bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying factors which enhance capacity to engage in clinical education among podiatry practitioners: an action research project
Authors: Abey Sally , Lea Susan , Callaghan Lynne , Shaw Steve , Cotton Debbie
Published: November 2015

Background

Health profession students develop practical skills whilst integrating theory with practice in a real world environment as an important component of their training. Research in the area of practice placements has identified challenges and barriers to the delivery of effective placement learning. However, there has been little research in podiatry and the question of which factors impact upon clinical educators' capacity to engage with the role remains an under‐researched area. This paper presents the second phase of an action research project designed to determine the factors that impact upon clinical educators' capacity to engage with the mentorship role.

Methods

An online survey was developed and podiatry clinical educators recruited through National Health Service (NHS) Trusts. The survey included socio‐demographic items, and questions relating to the factors identified as possible variables influencing clinical educator capacity; the latter was assessed using the ‘Clinical Educator Capacity to Engage’ scale (CECE). Descriptive statistics were used to explore demographic data whilst the relationship between the CECE and socio‐demographic factors were examined using inferential statistics in relation to academic profile, career profile and organisation of the placement.

Results

The survey response rate was 42 % (n = 66). Multiple linear regression identified four independent variables which explain a significant proportion of the variability of the dependent variable, ‘capacity to engage with clinical education’, with an adjusted R2 of 0.428. The four variables were: protected mentorship time, clinical educator relationship with university, sign‐off responsibility, and volunteer status.

Conclusion

The identification of factors that impact upon clinical educators' capacity to engage in mentoring of students has relevance for strategic planning and policy‐making with the emphasis upon capacity‐building at an individual level, so that the key attitudes and characteristics that are linked with good clinical supervision are preserved.
3D analysis of pore effect on composite elasticity by means of the finite-element method
Authors: Yoneda Akira , Sohag Ferdous Hasan
Published: November 2015

We developed a 3D buffer-layer finite-element method model to investigate the porosity effect on macroscopic elasticity. Using the 3D model, the effect of pores on bulk effective elastic properties was systematically analyzed by changing the degree of porosity, the aspect ratio of the ellipsoidal pore, and the elasticity of the material. The results in 3D space were compared with the previous results in 2D space. Derivatives of normalized elastic stiffness constants with respect to needle-type porosity were integers, if the Poisson ratio of a matrix material was zero; those derivatives of normalized stiffness elastic constants for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] converged to [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], respectively, at the corresponding condition. We have developed a criterion of [Formula: see text], where the mutual interaction between pores became negligible for macroscopic composite elasticity. These derivatives were nearly constant at less than 5% porosity in the case of a spherical pore, suggesting that the interaction between neighboring pores was insignificant if the representative size of the pore was less than one-third of the mean distance between neighboring pores. The relations we obtained in this work were successfully applied to invert the bulk modulus and rigidity of [Formula: see text] as a case study; the performance of the inverting scheme was confirmed through this assessment. Thus, our scheme is applicable to predict the macroscopic elasticity of porous object as well.
Low-rank one-step wave extrapolation for reverse time migration
Authors: Sun Junzhe , Fomel Sergey , Ying Lexing
Published: November 2015

Reverse time migration (RTM) relies on accurate wave extrapolation engines to image complex subsurface structures. To construct such operators with high efficiency and numerical stability, we have developed a one-step wave extrapolation approach using complex-valued low-rank decomposition to approximate the mixed-domain space-wavenumber wave extrapolation symbol. The low-rank one-step method involves a complex-valued phase function, which is more flexible than a real-valued phase function of two-step schemes, and thus it is capable of modeling a wider variety of dispersion relations. Two novel designs of the phase function leads to the desired properties in wave extrapolation. First, for wave propagation in inhomogeneous media, including a velocity gradient term assures a more accurate phase behavior, particularly when the velocity variations are large. Second, an absorbing boundary condition, which is propagation-direction-dependent, can be incorporated into the phase function as an anisotropic attenuation term. This term allows waves to travel parallel to the boundary without absorption, thus reducing artificial reflections at wide incident angles. Using numerical experiments, we revealed the stability improvement of a one-step scheme in comparison with two-step schemes. We observed the low-rank one-step operator to be remarkably stable and capable of propagating waves using large time step sizes, even beyond the Nyquist limit. The stability property can help to minimize the computational cost of seismic modeling or RTM. The low-rank one-step wave extrapolation also handles anisotropic wave propagation accurately and efficiently. When applied to RTM in anisotropic media, the proposed method generated high-quality images.
The Tretter Collection
Authors: Vecoli Lisa
Published: November 2015

