bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Perceived Availability of Different Alcoholic Beverages on Young People's Drinking in Europe: A Comparative Exploration
Authors: Ahlström Salme , Huntanen Petri
Published: July 2017

This study considers several topics: The perceived availability of alcoholic beverages, the purchase of alcoholic beverages, prevalence of drinking and prevalence of intoxication. All these variables are analyzed at the individual level. Because most European societies have some minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) this information is used to describe the society's formal regulation of physical alcohol availability to adolescents. Cross-sectional self-reported anonymous data from the 2003 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) was used. Perceived good availability of wine and spirits increased the probability of purchasing wine and spirits and the probability of drinking wine and spirits. There were no similar associations for beer. Perceived good availability was related to prevalence of drinking, but not to prevalence of intoxication. The importance of minimum legal age for purchasing various alcoholic beverages was minimal.
Availability, Gang Violence, and Alcohol Policy: Gaining Support for Alcohol Regulation via Harm Reduction Strategies
Authors: Parker Robert Nash , Luther Kate , Murphy Lisa
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between alcohol availability and gang violence. The goal of this study is to examine this relationship and the possibility that alcohol policy can prevent gang violence. Gang crimes and retail outlets were geocoded, and analyzed in conjunction with U.S. census data on race, ethnic diversity, family structure, poverty, and housing composition. A spatially aware pooled cross-sectional and time-series design was utilized. A relationship between alcohol outlet density and youth gang activity was found, as were relationships between youth gang activity and family structure, vacant housing and owner-occupied housing. Existing regulations on density of alcohol outlets may reduce or prevent gang-related violence. This possibility could give new life to policy levers that are under pressure from the alcohol industry and others in the alcohol policy arena.
A Modified Technique for Tubeless Tracheostomy
Authors: Eliachar Isaac , Levine Sam C. , Tucker Harvey M.
Published: July 2017

The dog is an animal widely used in experiments, and tracheostomy is frequently necessary when laryngeal experiments are carried out. Unfortunately, dogs generally do not tolerate tracheostomy well because the inserted cannula easily becomes displaced or blocked. This article presents a new surgical technique aimed at providing a long‐term, dependable, and safe airway. It is based on previously established, clinically tested principles to avoid local tracheal complications. No essential tissue is removed or irreparably damaged and the procedure is reversible. Flexibility in management of the resultant stoma is possible, allowing either maintenance of maximal patency or gradual closure. Twenty‐one animals were studied for 3‐ and 6‐month periods, and there was no morbidity because of airway obstruction. This technique can reduce loss of valuable experimental animals caused by airway complications. It may also have application In human beings.
The Violated Neck: Cervical Node Biopsy Prior to Definitive Treatment
Authors: Robbins K. Thomas , Cole Randolph , Marvel Jeffrey , Fields Robert , Wolf Patricia , Goepfert Helmuth
Published: July 2017

The intent of this study was to determine whether open neck biopsy for patients with squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to the neck influenced the biologic course of the disease or the response to treatment. One hundred ninety‐two patients, treated over a 10‐year period at M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, were reviewed; 102 of the 139 patients, whose primary site of disease was identified prior to definitive treatment, were matched with a control group of 204 patients. The results showed no significant difference in wound complications, neck recurrence, distant metastases, and 5‐year survival. Also, time interval from the biopsy to subsequent treatment and the type of node biopsy did not appear to have any significant detrimental effect. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that, although it is important to refrain from proceeding with an open biopsy until a complete head and neck evaluation has been done, violation of the neck does not signify a poorer prognosis—provided adequate treatment is subsequently given.
Meningiomas of the Jugular Foramen
Authors: Molony Timothy B. , Brackmann Derald E. , Lo William W. M.
Published: July 2017

Meningiomas of the jugular foramen manifest the same signs and symptoms as glomus Jugulare tumors. They arise from arachnoid cells lining the jugular bulb and grow slowly, infiltrating the temporal bone and posterior fossa. These lesions, however, are more clinically treacherous than glomus tumors. Meningiomas Infiltrate surrounding bone and nerve tissue and require wide margins of resection to prevent recurrence. Eight of these lesions have been managed in the past 5 years at the House Ear Clinic using modern imaging and skull base techniques. Two have recurred after “total” microsurgical removal. Presentation, radiologic evaluation, and management guidelines are reviewed.
The Efficacy of Perioperative Antibiotic Therapy on Recovery following Tonsillectomy in Adults: Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Grandis Jennifer R. , Johnson Jonas T. , Vickers Richard M. , Yu Victor L. , Wagener Marilyn M. , Wagner Robin L. , Kachman Kimberly A.
Published: July 2017

