bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can the anti‐inflammatory potential of PDE4 inhibitors be realized: guarded optimism or wishful thinking?
Authors: Giembycz M A 
Published: July 2008

PDE4 inhibitors have been in development as a novel anti‐inflammatory therapy since the 1980s with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) being primary indications. Despite initial optimism, none have yet reached the market. In most cases, the development of PDE4 inhibitors of various structural classes, including cilomilast, filaminast, lirimilast, piclamilast, tofimilast, AWD‐12‐281 (aka GSK 842470), CDP840, CI‐1018, D‐4418, IC485, L‐826,141, SCH 351391 and V11294A has been discontinued due to lack of efficacy. A primary problem is the low therapeutic ratio of these compounds, which severely limits the dose that can be given. Indeed, for many of these compounds it is likely that the maximum tolerated dose is either sub‐therapeutic or at the very bottom of the efficacy dose‐response curve. Therefore, the challenge is to overcome this limitation. It is, therefore, encouraging that many ‘new(er)’ PDE4 inhibitors in development are reported to have an improved therapeutic window including tetomilast, oglemilast, apremilast, ONO 6126, IPL‐512602 and IPL‐455903 (aka HT‐0712), although the basis for their superior tolerability has not been disclosed. In addition, other approaches are possible that may allow the anti‐inflammatory activity of PDE inhibitors to be realized. Accordingly, this Commentary endorses the view of Spina (2008), published in the current issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, that the therapeutic utility of PDE4 inhibitors to suppress inflammation still remains a viable concept.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 288–290; doi:fn1; published online 28 July 2008
Effects of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention on Speech Production in Children With Autism: A Systematic Review
Authors: Schlosser Ralf W. , Wendt Oliver 
Published: July 2008

Purpose
This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention on speech production in children with autism or pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified.

Method
A systematic review methodology was utilized to limit bias in searching, selecting, coding, and synthesizing relevant treatment studies. This involved a multifaceted search for studies written between 1975 and May 2007 using various bibliographic databases, dissertation databases, hand searches of selected journals and published compilations of AAC theses and dissertations, and ancestry searches. To be included, studies had to meet stringent criteria. A coding manual and form facilitated data extraction in terms of participant characteristics, treatment characteristics, design and measurement, and outcomes.

Results
Nine single-subject experimental design (27 participants) and 2 group studies (98 participants) were included. Results indicated that AAC interventions do not impede speech production. In fact, most studies reported an increase in speech production. However, in-depth analyses revealed that the gains were rather modest.

Conclusions
Although AAC interventions do not appear to impede speech production and may result in increased speech production, the modest gains observed require realistic expectations among clinicians and other stakeholders. Future research should be more hypothesis driven and aim to identify predictive child characteristics, such as prior speech imitation and object exploration skills.
Multicultural/Multilingual Instruction in Educational Programs: A Survey of Perceived Faculty Practices and Outcomes
Authors: Stockman Ida J. , Boult Johanna , Robinson Gregory C. 
Published: July 2008

Purpose
To describe the instructional strategies reported for multicultural/multilingual issues (MMI) education at programs in speech-language pathology and audiology and the perceived ease and effectiveness of doing so.

Method
A 49-item questionnaire elicited anonymous responses from administrators, faculty, and teaching clinical supervisors at educational programs accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in the United States. The data were provided by 731 respondents from 79.6% of 231 accredited U.S. programs. They included instructors who taught courses dedicated to MMI and those who did not.

Results
Respondents were generally committed to multicultural instruction, but they varied in their reported instructional practices and perceived levels of preparedness, effectiveness, and needs. General curricular infusion without an MMI-dedicated course was the most common instructional model used. Students were judged to be at least modestly prepared to deal with diversity issues as a result of their multicultural instruction, although current instructional approaches were not viewed as optimal. More positive outcomes were reported by instructors of MMI-dedicated than MMI-nondedicated courses.

Conclusion
The instructional models and strategies used for MMI education vary, and programs are challenged by multiple issues in complying with the mandate for MMI curricular infusion.
Bilingual Aphasia: A Theoretical and Clinical Review
Authors: Lorenzen Bonnie , Murray Laura L. 
Published: July 2008

Purpose
To provide an overview of the potential bilingual client population in the United States, present current neurolinguistic and psycholinguistic views of bilingualism in adults with and without aphasia, review related bilingual aphasia recovery patterns and the factors that might influence these recovery patterns, and provide insight into diagnostic and therapy procedures for addressing the needs of bilingual clients with aphasia.

