bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Book Review: Regions in the European Community
Authors: Macmillan Malcolm
Published: June 2017

Regions in the European Community, Michael Keating and Barry Jones (Eds.), Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1985.
Towards A Theory of Colonial Growth: The Case of the Dutch in Southern Africa
Authors: Heijdra Ben J. , Lowenberg Anton D.
Published: June 2017

This paper develops an economic explanation of the Dutch colonization of southern Africa. The changing attitudes of the Dutch to colonial growth are seen as a rational response to shifting economic constraints rather than as a function of changing tastes. The model emphasizes the importance of defence and administration costs to the structure of property rights and the determination of the optimal size of the colony. This neoclassical approach may be applied to other historical instances of European colonization. A formalization of the model is provided in an Appendix.
Who’s in Control? Job Creation Co-Operatives in a Capitalist Economy
Authors: Mellor Mary , Hannah Janet , Stirling John
Published: June 2017

In Britain a new generation of worker co-operatives have emerged that differ from earlier phases of co-operative development in that they have been formed primarily to create jobs in response to the high level of unemployment. All the major political parties favour co-operative development and co-operative support organisations of various kinds have been set up at local and national level. This paper argues that such ‘job creation’ co-operatives and the organisations that support them have come under great pressure to prioritise job creation as against the formulation of effective and secure co-operative structures.

This pressure arises because the policies surrounding co-operative development have not taken account of the severe economic pressures the co-operatives face and the consequent effect upon their ability to sustain the co-operative principles of ownership and control of the business by the people who work in it. In the light of the specific needs and problems of the new generation of worker co-operatives the paper argues that the concepts of co-operative ownership and control need to be reassessed, in particular in relation to membership. The distinction between a co-operative and a collective is also re-evaluated together with the need for co-operative structures to be replicated in other aspects of the local community.
Book Revew: The Decline of the British Economy
Authors: Coates J.H.
Published: June 2017

The Decline of the British Economy. Edited by Bernard Elbaum and William Lazonick. Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1986
Islamic Values and the New Technology: are they Compatible?
Authors: Taplin Ruth
Published: June 2017

In this paper theories concerning the compatability of Islamic religious cultural ideology with Western capitalist technology are reviewed and criticised. Some theorists argue that Islam is antithetical to the requirements of a modern industrialised society, while others view Islam as compatible with the demands of Western technical change and point to its flexibility in shaping the various states where it is the national religion. We suggest that arguments should be focussed on internal weakness in terms of contradictions between the unity facilitated by the Islamic religion’s cultural-ideology at the level of the cultural ideology and the disunity caused by separate family units that fight among themselves for scarce resource, these contradictions between unity and disunity, touched upon by the Orientalists have not prevented the adoption of Western capitalist technology, but have allowed Western manipulation of Arab Islamic economies. Disunity on the level of the family, which has caused disunity among different classes of Islamic Arab society has allowed two conflicting internal dynamics to exist. One dynamic at the level of the family is weak, which allows Western technology and economic structures to be absorbed while Islamic religious cultural-ideology is so strong that a reaction is formed against Western cultural-ideology, which strengthens Islamic cultural-ideology and therefore the structure of the family. Palestinian Arabs are used as an example of this phenomenon because of their dramatic contact with Western technology.
Book Review: China’s Political Economy: The Quest for Development since 1949
Authors: Harrison Mark
Published: June 2017

China’s Political Economy: The Quest for Development since 1949 Carl Riskin Oxford: Oxford University Press 1987 xvi + 418 pp (cloth £25, paper £12.50).
Book Review: Theories of the State: The Politics of Liberal Democracy
Authors: Shidlo Gil
Published: June 2017

Theories of the State: The Politics of Liberal Democracy, Patrick Dunleavy and Brendan O’Leary, MacMillan Education, U.K. 1987, 382pp. £8.95.
Advances in Nonlinear Dynamics and Implications for Economics
Authors: Nallari Raj
Published: June 2017

An attempt is made here to report briefly on the new developments on nonlinear dynamics (NLD) and suggest some implications for economies. The theory of bifurcations, catastrophes and chaos can throw much needed light on innumerable economic phenomena. NLD may help in better understanding of a pluralistic world of the mechanical and the evolutionary.
Centre and Periphery: the Baltic States in Search of Economic Independence
Authors: Hanson Philip
Published: June 2017

The short-term economic prospects of the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), following their achievement of political independence from the USSR in September 1991, are assessed. They face both the general difficulties of transition to the market and a special problem of disentanglement from the Soviet Union/Commonwealth of Independent States. The paper focuses on the problems of disentanglement, in conditions of rapid inflation and output decline in the Soviet successor-states. These problems arise from (i) around 90 per cent of cross-border merchandise flows being with other Soviet/ex-Soviet republics; (ii) the inter-republic flows constituting around 50 per cent of Baltic GDP; (iii) the Baltic states’ position inside the single rouble currency area, with their money supply outside their own governments’ control. Projections are made of the likely short-term adjustment costs for the Baltic economies of an abrupt shift to trading at world market prices with Russia and other Soviet successor-states, with settlement in convertible currencies. It is shown that the available data on the Baltic states current accounts with the rest of the world in 1988–1989 give an exaggerated impression of adjustment costs but that, even so, the latter are likely to exceed assistance available from the West.
Centre Periphery Relations in Czechoslovakia
Authors: Myant Martin
Published: June 2017

