bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bisacodyl: A review of pharmacology and clinical evidence to guide use in clinical practice in patients with constipation
Authors: Corsetti Maura , Landes Sabine , Lange Robert 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundBisacodyl is a member of the diphenylmethane family and is considered to be a stimulant laxative. It has a dual prokinetic and secretory action and needs to be converted into the active metabolite bis‐(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐pyridyl‐2‐methane (BHPM) in the gut to achieve the desired laxative effect. Bisacodyl acts locally in the large bowel by directly enhancing the motility, reducing transit time, and increasing the water content of the stool. A recent network meta‐analysis concluded that bisacodyl showed similar efficacy to prucalopride, lubiprostone, linaclotide, tegaserod, velusetrag, elobixibat, and sodium picosulfate for the primary endpoint of ≥3 complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM)/week and an increase of ≥1 CSBM/week over baseline. The meta‐analysis also found that bisacodyl may be superior to the other laxatives for the secondary endpoint of change from baseline in the number of spontaneous bowel movements per week in patients with chronic constipation. This observation stimulated the authors to review the available literature on bisacodyl, which has been available on the market since the 1950 s.PurposeThe aim of the current review was to provide an overview of the historic background, structure, function, and mechanism of action of bisacodyl. Additionally, we discuss the important features and studies for bisacodyl to understand its peculiar characteristics and guide its use in clinical practice, but also stimulate research on open questions.
Variation among stallions in sperm quality after single layer centrifugation
Authors: Al‐Kass Ziyad , Brown Alexander , Johannisson Anders , Ntallaris Theodoros , Morrell Jane M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAlthough single layer centrifugation (SLC) selects robust spermatozoa from stallion semen, the effect of individual variation has not been studied in detail. The objective of this study was to determine the variation among stallions in the effects of SLC on sperm quality during cooled storage for up to 48 hr. Semen samples from seven stallions (18 ejaculates) were split, with one portion being used for SLC and the other serving as a control (CON). Sperm quality (kinematics, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, membrane integrity (MI) and chromatin integrity) were analysed at 0, 24 and 48 hr using computer‐assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry. Sperm quality was better in SLC than in CON at all timepoints, especially chromatin integrity and MI (p < .0001 for both), and some categories of ROS production (e.g. proportion of live hydrogen peroxide negative spermatozoa, p < .0001), but the degree of improvement varied among stallions and type of ROS (p < .05–p < .0001). Total and progressive motility were also better in SLC samples than in CON at 24 and 48 hr (p < .0001), although the effect on sperm kinematics varied. The interaction of treatment, time and stallion was not significant. In conclusion, sperm quality was better in SLC samples than in CON, although there was considerable individual variation among stallions. The improvement in sperm quality, particularly in chromatin integrity, was clearly beneficial, and therefore the use of this technique would be warranted for all stallion semen samples.
Return migrants in Albania: The determinants of “entrepreneurial gain”
Authors: Zulfiu Alili Merita , Adnett Nick 
Published: March 2021

AbstractReturn migrants bring the prospects of an entrepreneurship gain to their country of origin. In this paper the key determinants of returnees becoming entrepreneurs in Albania are investigated. The survey data utilized enables returnees’ characteristics before their migration, during their stay abroad, and after returning to be assessed as facilitators of entrepreneurship. There is evidence of significant entrepreneurial gain among Albanian returnees. The incidence of self‐employment after return was 2–3 times higher than it had been before migration and was nearly 15 times higher than the percentage of self‐employed in the Albanian labor force as a whole. However, the analysis suggests that self‐employment is a poor proxy for entrepreneurship among returnees. There is a need to distinguish between the planned/opportunity self‐employed (the entrepreneurs) and the unintended/necessity self‐employed, the latter largely becoming self‐employed as a means of addressing economic hardship. We find that women, those trained during migration and returnees who remitted more per year, were more likely to become entrepreneurs after returning, whereas men, those in self‐employment before leaving, those spending more time abroad, those who were forced to return, migrants who returned back to their place of birth and residence, and those who returned from Greece, were more likely to be self‐employed.
Buckling Under Locally Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Handelman G. H. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The instability of a simple pin-supported beam when subject to a locally hydrostatic pressure distribution, the intensity of which is a function of distance along the beam only, is discussed in this paper. In particular, the pressure is assumed to follow a polynomial law given by Equation [1]. The problem, basic assumptions, and precise definition of locally hydrostatic pressure are stated in the first section of the paper. The second section contains a discussion of the equations of equilibrium from which the basic differential equation is derived. The solutions of this differential equation satisfy the boundary conditions only for certain discrete values of the parameters involved, and these values in turn define the buckling loads. In the third section the buckling loads are tabulated for several cases in comparison with the buckling loads for the same beam subject only to an end thrust. The appendix contains a mathematical discussion of the solution of the basic differential equation and a derivation of the formula for the buckling loads.
