bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of low cycle fatigue improvement of machined AISI 316 stainless steel by brush hammering
Authors: Sidhom N. , Makhlouf K. , Khlifi A. , Braham C. , Sidhom H. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe effects of wire brush hammering on low cycle fatigue behaviour of AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel has been investigated on turned samples through an experimental study combining strain controlled fatigue tests, scanning electron microscope examination and X‐ray diffraction analysis. An increase in fatigue life by 266% was reported at an imposed strain amplitude of Δεt/2 = 0.2%. This improvement is limited to Δεt/2 ≤ 0.5%. It is found that wire brush hammering produces a surface texture that favours, under cyclic loading, nucleation of randomly dispersed short cracks of the order of 50 µm in length stabilized by a compressive residual stress field. In contrast, turned surface showed much longer unstable cracks of the order of 200 µm in length nucleated in the machining groves and propagated under the effect of a tensile residual stress field. It has also been established that wire brush hammering can be used as intermittent treatment to improve the residual fatigue life of components subjected to cyclic loading. The treatment is very efficient if it is performed at a fraction of service lifetime ni/Nr lower than 0.5.
Comparison of the anaesthetic efficacy of different volumes of 4% articaine (1.8 and 3.6 mL) as supplemental buccal infiltration after failed inferior alveolar nerve block
Authors: Singla M. , Subbiya A. , Aggarwal V. , Vivekanandhan P. , Yadav S. , Yadav H. , Venkatesh A. , Geethapriya N. , Sharma V. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimTo compare the anaesthetic efficacy of different volumes (1.8 mL vs. 3.6 mL) of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine injected as buccal infiltrations after a failed inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.MethodologyTwo hundred and thirty‐four adult patients, diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular tooth, participated in this multicentre, randomized double‐blinded trial. Patients received IANB with 1.8 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine. Pain during treatment was recorded using the Heft–Parker visual analogue scale (HP VAS). The primary outcome measure, and the definition of ‘success’, was the ability to undertake pulp chamber access and canal instrumentation with no or mild pain (HP VAS score <55 mm). Patients who experienced ‘moderate‐to‐severe’ pain (HP VAS score ≥55 mm) were randomly allocated into two groups and received buccal infiltrations with either 1.8 mL or 3.6 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine. Root canal treatment was re‐initiated after 10 min. Success was again defined as no pain or weak/mild pain during endodontic access preparation and instrumentation. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U and chi‐square tests.ResultsThe initial IANB of 4% articaine gave an overall success rate of 37%. The success rate of supplementary buccal infiltration with 1.8 and 3.6 mL volumes was 62% and 64%, respectively. The difference between the success rates of the two volumes was not statistically significant.ConclusionsIncreasing the volume of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine from 1.8 to 3.6 mL, given as supplementary buccal infiltrations after a failed primary IANB with 1.8 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000, did not improve the anaesthetic success rates in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.
A waste walk through clinical pharmacy: how do the ‘seven wastes’ of Lean techniques apply to the practice of clinical pharmacists†‡
Authors: Green Christopher F , Crawford Victoria , Bresnen Gaynor , Rowe Philip H 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Aims and objectives
This study used a ‘Lean’ technique, the ‘waste walk’ to evaluate the activities of clinical pharmacists with reference to the seven wastes described in ‘Lean’ including ‘defects’, ‘unnecessary motion’, ‘overproduction’, ‘transport of products or material’, ‘unnecessary waiting’, ‘unnecessary inventory’ and ‘inappropriate processing’. The objectives of the study were to categorise the activities of ward-based clinical pharmacists into waste and non-waste, provide detail around what constitutes waste activity and quantify the proportion of time attributed to each category.

Setting
This study was carried out in a district general hospital in the North West of England.

Method
Staff were observed using work-sampling techniques, to categorise activity into waste and non-waste, with waste activities being allocated to each of the seven wastes described earlier and subdivided into recurrent themes.

Key findings
Twenty different pharmacists were observed for 1 h on two separate occasions. Of 1440 observations, 342 (23.8%) were categorised as waste with ‘defects’ and ‘unnecessary motion’ accounting for the largest proportions of waste activity.