Industrialisation in Czechoslovakia led to only a weak concentration of economic activity. This trend continued in the post-war years when no coherent regional policy was formulated. The form of development, and the central position of the engineering industry, led to concentration into a number of centres alongside dispersion often into very small towns. Much of the population gravitated towards small communities, often heavily dependent on a single employer. Available evidence suggests that this led to a considerable equalisation between regions, but differences persist between the Czech and Slovak parts of the republic. The locational structure has been criticised as inefficient, but the real problem is the extreme social costs associated with structural changes in the economy. Slovakia is suffering much more during the transition to a market. Past growth has created a structure within which current hardships are easily translated into conflicts between local communities and the central authorities.
Yugoslavia—a Peripheral Tragedy
Authors: Dyker David A.
Published: June 2017

The post-war political economy of Yugoslavia is analysed in terms of an interaction between patterns of international relations which have tended to peripheralise Yugoslavia and stubborn internal problems of centre-periphery relations. It is argued that the tendency for the West to give open-ended financial support to Yugoslavia for political reasons has in the past made it regrettably easy for Yugoslav governments to postpone decisive action on these internal problems. The present civil war situation in Yugoslavia, and the likely dissolution of the Yugoslav state, are explained in terms of a combination of unresolved centre-periphery problems and very poor economic performance over the past two decades or so. The analysis underlines the danger that economic aid may in the long run further destabilise countries suffering from this kind of domestic instability, and that processes of democratisation, highly desirable in themselves, may have similar results in the given circumstances.
Book Review: Centre and Periphery: Brittany and Cornwall & Devon Compared
Authors: Payton Philip
Published: June 2017

Centre and Periphery: Brittany and Cornwall & Devon Compared, H.A. Havinden, J. Queniart, J. Stanyer (eds.), University of Exeter Press, 1991, xxxiii & 260pp, Paperback £9.50, ISBN 0-85989-365-0.
An Empirical Explanation of the Size of the Development Banking Sector in Developing Countries
Authors: Odedokun M.O.
Published: June 2017

The study employs annual time-series and panel data that cover 38 LDCs and the periods that fall between 1960 and 1989 in order to examine the factors that determine the depth of development banking and its size viz-a-viz the total banking system. Within the framework of regression equation model, we tested the effects of 5 factors viz: inflation rate, level of economic development, economic growth, size of the public sector, and investment requirements. Our findings suggest that both the inflation rate and economic growth generally have negative effects on each of the development banking depth and the relative size of development banking within the overall banking sector while both the level of economic development and the size of public sector generally exert positive effects on the two development banking variables. On the other hand, while investment requirement generally has a positive effect on the development banking depth, it generally has an opposite negative effect on the relative size of development banking in the total banking system.
Qualifications to Political Business Cycle Models
Authors: Garratt Dean
Published: June 2017

The paper analyses the principal four model types that comprise the political business cycle literature. Political business cycle models can be classified according to the political motivations of opportunism and ideology as well as by the nature of the expectations that individuals are assumed to hold. Using this classification we pay particular attention to the underlying assumptions of the models. The paper concludes that a satisfactory model while incorporating the possibility of both ideological and opportunistic behaviour must also consider the appropriate indicator to which government reacts.

Any errors within the article are wholly mine and should be addressed as should all welcome comments to myself at the Public Sector Economics Research Centre, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, U.K.
An Approach to Scientific Economics
Authors: Chan N. Patrick
Published: June 2017

An interdisciplinary approach is proposed to improve scientific reliability. Economics encompasses all fields, and is governed by both natural law and human law. Universally valid relationships can be derived from the human law (e.g. on banking) to complement those of natural science. The approach is illustrated by experiments that demonstrate reliable logical relationships in human behaviour and important characteristics defining money.

Science cannot predict the future, but universally valid relationships apply reliably to hypothetical circumstances. “Though we may be uncertain as to the storms that may blow, we can design to best withstand those storms we elect to define”.
Book Review: Decision Making and Japan: A study of Corporate Japanese decision making and its relevance to Western Companies
Authors: Ritchie John
Published: June 2017

Taplin, R., Decision Making and Japan: A study of Corporate Japanese decision making and its relevance to Western Companies, Kent: Japan Library 1995, pp. 156.
Towards a New Paradigm: from Resource Economics to Bioeconomics
Authors: Mohammadian Mansour
Published: June 2017

There are some problems such as global warming, ozone depletion and acid rain that are due to non-linear interactions arising from the impact of the human socioeconomic activity system upon nature’s biological system. These interface problems are complex and accumulative but more importantly they suffer from the element of uncertainty.

