bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Multiple Doses of Aclidinium Bromide, a Novel Long‐Acting Muscarinic Antagonist for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, in Healthy Participants
Authors: Jansat Josep M. , Lamarca Rosa , de Miquel Gonzalo , Schrödter Andreas , Miletzki Barbara , Gurniak Matthias
Published: July 2009

Systemic exposure to anticholinergics used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may lead to side effects. This study assessed safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of multiple doses of aclidinium bromide, a novel, long‐acting antimuscarinic. Sixteen healthy participants received aclidinium bromide 200, 400, or 800 μg or placebo by dry‐powder inhaler for 5 days, with ≥7 days washout. Aclidinium bromide and metabolite pharmacokinetics were assessed. Aclidinium bromide plasma levels were below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ: 0.05 ng/mL) after 200 μg and in most participants after 400 μg. Plasma levels in all participants were below the LLOQ at all doses, including the highest dose, beyond 1 hour postdose. AUC0‐tand Cmaxat steady state were, respectively, 0.08 ng·h/mL and 0.12 ng/mL (aclidinium bromide), 0.40 ng·h/mL and 0.14 ng/mL (alcohol metabolite), and 13.47 ng·h/mL and 2.26 ng/mL (acid metabolite). The tmaxfor aclidinium bromide 800 μg was 15 minutes (first kinetic time point). Adverse event frequency was comparable between treatment groups and placebo. The most commonly reported adverse events, probably treatment related, were coughing (n = 2) and dysphagia (n = 1); 94% of adverse events were mild. These data suggest a low systemic bioavailability and favorable safety profile for aclidinium bromide with repeated dosing for COPD.
Family Behavior Therapy for Substance Abuse and Other Associated Problems
Authors: Donohue Brad , Azrin Nathan , Allen Daniel N. , Romero Valerie , Hill Heather H. , Tracy Kendra , Lapota Holly , Gorney Suzanne , Abdel-al Ruweida , Caldas Diana , Herdzik Karen , Bradshaw Kelsey , Valdez Robby , Van Hasselt Vincent B.
Published: July 2009

A comprehensive evidence-based treatment for substance abuse and other associated problems (Family Behavior Therapy) is described, including its application to both adolescents and adults across a wide range of clinical contexts (i.e., criminal justice, child welfare). Relevant to practitioners and applied clinical researchers, topic areas include its theoretical and empirical background, intervention protocols, methods of enhancing motivation for treatment, and future directions.
In Search of the Mommy Gene: Truth and Consequences in Behavioral Genetics
Authors: Rosoff Philip M.
Published: July 2009

Behavioral genetics has as its goal the discovery of genes that play a significant causal role in complex phenotypes that are socially relevant such a parenting, aggression, psychiatric disorders, intelligence, and even race. In this article, I present the stories of the discoveries of three such important phenotypes: maternal nurturing behavior and the c-fosB gene; intelligence and phenylketonuria (PKU); and pair-bonding and monogamy (vasopressin and oxytocin) and show that the reality is considerably more complex than often portrayed. These accounts also lay bare some fundamental misconceptions of this field in which genes hold a privileged place and inherently subjective phenomena are mistakenly objectified.
Correlates of Depressive Symptoms Among Hispanic Older Adults Living in Public Housing
Authors: Yuri Jang  , Chiriboga David A. , Herrera Julio R. , Schonfeld Lawrence
Published: July 2009

The study explored determinants of depressive symptoms among 297 Hispanic older adults living in public housing ( Mage = 76.0, SD = 7.74). Following a basic stress model, the focus was on the effects of demographic variables, risk factors (functional disability, self-perceived health, and acculturation), and social resources (network of relatives and network of friends). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that financial status, which was a significant predictor in the initial model, became non-significant when risk factors were taken into consideration. All three risk factors were found to be significant; depressive symptoms were predicted by greater levels of functional disability, more negative self-perceived health, and lower levels of acculturation. In the final model, networks of both relatives and friends were shown to be significant even after we controlled for the effects of demographics and risk factors. Findings discussed in the article were made in the context of culture and residential setting.
An Exploration of the Alienation Experienced by African American Parents From Their Children’s Educational Environment
Authors: Brandon Regina R. , Higgins Kyle , Pierce Tom , Tandy Richard , Sileo Nancy
Published: July 2009

Current research suggests that parents are a key component to the school success of their children. However, in today’s world, parents often work long hours, have more than one job, and participate in multiple responsibilities that may limit their participation. Because of the variety of factors that impinge on parents, educators often criticize them for their nonparticipation or limited participation in the school environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of alienation, if any, that African American parents feel toward public education. A modified version of the Barriers to School Involvement Survey was administered to 421 African American parents. The questionnaire was factored into five problem categories for analysis (e.g., personal concerns, work, lack of interest, logistics, teacher/parent relationships). Although significance was found among the five problem categories and across the six research questions (e.g., problem categories, employment status, economics, special education vs. general education, family composition, and parent education levels), the findings indicate that parents did not view the five problem categories as a concern impacting their school involvement.
Emotion Locomotion: Promoting the Emotional Health of Elementary School Children by Recognizing Emotions
Authors: McLachlan Debra A. , Burgos Teresa , Honeycutt Holly K. , Linam Eve H. , Moneymaker Laura D. , Rathke Meghan K.
Published: July 2009

