bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Readability of user leaflets
Authors: Humfress Harriet , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

Leaflets are commonly used as a way of providing information to users. In this study, we use a simple index of ‘readability’ to compare a range of leaflets available to people with mental health problems.

Results

The majority of the leaflets contained passages that are likely to be beyond the comprehension of people with mental health problems.

Clinical implications

Leaflets are a cost-effective way of providing information, but only if the text can be understood by the target audience.
Traditional healers and mental illness in Uganda
Authors: Ovuga Emilio , Boardman Jed , Oluka Elizabeth G. A. O.
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

A cross-sectional, interview survey of the beliefs, knowledge, attitudes and practice towards mental illness of 29 traditional healers in the Pallisa district of Uganda was carried out.

Results

Many of the healers had experienced emotional problems that had been treated by other healers. Almost all had a family member who was also a traditional healer. They treated a wide range of conditions and all dealt with mental illness. Most believed that mental disorders were caused by supernatural processes. Many recognised the role of environmental agents. Their diagnosis and management of mental illness was eclectic. The healers were either traditional herbalists or spirit diviners or a mixture of both. Almost all referred patients to the district hospitals and were willing to work with government health services.

Clinical implications

The results of the survey suggest the presence of fertile ground on which to build cooperation between traditional healers and medical services. Such cooperation may harness primary care resources more effectively. Sequential or simultaneous models of collaboration (or combinations of both) may be considered. Further work on specific treatments, their outcomes and the evaluation of collaborative models is needed.
Academic psychiatry in the Deep South
Authors: Mahmood Tariq , Romans Sarah
Published: October 2008

To highlight the problems in the delivery of psychiatric services in rural New Zealand. We describe the innovative collaboration between the University of Otago Medical School in Dunedin and the Southland Hospital in Invercargill.

Clinical implications

Forging of academic links between the regional medical schools and rural hospitals is one way of delivering specialist psychiatric services in rural areas.
Visit to the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme: training in child mental health
Authors: Thabet Abdel Aziz , Vostanis Panos
Published: October 2008

The high prevalence of post-traumatic and other psychiatric disorders in children and adults who have experienced violence and war-related traumas are well documented by research (Thabet & Vostanis, 1998, 1999). So far, there has been less systematic evaluation of treatment interventions or training programmes for staff working with traumatised individuals in war zones. Training initiatives have recently been described in countries such as Rwanda (Brandon, 1998). This paper describes the work of a community mental health programme in the Gaza strip, particularly through a visit by P. V. to work with the child mental health care staff.
Old age psychiatry: a speciality in transition
Authors: Wattis John , MacDonald Andrew , Newton Paul
Published: October 2008

Aims and methods

We aimed to update Information on the development of old age psychiatric services using a postal survey of consultants.

Results

The response rate (51%) was lower than previous surveys in the 1980s. Senior academic appointments showed little increase and academic posts were largely National Health Service (NHS) funded. Services had smaller catchment areas and increased numbers of staff in medicine, nursing and social work, but not in occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology. Relative workload was increasing and most services included early-onset dementia. There was a decrease in provision of NHS long-stay beds with only marginal changes in other facilities.

Clinical implications

Services were offering more to patients than previously. Weakness in academic development may cause problems for the future; the results suggested that recruitment in some disciplines may already be problematical. There is a need to develop the role of NHS long-stay facilities.
Use of high-dose depot neuroleptics
Authors: Purandare N. , Aitken L. , Joshi P. , Thomas C. S.
Published: October 2008

Aims and methods

To identify and reduce the number of patients receiving depot neuroleptics above the British National Formulary maximum. The medical records were scrutinised and individual consultants were informed of the results.

Results

For the team involved in this audit there was a significant reduction in the prescription of high-dose depot medication, but this did not generalise to other teams.

Clinical implications

Different teams should repeat the audit and a new depot card has been developed.
Home treatment in Bradford
Authors: Bracken Patrick , Cohen Bruce
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

We describe a new home treatment service established In one sector of the city of Bradford.

Results

There was a tendency for the patients hospitalised from this sector to have more unstable housing backgrounds. It was found that a higher percentage of patients with diagnoses of serious mental Illness were cared for at home.

Clinical implications

We argue that even in the presence of home treatment, there Is a continuing need for asylum. However, we make the case that this does not always have to be provided In a medical environment.
In-patient management of men with schizophrenia who commit serious sexual offences
Authors: Smith Alan D.
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

A survey of the management of all 84 restricted hospital order in-patients with schizophrenia, resident in any hospital in England and Wales, during May 1997, with an index conviction for a contact sex offence against a woman, was carried out.