This essay examines the history of the Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies at the University of Minnesota Libraries. The Tretter Collection today has strong holdings about white gay men, lesser holdings about lesbians, and large gaps in material about people of color, bisexuals, and the transgender community. I argue that this is the result both of its history and of broader societal forces that limit the production of material by and for these communities. While unique, many elements in the Tretter story hold true for other GLBT archives and may help researchers contextualize what they find (and do not find) as well as encourage more discussion about strategies for diversifying GLBT voices in our collections. I explore the strategies I have used to begin filling gaps in the archive, focusing on the inclusion of transgender voices.
#festies
Authors: Leung Helen Hok-Sze
Published: November 2015

This article reviews the recent trans programming of the Vancouver Queer Film Festival and offers thoughts on the festival's history of trans inclusion and its impact on a “festival public.”
“Sitting. with a Candle? Up My Ass!”
Authors: Johnson Dominic
Published: November 2015

“Sitting. With a Candle? Up My Ass!” explores the archive of the Bay Area photographer David Greene, focusing firstly on Shameless (1974), a series of portraits of transgender people, queers, and people in drag, often posed candidly in domestic and other domestic settings. It zooms into Greene's work to draw out the story of the forgotten genderfuck poet and activist Harmodius in Exile—Greene's lover and peer—posing archival research as an access point to concealed or “minor” histories of lesbian, gay, and transgender life in San Francisco in the 1970s. In my analysis, Harmodius's strategic maximalism—captured so evocatively in Greene's portraits and evoked in Harmodius's own poetry (cited in the title)—is both a political tool and a technique of whimsy, a gesture of serious play that stages the poet's commitment to aesthetic, political, and corporeal self-fashioning.
Rapid Comparison of Metabolites in Humans and Rats of Different Sexes Using Untargeted Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry and an in-house Software Platform
Authors: Liang Qiande , Xu Wangyanjun , Hong Qian , Yang Chengrong Xiao Liang , Ma Zengchun , Wang Yuguang , Tan Hongling , Tang Xianglin , Gao Yue
Published: November 2015

Metabolite differences between sexes have rarely been observed in a global manner, but it has recently been made possible by the advancement in metabolomics techniques. In this study, untargeted ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry and an in-house software platform were used for a rapid comparison of sex differences in urinary metabolites in humans and in urinary and serum metabolites in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. In addition, the species differences of urinary metabolites between humans and SD rats were also observed. Principle component analysis showed that all the observed metabolite sex differences were more distinct in SD rats than in humans, indicating that the sex differences of human urinary metabolites is small compared with that of SD rats. In SD rats, the observed metabolite sex differences were more distinct in urine than in serum, indicating the importance of urine analysis for metabolomics studies. The species differences in the urinary metabolites of humans and SD rats were much more distinct than any of the observed sex differences. Many sex- and species-related markers were discovered and putatively identified. In both humans and SD rats, steroid metabolites appeared to constitute a major sex difference in urinary metabolites. This provides new proof of the special importance of steroid metabolites in sex differences from an untargeted metabolomics investigation, which is rare for sex differences. Contrary patterns involving adrenocortical activity appeared to exist between rodents and humans, which agrees with previous reports. In the serum metabolites of SD rats, sex differences in ascorbic acid or its isomer and pantothenic acid or its isomer, but not in steroid metabolites, were prominent. Human-specific α- N-phenylacetyl-L-glutamine and androsterone glucuronide were among the putative identities of the markers discriminating humans and SD rats. This study demonstrated the feasibility of an in-house software platform and provides metabolite-related information on sex and species differences.
Industry of rural tourism in the Stavropol region
Authors: Трухачев Александр , Trukhachev Aleksandr
Published: November 2015

Rural tourism - one of the most famous and popular forms of recreation. Many experts note its ability to compete with the leaders of the global tourism - beach and cultural tourism. Stavropol region of the Russian Federation has a high level of agricultural development and rich touristic and recreational potential. The aspiration of small and large private companies to diversify their activities by expanding non-agricultural segment caused the formation and development of rural tourism. A variety of tourism resources and cultural heritage of the Stavropol region allowed entrepreneurs to create a variety of tourism products in the segment of rural recreation. In the current context the formation of rural tourism industry in the Stavropol region is the rightful issue The article presents analysis results of the tourist attractions and means of accommodation as part of composition of the rural tourism industry in the Stavropol region. Placement of facilities of rural tourism industry in municipalities of the region is shown. The trend of territorial localization of rural tourism in the Stavropol region within four main areas is proved. The author curries out the analysis of the specific structure of the objects of rural tourism, their tourism specialization and composition of services. The results allowed concluding that the most popular is the strategy of diversification of activities and offers of rural tourism.
Theory and practice of business tourism in Irkutsk: regional development of destinations
Authors: Ржепка Элина , Rzhepka Elina
Published: November 2015