Attempts have been made to resolve these problems through several economy-environment disciplines starting with Natural Resource Economics and evolving to Environmental Economics and Ecological Economics. Although each has contributed a little nevertheless none has been encompassing enough to provide satisfactory solutions for the multitude of economic, environmental and ethical requirements.

Bioeconomics, Biological Economics (Mohammadian, 1980) is thus proposed which is an innovative paradigm arising from the synthesis of biology with economics. Bioeconomics draws on the superior scientific rationale of Biology to provide Economics with a scientific foundation to resolve the interactive problems. This synthesis is very necessary because while the socioeconomic system is dominated by competition, waste and mismanagement the domain of biology is ruled by synergism, cooperation and recycling.

Bioeconomics is moreover an interdisciplinary and biocentric discipline and as such can act as a post-modern science bellwethering the promotion of the culture of synthesis. Also due to its diverse and powerful scientific foundation it can act as a template for a theoretical and an operational model for sustainability.
Prediction of Low Frequency Noise Radiated from Vibrating Highway Bridges
Authors: Goroumaru H. , Shiraishi K. , Hara H. , Komori T.
Published: June 2017

Low frequency noise radiated from highway bridges due to fast moving heavy vehicles, is giving rise to a new traffic problem. In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to consider the reduction of noise and control of bridge vibrations. In this research, measurements of low frequency noise radiated from highway bridges and measurements of bridge vibration were carried out. From these results, the radiation efficiency of the slabs of the highway bridges was determined. Four types of bridge were measured, steel composite girder bridges, steel plate girder bridges, steel truss bridges and PC-girder (T) bridges. From experimental formulae for the radiation efficiency, and from vibration acceleration levels, the sound pressure levels and 1/3 octave band spectra of the low frequency noise radiated from the slabs were predicted. As a result, the sound pressure level at an arbitrary point can be predicted by measuring the vibration acceleration level of the bridge. Predictive calculation results agreed relatively well with measured values, particularly at locations close to the bridges.
Study of Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Visual Acuity
Authors: Harazin Barbara
Published: June 2017

A new method of determination of visual acuity for studying biomechanical and physiological reaction of man on vertical whole-body vibration was used in several experiments. Visual acuity was ascertained by measuring the maximum distance of clear vision of black and white square field contours having a side of 1 mm and arranged in chessboard with total area of 1 cm2. This method allowed to measure among others the effects of the following vibration parameters and exposures on vision performance: vibration frequencies, acceleration levels, time duration and intermitnt exposures.

In the short time exposures to vibration the visual acuity depended on both frequency and the magnitude vibration. In long time exposures lasting longer than 30 minutes the temporary threshold shift (TTS) of visual acuity was observed.
Expandable Space Structures
Authors: Escrig Felix
Published: June 2017

Expandable space structures are of great value in situations where primary functional requirements include transportability and ease of erection. A family of expandable space structures are described in the present paper, where their practical applications and constructional aspects as well as their geometric and statical analyses are discussed.
Dynamic Analysis of Space Frameworks with Cyclic Symmetry
Authors: Tornyos Á.
Published: June 2017

This paper examines the structural rigidity of space frameworks having n-fold rotational symmetry as well as a plane of mirror symmetry passing through the axis of rotational symmetry. On the basis of the eigenfrequencies and eigenvectors of the elastic structure, the dynamic properties of single- and multi-storey space frameworks with rotational symmetry are analysed. It is also shown how the even or odd value of the order n of the rotational symmetry influences the rigidity of the structure.
Long Span Roofs with an Active Surface
Authors: Tatsa E.Z.
Published: June 2017

The paper compares long span lightweight roof structures with passive and active cladding surfaces. The potential of cover surfaces which take part in the gravity load transfer system is shown. An economical study of five roof types with corrugated steel cladding is summarized. The advantage of using ferrocement surfaces is discussed and data from results of tests on a model beam are presented. Some aspects of further research and development are pointed out.
Wind Loading on a ‘Sawtooth’ Multiple Hyperbolic Paraboloid Shell Roof
Authors: Dutt A.J.
Published: June 2017

Investigation of wind loading on a ‘sawtooth’ multiple hyperbolic paraboloid (HP) shell roof was performed by model test in a wind tunnel. Wind pressure distribution on the roof and the walls of the building were determined for various wind directions. Average suctions and highest suctions on ‘sawtooth’ and ‘normal’ roof having the same plan dimensions were compared.
Dynamic Response Analysis of Large Latticed Space Structures
Authors: Kukreti A.R. , Uchil N.D.
Published: June 2017

