bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Population-Based Validation of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Melanoma Staging System
Authors: Gimotty Phyllis A. , Botbyl Jeffrey , Soong Seng-jaw , Guerry DuPont
Published: October 2005

Purpose

A major revision of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stages for melanoma was implemented in 2002 after its validation in multinational cohorts including patients from cancer centers and cooperative groups. This staging system has not been validated in a US population-based cohort.

Patients and Methods

We used 41,417 patients with primary invasive cutaneous melanoma diagnosed between 1988 and 2001 from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry to validate the revised AJCC staging system. Survival rates computed from stage-specific Kaplan-Meier curves (time to melanoma-specific death) were compared with the survival rates from 17,600 patients in the original AJCC validation study.

Results

In the SEER cohort, 65% of reported melanomas were ≤ 1.00 mm in thickness and 8.7% were more than 4.00 mm compared with 39% and 10% in the AJCC cohort (P < .001), respectively. AJCC stages were able to discriminate among SEER patient groups with different prognosis. However, SEER survival rates were significantly higher than those in the AJCC study and notably so in patients with T1a lesions (≤ 1 mm without ulceration). This population-specific effect remained significant after controlling for lesion thickness in all substages except stage IIA.

Conclusion

Although this national population-based study validates the most recent revision of AJCC stages for melanoma, it emphasizes that survival rates are population specific and found them to be generally higher for SEER compared with AJCC patients. Population-specific survival rates should be used in study designs and decisions about patient-specific interventions.
Variates of Survival in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Rietschel Petra , Panageas Katherine S. , Hanlon Christine , Patel Ami , Abramson David H. , Chapman Paul B.
Published: October 2005

Purpose

The course and outcome of metastatic uveal melanoma are not well described. We evaluated the survival of our patients with metastatic uveal melanoma, described factors that correlated with survival, and evaluated the influence of screening tests on time of detection and survival.

Patients and Methods

All patients with metastatic uveal melanoma seen at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1994 and 2004 were identified from our database. We recorded date of initial diagnosis, date of metastatic disease, date of last follow-up, site of the first metastasis, how the first metastasis was discovered, treatment, and outcome of therapy.

Results

The estimated median survival of the 119 patients analyzed was 12.5 months; 22% of patients were alive at 4 years. Five variates correlated independently with prolonged survival: Lung/soft tissue as only site of first metastasis, treatment with surgery or intrahepatic therapy, female sex, age younger than 60, and a longer interval from initial diagnosis to metastatic disease. Discovering metastatic disease in asymptomatic patients did not correlate with overall survival; 89% of patients had a single organ as the site of first metastasis. Although liver was the most common site, 39.5% of patients had nonliver sites, most commonly lung, as the first site of metastasis.

Conclusion

A substantial subset of patients with metastatic uveal melanoma survive more than 4 years with metastatic disease. Data on variates of survival and site of first metastasis may guide strategies for screening patients, although our data failed to show a survival advantage in discovering asymptomatic metastatic disease.
Inhibition of 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Eliminates Impaired Glucocorticoid Suppression and Induces Apoptosis in Corticotroph Tumor Cells
Authors: Nigawara Takeshi , Iwasaki Yasumasa , Asai Masato , Yoshida Masanori , Kambayashi Machiko , Sashinami Hiroshi , Hashimoto Kozo , Suda Toshihiro
Published: October 2005

Cushing’s disease is characterized by persistent ACTH secretion under hypercortisolemia. In an attempt to clarify the molecular mechanism, we examined the effect of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) inhibition on glucocorticoid suppression of ACTH release using murine corticotroph tumor cells. We found that 11β-HSD2, as well as -HSD1, was expressed in the cells and that its inhibition by carbenoxolone significantly improved the negative feedback effect of glucocorticoid. Carbenoxolone also enhanced apoptosis induced by cortisol. These effects are most likely attributable to inhibition of 11β-HSD2 because only cortisol, a substrate of 11β-HSD2, was present in these experimental conditions. We conclude that ectopic expression of 11β-HSD2 is, at least in part, responsible for the impaired glucocorticoid suppression in corticotroph adenoma. Inhibition of 11β-HSD2 may be applicable to the medical therapy for Cushing’s disease.
Differential Endocrine Responses to Rosiglitazone Therapy in New Mouse Models of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Leiter Edward H. , Reifsnyder Peter C. , Zhang Weidong , Pan Huei-ju , Xiao Qiang , Mistry Jehangir
Published: October 2005

