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Recent developments in optical techniques have allowed accurate representations of the geometry of test specimens to be obtained. These enable the nature of geometric imperfections resulting from manufacture or set-up to be captured in a form which allows them to be incorporated directly into models generated to predict the behaviour of the structure. This study examines the effect of such imperfections on the behaviour of a series of panels, simply supported along all four edges, and subject to uniaxial compressive in-plane loading. In each case, digital image correlation is used to determine the initial profile and set-up of the panel and to monitor its behaviour during test. The data are used to automatically generate a series of meshes representative of each of the specimens tested, suitable for finite element analysis. Comparison of the results obtained from these analyses with those found during the experiments modelled shows an improved correlation when compared with standard techniques for assessing imperfection sensitivity. Set-up is straightforward, and models can be obtained quickly based on the data collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines non-battle injuries among U.S. Air Force members deployed during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. A cohort of 275,843 Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve members were identified for the period September 11, 2001 through October 31, 2006. Data on injuries were obtained from electronic medical records and deployment time was obtained from manpower records. Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs). The most common non-battle injuries were sprains and strains (53%) followed by open wounds (27%). Guard and Reserve members tended to have a lower rate of orthopedic non-battle injuries than Active Duty members in crude analyses and after adjustment for age, previous deployment, sex, race/ethnicity, and occupation (IRR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.89-1.02 and IRR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.77-0.93). Results from this study are intended to facilitate further research of potential differences between Air Force components to reduce non-battle injuries in a deployed environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The programme of developments undertaken to enhance quality of bloom intended as feedstock for rail and special profiles at Corus Scunthorpe is reviewed. In addition to modifying the caster to improve internal quality, steelmaking and casting practice and process control have been reviewed to achieve optimum quality. Significant reductions in rejection rates have been achieved, allowing successful supply of products into new markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal models of spasticity and pain have allowed for the elucidation of possible mechanisms and the evaluation of potential therapeutic interventions for these serious clinical problems. Each model mirrors the clinical appearance of many features of the syndrome, but few reproduce the myriad patient reports of either intensity or relevant contributing factors, especially in models of chronic neuropathic pain. Often these models have been used to predict the potency and efficacy of pharmacologic agents that work in human pain states. Pain models have relied on measurements of the shifts in behavioral hypersensitivity to tactile and thermal stimuli, tests that are not used quantitatively in human patients. Even with the multiple peripheral and central models of spasticity and pain used in animals, only a few actually test human conditions: namely, diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy for tumors. However, all these models have allowed for the comparison of certain behavioral, cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms with human patient populations. Here we review the few extant models of spasticity, nerve injury, and central injury models of pain, and describe their features and use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue may be a universal experience for children and adolescents who are being treated for a malignancy. Sadly, it may also be the most unrecognized and thus unaddressed symptom experienced by this population. Giving adequate attention to this symptom has been stymied in part by the lack of a conceptual definition of fatigue in children and adolescents with cancer and the lack of a method to accurately measure their fatigue. This article provides a descriptive overview of a clinical research program on fatigue in children and adolescents with cancer that sought to develop conceptual and operational definitions of fatigue from the perspectives of the patient, parent, and staff. The link between these definitions and planned future fatigue intervention research is also described. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a focus group approach, the investigators sought to explore the role of African American mothers in the education of their adolescents about sexuality including the provision of factual information and transmission of values. A focus group guide was developed and was used by a trained facilitator to direct discussions in three focus groups conducted during a 1-week period. Participants in the focus groups were mothers who had at least one adolescent between the ages of 13 and 15. A total of 29 mothers participated in the groups. All interview data were transcribed, and analysis was conducted using the constant comparative approach. Three major themes emerged from the analysis: 'The Big Talk,' 'Sex Is Killing Now,' and 'Don't Let Them Know It's Embarrassing.' The findings revealed that mothers felt they talked frequently with their adolescents about sexual issues, but felt that their sons were less likely than their daughters to discuss sexual concerns with them. Popular topics of discussion with daughters included menstruation and pregnancy; with boys, condom use. Participants expressed concern about the negative consequences of teen sex including pregnancy, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, and the human immunodeficiency virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption of paramyxoviruses to separated membranes of tumor cells produces neoantigens that are immunogenic in syngeneic mice (xenogenization). Thus it became possible to study this process by using modified virus or virus fractions. Membranes with adsorbed viral derivatives produced an immune response which was measured by cytotoxic and complement fixing antibodies and the appearance of autoimmune disease. The effect of viral preparations with reduced F (fusion) protein activity was compared to treatment of membranes with equivalent amounts of active or inactive virus as measured by hemagglutination. Viral preparations without hemolytic activity showed diminished adsorption to membranes and the immune response was reduced. Triton X100 and desoxycholate extracted from membranes immunogenic material with associated paramyxovirus antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]