Emotion recognition is a critical life skill children need for mental health promotion to meet the complexities and challenges of growing up in the world today. Five nursing students and their instructor designed Emotion Locomotion, a program for children ages 6–8 during a public health nursing practicum for an inner-city parochial school. Emotion Locomotion used an analogy that the “engine” of a train represents the “individual” and the train “cars” represent various emotions, such as happiness, sadness, calmness, and anger. Analysis of pre- and posttest scores showed an increase in appropriate student responses that involved identifying emotions from photographs and in recognition of vocabulary words representing emotions. Students' role playing during puppet shows demonstrated increased appropriate expression of emotions and healthy ways to deal with feelings during scenarios. Programs such as Emotion Locomotion present opportunities to expand the outreach of school nurses and colleges of nursing through community partnerships to provide critical life skills for student populations.
Head Injuries in Children
Authors: Pennington Nicole
Published: July 2009

School nurses play a crucial role in injury prevention and initial treatment when injuries occur at school. The role of school nurses includes being knowledgeable about the management of head injuries, including assessment and initial treatment. The school nurse must be familiar with the outcomes of a head injury and know when further evaluation is indicated. Developing a head injury protocol in the school setting is one strategy to make sure that all involved are able to consistently and effectively respond to a head injury and prevent a possible negative outcome. The combination of a protocol, nursing judgment, and best practices can ensure that all means are used to take care of children when a head injury is sustained. These strategies will help to increase the safety of children at school. A systematic approach to the management of these types of injuries is essential for preventing possible complications.
Heart Rate Variability Increases With Reductions in Cigarette Smoke Exposure After 3 Days
Authors: Munjal Sagar , Koval Tamara , Muhammad Raheema , Jin Yan , Demmel Valentin , Roethig Hans J. , Mendes Paul , Unverdorben Martin
Published: July 2009

Background: Smoking has been shown to influence the tone of the autonomic nervous system as reflected by heart rate variability (HRV). To date, no information is available as to whether 24-hour HRV might differentiate users of different tobacco products. Objective: To assess the differences in HRV derived from the 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) following the use of 2 tobacco products of potentially different exposures. Methods: Thirty adult Caucasian male smokers (mean age: 42.8 + 5.7 years) smoking 20 to 40 cigarettes/ day were randomized in a 3-way crossover study design to either smoke a conventional cigarette (CC, tar: 11 mg, Nic: 0.8 mg), to use the Electrically Heated Cigarette Smoking System (EHCSS: tar: 5 mg, Nic: 0.3 mg, according to the Federal Trade Commission [FTC]), or to stop smoking (NS) for 3 days each. The 24 hours ECGs were recorded during the last 24 hours of each exposure period. Results: A 24-hour ECG showed highest mean values for standard deviation of all normal-to-normal heart beat (NN) intervals (SDNN), standard deviation of all 5-minute averaged NN intervals in a 24-hour period (SDANN), mean of the standard deviations of the NN intervals calculated from all 5-minute segments in a 24-hour period (SDNNI), percentage (P) of all NN intervals that differ by 50 milliseconds of all NN (PNN50%), the square root of the mean of all squared differences between adjacent NN intervals in 24-hour period (RMSSD), and total number of all NN intervals divided by the height of the histogram of all NN intervals measured on a discrete scale with bins of 7 × 8125 ms (1/128 seconds; HRVTI) when participants stopped smoking followed by the use of the reduced exposure product and CC. Conclusion: Heart rate variability tended to increase with reduced smoke exposure.
From Program to Network
Authors: Benjamin Lehn M. , Greene Jennifer C.
Published: July 2009

Today’s public policy discussions increasingly focus on how networks of public and private actors collaborate across organizational, sectoral, and geographical boundaries to solve increasingly complex problems. Yet, many of evaluation’s key concepts, including the evaluator’s role, assume an evaluand that is programmatically or organizationally defined and bounded. This article explores the implications of this changing public policy environment for the evaluator’s role by examining one case: an evaluand that was a loose collaboration of four individuals in dispersed organizations working to reframe public policy and to change professional practice in early care and education. We describe this evaluand and the dimensions of it that challenged our evaluative role. We conclude by suggesting an alternative conception of the evaluator’s role that can serve evaluators in this changing policy environment.
The Evaluator’s Role in Recommending Program Closure
Authors: Eddy Rebecca M. , Berry Tiffany
Published: July 2009

