ADAMTS13 activity was analyzed at presentation in 20 patients with HIV‐related TTP. The presence of inhibitors in patients with reduced ADAMTS13 activity was assessed with mixing studies. The correlation between ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitors and other laboratory and clinical parameters was assessed.

RESULTS: The patients fell clearly into two groups with regard to ADAMTS13 activity. Six patients (30%) had activity within the normal range, whereas the remaining 14 patients had severely reduced levels. Of the patients with reduced activity, only 5 patients had a detectable inhibitor whereas 8 showed no evidence of an inhibitor. There was significant correlation between normal ADAMTS13 activity and lower CD4 counts (p = 0.049). von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen levels were significantly higher in patients with reduced ADAMTS13 activity (p = 0.03). Low activity in the absence of a detectable inhibitor was associated with significantly higher D‐dimer levels (p = 0.01) and worse clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION: The heterogeneity with regard to ADAMTS13 activity and the absence of inhibitors in the majority of patients indicate that other factors are important in the pathogenesis of HIV‐related TTP. VWF release and localized coagulation activation due to direct viral or cytokine‐mediated endothelial cell injury is likely to be playing a major role.
Sintering and Dielectric Characterization of Pseudoternary Compounds from the Bi2O3–TiO2–TeO2System
Authors: Udovic Marko , Suvorov Danilo
Published: June 2007

Using X‐ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, and measurements of the dielectric properties up to the MW frequency range, the characterization of Bi2Ti3TeO12, Bi2TiTeO8, and Bi6Ti5TeO22compounds, which all include Te6+, was performed. As the processes of Te6+reduction and the evaporation of TeO2‐containing species contribute to the presence of secondary phases, the preparation of single‐phase ceramics is rather difficult. To minimize the amount of secondary phases during the firing process, the pellets were muffled in a corresponding compound and then fired in an autoclave furnace under 10 bars of oxygen pressure. By sintering the Bi2Ti3TeO12, Bi2TiTeO8, and Bi6Ti5TeO22between 840° and 1010°C, ceramics with ɛrranging from 36 to 350,Q×fvalues from 220 to 12 500 GHz, and τffrom +41 to +2600 ppm/K were obtained.
Effect of Nano‐Size Powders on the Microstructure of Ti(C,N)‐xWC‐Ni Cermets
Authors: Jung Jinkwan , Kang Shinhoo
Published: June 2007

Microstructural and compositional analyses of Ti(C,N)–xWC–20Ni cermets were performed to understand the dissolution behavior of nano‐size Ti(C,N) and WC, compared with an ultra‐fine and a micro‐sized system. The WC content was varied from 10 wt% to 70 wt%. The rapid dissolution and reprecipitation of nano‐Ti(C,N) powders induced the formation of a coreless microstructure. With an increase in the amount of WC, the concentration of W in the rims increased but was low compared with the ultra‐fine or micrometer system. An inversion in W concentration between the inner rim and the outer rim occurred at ∼40 wt% added WC. That is, the outer rim was richer in W than the inner rim. Powder size strongly affected the dissolution and precipitation of particles and was a major determinant of the final microstructure and compositions of the rims. Furthermore, a significant improvement in toughness in the case of simple nano systems was found, compared with that of the corresponding micrometer and ultra‐fine systems (KIC 10–12 vs. 6–10 MPa·m1/2). The coreless microstructure and the high fraction of rim phase in the nano system are responsible for this difference.
Titanium‐Bearing Dicalcium Silicates from Rice Hull Ash: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Romano Jonatas Silva , Rodrigues Flávio Aparecido
Published: June 2007

This work describes the synthesis of dicalcium silicates doped with titanium. Rice hull ash was used as the source of silica. Starting reagents (SiO2, CaO, and TiO2) were used in stoichiometric proportion in order to mantain a (Ca+Ti)/Si ratio=2. Aqueous dispersions were prepared and submitted to an ultrasonic bath for 60 min. After drying, the solids were calcined at 800°C. Chemical analyses were performed by X‐ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. Dicalcium silicates doped with 5% of titanium were obtained. Overall, the performance of mortars containing 20% of dicalcium silicate doped with titanium was similar to mortars prepared from portland cement.
Microstructure, Phase and Thermoelastic Properties of Laminated Liquid‐Phase‐Sintered Silicon Carbide–Titanium Carbide Ceramic Composites
Authors: Liversage John H. , McLachlan David S. , Sigalas Iakovos , Herrmann Mathias
Published: June 2007

Hot‐pressed silicon carbide–titanium carbide (SiC—TiC) composites sintered with liquid‐phase forming Al2O3 and Y2O3 mixtures have been studied. Samples were fabricated by successively stacking tape‐cast sheets of a single composition, resulting in a laminated body of uniform composition. This approach required the development of a technology easily transferable into the production of functionally graded SiC–TiC materials. The effects of this processing route on the resultant microstructures and phases were explored in detail. Additionally, because of the consequences for graded materials, the effects of TiC proportion on the thermal expansion coefficients, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratios for several SiC–TiC composites were also determined.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Bulky Y‐Zeolites by Hydrothermal Hot‐Pressing Method
Authors: Nakahira Atsushi , Takezoe Shinichi , Yamasaki Yuki , Sasaki Yukichi , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: June 2007