Method
A review of the literature was conducted to summarize and synthesize previously published research in the area of bilingual aphasia, highlight unique aspects of aphasia recovery, assessment, and treatment, and identify areas in need of future research.

Conclusions
Despite a growing understanding of bilingualism and the various recovery patterns identified with bilingual aphasia, there remains a dire need for empirically validated management techniques, particularly in terms of determining which language to target, identifying which aspects of various languages are most vulnerable to insult as well as most responsive to treatment, and establishing how to exploit language similarities to maximize treatment efficiency.
Using a Finite Volume Approach to Simulate the Mould Filling in Compression Moulding
Authors: Vahlund C. F. 
Published: July 2008

A mould filling simulation of an automotive hood geometry was performed using a general purpose finite volume computational fluid dynamics (CFD)code. The simulation was performed as a homogenous multi-phase model using mass sinks to remove excess air from the computational domain and performed in three-dimensions. The kinematic boundary condition was modelled using a hydrodynamic friction at the mould boundaries corresponding to that in the Barone and Caulk approximation. The fibre orientation distribution was simulated through-out the closure phase using the Folgar Tucker equation for the reorientation of the fibres and orientation tensors to describe the local orientation for each element. The paper presents the methodology for, and the possibilities of, using a general purpose CFD code for these kinds of simulations. Both mould filling simulations in general can be performed and special cases where the standard simplifications of the governing equations are not valid can be investigated.
The Telescoping Suture –Part 1: Does this Technique Improve the Mechanical Behavior of a Biomaterial?: Calf Pericardium
Authors: Páez J. M. García , Herrero E. Jorge , Rocha A. , Martín-Maestro M. , Castillo-Olivares J. L. , Millán I. , Sanmartín A. Carrera , Cordón A. 
Published: July 2008

The authors study the mechanical behavior of calf pericardium employed in the construction of cardiac valve leaflets when subjected to telescoping suture, followed by tensile stress until rupture. One hundred twenty pericardial tissue samples were employed, 60 cut from root-to-apex and another 60 cut in transverse direction. Each of these two groups consisted of 12 control samples that were left unsutured and four sets of 12 samples each that were rejoined by telescoping suture using silk, Prolene, nylon or Gore-Tex., and subjected to tensile stress. At the rupture of the sutured tissues, the tensile stress of the suture materials ranged between 57.54 MPa for the series sewn lengthwise with Gore-tex and 114.08 MPa for the series sewn crosswise with silk. At these levels of stress, the deformation of the suture thread was much less marked than that of the calf pericardium, and internal stresses were produced that were difficult for the biomaterialto absorb. There was a loss of real load in all the sutured series when the observed resistance to rupture, expressed in kilograms, was compared with the estimated value. This loss of resistance did not invalidate the telescoping suture technique since the resistance to rupture was still much greater than that associated with suturing the two edges of the cut pericardium together. This report confirms the deleterious role of the shear force generated in the pericardium by the suture.
Wave Propagation in Sandwich Plates with Periodic Auxetic Core
Authors: Ruzzene Massimo , Mazzarella Luca , Tsopelas Panagiotis , Scarpa Fabrizio 
Published: July 2008

The wave propagation in and the vibration of sandwich plates with cellular core are analyzed and controlled. Negative Poisson’s ratio (auxetic) core materials of different geometry placed periodically in the plate introduce the proper impedance mismatch necessary to obstruct the propagation of waves over specified frequency bands (stop bands) and in particular directions. The location and the extension of the stop bands and the directions of wave propagation can be modified by proper selection of the periodicity and of the geometrical and physical properties of the core. A finite element model is developed to predict the dynamic response of three-layered sandwich panels with honeycomb core. The finite element model along with the theory of periodic structures evaluates the influence of core materials of different geometry placed periodically along the two dimensions of the structure. This combined analysis yields the phase constant surfaces for the considered sandwich plates, which define location and extension of the stop bands, as well as the directions of wave propagation at assigned frequency values. The analysis of the phase constant surfaces and the evaluation of the harmonic response at specified frequencies demonstrate the plates’ directional properties, whose spatial patterns strongly depend on the configuration of the periodic core and on the excitation frequency. Auxetic honeycombs are here considered as core materials in order to obtain maximum design flexibility. Their elastic and inertial characteristics in fact vary substantially with their internal geometry. For given configurations they outcast up to five times the corresponding properties of traditional hexagonal honeycombs. The presented numerical results demonstrate the unique characteristics of this class of two-dimensional periodic structures, which behave as directional mechanical filters. The findings of the study suggest that optimal configurations for the periodic cellular core may be identified in order to design passive composite panels, which are stable and quiet over desired frequency bands and which fit desired transmissibility levels in particular directions. Such unique filtering capabilities are achieved without requiring additional passive or active control devices and therefore without compromising the size and the weight of the layered structure.
The Role of Construction Textiles in Indoor Environmental Pollution
Authors: White W. Curtis , Kuehl Mark H. 
Published: July 2008

