bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traditional Chinese medicines in the treatment of hepatocellular cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Ping , Dugoua Jean Jacques , Eyawo Oghenowede , Mills Edward J
Published: August 2009

Background

Liver cancer is a common malignancy with a high mortality rate. Given the poor prognosis associated with this cancer, many patients seek additional therapies that may improve quality of life or survival. Several Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) have been evaluated in clinical trials, but little is known about them outside of China.

Methods

We searched independently and in duplicate 8 electronic databases, including 2 Chinese language databases, until February 2009. We included any randomized clinical trials (RCT) evaluating a TCM oral preparation for the treatment of hepatocellular cancers. We abstracted data on survival, tumor response, and performance scores. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis and applied a meta-regression analysis.

Results

We included 45 RCTs (n = 3,236). All studies employed an active control group. In general, the reporting of methodological issues was poor. We analyzed data from 37 trials reporting on complete response effects score (Relative Risk [RR] of 1.26 (95 CI, 1.04–1.52, P = 0.01, I2 = 0%, P = 0.99). Products containing ginseng, astragalus and mylabris had a larger treatment effect (OR 1.34, 95% CI, 1.04–1.71, P = 0.01) than the pooled broad estimate, also the case for astragalus-based treatments (OR 1.35, 95% CI, 1.001–1.80. P = 0.048). We examined survival rates and pooled 15 studies reporting on 6 month outcomes (RR 1.10, 95% CI, 1.04–1.15, P = < 0.0001, I2 = 0%, P = 0.60). This effect was consistent at other prospective dates, including 12 months (22 trials, RR 1.26, 95% CI, 1.17–1.36, P = < 0.0001, I2 = 7%, P = 0.36), 24 months (15 trials, 1.72, 95% CI, 1.40–2.03, P = < 0.0001, I2 = 0%, P = 0.75); and, at 36 months (8 trials, RR 2.40, 95% CI, 1.65–3.49, P = < 0.0001, I2 = 0%, P = 0.62).

Limitations

All included trials were conducted in China where emerging evidence suggests many RCTs are not, in fact, randomized. Publication bias may exist, favouring positive reports.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis displays compelling evidence of effectiveness for hepatocellular cancers that should be evaluated in high-quality and transparent clinical trials.
The free moment in walking and its change with foot rotation angle
Authors: Almosnino Sivan , Kajaks Tara , Costigan Patrick A
Published: August 2009

Background

This investigation characterized the time-history pattern of the free moment (FM) during walking and, additionally, assessed whether walking with either an internally or externally rotated foot position altered the FM's time-history.

Methods

Force plate and foot kinematic data were acquired simultaneously for 11 healthy subjects (6 males, 5 females) while walking at their self-selected comfortable speed in 3 foot rotation conditions (normal, internal and external). The FM was calculated and normalized by the product of each participant's body weight and height prior to extraction of peak FM, occurrence of peak FM in stance and net relative impulse. Differences in these values across foot rotation conditions were assessed using separate one-way, repeated measures analysis of variance and subsequent pair-wise comparisons.

Results

The average FM pattern during normal walking exhibits a biphasic shape: resisting inward rotation during approximately the first half of stance and outward rotation during the latter part of stance. While no differences in peak FM or net relative impulse were observed between the internal foot rotation condition and normal walking, the external foot rotation condition resulted in significantly greater peak FM and relative net impulse in comparison to normal walking.

Conclusion

The differences in selected FM variables between normal walking and the external foot rotation condition are attributable to individual subject response to walking with an externally rotated foot. In this condition, some subjects displayed a FM pattern that was similar to that recorded during normal walking, while others displayed markedly larger FM patterns that are comparable in magnitude to those reported for running. The larger FM values in these latter subjects are speculated to be a result of excessive transverse plane body movements. Whilst further investigation is warranted regarding the FM time-history characteristics during walking, our results indicate that the FM may provide useful information in assessment of gait.
Functional constipation in children: does maternal personality matter?
Authors: Farnam Alireza , Rafeey Mandana , Farhang Sara , Khodjastejafari Saeedeh
Published: August 2009

Aim

To identify personality dimensions of mothers with a constipated child and compare it with those mothers of children without defecation problems.

Methods

We compared mothers of 150 children with functional constipation to mothers of 150 children with no such a problem attending to pediatric hospital of Tabriz University of medical sciences. Personality dimensions were evaluated by NEO five factor inventory after excluding any psychiatric disorders by an interview.

Results

Mean age (SD) was 28.8(18.6) months in constipated children and 20.0(19.3) months in controls, 54.6% of constipated children and 56.7% of controls were male. Mean age (SD) was 30.9(7.1) years in mothers of children with functional constipation and 30.1(7.6) years in controls.

Mothers of children with functional constipation scored lower in neuroticism and scored higher in extraversion, conscientiousness and agreeableness. Conscientiousness was the dominant dimension of personality in both groups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest the maternal personality as a factor to directly influence toileting behavior of their children resulting in functional constipation.
Brewing complications: the effect of acute ethanol exposure on wound healing
Authors: Radek Katherine A , Ranzer Matthew J , DiPietro Luisa A
Published: August 2009

Review on how acute ethanol exposure causes immediate and long-term impairment of wound healing and reduces wound angiogenesis.