Results

Treatment concentrated upon pharmacological therapy for psychiatric symptoms. Only a small minority of patients received specific psychological therapy to address sexual offending issues, despite responsible medical officers reporting that over four-fifths of patients continued to have marked social or sexual difficulties relating to women, and that non-psychotic factors appeared to make a significant contribution to index sexual offending in about three-quarters of cases.

Clinical implications

Many in-patients with schizophrenia who have committed sexual offences may not be receiving optimal management and more research is required to elucidate their treatment needs.
Role of p.r.n. antimuscarinic medication in the treatment of antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal movement disorders
Authors: Birmingham Luke , McClelland Norman , Bradley Caroline
Published: October 2008

The antimuscarinic drugs procyclidine, orphenadrine, benzhexol and benztropine are used in psychiatric practice to alleviate the extrapyramidal effects of antipsychotic medication. These drugs may be prescribed on a regular, as-required or single-dose basis. They are usually taken by mouth, in tablet or liquid form, but for rapid onset of action procyclidine and benztropine can be given by intramuscular or intravenous injection.
Maintenance pharmacotherapy of unipolar depression
Authors: Forshall Som , Nutt David J.
Published: October 2008

Aims and methods

The purpose of this paper is to review current evidence and opinion with regard to the long-term treatment of unipolar depression. The method employed was a Psychlit search using the search items long-term, maintenance, treatment and depression.

Results

The search yielded 91 articles.

Clinical implications

Unipolar depression is frequently recurrent and sometimes a chronic illness. The paper identifies those at greatest risk of recurrence. It goes on to examine strategies to prevent relapse and for prophylactic treatment. It concludes that continuation treatment should be sustained at full dose for 4–6 months after full remission of symptoms. Where depression is highly recurrent the acute phase dose should be maintained in the long-term.
Good practice issues in psychiatric intensive-care units
Authors: Pereira Stephen , Beer M. Dominic , Paton Carol
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

To survey some aspects of care relevant to good practice in psychiatric intensive-care units.

Results

A number of areas of concern were identified, including care issues for informal and female patients, a lack of uniform clinical leadership and a paucity of policies/guidelines for high-risk areas of clinical practice.

Clinical implications

In an attempt to provide a service for the most disturbed patients from widely varying sources, psychiatric intensive-care units are at risk of compromising the ability to provide good-quality clinical care.
Open all hours: extending the role of the psychiatric day hospital
Authors: Harrison Judy , Poynton Amanda , Marshall John , Gater Richard , Creed Francis
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

From March 1997, the acute day hospital in Central Manchester was extended to 24 hours, seven days a week, with patients treated entirely at home if preferred. The development and organisation of the new service are described. Preliminary evaluation data include service activity for the first 12 months and comparison with a consecutive series of in-patients during the first three months.

Results

There was an increase in the number of patients treated in the first year (n=214). Sixty-two per cent of patients suffered from schizophrenia, psychotic depression or bipolar disorder. Patients treated by the new service in the first three months (n=43) were more likely than in-patients (n=37) to have problems eating or drinking and to present with suicide risk, whereas the inpatients were more likely to have had adverse past experiences of services and to show behavioural disturbances.

Clinical implications

The findings support the continued development of 24–hour alternatives to inpatient care, while emphasising that those requiring inpatient care have different presentations and needs.
Audit: prescription of ‘as required’ (p.r.n.) medication in an in-patient setting
Authors: Bowden M. F.
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

This audit examines the quality of ‘as required’ (p.r.n.) prescribing for in-patients before and after standard setting.

Results

There were improvements in writing oral/intramuscular prescriptions and in the use of different drugs regularly and p.r.n. There was a trend for improvement in completion of guidelines for those on high doses but completion was not influenced by hidden p.r.n. prescribing. Writing p.r.n. prescriptions as a ranged dose was common and did not improve significantly.

Clinical implications

By using some simple measures, improvements in some aspects of potentially problematic p.r.n. medication can be achieved.
Antipsychotic drugs for non-psychotic patients
Authors: El-Khayat Redwan , Baldwin David S.
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

The aim of this study was to examine the pattern and basis of use of psychotropic drug prescriptions by psychiatrists to relieve anxiety symptoms arising from non-psychotic disorders. A questionnaire survey was conducted among senior psychiatrists in the Wessex region.

Results

The response rate was 74%. A range of psychotropic drugs was used to treat non-psychotic anxiety symptoms, most commonly selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs. Antipsychotic drugs are reserved for second- and third-line treatments, mainly in low doses but sometimes in high doses and for long periods. The use of antipsychotic drugs as anxiolytics was seen by the majority of responders as reasonable practice, and they are considered suitable alternatives to benzodiazepines. This practice was based mainly on personal experience.