Polygenic mouse models for obesity-induced type 2 diabetes (T2D) more accurately reflect the most common manifestations of the human disease. Two inbred mouse strains (NON/Lt and NZO/HlLt) separately contributed T2D susceptibility- conferring quantitative trait loci to F1 males. Although chronic administration of rosiglitazone (Rosi) in diet (50 mg/kg) effectively suppressed F1 diabetes, hepatosteatosis was an undesired side effect. Three recombinant congenic strains (designated RCS1, -2, and -10) developed on the NON/Lt background carry variable numbers of these quantitative trait loci that elicit differential weight gain and male glucose intolerance syndromes of variable severity. We previously showed that RCS1 and -2 mice responded to chronic Rosi therapy without severe steatosis, whereas RCS10 males were moderately sensitive. In contrast, another recombinant congenic strain, RCS8, responded to Rosi therapy with the extreme hepatosteatosis observed in the F1. Longitudinal changes in multiple plasma analytes, including insulin, the adipokines leptin, resistin, and adiponectin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) allowed profiling of the differential Rosi responses in steatosis-exacerbated F1 and RCS8 males vs. the resistant RCS1 and RCS2 or moderately sensitive RCS10. Of these biomarkers, PAI-1 most effectively predicted adverse drug responses. Unexpectedly, mean resistin concentrations were higher in Rosi-treated RCS8 and RCS10. In summary, longitudinal profiling of multiple plasma analytes identified PAI-1 as a useful biomarker to monitor for differential pharmacogenetic responses to Rosi in these new mouse models of T2D.
Nongenomic Action of Progesterone Inhibits Oxytocin-Induced Phosphoinositide Hydrolysis and Prostaglandin F2α Secretion in the Ovine Endometrium
Authors: Bishop Cecily V. , Stormshak Fredrick
Published: October 2005

Experiments were conducted to characterize the nongenomic effects of progesterone (P4) on binding of oxytocin (OT) to its receptor and signal transduction in the ovine endometrium. The dose-response relationship of P4 to OT binding was examined. Membranes from endometrial tissue of ovariectomized hormone-treated ewes were preincubated in the presence of P4 for 1 h followed by OT receptor analysis. P4 interfered with the binding of OT in a dose-dependent manner. Endometrium was then recovered from cyclic ewes and divided into explants. Treatment consisted of two dosages of P4 and two dosages of OT. Explants were analyzed for total inositol monophosphate, bisphosphate (IP2), and trisphosphate (IP3) content. Preincubation with P4 for 10 min significantly interfered with OT stimulation of IP2 and IP3 synthesis. Oxytocin increased monophosphate production, but there was no detectable effect of P4. In the next experiment, endometrial explants were cultured in the absence or the presence of arachidonic acid. Explants were then exposed for 1 h to medium containing vehicle or P4. After incubation, explants were challenged with OT and the media were collected and analyzed for 13,14 dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F2α by RIA. Treatment of explants with AA increased PGF2α content compared with that of controls. Brief exposure to P4 significantly decreased OT-induced PGF2α secretion from explants previously exposed to medium or AA. Collectively, these data are interpreted to indicate that the observed reduction in OT-induced IP2 and IP3 production and OT-induced PGF2α secretion was due to P4 inhibition of OT binding to its receptor.
Ectopic Expression of the Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide Receptor Gene Is a Sufficient Genetic Event to Induce Benign Adrenocortical Tumor in a Xenotransplantation Model
Authors: Mazzuco Tānia L. , Chabre Olivier , Sturm Nathalie , Feige Jean-Jacques , Thomas Michaël
Published: October 2005

Aberrant expression of ectopic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in adrenal cortex tissue has been observed in several cases of ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasias and adenomas associated with Cushing’s syndrome. Although there is clear clinical evidence for the implication of these ectopic receptors in abnormal regulation of cortisol production, whether this aberrant GPCR expression is the cause or the consequence of the development of an adrenal hyperplasia is still an open question. To answer it, we genetically engineered primary bovine adrenocortical cells to have them express the gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor. After transplantation of these modified cells under the renal capsule of adrenalectomized immunodeficient mice, tissues formed had their functional and histological characteristics analyzed. We observed the formation of an enlarged and hyperproliferative adenomatous adrenocortical tissue that secreted cortisol in a gastric inhibitory polypeptide-dependent manner and induced a mild Cushing’s syndrome with hyperglycemia. Moreover, we show that tumor development was ACTH independent. Thus, a single genetic event, inappropriate expression of a nonmutated GPCR gene, is sufficient to initiate the complete phenotypic alterations that ultimately lead to the formation of a benign adrenocortical tumor.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Activates the Human Prolactin Gene Promoter via Nuclear Factor-κB Signaling
Authors: Friedrichsen Sönke , Harper Claire V. , Semprini Sabrina , Wilding Michael , Adamson Antony D. , Spiller Dave G. , Nelson Glyn , Mullins John J. , White Michael R. H. , Davis Julian R. E.
Published: October 2005

