bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Concentration of Volatile Sulphur Compounds of Mouth Air during the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Tonzetich Joseph , Preti George , Huggins George R
Published: September 2014

Five female subjects were studied to determine the applicability of volatile sulphur analysis of mouth air to monitor chemical, cytological and physiological changes observed during the menstrual cycle. Volatile sulphur results were compiled over twelve ovulatory cycles derived from two or three consecutive cycles from each subject. The results of mouth air evaluations were compared with concurrently determined levels of hormones in blood serum and organic metabolites in vaginal secretions.

Distinct cyclic variations were observed in concentrations of all three volatile sulphur components (hydrogen sulphide, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulphide) of mouth air. There was a definite overall trend for the compounds to increase two- to four-fold immediately around mid-cycle and menstruation as well as during mid-proliferative and mid-luteal phases of each menstrual cycle. In those cycles in which hormonal profiles were obtained, the increase in volatile sulphur content closely coincided with the mid-cycle surge in luteinizing hormone, while the peak during the mid-luteal phase corresponded to a period of maximum level of progesterone and elevated oestrogens. The concentrations of lactic acid and urea in vaginal secretions also underwent cyclic changes analogous to those described for volatile sulphur components of mouth air. The occurrence of malodourous concentrations of hydrogen sulphide and methyl mercaptan immediately around menses in most of the cycles studied satisfactorily accounts for the reported incidence of breath malodour observed during this time.
Adverse Reactions to Indoprofen: A Survey Based on a Total of 6764 Patients
Authors: Bruni G , Lavezzari M , Perbellini A , Battaglia A , Emanueli A
Published: September 2014

Safety data on indoprofen are presented, deriving from three sources: the first was a phase 4 multicentre clinical study based on 4042 patients suffering from osteoarthritis and treated with 400–800 mg daily by mouth for about 4 weeks; the second was a survey based on a heterogeneous series of 2722 subjects belonging to phase 1, 2 and 3 investigations, and treated with 200 to 1200 mg daily by the oral and/or parenteral route for from 1 to more than 180 days; the third was a safety laboratory study conducted in 472 patients, most of whom had participated in the first study, while the remainder were included in the second.

Adverse events of any type occurred in 22% of patients in the first study and in 13% in the second, but treatment had to be withdrawn for drug-related reasons in less than 5% in both. Potentially life-threatening events were rare, overall including 16 instances of clinically overt gastro-intestinal bleeding and 2 anaphylactic reactions. Unfavourable laboratory changes, i.e. shifting from normal to abnormal values, were recorded in about 10% of the series studied. The adverse reaction profile of indoprofen was similar to that of most NSAIDs, with gastro-intestinal troubles prevailing over the other events, a distribution which, however, was clear-cut only with oral indoprofen. Tolerability problems appeared to be dose-related up to some point between 400 and 600 mg daily plateauing thereafter, and were less frequent following parenteral than following oral administration.
Therapeutic Effects of Tiopronin on Chronic Hepatitis: A Double-Blind Clinical Study
Authors: Ichida F , Shibasaki K , Takino T , Suzuki H , Fujisawa K , Inoue K , Hirayama C , Kaito I , Hirasawa T , Kameda H , Inoue J , Satoh G , Kosaka Y , Yamamoto S , Nagashima H , Tsuji T , Ohta Y , Okada J
Published: September 2014

The efficacy of tiopronin (2-mercaptopropionyl glycine) 600 mg daily in the treatment of chronic active or chronic persistent hepatitis has been assessed in a double-blind controlled clinical trial of 12 weeks involving 165 Japanese patients with histologically proven disease. Treatment with the drug was associated with a significant improvement in abnormalities of serum transaminase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, with reversion towards baseline values on stopping the drug. Improvement was independent of the histological classification of the disease, or HBsAg status. The drug was well tolerated with few side-effects. The results of this short-term study indicate that tiopronin may be of value in the treatment of chronic hepatitis.
A Double-Blind Controlled Evaluation of Actifed® and its Individual Constituents in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Connell John T , Williams Benjamin O , Allen Sue , Cato Allen , Perkins J Greg
Published: September 2014

Pseudoephedrine and triprolidine, administered every 6 hours as a combination, made separate and distinct contributions to the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Furthermore, the combination was perceived by the patients as being clinically superior to either of its components or placebo.
A Clinical Evaluation of Suprapen (Amoxicillin plus Flucloxacillin) in the Management of Childhood Thoracic Empyema
Authors: Anyanwu Chijioke H
Published: September 2014

Twenty-one children, all suffering from thoracic empyema, were treated with a combination of antibiotic therapy (Suprapen) and tube thoracostomy. A satisfactory clinical response with radiological and laboratory confirmation was seen in all but one patient, thus obviating the need for major surgery. Suprapen may be considered as a first line antibiotic in such cases of pleural sepsis in the absence of bacteriological confirmation of infection.
Bioavailability of Paediatric Mixtures Containing Phenoxymethylpenicillin Calcium or Potassium Salt
Authors: Soininen Kari , Allonen Hannu , Posti Juhani
Published: September 2014