This article continues the author´s researches of resources and prospects of business tourism in Irkutsk and Irkutsk region. The author states the basic theoretical and practical conclusions of the five years’ monitoring researches of business tourism market. Particular attention is paid to the geographical component as an integral part of the global factor, which specialization of a territory. Business tourism has different forms of organization: congresses, exhibitions, fairs, discussions and seminars. All participants of the events have different purposes of the visit according to their interests, capabilities and types of business. Most expressed the requirement of a mobile infrastructure to carry out the adaptation of the premises to the needs of particular organizers. According to research results, Irkutsk as a center of business tourism has great potential in this sphere of recreation. The article shows the main theoretical approaches and practical methods for determining the capacity of congress and exhibition market. The 8 main development trends of Irkutsk are identified, and the latest information about the tourist state of the city and region is presented. The city is a main transit center, where there is the distribution of tourist flows, following from west to east and back. Irkutsk also has a distinctive competitive advantage - its proximity to Lake Baikal, which certainly makes it stand out from other Russian cities. Thus, the specificity of the business tourism, considered in this article, consists in the integrated approach to satisfaction needs of tourists who travel for business purposes.
Tourism branding of suburbs of the Moscow region: historical platform
Authors: Юдин Михаил , Yudin Mikhail
Published: November 2015

The article is devoted to issue of tourism branding of the suburbs of Moscow region on

the basis of historical information. Author analyzes the principles to strengthen the process and

increase the tourist attraction of the suburbs of Moscow region. The article continues the theme

announced by the author at the International Conference: HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR

TOURISTIC BRANDING OF MOSCOW REGION // INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY

SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL SCIENCES AND ARTS SGEM-2015 (ISBN 978-619-

7105-48-3; ISSN 2367-5659; DOI: 10.5593/sgemsocial2015B23).

The author adheres to the position that the suburbs of Moscow region have a sufficiently

strong and incompletely disclosed historical and cultural potential, which is a kind of "historical

platform" for tourism development. The author introduces into scientific use the term "historical

foundations of tourism branding." The article emphasizes the importance of tourism branding on

the basis of historical knowledge in educational, pedagogic and economic spheres.
Import substitution policies in the hospitality industry: focus on domestic producer
Authors: Мерзлова Мария , Merzlova Mariya
Published: November 2015

The article discusses the new conditions for the functioning of the hotel enterprises, due

to the state policy of import substitution, which is carried out under the influence of economic

sanctions on European countries and the United States against Russia. Focusing on domestic

producers can have a positive impact on the efficiency the hospitality industry through the

development of direct cooperation links. The most urgent needs of the hotel, the satisfaction of

which by domestic producers faced with certain organizational and financial problems, require

the development of public-private partnership. Small farmers are regarded as the main suppliers

of foods to hotels in the regions. The necessity of government support measures for farmers as

key strategic partners of the hotel enterprises in the regions is justified. The experience of the

pilot project for the integration of farmers in the Internet space, which provides rapid remote

communication of small farmers and hotel companies in the process of cooperation, is

represented.
Demand of non-agricultural activities of peasant farm enterprises and households in region (the experience of the Novgorod region)
Authors: Белова Татьяна , Belova Tatyana
Published: November 2015

The article presents an assessment of the demand of non-agricultural activities (rural tourism) on the basis of farming enterprises and households in the Novgorod region. The author recommends carrying out such research in three main areas: from the perspective of the consumer, from the perspective of the economic entity, from the perspective of regional and municipal authorities. For this reason the author gives the recommended structure of feedback forms. The accomplished survey revealed the advantages of non-agricultural activities on the basis of peasant farms enterprises and households to consumers, as well as the conditions for their implementation. The article presents the assessments the independent experts regarding the development of non-agricultural activities of peasant farms and households. Author recommends to involve as the experts the chairmen of committees of agriculture, tourism and culture, economic departments of the municipal administration. Analysis of the demand for non-agricultural activities in the Novgorod region confirmed the attractiveness of rural tourism as relatively inexpensive and a recreational focused of vacation in the countryside. As a result of analysis the most important for consumers the additional services and possibility for their rendering by owners of peasant farm enterprises and households are revealed. In addition, constraining factors in the organization of non-agricultural activities, including a lack of knowledge and skills in rendering tourism services, as well as a lack of funding are disclosed. The research of demand and supply allowed identifying indicators of internal potential and external climate of non-agricultural activities in the region.
Impact of objective and subjective indicators of service quality on consumption of domestic services
Authors: Морозов Владимир , Morozov Vladimir
Published: November 2015