Evaluators face challenges when programs consistently fail to meet expectations for performance or improvement and consequently, evaluators may recommend that closing a program is the most prudent course of action. However, the evaluation literature provides little guidance regarding when an evaluator might recommend program closure. Given evaluators’ ethical responsibilities to the public good coupled with the inadequacy of methods currently used to justify program closure, we posit the development of a heuristic model designed to identify the point at which a program might be recommended for closure. The heuristic model depends on whether implementation factors are under the control of program administrators (i.e., flexible factors) or out of their control (i.e., immutable factors) and are potentially moderated by facilitating or inhibitory characteristics (e.g., political advocacy, community need, length of time in operation, performance quality). By delineating whether a poorly functioning program could be substantially improved, evaluators should not consider recommendation for or support of a program closure a personal or professional defeat, but rather an opportunity to exercise their professional responsibility to the evaluation profession and the public good. Caveats regarding the political context of an evaluation and the information required to make heuristic judgments about program closure are also discussed.
Toward Accurate Measurement of Participation
Authors: Daigneault Pierre-Marc , Jacob Steve
Published: July 2009

While participatory evaluation (PE) constitutes an important trend in the field of evaluation, its ontology has not been systematically analyzed. As a result, the concept of PE is ambiguous and inadequately theorized. Furthermore, no existing instrument accurately measures stakeholder participation. First, this article attempts to overcome these problems by using the works of G. Goertz (2006) and J. Gerring (1999) on concept formation and evaluation to assess current conceptualizations of PE. Second, an amended version of the framework developed by J. B. Cousins and E. Whitmore (1998) is proposed as an alternative to current conceptualizations. This amended framework is then operationalized and adapted in a participation measurement instrument. The proposed conceptualization and instrument have the potential to contribute to the production of sound empirical knowledge about evaluation and to reflections on PE practice.
Smut Goes Corporate
Authors: Petersen Anne Helen
Published: July 2009

An examination and analysis of TMZ’s tremendous success, both as a website and syndicated television show, with particular eye to the style, content, and collection of gossip that distinguishes TMZ from its competition, whether Entertainment Tonight or Perezhilton.com. The paper also traces TMZ’s positioning within the conglomerate universe, looking to the intricate ways in which Time Warner bankrolls a product with a primary objective of tearing down the veneer of media products, including those under the Time Warner umbrella. Ultimately, TMZ’s cross-platform strategy and success emerges as a harbinger of the ways in which celebrity gossip will be sponsored, disseminated, and consumed in years to come.
Negotiating Distances: The Cultural Economy of Television Programs
Authors: Ashuri Tamar
Published: July 2009

This article considers the moral and ethical implications of television representation in a global age. It focuses on the role of the television industry in challenging and changing the distance between the remote and proximate, the foreign and familiar. The emphasis is on the institutional processes that enable as well as circumscribe these sorts of presentations. At the core are economic collaborations for the making of television documentaries made by television practitioners of different nations and cultures. In this space of social and political communication, the collaborating parties who are geographically, materially, and culturally distant from each other negotiate these distances as well as the distances between the subjects being presented (the alien viewed) and their audience (the distant viewers). The method applied is “participant observation.” The focal point of this approach is an annual event— the Israeli Forum of CoProductions—at which producers from different countries hammer out collaborations. Findings show that the interlocutors are designing the distance between the strange and familiar, the distant and near—challenging and changing it while simultaneously preserving and perpetuating it.
Older Adult’s Acceptability Ratings of Treatments for Verbal Agitation in Persons With Dementia
Authors: Landreville Philippe , LeBlanc Valérie
Published: July 2009

Background/rationale: Various interventions are available to manage verbal agitation (VA), but our understanding regarding their acceptability is limited. The purpose of this study is to compare the acceptability of 3 interventions from the point of view of elderly individuals: direct interaction (DI), differential reinforcement of incompatible behaviors (DRI), and risperidone (RIS). Methods: Participants (N = 69) evaluated the acceptability of each treatment according to the description of a fictional person who demonstrated aggressive or nonaggressive VA. Results: There is an interaction between the type of intervention and the severity of VA. For nonaggressive VA, DI is the most acceptable intervention followed by DRI and RIS. For aggressive VA, DI and DRI are more acceptable than RIS, but there is not a significant difference between them. The acceptability of each intervention is not associated with the participants’ characteristics. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the acceptability of DI for managing VA.
A Review of the Biomechanics of Intrinsic Replacement in Ulnar Palsy
Authors: Schwarz R.J. , Brandsma J.W. , Giurintano D.J.
Published: July 2009

The actions of the interossei and lumbricals are many and their loss causes significant impairment of hand function. Many procedures have been described to restore intrinsic function following ulnar nerve palsy. There are many biomechanical issues involved in tendon transfers, including choice of muscle-tendon unit, route, insertion site, tension and drag. The surgeon, therefore, should have a good understanding of biomechanical principles to ensure optimal results. In this article the principles of biomechanics are reviewed with specific reference to tendon transfers for intrinsic reconstruction in ulnar palsy, along with their practical implications.
Thumb polydactyly with symphalangism in young children
Authors: TAKAGI R. , KAWABATA H. , MATSUI Y.
Published: July 2009