The bioavailability of the calcium and potassium salts of Phenoxymethylpenicillin (dose 38,000 I.U./kg) was investigated in eight healthy adult volunteers. Administration of the calcium salt as an aqueous oral mixture resulted in a mean peak plasma concentration of 8·52 mg/l (SD 1·96) and that of the potassium salt mixture in a concentration of 8·40 mg/ml (SD 2·61), p > 0·1. The median time-to-peak levels were 0·75 h and 1·0 h, respectively (p > 0·1). The mean AUC for the calcium salt mixture was 16·94 mg·h/l (SD 3·31) and for the potassium salt 15·84 mg·h/l (SD 4·76), p > 0·09. These findings confirm that an aqueous mixture of calcium phenoxymethylpenicillin is equivalent to a mixture of potassium Phenoxymethylpenicillin.
A Comparison of the Clinical Effects of Timiperone, a New Butyrophenone Derivative, and Haloperidol on Schizophrenia Using a Double-Blind Technique
Authors: Kariya T , Shimazono Y , Itoh H , Mori A , Murasaki M , Sugano K , Toru M , Yamashita I
Published: September 2014

The efficacy and safety of timiperone, a new butyrophenone derivative, in schizophrenia as compared with haloperidol were assessed in a multi-clinic double-blind controlled study in a total of 206 patients.

The patients were given timiperone (1·0 mg/tablet) or haloperidol (1·5 mg/tablet) in a daily dose of 1–3 tablets for the first day, then up to a maximum of 12 tablets depending on symptoms for 12 weeks.

Timiperone was found to be significantly superior to haloperidol in the final global improvement rating and in the general usefulness rating.

In the over-all safety rating there were no statistically significant differences between the two drug treatments. With regard to analysis by stratification timiperone was superior to haloperidol in improving abnormal experiences such as hallucination and delusion as well as deficiency of initiative and blunted affect.

From these results it is considered that timiperone could be superior to haloperidol in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Relieving Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Allergies and the Common Cold: Azatadine Maleate/Pseudoephedrine Sulfate Syrup versus Placebo
Authors: Kaminszczik I , Barbon L
Published: September 2014

A total of 132 patients with symptoms associated with either upper respiratory allergies or the common cold was enrolled in this 5-day study. Azatadine maleatelpseudoephedrine sulfate syrup was compared to placebo using a double-blind design. Evaluation of efficacy was based on results in eighty patients and that of safety in 115. Onset of relief was significantly better (p = 0·03) with azatadine maleatel pseudoephedrine sulfate syrup than with placebo. However this was due mainly to the distribution of patients who indicated ‘no relief': ten in the combination group as opposed to sixteen in the placebo group. Over-all evaluation of results indicated that a significantly greater degree of symptomatic relief was achieved with the active test formulation than with placebo on both Days 3 (p = 0·03) and 5 (p = 0·04) of therapy. Somnolence was the most frequently reported side-effect.
Pivmecillinam in the Treatment of Childhood Pyelonephritis
Authors: Helin Ingemar
Published: September 2014

In a prospective study, twenty children with a mean age of 4 years were treated with pivmecillinam, 25 mg to 40 mg per kilogram body-weight and day, for acute pyelonephritis. Urine cultures yielded growth of E. coli in sixteen instances, Klebsiella spp. in two, S. saprophyticus in one and a mixed Gram-positive flora in one patient. All children fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for upper urinary tract infection. In all cases where Gram-negative pathogens were responsible, the infections were eradicated. One reinfection was registered in a child with a concomitantly discovered congenital urological malformation. Pivmecillinam also cured one patient infected with S. saprophyticus but was ineffective in the case of mixed Gram-positive flora. It is concluded that pivmecillinam is a valuable new drug for the management of pyelonephritis in children, as most of these infections are caused by Gram-negative organisms.
The Efficacy of a Potassium-Sparing Combination of Chlorthalidone and Triamterene in the Control of Mild and Moderate Hypertension. I
Authors: Webb Edmund L , Godfrey John C , Gertel Arthur , Costello Robert J , Applin Walter J , Zisblatt Martin , Vukovich Robert A , Neiss E S
Published: September 2014

Chlorthalidone 25 mg/triamterene 50 mg in once-daily oral doses was as effective in reducing blood pressure as chlorthalidone 25 mg alone. The decrease in serum potassium was statistically significantly less with the combination than for chlorthalidone. There were no notable differences between the treatments in any other measure of laboratory safety or adverse reactions.
Effect of Pindolol and Nifedipine Alone and in Combination on Haemodynamic Parameters/Variables in Essential Hypertension
Authors: Tsukiyama Hisaichiro , Otsuka Keiko , Yamamoto Yooichi
Published: September 2014

Thirteen patients with essential hypertension were started on pindolol 10–20 mg daily and twelve on nifedipine 20–60 mg daily. At the end of 6 weeks inadequate responders (B.P. > 140/90) were put onto combined treatment with both drugs, ten of the pindolol and six of the nifedipine patients being affected. Combined therapy then continued for a further 6-week period, while adequate responders (B.P. < 140/90) continued with their initial drug.