Pituitary function has been shown to be regulated by an increasing number of intrapituitary factors, including cytokines. Here we show that the important cytokine TNF-α activates prolactin gene transcription in pituitary GH3 cells stably expressing luciferase under control of 5 kb of the human prolactin promoter. Similar regulation of the endogenous rat prolactin gene by TNF-α in GH3 cells was confirmed using real-time PCR. Luminescence microscopy revealed heterogeneous dynamic response patterns of promoter activity in individual cells. In GH3 cells treated with TNF-α, Western blot analysis showed rapid inhibitory protein κB (IκBα) degradation and phosphorylation of p65. Confocal microscopy of cells expressing fluorescence-labeled p65 and IκBα fusion proteins showed transient cytoplasmic-nuclear translocation and subsequent oscillations in p65 localization and confirmed IκBα degradation. This was associated with increased nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-mediated transcription from an NF-κB-responsive luciferase reporter construct. Disruption of NF-κB signaling by expression of dominant-negative variants of IκB kinases or truncated IκBα abolished TNF-α activation of the prolactin promoter, suggesting that this effect was mediated by NF-κB. TNF-α signaling was found to interact with other endocrine signals to regulate prolactin gene expression and is likely to be a major paracrine modulator of lactotroph function.
Endogenous Relaxin Regulates Collagen Deposition in an Animal Model of Allergic Airway Disease
Authors: Mookerjee Ishanee , Solly Natasha R. , Royce Simon G. , Tregear Geoffrey W. , Samuel Chrishan S. , Tang Mimi L. K.
Published: October 2005

We examined the relationship among relaxin (a peptide hormone that stimulates collagen degradation), airway fibrosis, other changes of airway remodeling, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in an animal model of allergic airway disease. Eight- to 10-wk-old relaxin gene-knockout (RLX−/−) and wild-type (RLX+/+) mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) or saline ip at d 0 and 14 and challenged three times per week for 6 wk with nebulized 2.5% OVA or saline. Saline-treated control RLX+/+ and RLX−/− mice had equivalent collagen expression and baseline airway responses. OVA-treated RLX−/− mice developed airway inflammation equivalent to that in OVA-treated RLX+/+ mice. However, OVA-treated RLX−/− mice had markedly increased lung collagen deposition as compared with OVA-treated RLX+/+ and saline-treated mice (all P < 0.05). Collagen was predominantly deposited in the subepithelial basement membrane region and submucosal regions in both OVA-treated RLX+/+ and RLX−/− mice. The increased collagen measured in OVA-treated RLX−/− mice was associated with reduced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 (P < 0.02) expression and failure to up-regulate matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression, compared with levels in OVA-treated RLX+/+ mice. Goblet cell numbers were equivalent in OVA-treated RLX−/− and RLX+/+ mice and increased, compared with saline-treated animals. Both OVA-treated RLX+/+ and RLX−/− mice developed similar degrees of AHR after OVA treatment. These findings demonstrate a critical role for relaxin in the inhibition of lung collagen deposition during an allergic inflammatory response. Increased deposition of collagen per se did not influence airway epithelial structure or AHR.
Thyroid Hormone-Regulated Target Genes Have Distinct Patterns of Coactivator Recruitment and Histone Acetylation
Authors: Liu Ying , Xia Xianmin , Fondell Joseph D. , Yen Paul M.
Published: October 2005

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are ligand-regulated transcription factors that bind to thyroid hormone response elements of target genes. Upon ligand binding, they recruit coactivator complexes that increase histone acetylation and recruit RNA polymerase II (Pol II) to activate transcription. Recent studies suggest that nuclear receptors and coactivators may have temporal recruitment patterns on hormone response elements, yet little is known about the nature of the patterns at multiple endogenous target genes. We thus performed chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to investigate coactivator recruitment and histone acetylation patterns on the thyroid hormone response elements of four endogenous target genes (GH, sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum calcium-adenosine triphosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase) in a rat pituitary cell line that expresses TRs. We found that TRβ, several associated coactivators (steroid receptor coactivator-1, glucocorticoid receptor interacting protein-1, and TR-associated protein 220), and RNA Pol II were rapidly recruited to thyroid hormone response elements as early as 15 min after T3 addition. When the four target genes were compared, we observed differences in the types and temporal patterns of recruited coactivators and histone acetylation. Interestingly, the temporal pattern of RNA Pol II was similar for three genes studied. Our findings suggest that thyroid hormone-regulated target genes may have distinct patterns of coactivator recruitment and histone acetylation that may enable highly specific regulation.
T-box transcription factors and their roles in regulatory hierarchies in the developing heart
Authors: Stennard Fiona A. , Harvey Richard P.
Published: October 2005

T-box transcription factors are important players in the molecular circuitry that generates lineage diversity and form in the developing embryo. At least seven family members are expressed in the developing mammalian heart,and the human T-box genes TBX1 and TBX5 are mutated in cardiac congenital anomaly syndromes. Here, we review T-box gene function during mammalian heart development in the light of new insights into heart morphogenesis. We see for the first time how hierarchies of transcriptional activation and repression involving multiple T-box factors play out in three-dimensional space to establish the cardiac progenitors fields, to define their subservient lineages, and to generate heart form and function.
Simulation of Strain Gauge Thermal Effects During Residual Stress Hole Drilling Measurements
Authors: Litoš P , Švantner M , Honner M
Published: October 2005