Six cases of young children with thumb polydactyly in which the radial component was complicated by symphalangism are reported. Since the symphalangism was cartilaginous, plain X-rays showed an apparent joint space. However, its continuity was confirmed at surgery. Thumb polydactyly with symphalangism may be more common than previously expected.
Effect of scaphoid and triquetrum excision after limited stabilisation on cadaver wrist movement
Authors: BAIN G. I. , SOOD A. , ASHWOOD N. , TURNER P. C. , FOGG Q. A.
Published: July 2009

This study assessed the effect of excision of the scaphoid and triquetrum on the range of motion of the embalmed cadaver wrist joint after midcarpal stabilisation. The range of motion was measured in 12 cadaver wrists before and after stabilisation of the joints between the lunate, capitate, triquetrum and hamate. This was measured again following resection of the scaphoid and then the triquetrum. Scaphoid excision after four-corner stabilisation increased the radioulnar (RU) arc by 12° and the flexion–extension (F–E) arc by 10°. Subsequent excision of the triquetrum, to produce a three-corner stabilisation, further increased the RU arc by 7° and the F–E arc by 6°. Three-corner stabilisation with excision of scaphoid and triquetrum improved wrist motion in embalmed cadavers.
Evaluation of a portable hemoglobin photometer in pregnant women in a high altitude area: a pilot study
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyan , Yan Hong , Xing Yuan , Dang Shaonong , Zhuoma Bianba , Wang Duolao
Published: July 2009

Background

Anemia is a widespread public health problem associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, especially in pregnant women. This study examined the agreement between a portable hemoglobin photometer and a laboratory analyzer in determining hemoglobin level in pregnant women.

Methods

This study recruited 69 pregnant women in Tibet, China. Capillary blood samples were taken to measure hemoglobin concentration using the hemoglobin photometer and the laboratory analyzer. Limit of agreement, concordance and intraclass correlation coefficient were used to evaluate the agreement. Laboratory measurement was considered as the standard reference method. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to assess the error in screening for anemia.

Results

Mean difference between the two methods was -2.1 g/l. wide 95% limits of agreement were found (-22.6 g/l to 18.4 g/l). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.795, and concordance correlation coefficient was 0.793. Sensitivity and specificity were 94.9% and 76.7% respectively. Positive predictive value was 84.1%, and negative predictive value was 92.0%.

Conclusion

This hemoglobin photometer is not recommended for determining hemoglobin concentration in pregnancy in a high altitude area.
Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer
Authors: Alvarado-Miranda Alberto , Arrieta Oscar , Gamboa-Vignolle Carlos , Saavedra-Perez David , Morales-Barrera Rafael , Bargallo-Rocha Enrique , Zinser-Sierra Juan , Perez-Sanchez Victor , Ramirez-Ugalde Teresa , Lara-Medina Fernando
Published: July 2009

Background

Despite broad advances in multimodal treatment of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC), 30 to 40% of patients develop loco-regional relapse. The aim of this study was to analyze in a retrospective manner the effectiveness of concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRTh) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) in patients with LABC.

Methods

One hundred twelve patients with LABC (stage IIB-IIIB) were treated with NCT (5-fluorouracil 500 mg/m2, doxorubicin 50 mg/m2, and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 (FAC), or doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 (AC) IV in four 21-day courses) followed by CCRTh (60 Gy breast irradiation and weekly mitomycin 5 mg/m2, 5-fluorouracil 500 mg/m2, and dexamethasone 16 mg, or cisplatin 30 mg/m2, gemcitabine 100 mg/m2 and dexamethasone 16 mg), and 6–8 weeks later, surgery and two additional courses of FAC, AC, or paclitaxel 90 mg/m2 weekly for 12 weeks, and in case of estrogen-receptor positive patients, hormonal therapy.

Results

Stages IIB, IIIA and -B were 21.4, 42.9, and 35.7%, respectively. Pathological complete response (pCR) in the breast was 42% (95% CI, 33.2–50.5%) and, 29.5% (95% CI, 21.4–37.5%) if including both the breast and the axillary nodes. Multivariate analysis showed that the main determinant of pCR was negative estrogen-receptor status (HR = 3.8; 95% CI, 1.5–9; p = 0.016). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 76.9% (95% CI, 68.2–84.7%). No relationship between pCR and DFS was found. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the main DFS determinant was clinical stage (IIB and IIIA vs. IIIB, HR = 3.1; 95% CI, 1.02–9.74; p = 0.04). Only one patient had local recurrence. Five-year overall survival was 84.2% (95% CI, 75–93.2%). The toxicity profile was acceptable.

Conclusion

This non-conventional multimodal treatment has good loco-regional control for LABC. Randomized clinical trials of preoperative CCRTh following chemotherapy, in patients with LABC are warranted.
In vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of acetylshikonin isolated from Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst (Ruanzicao) cell suspension cultures
Authors: Xiong Wenbi , Luo Gang , Zhou Liming , Zeng Yun , Yang Wenji
Published: July 2009

Background

Shikonin derivatives have cytotoxic and antitumor effects. This study aims to investigate the antitumor effects of acetylshikonin isolated from a Chinese medicinal herb Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst.