Currently, the final product (goods or services) becomes more intangible due to the presence service component in its structure, comprising a set of additional accessories and services. In fact, the presence of the service components in the product is not an innovation in pure form. Issues related to the quality of customer service have been in focus in the 70-80-ies XX century, in the so-called Soviet period. The need to improve the level of service to ensure product competitiveness and achieving enterprise competitive advantages is the peculiarity of consumer market development nowadays. The article discussed the necessity and possibility of turning traditional consumer services in a service product that has certain competitiveness, i.e. the ability to generate demand through the service components. Moreover, the author examines two groups of indicators of quality of service - objective and subjective. The empirical part of the research is dedicated to testing the theoretical conclusions about the impact of service quality on the consumption of domestic services. The empirical part of the research is dedicated to testing the theoretical conclusions about the impact of service quality on the consumption of domestic services. For this purpose, the author carried out the special marketing research of consumers of domestic services. The methodology of the research has been offered by scientists of Russian State University of Tourism and Service. The survey, which covered 400 people, became the main instrument for collecting information. It was carried out in Mytishchi, Pushkino and Korolev. These cities are among the most developed in the socio-economic and consumer context in North-Eastern suburbs of Moscow region. Marketing research, given in article, allowed forming the structure of consumption of consumer services, revealing the effect of indicators (factors) of quality of services consumption, and making forecast of increasing consumption upon condition of elimination of the negative influence of specific factors.
DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM OF STATE SUBSIDIES FOR AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Нуриева  , Nurieva Regina
Published: November 2015

The article discusses the technique of internal control of government subsidies and peculiarities of its organization in the agricultural organizations. The subject and directions of prior internal controls were determined and recommendations were given according to the list, content and sequence of control procedures in this area.
DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ITS IMPACT ON ECONOMIC INDEXES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
Authors: Мухаметгалиев  , Mukhametgaliev Farit , Гайнутдинов  , Gaynutdinov Ilgizar , Ситдикова  , Sitdikova Landysh , Файзрахманов  , Fayzrakhmanov Dzhaudat
Published: November 2015

The article describes the features of the effect of the level of social rural infrastructure development on the level of agricultural production; cites the results of a combined study of indicators of agricultural production development and social infrastructure; reveals the relationship of agricultural production efficiency to the level of social infrastructure development; formulates the main conclusions as guidelines for the regulation of rural social sector development of the region in future.
REDUCTION OF THE TOTAL POWER CONSUMPTION THROUGH INCREASING THE UNIT MOTION STABILITY
Authors: Матвеев  , Matveev Ivan , Щитов  , Shchitov Sergey , Валиев  , Valiev Ayrat
Published: November 2015

The article presents the results of investigation of impact of the machine motion stability on the reduction on power consumption of the lost crop. The mathematical model of sustainable motion of working units sections at the highest stability of motion was obtained and the response surface and its sections were constructed. The research of proposed working unit of the cultivator was conducted, which provides the reduction of power consumption to 8-10% of the lost crop by reducing the number of cut plants by stabilizing the movement of the unit ensures reduced.
NEW VARIETIES OF WINTER WHEAT OF TATAR Agricultural Research Institute BREEDING
Authors: Фадеева  , Fadeeva Irina , Тагиров  , Tagirov Marsel , Газизов  , Gazizov Ilyas
Published: November 2015

The article presents the results of the five-year research on new varieties of winter wheat breeding of Tatar Research Institute for Agriculture: Nadezhda, Darina, Universiada. The economic and biological characteristics of zoned and new varieties of winter wheat was given the. The features of the formation of technological and rheological quality of grain and flour was revealed. In the Republic of Tatarstan we recommend the Nadezhda variety to widespread cultivation, which combines adaptability with a set of quality indicators of grain.
Learning to Coordinate in Social Networks
Authors: Molavi Pooya , Eksin Ceyhun , Ribeiro Alejandro , Jadbabaie Ali
Published: November 2015

We study a dynamic game in which short-run players repeatedly play a symmetric, strictly supermodular game whose payoffs depend on a fixed unknown state of nature. Each short-run player inherits the beliefs of his immediate predecessor in addition to observing the actions of the players in his social neighborhood in the previous stage. Because of the strategic complementary between their actions, players have the incentive to coordinate with others and learn from them. We show that in any Markov Bayesian equilibrium of the game, players eventually reach consensus in their actions. They also asymptotically receive similar payoffs despite initial differences in their access to information. We further show that, if the players’ payoffs can be represented by a quadratic function, then the private observations are optimally aggregated in the limit for generic specifications of the game. Therefore, players asymptotically coordinate on choosing the best action given the aggregate information available throughout the network. We provide extensions of our results to the case of changing networks and endogenous private signals.
Communication and nursing: a study-abroad student's reflections
Authors: de Oliveira Anna Karina Martins , Tuohy Dympna
Published: November 2015

