bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact Studies in Elastomer, Fly Ash, and Hybrid-filled Epoxy Composites: Part II - Comparison of Data and Fracture Features of the Samples Cured via a Single Room Temperature and Multiple High Temperatures
Authors: Kishore  , Santra Sanjitarani
Published: June 2005

Epoxy composites reinforced with CTBN, fly ash as individual and hybrid fillers, are fabricated for various compositions of the fillers, viz., 1, 2, 3, 5,10, and 20 by weight. Two routes are adopted for making the composites. In one, a single room temperature curing (abbreviated with an ending letter ‘R’) is adopted while in the other multiple higher temperatures (designated with an ending letter ‘H’) are followed. How this differing curing program affects the impact properties of the different fillers and/or compositions-bearing composites is looked into in this work using drop weight instrumented impact tests. When samples cured corresponding to ‘H’ designation are compared with those with ‘R’, an increase in impact energy is noticed for all combinations of fillers and compositions. Significant increase (almost 50%) in total energy is noted in the case of the 3% CTBN-bearing sample. Similarly, 60% increase in impact energy is noticed in the 20% fly ash-bearing composite. In the case of hybrids, it is again the 20% composition-bearing system that exhibits the maximum increase. Also the ductility index (DI) values are studied for all the samples. For rubber bearing samples, the DI value is more in ‘R’ when rubber concentration is 5% or higher. Twenty percent shows the maximum DI value. Similar trend was noticed for the fly ash-bearing samples. For the 20% fly ash-bearing sample, the DI recorded is high. For hybrids, the DI was higher for the ‘H’ samples for all concentrations with maximum noticed for 20% composition for the fillers. The results obtained are analyzed in the light of their postfailure fracture surface features seen in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In case of ‘H’ samples, increased number of cleavage paths are seen compared to ‘R’ cases.
Neural Modeling of Parison Extrusion in Extrusion Blow Molding
Authors: Huang Han-Xiong , Lu Song
Published: June 2005

Back-propagation (BP) neural network is used to develop process models for the parison extrusion in extrusion blow molding based on experimental data. In applying the BP network, some modifications, such as using a self-adaptive learning rate coefficient, determining the number of hidden neurons through experimentation, and so on, to the original BP algorithm are carried out to speed up learning. Quite a good agreement has been reached between the predicted parison length and swells using the trained BP models and the experimentally determined ones. The prediction of the parison diameter and thickness distributions can be made online at any parison length or any parison drop time within a given range using the trained models. It has been demonstrated that nonlinear swells, under the effect of sag, can be predicted within a reasonably adequate accuracy.
Hydrothermal Fatigue on Interface of Glass-epoxy Laminates
Authors: Ray B. C.
Published: June 2005

Many theories point out the complexity of the phenomena that manifest at the fiber-matrix interface or interphase. The interphase in glass fiber composites is reasonably reported to be a film, which is also a polymer. Glass fibers of 55, 60, and 65 wt% are used to fabricate epoxy matrix polymer composites. The test specimens are treated first at 50 C in a water bath for 30 min and then immediately immersed in another water bath at 100 C for the same time. The hydrothermal treatment was carried out for different cycles. The three-point bend short beam shear test was performed on the conditioned samples for two different crosshead speeds (2 and 50 mm/min). The aim of the experiment is to assess the weakening effect of thermal shock and fatigue during hydrothermal aging on the interlaminar adhesion of varied weight fraction constituents in the composite. The variations in loading speed and the moisture content were taken into consideration for the assessment of interface-matrix damage by the cyclic conditioning.
Large Amplitude Vibration of Initially Stressed Orthotropic Plates
Authors: Chen Chun-Sheng
Published: June 2005

Nonlinear equations of motion are derived for an orthotropic plate in a general state of nonuniform initial stress. The equations include the effects of transverse shear and rotary inertia. The large amplitude free vibrations of a simply supported rectangular orthotropic thick plate subjected to arbitrary initial stresses are also investigated. A combination of pure bending stress plus an extensional stress is taken to be the initial stress in the plane of the plate. The Galerkin method is used to transform the governing nonlinear partial differential equations to ordinary nonlinear differential equations and the Runge-Kutta method is used to obtain the ratio of nonlinear to linear frequency. The effects of the material properties, initial stress, and vibration amplitude on frequency ratio are studied.
Thermoelectroelastic Responses in Orthotropic Piezoelectric Hollow Cylinders Subjected to Thermal Shock and Electric Excitation
Authors: Dai H. L. , Wang X. , Dai Q. H.
Published: June 2005