In addition to blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac index were also measured, and total peripheral resistance index was calculated.

Where blood pressure decreased below 140/90 at the end of 12 weeks in patients on combined treatment, the original drug was withdrawn, leaving the patient on a single-drug regimen again, this time with the ‘second compound’. This manoeuvre was followed by a rise in blood pressure in five out of eight patients in whom pindolol was withdrawn and in two out of six after nifedipine withdrawal. No definite conclusions can be drawn from these findings, and it may be that a better approach to the problem of poor responders would be to try each drug on its own before combining them, rather than combining first and then withdrawing the initial treatment.

The increased peripheral resistance typical of essential hypertension was not adversely affected by either drug, while combined treatment had a beneficial effect on this parameter.
The Acute Action of Fenbufen and Piroxicam on the Gastric Mucosa as Measured by Gastric Microbleeding
Authors: Collins A J , Notarianni Lidia J
Published: September 2014

The acute effect of a single dose of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, fenbufen (Lederfen) and piroxicam, was tested on the human gastric mucosa for their ability to cause damage, as measured by microbleeding. In a volunteer trial in which twelve subjects took part, a single dose of 600 mg of fenbufen was compared with a placebo and a single dose of 20 mg of Piroxicam on separate occasions. After taking the drugs, stomachs were aspirated via a nasogastric tube over the following 3 hours. When the haemoglobin in the aspirates was assayed it was concluded that fenbufen caused no more microbleeding than the placebo and less than that caused by Piroxicam over the time period tested.
Initial Experience with Oral Gold Salts in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients Followed up for One Year
Authors: Lignère G Chérié , Giavarini S , Longatti S
Published: September 2014

Fifteen patients, eight males and seven females, suffering from classic or definite rheumatoid arthritis were treated for 1 year with Auranofin*, a new gold salt active by the oral route, different from parenteral gold as far as dosage, mechanism of action and toxicity are concerned. Patients received a dosage of 3 mg twice daily, equivalent to 0·85 mg of elemental gold, in order to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of this new compound.

Subjective and objective parameters were monitored during the trial and serum gold levels were assayed every 2 months by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Our study, which is on-going, shows the therapeutic efficacy of Auranofin which seems better tolerated than parenteral gold salts and will probably become a widely used drug in the long-term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
A Comparative Study of Benzydamine Hydrochloride 0·15% w/v (‘Difflam’ Oral Rinse) and Acetyl Salicylic Acid as Analgesics following Tonsillectomy
Authors: Irwin B C , Acharya K B
Published: September 2014

The efficacy of ‘Difflam’ Oral Rinse and soluble aspirin in the post-operative management of tonsillectomy in adult patients has been compared. Whilst aspirin proved slightly more effective in relieving pain and discomfort of swallowing, ‘Difflam’ Oral Rinse was superior in the relief of earache, in promoting the healing of the tonsil bed and in the duration of necessity of treatment. It is therefore suggested that the two preparations might be taken concomitantly to provide quick, as well as long-lasting, pain relief.
Effects of Buflomedil Hydrochloride in Occlusive Arterial Disease of the Lower Limbs Stage IV
Authors: Briguglio F , Briguglio E , Di Marco V , Swat M , Materia G , Intilisano A
Published: September 2014

Ten patients affected by occlusive arterial disease and presenting with skin lesions of the limbs were treated with buflomedil first i.v. and then orally, at a dosage of 600 mg/day.

After a treatment period of 30 to 60 days, eight patients showed lesion regression with complete recovery; the remaining two patients dropped out of the study.

The mechanism of action of buflomedil in healing skin lesions is also discussed.
Aminophylline Blood Levels with Concomitant Erythromycin Therapy in Relapsed Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
Authors: Vercelloni M , Cogo R , Albertini A , Granata M , Rosaschino F
Published: September 2014

Sixty patients affected by chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) in relapse were treated with erythromycin and aminophylline. The patients were divided into three groups: Group A received 2 g erythromycin and 1200 mg aminophylline daily, and Group B and C received 2g erythromycin with respectively 800 mg and 600 mg of aminophylline daily, administered as two oral doses in each case. On day 5 of therapy, we chromatographically evaluated aminophylline in a serum sample taken two hours after morning drug administration which corresponds to the peak plasma level. We also evaluated certain biohumoral, microbiological, radiological and electrocardiographic parameters both before and after therapy. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by the Student's t test. Our data confirm that 600–800 mg oral aminophylline administered simultaneously with erythromycin induce an improvement in the respiratory function of patients with relapsed COLD without elevating blood aminophylline levels and without side-effects.
A Double-Blind Study Comparing Ibuprofen 1800 mg or 2400 mg Daily and Placebo in Sports Injuries
Authors: Hutson M A
Published: September 2014