The hole drilling residual stress measuring method is based on drilling a small hole in a material sample and measuring the strain relieved in the hole vicinity by a special strain gauge rosette. The temperature and thermal strain induced by the drilling process can cause significant errors in the relieved strain measurement. The paper deals with computer simulation of the thermomechanical process in the sample during drilling. The first part is devoted to the evaluation of heat flux from the drilling tool to the drilled material using the sample surface temperature measured by thermography. The second part deals with determination of real strain and strain gauge thermal output (apparent strain) at the strain gauge location during and after drilling. The paper describes the computer modelling technique for solving an indirect thermal problem of drilling heat flux determination and a direct thermomechanical problem for a set of the process alternatives. Comparisons of simulated and experimentally determined temperatures and strains are presented.
Use of Full Field of Strains Found By Grating Shearography to Determine Residual Stress
Authors: Montay G , Bulhak J , Surrel Y , Vautrin A , Lu J
Published: October 2005

A new method combining grating shearography and the incremental hole drilling method has been developed to determine the residual stress distribution in depth. Grating shearography is a technique designed to determine directly the strain field with a high level of sensitivity and a very high spatial resolution. The hole drilling method is one of the most popular methods used in mechanical engineering to determine the residual stress locked into a structure. This new optical method enables the strain to be measured while taking into account the entire strain field around the hole. The finite element method is used to calibrate the method. The method was tested on an ultrasonic shot-peened aluminium specimen.
Torque in Mooring Chain. Part 1: Background and Theory
Authors: Hobbs R. E , L Ridge I. M
Published: October 2005

Chain in both its forms - common (or stud-less) and stud-link - has many engineering applications. It is widely used as a component in the moorings of offshore floating systems, where its ruggedness and corrosion resistance make it an attractive choice. Chain exhibits some interesting behaviour in that when straight and subject to an axial load it does not twist or generate any torque, but if twisted or loaded when in a twisted condition it behaves in a highly non-linear manner, with the torque dependent upon the level of twist and axial load. Clearly an understanding of the way in which chains may behave and interact with other mooring components (such as wire rope, which also exhibits coupling between axial load and generated torque) when they are in service is essential. However, the sizes of chain that are in use in offshore moorings (typical bar diameters are 75 mm and greater) are too large to allow easy testing.

This paper, which is in two parts, aims to address the issues and considerations relevant to torque in mooring chain. The first part introduces a frictionless theory that predicts the resultant torques and ‘lift’ in the links as non-dimensionalized functions of the angle of twist. Fortran code is presented in an Appendix, which allows the reader to make use of the analysis.

The second part of the paper presents results from experimental work on both stud-less (41 mm) and stud-link (20.5 and 56mm) chains. Torsional data are presented in both ‘constant twist’ and ‘constant load’ forms, as well as considering the lift between the links.
Torque in Mooring Chain. Part 2: Experimental Investigation
Authors: L Ridge I. M , Hobbs R. E
Published: October 2005

Chain is a commonly used component in offshore moorings where its ruggedness and corrosion resistance make it an attractive choice. Another attractive property is that a straight chain is inherently torque balanced. Having said this, if a chain is loaded in a twisted condition, or twisted when under load, it exhibits highly non-linear torsional behaviour.

The consequences of this behaviour can cause handling difficulties or may compromise the integrity of the mooring system, and care must be taken to avoid problems for both the chain and any components to which it is connected. Even with knowledge of the potential problems, there will always be occasions where, despite the utmost care, twist is unavoidable. Thus it is important for the engineer to be able to determine the effects.

A frictionless theory has been developed in Part 1 of the paper that may be used to predict the resultant torques and movement or ‘lift’ in the links as non-dimensional functions of the angle of twist. The present part of the paper describes a series of experiments undertaken on both stud-less and stud-link chain to allow comparison of this theoretical model with experimental data. Results are presented for the torsional response and link lift for ‘constant twist’ and ‘constant load’ type tests on chains of three different link sizes.
Lifetime Predictions For High-Temperature Low-Alloy Ferritic Steel Weldments
Authors: Hayhurst D. R , Goodall I. W , Hayhurst R. J , Dean D. W
Published: October 2005

The paper reports the finite element creep continuum damage mechanics (CDM) analysis of the creep rupture behaviour of thin-section butt-welded, internally pressurized pipes, and of uniaxial cross-welded tension testpieces made of Cr-Mo-V steels. The CDM analyses are shown to predict accurately lifetimes and failure mechanisms observed from metallographic analyses of sectioned components.

The paper then addresses the lifetime prediction of components by comparing predictions made using British Standards BSi PD 5500 with the results of the experiments. Predictions have been based on uniaxial plain bar data for both parent and Type IV materials; both of these have been obtained by integration of constitutive equations. Comparison of predicted and experimental weldment lifetimes has been made using a weld strength reduction factor. It is found that the required factors are very dependent on temperature and the ratio of axial to hoop pipe stresses.