Methods

The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the in vitro antitumor effects of acetylshikonin on human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549, human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel-7402, human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7 and mouse Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cell line. C57BL/6 mice with LLC model were used to study the in vivo antitumor effects of acetylshikonin. The expression of bax, bcl-2 and caspase-3 proteins in LLC tissue was determined with immunohistochemical staining.

Results

In A549, Bel-7402, MCF-7 and LLC cell lines, acetylshikonin inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. IC50 (means ± SD) were 5.6 ± 0.86 μg/ml, 6.82 ± 1.5 μg/ml, 3.04 ± 0.44 μg/ml and 2.72 ± 0.38 μg/ml respectively. Acetylshikonin suppressed tumor growth in C57BL/6 mice with LLC. The inhibition rate of acetylshikonin (2 mg/kg) was 42.85%. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that in the acetylshikonin groups the expression of bax and caspase-3 increased, whereas the expression of bcl-2 decreased, suggesting that acetylshikonin induced tumor cell apoptosis through activating the pro-apoptotic bcl-2 family and caspase-3.

Conclusion

Acetylshikonin isolated from Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst cell suspension cultures exhibits specific in vivo and in vitro antitumor effects.
Patent arterial duct
Authors: Forsey Jonathan T , Elmasry Ola A , Martin Robin P
Published: July 2009

Patent arterial duct (PAD) is a congenital heart abnormality defined as persistent patency in term infants older than three months. Isolated PAD is found in around 1 in 2000 full term infants. A higher prevalence is found in preterm infants, especially those with low birth weight. The female to male ratio is 2:1. Most patients are asymptomatic when the duct is small. With a moderate-to-large duct, a characteristic continuous heart murmur (loudest in the left upper chest or infraclavicular area) is typical. The precordium may be hyperactive and peripheral pulses are bounding with a wide pulse pressure. Tachycardia, exertional dyspnoea, laboured breathing, fatigue or poor growth are common. Large shunts may lead to failure to thrive, recurrent infection of the upper respiratory tract and congestive heart failure. In the majority of cases of PAD there is no identifiable cause. Persistence of the duct is associated with chromosomal aberrations, asphyxia at birth, birth at high altitude and congenital rubella. Occasional cases are associated with specific genetic defects (trisomy 21 and 18, and the Rubinstein-Taybi and CHARGE syndromes). Familial occurrence of PAD is uncommon and the usual mechanism of inheritance is considered to be polygenic with a recurrence risk of 3%. Rare families with isolated PAD have been described in which the mode of inheritance appears to be dominant or recessive. Familial incidence of PAD has also been linked to Char syndrome, familial thoracic aortic aneurysm/dissection associated with patent arterial duct, and familial patent arterial duct and bicuspid aortic valve associated with hand abnormalities. Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and confirmed with transthoracic echocardiography. Assessment of ductal blood flow can be made using colour flow mapping and pulsed wave Doppler. Antenatal diagnosis is not possible, as PAD is a normal structure during antenatal life. Conditions with signs and symptoms of pulmonary overcirculation secondary to a left-to-right shunt must be excluded. Coronary, systemic and pulmonary arteriovenous fistula, peripheral pulmonary stenosis and ventricular septal defect with aortic regurgitation and collateral vessels must be differentiated from PAD on echocardiogram. In preterm infants with symptomatic heart failure secondary to PAD, treatment may be achieved by surgical ligation or with medical therapy blocking prostaglandin synthesis (indomethacin or ibuprofen). Transcatheter closure of the duct is usually indicated in older children. PAD in preterm and low birth weight infants is associated with significant co-morbidity and mortality due to haemodynamic instability. Asymptomatic patients with a small duct have a normal vital prognosis but have a lifetime risk of endocarditis. Patients with moderate-to-large ducts with significant haemodynamic alterations may develop irreversible changes to pulmonary vascularity and pulmonary hypertension.
Fatigue crack growth, free vibrations, and breathing crack detection of aluminium alloy and steel beams
Authors: Andreaus U , Baragatti P
Published: July 2009

This paper deals with online controlled propagation and vibration-based detection of fatigue cracks in metal beams constituted of two different materials: 6082-T651 aluminium alloy and Fe430 steel. The study addresses the initiation and propagation of cracks in the structures and their influence on the free-vibration dynamic response. One of the original aspects is the introduction of an actual fatigue crack instead of – as is usual – a narrow slot.

First, the crack growth is predicted analytically by numerically integrating the Paris–Walker equation. Then, three-point bending tests are performed to obtain edge transverse cracks; two original control procedures enable the tests to be traced, the results of which are compared with the numerical predictions.