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of forty-six patients with acute ligamentous damage of the knee, ibuprofen in dosages 1800 mg and 2400 mg produced significant improvements in joint mobility, weight bearing ability and match fitness. Joint effusion, pain on stress and pain severity was significantly improved by all three treatments. Only two patients reported side-effects (one while taking placebo and one taking ibuprofen 2400 mg). The study confirmed the efficacy and excellent tolerance to ibuprofen in patients with sports injuries to the knee.
The Steady-State Pharmacokinetics of Tamoxifen and its Metabolites in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Soininen Kari , Kleimola Terttu , Elomaa Inkeri , Salmo Matti , Rissanen Pentti
Published: September 2014

The steady-state pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen and its metabolites was studied in sixteen patients with advanced mammary cancer. Patients were randomized to receive tamoxifen given as Tamofen®, Leiras, or as Nolvadex®, ICI, 20 mg twice daily for 16 weeks in a cross-over study. Plasma and urine samples were analyzed during one dose interval (12 h) after treatment for 8 and 16 weeks. The concentrations of tamoxifen, N-desmethyltamoxifen, N,N-desdimethyltamoxifen, and metabolite Y were determined in plasma and the areas under the plasma level curves were calculated. 4-Hydroxytamoxifen was not found in plasma. In urine samples only tamoxifen and N-desmethyltamoxifen were above the detection limits even though metabolite Y was also analyzed after acid hydrolysis.

There were no statistically significant differences in the concentrations of tamoxifen and its metabolites between the two preparations. The results of nonresponders did not differ from those of responders. Liver metastases had no effect on the metabolism of tamoxifen.
Electrospun polystyrene/polyacrylonitrile fiber with high oil sorption capacity
Authors: Qiao Ying , Zhao Lili , Li Peng , Sun Haixiang , Li Shuo
Published: September 2014

A high-capacity oil sorbent is fabricated by electrospinning a polystyrene and polyacrylonitrile blend. The influences of several processing parameters including the spinning solution concentration, environmental temperature, applied voltage, relative humidity, and inner diameter of the metal needle on the morphology and oil sorption capacity are investigated. All the parameters are found to have an effect on the morphology and sorption capacity; furthermore, the relative humidity plays an important role in determining the fiber surface roughness. The highest sorption capacity is obtained under the following conditions: the spinning solution concentration is 18%, the environmental temperature is 30℃, the applied voltage is 25 kV, the relative humidity is 40%, and the nozzle inner diameter of metal needle is 0.6 mm. This produces a fibrous sorbent with uniform morphology, a thinner diameter, and the highest sorption capacity. The maximum sorption capacities of the polystyrene/polyacrylonitrile sorbent for pump oil, peanut oil, diesel, and gasoline are 194.85, 131.7, 66.75, and 43.38 g/g, respectively. Polystyrene/polyacrylonitrile fiber is compared with polystyrene fiber through mechanical tests. The sorption kinetic data for the four oils could be well described by the pseudo-second order rate equation. The sorption equilibrium time for pump oil, peanut oil, diesel, and gasoline was 56.27, 16.24, 5.16, and 3.52 min, respectively.
Interlaminar toughening in flax fiber-reinforced composites interleaved with carbon nanotube buckypaper
Authors: Chen Chaozhong , Li Yan , Yu Tao
Published: September 2014

Natural fiber-reinforced composites have advantages such as light weight, unique mechanical properties, good sound absorption, and heat isolation performances. However, low interlaminar properties of natural fiber-reinforced composite laminates caused by the poor interfacial properties between natural fibers and polymeric matrices have become one of the main obstacles for their applications. In this study, carbon nanotube buckypaper interleaf, which is network structures formed by carbon nanotubes, has been developed to utilize their potential for increasing interlaminar properties of flax fiber-reinforced composites. Synergistic effects between the buckypaper and the hierarchical structure of flax fibers on the interlaminar fracture toughness were investigated. The results obtained from double cantilever beam test indicated that the interlaminar fracture toughness of the composites was significantly improved with the addition of buckypaper. Fractured surfaces of the composites were observed with the aid of scanning electron microscopy. Improved interlocking between the flax fiber and the matrix by carbon nanotubes strengthened the interlaminar interfacial bonding, resulting in fiber fibrillation and matrix toughening. Improved impact performances also proved these mechanisms. Additionally, tensile tests confirmed that the introduction of buckypaper interleaves had no influence on the fiber-dominated in-plane properties.
Some natural fibers used in polymer composites and their extraction processes: A review
Authors: Kumar K Palani , Sekaran A Shadrach Jeya
Published: September 2014

Natural fibers are used as reinforcing materials for more than 2000 years. The need for natural fibers has been emerged due to its weight saving, cost effective, and environmentally superior alternatives to synthetic fibers in composites. The interest in natural fiber reinforced polymer composites has been increased rapidly, due to high performance in mechanical properties, significant processing advantages, and it also provides a solution to environmental pollution. The main objective of this paper is to review and discuss the natural fibers like banana, aloe vera, kenaf, and sisal fibers and their extraction processes.
“Move or Suffer”
Authors: Portacolone Elena , Halpern Jodi
Published: September 2014