Clinical implications

Anxiety symptoms arising from non-psychotic disorders are common in the out-patient population. Although antipsychotics are used by psychiatrists to relieve these symptoms, the ‘evidence base’ for such practice is flimsy and mainly based on clinical experience. The benefit/risk ratio should be considered carefully before prescribing antipsychotics for non-psychotic anxiety. Further research is needed in this area, contributing towards general guidelines.
A re-audit of ECT training and practice
Authors: Yousaf Farida , Lee Martin , King Jose
Published: October 2008

Aims and methods

A re-audit of the current practice of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was carried out over a period of five months using the new guidelines produced by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The areas audited included obtaining consent from the patients, information recording, training and supervision of the junior doctors and the practical aspects of ECT administration, including dose titration.

Results

An improvement in the training and supervision of junior doctors was seen since the last audit but shortcomings were identified in areas of pre- and post-ECT preparation, information recording and correct use of stimulus-dosing policy.

Clinical implications

Recommendations include the need to improve clinical practice and recording of information.
Multi-disciplinary assessment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a tertiary assessment package
Authors: Kat H. , Frake Clay , Sawtell Rebecca
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

A tertiary assessment package was set up for the more equivocal cases of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who present with problems of inattention, impulsivity and overactivity. The structure of the three-day package was discussed, with an analysis of our experience in assessing 12 children using the pilot project. The package and Its use in clinical practice are presented.

Results

The pilot project described can be modified into a two-day package.

Clinical implications

Assessment of ADHD conducted in multiple settings inherently has many advantages over single clinic assessment. We suggest that such an assessment protocol can be conducted cost effectively.
Improving the accuracy of patients' expectations of the psychiatric out-patient consultation
Authors: Douglas B. C. , Noble L. M. , Newman S. P.
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

To investigate the impact of a video to improve the accuracy of patients' expectations of their first out-patient appointment. An intervention study was conducted in which patients watched a video before their appointment. The video provided information about the content of the consultation, the psychiatrist's role and types of treatments.

Results

The intervention increased the accuracy of patients' expectations but had no impact on satisfaction or anxiety. The video was popular as a means of preparing patients for the consultation.

Clinical implications

This could be offered routinely to patients attending services for the first time.
Changing media minds: a practical guide
Authors: Hart Deborah , Phillipson Jill
Published: October 2008

In October 1998, the Royal College of Psychiatrists launched a new five-year campaign entitled ‘Changing Minds: Every Family in the Land’, which aims to tackle the problems of stigmatisation of and discrimination against people with mental disorders. As part of the campaign, the College recently sent to the membership a ‘Declaration of Intent’, asking members to sign up to the Campaign's aims and to indicate their support for it. To date we have received more than 2000 signatures and would like to encourage all readers of the Bulletin to return their forms immediately. If you have lost your declaration form please contact the External Affairs Department.
Stigma 1, Psychiatrists 0
Authors: Searle Geoffrey
Published: October 2008

I think I can honestly say that I am a seasoned complainer, although I am careful not to attempt to be Mary Whitehouse and I do not assiduously scan the media looking for trouble. My interest in the area of stigmatization started with an episode of the TV drama Boon, where they suddenly had a character become ‘mentally ill’ so that he could conveniently shoot the hero to achieve a cliff-hanging end-of-series episode. Subsequently I specialised in the portrayal of mental illness in dramatic productions, joined the Public Education Campaign divisional network and had some media training. I have been listed as an expert in the portrayal of mental illness for five years but have never been approached for my advice on this area. However, following this year's announcement of the new Royal College of Psychiatrists' campaign ‘Changing Minds: Every Family in the Land’, I obtained all the names and addresses in Deborah Hart and Jill Phillipson's article above and stood ready to ‘do my bit’ for truth and honesty.
Psycho-oncology: a coming of age
Authors: Montgomery Charles
Published: October 2008

Every once in a while there is a mini renaissance in an area of medicine. The flowering of research that has taken place world-wide in the field of psycho-oncology in the last decade is one such example. This deepening interest in all the different psychological aspects of cancer, with the prevention of psychiatric morbidity and the development of a healthy adaptation being the main outcome aims, has led to hundreds of publications in recent years, along with the launching of two high-quality journals, the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology and the Journal of Psycho-Oncology. There have been numerous robust research findings proving the efficacy of psychosocial interventions in cancer patients on a range of outcome measures (Stein et al, 1993; Fawzy et al, 1995). The search for conclusive evidence of the positive effects of psychological therapy on disease progression and hence survival rates has also developed, becoming a holy grail for researchers in mind/body medicine, and has been brought tantalisingly within reach by a number of well-controlled trials (Spiegel et al, 1989; Richardson et al, 1990; Fawzy et al, 1993; Ratcliffe et al, 1995).
Problem-based psychiatry in a new undergraduate medical curriculum
Authors: Nathan Rajan , Gibbs Trevor J. , Wilson Kenneth C. M.
Published: October 2008