This article presents an analytical method for thermoelectroelastic transient responses of orthotropic piezoelectric hollow cylinders subjected to arbitrary thermal shock and transient electric excitation. Using an interpolation method, the Volterra integral equation of the second kind caused by the interaction between thermoelastic field and thermoelectric field is solved. Thus, the exact expressions of the transient responses of displacement, stresses, electric displacement, and electric potential in the orthotropic piezoelectric hollow cylinder are obtained by means of Hankel transforms, Laplace transforms, and its inverse transforms. From sample numerical calculations, it is seen that the present method is suitable for an orthotropic piezoelectric hollow cylinder subjected to arbitrary thermal shocks and electric excitations, and the results obtained can be used as a reference to solve other transient coupled problems of thermoelectroelasticity.
An Elastic-Plastic Stress Analysis of a Woven Reinforced Steel Fiber Thermoplastic Composite Cantilever Beam Subjected to Transverse Uniform Loads on the Upper Surface
Authors: Arslan Nurettin , Ozben Tamer
Published: June 2005

In this study, an elastic-plastic stress analysis is carried out for a thermoplastic cantilever beam. This composite beam consists of woven Cr-Ni steel fibers and a low-density homogeneous polyethylene matrix, and is loaded uniformly. The Tsai-Hill yield theory is used for an analytical solution. The expansion of the plastic region and the residual stress component of x are determined for 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 orientation angles. The 45 orientation angle, which gives symmetrical values, represents the mean reinforcement angle because of the reinforcement type. The plastic region starts at the upper surface of the beam for 30 orientation angle. The intensity of the residual stress component of x is maximum at the upper and lower surfaces of the beam.
An Optimization Scheme Based on Flow Resistance to Locate Optimum Gate of Complex Part
Authors: Zhai Ming , Shen Changyu
Published: June 2005

Gate location is one important design variable in injection mold design since it largely affects the fill pattern in the cavity. An improper choice of gate location induces an unbalanced flow, which causes overpacking, high shear stress, and excessive warpage. In this paper, a general methodology called flow resistance search scheme (FR) is proposed to find the optimum gate location. A search direction associated with flow resistance is developed based on the physical nature of the mold filling process. By moving the gate along the direction with maximum flow resistance, the mold fill time can be reduced and a better flow pattern is achieved. This methodology is as efficient as gradient-based method, but it is favorable because it can be applied to part with complex geometry.
Evaluation of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Braided Fabrics and their Composites
Authors: Charlebois Karine M. , Boukhili Rachid , Zebdi Oussama , Trochu Francois , Gasmi Ali
Published: June 2005

This study aims to evaluate the permeability and the basic mechanical properties of braided fabrics intended for hollow composites to be manufactured by resin infusion processes. A simple procedure has been devised to obtain flat specimens for the required permeability and mechanical tests. Permeability measurements have been performed on 2-D biaxially braided glass fabrics at three braiding angles. The change of the braiding angle affects the fiber volume fraction, which in turn affects the permeability. Tension, compression, and shear tests have also been conducted on unidirectional (UD) and braided glass-epoxy composites. From the experimental UD properties, the lamination theory (LT) has been used to predict the properties of angle ply () laminates equivalent to the braided composites tested. From the comparison of the predicted and experimental results, the effects of the fibers’ intertwining and undulation on the mechanical properties have been derived. The undulation of the fibers is responsible for the compression strength reduction, mainly at low braiding angles, but has no effect on the tensile strength. For all angles, the braided composites have a higher modulus than the predicted angle ply laminates. The Iosipescu shear method is not suitable for the characterization of composites containing braided fabrics because of their high shear stiffness and strength.
Optimum Design of Gas-assisted Injection Molding
Authors: Chen Chun-Sheng , Cheng Wei-Seng , Wang Tzung-Shinug , Chien Rean-Der
Published: June 2005

Finite element method and Taguchi method are used to simulate the process of gasassisted injection molding (GAIM) to find out the optimal design condition of manufacturing a polystyrene product. In this study, the experimental design of Taguchi method is used to determine the process condition of the GAIM, while a software, M-Flow, is used in simulating the injection process. Eight parameters are discussed including material and process parameters for gas-assisted injection. By using the Taguchi method and analysis of variance, ANOVA, four parameters are found to have a great influence on the GAIM product. It is found that a slower gas injection speed, higher melt temperature, higher gas pressure, and longer gas packing time would yield lesser warpage.
Predicting the First-ply Failure of Multilayered Composite Cylinders under Hygrothermal Loading
Authors: Dağhan Behcet
Published: June 2005

The present study deals with the effects of combined internal pressures, temperatures, and moistures on filament-wound multilayered composite cylinders for the plane-strain case. The analysis accounts for the failure pressure for various orientation angles under hygrothermal conditions. The Tsai-Wu criterion is used for checking the first-ply failure of layers. The chosen orientation angles are 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75.
Classification of Psychopathology
Authors: Acton G. Scott , Zodda Jason J.
Published: June 2005

Many have criticized the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-IV), and few regard it as a vehicle of truth, yet its most serious limitation is that its frank operationism in defining manifest categories has distracted attention from theories about what is going on at the latent level. We sketch a Generalized Interpersonal Theory of Personality and Psychopathology and apply it to interpersonal aspects of depression to illustrate how structural individual differences combine with functional dynamic processes to cause interpersonal behavior and affect. Such a causal account relies on a realist ontology in which manifest diagnoses are only a means to learning about the latent distribution, whether categorical or dimensional. Comorbidity of DSM diagnoses suggests that dimensionality will be the rule, not the exception, with internalization and externalization describing common diagnoses.
Note: Quantification of Ascorbic Acid and Dehydroascorbic Acid in Fresh Olives and in Commercial Presentations of Table Olives
Authors: López A. , Montaño A. , Garcia P. , Garrido A.
Published: June 2005