In this paper an alternative method for dynamic response analysis of large space structures is presented, for which conventional finite element analysis would require excessive computer storage and computational time. Latticed structures in which the height is very small in comparison to its overall length and width are considered. The method is based on the assumption that the structure can be embedded in its continuum, in which any fiber can translate and rotate without deforming. An appropriate kinematically admissable series function is constructed to descrbe the deformation of the middle plane of this continuum. The unknown coefficients in this function are called the degree-of-freedom of the continuum, which is given the name “super element.” Transformation matrices are developed to express the equations of motion of the actual systems in terms of the degrees-of-freedom of the super element. Thus, by changing the number of terms in the assumed function, the degrees-of-freedom of the super element can be increased or decreased. The super element response results are transformed back to obtain the desired response results of the actual system. The method is demonstrated for a structure woven in the shape of an Archimedian spiral.
Detecting and Traversing Bifurcation Points in Nonlinear Structural Analysis
Authors: Skeie Geir , Felippa Carlos A.
Published: June 2017

We investigate procedures for detecting and traversing bifurcation points that occur in the geometrically nonlinear analysis of elastic structures. In particular, we study a family of test functions for sharp detection and identification of bifurcation points. To accomplish branch switching without recourse to artifical imperfections, the selection of appropriate predictors and correctors which exclude the known branch from the converged solution is considered. These techniques are tried and assesed on several three-dimensional truss structures that exhibit bifurcation behavior.
Phyllotactic Patterns for Domes
Authors: Linden Frank M. J. Van Der
Published: June 2017

The naked eye misleads us, when we wish to understand geometry and patterns in Nature. The basis of visible natural structures lies in the repeated application of very simple procedures [1],[2],[3]. If we want to work in harmony with Nature, our technicity should strive to work according to her ways and to her rules.

In growth, we can distinguish expanding and stacking. In many organisms, we observe a relatively smooth overall expanding. In the contrary, in the snail house, material is added only on the outside.

Plants show patterns in the placement of appendages. The author found a very simple algorithm, that leads to these phyllotactic patterns [4]. The Dislodgement Model explains phyllotaxis via an inversion from expanding to stacking. This inversion is allowed, while plants follow the rules of gnomonic growth [5], Now, we have a tool to reproduce natural stackings.

The section 'Basic principles for the arrangement of units' in the present article is a revised version of part of 'Creating Phyllotaxis: The Dislodgement Model' [4].
Membranes for Spatial Structures
Authors: Karni Eyal
Published: June 2017

'Membrane Structures' are modern structures which enjoy spatial geometry as well as combined advanced materials – in order to roof or enclose certain area or volume.

Membrane Structures are normally applied to light-weight structures designed for public use such as: indoor sport facilities, shading in open grounds, pavilions, car parks, markets and fairgrounds, storage facilities, water tanks' covers and military structures. Some of these structures may be retractable or moving structures while others are fixed.

Such structures vary in size, span, supporting systems and insulation demands. They could be built in various areas according to different construction codes concerning wind pressure, snow loads etc.

The present market offers a variety of fabrics' products. One may find fabrics which vary in size, weight, breaking strength, resistance to flex cracking, flame and tear propagation, as well as durability and guarantee given by the manufacturer.

Designers when approaching the problem of choosing the appropriate membrane to suit specific project's demands, – face a complicated decision-making problem.

This article is meant to provide designers with description of membranes' characteristics and design objectives accompanied by a computerized decision-making model. Such tool and information would support designers and potential clients and lead them to proper matching of the appropriate fabric to a specific project at hand.
A Systematic Design Methodology for Deployable Structures
Authors: Gantes Charis , Connor Jerome J. , Logcher Robert D.
Published: June 2017

The deployable structures investigated in this paper are prefabricated space frames made of basic units consisting of two straight bars connected to each other by a pivot, the so called scissor-like-elements. They can be stored in a compact folded configuration, and can be easily deployed into large, load carrying forms by simple articulation. In order to avoid major disadvantages of previous designs, the structures examined here obey strict geometric rules so that they are self-standing and stress-free in both their folded and deployed configurations. During deployment however, geometric incompatibility between member lengths results in a geometrically nonlinear structural behaviour. The optimum design of such a structure has to provide a compromise between desired stiffness in the deployed configuration, and desired felxibility during deployment.
Wave Propagation Behaviour of Spatial Structures: Impact Response Analysis of Single Layer Lattice Domes
Authors: Nishida Akemi , Hangai Yasuhiko
Published: June 2017

Many researchers have investigated the wave propagation behaviors of continuum spatial structures such as plate and cylindrical shell. But due to the numerical difficulty, there is very little research related to discrete spatial structures. The objective of this paper is to examine wave propagation behavior of single layer lattice domes subject to vertical impact load at the centre node. In the first part, an analytical method based on the Fourier transform and a matrix method is presented. In the second part, an impacted two dimensional lattice beam is analyzed in order to estimate the validity of the analytical program. In the last part, nine types of single layer lattice domes are analyzed to estimate the effect of member distribution density, member arrangement pattern and the jointing system, etc., upon the wave propagation behavior.
Perceived Quality of Marketing Journals
Authors: Becker Boris W. , BROWNE WILLIAM G.
Published: June 2017

The principal purpose of this study is to identify the “prestige” of journals that publish papers in marketing, as seen by department chairmen or other administrators in charge of marketing faculty.
A Quantitative Method of Teaching Pricing Theory
Authors: Beall Ronald
Published: June 2017