Despite ethical claims that civic societies should foster intergenerational integration, age-segregation is a widespread yet understudied phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to understand the reasons that led community-dwelling older Americans to relocate into senior housing. Qualitative data were collected through participant observation and ethnographic interviews with 47 older adults living alone in San Francisco, California. Half of study participants lived in housing for seniors, the other half in conventional housing. Data were analyzed with standard qualitative methods. Findings illuminate the dynamics that favor age-segregation. Senior housing might be cheaper, safer, and offer more socializing opportunities than conventional housing. Yet, tenants of senior housing may also experience isolation, crime, and distress. Findings suggest that rather than individual preference, cultural, political, and economic factors inform the individual decision to relocate into age-segregated settings. Findings also call for an increased awareness on the ethical implications of societies increasingly segregated by age.
Health Risk Perceptions and Exercise in Older Adulthood
Authors: Ruthig Joelle C.
Published: September 2014

Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) was applied to explore the relationship between perceived risk of acute health crises and intent to exercise. Interviews of 351 community-living older adults assessed prior physical activity (PPA), all PMT components, and exercise intent. A multi-group structural equation model revealed gender differences in PMT predictors of exercise intent. PPA, age, self-efficacy, and response efficacy directly predicted men’s intent. Women’s PPA and age predicted PMT components of self-efficacy and response costs, which predicted intent. Findings have implications for devising interventions to enhance physical activity in later life by targeting different PMT components for older men and women.
Schedule Control and Nursing Home Quality
Authors: Hurtado David A. , Berkman Lisa F. , Buxton Orfeu M. , Okechukwu Cassandra A.
Published: September 2014

Aim: To examine whether nursing homes’ quality of care was predicted by schedule control (workers’ ability to decide work hours), independently of other staffing characteristics. Method: Prospective ecological study of 30 nursing homes in New England. Schedule control was self-reported via survey in 2011-2012 ( N = 1,045). Quality measures included the prevalence of decline in activities of daily living, residents’ weight loss, and pressure ulcers, indicators systematically linked with staffing characteristics. Outcomes data for 2012 were retrieved from Medicare.gov. Results: Robust Linear Regressions showed that higher schedule control predicted lower prevalence of pressure ulcers (β = −0.51, p < .05). This association was independent of staff mix, staffing ratios, job satisfaction, and turnover intentions. Conclusion: Higher schedule control might enhance the planning and delivery of strategies to prevent or cure pressure ulcers. Further research is needed to identify potential causal mechanisms by which schedule control could improve quality of care.
Qualitative Special Education Research
Authors: Trainor Audrey A. , Leko Melinda
Published: September 2014

This two-part special issue on qualitative research makes a case for the strength and contribution of rigorous qualitative research and previews the articles selected for inclusion in the special issue, following an open call for papers. Six papers were chosen from a total of 50 submitted abstracts.
Ameliorative effects of docosahexaenoic acid on the toxicity induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in cultured rat hepatocytes
Authors: Turkez Hasan , Geyikoglu Fatime , Yousef Mokhtar I
Published: September 2014

The 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) is an environmental contaminant toxicant that mediates carcinogenic effects associated with oxidative DNA damage. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with antioxidant functions has many biochemical, cellular, and physiological functions for cells. The present study assessed, for the first time, the ameliorative effect of DHA in alleviating the toxicity of TCDD on primary cultured rat hepatocytes (HEPs). In vitro, isolated HEPs were incubated with TCDD (5 and 10 μM) in the presence and absence of DHA (5, 10, and 20 μM) for 48 h. The cell viability was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. DNA damage was analyzed by liver micronucleus assay and 8-oxo-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) level. In addition, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative stress (TOS) were assessed to determine the oxidative injury in HEPs. The results of MTT and LDH assays showed that TCDD decreased cell viability but not DHA. On the basis of increasing treatment concentrations, the dioxin caused significant increases of micronucleated HEPs and 8-OH-dG as compared to control culture. TCDD also led to significant increases in TOS content. On the contrary, in cultures treated with DHA, the level of TAC was significantly increased during treatment in a concentration-dependent fashion. DHA showed therapeutic potential against TCDD-mediated cell viability and DNA damages. As conclusion, this study provides the first evidence that DHA has protective effects against TCDD toxicity on primary cultured rat hepatocytes.
Mutagenicity of automobile workshop soil leachate and tobacco industry wastewater using the Ames Salmonella fluctuation and the SOS chromotests
Authors: Okunola Alabi A , Babatunde Esan E , Chinwe Duru , Pelumi Oyedele , Ramatu Salihu G
Published: September 2014