One hundred and one adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy for chronic/recurrent tonsillitis completed a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in which ticarcillin disodium and clavulanate potassium (Timentin) or placebo was administered intravenously at the time of surgery and for 12 hours postoperatively. The patients than received oral amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (Augmentin) therapy or placebo for an additional seven days. Each patient kept a daily log to assess the incidence and severity of postoperative symptoms. Tonsillar core tissue at the time of surgery, as well as tonsillar fossa cultures after 7 days of treatment, were obtained. Those patients who received antibiotics fared consistently better in the immediate postoperative period compared with the placebo group. Specifically, patients in the antibiotic group experienced significantly less mouth odor, were able to tolerate a regular diet sooner, and resumed their normal activities earlier than did patients who received placebo. Patients who received antibiotics experienced fewer days with mouth odor (p = 0.004). In addition, on postoperative days 3 to 5, the antibiotic group was eating a regular diet (p = 0.05) and had returned to their routine activities earlier (p = 0.045) when compared with the placebo group. Perioperative antibiotic therapy was well tolerated and was effective in minimizing symptoms after tonsillectomy.
The Lethal Weapon: How the Plastic Football Helmet Transformed the Game of Football, 1939-1994
Authors: Gelberg J. Nadine
Published: July 2017

Under the Friday night lights of October 23, 1971, Senn High School battled Kennedy High for football victory. In the third period, to avoid a rush from the Kennedy tacklers, the Senn quarterback scrambled and threw to his halfback, Marco Cervates. Cervates caught the ball, turned and put his head down to run for extra yardage as his teammates and fans cheered. A two hundred-pound linebacker abruptly stopped Cervates' run. Cervates fell to the turf, unconscious. On November 3, 1971, at the age of seventeen, Marco Cervates died.(1)
Deep Ecological Science
Authors: Breyman Steve
Published: July 2017

Deep ecology's biocentric philosophy rejects the anthropocentrism of mainstream environmentalism. Biocentrism holds that all life has inherent value and, as such, is worthy of respect and protection. Deep ecology's action strategy emerges from disgust with the compromises made by mainstream environmentalism. Deep ecologists tend toward confrontational actions such as blockades, “tree sits,” and “ecotage” (“monkey wrenching” or covert direct action). Earth First! in the United States, and Rainforest Action Network at the international level, are two well-known deep ecology groups. Bound together in a complex relationship, deep ecology is both dependent on and antagonistic toward the life sciences. As yet, there is no explicit, deep ecological statement for scientific reform. But there have been scientific developments cheering to deep ecologists, including the development and growth of the new field of conservation biology. This article begins to outline the reforms necessary to bring establishment science closer to radical ecological principles.
Technology in Different Worlds
Authors: Martin Brian
Published: July 2017

Insight into the relation between technology and society can be obtained by imagining that the world is organized differently and then determining how technology would be different. This approach is illustrated by discussion of three alternative worlds: one in which defense is carried out by nonviolent methods, one in which there is no intellectual property, and one in which workers control decisions about their work.
What Awakens a Sleepwalker? Advice I Would like from Langdon Winner
Authors: Bromley Hank
Published: July 2017

The conference where this article was originally presented solicited recommendations for the “right questions” to ask regarding education and technology. The author of this article suggests that we already know what the right questions are for illuminating technology and its social meaning. What the author wants to know is why those questions in fact are not being asked more widely—why is widespread disinclination to enter explicit deliberation on the proper place of technology so resilient? Langdon Winner uses the term “technological somnambulism” to describe the predominant stance toward technology in our culture, that “we so willingly sleepwalk through the process of reconstituting the conditions of human existence” via the adoption of new technologies. The basic institutional and ideological forces shaping the development and use of technology are not mysterious. But, scrutiny of those forces remains limited to a relative handful of academics and activists. How can technological somnambulism be countered?
Ellul's Technological Imperative Reconsidered
Authors: Davis Walter E.
Published: July 2017

In light of recent advances, I reconsider Jacques Ellul's technological imperative in which he places technology in a broad framework of “technique” (including but not limited to machines) meaning any complex of standardized procedures having absolute efficiency for attaining a predetermined result. He conceptualizes technique as a self-perpetuating, totalizing, and deterministic force inevitably leading to self-destruction if not transcended. Here, I provide support for some of Ellul's claims while addressing some of the important criticisms. I suggest a different kind of imperative that supersedes the technological imperative but does not diminish its importance. The new imperative is hierarchical social structures that now prevail at many levels—from global to local—and that reciprocally relate to many social forces, including technique. Central to the maintaining of social hierarchies are both individual and collective goals and beliefs. I argue the importance of ideology in both science and society, and in technological and hierarchical imperatives. Specifically, I argue the necessity to account for the mutual and reciprocal relationship among beliefs, context, and human attributes to fully comprehend technology and education.
Dynamic Fracture of Composite Overwrap Cylinders
Authors: Tzeng Jerome T.
Published: July 2017