Finally, the paper examines the British Energy Generation Limited R5 assessment procedure and compares lifetime predictions with those made using the British Standards BSi PD 5500 approach. It is noted that the stresses in both approaches are in good agreement for the external/internal radius ratio of 1.25 considered in the butt-welded pipe experiments.
Mean Compressive Stresses - Experimental and Theoretical Investigations Into Their Influence on the Fatigue Strength of Welded Structures
Authors: Rörup J
Published: October 2005

To indicate the effect of mean compressive stresses on the structural durability, fatigue tests have been carried out under constant-amplitude load. As a particularly suitable design detail, the longitudinal stiffener with non-load-carrying fillet welds was selected. This detail represents the permissible limit of notch condition in highly stressed ship structures. The fillet weld was made with two layers, so that a fully developed residual stress field could be expected.

In order to gain more insight into the technical background under consideration of the weld-induced residual stresses and their redistribution during cyclic loading, finite element analyses as well as measurements were carried out. On uncracked specimens the weld-induced residual stresses were measured using the X-ray method. The redistribution of the residual stresses during crack propagation was measured using the neutron diffraction method.

Different models were used for the numerical simulation using the finite element (FE) method. In the first phase the FE calculation could be limited on a linear analysis, because the semielliptical crack propagating through the plate thickness remained open over the full cycles, which is due to the high residual stresses. After the crack became a through-thickness crack, closure effects became significant, requiring a non-linear crack propagation analysis with a shell model. Therefore the weld-induced residual stresses must be reproduced with a solid model and transmitted to the shell model.

Taking into account the complete crack length during the simulation, it was possible to estimate the fatigue life under constant amplitude loads in a satisfactory way.
The modelling of residual stresses due to surface peening using eigenstrain distributions
Authors: Korsunsky A. M
Published: October 2005

The beneficial effect of surface peening (including shot peening, laser shock peening, low plasticity burnishing, etc.) on fatigue resistance of structural alloys is well documented and widely used in industry to improve component life. It is perhaps the most widely used technique that relies on the introduction of residual stresses into the component by direct mechanical means. The resulting stress states are usually evaluated experimentally by X-ray diffraction or other stress measurement techniques. In order for shot peening operations to be effective and reliable, the process of introducing residual stresses and strains into peened components must not only be controlled but also be predictable and quantifiable.

The present paper establishes a framework for predictive modelling of the residual stress states due to surface peening. Firstly, uniform (within planes parallel to the surface) plastic deformation of the surface layer taking place during shot peening of a thin plate is simulated using the concept of eigenstrain.

As a further demonstration of the capabilities of the proposed approach, flexible plate theory is applied to the analysis of stresses and deformations arising due to local peening within a circular area. The results are of considerable use and significance for the analysis of shot peening and peen forming operations.
Spot-welded joints subjected to shear-tension loading. Part 1: Notch stress and strain range predictions and estimates for repeated loading
Authors: Gowhari-Anaraki A. R , Hardy S J , Fardad B
Published: October 2005

A three-dimensional finite element model has been used to study the cyclic elastic-plastic stress and strain characteristics of a spot-welded joint subjected to repeated shear-tension loading. Four geometries, having low, medium, and high notch elastic stress concentration factors, are considered in this investigation. Two simple material behaviour models, e.g. elastic-perfectly plastic and kinematic hardening, are assumed. All results have been normalized with respect to material properties so that they can be applied to all geometrically similar spot-welded joints from other materials, which may be represented by the same material models.

Normalized maximum steady state strain ranges are plotted as a function of the nominal load for the range of material hardening assumptions and notch elastic stress concentration factors. These plots can be used in the low cycle fatigue life design of such geometrically similar spot-welded specimens. The paper also compares finite element steady state strain range predictions with values estimated using simple notch stress-strain conversion rules for the four geometries and a range of nominal stresses. From this study, a ‘notch plastic flow sensitivity factor’, qp, to be used in conjunction with an intermediate rule, is suggested for estimating the strain range.

Finally, a strain range estimate methodology, based on the notch elastic stress concentration factor, coupled with a multiaxial fatigue criterion and an intermediate rule, is then developed for this type of specimen and loading.
Spot-welded joints subjected to shear-tension loading. Part 2: Mixed-mode fracture parameters
Authors: Gowhari-Anaraki A. R , Hardy S J , Alipour R
Published: October 2005

Fracture parameters that can be used in the fatigue analysis of spot-welded joints subjected to shear-tension loading, with local restraints, are presented. Finite element analysis has been used to obtain stress intensities in the vicinity of three different types of fatigue crack which, from practical experience, are introduced into a spot-welded joint, i.e. assumed notch crack, through-thickness crack, and through-nugget crack.