Environmental management of industrial solid wastes and wastewater is an important economic and environmental health problem globally. This study evaluated the mutagenic potential of automobile workshop soil-simulated leachate and tobacco wastewater using the SOS chromotest on Escherichia coli PQ37 and the Ames Salmonella fluctuation test on Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 without metabolic activation. Physicochemical parameters of the samples were also analyzed. The result of the Ames test showed mutagenicity of the test samples. However, the TA100 was the more responsive strain for both the simulated leachate and tobacco wastewater in terms of mutagenic index in the absence of metabolic activation. The SOS chromotest results were in agreement with those of the Ames Salmonella fluctuation test. Nevertheless, the E. coli PQ37 system was slightly more sensitive than the Salmonella assay for detecting genotoxins in the tested samples. Iron, cadmium, manganese, copper, nickel, chromium, arsenic, zinc, and lead contents analyzed in the samples were believed to play significant role in the observed mutagenicity in the microbial assays. The results of this study showed that the simulated leachate and tobacco wastewater showed strong indication of a genotoxic risk. Further studies would be required in the analytical field in order to identify and quantify other compounds not analyzed for in this study, some of which could be responsible for the observed genotoxicity. This will be necessary in order to identify the sources of toxicants and thus to take preventive and/or curative measures to limit the toxicity of these types of wastes.
Waqa Tabu—sacred ships: the Fijian drua
Authors: Nuttall Peter , D’Arcy Paul , Philp Colin
Published: September 2014

The Fijian drua (also called kalia in Tonga and ‘alia in Samoa) are arguably the apex of Pacific naval architectural design and performance, built without metals, some over 100’ long, carrying complements of more than 200, capable of speeds of around fifteen knots and of sailing within four points of the wind. There is currently no single literature source for drua and the discourse on central Oceania’s sailing heritage has been overshadowed in recent decades by intensive research into eastern Polynesia vessels and voyaging. Amongst the scattered literature there is disagreement between authors as to the historical and pre-historical extent, ability and source of Fijian sailing culture. We collate and assess the known literature for drua, drawing out areas of commonalty and discord to place this within the context of culture, with canoe as focal point. We examine the unique role of the vesi loa (Intsia bijuga) growing on the limestone islands of the southern Lau Group, a boat-building material described as the titanium of the Pacific, as a magnet for master craftsman from Samoa, Tonga and Fiji and the resultant cross-cultural exchange that produced a craft that was arguably the finest performance hulled ship of her day. No great drua has been built in over a century. We conclude that the nature of the drua culture described requires a more generous assessment of Fijian voyaging ability and history than currently exists in the literature. Regardless of its design origin, the drua in its finished form was the product of a unique and indigenous cross-cultural collaboration that includes at least the societies of central and northern Oceania.
Higher Risk of Violence Exposure in Men and Women With Physical or Sensory Disabilities
Authors: Olofsson Niclas , Lindqvist Kent , Danielsson Ingela
Published: September 2014

The World Health Organization has declared that violence is a global public health problem. The prevalence of violence exposure among adults with intellectual and unspecific disabilities has been demonstrated in several studies, whereas only a few articles on people with sensory disabilities have been published. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk for exposure to physical violence, psychological offence, or threats of violence in people with physical and/or sensory disabilities, compared with people with no such disabilities, controlling for socioeconomic data. Data from a public health survey were analyzed. A nationally representative sample of women and men aged 16 to 84 years had answered a questionnaire. In the present study, the whole sample, comprised of 25,461 women and 21,545 men, was used. Women with auditory disabilities were generally more often violence exposed than non-disabled women, whereas men with physical disabilities were more often violence exposed than non-impaired men. Some age groups among both women and men with visual disabilities had higher prevalence rates than women and men without disabilities. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were significantly higher among the auditory impairment group for exposure to physical (OR = 1.4, confidence interval [CI] = [1.1, 1.9]) and psychological (OR = 1.4, CI = [1.1, 1.8]) violence among women. Men with physical disabilities had raised odds ratios for physical violence (OR = 1.7, CI = [1.2, 2.4]) and psychological violence (OR = 1.4, CI = [1.0, 2.0]) compared with the non-disabled group. Both men and women with a physical or sensory disability showed higher odds of being exposed to violence than men and women without a disability. The results indicated that socioeconomic situation, smoking, and hazardous drinking strengthened the association between impairment and violence.
The Development of a Mind–Body–Spirit Certification Program in Nursing
Authors: Arcari Patricia Martin , Flanagan Jane
Published: September 2014

Stress and anxiety experienced by patients particularly during hospitalization can be positively affected by an approach to care that emphasizes the uniqueness of the patient, the patient–provider relationship, and mind–body–spirit interventions. Although patients seek care that addresses stress and promotes relaxation within the hospital environment, there is evidence that there are lost opportunities aimed at addressing these concerns within the current health care environment. Nursing leadership at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions recognized a need to address this gap in knowledge that exists in the practice setting. The purpose of this article is to describe and discuss the development and implementation of a program in mind–body–spirit nursing that was developed collaboratively between the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions and the Benson-Henry Institute of Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Effect of tilting angle on the dynamics of tilting table driven by worm and worm wheel
Authors: Wei Wenming , Zhang Jun , Lu Dun , Zhao Wanhua
Published: September 2014

The dynamics of tilting table behaves differently during five-axis machining due to the constant changes of the position of its center of mass which leads to different forces acting on parts of the transmission system. In this research, the lumped parameter method is used to model the dynamics of tilting table driven by worm and worm wheel in the tilting direction, where the varying stiffness of the transmission system at different tilting angles is considered. The impact testing experiments of tilting table system with tilting angles from 0° to 90° are also performed to verify the analytical model. The results from sensitivity analysis show that the three stiffnesses have a great effect on the variation of system natural frequency in the tilting direction, including the equivalent tangential meshing stiffness of worm and worm wheel, the torsional stiffness of worm wheel shaft, and the axial stiffness of worm supporting bearings. Moreover, the variations of system natural frequency with the three stiffnesses at different tilting angles are further investigated.
Recent developments and future challenges in fatigue strength assessment of welded joints
Authors: Fricke Wolfgang
Published: September 2014