A technique successfully used in marketing classes to teach pricing theory is described. The technique consists of deriving and maximizing profit functions which explicitly take demand into account. Several different demand functions are discussed and profit maximizing formulas for each are derived. Application of the technique to other marketing variables such as advertising is discussed.
Developing and Managing a Mission Statement: A Study of Marketing Departments
Authors: McDermott Dennis R. , Urban David J. , O'hallaron Richard D.
Published: June 2017

The results of a survey of chairpersons show that marketing departments accredited by the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business that have developed a mission statement are in the minority; approximately half of those that have done so perceive the benefits to be either moderate or insignificant. These findings indicate possible limitations in the development and/or management of the mission statement. This article proposes a process for the efficient and effective development of a mission statement and outlines methods to manage it.
Teaching Methodologies Used in Basic Marketing: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Clow Kenneth E. , Wachter Mary Kay
Published: June 2017

This article describes a study of teaching methodologies and their use. Using a teaching methodology classification suggested by Henke et al. (1988), this study examines the antecedents of six teaching methodologies and how extensively each method is used by marketing instructors in their principles of marketing course. Results from the study indicated that class size, importance of teaching in the annual faculty evaluation, nonteaching endeavors of the instructor, and rank of the instructor are the primary determinants of teaching style. The study also lends support to the existence of the three instructional style typologies proposed by Roach, Johnston, and Hair Jr. (1993) and builds upon their findings.
Caffeine Reduces the Hepatotoxicity of Paracetamol in Mice
Authors: Raińska T , Jużwiak S , Dutkiewicz T , Krasowska B , Olenderek B , Roźéwicka L , Wójcicki J , Samochowiec L , Juzyszyn Z
Published: June 2017

Paracetamol causes extensive liver damage when taken in overdose quantities; however, it is less hepatotoxic when administered in combination with caffeine. The present work in mice was undertaken to study the effect of caffeine on mortality rates and biochemical and histological parameters of liver damage after administration of toxic doses of paracetamol. It was found that caffeine markedly increased the survival rate after administration of a dose of paracetamol that was lethal to 50% and 100% of mice, reduced liver damage as assessed by serum glutamic pyruvic and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activities, partially prevented the depletion of reduced glutathione and reduced histological changes to the liver accompanying paracetamol intoxication. The results support the possibility that caffeine might be useful for the treatment of paracetamol intoxication in humans.
Anti-Ulcer Agent, Cetraxate Hydrochloride (Neuer®), Prevents Subcellular Redistribution of Lysosomal Enzyme in Caerulein-Induced Pancreatitis in the Rat
Authors: Hirano T , Takeuchi S
Published: June 2017

The protective effect of an anti-ulcer agent, cetraxate hydrochloride [4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenyltrans-4-aminomethylcyclohexanecarboxylate hydrochloride], on the exocrine pancreas in caerulein-induced pancreatitis of rats was investigated. Hyperamylasaemia, pancreatic oedema and activation of trypsinogen in the pancreatic tissue, as well as subcellular redistribution of the lysosomal enzyme, cathepsin B, from the lysosomal fraction to the zymogen fraction, were prevented by infusion of 20 mg/kg.h cetraxate for 2 h before caerulein infusion and throughout the 3.5 h of caerulein infusion (5 μ-g/kg.h). The results indicate that cetraxate plays its protective roles against pancreatitis by inhibiting the redistribution of lysosomal enzyme and by activation of trypsinogen; such activities may be clinically useful in preventing pancreatic injuries, particularly in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
Effect of Superoxide Dismutase on Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation of Aorta from Endotoxin-Treated Rabbits
Authors: Yaku H , Mikawa K , Nishina K , Maekawa N , Obara H
Published: June 2017

To assess the protective effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) on the endothelium of aorta in endotoxaemia, we investigated the production of endothelium-derived relaxing factor in aorta obtained from endotoxin-treated rabbits concomitantly receiving SOD or not. Thirty-two male Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups ( n = 8 for each group): one group receiving saline as a placebo, a second receiving 5 mg/kg endotoxin intravenously, a third receiving 5 mg/kg endotoxin intravenously plus SOD, and a fourth receiving SOD alone. SOD was injected intravenously at a dose of 10 000 U/kg before the endotoxin and was infused continuously at a rate of 15 000 units/kg/h throughout the experiment. The tension of the aorta was recorded in vitro 6 h after the start of in vivo treatment with endotoxin or saline. In the aorta of rabbits receiving endotoxin alone, acetylcholine-induced relaxation was reduced by 50%. The SOD fully restored the reduction of acetylcholine-induced relaxation by endotoxin. Histological studies using photomicroscopy revealed endothelial damage in the endotoxin-treated aorta, which was attenuated in the SOD-treated group. These data suggest that intravenous SOD may be an effective treatment for unstable haemodynamics in endotoxaemia.
Anti-Emetic Efficacy of Tropisetron and Metoclopramide
Authors: Yilmazlar A , Yilmazlar T , Gürpinar E , Korun N , Kutlay O
Published: June 2017