Ascorbic acid (AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in fresh green olives as well as a diversity of commercial presentations of table olives (based on both Spanish-style green olives and directly brined olives). Fresh green olives (Manzanilla cv.) immediately after harvest contained about 9mg total ascorbic acid/100g f.w., with DHAA representing more than 90% of this amount. During the post-harvest period (till 2 weeks) the total vitamin C remained stable when olives were stored at 6°C, but significant degradation occurred at ambient temperature (~35% loss after 7 days). In commercial presentations of table olives, in general, the main contribution to the total vitamin C level appeared to come from AA added as an antioxidant, the maximum level being found in Manzanilla olives stuffed with anchovy streams (36.1mg/100g f.w.). However, in some samples (e.g. plain olives) that did declare any added AA, very low levels (0.1-0.6mg total AA/100g f.w.) were found. Our hypothesis is that, in those samples, AA would be degraded by lactic acid bacteria and/or yeast from olive fermentation, whereas pasteurisation in other presentations (e.g. stuffed olives) would stabilise added AA.
Isoflavone Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Brazilian Soybean Varieties
Authors: Genovese M. I. , Hassimotto N. M.A. , Lajolo F. M.
Published: June 2005

Thirteen varieties and one new strain of soybean, developed by the Genetic Improvement Program from Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA), crop year of 2003, were analysed in relation to their isoflavones profiles and contents. Total isoflavone content varied from 57 to 188mg per 100g of soybeans. Most (90-95%) of the isoflavones were present as glycosilated derivatives. The β-glycosides represented the main forms of the isoflavones in the seed (50 to 59% of the total) followed by malonylglycosides (28 to 39% of the total). The ratio between malonyldaidzin and daidzin varied from 0.44 (Embrapa soyseeds BRS 155) to 0.74 (BRS 185) and between malonylgenistin and genistin from 0.56 (BRS 155) to 0.87 (BRS 185). The total percentage of each isoflavone, corresponding to the sum of the four chemical forms (malonylglycoside, acetylglycoside, β-glycoside and aglycone) varied from 39 to 57% for genistein, 34 to 47% for daidzein, and 8 to 17% of the total for glycitein. Antioxidant activity varied from 37.8 (BRS 214) to 48.9% (BRS 233) of inhibition of the β-carotene bleaching, and a low correlation was found for antioxidant activity and total phenolics content or level and kind of isoflavones.
Assumed Strain Finite Elements for Buckling and Vibration Analysis of Initially Stressed Damped Composite Sandwich Plates
Authors: Nayak A. K. , Shenoi R. A.
Published: June 2005

This paper deals with buckling and vibration analysis of initially stressed damped composite sandwich plates using assumed strain finite elements. A family of plate bending elements containing nine degrees of freedom per node are developed based on a refined higher-order shear deformation theory. The higher-order theory contains in-plane displacements that are expanded to include the higher-order terms in the Taylor series expansion as a result of which there is no need for shear correction factors. The popular assumed strain concept is used to ensure that the developed four- and nine-node elements pass the patch test and show no signs of shear locking and spurious zero energy modes in the present finite element formulations. Parametric studies are carried out to study the behavior of length to thickness ratios, boundary conditions, fiber orientations on vibration, and buckling of damped composite sandwich plates.
Acts of Resistance: Student (In)visibility
Authors: Langhout Regina Day
Published: June 2005

This paper argues that public school structures are oppressive for all students. Because of racial, class and gender biases, school environments are often especially problematic for African American and working-class/working-poor students. Boys and girls also experience school differently because of gender roles. These intersecting problems include facing dominant narratives based on stereotypes and discrimination. The current study took place in a school building that serves predominately African American and low-income students. The questions examined include: how does school silence children, and how do children resist being silenced? Observational and interview data indicate that children are disciplined into invisibility by treating them stereotypically and consequently demanding uniformity in their behavior as a way to control their mostly colored bodies. Children resist such treatment through creative and collaborative acts that promote their voice and visibility and which critique the dominant narrative. In general, students attempt to construct an alternative view that allows another, student-generated narrative to emerge.
Issues of Cultural Analysis
Authors: Salvatore Sergio , Pagano Paola
Published: June 2005

This commentary discusses some questions entailed in the Regina Day Langhout’s (2005) article. The authors’ point of view is an interpretative approach anchored in the European scholastic world, in particular that of Southern Europe with its Latin and Mediterranean culture. In the first part of the article we compare the model of school involved in Langhout’s study with the South-West European one. In the second part, we deal with some epistemological and theoretical issues concerning the way cultural processes are investigated: the level/model of explanation of psycho-social context; the problems raised by the notion of intentionality; the limits of the functionalist interpretative schema of analysis. These issues are traced back to a basic topic: the position of the observer in respect of the cultural system analysed.
Socio-cultural Tracks of Development, Opportunity Situations and Access Skills
Authors: Hundeide Karsten
Published: June 2005