Ethanol consumption is linked to a higher incidence of traumatic wounds and increases the risk for morbidity and mortality following surgical or traumatic injury. One of the most profound effects of acute ethanol exposure on wound healing occurs during the inflammatory response, and altered cytokine production is a primary component. Acute ethanol exposure also impairs the proliferative response during healing, causing delays in epithelial coverage, collagen synthesis, and blood vessel regrowth. The accumulated data support the paradigm that acute ethanol intoxication prior to injury significantly diminishes a patient’s ability to heal efficiently.
Abi plays an opposing role to Abl inDrosophilaaxonogenesis and synaptogenesis
Authors: Lin Tzu-Yang , Huang Chiu-Hui , Kao Hsiu-Hua , Liou Gan-Guang , Yeh Shih-Rung , Cheng Chih-Ming , Chen Mei-Hsin , Pan Rong-Long , Juang Jyh-Lyh
Published: August 2009

Abl tyrosine kinase (Abl) regulates axon guidance by modulating actin dynamics. Abelson interacting protein (Abi), originally identified as a kinase substrate of Abl, also plays a key role in actin dynamics, yet its role with respect to Abl in the developing nervous system remains unclear. Here we show that mutations in abi disrupt axonal patterning in the developing Drosophila central nervous system (CNS). However, reducing abi gene dosage by half substantially rescues Abl mutant phenotypes in pupal lethality, axonal guidance defects and locomotion deficits. Moreover, we show that mutations in Abl increase synaptic growth and spontaneous synaptic transmission frequency at the neuromuscular junction. Double heterozygosity for abi and enabled(ena) also suppresses the synaptic overgrowth phenotypes of Abl mutants, suggesting that Abi acts cooperatively with Ena to antagonize Abl function in synaptogenesis. Intriguingly, overexpressing Abi or Ena alone in cultured cells dramatically redistributed peripheral F-actin to the cytoplasm, with aggregates colocalizing with Abi and/or Ena, and resulted in a reduction in neurite extension. However, co-expressing Abl with Abi or Ena redistributed cytoplasmic F-actin back to the cell periphery and restored bipolar cell morphology. These data suggest that abi and Ablhave an antagonistic interaction in Drosophila axonogenesis and synaptogenesis, which possibly occurs through the modulation of F-actin reorganization.
Systematic analysis of dynamic miRNA-target interactions during C. elegans development
Authors: Zhang Liang , Hammell Molly , Kudlow Brian A. , Ambros Victor , Han Min
Published: August 2009

Although microRNA (miRNA)-mediated functions have been implicated in many aspects of animal development, the majority of miRNA::mRNA regulatory interactions remain to be characterized experimentally. We used an AIN/GW182 protein immunoprecipitation approach to systematically analyze miRNA::mRNA interactions during C. elegans development. We characterized the composition of miRNAs in functional miRNA-induced silencing complexes(miRISCs) at each developmental stage and identified three sets of miRNAs with distinct stage-specificity of function. We then identified thousands of miRNA targets in each developmental stage, including a significant portion that is subject to differential miRNA regulation during development. By identifying thousands of miRNA family-mRNA pairs with temporally correlated patterns of AIN-2 association, we gained valuable information on the principles of physiological miRNA::target recognition and predicted 1589 high-confidence miRNA family::mRNA interactions. Our data support the idea that miRNAs preferentially target genes involved in signaling processes and avoid genes with housekeeping functions, and that miRNAs orchestrate temporal developmental programs by coordinately targeting or avoiding genes involved in particular biological functions.
From cultural cohesion to rules and competition: the trajectory of senior management culture in English NHS hospitals, 2001–2008
Authors: Mannion Russell , Harrison Stephen , Jacobs Rowena , Konteh Frederick , Walshe Kieran , Davies Huw TO
Published: August 2009

Summary

Objectives

To assess changes in senior management culture in English NHS hospitals between 2001 and 2008.

Design

Longitudinal study comprising cross-sectional surveys of board levels managers at three time-points using a validated culture measurement instrument – the Competing Values Framework.

Setting

English NHS hospital trusts.

Main outcomes

There has been a decline in ‘Clan’ and an increase in more competitive ‘Rational’ cultures among senior management teams in NHS hospital trusts during the period 2001–2008.

Conclusions

Government policy for the NHS has espoused the desirability of competition, particularly since 2002. Our data suggest that corresponding changes in the cultures of senior management teams in NHS hospital trusts is beginning to occur, with the expectation that these organizations will pursue more competitive strategies.
Multiattribute Utility Copulas
Authors: Abbas Ali E.
Published: August 2009

We introduce the notion of a multiattribute utility copula that expresses any (i) continuous; (ii) bounded multiattribute utility function that is (iii) nondecreasing with each of its arguments, and (iv) strictly increasing with each argument for at least one reference value of the complement attributes, in terms of single-attribute utility assessments. This formulation provides a wealth of new functional forms that can be used to model preferences over utility-dependent attributes and enables sensitivity analyses to some of the widely used functional forms of utility independence. We introduce a class of utility copulas, called Archimedean utility copulas, and discuss the conditions under which it yields the additive and multiplicative forms. We also discuss linear and composite transformations of utility copulas that construct utility functions with partial utility independence. We conclude with the risk aversion functions that are induced by utility copula formulations and work through several examples to illustrate the approach.
Inventory Management of a Fast-Fashion Retail Network
Authors: Caro Felipe , Gallien Jérémie
Published: August 2009