In this study, the syntheses of bulks of Y‐zeolite were attempted by a hydrothermal hot‐pressing (HHP) method with various conditions such as the amounts and concentrations of NaOH solution, reaction temperatures, and reaction times. Dense bulks of Y‐zeolite were successfully obtained by this HHP method. Under an optimum synthetic condition of HHP, solidified bulks of Y‐zeolite possessed translucency with high values of specific surface area. Transmission electron microscopy observation of these translucent bulks of Y‐zeolite showed that their microstructures were densified like polycrystalline ceramics sintered by heat treatments and no amorphous phase was observed at the boundaries of Y‐zeolite grains. As a result, in these unique bulks of Y‐zeolite synthesized by the HHP method, the microporous network was thoroughly connected at the grain boundaries of Y‐zeolite.
Electroconductive Al2O3–NbN Composites
Authors: Ran Songlin , Gao Lian
Published: June 2007

Electroconductive Al2O3–NbN ceramic composites were prepared by hot pressing. Dense sintered bodies of ball‐milled Al2O3–NbN composite powders were obtained at 1550°C and 30 MPa for 1 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. The bending strength and fracture toughness of the composites were enhanced by incorporating niobium nitride (NbN) particles into the Al2O3 matrix. The electrical resistivity of the composites decreased with increasing amount of NbN phase. For a 25 vol% NbN–Al2O3 composite, the values of bending strength, fracture toughness, Vickers hardness, and electrical resistivity were 444.2 MPa, 4.59 MPa·m1/2, 16.62 GPa, and 1.72 × 10−2Ω·cm, respectively, making the composite suitable for electrical discharge machining.
Experimental Simulation of the Space Re‐Entry Environment for a Carbon/Silicon Carbide Compsite and the Effect on its Properties
Authors: Zhang Yani , Zhang Litong , Cheng Laifei , Xu Yongdong , Zhao Donglin
Published: June 2007

An experimental simulation method of space re‐entry environment was presented to investigate a carbon/silicon carbide composite and the effect on its properties. The re‐entry environment is simulated by controlling the thermal environment and the stress environment. The thermal environment is provided with a high enthalpy combustion chamber with a temperature range of 600°–1800°C and a partial pressure of oxygen of 10–30 kPa. The stress environment can realize both loading and rotating effects with a maximum torque of 150 N·m and a minimum rotation velocity of 32 rpm. Multipurpose testing of a carbon/silicon carbide composite during re‐entry can be achieved by this method, such as hot joining, stress‐oxidation, creep, and friction behavior.
Mesoscale Organization of Flower‐Like La2O2CO3and La2O3 Microspheres
Authors: Sun Chunwen , Xiao Guoliang , Li Hong , Chen Liquan
Published: June 2007

Well‐dispersed spherical lanthanum oxycarbonate (La2O2CO3) and La2O3 particles with a flower‐like morphology were synthesized via a simultaneous polymerization–precipitate reaction, metamorphic reconstruction, and mineralization under a hydrothermal condition as well as subsequent calcination. The La2O2CO3 and La2O3 microspheres obtained consist of about 20 or 40 nm thick nanosheets as petals, respectively. They have an open three‐dimensional mesoporous and hollow structure and possess a high surface area, large pore volume, and marked thermal stability. These novel porous structural lanthanum‐based materials could be used as catalyst supports for many reactions.
Inspection of Remanent Polarization in the Ferroelectric Ceramic PZT 95/5 Through Pyroelectric Effect
Authors: Zhang Fu‐Ping , Du Jin‐Mei , Liu Yu‐Sheng , He Hong‐Liang
Published: June 2007

Shock‐induced depoling of the ferroelectric (FE) ceramic PZT 95/5 is utilized in a number of pulsed power devices. Nondestructive testing of remanent polarization of PZT 95/5 is developed by pyroelectric effect in this paper. Approximately linear relation between the change of polarization during low‐ to high‐temperature rhombohedral FE phase and the remanent polarization was found through pyroelectricity of a single piece of PZT 95/5 ceramics. The change of polarization of a prototype for shock‐driven pulsed power during the FEHT↔FELT phase transformation was also investigated through directly measuring the pyroelectric current. Results indicate that pyroelectric effect caused by the reversible FEHT–FELT phase transition could be used as a non‐destructive inspection for the remanent polarization of a prototype about shock‐driven pulsed power supply.
Effect of Microstructure on the Tribological and Mechanical Properties of CuO‐Doped 3Y‐TZP Ceramics
Authors: Ran Shen , Winnubst Louis , Blank Dave H. A. , Pasaribu Henry R. , Sloetjes Jan‐Willem , Schipper Dik J.
Published: June 2007