Traditional British undergraduate medical education has evolved with the development of medicine as a profession. However, despite dramatic progress in the provision of healthcare, the medical curriculum has remained mostly unchanged until recently. Conventional medical courses rely on the teacher-centred didactic setting of a lecture theatre to transmit vast quantities of information. This one-way traffic of facts is divided initially into the preclinical basic sciences and later into the medical specialties, with relatively little horizontal or vertical integration. Much of the assessment of students relies on their reproducing information as accurately as possible. This traditional format has been widely criticised (Lowry, 1992).
Competence of voluntary psychiatric patients to give valid consent to neuroleptic medication
Authors: Paul Moli , Oyebode Femi
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

To ascertain the competence of voluntary psychiatric patients to consent to neuroleptic medication and whether there is a hierarchy of tests of competence. A prospective, observational study of consecutive, voluntary admissions to an acute ward using a questionnaire designed to test four levels of competence, the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Brief Symptom Inventory.

Results

All subjects (n=40) could communicate a choice; 5% were competent at all levels. Tests were arbitrary and not hierarchical. Symptom relief/trust in doctors motivated most decisions to accept treatment.

Clinical implications

The number and identity of individuals identified as competent will vary with the test set, and tests limited to cognitive criteria will not cover the complexity of the task.
Patients' knowledge and views of their depot neuroleptic medication
Authors: Goldbeck R. , Tomlinson S. , Bouch J.
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

This study examined the attitudes and knowledge of patients regarding their depot neuroleptic medication. All patients were attending a community mental health centre in Clydebank, Scotland.

Results

Many patients had limited knowledge of their medication, its benefits and side-effects as well as the rationale for its use. The biggest gaps were found in patients' knowledge of the long-term side-effects of their medication.

Clinical implications

Our findings raise doubts as to the capacity of some patients to give informed consent to their treatment. A number of steps are outlined in order to raise patients' standard of knowledge.
Onset of clinical improvement of depressive illness following electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Ogundipe Laofe Oladele , Jorsh Mike , Wain B. , Lea J.
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

To examine the onset and course of clinically observable improvement in patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A prospective design was used In which 19 consecutive patients receiving ECT were followed up from commencement to termination of ECT. The Clinical Global Improvement Scale was administered at every ECT session to monitor their Improvement.

Results

Eleven of the 19 subjects Improved minimally and another subject Improved substantially after the first two ECT treatments.

Clinical implications

ECT produces clinically observable improvement in depression within a few days of starting treatment perhaps earlier than is generally acknowledged.
Higher psychiatric trainees and the Caiman reforms
Authors: Cavanagh Paul , Haut Fabian
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

The specialist registrar (SpR) grade was introduced in 1996, taking the place of the senior registrar (SR) grade. We surveyed higher trainees in Scotland in order to draw comparisons between the two grades and assess satisfaction with the changes. A postal questionnaire was sent to all higher trainees (n=129) in Scotland seeking Information on structure of training, work patterns and views.

Results

Sixty-two per cent of trainees responded. There was little difference in the activity and structure of training between SRs and SpRs. Seventy per cent of responders felt that the SpR grade had not improved training.

Clinical implications

The survey uncovered dissatisfaction with the new grade, but little objective evidence of differences between SRs and SpRs. More flexibility for time in higher training and restoring the SR title would help to improve morale.
An Irish perspective on patients who lack the capacity to consent to treatment
Authors: Hillery John , Tomkin David , McAuley Adam
Published: October 2008

Health care professionals in Ireland are concerned about the effect of L v. Bournewood Community and Mental Health Trust ex parte L (1998). Despite Ireland's distinct legal system and different service provision, this case has highlighted existing concerns about the treatment of patients with a dual diagnosis of learning disability and mental illness.
In-patient liaison psychiatry in the UK
Authors: Protheroe David , House Allan
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

We argue the case for In-patient liaison psychiatry In the UK. We undertook a case note review of the characteristics of a consecutive series of in-patient and day patient admissions to a specialist liaison psychiatry unit in Leeds. We reviewed the literature on in-patient units for the treatment of similar patients, most of which came from the USA.

Results

Physical morbidity was high in the sample. Forty-four per cent had been admitted for physical problems in the year before admission to the unit. Twenty-three per cent were taking five or more drugs for physical disorders at the time of admission, 86% were not in paid employment at the time of admission. Treatment involved integrating treatment for physical Illness, and physical and psychosocial treatments for mental disorder. We identified no reports of in-patient units in the UK doing similar work.

Clinical implications

In-patient liaison psychiatry is neglected in the UK, to the detriment of a small but important group of patients with coexistent severe physical and mental disorder.
Paediatric liaison service
Authors: Black Jennie , Wright Barry , Williams Christine , Smith Rob
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

To discuss the working of a new paediatric liaison service. To review paediatric referrals to a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) 21 months before and 21 months after the establishment of this service.