Working in collaboration with Spain-based retailer Zara, we address the problem of distributing, over time, a limited amount of inventory across all the stores in a fast-fashion retail network. Challenges specific to that environment include very short product life cycles, and store policies whereby an article is removed from display whenever one of its key sizes stocks out. To solve this problem, we first formulate and analyze a stochastic model predicting the sales of an article in a single store during a replenishment period as a function of demand forecasts, the inventory of each size initially available, and the store inventory management policy just stated. We then formulate a mixed-integer program embedding a piecewise-linear approximation of the first model applied to every store in the network, allowing us to compute store shipment quantities maximizing overall predicted sales, subject to inventory availability and other constraints. We report the implementation of this optimization model by Zara to support its inventory distribution process, and the ensuing controlled pilot experiment performed to assess the model's impact relative to the prior procedure used to determine weekly shipment quantities. The results of that experiment suggest that the new allocation process increases sales by 3% to 4%, which is equivalent to $275 M in additional revenues for 2007, reduces transshipments, and increases the proportion of time that Zara's products spend on display within their life cycle. Zara is currently using this process for all of its products worldwide.
A Power-of-Two Ordering Policy for One-Warehouse Multiretailer Systems with Stochastic Demand
Authors: Chu Leon Yang , Shen Zuo-Jun Max
Published: August 2009

We study a two-echelon supply chain with one warehouse and N (nonidentical) retailers facing stochastic demand. An easy-to-implement inventory policy, the so-called power-of-two (POT) policy, is proposed to manage inventory for the system. To maintain a certain service level, safety stocks are kept at the warehouse and each retailer outlet to buffer random demand. Our analysis highlights the important role of the warehouse safety stock level, which, in addition to the length of the warehouse order interval, significantly affects the lengths of the retailers' order intervals. By combining the length of the warehouse order interval with the warehouse safety stock level, we introduce a plane partition method and develop a polynomial time algorithm to find a POT policy for arbitrary target service levels. The long-run average cost of the proposed POT policy is guaranteed to be no more than 1.26 times the optimal POT policy cost. We also show that our proposed policy can be computed in O(N3).
Star director as symptom: reflections on the reception of Fatih Akn in the Turkish media
Authors: Erdoan Nezih
Published: August 2009

The emergence of transnational cinemas has effected a shift in the existing paradigm of national/cultural identity. Critical work produced by writers such as Deniz Gktrk, Mahmut Mutman and Asuman Suner points to the possibilities that these films, made for the most part by directors
with hyphenated identity, may offer. However, the popular discourse of newspapers and magazines appears to follow an entirely different path. Roland Barthes once said: Those who do not read a text twice are destined to read it everywhere. This essay seeks to observe how popular media discourse
writes itself into the star director Fatih Akn, thus making him a symptom of its ideological structure.
Decreased placental oxygenation capacity in pre-eclampsia: clinical application of a novel index of placental function preformed at the time of delivery
Authors: Matsuo Koji , Malinow Andrew M. , Harman Chris R. , Baschat Ahmet A.
Published: August 2009

Objective: We have previously described placental oxygenation capacity as an index of placental function. The aim of this study was to utilize this test to evaluate placental gas exchange capacity in pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Study design: Two nested case-control studies were conducted between: (i) pre-eclamptic appropriate-for-gestational-age fetus (AGA) and non-pre-eclamptic AGA; and (ii) pre-eclamptic FGR and non-pre-eclamptic FGR based on gestational age match. Umbilical A-V gas differences were compared between groups.

Results: Pre-eclamptic AGA was associated with smaller A-V pO2 and A-V pCO2 differences compared to non-pre-eclampsia (A-V pO2, 7.1±3.8 mm Hg vs. 11.3±5.9 mm Hg, P=0.001; A-V pCO2, 7.8±5.7 mm Hg vs. 10.7± 5.9 mm Hg, P=0.01). Pre-eclamptic FGR was associated with smaller A-V pO2 and A-V pCO2 differences compared to non-pre-eclampsia (A-V pO2, 6.6±3.1 mm Hg vs. 10.8±8.1 mm Hg, P<0.001; 6.7±4.5 mm Hg vs. 10.9±10.3 mm Hg, P=0.044). Pre-eclamptic FGR also had significantly lower venous pO2 but not arterial pO2 (Venous pO2, 20.3±6.3 mm Hg vs. 25.4±11.9 mm Hg, P=0.003).