Dense 8 mol% CuO‐doped 3Y‐TZP ceramics were prepared by pressureless sintering for 8 h at 1500° and 1550°C, respectively. Transmission electron spectroscopy revealed that the ceramic sintered at 1500°C exhibits grain boundaries free of any amorphous phase, while crystalline copper‐oxide grains were found in the zirconia matrix, whereas the sample sintered at 1550°C contains a Cu‐rich amorphous grain boundary layer. The tribological behavior of these materials was tested under dry‐sliding conditions using a pin‐on‐disk tribometer. The material sintered at 1500°C showed self‐lubrication resulting in a low coefficient of friction (f) of 0.2–0.3 and a low specific wear rate (k) ≪ 10−6 mm3·(N·m)−1. In contrast, the material sintered at 1550°C showed poor tribological behavior (f=0.8–0.9; k≫ 10−6 mm3·(N·m)−1 under the same conditions. The difference in the tribological behavior of these two materials was interpreted on the basis of mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics.
X‐Ray Diffraction and Raman Spectroscopic Investigation on the Phase Relations in Yb2O3‐ and Tm2O3‐Substituted CeO2
Authors: Mandal Balaji Prasad , Grover Vinita , Roy Mainak , Tyagi Avesh Kumar
Published: June 2007

Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopic studies on Ce1−xYbxO2−x/2 and Ce1−xTmxO2−x/2 (0.0≤x≤1.0) are being reported in this manuscript. It has been observed that ceria when heavily doped with ytterbia and thulia get transformed from single‐phasic F type to single‐phasic C type through the formation of a biphasic mixture. The critical concentrations at which the phase transition takes place have also been ascertained from XRD measurements and verified using Raman spectroscopy. From XRD studies, it has been found that in the case of Ce1−xYbxO2−x/2, pure F‐type lattice continues until x=0.4 and then the biphasic region comprising F‐type and C‐type solid solutions starts, which is followed by single‐phasic pure C‐type region above x=0.9. For Ce1−xTmxO2−x/2, XRD studies reveal that the biphasic region comprising C‐type and F‐type lattice is formed from x=0.5 onward. However, it has been confirmed from Raman spectroscopic studies that the C‐type lattice is formed even in the sample at x=0.4. The discrepancy is believed to have originated because of the small domain size (smaller than the coherence length of X‐rays) of the C‐type lattice that are inhomogeneously distributed within the F‐type solid solution in the composition Ce1−xTmxO2−x/2 (x=0.4), which could not be directly detected from XRD measurements.
Hydrothermal Synthesis for Large Barium Titanate Powders at a Low Temperature: Effect of Titania Aging in an Alkaline Solution
Authors: Lee Hyo Seok , Lee Jai Joon , Chang Tae Sun , Kim Jeong Wook , Koo Sang Man
Published: June 2007

Monodisperse and spherical barium titanate (BaTiO3) powders with diameters of 200–470 nm were directly prepared by a low‐temperature hydrothermal method at 90°C. Spherical titania (TiO2) powders, ranging in size from 150 to 420 nm, were initially prepared by a controlled hydrolysis and condensation reaction, aged in a highly alkaline solution for 12 h, and then hydrothermally reacted with barium hydroxide to be converted to BaTiO3 without a morphological change. The aging step of the TiO2, where the surface of TiO2 was highly densified through elimination of the pores, was indispensable to retain the sizes and shapes of TiO2 in the resulting BaTiO3. This was due to the fact that the formation of BaTiO3 proceeded by an in situ reaction mechanism. The resulting BaTiO3 powders exhibited dense and nonporous structures even after calcination at 1000°C.
Surface Treatment of Templates for Fabrication of Reticulated Porous Ceramics
Authors: Pu Xi‐peng , Jia Li‐ping , Zhang Da‐feng , Su Chang‐hua , Liu Xue‐jian
Published: June 2007

Before impregnation of the organic templates with an aqueous ceramic slurry, the templates were treated using silica sol. The surface morphology, elasticity of the templates, and the solid loading were studied. After the treatment, the coherence between the template and the slurry was significantly optimized, and the surfaces of the templates were uniformly covered by slurry. The elasticity of the templates was also increased. Consequently, the loading content increased considerably.
Fabrication of Porous PZT–PZN Piezoelectric Ceramics With High Hydrostatic Figure of Merits Using Camphene‐Based Freeze Casting
Authors: Lee Seung‐Ho , Jun Shin‐Hee , Kim Hyoun‐Ee , Koh Young‐Hag
Published: June 2007

Porous lead zirconate titanate–lead zinc niobate (PZT–PZN) piezoelectric ceramics with interconnected pore channels were fabricated using the camphene‐based freeze‐casting method. In this method, warm PZT–PZN/camphene slurries with various solid loadings (10, 15, 20, and 25 vol%) were prepared by ball milling at 60°C and then cast into molds at 20°C, resulting in the formation of solidified green bodies comprised of three‐dimensionally interconnected camphene dendrite networks and concentrated ceramic particle walls. After the removal of the frozen camphene via sublimation, the samples were sintered at 1200°C for 2 h. All of the fabricated samples showed highly porous structures, consisting of fully dense PZT–PZN walls without defects, such as cracks or pores. As the initial solid loading was decreased from 25 to 10 vol%, the porosity was linearly increased from 50% to 82%. This increase in the porosity led to a reduction in the permittivity, a moderate decline in the d33 value, and a rapid decline in the d31 value, which endowed the porous samples with a high hydrostatic figure of merit (HFOM). The highest HFOM value of 35650 × 10−15 Pa−1 was achieved for the sample with a porosity of 82%, as well as ɛ33=284, dh=298 pC/N, and gh=118 × 10−3 V·(m·Pa)−1.
Preparation of 〈110〉‐Textured BaTiO3 Ceramics by the Reactive‐Templated Grain Growth Method Using Needlelike TiO2 Particles
Authors: Sato Tomoya , Yoshida Yusuke , Kimura Toshio
Published: June 2007