A combination of elastic-plastic finite element and linear elastic fracture mechanics finite element analysis has been used and the results are presented in the form of fatigue and fracture parameters (i.e. structure configuration factor, notch configuration factor, crack configuration factor, and J-integral value) for a wide range of specimen and crack geometric parameters. These parameters are chosen to be representative of typical practical situations and have been determined from evidence presented in the open literature. The extensive range of structure, notch, and crack configuration factors obtained from the finite element analyses are then used to obtain equivalent prediction equations using a statistical multiple non-linear regression model. The accuracy of this model is measured using a multiple coefficient of determination, R2, where 0 ≤ R2 ≤ 1. This coefficient is found to be greater than or equal to 0.98 for all cases considered in this study, demonstrating the quality of the model fit to the data. Predictive equations for stress intensity factors and J-integral values, which are based on the elastic stress concentration factor, are also developed. Some approximate equations for crack configuration factors have been published in the past, all based on analytical solutions. All equations were derived in terms of two sets of non-dimensional parameters (i.e. the bending stress-membrane stress ratio at the nugget and the geometric ratio). These equations have to be coupled with a shell-beam finite element analysis in order to predict bending and membrane stresses at the weld nugget. Therefore, the accuracy of the results depends on the accuracy of the shell-beam finite element models used.

In the present study, all prediction equations are directly related to the geometric ratios, which provides a simple and independent calculation procedure. Discrepancies between the results from the present study and those from the literature are discussed.
Reliability-based minimal sample factor formulation for a corrosion damage assessment in aluminium alloy plates
Authors: Xiong J. J , Shenoi R. A , Qiu H. Y
Published: October 2005

Accelerated corrosion tests and atmospheric exposure tests are conducted to investigate the corrosion performance of LY12CZ aluminium alloy. Based on the experimental data, the corrosion depth at different corrosion times is determined using a fuzzy discrimination method which follows a log-Gauss distribution. From the experimental observations, the minimal sample factor formulation and a power law function model with three parameters are presented to assess safe corrosion damage at different corrosion times and to describe the corrosion depth law with corrosion time. From the application examples of this model, it is shown that the data for corrosion depth are better defined by a three-parameter power law function shown in the figure. Statistical analysis shows a strong correlation between pit depth and observed corrosion time. Finally, the equivalent relationship between accelerated corrosion and atmospheric exposure corrosion is established.
Use of automated photoelasticity to determine stress intensity factors of bimaterial joints
Authors: Zuccarello B , Ferrante S
Published: October 2005

A new systematic experimental procedure has been developed to obtain the stress intensity factors governing the singular stress field that occurs near the intersection between the interface and free edges of bimaterial joints. A preliminary theoretical study of the singular stress field is carried out by the well-known Airy stress function method. The obtained stress laws are properly combined with the basic law of photoelasticity in order to define a procedure that permits the zone dominated by the singularity to be located and the stress intensity factors (SIFs) to be computed on the basis of full field data provided from automated photoelasticity. In particular, a systematic error analysis is used to determine the model zone where the experimental data have to be collected in order to obtain accurate SIF evaluation. As an example, the proposed method is applied to determine the SIFs of various aluminium/ PSM-1 specimens under different external loading conditions using Fourier transform photoelasticity. The experimental results have been compared to those obtained by an independent procedure, based on a boundary element approach, in order to validate the accuracy of the proposed procedure.
Application of Proteomic Technology in Identifying Pancreatic Secretory Trypsin Inhibitor Variants in Urine of Patients with Pancreatitis
Authors: Valmu Leena , Paju Annukka , Lempinen Marko , Kemppainen Esko , Stenman Ulf-Håkan
Published: October 2005

Background: Although the analysis of genetic variability has traditionally been performed with molecular genetic techniques, the development of proteomic technology has raised the possibility of analyzing genetic variants at the protein level. This method provides additional information about posttranslational modifications and differences in expression. We used mass spectrometry to characterize 3 variants of the peptide encoded by the serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) gene, pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI). A genetic variant of PSTI, N34S, is associated with the development of pancreatitis.

Methods: We used a quadrupole/time-of-flight hybrid mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source to analyze the molecular identity of PSTI purified from the urine of 12 patients with pancreatitis and from 3 controls. We also developed a rapid small-scale capture procedure to isolate and analyze PSTI from small volumes of urine.

Results: The mutations responsible for mass shifts of different PSTI variants could be verified. We observed differences in the expression of different variants as well as a novel proteolytic fragment of PSTI. Small-scale magnetic bead–mediated immunoaffinity chromatography PSTI enabled easy and rapid purification from small urine volumes, facilitating mass spectrometric analysis with adequate sensitivity.

Conclusions: Pancreatitis-related PSTI variants occurring at nanomolar concentrations in urine can be detected and quantified by immunoaffinity purification and mass spectrometry. In addition, the N34S variant occurs at higher concentrations than the wild type. This finding casts new light on the possible role of PSTI as a cause of hereditary pancreatitis.
Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Converts Intact B-Type Natriuretic Peptide into Its des-SerPro Form
Authors: Brandt Inger , Lambeir Anne-Marie , Ketelslegers Jean-Marie , Vanderheyden Marc , Scharpé Simon , De Meester Ingrid
Published: October 2005

Background: Analysis of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has suggested the in vivo formation of a truncated form, BNP (3–32), also called des-SerPro-BNP. The objectives of this study were to investigate (a) whether BNP and other natriuretic peptides are truncated by dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP IV/CD26; EC 3.4.14.5) and (b) whether this truncation affects the susceptibility to cleavage by neutral endopeptidase (NEP; EC 3.4.24.11).