The fracture behavior due to dynamic response in a composite cylinder subjected to a moving pressure has been investigated. The resonance of stress waves can result in very high amplitude and frequency strains in the cylinder at the instant and location of pressure front passage, when the velocity of the moving pressure approaches a critical velocity. The stress wave with high magnitude, while short in duration, might not cause structural failure immediately. However, it could accelerate the propagation in the cylinder with initial imperfection and shorten fatigue life of the cylinders. The fracture mechanism induced by dynamic amplification effects is especially critical for overwrapped composite cylinders because of the multi-material and anisotropic construction, thermal degradation in material properties, and a design goal inherent in lightweight structural applications.
Interlaminar Stresses in Composite Notched and Unnotched Laminates
Authors: Nyman Tonny , Friberg Magnus
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this paper is to determine the interlaminar stress distribution at curved and straight free edges for quasi-isotropic and zero-dominated laminates. The interlaminar stresses are calculated using a three-dimensional finite-element code with error control. For straight free edges the results are compared to existing semi-analytical methods. Another objective with this investigation is to evaluate a quadratic failure criterion for prediction of initial load for delamination and the most likely position for the delamination. In this paper it is found, for quasi-isotropic stacking sequences, that it is not possible to tailor a stacking sequence so that o, becomes compressive near hole boundaries or at straight free edges. On the contrary both tensile and compressive stresses appear in a periodic manner through the thickness. It can also be concluded that interlaminar stresses exhibit a thickness effect for repeating bundles. The singularity of the interlaminar components is concentrated to a narrow region, approximately 1-2 fibre diameters in thickness and radial direction. Since the interlaminar stresses are so localised, a continuum approach will not provide useful solutions in this area. Consequently the material cannot be treated as homogeneous in this region, instead the heterogeneous nature within each ply should be modelled. The smallest element size in the present analysis for the refined mesh is less than 1 pum, i.e., far less than a fibre diameter. Utilising a quadratic failure criterion, for the studied quasi-isotropic laminates, in conjunction with obtained FE-results, it is shown that global strain to initiate delamination does not depend on the stacking sequence, but so does the number of possible initiation points. For quasi-isotropic layups with a circular cut-out, initiation of delaminations occurs at approximately the same global strain, 0.25%. For unnotched zero-dominated layups initiation and fracture strain are almost the same, i.e., -1.2%. The investigation also shows that the number of ±450/00 or ±45°/900 alterations should be kept at a minimum to minimise the interlaminar stresses and possible damage initiation points. It is likely that the primary cause for delamination initiation for notched plates are the high interlaminar shear stresses and not the normal stresses. Finally it is demonstrated that available semi-analytical methods do not correctly describe the interlaminar stress distribution.
Influence of Matrix Toughness on Damage Initiation and Growth in Carbon Fiber Fabric Composites
Authors: Uenoya T. , Fujii T.
Published: July 2017

Progression of fatigue damage in toughened carbon fiber fabric composites by using matrix material of high toughness has been examined with hole-notched specimens. The matrix is toughened by impregnating solid rubber particles a fraction of a micron in diameter. The damage progression in the materials is mainly investigated as two-dimensional information by using analyses of stress distribution data obtained through the thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA). In particular, a new TDA technique developed by improving ordinary TSA has been applied to ascertain smaller (mesoscopic) failure. With the TDA data, improved matrix resin toughness actually influences to inhibit damage development in early fatigue process in the laminates. In addition, the finite element analysis is discussed in terms of a stress distribution and a strain level of damage initiation in the laminated materials.
Hygrothermal Effect on Mode II Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of a Carbon/Polyphenylene Sulfide Laminate
Authors: Hoa S. V. , Lin S. , Chen J. R.
Published: July 2017

By using a double cantilever beam (DCB) specimen, the hygrothermal effect on Mode II (in-plane shear loading) interlaminar fracture toughness of a carbon/polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) unidirectional laminate was investigated. The critical strain energy release rates, Gnc, of the carbon/PPS laminate during crack propagation under Mode II loading for various temperature/relative humidity conditions were obtained both by linear beam theory and by the area method. It was found that the critical strain energy release rate of the carbon/PPS laminate increases with both moisture content and temperature. Fracture of the carbon/PPS laminate was characterized primarily by micro-cracking at low temperature/low moisture content and by matrix softening and fiber bridging at high temperature/high moisture content.
Positive and Negative Failure-Shears in Orthotropic Materials
Authors: Theocaris P. S.
Published: July 2017

Failure predictions of off-axis loaded fiber composite laminae are given according to the elliptic paraboloid failure criterion for anisotropic solids [1]. The failure condition assumes that for any anisotropic solid a safe triaxial loading path exists, along the hydrostatic compression, and thus the failure surface must be open-ended. By appropriately formulating the failure criterion, it is shown that the geometric interpretation of the failure surface in the principal stress space is an elliptic paraboloid (EPFS) whose axis of symmetry is parallel to the hydrostatic axis in the principal stress space. Because of the shape and position of the EPFS, the intersections by principal stress planes corresponding to loadings of off-axis laminae of a fiber composite are represented by ellipses whose origins are displaced from the origin of the stress reference frame. This fact creates unequal shear yield stresses in the positive and negative sense clearly manifested in a pure shear failure loading.