In this paper I am trying to present a view whereby development is seen as cultural and transpersonal ‘tracks of development’ within which individuals have to find their direction. Three different approaches to the analysis of life-tracks are indicated. There are crucial decision points in a person’s development, and a person’s decision-making process at these points is analyzed from the point of view of his or her perception of his or her ‘opportunity situation’—what are the alternatives that are psychologically plausible and available for him or her? (Hundeide, 2003b). This raises the question of positioning and acquiring the critical access skills that give entrance to different life-careers. A major point in this paper is that skills and competencies are contextually contained within what I have described as ‘lifestyle packages’. Certain identity- and style-markings may be important access skills or criteria for getting entrance into certain communities, which again invite and direct the novice into certain life-tracks—which may be more or less irreversible. This point is further explored with regard to creating a basis for understanding the attraction of new Nazi movements to marginalized unsuccessful youngsters, with regard to life careers in a slum community, and with regard to intervention, in the sense of how marginalized youngsters in a situation of school failure, unemployment and delinquency can be ‘untracked’ into more positive life-tracks or careers. The conditions for development and personal change are briefly discussed at the end of the paper.
Coping with Problems Created by Others: Directions of Development
Authors: Poddiakov Alexander
Published: June 2005

Hedegaard’s (2005) article dealing with developmental and detrimental effects of coping behavior among Danish-Turkish students under pressure of opposing values and demands, and Schousboe’s (2005) article dealing with the effects of freedom imposed on students in Danish after-school centers are commented upon. Complex interactions between one’s behavior when coping with problems and others’ behavior when creating problems are discussed in the context of conflicts between people’s values, aims and strategies.
Modelling penal transformation
Authors: Mcara Lesley
Published: June 2005

Using a systems analytical framework, this article explains how and why the Scottish penal system has followed a different trajectory to a number of its European and US counterparts. It highlights the manner in which penal-welfare values have continued to dominate all aspects of policy and practice in the face of the social and cultural factors that have been identified as prompting significant shifts in the nature and function of penality in other jurisdictions. The article argues that pressures for change within Scotland have been mediated by a number of localized political and cultural processes (relating specifically to elite policy networks and the characteristics of Scottish civic culture). These processes have facilitated a degree of boundary closure and self-reflexive modes of communication within the Scottish system and it is these which, to date, have mitigated against the sense of structural and cultural strain driving transformation elsewhere. The Scottish case suggests: that the environments which penal systems inhabit are complex and turbulent phenomena, containing a range of competing pressures with differential rather than uniform effects; and that small-scale penal systems have particular features which make them better able to ride out such turbulence without fundamental damage to their central principles and purposes.
Penal populism in New Zealand
Authors: Pratt John , Clark Marie
Published: June 2005

This article examines the growth, influence and limits of penal populism in New Zealand. In this country, it argues, there were four crucial factors associated with this: disenchantment with the existing democratic process; the dynamics of crime and insecurity in a period of considerable social change; the growth and influence of ‘victimization groups’; the emergence of a new kind of penal expertise.
The Effect of Transversely Aligned Fibers on the Axial Tensile Strength of Carbon Epoxy Composites
Authors: Elarabi S. M. , Weidong Yu
Published: June 2005

Two composite materials are used to determine the effect of the transversely aligned fibers on the axial tensile strength. These materials are a composite made of unidirectionally aligned filaments and another made of biaxially warp knitted fabric, both with an epoxy matrix. When tested axially, the transversely aligned filaments affected the test results greatly. The results show a large effect on the tensile load, having increased the load values and the elongation percentage of the BWK composite material. It is also shown that they affected the modulus.
Some Studies on Mudar Fibers
Authors: Sakthivel J. C. , Mukhopadhyay S. , Palanisamy N. K.
Published: June 2005

In this work, Mudar fibers (Calotropis procera) have been characterized for their physical, chemical, and tensile properties. Mudar fibers have good length, strength, uniformity, fineness, and excellent moisture absorption. The study highlights the difficulties in spinning 100% Mudar yarn. Subsequently, a 75/25 Mudar/cotton blend is successfully spun in a cotton spinning system and the results are analyzed. Smooth Mudar fibers develop convolutions when treated with 5% NaOH, which can render spinning possible with fibers treated in such a way. The yarns have enough potential in natural fiber-reinforced composites and other industrial textiles application.
Natural Fibers for Automotive Nonwoven Composites
Authors: Chen Y. , Chiparus O. , Sun L. , Negulescu I. , Parikh D. V. , Calamari T. A.
Published: June 2005