Post-operative vomiting, especially in ambulatory surgical patients, remains a troublesome problem. This placebo-controlled, randomized, prospective double-blind trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of two prophylactic anti-emetic regimens on post-operative vomiting in 1-day thyroid surgery. Altogether 60 elective surgical patients were followed for 4 h post-operatively. All patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of I or II and aged between 22 and 60 years: group 1 was saline control; in groups 2 and 3, metoclopramide (0.2 mg/kg) or tropisetron (5 mg) was administered, respectively, as an intravenous single dose during induction. Patients were pre-medicated. A standardized anaesthetic technique consisting of thiopentone-succinylcholine for induction and fentanyl-nitrous oxide-halothane-pancuronium for maintenance of anaesthesia was used. A ‘rescue’ anti-emetic was provided in case of continued vomiting or at the patient's request. Anti-emetic inefficacy was defined as request for rescue anti-emetic and/or vomiting episode during the first 4 h post-operation. The number of patients vomiting was 12/20 (60%), 10/20 (50%) and 1/20 (5%) within the first 2 h post-operation in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively ( P > 0.05 for groups 1 and 2; P < 0.01 for groups 2 and 3; P < 0.001 for groups 1 and 3). In group 2, three patients required rescue medication during the first 2 h post operation, but no signiñcant difference was observed between groups 2 and 3 ( P > 0.05). None of the cases in any of the groups needed any rescue medication during post-operative 2 – 4 h. It is concluded that tropisetron is a highly effective anti-emetic drug in the prophylaxis of post-operative vomiting.
Relationship between Adrenal Cortex Pathology in Cushing's Syndrome and its Response to the Dexamethasone Suppression Test
Authors: Akçay G , Orhan Y , Aral F , Özbey N , Azezli A , Molvalilar S , Sencer E
Published: June 2017

Cushing's syndrome is a severely disabling condition which can cause death if left untreated. Endogenous Cushing's syndrome can be ACTH-dependent or ACTH-independent. The ACTH-dependent type is more common and is usually caused by diffuse hyperplasia on the adrenal cortex. This study investigated the response to low- and high-dose dexamethasone suppression testing of 30 adrenalectomized patients with Cushing's syndrome, average age 37.3 ± 9.7 years. Twenty-four (79.3%) patients were female, and six (20.7%) were male. Bilateral adrenalectomy was performed in 14 (48.2%) patients and unilateral adrenalectomy (nine and seven right adrenalectomy) in 16 (51.8%). Two of the bilateral adrenalectomies were applied via endoscopic surgical approach. In the histopathological evaluation, diffuse hyperplasia was diagnosed in 13 (44.8%) patients and nodular hyperplasia in eight (26.6%), three macronodular and five micronodular hyperplasia. Adrenal cell adenoma was diagnosed in nine (28.6%) patients. Classic dexamethasone suppression testing was performed on all patients. Plasma levels of cortisol were not significantly decreased after low-dose testing, but plasma levels of cortisol were significantly decreased after high-dose testing in the diffuse hyperplasia group. In summary, due to the pathological changes of the adrenal cortex, dexamethasone suppression testing can differentiate between the two types of Cushing's syndrome.
Effects of a Short Course of Treatment with Acebrophylline on the Mucus Rheological Characteristics and Respiratory Function Parameters in Patients Suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Agliati G
Published: June 2017

A total of 30 patients (27 males and 3 females) with a mean age of 62.6 ± 3.9 years, suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were recruited into this open study to evaluate the clinical efficacy and the safety of a short course of treatment with 100 mg acebrophylline, twice daily for 14 days. To assess the effectiveness of the drug, symptoms and signs, such as cough intensity and frequency, auscultatory pattern, dyspnoea, cyanosis, difficulty of expectoration, sputum quantity, appearance and density, were evaluated at baseline and after 1, 3, 5, 7,10 and 14 days of therapy. In addition the rheological properties of the bronchial mucus (viscosity and spinnability) were measured and respiratory function tests were performed before and after treatment. There was a progressive improvement of all evaluated symptoms and signs, resulting in improvement of the auscultatory pattern, as well as dyspnoea. This was accompanied by improvement or normalization of the respiratory function indices, which showed statistically significant differences ( P < 0.01) between the baseline and the endpoint values, apart from total lung capacity. Blood-gas analysis demonstrated a significant increase of PaO2 and a significant decrease of PaCO2 values at the end of the treatment period (both P < 0.01). In general, acebrophylline was well tolerated. No clinically relevant or significant changes in any of the routine laboratory parameters were found on comparing the values obtained before and after treatment. Only three patients complained of epigastric pain, but this was not so severe or long-lasting as to require the discontinuation of the treatment.
The Pathology of Abortion Caused by the Virus of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis
Authors: Kennedy Peter C. , Richards W. P. C.
Published: June 2017