Conclusion: Pre-eclampsia decreases the placental oxygenation capacity as measured by the umbilical arterial-venous oxygen difference.
Guidelines on CMV congenital infection
Authors: Coll Oriol , Benoist Guillaume , Ville Yves , Weisman Leonard E. , Botet Francesc , Maurizio M. Anceschi the WAPM Perinatal Infections Working Group: , Greenough Anne , Gibbs Ronald S. , Carbonell-Estrany (coordinator) Xavier
Published: August 2009

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection occurs in 0.6–0.7% of all newborns and is the most prevalent infection-related cause of congenital neurological handicap. Vertical transmission occurs in around 30% of cases, but the fetus is not always affected. Symptomatic newborns at birth have a much higher risk of suffering severe neurological sequelae. Detection of specific IgG and IgM and IgG avidity seem to be the most reliable tests to identify a primary infection but interpretation in a clinical context may be difficult. If a seroconversion is documented or a fetal infection is suspected by ultrasound markers, an amniocentesis should be performed to confirm a vertical transmission. In the absence of a confirmed fetal infection with fetal structural anomalies, a pregnancy termination should be discouraged. Fetal prognosis is mainly correlated to the presence of brain damage. Despite promising results with the use of antiviral drugs and CMV hyperimmune globulin (HIG), results have to be interpreted with caution. Pregnant women should not be systematically tested for CMV during pregnancy. Managing CMV screening should be restricted to pregnancies where a primary infection is suspected or among women at high risk. The magnitude of congenital CMV disease and the value of interventions to prevent its transmission or to decrease the sequelae need to be established before implementing public health interventions. In this paper, aspects of CMV infection in the pregnant woman and her infant are reviewed.
Complex Task Performance as a Basis for Developing Cognitive Engineering Guidelines in Adaptive Automation
Authors: Gluckman Jonathan P. , Morrison Jeffrey G. , Deaton John E.
Published: August 2009

This paper describes the first of a series of Cockpit Automation Studies (CAS-1). The study examines performance on two tasks performed separately and in combination. The tasks were selected to represent tasks found in a tactical aircraft cockpit and were derived from standard laboratory tasks. The results of the study have implications for the utility of resource theory in understanding and predicting complex task performance, and for the use of adaptive automation systems. On-going and planned research is also discussed.
Pilots' Attitudes to Cockpit Automation
Authors: McClumpha A J , James M , Green R G , Belyavin A J
Published: August 2009

This paper reports the results of a survey of UK civil pilots' attitudes to automation on the flight deck. The progressive automation of cockpit systems has been motivated by the requirement for more efficient, safer flight. However, increasing automation in civil cockpits has created much controversy. A confidential 78 item attitude survey was distributed to all licensed UK civil pilots (in excess of 11000). Attitudes were recruited on eleven areas from general attitudes to specific aspects of flying skills, workload, crew interaction, feedback, and training. Over 1372 completed questionnaires were returned with 572 from ‘glass cockpit’ pilots. The attitude responses from glass cockpit pilots were subjected to principal components analysis. This analysis identified four factors that account for over 31% of the variance. These factors address aspects of understanding, workload, skills, and design. The use of these data to help guide future developments in integrated cockpit automation will be discussed.
Perspective versus Plan View Air Traffic Control Displays: Survey and Empirical Results
Authors: Burnett Meridyth Svensa , Barfield Woodrow
Published: August 2009

A survey was distributed and an experiment was performed to analyze two air traffic control (ATC) color-coded display formats: (1) the currently used plan view display format, and (2) a perspective display format. The results of both the survey and experiment were used to extract specific user requirements from which specifications could be applied to design a three-dimensional, dynamic, color-coded, perspective display for use in an ATC environment. The emphasis of the survey and current experiment focused on the air traffic controller's point of view in terms of cognitive workloads, task and information requirements, color preferences, and air traffic workloads relative to traffic density and complexity. Fifteen full-performance air traffic controllers performed three timed tasks: (1) resolve impending air traffic conflicts, (2) identify the callsigns of aircraft in the highest and lowest actual altitudes, and (3) reconstruct air traffic situations. Two levels of traffic density were crossed with two display types for six different ATC scenarios. The results indicated that for the conflict resolution task performance was faster for the perspective display format only in the lower density level, and performance was the same for both display types in the higher density level. Performance for altitude extraction task for both density levels was faster for the perspective display format than for the plan view display format. Performance was the same for the reconstruction task for both display types and both density levels. Finally, performance was faster for the conflict resolution task than for the altitude extraction task across both display types and both density levels.
The Development of an Altitude Awareness Program: An Integrated Approach
Authors: Granda Thomas M. , McClure Donald H. , Fogarty James W.
Published: August 2009

The nature and rate of altitude deviations are briefly discussed. The development and implementation of the USAir Altitude Awareness Program, which was established to decrease the number of altitude deviations at USAir, is presented. This paper primarily describes two aspects of USAir's Altitude Awareness Program. The first aspect involves the program's emphasis on the cockpit procedural changes instituted at USAir to lower the rate of altitude “busts.” The second aspect concerns a study involving pilots which seeks to understand the nature of individual altitude deviation incidents and provide a basis for understanding the common human error components of altitude deviations in general. The emphasis in this paper is on showing the extent of the data collection effort and in presenting some preliminary results from that data collection effort.
Experimental Validation of the Attention Switching Component of the COGNET Framework
Authors: Ryder Joan M. , Zachary Wayne W.
Published: August 2009

COGNET has recently been proposed as a general cognitive model of human-computer interaction in real-time, multi-tasking environments. A main feature is a component that models human operator attention shifts as a product of competing task demands and a dynamic external environment. An experimental validation of that attention switching component was undertaken, using a previously reported COGNET model. Separate data were collected from subjects used to build the original COGNET model, and new (but equally expert) subjects. The model was found to predict 90% of all observed task instances (p < .01) for the original subjects, and a surprising 94% for new subjects. For predicted tasks, the model prediction was also found to lead actual task initiation by an average of 3.2 min. for original subjects and 2.2 min. for new subjects (over an average problem duration of 90 min.).
Individual Pilot Differences Related to Situation Awareness
Authors: Bolstad Cheryl A.
Published: August 2009