Conclusion
Observation of clinical pharmacists’ activities has identified that a significant proportion of their time could be categorised as ‘waste’. There are practical steps that could be implemented in order to ensure their time is used as productively as possible. Given the challenges facing the UK National Health Service, the adoption of ‘Lean’ techniques provides an opportunity to improve quality and productivity while reducing costs.
Chemical Analysis of Iron Meteorites Using a Hand‐Held X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer
Authors: Gemelli Maurizio , D'Orazio Massimo , Folco Luigi 
Published: March 2014

We evaluate the performance of a hand‐held XRF (HHXRF) spectrometer for the bulk analysis of iron meteorites. Analytical precision and accuracy were tested on metal alloy certified reference materials and iron meteorites of known chemical composition. With minimal sample preparation (i.e., flat or roughly polished surfaces) HHXRF allowed the precise and accurate determination of most elements heavier than Mg, with concentrations > 0.01% m/m in metal alloy CRMs, and of major elements Fe and Ni and minor elements Co, P and S (generally ranging from 0.1 to 1% m/m) in iron meteorites. In addition, multiple HHXRF spot analyses could be used to determine the bulk chemical composition of iron meteorites, which are often characterised by sulfide and phosphide accessory minerals. In particular, it was possible to estimate the P and S bulk contents, which are of critical importance for the petrogenesis and evolution of Fe‐Ni‐rich liquids and iron meteorites. This study thus validates HHXRF as a valuable tool for use in meteoritics, allowing the rapid, non‐destructive (a) identification of the extraterrestrial origin of metallic objects (i.e., archaeological artefacts); (b) preliminary chemical classification of iron meteorites; (c) identification of mislabelled/unlabelled specimens in museums and private collections and (d) bulk analysis of iron meteorites.
Matching patients to an intervention for back pain: classifying patients using a latent class approach
Authors: Barons Martine J. , Griffiths Frances E. , Parsons Nick , Alba Anca , Thorogood Margaret , Medley Graham F. , Lamb Sarah E. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesClassification of patients with back pain in order to inform treatments is a long‐standing aim in medicine. We used latent class analysis (LCA) to classify patients with low back pain and investigate whether different classes responded differently to a cognitive behavioural intervention. The objective was to provide additional guidance on the use of cognitive behavioural therapy to both patients and clinicians.MethodWe used data from 407 participants from the full study population of 701 with complete data at baseline for the variables the intervention was designed to affect and complete data at 12 months for important outcomes. Patients were classified using LCA, and a link between class membership and outcome was investigated. For comparison, the latent class partition was compared with a commonly used classification system called Subgroups for Targeted Treatment (STarT).ResultsOf the relatively parsimonious models tested for association between class membership and outcome, an association was only found with one model which had three classes. For the trial participants who received the intervention, there was an association between class membership and outcome, but not for those who did not receive the intervention. However, we were unable to detect an effect on outcome from interaction between class membership and the intervention. The results from the comparative classification system were similar.ConclusionWe were able to classify the trial participants based on psychosocial baseline scores relevant to the intervention. An association between class membership and outcome was identified for those people receiving the intervention, but not those in the control group. However, we were not able to identify outcome associations for individual classes and so predict outcome in order to aid clinical decision making. For this cohort of patients, the STarT system was as successful, but not superior.
The socio‐economic impact of chronic pancreatitis: a systematic review
Authors: Hall Thomas C. , Garcea Giuseppe , Webb M'Balu A. , Al‐Leswas Dhya , Metcalfe Matthew S. , Dennison Ashley R. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesChronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disorder with pain being the most frequent symptom. It is associated with loss of function, pancreatogenic diabetes and digestive enzyme deficiency. The impact of local complications and loss of pancreatic function results in unknown and unreported costs. This study attempts to identify both the direct and indirect costs associated with CP.MethodsA MEDLINE literature review was performed for all relevant articles relating to any aspect of direct and indirect costs as a result of CP.ResultsIn the UK, there are 12 000 admissions per annum of patients with CP at an estimated cost of £55.8 million. The costs for loss of pancreatic function are estimated at £45–90 million and $75.1 million for endocrine and exocrine function, respectively. Chronic pain contributes $638 million per year in costs. The protracted course of CP and paucity of monetary data make quantifying direct and indirect costs difficult. An estimate of direct and indirect costs is at £285.3 million per year. This equates to £79 000 per person per year.ConclusionsPatients with CP consume a disproportionately high volume of resources.