The fetal lesions which characterize abortions caused by the virus of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis are focal necrotizing hepatitis, necrotizing placentitis, and irregularly distributed focal necrotic lesions in other organs. The abortions occur 18 to 64 days after experimental exposure of the dam. The lesions are quantitatively and qualitatively the same whether in response to infection by vaccine or field strains of the virus. The pattern of abortions which occurred in one herd following vaccination is reported.
Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood of Cats: Technique and Normal Values
Authors: Gilmore Charley E. , Gilmore Virginia H. , Jones T. C.
Published: June 2017

Examination of bone marrow and peripheral blood is necessary to diagnose and study many diseases affecting the hematopoietic system of cats. A simplified technique for obtaining marrow from cats, modified from a previously reported method, employs local anesthesia and minimal restraint. Skin and periosteum over the iliac crest are anesthetized with 2% procaine; a 3/4-inch, 18 gauge needle with short beveled point and seated stylet is introduced into the ilium through a small skin incision. Marrow is aspirated with a syringe and smears are made directly. Wright and Giemsa stains are used and 500 nucleated cells are differentiated.

Average differential values on marrow from 15 clinically normal cats were: rubriblast 1.2%, prorubricyte 2.8%, rubricyte 16.1%, metarubricyte 18.2%, (total erythrocytic cells, 38.4%), myeloblast 1.1%, progranulocyte 2.8%, neutrophil myelocyte 5.9%, eosinophil myelocyte 0.3%, neutrophil metamyelocyte 15.0%, eosinophil metamyelocyte 0.2%, neutrophil band 14.7%, eosinophil band 0.3%, neutrophil segmenter 14.0%, eosinophil segmenter 1.3% (total myelocytic cells, 55.6%), lymphocytes 5.1%, plasma cells 0.5%, reticulum cells 0.3%. The average myeloid: erythroid ratio was 1.6:1.

Peripheral blood for determining hematocrits (PCV), total leukocyte counts (WBC) and differential leukocyte counts on the same animals was obtained by puncturing the marginal ear vein. Average values for these determinations were: PCV 37%, WBC 15,250/cmm., segmenters (neutrophil) 59%, bands (neutrophil) 4%, eosinophils 6%, lymphocytes 27%, monocytes 3%.

Terminology used to classify the cells described and illustrated in this report is that recommended by the Committee for Clarification of the Nomenclature of Cells and Diseases of the Blood and Blood-Forming Organs.
A Hepatogenous Photosensitivity Disease of Cattle: I. Experimental Production and Clinical Aspects of the Disease
Authors: Glenn B. L. , Monlux A. W. , Panciera R. J.
Published: June 2017

A hepatogenous photosensitivity disease of cattle caused by feeding of flood damaged alfalfa hay was investigated under experimental conditions. The clinical aspects of the hay-induced disease were characterized and compared with the photosensitization caused by surgically-induced biliary obstruction.

The majority of animals which were fed the hay and all those with ligated bile ducts developed photosensitivity which was regularly accompanied by icterus. Lesions of photosensitization were quite variable in degree of severity among individual animals but were essentially identical in both the hay-induced and surgically-induced disease. In all except the severely affected animals skin lesions were confined to those areas not protected by pigment or dense hair coat. Mild lesions developed in some heavily pigmented areas of severely affected animals where the hair was especially short or thin.

The climatic conditions under which the alfalfa hay developed toxicity and the similarity of the disease syndrome to that of “facial eczema” in New Zealand suggest that the two diseases may be caused by a hepatotoxin of similar nature and origin.
The Development of Adipose Tissue in Sheep Foetuses
Authors: Wensvoort P.
Published: June 2017

During development of adipose tissue in sheep foetuses pre-adipose Iobules were formed before future fat cells accumulated fat. Pre-adipose lobules were first observed in the renal capsule of foetuses of 5-8 cm crown-rump length, during the second month of gestation. The initial storage of fat occurred in 9 cm foetuses. The adipose lobules were wholly developed at the end of the fourth month. Initially, owing to the coalescence of the formed vacuoles, univacuolar cells were rapidly formed. During the fifth month of gestation, however, a greater number of plurivacuolar cells were encountered.
An Electron Microscopic Study of Blood and Bone Marrow in Vitamin E-Deficient Pigs
Authors: Nafstad Inger , Nafstad Per H. J.
Published: June 2017

The ultrastructure of blood and bone marrow cells in vitamin E-deficient pigs was studied and correlated with the light microscopic appearance. Earlier light microscopic observations indicating an inadequate erythroid production were confirmed and supplemented. Furthermore, evidence of increased destruction of erythroid cells and abnormalities in formation of myeloid cells were observed.
Elastic Constants of Uniaxially Fiber Reinforced Multiphase Composites Using Recursive Cell Model
Authors: Upadhyay P. C. , Lyons Jed S.
Published: June 2017