The predictions of the above criterion for plane stress failure loadings of laminae, and especially for pure shear induced failures, are compared with existing experimental data for various fiber composites and are shown to be in satisfactory agreement.
Polyester Resin Reinforcement with Natural Grass
Authors: Castano V. M. , Vazquez-Polo G. , Amador M. A. , Garcia-Zetina F. , Martinez E. , Marquez-Amador U. , Altmamirano-Meza A.
Published: July 2017

By using a commercial polyester resin as the matrix and a natural fiber grass (palma samandoca) as the reinforcement material, a composite was prepared. A technique was developed for the preparation of samples and moulds for testing were built based upon standards and the samples were characterized mechanically. These results indicate that there exists a concentration and length of fiber for which a maximum resistance and rigidity is obtained for the composite as compared to the pure resin.
A Roundtable on Foreign Aid Weapon Exports and Aid to Developing Countries
Authors: Frey Bruno S.
Published: July 2017

The goal of the rich countries should be to aid the poor countries to increase their standard of living but not to increase their holdings of weapons. It is shown that a basic dilemma arises. The structure of “consumption” of the recipient countries cannot be influenced by giving aid in the form of (civilian) goods rather than untied foreign exchange. The consumption of civilian goods can be increased by granting a price-subsidy but this leads to a smaller increase in utility than obtained with a transfer in money or kind. Transfers of goods with restricted substitutability and “all-or-none” schemes are suggested to overcome these conflicts, but they imply an interference with the internal affairs of the poor countries.
Notes on the Grants Economy of Foreign Aid
Authors: Fitzgerald Bruce D.
Published: July 2017

A donor may use the inducement of grants to alter the manner in which recipients' lives are lived. A general model of a discriminating donor allocating grants among a number of potential recipients is derived and used to find the behavioral implications of the foreign aid objective of minimizing arms expenditures in developing nations. It is shown that a nation will receive greater sums of aid: (a) the more compliant it is to the tastes of the donor, (b) the more restrictive the terms of the grant, and (c) the lower its income level.
Social Justice and Economic Development Revisited
Authors: Isard Walter , Liossatos Panagis
Published: July 2017

This paper extends a space-time development model that parallels basic physical systems, providing additional insights into social processes. Forces for spatial diffusion of capital are examined and utility stemming from the consumption of “c-power” and other non-economic goods is incorporated. The social justice implications of these extensions are derived.
Economic and Demographic Determinants of the Viability of Nations
Authors: Kelly William J.
Published: July 2017

This article presents an economic and demographic model of a nation facing a growing external threat which can be countered by military efforts. The model shows how such a nation might be gradually debilitated by its enemies and how a nation might defend itself through various economic, demographic, and technological investments. Applications of the model to Israel are discussed. More genera! versions of this model could be applied to conflict between other social units.
A Model to Improve Cashflow Payroll Cost Forecasting
Authors: Wolf Martin G.
Published: July 2017

The salary cost forecasting model presented in this article can be of significant use to those compensation administrators who must do multiyear cashflow projections for human resources costs. By using the power of the personal computer, it is now possible to do “what if” analyses of the potential cost impacts of salary policy changes that could affect turnover and salary replacement rates. With the burden of calculation removed, it is easy to match—from the human resources cost side—all of the many potential business scenarios. This allows the human resources (HR) or compensation administrator to develop a human resources cost projection to cover the various economic assumptions used in business forecasts. The model also allows sensitivity analyses to assess the cost impact if actual changes differ from expectations on one or more of the key factors.
The Impact of a Comprehensive, Hospital-Focused Intervention to Increase Organ Donation
Authors: Beasley Carol L , Capossela Carie Lynn , Brigham Lori E , Gunderson Susan , Weber Phyllis , Gortmaker Steven L
Published: July 2017

In this article the results of a 2-year intervention designed to increase rates of organ donation while improving services to bereaved families of potential donors are described. The project focused on improving key elements of the organ donation process. The intervention was implemented in 50 hospitals within the service areas of three organ procurement organizations. Results show an increase in identification, referral, and asking rates. The overall donation rate increased significantly, from 33% to 43%. However, consent rates remained unchanged. Future efforts should focus on improving the request process by systematically incorporating practices that are associated with higher consent rates. This should enable hospital and organ procurement organization staff to appropriately and effectively offer families the option of organ donation; further increases in organ donation should follow.
Explaining Brain Death: A Critical Feature of the Donation Process
Authors: Franz Holly G , DeJong William , Wolfe Susan M , Nathan Howard , Payne Denise , Reitsma William , Beasley Carol
Published: July 2017