Dense, highly 〈110〉‐textured BaTiO3 ceramics were prepared by the reactive‐templated grain growth method. Needlelike TiO2 (rutile) particles with their needle axis parallel to 〈001〉 were used as reactive template particles. Slurry containing an equimolar mixture of TiO2 and BaCO3 was tape cast to form a green compact, in which TiO2 particles were aligned with their needle axis parallel to the casting direction. Calcination of the green compact changed TiO2 particles into BaTiO3 grains with their 〈110〉 direction parallel to the casting direction, for which the topotaxial relation of

was responsible. Sintering yielded a dense, highly textured BaTiO3 compact.
How Do Children Stigmatize People With Mental Illness?
Authors: Corrigan Patrick W. , Watson Amy C. , Otey Emeline , Westbrook Anne L. , Gardner April L. , Lamb Theodore A. , Fenton Wayne S.
Published: June 2007

A way to promote eliminating stigma surrounding mental illnesses is targeting the phenomenon in children. This study's purpose is to validate models of mental illness stigma on children in Grades 6–8. Children completed the revised Attribution Questionnaire in a pretest of a larger study on a mental health education program. Data from this study permitted testing of roles of demographics in these social cognitive models. Subsequent analyses using manifest model structural equations were mixed, but mostly showed adequate fit for multiple versions of the models. These results suggest that models of blame and dangerousness are relevant to the way 10 to 13‐year‐olds stigmatize mental illness. Demographics were not found to fit these models satisfactorily. Implications of these findings for stigma‐change agenda are discussed.
The Impact of Defendant Gender and Relationship to Victim on Juror Decisions in a Child Sexual Abuse Case
Authors: McCoy Monica L. , Gray Jennifer M.
Published: June 2007

We examined the impact of defendant gender and relationship to victim on verdict decisions and ratings of witness believability in a case of alleged child sexual assault. Mock jurors (N = 256) read 1 of 4 extensive case summaries. The cases varied the gender of the defendant and his or her relationship to the child (parent or stranger). Data revealed that participants were significantly more likely to find male defendants (especially the father) guilty than female defendants. Female jurors rated the victim as more believable and the defendant as less believable than did male jurors. All mock jurors rated the victim as more believable if the defendant was male, and they saw the female defendants as more believable than the male defendants.
Who Would Claim to Be That, Who Was Not? Evaluations of an Ethnic Validation Procedure
Authors: Oxendine David B. , Nacoste Rupert W.
Published: June 2007

We investigated the fairness implications of a procedure designed to validate ethnic membership. In addition, procedural justifications, or justifications before the procedure were tested as the rationale for the procedure introduced. Of 2 procedural justifications—the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Science Foundation (NSF)—the NSF justification was hypothesized as being perceived as more fair. Results showed that procedures designed to validate ethnic membership were evaluated as unfair under most conditions. Additionally, results indicated that procedural justifications influenced evaluations of the degree of fairness of the procedure. Implications for Lumbee American Indian Federal recognition are discussed.
Organizational Safety Climate and Supervisory Layoff Decisions: Preferences Versus Predictions
Authors: Probst Tahira M. , Brubaker Ty L.
Published: June 2007

The current research investigated the extent to which supervisors take safety vs. productivity into account when making layoff recommendations under conditions of differing organizational emphasis on safety vs. production. A laboratory experiment with 57 participants acting as supervisors manipulated the organizational climate to emphasize safety vs. production and the safety performance and productivity of 4 subordinates. Results indicate that layoff recommendations were influenced by the stated organizational climate. However, regardless of the stated organizational priorities, participants predicted that upper management's final layoff decisions would result in safe workers being laid off to a greater extent than productive workers. Implications of these results are discussed in light of organizational efforts to improve their safety climate and employee safety performance.
Ecological analysis of the relation between sunbeds and skin cancer
Authors: Faurschou Annesofie , Wulf Hans Christian
Published: June 2007

Background/purpose: Previous studies implicate sunbeds in skin cancer aetiology. Women use sunbeds considerably more than men and the relation between sunbed use and skin cancer formation may therefore be explored as a sex difference. This presupposes that the sunbathing habits and the distribution of sun vacations among men and women have not changed over the last decades.