Determination of the Natural Frequencies of the Bending Vibrations of Beams
Authors: Bellin A. I. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a method for determining the natural frequencies of lateral vibrations for elastic beams. The beams may be of variable cross section and may have any number of spans. The five-moment equation is developed and is then applied to beams supported in various ways. The author reduces the necessary calculations to a simple tabular scheme. Several illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the method of computation.
The Design of Vibration-Isolating Bases for Machinery
Authors: Crede Charles E. , Walsh J. Paul 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The isolation of rotating or reciprocating machinery to reduce the magnitude of oscillating forces transmitted to adjacent structures is common practice. Where operating speeds are high and the oscillating forces are of moderate intensity, the solution is relatively easy because little care need be taken in design to obtain a sufficiently efficient isolator. However, a vibration testing machine requires careful design of the isolator because the forces to be isolated are of great magnitude and because such machines operate over a wide range of speed. This paper describes the technique used at the Naval Research Laboratory for mounting vibration testing machines. The machine is secured rigidly to a relatively heavy mounting base and the mounted machine is supported upon helical springs. This method is generally applicable to the design of machinery bases and will be found to be of particular value where low-speed machines are involved.
Static-Load Tests on an Aircraft Gas Turbine to Simulate Loads Produced by Rapid Plane Maneuvers
Authors: Brunot A. W. , Goddard W. B. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper describes a method of loading statically an aircraft gas turbine to produce loads in the turbine structure similar to those produced by rapid plane maneuvers, such as pull-outs and spins. The method consists in applying a finite number of loads to the whole power-plant structure simultaneously in such a manner that these loads produce the same bending and shear, and restraints in the structural members as would be encountered in actual flight. Stresses and deflections can be measured directly on the unit, and these load stresses can be combined with thermal and internal load stresses to establish margins of safety. Static-load tests on a specific gas turbine are described in detail with results to illustrate the method used.
Maximum Performance of Helical Springs
Authors: Shobert E. I. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A method has been derived for determining the way the spring material influences the volume of space required for a particular application for a helical spring. It is found that this volume is proportional to the material constants of the spring in the following manner V α G 7 S 11 5 where G is the torsional modulus of elasticity and S is the limit of maximum stress. Using a multiplier to give this factor a value of 1.00 for music wire, it is found that the value for stainless steel is 1.06, beryllium copper 1.34, and phosphor bronze 2.66, for the springs on the brushes of small motors where springs must operate at temperatures up to 100 C. Different fields of application requiring different limits of maximum stress will change these values but the method still remains the same.
D-C Network-Analyzer Determination of Fluid-Flow Pattern in a Centrifugal Impeller
Authors: Concordia C. , Carter G. K. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The objects of this paper are, first, to describe an electrical method of determining the flow pattern for the flow of an incompressible ideal fluid through a two-dimensional centrifugal impeller, and second, to present the results obtained for a particular impeller. The method can be and has been applied to impellers with blades of arbitrary shape, as distinguished from analytical methods which can be applied directly only to blades of special shape (1).
Polar Strain
Authors: Harris C. W. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In solving spring problems, involving mechanical rubber goods, for example, elastomers do not obey Hooke’s law in shear. Difficulties of calculation are avoided by introducing “polar strain” as a substitute for shear strain. Polar stress-strain curves may be derived directly from any spring of the type described and permit the direct calculation of any other such spring with no integration.
An Introduction to an Analysis of Gas Vibrations in Engine Manifolds
Authors: Binder R. C. , Hall A. S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The performance of an internal-combustion engine may be influenced favorably or unfavorably by the vibration of the gas in the manifold. The analysis of this complicated action involves techniques which are not generally established nor widely known. This paper gives an introduction to these various techniques and their co-ordination. Included is a discussion of the vibration characteristics with damping for a tube, details as to numerical computations, and an outline of the analysis for a simple induction system.
The Swelling of an Orthotropic Circular Tube
Authors: Gurney C. , Hammond A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Many organic sheet materials swell owing to moisture absorption, more in thickness than in directions in the plane of the sheet. An example is laminated synthetic-resin sheet in which thickness swelling is usually between 5 and 10 times the swelling in the plane of the sheet. When a wrapped circular tube is formed of such materials and caused to swell until equilibrium is reached, a state of stress results. If the tube were stress-free, the radial strain would equal the swelling strain of the sheet across the thickness, and the circumferential strain would equal the swelling strain in the plane of the sheet. Geometrical considerations compel the radial and circumferential strains to be related and hence a state of stress is set up. The calculation of the stresses and displacements in a swollen ring is the subject of this paper. The problem is solved in a general form in which swelling strain, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio have different values in the radial and tangential directions. Three boundary conditions are treated: namely, stress-free peripheries, constant internal diameter, and constant external diameter. Hooke’s law and zero stress coefficient of swelling are assumed throughout. The solution has application to wrapped fabric plastic bushings and bearings.