Microbial contamination (mold, mildew, bacteria, fungus) is a leading cause of indoor environmental contamination and has generated serious concerns in the construction and building industries.Recent court cases in Texas and other states have required builders to redefine their role in dealing with the issue of microbial contamination during construction. Microbes are diverse, found everywhere, and highly adaptive.They cause short- and long-term problems within buildings through staining and deteriorating (corrosion, rotting, etc.) the structure as well as generating foul odors in the living environment.They can also cause human problems such as building related illnesses (BRI), sick building syndrome (SBS), hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic disorders, and infectious disorders (including Legionnaire’s Disease). Construction textiles, which are important components of the building envelope, are key factors to indoor environmental quality.Virtually any housewrap, insulation, sealant, and exterior or interior treatment, can create significant microbiological problems for the indoor environment.This presentation identifies common construction materials and installation practices that contribute to microbial contamination in buildings.It also demonstrates how these materials and practices can be altered to control microbial contamination during construction and once the building is occupied.
High Performance Mineral Reinforcement Concentrate for LLDPE and HMW-HDPE Blown Film Extrusion
Authors: Ruiz F. A. 
Published: July 2008

LLDPE-based pelletized calcium carbonate (CaCO3) concentrates utilizing two different viscosity base resins were used to add up to 20 wt% fine-ground, surface-treated CaCO3 as mineral reinforcement to LLDPE and HMW-HDPE films. Film was extruded and converted into institutional can liners on production equipment. Concentrates based on higher viscosity resins yielded superior impact and tensile performance compared to those based on lower viscosity resins. No problems with dispersion were noted. Slightly higher melt pressure and motor current were observed, but they were still well within typical extrusion process conditions for the type of base resins used.
Progress in Supercritical Co2Dyeing
Authors: Hendrix Walter A. 
Published: July 2008

Supercritical fluids have special properties that could lead to substantial improvements when utilized as replacements for water in wet processing of textiles. These fluids have densities and solvating powers similar to liquid solvents combined with viscosity values and diffusion coefficients like those observed for gases. In particular, these properties make supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) one of the most beneficial and environmentally acceptable solvents used in manufacturing processes today. Therefore, it is anticipated that commercial textile processes using SC-CO2 will have many advantages when compared to conventional aqueous processes. Succesful commercialization of SC-CO2 processing will improve the economics of dyeing and other textile chemical processes by eliminating wastewater discharges, reducing energy consumption, eliminating drying, and reducing air emissions. As a result, the use of SC-CO2 is expected to make textile processing more economical and environmentally friendly. Research groups throughout the world are investigating SC-CO2 textile processing. Succesful pilot dyeing machines have been operated and even publicly exhibited within the past few years. Research focused to developing a commercial dyeing process for polyester yarn packages is in its sixth year within the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University. Process development has been accomplished using a single-package SC-CO2 dyeing machine located in the Model Manufacturing Facility of the College. This paper provides an overview of the status of the research and discusses the technical and economic factors important to the successful commercialization of an SC-CO2 polyester yarn package dyeing process.
Studies on Influence of Blowing Agent in Polymeric Coating Formulations on Thermal Resistance of Coated Textiles
Authors: Gurudatt K. , De P. , Sarkar R. K. , Bardhan M. K. 
Published: July 2008