Visualizing variations in organizational safety culture across an inter‐hospital multifaceted workforce
Authors: Kobuse Hiroe , Morishima Toshitaka , Tanaka Masayuki , Murakami Genki , Hirose Masahiro , Imanaka Yuichi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesTo develop a reliable and valid questionnaire that can distinguish features of organizational culture for patient safety across subgroups such as hospitals, professions, management/non‐management positions and units/wards.MethodsWe developed a Hospital Organizational Culture Questionnaire based on a conceptual framework incorporating items from a review of existing literature. The questionnaire was administered to hospital staff including doctors, nurses, allied health personnel, and administrative staff at six public hospitals in Japan. Reliability and validity were assessed through exploratory factor analysis, multitrait scaling analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and multiple regression analysis using staff‐perceived achievement of safety as the response variable. Discriminative power across subgroups was assessed with radar chart profiling.ResultsOf the 3304 hospital staff surveyed, 2924 (88.5%) responded. After exploratory factor analysis and multitrait analysis, the finalized questionnaire was composed of 24 items in the following eight dimensions: improvement orientation, passion for mission, professional growth, resource allocation prioritization, inter‐sectional collaboration, responsibility and authority, teamwork, and information sharing. Construct validity and internal consistency of dimensions were confirmed with multitrait analysis and Cronbach's alpha coefficients, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that improvement orientation, passion for mission, resource allocation prioritization and information sharing were significantly associated with higher achievement in safety practices. Our questionnaire tool was able to distinguish features of safety culture among different subgroups.ConclusionsOur questionnaire demonstrated excellent validity and reliability, and revealed distinct cultural patterns among different subgroups. Quantitative assessment of organizational safety culture with this tool may further the understanding of associated characteristics of each subgroup and provide insight into organizational readiness for patient safety improvement.
Brain proteomics identifies potential simvastatin targets in acute phase of stroke in a rat embolic model
Authors: Campos‐Martorell Mireia , Salvador Nelida , Monge Marta , Canals Francesc , García‐Bonilla Lidia , Hernández‐Guillamon Mar , Ayuso María Irene , Chacón Pilar , Rosell Anna , Alcazar Alberto , Montaner Joan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractFinding an efficient neuroprotectant is of urgent need in the field of stroke research. The goal of this study was to test the effect of acute simvastatin administration after stroke in a rat embolic model and to explore its mechanism of action through brain proteomics. To that end, male Wistar rats were subjected to a Middle Cerebral Arteria Occlusion and simvastatin (20 mg/kg s.c) (n = 11) or vehicle (n = 9) were administered 15 min after. To evaluate the neuroprotective mechanisms of simvastatin, brain homogenates after 48 h were analyzed by two‐dimensional fluorescence Difference in Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE) technology. We confirmed that simvastatin reduced the infarct volume and improved neurological impairment at 48 h after the stroke in this model. Considering our proteomics analysis, 66 spots, which revealed significant differences between groups, were analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry allowing the identification of 27 proteins. From these results, we suggest that simvastatin protective effect can be partly explained by the attenuation of the oxidative and stress response at blood–brain barrier level after cerebral ischemia. Interestingly, analyzing one of the proteins (HSP75) in plasma from stroke patients who had received simvastatin during the acute phase, we confirmed the results found in the pre‐clinical model.imageOur aim was to study statins benefits when administered during the acute phase of stroke and to explore its mechanisms of action through brain proteomics assay. Using an embolic model, simvastatin‐treated rats showed significant infarct volume reduction and neurological improvement compared to vehicle‐treated group. Analyzing their homogenated brains by two‐dimensional fluorescence Difference in Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE) technology, we concluded that the protective effect of simvastatin can be attributable to oxidative stress response attenuation and blood–brain barrier protection after cerebral ischemia.
α6β2*‐subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are more sensitive than α4β2*‐subtype receptors to regulation by chronic nicotine administration
Authors: Marks Michael J. , Grady Sharon R. , Salminen Outi , Paley Miranda A. , Wageman Charles R. , McIntosh J. Michael , Whiteaker Paul 
Published: March 2014

AbstractNicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) of the α6β2* subtype (where *indicates the possible presence of additional subunits) are prominently expressed on dopaminergic neurons. Because of this, their role in tobacco use and nicotine dependence has received much attention. Previous studies have demonstrated that α6β2*‐nAChR are down‐regulated following chronic nicotine exposure (unlike other subtypes that have been investigated – most prominently α4β2* nAChR). This study examines, for the first time, effects across a comprehensive chronic nicotine dose range. Chronic nicotine dose–responses and quantitative ligand‐binding autoradiography were used to define nicotine sensitivity of changes in α4β2*‐nAChR and α6β2*‐nAChR expression. α6β2*‐nAChR down‐regulation by chronic nicotine exposure in dopaminergic and optic‐tract nuclei was ≈three‐fold more sensitive than up‐regulation of α4β2*‐nAChR. In contrast, nAChR‐mediated [3H]‐dopamine release from dopamine‐terminal region synaptosomal preparations changed only in response to chronic treatment with high nicotine doses, whereas dopaminergic parameters (transporter expression and activity, dopamine receptor expression) were largely unchanged. Functional measures in olfactory tubercle preparations were made for the first time; both nAChR expression levels and nAChR‐mediated functional measures changed differently between striatum and olfactory tubercles. These results show that functional changes measured using synaptosomal [3H]‐DA release are primarily owing to changes in nAChR, rather than in dopaminergic, function.
image
This study examined dose–response relationships for murine α6β2*‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) down‐regulation by chronic nicotine treatment. The ID50 value for α6β2* down‐regulation (35 nM) is ≈ 3x lower than the ED50 value for α4β2* nAChR up‐regulation (95 nM), both well within the range reached by human smokers. Chronic nicotine treatment altered α6β2*‐ and α4β2*‐nAChR‐mediated [3H]‐dopamine release from striatal and olfactory tubercle synaptosomes, but dopaminergic parameters were largely unaffected. We conclude that functional changes are primarily driven by altered nAChR activity.
An approach to the histomorphological and histochemical variations of the humerus cortical bone through human ontogeny
Authors: Cambra‐Moo Oscar , Nacarino Meneses Carmen , Rodríguez Barbero Miguel Ángel , García Gil Orosia , Rascón Pérez Josefina , Rello‐Varona Santiago , D'Angelo Manuel , Campo Martín Manuel , González Martín Armando 
Published: March 2014

AbstractFor many years, clinical and non‐clinical investigations have investigated cortical bone structure in an attempt to address questions related to normal bone development, mineralisation, pathologies and even evolutionary trends in our lineage (adaptations). Research in the fields of medicine, materials science, physical anthropology, palaeontology, and even archaeobiology has contributed interesting data. However, many questions remain regarding the histomorphological and histochemical variations in human cortical bone during different stages of life. In the present work, we describe a study of long bone cortex transformations during ontogeny. We analysed cross‐sections of 15 human humeri histomorphologically and histochemically from perinatal to adult age, marking and quantifying the spatial distribution of bone tissue types using GIS software and analysing the mineral composition and crystallinity of the mineralised cortex using Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Our results allowed us to propose that human cortical bone undergoes three main ‘events’ through ontogeny that critically change the proportions and structure of the cortex. In early development, bone is not well mineralised and proportionally presents a wide cortex that narrows through the end of childhood. Before reaching complete maturity, the bone mineral area increases, allowing the bone to nearly reach the adult size. The medullary cavity is reduced, and the mineral areas have a highly ordered crystalline structure. The last event occurs in adulthood, when the ‘oldest’ individuals present a reduced mineralised area, with increasing non‐mineralised cavities (including the medullary cavity) and reduced crystalline organisation.
The feasibility and acceptability of training volunteer mealtime assistants to help older acute hospital inpatients: the Southampton Mealtime Assistance Study
Authors: Roberts Helen C , De Wet Sanet , Porter Kirsty , Rood Gemma , Diaper Norma , Robison Judy , Pilgrim Anna L , Elia Marinos , Jackson Alan A , Cooper Cyrus , Aihie Sayer Avan , Robinson Sian 
Published: March 2014