Globalisation in the academic context provides the opportunity for sharing knowledge and innovations between institutions in different countries, through the creation of study abroad and academic mobility programmes. For nursing students, studying abroad facilitates the development of cultural sensitivity so that they may care appropriately for an increasingly multicultural patient population in their own countries. This article describes a Brazilian ‘study abroad’ student nurse's experience of studying a ‘communication and therapeutic relationships’ module in an Irish university. Johns' model of structured reflection was used to frame, describe and reflect on the experience. This reflection informs ‘study abroad’ students and their universities about the student experience through a personal account of one such student.
A simulated wilderness exercise: the development of relational competence in paramedic students
Authors: Ford Rosemary , Webb Helen , Allen-Craig Sandy , Goodwin Val , D'Antonio Jenny , Lofts Charmane
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a cognitively and physically challenging simulated wilderness exercise (SWE) on the development of relational competence in senior paramedic students. New paramedic graduates reportedly bring limited relational competence to their work role. The SWE, conducted in a wilderness landscape in Central Victoria, Australia was developed to address this limitation. Our study, an interpretative qualitative design, used a convenience sample of paramedic students who attended the three-day event (n=29). Qualitative data were collected through participant field diary and focus groups. Thematic analysis of study data identified four themes associated with relational competence, with each giving voice to participants’ new understandings of themselves in the work environment, namely: ‘interpersonal relating’, ‘maturity, respect and tolerance’, ‘self-awareness in the team environment’ and ‘belonging and professional identity’. It is clear that the challenge of working in teams in an unfamiliar and physically taxing environment prompted and/or extended relational competence in study participants. The practice implication of this finding is that these graduates will perform the relational aspects of their work role with greater ease, thus strengthening transition to normal work pressures in their first professional work role.
Self-extrication in road traffic collisions: do we really need to cut the roof off?
Authors: Cowley Alan
Published: November 2015

Road traffic collisions are commonly encountered in the pre-hospital environment, and extrication of vehicle occupants can be challenging. Allowing a person to self-extricate from the vehicle, rather than using the process of prolonged mechanical extrication (the process of removing a vehicle from around a person), can be beneficial to the patient in a number of ways. The chance of catastrophic spinal injury (in this case taken to mean ‘any spinal injury that results in permanent disability, long-term medical problems or shortened life expectancy’) is low, and self-immobilisation during the extrication process will mean the patient is capable of protecting any injury they may have, without making it worse in any way. This is supported when the physiology of the spine, and the kinetics involved in road traffic collisions are considered. In addition, the self-extrication method is likely to reduce the time to definitive care, potentially improving the outcomes for many patients. It will also reduce anxiety, mental trauma and an unnecessary use of resources. Inviting a patient to remove themselves from a car is not a declaration of an uninjured cervical spine, and so immobilisation must still be used, in line with local policy, once the patient is out of the vehicle.

The author presents an algorithm to assist the pre-hospital clinician in deciding if self-extrication is appropriate. It is based on the alert, systemically well patient agreeing to the plan and being aware that they may change their mind at any time. The need for focused research on the mechanics of extrication, rather than methods of immobilisation, is encouraged with a view to a validated algorithm in the future.
Clinical intuition: how paramedics make decisions, is experience always best? A case presentation
Authors: Roberts Wez
Published: November 2015

When presented with a patient with an undiagnosed neurological condition, how do you decide how to proceed? In the challenging out-of-hospital environment intuition or experience may be your main resource, but could also be a hindrance. It is difficult to define intuition, but it is often seen as incorporating rapid perception to make decisions, and not being aware of the processes involved ( Gobet and Chassy, 2008 ). With paramedics being required to make more and more decisions as part of their practice, including discharging at scene, treat and refer systems and ultimately not transferring all patients to the ED, it is vital to understand the decision-making processes undertaken. By thoroughly understanding the processes that paramedics undertake, education can be targeted to incorporate these. Training practitioners to actively avoid the pitfalls of these techniques should help to reduce the likelihood of error in the future.

This article will provide a succinct description of a case from clinical practice, highlighting why the decision-making process is important to patient outcomes, how this is undertaken and the role that experience.
The decision is yours
Authors: Woodford Peter
Published: November 2015

The paramedic role requires countless sound, logical and sensible decisions to be made. Sometimes paramedics may be faced with decisions that they feel less confident about making. This paper will discuss the types of clinical decision-making approaches. The majority of everyday decisions are made intuitively. The brain uses its experience to match decisions that it has made, observed or contributed. This may not be a reliable method of decision making, especially if you have been unable to gather sufficient information. Pattern recognition is a skill-based activity. Unlike intuition, which can support near-instant decision making, it is done when time permits and there is no need to rush. Under the hypothetico-deductive model of clinical decision making, the clinician sorts the clues and findings into logical groups using previous knowledge of symptoms and anatomical locations and landmarks. Then a hypothesis is formulated based on experience and knowledge of pathological, physiological and psychological conditions. Generally, clinicians need to improve their awareness of clinical decision making: using intuition might well have a role to play coupled with heuristics and bias, but it has its limitations and risks. However, hypothetico-deductive reasoning has a prominent place and should be embedded into education and everyday use.
Scope of practice: considering how the role of the paramedic continues to change
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: November 2015