To examine how a family's understanding of brain death may affect the decision to donate, an interview study was conducted with the immediate next of kin of 164 medically suitable organ donor candidates. Telephone interviews were conducted with members of both donor and nondonor families 4 to 6 months after the relative's death. Only 61% of the donor and 53% of the nondonor respondents said they had received an explanation of brain death. Few respondents reported that the hospital or organ procurement organization staff used visual aids to clarify or reinforce the information they were given. Next of kin who decided against donation had far less understanding of brain death than did those who decided in favor of it. Before making an organ donation request, healthcare providers must inquire about and address common misunderstandings people have about brain death. Healthcare teams should develop and be trained on a clear protocol for communicating with the families of patients who may be potential organ donors.
Stress and Coping among Parents of Children Awaiting Cardiac Transplantation
Authors: Suddaby Elizabeth C , Flattery Maureen P , Luna Mary
Published: July 2017

Psychosocial support during the waiting period for pediatric transplant recipients and their families is vital. This study describes the stress levels and coping techniques among parents of children awaiting cardiac transplant. Twenty-six parents of 18 children demonstrated a range of stress with 77% scoring at a moderate stress level. They perceived transplantation neutrally and used a similar number of coping mechanisms as did a normative group of adults. Use of coping mechanisms significantly decreased over the 3-month study period. A moderate correlation between a negative perception of transplantation and parental stress was found. Parents of girls viewed transplant more negatively than did boys' parents. This study provides a beginning for assisting families during the waiting period.
Considerations in Presenting, Interpreting, and Reviewing Research Findings
Authors: Niemcryk Steve J , Glascoff David W
Published: July 2017

By disseminating reports of well-conducted research in peer-reviewed journals, investigators regularly provide valuable information and insights to other professionals. Prospective authors of such reports should be aware that submitted manuscripts undergo considerable scrutiny and analysis by reviewers and editors as part of the publication cycle and, later, by readers for whom the information is intended. Therefore, when a researcher becomes an author, he or she should attempt to be as complete as possible in meeting the needs of those audiences. In this article, we discuss problems often found in research reports submitted to peer-reviewed journals so that investigators may improve the quality of their manuscripts.
The Physician's Perspective: A Survey of Attitudes toward Organ Donor Management
Authors: Coleman-Musser Lori
Published: July 2017

The demand for suitable organs in the United States greatly outweighs the supply of transplantable organs. It has been estimated that approximately half of all potential donors do not donate. Preexisting barriers seem to impede donation, and the physician is a vital link in this process. To better understand the physician's perspective and to identify barriers that may produce difficulties in the process, a survey of physicians in northern Ohio was conducted. Respondents identified the following barriers: consensus in tests performed in the diagnosis of death is lacking, ambivalence exists with respect to informing families of the patient's death and offering families the donation option, and physicians do not seem to recognize the importance of decoupling the discussion of brain death from the request for organs. Although physicians surveyed were in favor of donation and transplantation, an effort should be made to increase awareness in personal attitudes that may affect the donation process.
Thoughts on the Jewish Perspective regarding Organ Transplantation
Authors: Mayer Susan L
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this article is to convey some understanding of Orthodox Jewish thought on organ donation and transplantation. This perspective is particularly important as practitioners become more culturally diverse and medical care becomes more globalized. The Jewish ethical position, found in the Compendium on Medical Ethics: Jewish Moral, Ethical and Religious Principles in Medical Practice, is described. Points of view for determining death in Jewish law as well as some halakic (Jewish law) issues for the donor and recipient are also indicated.
Renal Function following Conversion from Sandimmune to Neoral in Stable Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Bartucci Marilyn R , Koshla Bernadette , Fleming-Brooks Sandra , Weigel Kelly , Donley Vicki , Schulak James A , Knauss Thomas C , Hricik Donald E
Published: July 2017

Conversion of stable renal transplant patients from Sandimmune to Neoral may pose a risk of short-term nephrotoxicity. Serial serum creatinine concentrations were measured in 141 kidney and simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant recipients converted from Sandimmune to Neoral on a 1:1 dosing basis and followed for up to 11 months. Following conversion, cyclosporine dose was reduced in 74% of patients with a mean dose reduction of 22.6% for the entire cohort. Serum create-nine concentrations transiently increased to more than 30% above baseline in 48% of patients and remained more than 30% above baseline in 16% of patients. Multivariate analyses suggested that acute rejection, maintenance steroid therapy, young age, Sandimmune dose prior to conversion, and an increment in trough cyclosporine levels after conversion were positive predictors of renal insufficiency following conversion. Lower doses of Neoral should be considered at the time of conversion to minimize nephrotoxicity.
Organ Recovery following Childbirth by a Brain-Dead Mother: A Case Report
Authors: Lewis David D , Vidovich Robin R
Published: July 2017

Little information is available in the medical and nursing literature concerning organ recovery from brain-dead, pregnant individuals. Many healthcare professionals might rule out such patients as potential donors, especially if childbirth is a possibility. This article presents an actual case study in which the birth of a healthy infant and recovery of organs from the mother were successful. It also reviews the available literature and discusses factors related to organ placement.
Survey of Alternative Medicine Use among Organ Transplant Patients
Authors: Crone Catherine C , Wise Thomas N
Published: July 2017