Two types of nonwoven composites, uniform and sandwich structures, are produced using bagasse, kenaf, ramie, and polypropylene (PP) fibers. The experimental uniform composites include kenaf/PP (70/30), bagasse/PP (50/50), and ramie/PP (70/30). The experimental sandwich composites include kenaf/bagasse/kenaf and ramie/kenaf/ramie. A comparative study of these experimental composites is conducted in terms of mechanical properties, thermal properties, and wet properties. Composite tensile and flexural properties are measured using a desktop tensile tester. Composite thermal properties are characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Water absorption and thickness swelling of the composites are evaluated in accordance with an ASTM method. Scanning electron microscopy is used to examine the composite bonding structures. Statistical method of ANOVA is used for the comparative analysis. The study finds that the uniform structures have higher tensile strength and modulus, as well as higher flexural yielding stress and modulus than the sandwich structures. In terms of the wet properties, the uniform composites have less water absorption but higher swelling rate than the sandwich composites. The DMA results show that the uniform composites feature a higher softening temperature (140 C) and melting temperature (160 C), in contrast to the sandwich composites with the softening point 120 C and melting point 140 C. Within the uniform structure group or sandwich structure group, the composite thermal mechanical properties did not differentiate very much among the different natural fibers, indicating that the composite thermal mechanical strength was largely dependent upon the thermal property of the polypropylene bonding fiber.
Provincial Public Libraries and the Law in Nicholas I's Russia
Authors: Smith-Peter Susan J.
Published: June 2005

In the 1830s the Russian government established public libraries in its provinces. By exploring the ways different groups, such as the noble and merchant estates, bureaucrats and members of the intelligentsia envisioned these libraries, the article situates this first attempt to create a nationwide library network in its larger social context. This essay asks why most libraries were short-lived and investigates possible legal, political and social explanations. An analysis of the fate of the Vladimir Public Library gives a clearer understanding of the relationship between the central government's plans and local reactions.
Echocardiography-based left ventricular mass estimation. How should we define hypertrophy?
Authors: Foppa Murilo , Duncan Bruce B , Rohde Luis EP
Published: June 2005

Left ventricular hypertrophy is an important risk factor in cardiovascular disease and echocardiography has been widely used for diagnosis. Although an adequate methodologic standardization exists currently, differences in measurement and interpreting data is present in most of the older clinical studies. Variability in border limits criteria, left ventricular mass formulas, body size indexing and other adjustments affects the comparability among these studies and may influence both the clinical and epidemiologic use of echocardiography in the investigation of the left ventricular structure. We are going to review the most common measures that have been employed in left ventricular hypertrophy evaluation in the light of some recent population based echocardiographic studies, intending to show that echocardiography will remain a relatively inexpensive and accurate tool diagnostic tool.
Secretory carcinoma of the breast containing the ETV6-NTRK3 fusion gene in a male: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Arce C , Cortes-Padilla D , Huntsman DG , Miller MA , Dueñnas-Gonzalez A , Alvarado A , Pérez V , Gallardo-Rincón D , Lara-Medina F
Published: June 2005

Background

Secretory carcinoma (SC) of the breast is a rare and indolent tumor. Although originally described in children, it is now known to occur in adults of both sexes. Recently, the tumor was associated with the ETV6-NTRK3 gene translocation.

Case presentation

A 52-year-old male was diagnosed with secretory breast carcinoma and underwent a modified radical mastectomy. At 18 months the tumor recurred at the chest wall and the patient developed lung metastases. He was treated concurrently with radiation and chemotherapy without response. His tumor showed the ETV6-NTRK3 translocation as demonstrated by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).

Conclusion

SC is a rare slow-growing tumor best treated surgically. There are insufficient data to support the use of adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy. Its association with the ETV6-NTRK3 fusion gene gives some clues for the better understanding of this neoplasm and eventually, the development of specific therapies.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis function and the relationship with chronic widespread pain and its antecedents
Authors: McBeth John , Chiu Yee H , Silman Alan J , Ray David , Morriss Richard , Dickens Chris , Gupta Anindya , Macfarlane Gary J
Published: June 2005