Results

One hundred and eighty-three children were discussed in the 21 months after the new service was set up. There was a rise in referral to CAMHS from 72 to 120. Non-attendance rates from paediatric referrals also rose. Likely reasons for these changes are discussed, and include an increase in referrals of children with somatisation.

Clinical implications

Interdisciplinary liaison appears to carry many advantages, but is likely to increase referral rates to the CAMHS. This has both clinical and resource implications.
Evaluating family therapy in a child and adolescent mental health service
Authors: Partridge Ian , Redmond Carol , Williams Chris , Black Jennie , Richardson Greg
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

Within a mental health service for children and their families a range of treatment options should be offered. We discuss the organisation of family therapy as one mode of treatment within a generic child and adolescent mental health service. It is based upon a review of all referrals during a 12-month period (April 1997–March 1998).

Results

This review showed a high rate of non-attendance for first appointments, that the family therapy offered an effective forum for assessment and that a brief focused model of intervention could be effective within a generic service.

Clinical implications

This review has lead us to modify our deployment of family therapy as a treatment option: this modification has implications in terms of resource utilisation and of the clinical use of family therapy.
Using the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales in clinical practice
Authors: James Michael , Kehoe Robert
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

To describe the implementation of a plan to use a validated outcome measure in the care and treatment of people with severe mental illness within a district general hospital psychiatric service. Multiple techniques were necessary to promote actual change of practice.

Results

A survey of practice found 77% of full Care Programme Approach patients to have recorded Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) scores in their care plans one year after the beginning of the implementation plan.

Clinical implications

It is possible to incorporate the use of HoNOS in to everyday practice but it takes a lot of time, effort and resources. Mental health services may require a clearer indication from the NHS Executive regarding the use of such outcome scales before committing themselves.
User involvement in care planning
Authors: Lawson Mike , Strickland Chrissie , Wolfson Paul
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

To assess the extent of user involvement in care planning, from the users' perspective. Fifty Care Programme Approach (CPA) meetings across five consultant teams were included using quota sampling. Data concerning user involvement was collected by direct observation, semi-structured interviews with users and keyworkers and a review of CPA documentation.

Results

User involvement in needs assessment and decision-making was poor, as was knowledge of care planning and information provision to users.

Clinical implications

Limited resources and conflict resulting from the more containing aspects of the CPA remain obstacles for user involvement. Possible improvements include user led needs assessment, information pack provision and limiting attendance at CPA meetings.
Update on the use of new anticonvulsants as mood stabilisers
Authors: Maidment Ian
Published: October 2008

Aims and method

The aim of the study was to assess and update the data related to the use of lamotrigine, gabapentia topiramate and tiagabine as mood stabilisers. The published trials and case reports were collated from searches of the Cochrane Collaboration, Medline and Micromedex from January 1985 to January 1999. The manufacturers were also contacted.

The search included other aspects of the usage of these anticonvulsants, such as side-effects and drug interactions.

Results

Most of the data are in the form of anecdotal case reports and small scale open studies. The majority of the trials lack a placebo arm and do not use standard rating scales or standard diagnostic criteria. The usefulness of the results is partly limited by the short durations and small sample sizes. Furthermore, it is often unclear whether concomitant medication was altered.

Therefore, any conclusion of effectiveness requires confirmation in double-blind placebo-controlled studies to eliminate any false-positive response due to bias, placebo effects or random variability. There is also possibility of false-negative selection bias, as the early data tends to relate to a more refractory population. The use of these newer anticonvulsants as mood stabilisers is currently under investigation in a clinical trial programme.

Clinical implications

There are no studies comparing the new anticonvulsants either with each other or with established agents. There is less evidence supporting the use of the newer anticonvulsants in bipolar disorders compared with established agents. The newer anticonvulsants should be used as third- or fourth-line agents. There is more data supporting the use of lamotrigine and gabapentin.
The fictive personality revisited
Authors: Chaloner Jill
Published: October 2008

A 45-year-old woman with no previous psychiatric history had three psychiatric in-patient admissions with symptoms of suicidal ideation and depression which she attributed solely to the effect on her of Princess Diana's death.
The publication of case studies and confidentiality – an ethical predicament
Authors: Patterson Anne
Published: October 2008

Writing about psychoanalysis or psychotherapy has traditionally included illustrative clinical material which helps to clarify and enliven complex theories. However, there is increasing interest in the ethical questions raised by the publication of confidential clinical material, informed by a post-modern culture emphasising individual rights and empowerment, increasingly supported in law, and equally, fascinated by celebrity and disclosure. It seems important for psychiatrists to engage in this debate which has implications for the future communication of clinical findings between psychotherapists and psychiatrists.
Characterization of Nanoparticles in an Aqueous Solution with Bound Water Molecules Using Pulsed Field Gradient Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Kato Haruhisa , Takahashi Kayori , Saito Takeshi , Kinugasa Shinichi
Published: October 2008