Methods: The incidence of new diagnosed cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) per year was provided. The numbers were grouped into sex and different age groups: 0–39, 0–44, 0–49 and 0–54 years. Linear regression analyses of time vs. incidence were performed from 1977 to 1989 and from 1990 to 2002. The slopes for men and women were compared. Data on the sunbathing habits and number of sun vacations for men and women were investigated.

Results: The sunbathing habits and the distribution of sun vacations among men and women were constant from 1992 to 2002 but women used sunbeds three to four times more frequently than men. No significant difference in slopes was found in any age group for CMM or in the period 1977–1989 for BCC. However, the slopes differed significantly in almost all age groups for BCC from 1990 to 2002 (P≤0.05). Sufficient data for SCC did not exist.

Conclusions: Sunbed use was associated with BCC but not with CMM.
Phototherapy in the management of atopic dermatitis: a systematic review
Authors: Meduri N. Bhavani , Vandergriff Travis , Rasmussen Heather , Jacobe Heidi
Published: June 2007

Background/purpose: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common and extremely burdensome skin disorder with limited therapeutic options. Ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy is a well tolerated, efficacious treatment for AD, but its use is limited by a lack of guidelines in the optimal choice of modality and dosing. Given this deficit, we aim to develop suggestions for the treatment of AD with phototherapy by systematically reviewing the current medical literature.

Methods: Data sources: All data sources were identified through searches of MEDLINE via the Ovid interface, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and a complementary manual literature search.

Study selection: Studies selected for review met these inclusion criteria, as applied by multiple reviewers: controlled clinical trials of UV phototherapy in the management of AD in human subjects as reported in the English‐language literature. Studies limited to hand dermatitis and studies in which subjects were allowed unmonitored use of topical corticosteroids or immunomodulators were excluded.

Data extraction: Included studies were assessed by multiple independent observers who extracted and compiled the following data: number of patients, duration of treatment, cumulative doses of UV radiation, adverse effects, and study results. Data quality was assessed by comparing data sets and rechecking source materials if a discrepancy occurred.

Results: Nine trials that met the inclusion criteria were identified. Three studies demonstrated that UVA1 is both faster and more efficacious than combined UVAB for treating acute AD. Two trials disclosed the advantages of medium dose (50 J/cm2) UVA1 for treating acute AD. Two trials revealed the superiority of combined UVAB in the management of chronic AD. Two additional studies demonstrated that narrow‐band UVB is more effective than either broad‐band UVA or UVA1 for managing chronic AD.

Conclusion: On the basis of available evidence, the following suggestions can be made: phototherapy with medium‐dose (50 J/cm2) UVA1, if available, should be used to control acute flares of AD while UVB modalities, specifically narrow‐band UVB, should be used for the management of chronic AD.
Prediction tool for bacteraemia in children aged 3–36 months
Authors: Stathakis Tina , Acworth Jason P , Barnett Adrian G
Published: June 2007

Purpose:  The present study aimed to determine which parameter is the most reliable predictor of bacteraemia in children aged 3–36 months and to develop a simple tool to assess risk of bacteraemia.

Method:  A retrospective review was performed on patients aged 3–36 months who presented to a paediatric ED between July 1999 and April 2004. Children with a febrile illness who had a blood culture and full blood count performed were included in the study. Data were collected from the pathology database (AUSLAB) and Emergency Department Information System (EDIS). Variables examined were age, sex, temperature at presentation, white cell count, neutrophil count and blood culture result. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of bacteraemia. Non‐linear regression analysis was applied to explore alternative patterns of bacteraemia risk.

Results:  Of the 1488 patients in the dataset, 43 were bacteraemic (2.9%). The most common organism was pneumococcus (74.4%). Sex was evenly distributed (male 52.4%, female 47.6%). Mean temperature at presentation was 38.8°C (95% confidence interval 35.5–41.4°C). The optimal logistic regression model identified neutrophil count as the variable most predictive of bacteraemia, with the odds of bacteraemia increasing by 1.11 for each one‐unit increase in neutrophil count.

Conclusions:  Neutrophil count is the strongest predictor of bacteraemia in febrile children aged 3–36 months. Based on this, a simple prediction tool can be used to risk stratify this population, and assist in clinical decision making.
Relational Aggression, Gender, and the Developmental Process
Authors: Bowie Bonnie H.
Published: June 2007

TOPIC:  Defining and exploring the concept of relational aggression, or the purposeful intent to inflict harm on another through a social relationship.

PURPOSE:  This study aims to describe the concept of relational aggression as it has been shaped through recent research, to contrast relational aggression with other types of aggression, and to explore the influence of gender and the formation of a self‐concept in the development of relational aggression.

SOURCES:  A review of the literature from 1969 to 2005 from selected nursing, child development, women's studies, and psychology publications.