In clinic studies, altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function has been associated with fibromyalgia, a syndrome characterised by chronic widespread body pain. These results may be explained by the associated high rates of psychological distress and somatisation. We address the hypothesis that the latter, rather than the pain, might explain the HPA results. A population study ascertained pain and psychological status in subjects aged 25 to 65 years. Random samples were selected from the following three groups: satisfying criteria for chronic widespread pain; free of chronic widespread pain but with strong evidence of somatisation ('at risk'); and a reference group. HPA axis function was assessed from measuring early morning and evening salivary cortisol levels, and serum cortisol after physical (pain pressure threshold exam) and chemical (overnight 0.25 mg dexamethasone suppression test) stressors. The relationship between HPA function with pain and the various psychosocial scales assessed was modelled using appropriate regression analyses, adjusted for age and gender. In all 131 persons with chronic widespread pain (participation rate 74%), 267 'at risk' (58%) and 56 controls (70%) were studied. Those in the chronic widespread pain and 'at risk' groups were, respectively, 3.1 (95% CI (1.3, 7.3)) and 1.8 (0.8, 4.0) times more likely to have a saliva cortisol score in the lowest third. None of the psychosocial factors measured were, however, associated with saliva cortisol scores. Further, those in the chronic widespread pain (1.9 (0.8, 4.7)) and 'at risk' (1.6 (0.7, 3.6)) groups were also more likely to have the highest serum cortisol scores. High post-stress serum cortisol was related to high levels of psychological distress (p = 0.05, 95% CI (0.02, 0.08)). After adjusting for levels of psychological distress, the association between chronic widespread pain and post-stress cortisol scores remained, albeit slightly attenuated. This is the first population study to demonstrate that those with established, and those psychologically at risk of, chronic widespread pain demonstrate abnormalities of HPA axis function, which are more marked in the former group. Although some aspects of the altered function are related to the psychosocial factors measured, we conclude that the occurrence of HPA abnormality in persons with chronic widespread pain is not fully explained by the accompanying psychological stress.
Comparison of hollow-fiber membrane oxygenators in terms of pressure drop of the membranes during normothermic and hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass in neonates
Authors: Ündar Akif , Owens W Richard , McGarry Mary Claire , Surprise Deborah L , Kilpack Vicki D , Mueller Maryann W , McKenzie E Dean , Fraser Charles D
Published: June 2005

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of two hollow-fiber membrane oxygenators, the Capiox SX10 and the Lilliput 901, on pressure drop of the membranes during normothermic and hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in neonates.

Methods: Twenty-six congenital heart surgery patients (n=13 in each group) with a mean weight of 3 kg were included in this study. Pressure drops of the membranes, pre- and post-oxygenator extracorporeal circuit pressures (ECC) were recorded during normothermic CPB, hypothermic CPB (208C) and after rewarming. There were no differences between the groups in mean arterial pressure, pump flow rate, temperature, duration of CPB, cross- clamp time or the severity of the surgical repairs.

Results: Pressure drop of the Capiox SX10 oxygenator was significantly lower during normothermic (329/10 versus 559/16 mmHg, p B/0.001), hypothermic (389/15 versus 729/18 mmHg, p B/0.001) and post-rewarming (429/13 versus 729/21 mmHg, p B/0.001) periods compared to the Lilliput oxygenator. In the Capiox group, the pre-oxygenator ECC pressure was also significantly lower during normothermic CPB (1429/27 versus 1849/43 mmHg, p B/0.01), hypothermic CPB (1629/30 versus 1999/38 mmHg, p B/0.01) and after rewarming periods (1729/32 versus 2129/42 mmHg, p B/0.01). Post-oxygenator pressures in the Capiox group were also lower than in the Lilliput group, but results were not statistically significant.

Conclusions: These results suggest that the Capiox SX10 hollow-fiber membrane oxygenator produced significantly lower membrane pressure drops and pre- and post-oxygenator ECC during normothermic and hypothermic CPB. Thus, blood trauma with the Capiox during extracorporeal circulation may be significantly lower compared to the Lilliput. Further studies, including the level of complements, platelets, neutrophils and cytokines, with these oxygenators are warranted.
Performance of polymethyl pentene oxygenators for neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a comparison with silicone membrane oxygenators
Authors: Khoshbin Espeed , Westrope Claire , Pooboni Suneel , Machin David , Killer Hilliary , Peek Giles J , Sosnowski Andrzej W , Firmin Richard K
Published: June 2005

Objective: To review the performance of polymethyl pentene versus silicone oxygenators in terms of efficiency in priming and oxygenation, oxygenator resistance, requirements for coagulation proteins and consumption of blood products, for neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients.

Study design: Forty consecutive neonates were selected retrospectively pre- and post-introduction of the new polymethyl pentene (PMP) oxygenators. They formed two equal groups. After calculation of the sample size, data were collected from ELSO registry forms and patient records. Results were analysed using parametric and non-parametric tests.

Results: Neonatal PMP (N-PMP) oxygenators were smaller, faster and easier to prime. They were less efficient than silicone oxygenators, especially in carbon dioxide elimination, and, therefore, required higher sweeps. The preservation of coagulation proteins was significantly better, but there was no reduction in the consumption of blood products, despite having less than half the surface area and significantly lower blood path resistance.

Conclusion: Small PMP oxygenators (Medos Hilite 800 LT) provide adequate gas exchange and offer technical advantages in terms of more efficient priming, reduced haemodynamic resistance and better control and preservation of coagulation proteins than silicone oxygenators.
Health-related quality of life in multiple sclerosis: psychometric analysis of inventories
Authors: Miller Ariel , Dishon Sara
Published: June 2005