Methods: Human BNP (1–32), A-type natriuretic peptide 1–28 (ANP 1–28), and related peptides were incubated with purified DPP IV and with human plasma. In addition, BNP (1–32), BNP (3–32), and ANP (1–28) were subjected to hydrolysis by NEP. Cleavage products were analyzed by mass spectrometry.

Results: BNP (1–32) was cleaved by purified DPP IV with a specificity constant of 0.37 × 106 L · mol−1 · s−1. The DPP IV activity in EDTA-plasma was able to truncate BNP (1–32) ex vivo. Addition of Vildagliptin, a specific DPP IV inhibitor, prevented this truncation in a concentration-dependent manner. Under in vitro circumstances in which ANP was hydrolyzed extensively, BNP (1–32) and BNP (3–32) were very resistant to NEP-mediated cleavage.

Conclusions: DPP IV cleaves BNP (1–32) with an efficiency higher than or comparable to several known in vivo substrates of the enzyme. Even after loss of the amino-terminal dipeptide, BNP remains highly resistant to cleavage by NEP.
Industrial self-organization in early technology emergence: evidence from Bluetooth application development
Authors: Rice John
Published: October 2005

The resource-based view (RBV) of firms has emerged to provide colour and context to previously homogeneous models of firms and industries. Recent research in this field seeks to better understand the processes of social complexity and causal ambiguity that RBV has developed to explain the elusive impacts of resource interactions within and outside the firm. This article outlines the salient literature in the fields of complexity theory and inter-organizational alliances to develop research questions relating to the motivations for and emergent patterns of these alliances within the context of the Bluetooth standard - an emerging standard for wireless communications.
Organisational viability as a factor in sustainable development of technology
Authors: Hoverstadt Patrick , Bowling Diane
Published: October 2005

This article looks at the impact that the viability of organisations that own and manage technological systems has on the sustainability of that technology. Specifically, it looks at the role that organisational viability through time plays in linking technology to its operating environment
and stakeholders to ensure sustainability. Using three case studies, the authors show how a lack of organisational viability led to technological unsustainability in established industries. Organisational viability is assessed using Beer's Viable System Model (VSM) and this is also used to
address the problems of organisational viability through redesigning the system to ensure sustainability.
Biotechnology generation, delivery and adoption: the case of Bt biopesticide in Egypt
Authors: Ayele Seife
Published: October 2005

This article discusses the successful generation, development and delivery of the Egyptian Bt biopesticide known as ‘Agerin’. Two interlinked processes are identified. The first is the transfer of public research knowledge to the private sector, initiated and supported by
a new institutional arrangement for patenting and transferring public research. The implications of these developments on biotechnology are examined. The second process is the incorporation of the biopesticide Agerin, the ‘hard’ innovation, into what is regarded as the ‘soft’
innovation process, the integrated pest management system (IPM). Through IPM, and within the public sector, optimum conditions for the application of Agerin were created and the product was delivered to farmers. Extension workers played key roles in selecting and demonstrating Agerin to early
adopting farmers. The attributes of Agerin itself (its efficacy, and harmlessness to human health and the environment) added to its appeal. The complex interplay between public and private institutions also contributed to the development, transfer and adoption of the product. The analysis
of this case study provides insights into how biotechnology breakthroughs can be delivered in developing countries
Transferring soft technologies: exploring adaptive theory
Authors: Bessant John , Francis David
Published: October 2005

It has been suggested that the social sciences would benefit if researchers forged a high-level, creative and dynamic interdependence between theory and research, rather than having them remain as relatively separated domains. This has been termed ‘adaptive theory’, as models,
frameworks and conceptual schema are seen as evolving and generative. Adaptive theory asserts that theory construction can be, and should be, subject to continuous improvement - sometimes incremental, sometimes radical. However, few case studies examine how dynamically adapting theory within
the research process works in practice. This article describes an attempt to explore adaptive theory through an action research case study of the transfer of a ‘soft’ technology. The setting for our study is the transfer of a ‘soft’ technology from a UK university to
a mining corporation in Africa. We begin by ‘setting the scene’, summarizing the evolution of technology transfer and suggesting four dimensions that define technological softness. Then we explore how aspects of a soft technology, continuous improvement (CI), were transferred.
Finally, we examine our experience and consider whether we did, in fact, adapt theory or extend understanding of the applicability of extant theories. We conclude that standalone theories were not challenged in a fundamental way but gaps were found and the ways in which theories were configured
for use changed markedly.
‘Seeing or believing’: Harmony Korine and the cinema of self-destruction
Authors: White Duncan
Published: October 2005