CONCLUSIONS:  Some degree of relational aggression seems to be a normal response to conflict for many girls, from preschool through adolescence; however, more research needs to be conducted to determine at what level, or what subtypes, of relational aggression are predictive of future deviant behavior.
ANALYSIS OF ADULTERATION OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL BY PALM KERNEL OLEIN USING FOURIER TRANSFORM INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: MANAF MARINA ABDUL , MAN YAAKOB BIN CHE , HAMID NAZIMAH SHEIKH ABDUL , ISMAIL AMIN , ABIDIN SYAHARIZA ZAINUL
Published: June 2007

Virgin coconut oil, a relative newcomer in the fats and oil market, is fast becoming a valuable oil next to virgin olive oil. Therefore, it is important to establish reliable purity criteria to assure its premium quality. A study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in detecting adulteration of virgin coconut oil with palm kernel olein as a potential adulterant. Multibounce attenuated total reflectance measurements were made on pure and adulterated samples of virgin coconut oil. Detection of adulteration up to 1% was possible. Discriminant analysis using 10 principal components was able to classify pure and adulterated samples on the basis of their spectra. A partial least square calibration demonstrated good linear regression of actual value against that predicted by FTIR with coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9875 and root mean square error of cross validation of 1.70. Discriminant analysis was also equally effective in designing virgin coconut oil samples as distinct from other vegetable oils.
ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIHEPATOMA ACTIVITIES OF PALM OIL EXTRACT
Authors: WU SHU‐JING , NG LEAN TEIK
Published: June 2007

Palm oil extract (POE) at different concentrations (0.1–500 µg/mL) was evaluated for antioxidant and antihepatoma activities. Results showed that POE exhibited a greater antioxidant activity than α‐tocopherol in all model systems tested. At concentrations of 0.1–100 µg/mL, POE showed a superoxide radical scavenging activity ranging from 50.6 to 100%, with an IC50 value (0.09 µg/mL) lower than α‐tocopherol (0.51 µg/mL). In the xanthine oxidase inhibition test, POE (IC50 = 0.67 µg/mL) also exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase activity than α‐tocopherol (IC50 = 0.83 µg/mL). At concentrations of 0.1 µg/mL and above, POE showed significant ability in inhibiting the oxidative damage to lipids induced by ascorbate‐Fe2+ than α‐tocopherol in rat liver (IC50 = 0.53 µg/mL versus 0.94 µg/mL), brain (IC50 = 0.10 µg/mL versus 52.52 µg/mL) and plasma (IC50 = 77.17 µg/mL versus 190.81 µg/mL). In the antihepatoma studies, POE showed a greater potency than α‐tocopherol in inhibiting Hep G2, Hep 3B and PLC/PRF/5 cells. The antiproliferative effect of POE against these human hepatoma cells was dose‐dependent, with IC50 values varying from 4.86 to 68.44 µg/mL. The present results demonstrate that POE is an effective natural antioxidant supplement for protecting cellular membranes against oxidative damage and inhibiting hepatoma cell proliferation.
QUALITY AND OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF AUSTRALIAN OLIVE OIL ACCORDING TO HARVEST DATE AND IRRIGATION
Authors: AYTON JAMIE , MAILER RODNEY J. , HAIGH ANTHONY , TRONSON DEIRDRE , CONLAN DAMIAN
Published: June 2007

Harvest time plays a key role in the quality and oxidative stability of olive oil. Olive producers can control oil quality by using appropriate harvest times. Fruits from three olive cultivars, Corregiolla, Mission and Paragon growing in the southwestern region of New South Wales, Australia, were harvested at six different times during the season, over 3 years and immediately processed in a laboratory scale mill. The oils were then analyzed for total polyphenol content, induction time, chlorophyll content and fatty acid profile. The maturity index of the fruit was also determined. Most parameters measured, including polyphenols, induction time and fatty acids, showed a significant year effect. Cultivar effects were also apparent with total polyphenols content in cv. Mission being consistently higher than in the other cultivars studied. There was a strong interaction between the parameters studied, particularly between total polyphenol content and induction time, with high polyphenol content increasing oil oxidative stability. The fatty acid profiles of the oils were found to be strongly influenced by the growing season. Generally, as the fruit matured, the oil became less stable due to decreasing total polyphenol content, increasing polyunsaturates (mainly linoleic acid), and decreasing chlorophyll content.
PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS OF ORIGANUM SIPYLEUM L. EXTRACT, AND ITS ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES
Authors: OZKAN GULCAN , SAGDIC OSMAN , EKICI LUTFIYE , OZTURK ISMET , OZCAN M. MUSA
Published: June 2007