A recursive algorithm is developed for the evaluation of elastic constants of uniaxially reinforced fiber composites with multiple coatings (phases) around the fiber, using the repeating cell model of Aboudi. Two concentric phases are considered at a time, starting with the innermost phase of the fiber and its immediate surrounding coating (phase). To get the effective fiber elastic constants of the combined two phases, results from the micromechanics based analysis, using a cell-stress approach associated with complimentary energy minimization, are utilized. The recursive method is applied to a titanium matrix composite reinforced with silicon carbide fibers (Si C/Ti) and a titanium matrix composite reinforced with A1203 fibers (A1203/Ti). Results from the proposed recursive cell model are compared with the results obtained from Sutcu's recursive method based on the CCA model.
Comparison of Compressive Properties of Fiber-Free and Fiber-Bearing Syntactic Foams
Authors: Karthikeyan C. S. , Sankaran S. , Kishore
Published: June 2017

The comparative compressive properties of syntactic foam with and without the inclusion of E-glass fibers in the form of chopped strands are reported. The effort pointed to the fact that the fiber-free syntactic foam had a higher compressive strength than the fiber-bearing one whereas as regards the moduli values they did not differ much. The difference in strength is correlated with the amount of voids present in two foams. The scope of the work was further expanded by including scanning electron microscopy for examining the surface features of samples prior to and after compression test.
Stress Analysis in Unidirectional Composite Plates under Torque Loadings: Experimental Observation
Authors: Gong X. L. , Laksimi A. , Lai D. W. , Benzeggagh M. L.
Published: June 2017

Analysis of the stress state in a composite plate under torque loadings and some practical information are necessary for the engineering design. The large rotation displacement has been taken into account for the stress analysis and the experimental results have shown a good agreement with the analytical results. It is found that the normal stress due to the fiber deformation is no longer negligible if the rotation angle becomes important and we notice also that there exists a compression zone in the middle of the plate and two tension zones in each side, the ratio of the compression zone width to the total width is about 0.58. The maximum tension stress in the plate is double its compression stress. The experimental observations have shown that the shear stresses 712max and jT13m seem responsible for the material degradation under torque loadings, and the determination of these shear stresses has to use the effective torque (MAff) instead of the applied torque (M.).
Process Simulation in Thermoset Composites for Cure Response and Stress Prediction
Authors: Mohan Raja , Grentzer Thomas H.
Published: June 2017

A process simulation model was developed to predict the cure response and temperature gradients that occur in composite laminates during fabrication. Manufacturing processes for corrosion resistant composites can be designed using the model. A one-dimensional heat transfer analysis was used to simulate composite cure. Cure response factors such as the lay-up process, temperature boundary conditions, and the heat generated due to exothermic reaction were considered. The predicted temperature and resin cure gradients can be used to determine residual stresses that cause cracking.

The cure kinetic response and resin shrinkage of a vinyl ester resin were characterized. The effect of partial resin cure caused by low curing temperatures was included in the kinetics model. A computer program was developed to predict the cure response in composite laminates. Temperature response predictions agreed well with results obtained from experiments on a composite nozzle. The process model was used to study the effect of laminate thickness, ambient temperatures, and air cooling on laminate cure response. Residual stresses in the nozzle due to cure temperatures were determined using finite element analysis.
Vibrations of Arbitrarily Laminated Fiber Reinforced Composite Material Truncated Conical Shell
Authors: Khatri Kamal N.
Published: June 2017

Governing equations of motion are presented for arbitrarily laminated fiber reinforced composite material truncated conical shell in which each layer is permitted an arbitrary fixed fiber orientation. Each layer has been considered to be of a specially orthotropic material with its directional elastic properties depending on the fiber orientation. Extension, bending, in-plane shear and transverse shear in all the layers have been considered and inertia effects due to transverse, meridional and rotary motions are taken into account. Convenient trigonometric series are used as solution functions in Galerkin's method to reduce the governing equations to sets of matrix equations. The correspondence principle of linear viscoelasticity has been used for evaluating the damping effectiveness of the shell. Computer programs have been developed for axisymmetric and antisymmetric vibrations of multi-layered conical shells with simply supported edges. The influence of apex angle upon the resonance frequencies and the associated system loss factors of laminated FRP conical shells is investigated.
High Performance Materials Obtained by Solid State Forming of Polymers
Authors: Ajji A. , Dufour J. , Legros N. , Dumoulin M. M.
Published: June 2017

Orientation of polymers such as polyethylene (PE) by solid state extrusion near but below the melting temperature and poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyamides and poly(etheretherketone) at different temperatures by roll drawing has been performed. Draw ratio of 11 for PE and of at least 4 for the other polymers were readily achieved. For the solid state extruded material, it was observed that lubrication and geometry of the die is critical. For the roll drawn materials, tension between the rolls was very important in compensating in part for the relaxation of the material after the rolling. Slippage between the rolls was observed in all cases. From the properties point of view, an increase in the melting temperature and degree of crystallinity was observed for the oriented materials. Significant improvements in the tensile modulus and strength were observed and materials with modulus and tensile strength above 10 GPa and 500 MPa respectively were obtained. The mechanical properties can be correlated with molecular orientation. Finally, for the solid state extruded material, comparison of the experimental results in terms of the load as a function of displacement with the predictions of numerical simulations were performed and good agreement was observed.