The slow diffusion of water molecules in a polystyrene latex (PS-latex) nanoparticle solution was observed using the pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG-NMR) method. The measured diameter of the PS-latex nanoparticle was approximately 32 nm, and the slowly diffusing water was attributed to the small amount of water molecules bound strongly by PS-latex particles.
Preparation of Polybenzoxazine/Ionic Liquid Hybrids
Authors: Kawauchi Takehiro , Ohara Minori , Hirai Shoko , Takeichi Tsutomu
Published: October 2008

We successfully prepared a novel hybrid of polybenzoxazine (PBa) and ionic liquids (ILs), such as 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate (BMICF3SO3) by the polymerization of benzoxazine in the presence of IL. The obtained hybrid film at 20 wt % BMICF3SO3 content had higher tensile strength and elongation at break than those of the pristine PBa film without sacrificing the modulus. The hybrid also showed high Tg and degradation temperature evidenced by DMA and TGA.
Mesomorphic Behavior of Bent-shaped Molecules with Non-aromatic Central Core Based on Bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)methane
Authors: Lee Seng Kue , Shi Lu , Tokita Masatoshi , Watanabe Junji
Published: October 2008

New homologous series of bent-shaped molecules with non-aromatic central core based on bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)methane were studied comparing with the conventional bent-shaped molecules with aromatic central core.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Structural Characterization of an Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Sandwich-type Germanotungstate
Authors: Wang Jingping , Chen Guo , Wang Wei , Niu Jingyang
Published: October 2008

A novel inorganic–organic hybrid germanotungstate (H2en)5[{Ni(Hen)}2Ni2(GeW9O34)2]·8H2O (1) has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, ESR spectra, TG-DTA, and X-ray diffraction. The title compound consists of a tetra-NiII-substituted sandwich-type anion [{Ni(Hen)}2Ni2(GeW9O34)2]10−, where two monoprotonated en (en = ethylenediamine) ligands have replaced the two external water molecules of the well-known rhombohedral Ni4O16 core.
Fabrication of Nickel Nitrate Hydroxide Microsphere with Inheriting Morphology to β-Ni(OH)2 and NiO
Authors: Tang Changlin , Li Guangshe , Li Liping
Published: October 2008

This work reports on a phase-controlled approach to nickel nitrate hydroxide solid microsphere. This novel weakly ferromagnetic sphere is constructed by nanoparticles as a consequence of the reactions between ethanol and the nitrate species. This sphere is also proved to show distinct morphology-inheriting feature as to the formation of β-Ni(OH)2 or NiO that has potential applications in electrochemical cells and gas sensors.
Novel Biodegradable Copoly(amino acid)s Based on 6-Aminocaproic Acid and l-Proline
Authors: Zhang Weipeng
Published: October 2008

Novel biodegradable copoly(amino acid)s based on 6-aminocaproic acid and l-proline were prepared by melt polycondensation and characterized by IR and 1H NMR. They showed high mechanical properties with high viscosity ranging from 0.72 to 1.70 dL/g. Enzymatic degradation showed that with increasing proline content the enzymatic degradation rate of the copolymers increased. The cellular interaction of copolymer films and HEK 293 cells was observed using SEM; cells adhered and spread well on the material surfaces.
Allocation of Cost Savings in a Three-Level Supply Chain with Demand Information Sharing: A Cooperative-Game Approach
Authors: Leng Mingming , Parlar Mahmut
Published: October 2008

We analyze the problem of allocating cost savings from sharing demand information in a three-level supply chain with a manufacturer, a distributor, and a retailer. To find a unique allocation scheme, we use concepts from cooperative game theory. First, we analytically compute the expected cost incurred by the manufacturer and then use simulation to obtain expected costs for the distributor and the retailer. We construct a three-person cooperative game in characteristic-function form and derive necessary conditions for the stability of each of five possible coalitions. To divide the cost savings between two members, or among three supply chain members, we use various allocation schemes. We present numerical analyses to investigate the impacts of the demand autocorrelation coefficient, ρ, and the unit holding and shortage costs on the allocation scheme.
Hidden Consequences of Success in Pediatrics: Parental Health-Related Quality of Life—Results From the Care Project
Authors: Hatzmann Janneke , Heymans Hugo S. A. , Ferrer-i-Carbonell Ada , van Praag Bernard M. S. , Grootenhuis Martha A.
Published: October 2008

CONTEXT. The number of parents who care for a chronically ill child is increasing. Because of advances in medical care, parental caring tasks are changing. A detailed description of parental health-related quality of life will add to the understanding of the impact of caring for a chronically ill child. This will contribute to pediatric family care.