Second, free vibrations of undamaged and cracked cantilever beams are excited by hammer impact. The experimental results are compared with the numerical solutions of a finite element model including local flexibility increase at crack opening. The differences between the dynamic behaviours of the intact and cracked beams in terms of frequency and damping allow the damage to be detected. Even if this is a ‘linear— method, it seems to enable the crack presence to be detected and to account for the so-called ‘breathing’ crack. These features open the door to future developments towards nonlinear detection methods.
Flow impinging onto a conical cavity: A conical and annular nozzle combination
Authors: Shuja S Z , Yilbas B S , Khan S A
Published: July 2009

Flow emanating from a combined conical and annular nozzle and impinging onto a conical cavity is considered. Two cone angles of the nozzle and two cavity depths are simulated for flow field around the nozzle and the cavity as well as for the heat transfer rates from the cavity surface. The conical cavity wall is assumed at 1500 K to resemble a laser-heated cavity and air is used as a working fluid. The Reynolds stress turbulence model is incorporated to account for the turbulence. It is found that the Nusselt number along the cavity surface is influenced by the cavity depth. The Nusselt number attains high values in the region close to the cavity edge. The wall shear stress at the cavity edge is influenced by the nozzle cone angle such that the shear stress increases for the nozzle cone angle of 70° in this region over values for the cone angle of 55°.
A hybrid model for bearing performance degradation assessment based on support vector data description and fuzzy c-means
Authors: Pan Y N , Chen J , Dong G M
Published: July 2009

Bearing performance degradation assessment is more effective than fault diagnosis to realize condition-based maintenance. In this article, a hybrid model is proposed for it based on a support vector data description (SVDD) and fuzzy c-means (FCM). SVDD, which holds excellent robustness to outliers, is used to obtain the clustering centre of normal state. The subjection of tested data to normal state is defined as a degradation indicator, which is computed by a FCM algorithm with final failure data. The results of applying this hybrid model to an accelerated bearing life test show that it can effectively assess bearing performance degradation. Furthermore, it is robust to the outliers in the training set and is not influenced by the Gaussian kernel parameter.
The effect of viscous dissipation on laminar nanofluid flow in a microchannel heat sink
Authors: Ghazvini M , Akhavan-Behabadi M A , Esmaeili M
Published: July 2009

The present article focuses on analytical and numerical study on the effect of viscous dissipation when nanofluid is used as the coolant in a microchannel heat sink (MCHS). The nanofluid is made from CuO nanoparticles and water. To analyse the MCHS, a modified Darcy equation for the fluid and two-equation model for heat transfer between fluid and solid sections are employed in porous media approach. In addition, to deal with nanofluid heat transfer, a model based on the Brownian motion of nanoparticles is used. The model evaluates the thermal conductivity of nanofluid considering the thermal boundary resistance, nanoparticle diameter, volume fraction, and the fluid temperature. At first, the effects of particle volume fraction on temperature distribution and overall heat transfer coefficient are investigated with and without considering viscous dissipation. After that, the influence of different channel aspect ratios and porosities is studied. The results show that for nanofluid flow in microchannels, the viscous dissipation can be neglected for low volume fractions and aspect ratios only. Finally, the effect of porosity and Brinkman number on the overall Nusselt number is studied, where asymptotic behaviour of the Nusselt number is observed and discussed from the energy balance point of view.
Endo-reversible theory and binary power plant data
Authors: Lewins J
Published: July 2009

Endo-reversible theory (internally reversible) can be applied to a binary (dual cycle) power plant. Data for four such plants, either working or in detailed design stages, are added to Bejan's single cycle plant data. The new data are well correlated by this simple theory.
Finite triangular surface mesh simplification with geometrical feature recognition
Authors: Zhang Y , Wang H , Zhou H , Li J
Published: July 2009

The quantity and quality of the mesh elements are both significant factors for guaranteeing computational precision in the finite-element method (FEM). In most mesh simplification algorithms, the geometric error was thought to be the most important issue. However, the mesh quality was rarely taken into consideration. In this article, a finite triangular surface mesh simplification algorithm is proposed, in which the vertex dispersion is introduced to represent the local geometrical feature, and then either edge collapse or face collapse is carried out consequently. The aspect of the newly created face is taken into account and the position of the newly created vertex is obtained by solving an over-determined system of linear equations with respect to the aspect ratios of the newly created faces; thereupon the simplified mesh quality is improved. To obtain a further simplification and to reduce the errors in the succeeding FEM analysis, surface fitting is adopted on the surfaces with large curvature. Simplification cases had been performed in comparison with the quadric error metric method, and the results show that the definition of the local mesh density is more reasonable for the FEM analysis with the same simplification ratio while the present simplification algorithm is employed. Moreover, the mesh quality can be greatly improved on the surface with large curvature. A set of FEM numerical experiments of polymer injection moulding simulation had also been performed to determine the effect of the presented simplification algorithm on the FEM analysis. The numerical results show that the error of the injection pressure can be limited within 4 per cent, while the simplification percentage reaches 75 per cent.
A damage investigation of a lightweight composite sandwich beam under concentrated loading
Authors: Saadati M , Sadighi M
Published: July 2009