The films of writer and director, Harmony Korine (Gummo (1997) and Julien Donkey-Boy (1999)), are considered in terms of the cultural positioning of American ‘independent film making’. The article is critical of overemphasized associations with the work of
Larry Clark and offers an in-depth account of Korine's Eurocentric and highly stylized response to avant-garde film-making processes. The article develops a critical account of Korine's various techniques identified as a new form of realism that challenges the traditional notions of political
and cultural identities inherent to considerations of American ‘place’. Artaudian surrealism, still-life painting and Dogme 95 inform the treatment of Korine's endeavour to unearth hidden and imaginary landscapes resistant to generalized themes of location and orientation in American
film-making.
Book Reviews
Authors: Sorlin Pierre , Orr John , Bayer Gerd , Ferraraz Rogério
Published: October 2005

L'occhio e la pietra: Il cinema, una cultura urbana (The Eye and the Stone: Cinema, An Urban Culture), Marco Bertozzi (2003) Turin: Lindau, 201 pp., ISBN 88-207-3490-7 (hbk), € 19

Abbas Kiarostami, Mehrnaz Saeed-Vafa and Jonathan Rosenbaum (2003)
Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 151 pp., ISBN 0-252-07111-5 (pbk), £12.95

Faking It: Mock-Documentary and the Subversion of Factuality, Jane Roscoe and Craig Hight (2001) Manchester: Manchester University Press, ix + 222 pp., ISBN 0-7190-5640-3 (hbk),
$69.95; ISBN 0-7190-5641-1 (pbk), $24.95

The New Brazilian Cinema, Lúcia Nagib (ed.), (2003) London and New York: I.B. Tauris (in association with The Centre for Brazilian Studies, University of Oxford), 296 pp., ISBN 1-86064-928-9 (pbk), £14.95;
ISBN 1-86064-878-9 (hbk), £42.00
Ong-Bak: New Thai Cinema, Hong Kong and the cult of the ‘real’
Authors: Hunt Leon
Published: October 2005

The article examines the Thai martial arts film Ong-Bak (2003), a commercial success in South East Asia and a growing cult hit in the West. The author looks at the film in three contexts. First, it is placed in the context of ‘New Thai Cinema’, a category associated
with both nationalist and transnational characteristics. Second, the film is seen at the intersection of the relationship between Thai and Hong Kong cinema, with Ong-Bak reworking Hong Kong's tradition of ‘authentic’ stunt work. Finally, the notion of ‘authenticity’
is considered as a ‘return of the real’ in an age of digital action cinema. This is argued to be double-edged, as an alternative to the virtual action of ‘First Cinema’ (and the Matrix sequels in particular), but also complicit in casting Thailand as a ‘primitive’
cinema.
Assessing community change: development of a ‘bare foot’ impact assessment methodology
Authors: Jallov Birgitte
Published: October 2005

Impact assessment is one of a variety of monitoring tools available to ensure that a community radio effectively works towards set objectives and aspirations. In Mozambique a ‘bare-foot’ impact assessment methodology has been designed, tested, revised and implemented with
eight community-owned stations between 2000 and 2005. The present article explores the three separate areas of attention focused upon in this methodology: (1) an internal assessment of the radio's way of functioning as an organism; (2) an assessment of the capacity of the community producers
through their programmes to meet the needs and desires of the community; and (3) the overall objective of it all: assessing the extent to which impact can be registered vis-à-vis a positive development change within the community, empowerment, mending of the social tissue, etc. resulting
from the work of the community radio.
Radio in Madagascar: roles and missions
Authors: Razafimbelo-Harisoa Marie Solange
Published: October 2005

The article examines the distinctive characteristics of radio broadcasting in Madagascar, a country with 200 private local stations and more than 15 regional stations of Malagasy National Radio (RNM). It takes note of the complete freedom of tone among news broadcasters, of the massive
presence in the schedules of spoken news and of magazine programmes dealing with political affairs, and of the fact that Malagasy, the national language, is heard on air throughout almost the whole country. An outline of RNM's service and a review of the different categories of private stations
illustrate the problems facing the medium. Even if RNM experiences excessive control by the State and retains a monopoly of national transmission across the country, radio is a real means of social intervention and of propaganda for the younger generation of politicians, whilst religious organizations
are making a substantial contribution to the sector. All this is not without effect on the practice of local radio and could threaten all the advances made by Madagascar in freedom of expression and free choice of listening.
Book Reviews
Authors: Hilmes Michele , Onions Sarah , Dack John
Published: October 2005

The Audible Past: Cultural Origins of Sound Reproduction,
Jonathan Sterne, (2003) Chapel Hill, NC: Duke University Press, 448 pp., Paperback ISBN 0-822-33013-X, £18.50.

The Soundscape of Modernity: Architectural Acoustics and the Culture of Listening in
America, 1900 to 193s0, Emily Thompson, (2002) Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 510 pp., Hardback ISBN 0-262-20138-0, £10.95.

The Broadcast Voice, Jenni Mills,
(2004) Oxford: Focal Press, 288 pp., Paperback ISBN 0-240-51939-6, £24.99.

Soundscape: The
School of Sound Lectures 1998–2001, Larry Sider, Diane Freeman and Jerry Sider (eds), (2003) London and New York: Wallflower Press, 242 pp., Hardback ISBN 1-903364-68-X, £45. Paperback ISBN 1-903364-59-0, £l15.99.