It is well known that the major factor influencing thermal resistance of any textile substrate is the air entrapped in its porous structure. In the case of coated textiles, apart from the air space in the substrate, it is possible to create air space in the polymer coating also. Blowing agents have been incorporated into coating formulations of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU) and applied on a number of textile substrates like nylon, nonwoven and jute. The effect of increasing the blowing agent proportion in the formulation on thermal resistance of coated fabrics has been studied. The effect on physical properties has also been studied. It has been demonstrated that incorporation of a blowing agent results in a significant increase in the thermal resistance of coated textiles, without major deterioration of physical properties.
Fatty acid composition abnormalities in atopic disease: evidence explored and role in the disease process examined
Authors: Sala‐Vila A. , Miles E. A. , Calder P. C. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThere is a hypothesis causally linking excess intake of n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to atopic disease. Under most dietary conditions, the main precursor of eicosanoids is the n‐6 PUFA arachidonic acid (AA). AA‐derived eicosanoids play many roles in sensitization to allergens and in allergic inflammation. Long chain n‐3 PUFAs inhibit AA incorporation into cell membranes and inhibit AA metabolism to eicosanoids. It is hypothesized that atopy is associated with a higher n‐6 PUFA status and with a low n‐3 PUFA status. However, measurements of fatty acid composition do not provide a clear picture that such fatty acid abnormalities exist in atopy with no really clear pattern of altered status of a particular fatty acid or a particular fatty acid family. There are few reports of elevated linoleic acid in atopy. Some studies report lower amounts of the n‐6 PUFAs, including AA, and of long chain n‐3 PUFAs in atopy, although observations on this are not consistent. Taken together these data clearly do not support the hypothesis that atopy is somehow associated with a high exposure to, and status of, n‐6 PUFAs. Intervention studies with n‐3 PUFAs in pregnant women, infants and children suggest some clinical benefits, although how long lasting these are remains to be determined. The observation that there may be low AA status in atopy suggests that fish oil intervention, which targets AA status and metabolism, may not be ideal and that a combination of fish oil with some longer chain n‐6 PUFAs may be more efficacious.
Plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide monitoring to evaluate cardiovascular function prior to organ procurement in patients with brain death
Authors: LIEPPMAN KYLE , KRAMER‐CLARK LORI , TOBIAS JOSEPH D. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryBackground:  The natriuretic peptide system plays an active role in the regulation of fluid balance and systemic vascular resistance. Assays of plasma concentrations of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) may have a diagnostic role in evaluating myocardial function. We present our experience with BNP monitoring to assess myocardial function after the proclamation of brain death in potential organ donors.Methods:  After the proclamation of brain death and prior to organ donation, a plasma BNP or aminoterminal pro‐BNP level was obtained. Additional information from the donor included shortening fraction (SF) or ejection fraction, central venous pressure (CVP) reading, and renal function including blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. When available, data from the pulmonary artery (PA) catheter including pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and cardiac index were also collected.Results:  The cohort for the study included eight patients (age range: 6 months to 21 years). The diagnosis of brain death by clinical or radiological examination had been completed in all patients and the patients were scheduled for organ procurement. Myocardial contractility as assessed by echocardiogram using SF was within normal limits. The CVP varied from 7 to 12 mmHg (9 ± 2) and the PCWP was 10–11 mmHg in the two patients who had PA catheters in place. No patient was receiving inotropic medications. In five of the six patients, the BNP value was above the upper limit of normal (100 pg·ml−1). In two patients, an NT‐pro‐BNP value was obtained and found to be higher than the upper limits of normal (450 pg·ml−1). All eight patients were acceptable cardiac donors and the transplanted hearts functioned without difficulty in the recipients.Conclusions:  Assays of plasma BNP concentrations have been shown to be helpful in differentiating myocardial dysfunction from primary lung disease in both the adult and pediatric population. However, our data demonstrate that mechanisms other than myocardial performance may regulate BNP levels in patients with severe central nervous system injury who progress to brain death. Our preliminary data suggest that these assays appear to be of limited value in assessing myocardial performance in this population.
Fasting times in caregivers of children presenting for ambulatory surgery
Authors: FAROOQ MUHAMMAD , TAN KAREN , CROWE SUZANNE 
Published: July 2008

SummaryBackground:  It has been the anecdotal experience in this unit that many parents and guardians of children presenting for day‐case surgery also fast along with their child for prolonged periods of time. There have been several episodes of parents feeling dizzy or nauseated on leaving the anesthetic room after induction of anesthesia, and many incidents of fainting in recovery when collecting their child. Our purpose was to investigate this theme further, by auditing the fasting times of caregivers coming to the induction room over a 3‐month period. This information has not been previously described in the literature.Methods:  We carried out a prospective audit of current practice. Data were collected by questionnaire, which caregivers were requested to complete in the holding area, after the child was checked in for theatre.Results:  Two hundred and fifty‐seven caregivers fasted for 0–6 h and 223 fasted for >6 h. One hundred and fourteen caregivers fasted for 7–12 h and 109 caregivers fasted between 13 and 19 h.Conclusions:  A large proportion of parents choose to fast with their children. Some caregivers fast for long periods. In general, this does not cause any ill effects, although some parents missed routine medications while fasting.