Sandwich beam damages are different from thick laminates because of thick and low modulus core. Faces and core fracture and core compressive yielding are three major damages of a lightweight sandwich beam under concentrated loading. The sandwich panel classical theory (SPCT) measures core compression using the Winkler foundation theory. The sandwich panel higher-order theory (SPHOT) assumes sandwich beams in three sections (top face, core, and bottom face). SPHOT models deformation of faces with the classical laminate deformation theory and for core with the elasticity theory. This is a closed-form solution resulting in seven ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The compression of the core is also considered. In the present research, the behaviour of faces is modified according to the first-order shear deformation theory in SPHOT. The modified sandwich panel higher-order theory (MSPHOT) models behaviour of sandwich beam with nine ODEs. The present article shows that core compressive yielding damage is the first damage mode in a fully backed (sandwich on the rigid ground boundary condition) state. Faces fracture, core fracture, and core compressive yielding (indentation) are examined in three point bending by mentioned theories, and the results (SPHOT, MSPHOT) are compared with those obtained from finite element-analysis using ANSYS software and the available experimental data. SPCT predicts core fracture critical load well but results show good agreement between MSPHOT and the experimental data for face fracture and core compressive yielding.
The virtual tuning of an automatic shock absorber
Authors: Ren W , Zhang J , Jin G
Published: July 2009

In automotive shock absorber development, tuning is a very important way to obtain the appropriate performance. Based on numerical simulation method and the MSC.ADAMS software package, a virtual tuning method has been developed for tuning the shock absorber inner valve set parameters to meet the damping force requirement. The first step is to build a detailed model of an automotive shock absorber using MSC.ADAMS/Hydraulics, while the model has been validated using test data and the accuracy is above 90 per cent. Then the validated model can be used for virtual tuning, in which the parameters can be changed and optimized so as to meet the design requirement and to obtain better performance. The shock absorber model can also be integrated into a full vehicle dynamics model, for some full vehicle level tuning. Based on the virtual tuning result, a physical tuning process is performed, which can be more effective and efficient.
Visualization of stress and strain fields in complex plastic bulk forming
Authors: Li F , Xu Y C , Chu G N , Sun H Y
Published: July 2009

Aimed at the fact that it is difficult to analyse the process and the mechanism of metal flow during the complex plastic bulk forming, by the secondary development, the stress and strain field was visualized. The plastic zone can be demonstrated directly, and the distribution of stress and strain can be shown quantitatively. For example, the distribution rule of stress and strain was obtained in the plastic zone, and the deformation process was analysed. These provide a useful method to analyse the metal flow and the deformation mechanism of the complicated plastic bulk forming.
Compressor map generation using a feed-forward neural network and rig data
Authors: Gholamrezaei M , Ghorbanian K
Published: July 2009

In this article, a feed-forward neural network is explored to reconstruct the performance map of an axial compressor through the utilization of a limited number of experimental data. The Levenberg—Marquardt algorithm with Bayesian regularization method is used to adjust the weights and biases of the network. The proposed technique is utilized to estimate the mass flowrate, the pressure ratio, the shaft speed, and the efficiency in regions where no experimental data are available. The surge line is predicted and the line of maximum efficiencies is determined. The results are compared with experimental data.
A practical method for repairing disbonded skin in aircraft panels
Authors: Subawi H
Published: July 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate a practical method of repairing a typical defect of aircraft sandwich panels that were bonded with stepped metal skins and consisted of an open rectangular edge core. This structure caused delamination or disbond between the honeycomb core and the outer skin, and it was typically due to ‘residual stresses’. A ‘positive mark-off’ was also found at the top of the inner skin at the bagging side along the stepped metal area. After a period of service time, the upper skin of the sandwich panel tended to totally delaminate, unlike the inner skin. The principle of the microcomposite concept is to use an additional thin microfabric of ‘Cerec’ embedded into the film adhesive, and this can be adopted practically to overcome permanent gap of the deformed structure. This applied method successfully eliminated possible ‘mark-off’ and ‘print-off’, and also reduced possible residual stresses that may initiate the delamination propagation, which will be stimulated by vibration during the service time. The success of the repair process was initiated by a sufficient metal surface preparation, a proper operational condition during the manufacturing process, and also an appropriate material selection of the surface layer to fill the gap distance over the repair area.
High-shear treatment of single-walled carbon nanotube—superacid solutions as a pre-processing technique for the assembly of fibres and films
Authors: Booker R D , Green M J , Fan H , Parra-Vasquez A N G , Behabtu N , Young C C , Hauge R H , Schmidt H K , Smalley R E , Hwang W-F , Pasquali M
Published: July 2009