Fatigue is an important design criterion for welded structures subjected to cyclic loading. Several approaches for fatigue strength assessment have been developed which are either based on Woehler S–N curves and damage accumulation rule or on crack propagation law. The paper briefly reviews the different approaches, highlighting their advantages and limitations. In this connection, the problematic distinction between crack initiation and propagation phases is discussed, followed by considerations about some parameters which have large influence on the fatigue behaviour of welded joints but are considered differently in the approaches, such as plate thickness and stress gradient effects, multiaxial stress states, welding-induced distortions and residual stresses. Finally, ways of improving the fatigue behaviour of welded structures, either during design by reducing the stress concentration or during fabrication by improved quality or post-weld treatment or else by special material characteristics, are addressed. Emphasis will be placed on recent developments and challenges for the future from a personal perspective of the author.
Italian news coverage of radiation in the early decades of the twentieth century: A qualitative and quantitative analysis
Authors: Candela Andrea , Pasquarè Mariotto Federico
Published: September 2014

This work uses a qualitative approach coupled with a quantitative software-based methodology to examine the Italian news media coverage of radiation in the early decades of the twentieth century. We analyze 80 news stories from two of the most influential Italian newspapers from that time: La Stampa (a daily newspaper) and La Domenica del Corriere (an Italian Sunday supplement). While much of previous research on media coverage of scientific topics was generally focused on present-day news, our work revolves around the ground-breaking discovery of X-rays and radioactivity at the dawn of the last century. Our analysis aims to identify journalistic frames in the news coverage of radiation that journalists might have used to emphasize the benefits (or the risks) of the new discoveries. We also hypothesize how this kind of news coverage might have influenced public perception of technological, commercial, and public health applications of the new scientific advancements.
Breast cancer mortality trends in Italy by region and screening programme, 1980–2008
Authors: Gorini Giuseppe , Zappa Marco , Cortini Barbara , Martini Andrea , Mantellini Paola , Ventura Leonardo , Carreras Giulia
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To describe trends in breast cancer mortality in 14 Italian regions representing 90% of the Italian population, and in the country overall, in relation to the diffusion of organized or opportunistic breast cancer screening programmes. Settings: Breast cancer mortality figures from 1980–2008 in Italy and 14 Italian regions were retrieved from the National Statistics Institute.

Methods

Estimated annual percent change (EAPC) was calculated for three time-periods (1980–1989, 1990–1999, 2000–2008). To estimate the age-adjusted and age-specific EAPC, trends in mortality based on annual data were examined using a log-linear regression model, and the year of death as a regressor variable.

Results

In the period 1980–1989 an increasing trend was observed in Italy overall (EAPC = +1.1%; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: + 0.9%; + 1.3%) and in the 14 regions. In the second decade a decreasing trend was recorded both overall in Italy (EAPC = −1.6%; 95CI:−1.8%;−1.4%) and in all the regions. Between 2000–2008 a slightly decreasing trend was observed in Italy overall (EAPC = −0.8%; 95%CI:−1.0%;−0.5%). A steeper and earlier decrease compared with the rest of Italy was observed in 1990–1999 in Liguria (EAPC = −3.1%; 95%CI:−4.0%,−2.1%), Lombardy (EAPC = −2.3%; 95%CI:−2.8%;−1.9%), and Tuscany (EAPC = −3.0%; 95%CI:−3.7%;−2.2%), mainly due to the 55–64 age−group. There were significant EAPCs between −4.1% and −3.7% in these three regions, 2.5–3.0 times greater than in the rest of Italy (EAPC = −1.4%).

Conclusions

This earlier decline in three Italian regions could be partially attributable to local organized screening programmes implemented earlier than in the rest of Italy, and to opportunistic screening that became more common in 1990s.
Entrepreneur Selection Methodology for Entrepreneurship Promotion Programmes
Authors: Santos Susana C. , Caetano António
Published: September 2014

Incubators or policymakers need to decide which applicants to invest their budget and resources in. In the interest of avoiding misdirected budgets, they will naturally seek to invest in those applicants with the greatest potential for succeeding. This article describes a method designed to help in making sound investment decisions by selecting those entrepreneurs most likely to succeed. The methodology involves two steps: the first focuses on the assessment of individual characteristics, and the second focuses on the evaluation of the business opportunity. We applied this methodology on an entrepreneurship promotion programme following a longitudinal design. By the end of the programme, the 15 selected participants were successful in the implementation of their start-ups. This would indicate, therefore, that using this entrepreneur selection method can help in the investment decision making process because it enables entrepreneurship agents to more effectively evaluate individuals and their opportunities.
The Impact of Education, Economy and Culture on Entrepreneurial Motives, Barriers and Intentions: A Comparative Study of the United States and Turkey
Authors: Şeşen Harun , Pruett Mark
Published: September 2014