Note on the Tightness of Expanded Tube Joints
Authors: Sachs G. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A simple theoretical evaluation of the conditions conducive to maximum tightness of a tube joint is presented. The residual pressure between tube and plate, which can be considered as a measure of the tightness, possesses a maximum at certain tube dimensions. If tube and plate are of the same material, the tightness increases with increasing ratio of outside to inside diameter of the tube, up to a ratio of 1.4. If the tube is made from a metal sufficiently stronger than that of the plate, the residual pressure becomes larger, possessing a maximum at a ratio of 1.65 of the tube diameters.
Deflections and Moments of a Rectangular Plate Clamped on All Edges and Under Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Odley Ezra G. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Two solutions of the problem of the clamped rectangular plate under hydrostatic pressure are given in this paper. The first solution is based on the usual procedures employed in solving problems of bending of thin plates, and the second is the method developed by H. Marcus. Since Marcus’ method is quite general and is applicable to plates with various types of edge conditions and loadings, and since it is apparently but little known in this country, it was thought desirable to present the analysis in full. Tables of moments given herein are for side ratios of 0.6 to 2 at intervals of 0.2 and were computed by means of the Marcus method. The values of the moments computed in this manner for a square plate were checked using the analysis developed in this paper. The tabular values for the side ratios of 1 and 2 are also in substantial agreement with the values given by Lippa.
Approximate Solutions for Symmetrically Loaded Thick-Walled Cylinders
Authors: MacGregor C. W. , Coffin L. F. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Based upon an extension of the theory of a bar on an elastic foundation, a simple approximate solution is given in closed form for the analysis of the stresses and strains in a thick-walled cylinder loaded either internally or externally by an axially symmetrical system of forces. The analysis avoids the tedious computation of stresses inherent in exact solutions of this problem by the Fourier series or Fourier integral methods and is in a form which can easily be used by designers. The approximate solution for both semi-infinite pressure distributions and shorter bands of internal pressure are compared with the mathematically exact solutions and with experiment. Good agreement is found in all cases for external strains, while for internal strains the agreement is good except very close to the discontinuity in pressure. Since it is doubtful in practice that an abrupt discontinuity in pressure is often realized in such cases, the approximate solution may also be useful near this discontinuity. More important, however, is the fact that the effective stresses (based upon the distortion-energy theory of yielding), as determined both by the exact and approximate solutions, are in close agreement.
Number of Repetitions Performed Before and After Reaching Velocity Loss Thresholds: First Repetition Versus Fastest Repetition—Mean Velocity Versus Peak Velocity
Authors: García-Ramos Amador , Weakley Jonathon , Janicijevic Danica , Jukic Ivan 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To explore the effect of several methodological factors on the number of repetitions performed before and after reaching certain velocity loss thresholds (VLTs). Method: Fifteen resistance-trained men (bench press 1-repetition maximum = 1.25 [0.16] kg·kg−1) performed with maximum intent a total of 182 sets (77 short sets [≤12 repetitions] and 105 long sets [>12 repetitions]) leading to failure during the Smith machine bench press exercise. Fifteen percent, 30%, and 45% VLTs were calculated, considering 2 reference repetitions (first and fastest repetitions) and 2 velocity variables (mean velocity [MV] and peak velocity [PV]). Results: The number of repetitions performed before reaching all VLTs were affected by the reference repetition and velocity variable (P ≤ .001). The fastest MV and PV during the short sets (75.3%) and PV during the long sets (72.4%) were predominantly observed during the first repetition, while the fastest MV during long sets was almost equally distributed between the first (37.1%) and second repetition (40.0%). Failure occurred before reaching the VLTs more frequently using PV (4, 8, and 33 occasions for 15%, 30%, and 45% VLTs, respectively) than MV (only 1 occasion for the 45% VLT). The participants rarely produced a velocity output above a VLT once this threshold was exceeded for the first time (≈10% and 30% of occasions during the short and long sets, respectively). Conclusions: The reference repetition and velocity variable are important factors to consider when implementing VLTs during resistance training. The fastest repetition (instead of the first repetition) and MV (instead of PV) are recommended.