The role of the paramedic is one which is continually evolving to meet the challenges faced in health care delivery. Ian Peate provides a background to the term ‘scope of practice' and highlights how it is ultimately focused on patient safety.
Interplay between CRP, Atherogenic LDL, and LOX-1 and Its Potential Role in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Stancel Nicole , Chen Chih-Chieh , Ke Liang-Yin , Chu Chih-Sheng , Lu Jonathan , Sawamura Tatsuya , Chen Chu-Huang
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that the classic acute-phase protein C-reactive protein (CRP) has proinflammatory effects on vascular cells and may play a causal role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease. A growing body of evidence has suggested that interplay between CRP, lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), and atherogenic LDL may underlie the mechanism of endothelial dysfunction that leads to atherosclerosis.

CONTENT

We review the biochemical evidence for an association of CRP, LOX-1, and either oxidized LDL (OxLDL) or electronegative L5 LDL with the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease. Artificially oxidized OxLDL has been studied extensively for its role in atherogenesis, as has electronegative L5 LDL, which is present at increased levels in patients with increased cardiovascular risks. OxLDL and L5 have been shown to stimulate human aortic endothelial cells to produce CRP, indicating that CRP is synthesized locally in the endothelium. The ligand-binding face (B-face) of CRP has been shown to bind the LOX-1 scavenger receptor and increase LOX-1 expression in endothelial cells, thereby promoting the uptake of OxLDL or L5 by LOX-1 into endothelial cells to induce endothelial dysfunction.

CRP and LOX-1 may form a positive feedback loop with OxLDL or L5 in atherogenesis, whereby increased levels of atherogenic LDL in patients with cardiovascular risks induce endothelial cells to express CRP, which may in turn increase the expression of LOX-1 to promote the uptake of atherogenic LDL into endothelial cells. Further research is needed to confirm a causal role for CRP in atherogenesis.
A dynamic whole-stand growth model, derived from allometric relationships
Authors: Stankova Tatiana
Published: November 2015

Growth and yield tables are constrained by a standard production regime and the stand-level dynamic models are an attractive alternative for the even-aged monospecific stands. The objective of this study is to derive a parsimonious and biologically sound whole-stand dynamic growth model and to validate its consistency and relevance for prediction of stand growth and yield. The state-space modelling approach was employed, introducing several novelties in comparison with its current usage. The model consists of a three-dimensional state vector, defined by dominant stand height, number of trees per hectare and mean stem volume, and three transition functions. A site index model was incorporated for height growth projection and transition functions for stand density and mean stem volume with respect to dominant height increase were derived from simple allometries and biological rationale. The model was examined with data from 79 permanent sample plots in Scots pine plantations. Nonlinear Seemingly Unrelated Regression was used to account for cross-equation correlations, and the Base-Height-Invariant dummy variable method was employed to estimate dynamic-form equations. Model consistency was validated in terms of accuracy of predictions and applicability to both thinned and unthinned stands. The new dynamic growth model is a parsimonious biometric whole-stand model that simulates the expected stand development for a broad spectrum of potential management alternatives and can be incorporated in a computer program for further use. It may be especially useful for application when a scarcity of longitudinal data prevents the use of more complicated modelling approaches.
Multimodal Imaging after Sudden Cardiac Arrest in an 18-Year-Old Athlete
Authors: Afari Maxwell E. , Rehman Mobeen Ur , Atalay Michael K. , Broderick Ryan J.
Published: November 2015

We report the case of a previously healthy 18-year-old male athlete who twice presented with sudden cardiac arrest. Our use of electrocardiography, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, coronary angiography, coronary computed tomographic angiography, and nuclear stress testing enabled the diagnoses of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and anomalous origin of the right coronary artery. We discuss the patient's treatment and note the useful role of multiple cardiovascular imaging methods in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
Transient Cardiomyopathy and Quadriplegia Induced by Ephedrine Decongestant
Authors: Snipelisky David F. , Kurklinsky Andrew K. , Chirila Razvan
Published: November 2015

Ephedrine decongestant products are widely used. Common side effects include palpitations, nervousness, and headache. More severe adverse reactions include cardiomyopathy and vasospasm. We report the case of an otherwise healthy 37-year-old woman who presented with acute-onset quadriplegia and heart failure. She had a normal chest radiograph on admission, but developed marked pulmonary edema and bilateral effusions the next day. Echocardiography revealed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 0.18 and no obvious intrinsic pathologic condition such as foramen narrowing on spinal imaging. Laboratory screening was positive for methamphetamines in the urine, and the patient admitted to having used, over the past several weeks, multiple ephedrine-containing products for allergy-symptom relief.