A pilot's ability to maintain a high level of situation awareness (SA) has been widely recognized as an important component of mission success and survivability in the air combat arena. The need for SA enhancement has led to the creation of a test battery designed to measure pilot attributes that are thought to correlate to SA. By correlating SA performance measures with results from the selected attribute tests, it will be possible to develop highly focused instructional methods that will improve performance in the attributes, thus enhancing SA.
Behavioral Validation of a Hazardous Thought Pattern Instrument
Authors: Holt Robert W. , Boehm-Davis Deborah A. , Fitzgerald Karen A. , Matyuf Margaret M. , Baughman Wayne A. , Littman David C.
Published: August 2009

One approach to examining errors or potential errors in aviation has focused on measuring the hazardous thought patterns of pilots. Previous research identified five thought patterns and assumed that all pilots fall into one of these categories. The current research was designed to develop and behaviorally validate a new instrument to measure hazardous thought patterns. The research confirmed previous work in finding five hazardous thought patterns. However, the research also suggested the presence of a sixth factor related to confidence/competence. The validation suggested that the individual hazardous thought patterns differentially predicted accidents and incidents. The behavioral validation also identified relationships between particular hazardous thought patterns and specific driving behaviors that supported the validity and utility of the newly designed instrument.
Insights into Pilot Situation Awareness Using Verbal Protocol Analysis
Authors: Sullivan Christopher , Blackman Harold S.
Published: August 2009

The relationship between long-term memory structures and working memory in maintaining pilot situation awarness was investigated using verbal protocol analysis. Two groups of pilots were studied: experts and novices. Each group of pilots flew 3 scenarios on an F-16 Air Intercept Trainer. Each scenario simulated air-to-air interception of one, two, or four enemy aircraft by one F-16 fighter pilot. Verbal reports were segmented and encoded according to a functional model of training F-16 pilots receive. In addition subjective workload ratings were measured in each experimental condition. Preliminary analyses of the data only provide a modicum of support for this hypothesis. Further analysis is being done.
In-Vitro Modeling of the Dynamic Forces in the Femoropopliteal Artery
Authors: Nikanorov Alexander , Mach Albert J. , Lenaway Lisa , Zhao Hugh , Schwartz Lewis B.
Published: August 2009

The use of intravascular stents in the femoropopliteal artery (FPA) continues to be controversial due to the potential fractures in the dynamic environment. The purpose of this study was to (1) develop a representative in-vitro model that simulates physiological motion of the FPA during knee and hip flexion and (2) use the model to characterize the types and ranges of stent distortion produced by extremity movement. This model eliminates inconsistencies often observed in cadaveric models and clinical subjects due to individual anatomical differences, and allows testing with large sample sizes in a controlled environment for variable (tubing length, material, diameter, and thickness) modification. A comparative evaluation of axial mechanical property and elasticity was conducted between the tubing intended to simulate arteries and the ex-vivo porcine carotid arteries, favoring the selection of silicone tubing. The model was assessed for its unstented and stented arterial bending and axial compression under three physiological motions: straight leg, walking (knee/hip flexion 70°/20°), and sitting/stair climbing (knee/hip flexion 90°/90°). Self-expanding nitinol stents implanted in the simulated mid-superficial femoral artery and popliteal artery (PA) of the model exhibit axial compression of 4.5±0.3 % and 7±0.3 % (knee/hip flexion 70°/20°), and 8.4±0.7 % and 8±0.2 % (knee/hip flexion 90°/90°). Stents implanted in the simulated PA exhibit bending of 40° and 74° from knee/hip angle changes to 70°/20° and to 90°/90°, respectively. The model demonstrated stent bending and compression as previously observed in cadaver studies. Additional analysis of stent motion (torsion, localized bending, radial compression) may be evaluated with more advanced imaging techniques and additional model development. The data generated in these analyses could support appropriate modes and parameters for stent fatigue testing, and better understanding of vascular device performance in the dynamic FPA.
Comparison of Linear Visco-Elastic Complex Modulus and Yield Shear Stress in DSR Moisture Damage Test
Authors: Cho Dong-Woo , Lee Tai Sik , Lee SangYum , Bahia Hussain U.
Published: August 2009