Objective: Measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL) enables attainment of a comprehensive picture of chronic patients’ conditions. The aim was to gain insight into HRQoL as viewed by Israeli multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, with an eye to its cross-cultural applicability, using psychometric analysis and a regression-based procedure. Methods: The reliability and validity of the MSQoL-54 was assessed in 215 Israeli MS patients. Subsequently, a novel method in QoL research for assessing the relative importance to patients of different aspects of the construct, comparing these between males and females, was applied. Using factor analysis, the degree to which the MSQoL-54 dimensions are applicable in our population and the existence of a separate dimension of Fatigue were tested. Finally, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine relationships between QoL dimensions. Results: The MSQoL-54 showed reliabilities and validities comparable to those found in other populations. Females attach importance to emotional aspects of QoL, while males are more concerned with physical aspects. The distinction between Emotional and Physical dimensions emerged from SEM, as did a distinction between Fatigue and Energy, the former being primarily Physical, and the latter Emotional. SEM indicated a reciprocal causality between Physical and Emotional dimensions. Conclusions: Based on internal structure, reliability and validity, the MSQoL-54 is applicable to Israeli MS patients. However, the scale’s Social Function dimension is indecisively defined, which requires further study. QoL research in MS should distinguish between emotional and physical Fatigue. Assessing importance of QoL dimensions should inform clinicians in tailoring treatment to the individual patient.
Sequential magnetic resonance imaging follow-up of multiple sclerosis before the clinical phase
Authors: de Seze J , Vermersch P
Published: June 2005

There is much evidence of the importance of the preclinical phase of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, apart from a recent report of the incidental discovery of a case of primary progressive MS, there are no data on the sequential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up of patients before the clinical phase. We report the incidental discovery of white matter changes on MRI and their follow-up in a patient three years before the first neurological event (optic neuritis). A 34-year-old woman presented with headaches and depression after her young daughter had been involved in a car accident and spent two weeks in intensive care. The woman’s general practitioner performed a brain MRI, which revealed multiple T2-weighted hypersignals suggesting MS. During the next three years, clinical examination remained normal but we observed new T2 lesions and/or new enhanced T1 lesions after gadolinium infusion on the four successive MRIs. Thirty-seven months after the first MRI, the patient developed a right optic neuritis. The diagnosis of MS was made according to space and time dissemination on MRI criteria. We proposed a treatment with Interferon Beta 1a (Avonex).
The association between cognitive impairment and physical disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lynch Sharon G , Parmenter Brett A , Denney Douglas R
Published: June 2005

Background: The association between cognitive impairment and physical disability was examined in a larger, more representative sample of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in previous studies. Method: Two hundred and fifty-three patients attending an MS clinic were assessed with respect to physical disability using the Expanded Disability Status Scale and cognitive impairment using a battery of neuropsychological tests. Results: Physical disability correlated with duration of disease; cognitive impairment did not. Virtually all measures derived from the cognitive battery were significantly correlated with physical disability. Three measures of speeded information processing and one involving delayed recall of verbal material were unique predictors of disability status. The relationship between cognitive impairment and physical disability was equivalent for patients with shorter (<3 years) versus longer (>10 years) disease duration. Cognitive impairment correlated with the rate of disability progression as reflected by the progression index. Conclusion: Cognitive impairment is more closely associated with physical disability than most previous studies indicate. This relationship appears to be stable throughout the duration of MS, although this conclusion is qualified by the cross-sectional design of the study. Further attention should be paid to cognitive impairment as a possible predictor of the rate of patients’ physical decline.
Anti-myelin antibodies do not allow earlier diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lim E T , Berger T , Reindl M , Dalton C M , Fernando K , Keir G , Thompson E J , Miller D H , Giovannoni G
Published: June 2005

This study investigates whether the presence of serum and plasma anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and anti-myelin basic protein (MBP) in patients presenting with a clinically isolated syndrome compatible with demyelination (CIS) predicts early conversion to multiple sclerosis (MS). Forty-seven patients with CIS (46 with optic neuritis) had anti-MOG and anti-MBP antibodies analysed at baseline, and clinical and magnetic resonance imaging assessments. There was no evidence that the MS status based on either the McDonald or Poser criteria relates to the antibody status.
Physical activity and multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Motl Robert W , McAuley Edward , Snook Erin M
Published: June 2005

Using meta-analytic procedures, this study involved a quantitative synthesis of the difference in physical activity among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared with nondiseased and diseased populations and then examined factors (i.e., moderators) that explain variation in the overall difference in physical activity. We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Current Contents Plus using the key words physical activity, exercise and physical fitness in conjunction with multiple sclerosis; conducted a manual search of bibliographies of the retrieved papers; and contacted study authors about additional studies. Overall, 53 effects were retrieved from 13 studies with 2360 MS participants and yielded a weighted mean effect size (ES) of -0.60 (95% CI= -0.44,-0.77). The weighted mean ES was heterogenous, Q=1164.11, df=52, p<0.0001. There were larger effects with objective versus self-report measures of physical activity, nondiseased versus diseased populations and primary progressive versus relapsing-remitting MS. The cumulative evidence suggests that individuals with MS are less physically active than nondiseased, but not diseased, populations.
Multiple sclerosis in Tayside, Scotland: detection of clusters using a spatial scan statistic
Authors: Donnan Peter T , Parratt John DE , Wilson Sally V , Forbes Raeburn B , O'Riordan Jonathan I , Swingler Robert J
Published: June 2005