She was ultimately diagnosed with an acute catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy and spinal artery vasospasm consequential to excessive use of decongestants. Her symptoms resolved completely with supportive care and appropriate heart-failure management. An echocardiogram 2 weeks after admission showed improvement of the left ventricular ejection fraction to 0.33. Ten months after the event, the patient was entirely asymptomatic and showed further improvement of her ejection fraction to 0.45. To our knowledge, ours is the first report of spinal artery vasospasm resulting in quadriplegia in a human being after ephedrine ingestion.
Embolic Stroke Caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis Endocarditis Complicating Vasectomy in a 36-Year-Old Man
Authors: David Manova , Loftsgaarden Megan , Chukwudelunzu Felix
Published: November 2015

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is part of the native flora in the inguinal region of the body. Inguinal surgeries, such as vasectomy, place carriers of this aggressive pathogen at risk for contamination. Native-valve endocarditis caused by coagulase-negative S. lugdunensis has a rapid and complicated clinical course. The pathogenicity of this organism is not limited to cardiac valvular destruction. We report the case of a 36-year-old man who presented with S. lugdunensis endocarditis, dysarthria, and hemiparesis 5 weeks after a vasectomy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of embolic stroke caused by S. lugdunensis endocarditis. In addition, we discuss the relevant medical literature.
Modified T-Graft for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Patient with Small-Caliber Femoral Arteries
Authors: Calderon Daniel , El-Banayosy Aly , Koerner Michael M. , Reed Amy B. , Aziz Faisal
Published: November 2015

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is generally used as a last resort to provide cardiopulmonary support in patients whose advanced cardiac or respiratory failure does not respond to less invasive treatments. Lower-limb ischemia secondary to the large diameter of the arterial cannula is one of ECMO's major limitations: in patients who have small-caliber arteries, the cannulas can reduce native blood flow. The creation of a T-graft—a well-described technique to avoid limb ischemia—enables flow into the ECMO cannula without jeopardizing blood flow to the limb. However, leaving the graft exposed through an open groin wound can result in dislodgment, and it increases the risk of infection.

We describe our modification of a conventional T-graft in an 18-year-old woman who had systolic heart failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and small-caliber femoral vessels. We tunneled a polytetrafluoroethylene graft inside a Dacron graft, then ran the combined graft through a subcutaneous tunnel similar to that created for a peripheral bypass. Thus, the graft was protected from environmental exposure and the risk of infection. Our technique seems safer and more secure than the original T-graft technique, and we recommend its consideration during ECMO cannulation.
Tunneling a Pulmonary Artery Graft: A Simplified Way to Insert and Remove a Temporary Right Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Saxena Pankaj , Marasco Silvana F.
Published: November 2015

Right ventricular failure can occur early or late after left ventricular assist device implantation. Support with a right ventricular assist device is needed in patients whose right ventricular failure does not respond to conservative management. The use of a temporary right ventricular assist device can enable the recovery of right ventricular function and avoid the use of a more permanent biventricular assist device, which is associated with complications and higher costs. We present our technique of instituting temporary right ventricular assist device support in patients who have undergone left ventricular assist device implantation.
Effect Of Turbulence Modelling In Numerical Analysis Of Melting Process In An Induction Furnace
Authors: Buliński P. , Smołka J. , Golak S. , Przyłucki R. , Blacha L. , Białecki R. , Palacz M. , Siwiec G.
Published: November 2015

In this paper, the velocity field and turbulence effects that occur inside a crucible of a typical induction furnace were investigated. In the first part of this work, a free surface shape of the liquid metal was measured in a ceramic crucible. Then a numerical model of aluminium melting process was developed. It took into account coupling of electromagnetic and thermofluid fields that was performed using commercial codes. In the next step, the sensitivity analysis of turbulence modelling in the liquid domain was performed. The obtained numerical results were compared with the measurement data. The performed analysis can be treated as a preliminary approach for more complex mathematical modelling for the melting process optimisation in crucible induction furnaces of different types.
Dependence Of The Structure And Magnetic Properties Of Cast Plate-Shaped Nd60Fe30Al10 Samples On Their Thickness
Authors: Michalski B. , Kaszuwara W. , Latuch J. , Pawlik P.
Published: November 2015

The hard magnetic Nd-Fe-Al alloys are inferior to Nd-Fe-B magnets as far as the magnetic properties are concerned, but their great advantage is that they need no additional annealing to achieve good magnetic properties. These properties depend on the cooling rate from the melting state, and on the thickness of the sample - the best values are achieved at the quenching rates at which the samples have a thickness of 0.3-2 mm. The present study is concerned with the correlation between the magnetic properties of the plate-shaped Nd60Fe30Al10 samples and their size - thickness. Two casting ways: with the melt stream perpendicular direction and parallel to the surface of the plates were used. The plates were produced by pressure casting and suction casting. The studies have shown that the cooling rates depends on local propagation on liquid metal in the mold resulting in heterogeneity of structure and properties.
Influence Of Temperature On The Rate Of Copper Recovery From The Slag Of The Flash Direct-To-Blister Process By A Solid Carbon Reducer
Authors: Madej P. , Kucharski M.
Published: November 2015