The flowers of Origanum sipyleum L., which is an endemic species in Turkey, are traditionally used as a beverage and medicinal tea. The extract was analyzed by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. The main phenolic compounds of O. sipyleum contained 6.81 ± 1.95, 3.94 ± 1.65, 6.78 ± 1.53, 6.71 ± 1.01, 4.95 ± 3.30, 870.22 ± 82.66, 19.47 ± 1.77 and 1017.33 ± 93.06 mg/100 g herb of apigenin, caffeic acid, carvacrol (phenolic monoterpene), hesperidin, naringenin, rosmarinic acid, rutin and vitexin, respectively. However, acecetin, apigenin 7‐glucoside, carnosic acid, eriodictyol, gallic acid, genistin, luteolin and naringin were not determined. In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of O. sipyleum extract were determined, and their phenolics identified. Total phenolics, scavenging of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and the antioxidant capacity by the formation of phosphomolybdenum complex of the extract were determined. The phenolic content was 226.66 ± 1.18 mg gallic acid equivalents/g in the dried extract. At 100‐ppm concentration, the DPPH radical scavenging activity of extract was 73.98 ± 2.66%. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was 335.33 ± 2.87 mg/g. This extract was investigated for its antibacterial activity by using agar diffusion method against 15 species of bacteria. Statistical differences within the bacteria were significant at P < 0.05. The extract was effective against all the bacteria tested, except for Yersinia enterocolitica.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Dietary phenolic compounds have generally been considered as non‐nutritive substances, and their possible benefit to human health has recently been considered. There is now much interest in the biological effects of phenolic compounds since evidence was found that diets rich in fruit, vegetables, spice and herbs appear to protect against cardiovascular disease, some forms of cancer and degenerative health factors associated with aging. Nowadays, the consumption of foods rich in phytochemicals like herbs and spices is regarded as important and good for health. Phytochemicals are not absolutely required to be part of the diet, but may confer health benefits such as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The bioactivity of O. sipyleum identified in this study has great potential for human and animal health because of its broad‐range antibacterial activity against some bacteria and antioxidant capacity.
OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF NATURAL AND CHEMICALLY INTERESTERIFIED COTTONSEED, PALM AND SOYBEAN OILS
Authors: BASTURK AYHAN , JAVIDIPOUR ISSA , BOYACI ISMAIL H.
Published: June 2007

The effect of interesterification on oxidative stability of cottonseed, palm and soybean oils stored under oven conditions at 45, 60 and 75C was evaluated by measuring the peroxide values (PV), anisidine values (AV) and Totox values at different time intervals. Fatty acid composition and tocopherol contents of oil samples were determined before and after interesterification. Interesterification reduced the tocopherol content of oils. The interesterified oils showed lower PV and AV than their non‐interesterified counterparts in all temperatures and time intervals. The primary and secondary oxidation reaction constants and reaction orders were investigated as a function of the reaction temperature. The interesterified oils showed lower reaction rate constants than the non‐interesterified samples. Based on PV, AV and reaction rate constants, the oxidative stability of interesterified oils were higher than their non‐interesterified counterparts.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The actual shelf‐life of oils can be evaluated by following the deterioration process as a function of time and temperature. Kinetic models were predicted for further estimation of oxidation rate of natural and interesterified oils. It was observed that the reaction order dramatically decreased from first order to zero order as the reaction temperature increased from 45 to 75C. It means that the oxidation process is more concentration dependent at lower temperatures. However, according to our observations, reducing the tocopherol content during interesterification does not inversely affect the oxidative stability of cottonseed, palm and soybean oils, but interesterification reduces the nutritional value of oils. α‐Tocopherol has the highest vitamin E activity. Tocopherol supplementation of interesterified oils with equal amounts of eliminated tocopherols can be applied by related industries. Tocopherol loss is the most important and probably the only known disadvantage of chemical interesterification.
EVOLUTION AND PETROLEUM POTENTIAL OF WESTERN GREECE
Authors: Karakitsios V. , Rigakis N.
Published: June 2007

This paper reviews previous data on the geological evolution of Western Greece, with special emphasis on the petroleum potential of the Pre‐Apulian zone (including new data) and the Ionian zone, the two most external portions of the Hellenide fold‐and‐thrust belt. From the Triassic to the Late Cretaceous, Western Greece constituted part of the southern passive margin of Tethys, and siliceous facies are widely associated with organic‐carbon rich deposits. Pelagic Late Jurassic units rich in marine organic matter constitute important hydrocarbon source rocks in the pelagic‐neritic Pre‐Apulian zone succession. Oil‐oil correlation with an Apulian zone oil sample (from Aquila, Italy) indicates similar geochemical characteristics. Thus, the significant volumes of oil generated by the rich and mature source rock intervals identified in the Pre‐Apulian zone are likewise expected to be of good quality. In the Ionian zone, four organic‐carbon rich intervals with hydrocarbon potential have been recorded.

The tectonic history of the Pre‐Apulian zone, which is characterised by the presence of large anticlines, is favourable for the formation of structural traps. By contrast, locations suitable for the entrapment of hydrocarbons in the Ionian zone are restricted to small anticlines within largerscale synclinal structures. Hydrocarbon traps may potentially be present at the tectonic contacts between the Ionian zone and both the Pre‐Apulian and Gavrovo zones. Major traps may also have been formed between the pre‐evaporitic basement and the evaporite‐dominated units at the base of both the Pre‐Apulian and the Ionian zone successions. The degree of participation of the subevaporitic basement in the deformation of the Pre‐Apulian and Ionian sedimentary cover will determine the location and size of these traps.