Debate continues over the relative importance of genetic factors over infectious agents in the aetiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Detection of clusters of MS in space and time in the Tayside region of Scotland, UK would provide valuable evidence for the movement of infectious agents into a genetically susceptible population. A spatial scan statistic was used to detect, locate and provide a robust statistical test of any clusters found, without prior knowledge of their location or size. This was applied to a population-based MS register for the Tayside region of Scotland from 1970 to 1997, allowing for age at symptom onset, gender, population density and social deprivation. There were a total of 772 cases during the study period; an annual incidence of 7.2 per 100 000. The mean age of symptom onset was 35.7 (SD=10.5) and 73.8% of cases were women. There was a general increase in cases over time probably reflecting gradually better detection and diagnosis. There was a peak around the mid-1990s and some evidence of periodicity. There was a highly significant temporal cluster between 1982 and 1995 (p=0.002) for the whole region. Additionally, a significant spatial cluster for the time period 1993-1995 was found centred in the rural area south-west of Perth (p=0.016). Significant temporal and spatial-temporal clusters are consistent with exogenous factors contributing to the distribution of MS in Tayside, Scotland.
Disease-modifying drugs in childhood-juvenile multiple sclerosis: results of an Italian co-operative study
Authors: Ghezzi A , Amato M P , Capobianco M , Gallo P , Marrosu G , Martinelli V , Milani N , Milanese C , Moiola L , Patti F , Pilato V , Pozzilli C , Trojano M , Zaffaroni M , Comi G ,   ITEMS (Immunomodulatory Treatment of Early onset MS) Group
Published: June 2005

Objective: Immunomodulatory drugs (IDs) (interferon beta (IFNβ) and glatiramer acetate (GA)) reduce relapse rate and disease progression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) but extensive data are not available on the effectiveness and tolerability of these drugs in childhood or adolescence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of IFNβ and GA in MS patients treated before 16 years of age. Methods: A research group (Immunomodulatory Treatment of Early onset MS (ITEMS)) was promoted in Italy to collect a large series of patients affected by clinically definite and RRMS and treated with IDs before 16 years of age. Fifteen centres recognized subjects suitable for inclusion: 76 patients (52 females) were collected with a mean age at onset of 12.4 (SD 2.5) years, a mean disease duration of 18.6 (SD 14.7) and a relapse rate of 3.1 (SD 2.9). Results: Results were evaluated in 65 (45 females) subjects with a pretreatment and a treatment duration >3 months: 38 were treated with IFNβ-1a once weekly (Avonex), 18 with IFNβ three times weekly (16 with Rebif, 2 with Betaferon) and nine with GA (Copaxone). The mean pretreatment period was respectively 20, 18 and 9.2 months. The treatment duration lasted respectively 23.3, 40.7 and 33.3 months. The mean annualized relapse rate decreased dramatically during the treatment: from 2.4 to 0.4 in the Avonex group, from 3.2 to 0.8 in the Rebif-Betaferon group and from 2.8 to 0.25 in the GA group. The mean final EDSS scores were respectively (in brackets the initial scores): 1.3 (1.4), 1.6 (1.8) and 0.6 (1.1). In the whole group, the final score was unchanged or reduced in all subjects except eight. Clinical side effects were recorded in 41/65 subjects (mainly in subjects treated with IFNβ), abnormal laboratory findings were observed in 13/65 subjects: they were transient in most cases. IFNβ was stopped in six cases: in four because of inefficacy and in two cases because of side effects. Conclusions: Sixty-five clinically definite MS subjects were treated during childhood or adolescence with IDs. The treatment reduced the relapse rate and the progression of the disease in most cases. Side effects were common in subjects treated with IFNβ, but were well tolerated in most cases.
A comparative audit of anticardiolipin antibodies in oligoclonal band negative and positive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Vilisaar Janek , Wilson Martin , Niepel Graham , Blumhardt Lance D , Constantinescu Cris S
Published: June 2005

It has been suggested that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with positive anticardiolipin antibodies (ACLA) have some atypical features, including absent oligoclonal bands (OCB) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Our aim was to compare the frequencies of ACLA and related laboratory and clinical features in OCB negative (OCB−) and positive (OCB+) MS patients. We compared 41 OCB− patients attending a MS Clinic in a tertiary referral center, with 206 OCB+ patients. ACLA, anti-b2-glycoprotein and other autoantibodies, lupus anticoagulant and coagulation markers were measured. We found a higher frequency of ACLA in OCB− patients, 18/41 versus 33/206 in OCB+ patients (P < 0.0001). OCB− patients had more progressive MS than OCB+ subjects. There were no differences in age, sex, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, antiphospholipid syndrome symptoms between the groups. ACLA+ MS patients were more frequently in the OCB− group. Although this may suggest that they represent a special subgroup of MS, no other clinical or laboratory findings distinguish the groups. Although OCB− MS patients may be thought to be less active immunologically, this study shows they have more frequently ACLA than OCB+ patients. OCB− MS patients in our cohort do not appear to have a more benign form of MS, as has previously been suggested.