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to determine the health-related quality of life of parents of chronically ill children compared with parents of healthy schoolchildren.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS. A survey of 533 parents of children with chronic conditions (10 diagnosis groups, children aged 1–19 years, diagnosed >1 year ago, living at home) and 443 parents of schoolchildren was conducted between January 2006 and September 2007. Parents were approached through Emma Children's Hospital (which has a tertiary referral and a regional function) and through parent associations. The comparison group included parents of healthy schoolchildren. Health-related quality of life was assessed with the TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult's Health Related Quality of Life.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE. Health-related quality of life measures gross and fine motor function, cognitive functioning, sleep, pain, social functioning, daily activities, sexuality, vitality, positive and depressive emotions, and aggressiveness. The health-related quality of life of the study group was compared with that of the comparison group, and effect sizes were estimated. The percentages of parents at risk for a low health-related quality of life were compared with the 25th percentile scores of the comparison group.

RESULTS. Parents of chronically ill children had a significantly lower health-related quality of life. Subgroup analysis showed lower health-related quality of life on sleep, social functioning, daily activities, vitality, positive emotions, and depressive emotions in disease-specific groups. On average, 45% of the parents were at risk for health-related quality-of-life impairment.

CONCLUSIONS. Parents of chronically ill children report a seriously lower health-related quality of life, which should receive attention and supportive care if necessary. A family-centered approach in pediatrics is recommended.
Autocrine stimulation of IGF1 in estrogen-induced growth of endometrial carcinoma cells: involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway followed by up-regulation of cyclin D1 and cyclin E
Authors: Kashima Hiroyasu , Shiozawa Tanri , Miyamoto Tsutomu , Suzuki Akihisa , Uchikawa Junko , Kurai Miyuki , Konishi Ikuo
Published: October 2008

To examine estrogen-induced growth mechanisms of endometrial carcinoma, we investigated the estrogen-induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and cell cycle regulators. Estradiol (E2) treatment at concentrations of 10−8 M and 10−6 M to estrogen receptor (ER)-positive endometrial carcinoma Ishikawa cells for 24 h resulted in increased cell proliferation by 20% and 28% respectively. The E2-induced proliferation was associated with the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK)3/1 and up-regulation of cyclin D1 and E, which were suppressed by the addition of an MAP2K inhibitor (U0126) or an ER antagonist (ICI 182 780). Then, our screening for estrogen-inducible growth factors identified that IGF1 was up-regulated remarkably by E2. Immunoprecipitation using conditioned medium of Ishikawa cells after E2 treatment confirmed the E2-induced secretion of IGF1 protein. Treatment with recombinant IGF1 stimulated cell proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion, in association with MAPK3/1 phosphorylation and up-regulation of cyclin D1 and E. These IGF1-induced responses were suppressed by treatment with MAP2K inhibitor or anti-IGF1 receptor antibody. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the expression of activated MAPK3/1 in normal proliferative phase endometria and endometrial carcinomas, indicating the involvement of this pathway in actively proliferating endometrial tissues in vivo. These findings suggest that E2-induced proliferation of endometrial carcinoma cells is mediated by the MAPK3/1 pathway via autocrine stimulation of IGF1.
From hatching to dispatching: the multiple cellular roles of the Hsp70 molecular chaperone machinery
Authors: Meimaridou Eirini , Gooljar Sakina B , Chapple J Paul
Published: October 2008

Molecular chaperones are best recognized for their roles in de novo protein folding and the cellular response to stress. However, many molecular chaperones, and in particular the Hsp70 chaperone machinery, have multiple diverse cellular functions. At the molecular level, chaperones are mediators of protein conformational change. To facilitate conformational change of client/substrate proteins, in manifold contexts, chaperone power must be closely regulated and harnessed to specific cellular locales – this is controlled by cochaperones. This review considers specialized functions of the Hsp70 chaperone machinery mediated by its cochaperones. We focus on vesicular trafficking, protein degradation and a potential role in G protein-coupled receptor processing.
Briefing: Civil engineering: the future is digital
Authors: Paraskeva Mark
Published: October 2008

Civil engineers need to embrace digitalisation more fully to meet the critical challenges that lie ahead, says Mark Paraskeva of Autodesk. in particular it could make the profession more attractive to talented youngsters.
Briefing: Sustainability: still absent from the higher-education agenda
Authors: Parkin Sara
Published: October 2008

Most engineering degree courses in the UK are failing society's need for ‘sustainability literate’ professionals, says Sara Parkin of Forum for the Future. Fortunately there are a few good examples which should be turned into standard practice for everyone.
Wendover arm canal – an early hydraulic use of asphalt
Authors: Peters Timothy , Brown Stephen
Published: October 2008