Moisture damage tormenting asphalt pavement materials is a very complex interaction occurring between asphalt binder, its aggregate, and water. To estimate or index the moisture sensitivity of the asphalt pavement materials, compacted asphalt mixtures are commonly used in mechanical tests providing a strength-related parameter for evaluating moisture susceptibility. The compacted mixture structures, however, can cause a problem that fundamental properties between asphalt binder and its aggregate are easily stumbled behind the complicated aggregates-asphalt-air voids structure. In order to help resolve this problem and find the fundamental properties such as adhesion or cohesion strength, dynamic shear rheometer and rock disks were used in a modification way of the standard asphalt binder testing protocol, and functional parameters such as yield shear stress (YSS) and wet to dry (W/D) YSS ratio were found in the previous research. A protocol more advanced and in more detail than the previous research is suggested in this subsequent study. In addition, the relative independence of the YSS and W/D YSS ratio is proven upon heating effects, and the sensitivity of the parameters to material-specific is also reaffirmed, in more tests performed for this research. For this proving process, rheological values measured per heating cycle are compared and plotted. The results, analyzed with more data than measured in the previous research, indicate that YSS and W/D YSS ratio, even in the expanded data set, can be alternative parameters to evaluate moisture damage.
Mixed Micellization of Alkylbenzene Sulfonate Gemini Surfactant Ia and Nonionic Surfactant Triton X-100 in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Du Xigang , Lu Yao , Wu Huijue
Published: August 2009

The interaction between the alkylbenzene sulfonate Gemini surfactant Ia and the conventional nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 was investigated. The critical micelle concentrations of different mixtures were measured by surface tension measurement in aqueous solution at 298 K. The results suggested that the critical micelle concentration of different mixtures at any mole ratio was lower than that of either pure Ia or Triton X-100 surfactant, indicating synergetic behavior. And the interaction parameter (ßvalues) for the mixed micelles were negative, showing attractive interaction between these surfactant molecules. Furthermore, the micelle aggregation number (N) was measured using a steady state fluorescence quenching method. TheNvalues of the mixed surfactant system were larger than that of pure Ia but lower than pure Triton X-100 at all mole ratios. And the micropolarity of micelles becomes small gradually with the increase of the mole ratio of the Gemini surfactant Ia.
Solution Thermodynamics of some Imidazolium-based Ionic Liquids in Water and Aliphatic Alcohols
Authors: Zhao Yang , Chen Zhenhua , Wang Jianji , Zhuo Kelei
Published: August 2009

The solubilities of imidazolium-based ionic liquids [C4mim][PF6], [C6mim][PF6] and [C6mim][BF4] in water, ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, iso-butanol and n-pentanol have been determined from 278.15 K to 323.15 K with 5.0 K intervals by using UV-vis spectroscopy. It is shown that the characteristics of ionic liquids and solvents have significant effect on the solubilities. An increase in the alkyl chain length of the alcohol resulted in a decrease in the solubility. By increasing the alkyl chain length on the cation of the ionic liquids, the solubility increased in the alcohols but decreased in water. The nature of anion was shown to have a great impact on the solubility both in the alcohols and in water. The solution thermodynamic parameters of the ionic liquids and the thermodynamic parameters of transfer for the ionic liquids from water to the alcohols were calculated from the solubility data at different temperatures. The results has been discussed from the differences in the ionic liquid–ionic liquid, ionic liquid–water and ionic liquid–alcohol interactions.
An Examination of Factors Related to Work‐to‐family Conflict among Employed Men and Women in Japan
Authors: Kato Michiko , Yamazaki Yoshihiko
Published: August 2009

An Examination of Factors Related to Work‐to‐family Conflict among Employed Men and Women in Japan: Michiko Kato, et al. Department of Health Sociology, Division of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

Objectives

The aims of this study of Japanese married employees were: 1) to examine the relationship between work‐related factors and work‐to‐family conflict (WFC); 2) to examine the relationship between WFC and fatigue and depression; and 3) to explore the role of family togetherness in a path between WFC and health.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among employees belonging to a labor union federation of the chemical industry. All analyses were conducted by subgroup according to gender and parental status.

Results

Data was collected from 12 companies located in the Tokyo metropolitan area from September to October 2005. The data of 961 married employees were analyzed. The main findings by regression analyses were: 1) high job demands, low job control, and unsupportive work‐family culture were associated with high level of WFC; 2) WFC was positively associated with fatigue and depression regardless of gender and parental status; and 3) maintaining family togetherness was slightly, yet significantly associated with fatigue in the father group.

Conclusions

WFC was unfavorably related to fatigue and depression in both genders regardless of parental status, and plays a role linking unfavorable work situations and health. As possible work‐related factors of WFC, the data indicate not only individual workplace variables but also an organizational support. Additionally, maintaining family togetherness appears to benefit fathers by preventing fatigue. Strategies for reduction of WFC are therefore necessary to promote health among married workers of both genders.
Effects of Co‐exposure to Noise and Mixture of Organic Solvents on Blood Pressure
Authors: Chang Ta‐Yuan , Wang Ven‐Shing , Hwang Bing‐Fang , Yen Hsin‐Yu , Lai Jim‐Shoung , Liu Chiu‐Shong , Lin Shou‐Yu
Published: August 2009

Effects of Co‐exposure to Noise and Mixture of Organic Solvents on Blood Pressure: Ta‐Yuan Chang, et al. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taiwan, ROC

Objectives

Independent exposure to noise or organic solvents is reported to be associated with cardiovascular effects, but the effect of joint exposure is unclear. The present study aimed to investigate effects of noise, a mixture of organic solvents (N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) and toluene) and their interaction on hypertension.

Methods

We recruited 59 volunteers working in a synthetic leather manufacturing company during 2005–2006. Both personal noise exposure and airborne co‐exposure to DMF and toluene at work were measured and used to calculate the mixed hazard index (HI). Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to estimate between‐group differences of hypertension by controlling for potential confounders.