Aims and objectivesTo determine the feasibility and acceptability of using trained volunteers as mealtime assistants for older hospital inpatients.BackgroundPoor nutrition among hospitalised older patients is common in many countries and associated with poor outcomes. Competing time pressures on nursing staff may make it difficult to prioritise mealtime assistance especially on wards where many patients need help.DesignMixed methods evaluation of the introduction of trained volunteer mealtime assistants on an acute female medicine for older people ward in a teaching hospital in England.MethodsA training programme was developed for volunteers who assisted female inpatients aged 70 years and over on weekday lunchtimes. The feasibility of using volunteers was determined by the proportion recruited, trained, and their activity and retention over one year. The acceptability of the training and of the volunteers' role was obtained through interviews and focus groups with 12 volunteers, nine patients and 17 nursing staff.ResultsFifty‐nine potential volunteers were identified: 38 attended a training session, of whom 29 delivered mealtime assistance, including feeding, to 3911 (76%) ward patients during the year (mean duration of assistance 5·5 months). The volunteers were positive about the practical aspects of training and ongoing support provided. They were highly valued by patients and ward staff and have continued to volunteer.ConclusionsVolunteers can be recruited and trained to help acutely unwell older female inpatients at mealtimes, including feeding. This assistance is sustainable and is valued.Relevance to clinical practiceThis paper describes a successful method for recruitment, training and retention of volunteer mealtime assistants. It includes a profile of those volunteers who provided the most assistance, details of the training programme and role of the volunteers and could be replicated by nursing staff in other healthcare units.
THE EFFECTS OF HIGH PRESSURE ON OIL‐TO‐GAS CRACKING DURING LABORATORY SIMULATION EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Zhonghong Chen , Zunjing Ma , Ming Zha , Xiaoyu Sha , Shouchun Zhang , Youshu Bao 
Published: March 2014

The effects of high pressures on the yield and kinetics of gas generated by the cracking of crude oil were investigated in laboratory simulation experiments. Samples of a low‐maturity non‐marine oil were recovered from the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in the Dongying depression, Bohai Bay Basin, eastern China. The oils were cracked to gas under different pressure and temperature conditions in an autoclave. Initial temperatures of 300 °C were increased to 650 °C at rates of either 30 or 100 °C/h. Reaction products were analysed at the end of each 50 °C temperature increase. Pressure conditions were either 0.1 MPa (i.e. atmospheric) or 20 MPa.Results show that high pressures inhibit or delay oil‐to‐gas cracking and retard the initiation of the cracking process. The temperature at which oil was cracked and the activation energy of the formation of C1–5 hydrocarbons increased under high pressure conditions, demonstrating the effects of pressure on the kinetics of the oil‐to‐gas cracking process. High pressures and high temperatures inhibited the conversion of C2–5 hydrocarbons to methane during secondary cracking. In addition, high pressures retarded the generation of N2, H2 and CO during cracking of oil. The presence of water increased the yields of total cracked gas, C2–5 hydrocarbons and CO2 in high‐pressure conditions. The simulation results show that CO2 and C2–5 hydrocarbons have similar yields during oil‐to‐gas cracking.Using the kinetic parameters determined from the laboratory experiments, the yield and production rate of gas generated during the cracking of oil from Member 4 of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in the Minfeng‐Lijin sag (Dongying depression) were calculated. The results indicate that only limited volumes of natural gas in this area were derived from the cracking of oil, and that most of the gas was derived from the thermal decomposition of kerogen.