Herbal medicine and health food supplements have become increasingly popular. However, many of these pharmacologically active compounds remain poorly understood. Patients with chronic and life-threatening conditions often use alternative therapies while receiving conventional medical care, and this population is at increased risk for complications and adverse drug interactions due to poor health and complex drug regimens. Patients awaiting or who had received solid organ transplants were surveyed about their use of herbal medicines and health food supplements. Twenty percent of respondents acknowledged experience with these products, which they used to prolong the function of a failing organ or to obtain relief from fatigue and insomnia. Transplant staff often were unaware of their patients' use of these treatments, despite patients' claims to the contrary. The potential for unexpected drug interactions, toxicity, and other adverse reactions resulting from the use of herbal medicines or supplements must be recognized and identified by transplant teams.
Mushroom Poisoning: An Indication for Liver Transplantation
Authors: Skaare VK
Published: July 2017

There are numerous causes of fulminant hepatic failure including acetaminophen, viral etiologies, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, ischemic hepatitis, and acute Budd-Chiari syndrome. One of the rare causes of fulminant hepatic failure is toxic mushroom poisoning. This article describes one case in which ingestion of a toxic mushroom, Amanita phalloides, caused a patient severe liver damage ultimately requiring organ transplantation. Early identification of liver dysfunction and referral to a liver transplant center for evaluation may be critical to save such a patient's life.
Aspergillus Infections among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Case Study
Authors: Pfundstein Joann
Published: July 2017

Infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among transplant recipients. Aspergillus infections in particular are associated with a high mortality rate. The diagnosis of Aspergillus among transplant recipients may be difficult, because many patients have multiple complications. This article presents a case of Aspergillus in a heart transplant recipient. The discussion provides an overview of the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of Aspergillus infections.
A Comparison of Three-Dimensional Spiral Computed Tomoangiography with Renal Angiography in the Live-Donor Work-up
Authors: Figueroa Katherine , Feuerstein Dianne , Principe Anita L
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of three-dimensional spiral computed tomoangiography (3-D spiral CTA) of the abdomen as a substitute for renal angiography in the evaluation of potential live kidney donors. Two of 10 potential live renal donors underwent 3-D spiral CTA only, whereas the remaining 8 underwent 3-D spiral CTA and renal angiography before transplantation. 3-D spiral CTA and renal angiography results were compared and correlated with intraoperative findings. In all 8 cases in which 3-D spiral CTA and renal angiography were compared, the number of arteries was correctly identified by both modalities. In this limited study, 3-D spiral CTA provided the same information as did angiography. According to these findings, 3-D spiral CTA might be used as an alternative to renal angiography, though a larger series is needed to determine whether it could replace renal angiography for all potential live-donor WOrk-ups.
The Effects of Donor Sodium Levels on Recipient Liver Graft Function
Authors: Walker Scott G. Van Da
Published: July 2017

A great deal of discussion has been generated regarding the effects of donor hypernatremia on recipient liver graft function. Much of this discussion is anecdotal and focuses on the detrimental effects of hypernatremia in the organ donor. The treatment of donor hypernatremia often leads to changes in donor management protocols. A retrospective study was conducted to determine if donor hypernatremia measurably alters the liver graft function of recipients. Results indicated that donor sodium values were unrelated to any recipient parameter assessed. Although further studies are pending, these findings suggest that a moderate rather than a severe approach to the management of donor hypernatremia may be preferred.
Posttransplant Quality of Life: A Decade of Descriptive Studies Leading to Practice Interventions
Authors: Winsett Rebecca P. ,   The Posttransplant Quality of Life Intervention Study Group
Published: July 2017

Following 10 years of descriptive quality-of-life studies, an innovative approach to outpatient care has been developed to decrease adverse events, increase employment, and enhance social support among renal transplant recipients. These 3 variables were found in the authors' previous studies to be predictive of increased quality of life following transplantation. With funding from the National Institute of Nursing Research, a multidisciplinary team has been assembled to implement the interventions identified. This article reviews the previous work that led to the development of the intervention study and demonstrates how research can guide practice.
Increasing the Donor Pool in Chile
Authors: Palacios José M.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate organ donation in Chile following the creation of the “Corporación Nacional de Fomento de Trasplantes.” The corporation was created in 1991 as a private, nonprofit organization whose main purpose was to increase the number of actual donors and multiorgan procurement. The organization is independent of the national government and acts as a link between the needs of patients and society and those of the national ministry of health. Following the creation of the corporation, the number of actual donors increased from 32 to 98. The number of potential donors increased 3-fold. Family refusal for organ donation was between 28% and 53.4%. Pediatric and marginal donors increased from 2% to 15%. Ninety-five percent of the donors came from Santiago, where 33% of the population lives and most of the efforts were concentrated. The corporation is working to increase organ donation throughout the rest of the country by organizing public campaigns; promoting knowledge about transplantation among medical and nursing personnel at hospitals, schools, universities, and social gatherings; evaluating technical and financial results; and helping with the processes of organ procurement.
Program Development and Routine Notification in a Large, Independent OPO: A 12-Year Review
Authors: Shafer Teresa J. , Van Buren Charles T. , Andrews Charles A.
Published: July 2017