This study incorporates three primary perspectives used in international comparisons of entrepreneurial intentions—culture, economic conditions and education—in a study of attitudes toward entrepreneurship. Using samples drawn from two countries with distinctly different cultures, economies and education—Turkey and the United States—we develop and test hypotheses regarding the impact of these factors on entrepreneurial intentions and on perceptions of motives and barriers regarding entrepreneurship. For motive and barriers, we discuss and distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic factors. We observe a number of significant differences between the two sample groups and significant relationships between explanatory factors, intentions and motives and barriers. We discuss the implications of the study for entrepreneurship education and for future research.
Overcoming Faculty Avoidance of Online Education
Authors: Mitchell Lorianne D. , Parlamis Jennifer D. , Claiborne Sarah A.
Published: September 2014

The online delivery of higher education courses and programs continues to expand across academic disciplines at colleges and universities. This expansion of online education has been precipitated by, among other things, (a) the rise in personal computer ownership, (b) the ease of access to the Internet, (c) the availability and continuous improvement in technology for the delivery of online courses, and (d) the increase in demand for online courses by both traditional and nontraditional students. However, the proliferation of online education has not been enthusiastically supported by all constituents of higher education. Specifically, some faculty members remain resistant to the shift to online course delivery. This article applies the Transtheoretical Model of Change to the process of gaining faculty support for, and involvement in, online learning. After briefly reviewing current issues in online education and making a case for its adoption, we describe sources of faculty resistance and offer recommendations for interventions that may be applied to transforming faculty resistance to support and eventually to active participation.
Vedolizumab
Authors: Smith Michael A. , Mohammad Rima A.
Published: September 2014

Objectives: To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of vedolizumab in the treatment of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Data Sources: A literature search through clinicialtrials.gov, EMBASE and MEDLINE was conducted (January 1966-June 2014) using the terms vedolizumab and MLN0002. References from retrieved articles were reviewed for any additional material. Additionally, the prescribing information was retrieved. Study Selection/Data Extraction: Phase 1, 2, and 3 human and animal studies describing the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of vedolizumab were identified. Data Synthesis: Vedolizumab, an α4β7 integrin inhibitor, was recently approved for adult patients with moderate to severe active UC or CD who are refractory or intolerant to standard therapies or who are dependent on corticosteroids. Trial data have demonstrated that vedolizumab 300 mg at weeks 0, 2, and 6 followed by every 8 weeks is effective at inducing and maintaining clinical response and remission, improving mucosal appearance, and achieving corticosteroid-free remission in patients with UC. This regimen is also effective at achieving clinical response, remission, and corticosteroid-free remission in patients with CD. Patients treated with vedolizumab, unadjusted for exposure, reported experiencing nasopharyngitis, headache, nausea, arthralgias, pyrexia, upper-respiratory-tract infections, fatigue, and cough. Conclusions: Vedolizumab is an effective agent at inducing and maintaining remission in patients with UC or CD. Vedolizumab is generally well tolerated and has not been associated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
Wave propagation in edge cracked functionally graded beams under impact force
Authors: Akbaş Şeref Doğuşcan
Published: September 2014

Wave propagation in an edge cracked cantilever beam composed of functionally graded material (FGM) under the effect of an impact force is studied in this paper. The beam is excited by a transverse triangular force impulse modulated by a harmonic motion. Material properties of the beam change in the thickness direction according to exponential distributions. The Kelvin–Voigt model for the material of the beam is used. The cracked beam is modeled as an assembly of two sub-beams connected through a massless elastic rotational spring. The considered problem is investigated within the Bernoulli-Euler beam theory by using an energy-based finite element method. The system of equations of motion is derived by using Lagrange's equations. The obtained system of linear differential equations is reduced to a linear algebraic equation system and solved in the time domain by using the Newmark average acceleration method. In the study, the effects of the location of the crack, the depth of the crack and different material distributions on the wave propagations of the FGM beams are investigated in detail.
Optimization of an engine mounting system with consideration of frequency-dependent stiffness and loss factor
Authors: Ooi Lu-Ean , Ripin Zaidi Mohd
Published: September 2014

An engine mounting system is the primary vibration isolator of the engine from the chassis. The frequency-dependent stiffness and loss factor present a more accurate representation of a rubber mount as opposed to the frequency-independent damping model. In this article, dynamic optimization of an engine mounting system considering the frequency-dependent stiffness and loss factor is presented. The dynamic properties in all three principal directions are measured on the basis of the optimum locations and orientation angles of the individual engine mounts, which are identified to minimize the mean force transmissibility of the system for a range of frequencies, resulting in a 45% reduction in the vertical transmissibility to the installation base. In comparison, optimization based on a frequency-independent stiffness underestimated the peak transmissibility, and minimization of the vertical force transmissibility created a significant increase in other directions. The optimum parameters are applied to a small utility two-stroke engine. A significant reduction in the transmitted force and engine displacement is demonstrated.