Results

We found that 18 co‐exposure workers (82.22 ± 2.70 dBA and a mixed HI of 0.53 ± 0.20) had the highest prevalence of hypertension (55.6%) compared to 15 solvent‐exposure workers (a mixed HI of 0.32 ± 0.18; 46.7%), 9 noise‐exposure workers (84.13 ± 2.30 dBA; 44.4%) and 17 low‐exposure workers (11.8%). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of hypertension compared to low‐exposure workers increased from 7.9 times (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.9–66.3; p=0.06) in solvent‐exposure workers and 9.1 times (OR=9.1, 95% CI=1.0–81.1; p<0.05) in noise‐exposure workers to 13.5 times (95% CI=1.5–117.8; p<0.05) in co‐exposure workers.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that co‐exposure to noise, DMF and toluene is associated with hypertension in synthetic leather workers. Simultaneous exposure to noise and a mixture of organic solvents may have a sub‐additive effect on the risk of hypertension.
Occupational Risk due to Violence in a Psychiatric Ward
Authors: Salerno Silvana , Dimitri Laura , Talamanca Irene Figà
Published: August 2009

Occupational Risk due to Violence in a Psychiatric Ward: Silvana Salerno, et al. Division of Biomedicine, ENEA, Italy

Objectives

This study aimed to elucidate causes of aggression from clinical records of a psychiatric ward of a major urban public hospital where aggression towards Health Care Workers [HCWs] was the second leading cause of hospital work‐related injuries after needlesticks.

Methods

Psychiatric patients' clinical records for the period 2002–2005 were examined and coded. Data were analysed with the case‐control approach to identify the determinants of the aggressive behavior towards HCWs, after adjustment for age, gender, nationality and diagnosis of the patients.

Results

We examined 2.196 records and identified 321 individuals who had become violent at least once towards nurses, pshysicians or other patients or relatives during their hospitalization. The victims of the aggressive behavior were mainly nurses. A history of involuntary admission was strongly associated with aggression [OR 4.5, 95% CI 3.4–5.9]. Diagnosis, gender and nationality of the patients were not predictive of aggressive behavior towards HCWs.

Conclusions

Involuntary admission to a psychiatric ward might be a cause of violent behavior towards health care workers, mainly nurses.
Body Mass Index and Serum γ‐glutamyltransferase Level as Risk Factors for Injuries Related to Professional Horse Racing: A Prospective Study
Authors: Tobari Hiroko , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Noda Hiroyuki , Tanigawa Takeshi , Iso Hiroyasu
Published: August 2009

Body Mass Index and Serum γ‐glutamyltransferase Level as Risk Factors for Injuries Related to Professional Horse Racing: A Prospective Study: Hiroko Tobari, et al. Department of Public Health Medicine, Doctoral Programs in Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba

Objectives

Prevention of horse‐related injuries is considered difficult because horse behavior is unpredictable. Therefore, risk factors for injuries related to professional horse racing need to be investigated. We conducted a study to determine whether body mass index (BMI) and γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels are associated with professional horse racing‐related injuries.

Methods

A baseline healthy survey of 546 male grooms and exercise riders aged 40–70 yr working at Miho Training Center, the largest racing‐horse training facility in Japan, was performed in May 2003. A total of 93 occupational injuries occurred from June 1, 2003 to December 31, 2005. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine associations between the risk of injury and BMI and GGT.

Results

Grooms and exercise riders with BMI <20 kg/m2 or with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 compared to BMI=20.0–22.9 kg/m2 had 2.5 to 3.5‐fold higher age‐adjusted risks of injuries. The multivariate hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) after adjustment for age, GGT, smoking habit, and history of injuries were 3.5 (1.5 to 8.4) and 2.4 (1.2 to 4.8) for grooms, 3.1 (1.2 to 8.2) and 1.9 (0.4 to 10.1) for exercise riders, respectively. The age‐adjusted hazard ratio of injuries for persons with GGT ≥100 IU/l was 2.0 to 2.5‐fold higher than for those with GGT <60 IU/l. The multivariate hazard ratios were 1.9 (1.0 to 3.6) for grooms and 2.5 (1.0 to 6.2) for exercise riders.

Conclusions

Low and high BMI and high GGT were associated with professional horse racing‐related injuries.
Time‐dependent Changes of Blood Parameters and Fluoride Kinetics in Rats after Acute Exposure to Subtoxic Hydrofluoric Acid
Authors: Imanishi Masafumi , Dote Tomotaro , Tsuji Hiroshi , Tanida Eri , Yamadori Emi , Kono Koichi
Published: August 2009

Time‐dependent Changes of Blood Parameters and Fluoride Kinetics in Rats after Acute Exposure to Subtoxic Hydrofluoric Acid: Masafumi Imanishi, et al. Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Osaka Medical College

Objectives

In our previous study, we reported that even a sublethal dose of hydrofluoric acid (HFA) could cause acute toxic effects 60 min after intravenous injection. This study was designed to investigate the time‐ and dose‐dependent changes associated with these disorders. The serum fluoride (F) kinetics are also considered in the discussion of the relationship between the concentrations of serum F and the disorders.