Since its inception 12 years ago, a large, independent OPO experienced a 631% growth in the number of organ donors. These increases in organ recovery were achieved initially through successful mergers, and later, following the mergers, through focused management, OPO organizational development, and hospital marketing and system development. The cumulative percentage increases beginning in 1987 resulted in the OPO achieving 27.2 donors per million population. In 1996 a system of routine notification of all hospital deaths was implemented and a 24-hour communications center was operated. After 3 full years of routine notification, 73% of all deaths were called to the OPO, resulting in the following increases: total referrals, 691%; organ referrals, 41%; organ donors, l6%; bone donors, 149%; skin donors, 123%; and heart valve donors, 78%. The 16% increase in organ donors was twice the national growth rate and significantly more than the 2% growth experienced by the OPO in the year preceding the implementation of routine notification. The OPO has demonstrated sustained growth over the past decade in a time when erosion of donor recovery levels is always a possibility and frequently a reality for many OPOs.
Discriminant Variables between Organ Donors and Nondonors: A Post Hoc Investigation
Authors: Rosel Jesús , Frutos Miguel A. , Blanca María J. , Ruiz Pilar
Published: July 2017

Context

Few studies in organ donation have focused on the attitudes and opinions of families who were asked to donate the organs of a deceased relative.

Objective

To determine what variables influenced a family's decision to donate.

Design

Post hoc investigation using a survey.

Setting

Málaga, Spain.

Participants

Seventy-one people who had been approached for the donation of their deceased relatives' organs at a single hospital.

Main Outcome Measure

Consent to donate.

Results

Based on a stepwise discriminant function analysis, the following variables played a determining role in a family member's decision to donate: (1) the expressed wish of the deceased, (2) having a clear understanding of the definition of “brain death,” (3) the manners and approach of the doctors, (4) the hospital facilities, (5) concerns regarding the donation process, and (6) educational level.

Conclusion

Prodonation campaigns geared toward the public and hospital staff should focus on specific objectives to increase the likelihood of consent for organ donation.
Preparation and Properties of Hyperbranched Aromatic Polyamide-Silica Composites by Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Kaneko Ryosuke , Suzuki Eriko , Jikei Mitsutoshi , Kakimoto Masa-Aki
Published: July 2017

Hyperbranched aromatic polyamide-silica composites were prepared using the sol-gel method, starting from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). Three methods were employed for the preparation of the composites. The first method involves adding TEOS to the solution of hyperbranched aromatic polyamide in the mixture of DMF and formic acid (DMF method). In the second method, hyperbranched aromatic polyamide functionalized with a silane coupler was used instead of unmodified polyamide (coupling method). The third method implies the use of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) instead of DMF (TFA method). In all cases the composite films were prepared by casting the solution onto a Teflon plate and subsequent heating. Translucent and transparent composite films were prepared by the DMF method, depending on the silica content. The transparency of the composite films was improved by the use of the silane coupler (coupling method). It was found that the TFA method is suitable to prepare transparent composite films in a wide range of silica content. Silica particles were not observed for all of the transparent films by SEM measurements. Since TFA also shows catalytic effect on the sol-gel process, thermal properties of the composite films by the TFA method were improved in comparison with the films prepared by the DMF method.
The Influence of Electron-Beam Radiation on the Tensile and Recoil Compressive Strengths of Kevlar-29
Authors: Newell James A. , Puzianowski Allan A. , Schmidt Lucas R.
Published: July 2017

Many research groups have attempted to enhance the compressive strength of high-performance polymers. Unlike more common methods including thermal treatment or the addition of a cross-linking agent during spinning, this paper describes the use of electron-beam radiation to induce cross-linking in Kevlar-29. The data show that the recoil compressive strength of the fiber increases significantly with increasing radiation exposure, reaching 487 MPa at a dose of 1100 kGy The radiation also reduces the tensile strength of the fiber, but by less than twenty per cent. Observable physical changes that accompany the changes in mechanical properties include a reduction in fiber diameter and a change in color.
Poly(Azomethine-Ester-Si1oxane)s: Synthesis and Thermal Behaviour
Authors: Racles Carmen , Cozan Vasile , Cazacu Maria , Foldes Eniko , Sajo Istvan
Published: July 2017