Recent restoration of the 1797 Wendover arm of the Grand Union Canal in England has revealed one of the earliest uses of asphalt as a waterproofing liner. Following excessive leakage, a length of 4·4 km of the arm was lined in 1857 with coal tar asphalt as an economic alternative to repuddling with clay. However, within 13 years the canal was leaking as before and eventually closed in 1904. As this paper reports, the failure appears to have resulted from use of an excessively rich lining mixture and poor construction practice plus damage from boats, ice breaking and earth movements. It was nevertheless a novel, if ultimately unsuccessful, approach to repairing a seriously leaking canal economically and constituted a significant step in the use of asphalt for hydraulic engineering.
Strength characteristics of hydraulic lime mortared brickwork
Authors: Zhou Z. , Walker P. , D'Ayala D.
Published: October 2008

This paper presents experimental results from an ongoing study investigating the flexural bond strength, initial shear strength and compressive strength of brickwork built using natural hydraulic lime mortars. All tests were conducted in accordance with relevant standard procedures. Flexural bond strengths, with planes of failure parallel and perpendicular to bed joints, were determined by panel (wallette) tests. Bond wrench testing of stack-bonded prisms was also conducted to investigate further the material influences on flexural strength. The main parameters studied in this investigation were mortar mix design (binder : aggregate ratio; lime grade) and brick water absorption characteristics. The flexural bond strength and initial shear strength of the brickwork in general increased with mortar strength, but flexural bond strength was significantly impaired by both low and high brick water absorption. The bond wrench test was found to be a reliable, quick and easy, alternative test procedure to determine flexural strength (with plane of failure) parallel to the bed joints.
Service limit state resistance factors for drilled shafts
Authors: MISRA A. , ROBERTS L.A.
Published: October 2008

The analysis of bored piles, or drilled shafts, at the service limit state is important when foundation settlements are critical to the operation of a structure. The t–z method is a widely used soil–structure interaction model for the analysis of drilled shaft settlement. In current practice, nominal values of soil stiffness and strength parameters are used to determine settlement based upon the t–z method. However, the nominal values can vary from one designer to another, making the results somewhat inconsistent. By considering reliability-based design principles, probabilistic relationships can be incorporated into the settlement analysis of the drilled shaft, and thus design uncertainty can be quantified. Following this approach, load and resistance factor design (LRFD) procedures may be utilised and resistance factors established for use in design. Using a t–z model and the Monte Carlo simulation process, probability distributions are determined for drilled shaft capacity at the service limit state. Resistance factors are calculated based upon these relationships. The drilled shaft geometry and the shaft/soil interface parameters are varied so that their effects on the resistance factors may be understood.
The uplift resistance of pipes and plate anchors buried in sand
Authors: White D. J. , Cheuk C. Y. , Bolton M. D.
Published: October 2008

The design of buried anchors and pipelines requires assessment of the peak uplift resistance. This paper describes a limit equilibrium solution for the uplift resistance of pipes and plate anchors buried in sand. The geometry of this solution reflects observations from model tests. Peak angles of friction and dilation are found using established correlations that capture the influence of stress level and density. These angles govern the geometry of the failure mechanism and the mobilised resistance. The solution is validated using a database of 115 model tests on pipes and strip anchors assembled from the published literature. Good agreement with the overall database is shown, without optimisation of any input parameters. The method overpredicts the uplift resistance of smooth model pipes by ∼10%, highlighting the influence of pipe roughness. In contrast, it is shown that the solution for uplift resistance based on the limit theorems of plasticity is generally unconservative. The assumption of normality, which is required by the limit theorems, leads to an unrealistic failure mechanism involving uplift of a far wider zone of soil than is seen in model tests. Plasticity theory, with normality, is inappropriate for modelling this class of kinematically restrained problem in drained conditions, as normality is not observed. As finite element analysis is not routinely used in practice—partly owing to the difficulty in selecting appropriate input parameters to describe dilatancy and plastic flow—the simple analytical idealisation described in this paper provides a useful tool for uplift resistance prediction. Simple charts for the prediction of peak uplift resistance from critical state friction angle, relative density and normalised burial depth are presented, to aid the design of buried pipes and anchors.
Omitting types for finite variable fragments and complete representations of algebras
Authors: Andréka Hajnal , Németi István , Ahmed Tarek Sayed
Published: October 2008

We give a novel application of algebraic logic to first order logic. A new, flexible construction is presented for representable but not completely representable atomic relation and cylindric algebras of dimensionn(for finiten> 2) with the additional property that they are one-generated and the set of allnbynatomic matrices forms a cylindric basis. We use this construction to show that the classical Henkin-Orey omitting types theorem fails for the finite variable fragments of first order logic as long as the number of variables available is > 2 and we have a binary relation symbol in our language. We also prove a stronger result to the effect that there is no finite upper bound for the extra variables needed in the witness formulas. This result further emphasizes the ongoing interplay between algebraic logic and first order logic.