Various scenarios regarding the deformation of the sub‐evaporitic succession are examined in order to determine the hydrocarbon trapping possibilities of each model. The hypothesis of continental subduction (Early to Late Miocene) of the shared pre‐evaporitic basement of the Pre‐Apulian and Ionian zone eastwards of the Ionian zone is regarded favourably, as it appears to be compatible with the presence of a Phyllite ‐ Quartzite ‐ dominated (HP/LT) metamorphic unit beneath the Gavrovo‐Tripolis zone carbonates in Peloponnesus and Crete.
GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURAL GAS AT GIANT ACCUMULATIONS IN CHINA
Authors: Dai J. , Li J. , Ding W. , Hu G. , Luo X. , Hou L. , Tao S. , Zhang W. , Zhu G.
Published: June 2007

A total of six giant gasfields each with proven reserves of more than 100 billion cubic metres are present in the Ordos and Tarim Basins, China. The gasfields are Sulige, Yulin, Wushenqi, Da'niudi and Jingbian in the Ordos Basin, and Kela 2 in the Tarim Basin. In this paper, we report on the geochemical characteristics of the natural gas at these fields based on studies of gas composition (150 samples), together with stable isotope data (143 samples) and helium isotope data (21 samples). Results show that the gases have high contents of C1‐4 alkanes (generally over 90%) and minor contents of CO2 (below 3%). The generally high δ13C values of C1‐C4 hydrocarbons indicates a significant contribution from humic source rocks such as Permian‐Carboniferous and Mid‐Lower Jurassic coal measures. δ13 C1, δ13C2, δ13C3 and δ13C4 values for gases in Upper Palaeozoic reservoirs were ‐35 to ‐32‰, ‐28 to ‐24‰, ‐27 to ‐24‰, and ‐23.5 to ‐22‰, respectively. The δ13CiC4 value is higher than that of the δ13CnC4•

He3/He4 ratios vary from 10‐7 to 10‐8, indicating that the helium is of crustal (as opposed to mantle) origin. The CH4/ He3 ratio is 1010 ‐ 1011, indicating that the CH4 is of biogenic origin. None of the data is consistent with an abiogenic origin for gas in the Ordos Basin.
Papillary Tumor of the Pineal Region and Spindle Cell Oncocytoma of the Pituitary: New Tumor Entities in the 2007 WHO Classification
Authors: Roncaroli Federico , Scheithauer Bernd W.
Published: June 2007

We have reviewed the features of two recently described intracranial tumors, which have been formally recognized as distinct entities by the 2007 WHO Classification of Brain Tumours: Papillary tumor of the pineal region and spindle cell oncocytoma of the pituitary gland. Their salient clinicopathological features, differential diagnosis, histogenetic hypothesis and outcome are discussed.
Effects of Watershed Impervious Cover on Dissolved Silica Loading in Storm Flow1
Authors: Loucaides Socratis , Cahoon Lawrence B. , Henry Eric J.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Dissolved silica (DSi) availability is a factor that affects the composition of algal populations in aquatic ecosystems. DSi cycling is tightly linked to the hydrological cycle, which is affected by human alterations of the landscape. Development activities that increase impervious cover change watershed hydrology and may increase the discharge of DSi‐poor rainwater and decrease the discharge of DSi‐rich ground water into aquatic ecosystems, possibly shifting algal community composition toward less desirable assemblages. In this study, DSi loadings from two adjacent coastal watersheds with different percent impervious cover were compared during four rain and five nonrain events. Loadings in the more impervious watershed contained a significantly larger proportion of surface runoff than base flow (ground‐water discharge) and had lower [DSi] water during rain events than the less impervious watershed. Application of the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (CN) method showed that the minimum rainfall height necessary to yield runoff was significantly lower for the more impervious watershed, implying that runoff volumes increase with impervious cover as well as the frequency of runoff‐yielding events. Empirical data collected during this study and estimates derived from the CN method suggest that impervious cover may be responsible for both short‐term DSi limitation during rain events as well as long‐term reduction of DSi inputs into aquatic ecosystems.
Viable “Haemophilus somnus” Induces Myosin Light-Chain Kinase-Dependent Decrease in Brain Endothelial Cell Monolayer Resistance
Authors: Behling-Kelly E. , McClenahan David , Kim K. S. , Czuprynski C. J.
Published: June 2007

“Haemophilus somnus” causes thrombotic meningoencephalitis in cattle. Our laboratory has previously reported thatH. somnushas the ability to adhere to, but not invade, bovine brain endothelial cells (BBEC) in vitro. The goal of this study was to determine ifH. somnusalters brain endothelial cell monolayer integrity in vitro, in a manner that would be expected to contribute to inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS). Monolayer integrity was monitored by measuring transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and albumin flux. BBEC incubated withH. somnusunderwent rapid cytoskeletal rearrangement, significant increases in albumin flux, and reductions in TEER. Decreased monolayer TEER was preceded by phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain and was partially dependent on tumor necrosis factor alpha and myosin light-chain kinase but not interleukin-1β. Neither heat-killedH. somnus, formalin-fixedH. somnus, nor purified lipooligosaccharide altered monolayer integrity within a 2-h incubation period, whereas conditioned medium fromH. somnus-treated BBEC caused a modest reduction in TEER. The data from this study support the hypothesis that viableH. somnusalters integrity of the blood-brain barrier by promoting contraction of BBEC and increasing paracellular permeability of the CNS vasculature.