Methods

Rats were injected with HFA (1.6 or 9.6 mg/kg body weight) for the dose‐response relationship study. For each dose, the rats were assigned to one of seven groups. Blood samples of the 0‐min group were obtained from the carotid artery prior to injection as a control. The other six groups were labeled according to sampling times (5, 10, 30, 60, 120 and 300‐min) in the time‐dependent study.

Results

The 1.6 mg/kg dose decreased the ionized calcium (Ca2+) level significantly after 30 min, and it also decreased the total calcium (Ca) level after 300 min. The 9.6 mg/kg dose rapidly worsened renal dysfunction after 60 min. It increased the serum potassium level after 60 and 120 min and it decreased Ca and Ca2+levels until 300 min. Although there was respiratory compensation, the base excess and HCO3–level and had not completely recovered by 300 min.

Conclusions

Even low exposure to HFA caused renal dysfunction, and electrolyte abnormalities and metabolic acidosis lasted for several hours in rats. Therefore, persons involved in HFA accidental exposure should be closely monitored over time, even if the exposure is less than the sublethal dose.
Hepatitis C: sexual or intrafamilial transmission? Epidemiological and phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis C virus in 24 infected couples
Authors: Cavalheiro Norma de Paula , De La Rosa Abel , Elagin Slava , Tengan Fátima Mitiko , Araújo Evaldo Stanislau Affonso de , Barone Antonio Alci
Published: August 2009

The role of sexual or intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C is controversial. A phylogenetic analysis was performed on the non-structural region 5B of the hepatitis C virus (NS5B-HCV). High percentages of homology (mean of 98.3%) were shown between the couples. Twenty (83.3%) of the 24 men but only two of the women (8.3%) reported having had sexually transmitted diseases during their lives. The risk factors for HCV acquisition were blood transfusion (10 couples), use of illegal injected drugs (17), use of inhalants (15), acupuncture (5) and tattoos (5). The shared use of personal hygiene items included toothbrushes between six couples (25%), razor blades between 16 (66.7%), nail clippers between 21 (87.5%) and manicure pliers between 14 (58.3%). The high degree of similarity of the hepatitis C virus genome supports the hypothesis of hepatitis C virus transmission between these couples. The shared use of personal hygiene items suggests the possibility of intrafamilial transmission of infection.
Serum proteins and fractions, HDL-cholesterol and total IgG and IgE levels in cases of acute and chronic paracoccidioidomycosis
Authors: Marquez Audrey de Souza , Moreira Adriana Pardini Vicentini , Leonello Paula Cesar , Nakanishi Fernanda Akemi , Itano Eiko Nakagawa
Published: August 2009

This study evaluated serum protein fractions, HDL-cholesterol, total immunoglobulin G and total immunoglobulin E levels in patients with acute and chronic paracoccidioidomycosis, by means of electrophoresis, enzymatic reaction and immunoenzymatic assay. The results demonstrated elevated levels of total immunoglobulin G, total immunoglobulin E, alpha-2 and gamma-globulins, which were more evident in acute than in chronic PCM, but no increase in HDL-cholesterol levels. There was a correlation between the levels of total immunoglobulin E and gamma-globulins and the alpha-2 and beta-globulin fractions in the acute form and between beta and gamma-globulins in both the acute and the chronic form. In conclusion, changes in total immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin E levels and in the electrophoretic profile may be important markers for the prognosis and therapeutic follow-up of PCM cases, especially because protein electrophoresis is a simple laboratory test that can be applied when specific PCM serological tests are not available. In addition, levels of the gamma-globulin fraction greater than 2.0g/dl may suggest that the patient is developing a more severe form of PCM.
Caracterização molecular do HTLV-1/2 em doadores de sangue em Belém, Estado do Pará: primeira descrição do subtipo HTLV-2b na região Amazônica
Authors: Santos Ethienne Lobato dos , Tamegão-Lopes Bruna , Machado Luiz Fernando Almeida , Ishak Marluísa de Oliveira Guimarães , Ishak Ricardo , Lemos José Alexandre Rodrigues de , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário
Published: August 2009

Este trabalho objetivou a caracterização molecular do vírus linfotrópico de células T humanas infectando doadores de sangue atendidos na Fundação Centro de Hemoterapia e Hematologia do Pará. Amostras de DNA de 79 indivíduos soropositivos para o vírus linfotrópico de células T humanas foram analisadas por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase para as regiões genômicas pX, env e 5'LTR, de polimorfismos de comprimento de fragmentos de restrição e do seqüenciamento da região 5LTR, com posterior análise filogenética, definindo o tipo e o subtipo do HTLV circulante na população estudada. Observou-se uma maior prevalência de HTLV-1 (71%) em relação ao HTLV-2 (29%). As amostras de HTLV-1 sequenciadas foram classificadas como pertencentes ao subtipo Cosmopolita, subgrupo Transcontinental, sendo as de HTLV-2 identificadas como HTLV-2c. A análise de polimorfismos de comprimento de fragmentos de restrição da região env e do sequenciamento da região 5'LTR, identificou, pela primeira vez na Amazônia Brasileira, uma amostra de HTLV-2b, enfatizando a necessidade de estudos moleculares contínuos na região para melhor entendimento da epidemiologia de transmissão do HTLV na população e permitir a vigilância epidemiológica da emergência de novos tipos e subtipos.