New siloxane-containing poly(azomethine-ester)s were synthesized by polycondensation reactions in solution, starting from three different azomethine mesogenic bisphenols: 4, 4'-oxo-bis(4-hydroxybenzylideneaniline), 1, 4-bis(4-hydroxybenzylideneamino)-phenylene, and 4, 4'-methylene-bis(4-hydroxybenzylideneaniline), and bis(carboxypropyl)siloxanes of various molecular weights. The reactions were performed at room temperature, activated by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and catalysed by 4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium 4-toluenesulphonate, which is a novel synthesis method for siloxane polyesters. The polymers obtained were characterized by IR, 1 H-NMR, and UV spectroscopy, as well as by gel permeation chromatography and thermogravimetric analysis. Poly(azomethine-ester)s have good solubility in organic solvents and thermal oxidative stability. Six of the polymers obtained exhibited thermotropic liquid crystalline behaviour, evidenced by polarizing microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermo-optical analysis, and wide-angle x-ray diffraction measurements. The melting and isotropization temperatures decrease with increase of the length of the siloxane spacer.
Oxygen Separation Properties of Bis(phenyl)fluorene-based Cardo Polymer Membranes
Authors: Kazama Shingo , Teramoto Takero , Haraya Kenji
Published: July 2017

Oxygen separation properties of cardo polymers, i.e. polyamide, polycarbonate, polyimide and polysulfone, were investigated. These cardo polymers contain bis(phenyl)fluorene moiety as the cardo unit. Further, a variety of cardo polyimides were prepared from various dianhydrides to study the relationship between chemical structure and the gas transport properties. In the relationship between O2/N2 selectivity and O2 permeability, the most rigid polyimide showed the largest O2 permeability coefficient of 18 Barrers (1 Barrer = 7.5 × 10−18 m3(STP)m m−2 s−1 Pa−1), with large permselectivity, PO2/PN2, of 4.8. On the other hand, the most flexible polyimide showed the largest permselectivity of 9.2. O2 permeability, diffusivity and solubility of the cardo polyimides were well correlated to their fractional free volume (FFV). The rigid polyimide showed a large FFV, and consequently showed large gas permeability, diffusivity and solubility. On the other hand, polyamide, which has hydrogen bond, deviates from the diffusivity-FFV correlation of polyimides. The magnitude of gas permeability was mainly attributed to that of gas diffusivity, and also the magnitude of permselectivity of oxygen over nitrogen was attributed to that of mobility selectivity.
Synthesis and Properties of Non-reactive End-capped 6F-BDAF Polyimides
Authors: Scola D. A. , Pike R. A. , Vontell J. H. , Pinto J. P. , Brunette C. M.
Published: July 2017

The concept of stabilizing the reactive end-groups in conventional polyimides has been investigated in a novel system. The polyimide investigated was synthesized from 4, 4′-hexafluoroisopropylidenebis (phthalic anhydride) (6F) and 2, 2′-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxyphenyl)] hexafluoro-propane (4-BDAF). The reactive anhydride end-capped and amine end-capped polyimides were imidized and further reacted with several end-capping agents consisting of n-hexylamine, aniline, m-anisidine, phthalic anhydride and p-phenoxyphthalic anhydride to yield non-reactive end-capped polyimides. A comparison of the properties such as inherent viscosity, molecular weight, glass transition temperature, thermal stability, tensile, fracture toughness and complex viscosity of these non-reactive end-capped polyimides with the reactive end-capped polyimides will be presented.
Effect of Molecular Weight on Poly(arylene ether ketone) Properties
Authors: Jensen B. J. , Hergenrother P. M.
Published: July 2017

The poly(arylene ether ketone) from the reaction of 1, 3-bis(4-fluoro-benzoyl)benzene with 2, 2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane was prepared at six different molecular weights ranging from Mw=9600 to 113, 000 g/mole. Selected physical and mechanical properties of these six different polymers were determined. The relationship of molecular weight to these properties is discussed.
Blends of Nitrile Polymers and Polar Moieties Containing Polyolefins
Authors: Percec Simona , Melamud Lucy
Published: July 2017

The phase behaviour of blends of poly(acrylonitrile:methyl acrylate: butadiene) (B210) and polyolefins modified with polar groups, either by copolymerization or grafting reactions, was examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Enhanced or complete miscibility was attained by synthetically incorporating molecular features which promote intermolecular attraction. Miscibility over the entire range of compositions was found for binary blends of B210 and poly(ethylene-co-maleic anhydride) (PEMA). For other blends such as B210 and poly(propylene-g-acrylic acid) (PP-g-AcA) or poly(ethylene-g-maleic anhydride) (PE-g-MA), miscibility was limited to the amorphous phase. Several equations commonly used in the literature to express the glass transition temperature-composition relationship have been applied to describe the miscible blend systems. Gordon-Taylor and Kwei equations best represent the Tg data of these polymer mixtures. The deviation from linearity of both experimental and predicted values was attributed to the existence of specific intermolecular interactions between the constituents of the individual polymer chains. This work has shown that it is possible to combine the desirable features of polyolefins (low permeability to moisture) and acrylonitrile-based polymers (good gas barrier properties) by creating a miscible blend through molecular modification.