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) show great promise for use in a wide range of applications. One of the most promising avenues for attaining these applications is the dispersion of SWNTs at high concentrations in superacids, and their processing into macroscopic articles such as fibres or films. Fibres spun from SWNT/superacid dispersions indicate that the morphology of the starting SWNT material is reflected in the final morphology of the as-spun fibre. Here, we describe a method (termed disentanglement) of dispersing SWNTs in superacids and treating them using a high-shear, rotor/stator homogenizer, followed by coagulation to recover the solid SWNT material for use in fibre spinning. Several lines of experimental evidence (rheology and optical microscopy of the SWNTs in solution, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the coagulated material, and SEM of fibres spun from the coagulated material) show that this treatment radically improves the degree of alignment in the SWNTs' morphology, which in turn improves the dispersibility and processability. Raman microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) before and after homogenization show that the treatment does not damage the SWNTs. Although this technique is particularly useful as a pre-processing step for fibre spinning of neat SWNT fibres, it is also useful for neat SWNT films, SWNT/polymer composites, and surfactant- or polymer-stabilized SWNT dispersions.
Patch clamp technique: Review of the current state of the art and potential contributions from nanoengineering
Authors: Zhao Y , Inayat S , Dikin D A , Singer J H , Ruoff R S , Troy J B
Published: July 2009

The patch clamp technique permits high-resolution recording of the ionic currents flowing through a cell's plasma membrane. In different configurations, this technique has allowed experimenters to record and manipulate the currents that flow either through single ion channels or those that flow across the whole plasma membrane. Unfortunately, the conventional patch clamp method is laborious, requiring the careful fabrication of electrodes, skillful manipulation of the patch pipette towards a cell, and the clever design of electronics and apparatus to allow low-noise recordings. Advances in microfabrication offer promising technologies for high-throughput patch clamp recordings, particularly suitable for drug screening. This paper provides a review of the advances that have been made in the patch clamp technique over the years and considers where application of nanotechnology might provide significant contributions in the future.
Book reviews
Authors: Baverstock Keith
Published: July 2009

In 1957 when Pile No. 1 at Windscale caught fire, medical physicists in a number of hospitals were quick to seize the opportunity to make environmental radioactivity and dose measurements and, in fact, much of what we know about the impact of the accident comes from such sources. There are now national bodies with responsibilities for monitoring, and much expertise exists in the nuclear power generating stations and other nuclear establishments.
Book reviews
Authors: Watt Iain
Published: July 2009

“Few medical therapies have aroused as much controversy and passion as intradiscal chymopapain injection”—thus starts the 13th chapter of this book devoted to the subject of chemonucleolysis. The book, under the editorship of a French neuroradiologist, brings together 20 chapters written by French colleagues from many fields including rheumatology, radiology, anaesthesia and industry. The subjects and chapter headings include anatomy, principles of chemonucleolysis using chymopapain, morphological study of the action of chymopapain on intervertebral discs, indications, contraindications for nucleolysis and so forth.
In-vivo measurement of spin lattice relaxation time (T
1) of bone marrow in healthy volunteers: the effects of age and sex
Authors: Richards M. A. , Webb Judith A. W. , Jewell S. E. , Gregory W. M. , Reznek R. H.
Published: July 2009

Magnetic resonance images of the spine, sternum, femoral heads and upper femoral shafts were obtained from 90 healthy volunteers to determine the normal ranges of spin lattice relaxation time (T  1) for different regions of the bone marrow. The influence of age, sex and oral contraceptive usage on bone marrow T  1 was assessed. Differences observed between the T  1 of the various regions of the bone marrow examined were consistent with the expected distribution of erythropoietic cells and fatty marrow. Bone marrow T  1 was found to decrease with age, significantly lower mean T  1 values being observed in subjects over 40 years of age than for those in the 20-40 years age group. The mean bone marrow T  1 of females in the 20-40 years age group was significantly higher than that for males of comparable age. For subjects over 40 years of age, the difference in bone marrow T  1 observed between males and females was not significant. Oral contraceptive usage had no effect on bone marrow T  1.
Adverse reactions during intravenous urography: are these due to histamine release?
Authors: Herd C. M. , Robertson A. R. , Frewin D. B. , Taylor W. B.
Published: July 2009

The effects of four different radiographic contrast media (Urovison 58%, Hexabrix 320, Iopamiro 370 and Omnipaque 300) have been examined with respect to histamine release, cardiovascular changes and adverse drug reaction (ADR) in a group of 200 patients undergoing intravenous urography. Each patient received only one of the four agents, which were allocated on a random basis. Urovison produced the greatest number of ADRs. Iopamiro caused the least. No significant correlation between the magnitude of the change in plasma histamine following injection of radiographic contrast medium and the production of a particular ADR could be demonstrated. Heart rate increased significantly following the administration of Urovison, Hexabrix and Iopamiro in the absence of any appreciable change in blood pressure. These results and our earlier findings would favour the use of the low-osmolality contrast media in intravenous urography to minimize ADRs, histamine release and patient discomfort.
A comparison of diagnostic radiology practice and patient exposure in Britain, France and Italy
Authors: Contento G. , Malisan M. R. , Padovani R. , Maccia C. , Wall B. F. , Shrimpton P. C.
Published: July 2009

Surveys have been conducted in Britain, France and Italy, using essentially the same techniques, to establish the level of provision of diagnostic radiology services, the frequencey of X-ray examinations and examples of the radiation doses delivered to patients in each country. Different national strategies for conducting some types of X-ray examination and marked differences in the general availability of this aspect of health care indicate that the justification and optimization of medical exposures is not interpreted in the same way in these countries.