Random forest approach for determining risk prediction and predictive factors of type 2 diabetes: large-scale health check-up data in Japan
Authors: Ooka Tadao , Johno Hisashi , Nakamoto Kazunori , Yoda Yoshioki , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Yamagata Zentaro 
Published: March 2021

IntroductionEarly intervention in type 2 diabetes can prevent exacerbation of insulin resistance. More effective interventions can be implemented by early and precise prediction of the change in glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Artificial intelligence (AI), which has been introduced into various medical fields, may be useful in predicting changes in HbA1c. However, the inability to explain the predictive factors has been a problem in the use of deep learning, the leading AI technology. Therefore, we applied a highly interpretable AI method, random forest (RF), to large-scale health check-up data and examined whether there was an advantage over a conventional prediction model.Research design and methodsThis study included a cumulative total of 42 908 subjects not receiving treatment for diabetes with an HbA1c <6.5%. The objective variable was the change in HbA1c in the next year. Each prediction model was created with 51 health-check items and part of their change values from the previous year. We used two analytical methods to compare the predictive powers: RF as a new model and multivariate logistic regression (MLR) as a conventional model. We also created models excluding the change values to determine whether it positively affected the predictions. In addition, variable importance was calculated in the RF analysis, and standard regression coefficients were calculated in the MLR analysis to identify the predictors.ResultsThe RF model showed a higher predictive power for the change in HbA1c than MLR in all models. The RF model including change values showed the highest predictive power. In the RF prediction model, HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, body weight, alkaline phosphatase and platelet count were factors with high predictive power.ConclusionsCorrect use of the RF method may enable highly accurate risk prediction for the change in HbA1c and may allow the identification of new diabetes risk predictors.
Assessment of adherence to oral nutritional supplementation and exploration of barriers and facilitators in patients after gastric cancer surgery: a mixed methods study protocol
Authors: Wan Guang-ying , Xue Hui , Yuan Hua , Wang Xin , Li Hui-qin , Zhang Xiuying 
Published: March 2021

IntroductionPostoperative malnutrition is a major issue in patients with gastric cancer. The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism recommends oral nutritional supplements (ONS) as a first-line nutritional therapy to prevent malnutrition in patients with cancer. However, adherence to ONS is unsatisfactory. The overall aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence of patients with gastric cancer to ONS and to explore the promoting and hindering factors.Methods and analysisIn this study, we will use mixed methods with an explanatory sequential approach for data collection and analysis. In the first phase, a 12-week longitudinal study will be performed to identify changes in trends of oral nutritional supplementation adherence in 135 patients with gastric cancer, the impact of adherence on nutritional indicators and clinical outcomes and ONS adherence-related factors. The primary endpoints include patient adherence to ONS, weight, body mass index and grip strength followed by 30-day readmission rate, complications and adverse reactions. In the second stage, qualitative research will be implemented to provide in-depth insight into the quantitative results. Finally, quantitative and qualitative results will be combined for analysis and discussion to put forward suggestions for improving patients’ ONS adherence.Ethics and disseminationThis research protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the School of Nursing, Jilin University, China (No. 2019101601). Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, and sent to participating practices.Trial registration numberChiTR2000032425.
Oral health among HIV-positive and HIV-negative children in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kikuchi Kimiyo , Yi Siyan , Yasuoka Junko , Tuot Sovannary , Okawa Sumiyo , Murayama Makoto , Yem Sokunthea , Chhoun Pheak , Eng Sothearith , Huot Chantheany , Morokuma Seiichi 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundHIV-positive children are at high risk for oral mucosal disorders. Additionally, their low immune status is associated with dental caries. However, little is known about how their dental caries and related risk factors, such as salivary flow, salivary pH level and oral health-related quality of life, differ from those of HIV-negative children. The study aimed to assess (1) dental caries and related risk factors in HIV-positive compared with HIV-negative children and (2) the association between these factors and HIV seropositive status in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted as a baseline survey of a randomised controlled trial. The study setting was the National Pediatric Hospital’s catchment area. The study population comprised 328 HIV-positive and 154 HIV-negative children aged 3–15 years and their caregivers. We collected clinical oral health data, questionnaire data to assess oral health-related quality of life and growth data.ResultsThe mean number of decayed, missing or filled permanent teeth (DMFT) and deciduous teeth (dmft) among HIV-positive children was 4.0 (SD 3.6) and 7.0 (SD 4.9), respectively. Among HIV-negative children, the respective values were 3.3 (SD 3.7) and 7.1 (SD 4.6). Living with HIV was positively associated with DMFT (adjusted OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.01) and salivary flow (β=0.72, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.00) and negatively associated with salivary pH (β=−0.13, 95% CI −0.24 to –0.02). However, HIV-positive status was not significantly associated with dmft or oral health-related quality of life.ConclusionsHIV-positive children had poorer oral health status regarding DMFT and salivary pH level. Specific strategies and further efforts are required to align their oral health status with that of HIV-negative children.