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A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate thetherapeutic efficacy by comparing Lactobacillus combined with Bifidobacterium bifidum against fructo-oligosaccharides in ameliorating antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in an inpatient clinical population. No evidence was found to support the notion that Lactobacillus combined with B. bifidum decreases the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Patients taking fructo-oligosacchrides without the addition of bacteria were observed to be less likely to develop diarrhoea when taking antibiotics. This pilot investigation suggests that further studies in this area are indicated.

Shape memory alloy (SMA) composites are a class of smart materials in which embedded nitinol wires are used as actuators. Previous research in SMA composites has been limited to wires using one-way shape memory behavior. The objective of this paper is to assess the feasibility of using two-way shape memory (TWSM) training of nitinol, a nickel-titanium SMA, wires for their use as embedded actuators in SMA composites and to investigate the effects of processing conditions on SMA composite quality and actuation ability. Training of the TWSM behavior in nitinol was investigated for a range of initial strains and training cycles. In each case, over 50% of the initial strain can be recovered after training and trained response is generally stable after about 30 training cycles. SMA composite specimens were manufactured using either hot press or autoclave methods and several different types of cure cycles. Voids were found to congregate near the embedded wire surface and can typically be as high as 10% in these regions. Using a staged-cure cycle, the average void content was reduced to 1.3-1.5%. The effect of the composite cure cycle was found to have no significant effect on trained nitinol wire behavior. Finally, the structural behavior of an SMA composite beam was investigated by actuating wires through electrical resistance heating. The tip deflection of a cantilevered beam was found to be primarily composed of SMA transformational effects, however, some localized heating was evident.

A model of the characteristics of outstanding teachers of the gifted was developed and validated using a technique developed in industry that is based on intensive interviewing of current job holders who have been nominated by peers as possessing exemplary characteristics. Ten outstanding and 10 average teachers of the gifted were interviewed. Outstanding teachers of the gifted differed from average teachers of the gifted on several critical competencies: enthusiasm, self-confidence, being a facilitator, being able to apply knowledge, having a strong achievement orientation, commitment to the role of gifted educator, and building program support for the gifted education program.

A retrospective study of horse riding injuries in Berkshire was undertaken over a one year period from November 1983. The information was obtained from the Ambulance Service, the Jockey Club and the St. John Ambulance Brigade. There was a total of 103 injured persons with no deaths. Information from the Jockey Club was compared with the other two groups, the former sustaining more limb injuries and the latter more head injuries. A questionnaire was sent to all 42 ambulance patients. Thirty-eight had radiographs taken, 16 of which showed a fracture. Forty-one were wearing some form of hard hat, but if a safety strap was available it was attached in 24 cases. The dangers of riding are highlighted and the importance of adequate protective clothing emphasised.