The aim of the work was to investigate the influence of temperature on the rate of copper removal from the obtained slag from the flash direct-to-blister process by means of a carbon reducer. The slag used in this work was taken from the direct-to-blister Outokumpu flash furnace at the smelter in Głogów, and graphite penetrators were used as the slag reducers. The experiment was carried out at 1573 K, 1623 K and 1673 K. It was found that the rate of the de-coppering process of the “Głogów” slag increased with the increase of temperature.
Application Of Artificial Neural Networks In Modeling Of Manufactured Front Metallization Contact Resistance For Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Musztyfaga-Staszuk M. , Honysz R.
Published: November 2015

This paper presents the application of artificial neural networks for prediction contact resistance of front metallization for silicon solar cells. The influence of the obtained front electrode features on electrical properties of solar cells was estimated. The front electrode of photovoltaic cells was deposited using screen printing (SP) method and next to manufactured by two methods: convectional (1. co-fired in an infrared belt furnace) and unconventional (2. Selective Laser Sintering). Resistance of front electrodes solar cells was investigated using Transmission Line Model (TLM). Artificial neural networks were obtained with the use of Statistica Neural Network by Statsoft. Created artificial neural networks makes possible the easy modelling of contact resistance of manufactured front metallization and allows the better selection of production parameters. The following technological recommendations for the screen printing connected with co-firing and selective laser sintering technology such as optimal paste composition, morphology of the silicon substrate, co-firing temperature and the power and scanning speed of the laser beam to manufacture the front electrode of silicon solar cells were experimentally selected in order to obtain uniformly melted structure well adhered to substrate, of a small front electrode substrate joint resistance value. The prediction possibility of contact resistance of manufactured front metallization is valuable for manufacturers and constructors. It allows preserving the customers’ quality requirements and bringing also measurable financial advantages.
Optimization Of Laboratory Hot Rolling Of Brittle Fe-40at.%Al-Zr-B Aluminide
Authors: Schindler I. , Hadasik E. , Kopeček J. , Kawulok P. , Fabík R. , Opěla P. , Rusz S. , Kawulok R. , Jabłońska M.
Published: November 2015

Use of the protective steel capsules enabled to manage the laboratory hot flat rolling of the extremely brittle as-cast aluminide Fe-40at.%Al-Zr-B with the total height reduction of almost 70 %. The hot rolling parameters were optimized to obtain the best combination of deformation temperature (from 1160°C up to 1240°C) and rolling speed (from 0.14 m·s−1 to 0.53 m·s−1). The resistance against cracking and refinement of the highly heterogeneous cast microstructure were the main criteria. Both experiments and mathematical simulations based on FEM demonstrated that it is not possible to exploit enhanced plasticity of the investigated alloy at low strain rates in the hot rolling process. The heat flux from the sample to the working rolls is so intensive at low rolling speed that even the protective capsule does not prevent massive appearance of the surface transverse cracking. The homogeneity and size of product’s grain was influenced significantly by temperature of deformation, whereas the effect of rolling speed was relatively negligible. The optimal forming parameters were found as rolling temperature 1200°C and the rolling speed 0.35 m·s−1. The effective technology of the iron aluminide Fe-40at.% Al-Zr-B preparation by simple processes of melting, casting and hot rolling was thus established and optimized.
Effective Methods For The Diagnosis Of Vehicles Rolling Bearings Wear And Damages
Authors: Stanik Z. , Peruń G. , Matyja T.
Published: November 2015

The article presents methods of diagnosis of rolling bearings; especially those are used in diagnostics of bearings in wheels vehicles. Active experiments were performed on three bearings built in driving wheels of different vehicles. In diagnosis were used selected methods, including the method of metallographic examination.
Internal Friction In The PFN Ceramics With Chromium Dopand
Authors: Zachariasz R. , Bochenek D. , Bruś B.
Published: November 2015

An aim of this work was to determine an influence of an admixture, the chromium (for x from 0.01 to 0.06), on the mechanical properties of the PFN ceramics. The ceramics with chemical composition Pb(Fe0.5−xCrxNb0.5)O3 was synthesized in two steps from simple oxides PbO, Fe2O3, Nb2O5, Cr2O3. The first stage was based on obtaining the FeNbO4 from the Fe2O3 and Nb2O5 simple oxides. At this stage an admixture in a form the Cr2O3 chromium oxide was added to the solution. In the second stage the PbO lead oxide and the doped FeNbO4 (obtained earlier) were synthetized. The sintering of ceramic samples PFCN type was carried out by free sintering method. Temperature measurements of the internal friction were conducted on a computer-controlled automatic resonant mechanical spectrometer (heating cycle with 3 deg/min).