bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An inversion method for seafloor elastic parameters
Authors: Liu Yangting , Tinivella Umberta , Liu Xuewei
Published: April 2015

Amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) inversion is a common approach to estimate elastic parameters. In conventional AVO inversion, various approximations of the Zoeppritz equation have been used. However, the weak elastic contrast assumption of those approximations leads to big errors when dealing with the seafloor situation in which the contrast of the elastic parameters across the interface is very strong. To extend the application of AVO to seafloor elastic parameters estimation as a linear problem, we developed a high-contrast approximation of the P-wave reflection coefficient to the Zoeppritz equation via a series truncation procedure. Model tests determined that the approximation we derived was more applicable than conventional approximations when considering the seafloor case. Any approximation limits AVO inversion to a small incidence-angle range. A two-step inversion method using the joint application of approximation and exact equation was evaluated to overcome the angle limit. Then we determined the influence of P-wave reflection coefficient accuracy on the inverted elastic parameters, and we developed a new technique to invert for seafloor elastic parameters directly by amplitude-versus-angle data without estimating reflection coefficient first. Finally, we applied the technique to estimate the seafloor parameters from AVO data of the South China Sea.
Soil density, elasticity, and the soil-water characteristic curve inverted from field-based seismic P- and S-wave velocity in shallow nearly saturated layered soils
Authors: Shen Jie , Lorenzo Juan M. , White Chris D. , Tsai Frank
Published: April 2015

Soil density, porosity, elastic moduli, and the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) are important properties for soil characterization. However, geotechnical and laboratory tests for soil properties are costly and limited to point sampling sites. Seismic surveys can provide laterally continuous, seismic soil property values that may complement geotechnical borehole tests with less cost. We have developed a workflow to invert for soil properties and the SWCC from seismic P- and S-wave velocity-versus-depth profiles interpreted from shallow ([Formula: see text] depth) unconsolidated sediments under conditions of near-full saturation ([Formula: see text]). The inversion is performed by using the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy to search automatically for optimal input soil property values by minimizing the misfit between field-based velocity profiles and predicted velocity profiles based on the Hertz-Mindlin and Biot-Gassmann theories. The results from seismic soil property inversion are validated by comparison with geotechnical as well as laboratory results conducted independently in the same area as the seismic survey. For each seismically recognizable layer, soil types are interpreted from the inverted soil density and elasticity, aided by the SWCC to help detect thin units that are below the original seismic resolution of the field data. There is flexibility to apply our suggested workflow in future studies. For a known geologic setting, empirical relationships and other velocity prediction models could also be incorporated into the suggested workflow to improve inversion results and extract additional information in soils.
Shoreface ravinement evolution tracked by repeat geophysical surveys following Hurricane Ike, Bolivar Peninsula, Texas, 2008–2013
Authors: Goff John A. , Allison Mead A. , Gulick Sean P. S. , Reece Robert , Davis Marcy , Duncan Dan , Saustrup Steffen ,   The University of Texas Marine Geology and Geophysical Field Classes of 2010 and 2013
Published: April 2015

We have investigated the impact of Hurricane Ike on the shoreface of the Bolivar Peninsula, Texas, using three near-surface marine geophysical surveys during a five-year span following the storm, which made landfall in September of 2008. Multibeam bathymetry, sidescan backscatter, and CHIRP subbottom reflection data were collected during each survey. The first survey, in November, 2008, discovered the presence of an erosional, landward-facing scarp across a broad of the barrier spit shoreface at approximately 3.5-m water depth. The erosion incised into a shallow reflection horizon interpreted as the Holocene shoreface ravinement, exposing lag deposits that were truncated at the scarp and forming a thin high-backscatter anomaly. Up to 1.0 m of material was excavated shoreward of the scarp, including up to 0.5 m of shoreface sand above the shoreface ravinement, and another 0.5 m of indeterminate lithology below, consisting of easily erodible material. A second survey, in May 2010, found that the scarp had migrated seaward by up to 100 m and the depth of erosion indicated by the scarp had reduced to approximately [Formula: see text]. In a May 2013 survey, the scarp was no longer in evidence. The initial erosional event is interpreted to be caused by the ebb flow of the storm surge across the peninsula compounded by high-wave orbital velocities in the waning storm. This erosional event and its subsequent evolution demonstrate an impact on the shoreface lasting for years post-storm, as the shoreface gradually adjusted to a new equilibrium profile. These results document that an advancement of a shoreface ravinement can be caused by a single large event (e.g., tropical storm or hurricane) in this microtidal, relatively low wave energy setting. This process, tracked with near-surface geophysical techniques, was a key but seldom-observed component of the back stepping of barrier islands during sea-level rise.
Investigating internal magnetic field gradients in aquifer sediments
Authors: Fay Emily L. , Knight Rosemary J. , Song Yi-Qiao
Published: April 2015

Internal magnetic field gradients in porous materials, if sufficiently large, can be a source of error in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of the transverse relaxation time [Formula: see text] and the diffusion coefficient [Formula: see text]. Given that these measurements can provide information about the pore fluid and the pore geometry, it is important to determine the magnitude of internal gradients and assess their potential impact. We estimated the effective internal gradients in aquifer sediment samples using three methods. We used a 2D NMR method to map the distribution of internal gradients versus [Formula: see text] and found gradients up to [Formula: see text] with peak gradient values in the range of [Formula: see text] for most of the samples. The average effective gradient values, calculated from the slope of the mean log relaxation rate versus the squared echo time, typically fell above the peak gradient values in the 2D distributions, with a range from 12 to 230 G/cm. The maximum effective gradients, calculated from the magnetic susceptibility of the samples, were found to be the upper bounds for most of the gradient distributions. The mean gradient was found to increase with increasing magnetic susceptibility of the sample; however, pore size was also found to impact gradient magnitudes. Given that the distribution of internal gradient magnitudes is determined by the properties of the sediment and by the magnitude of the background field, our results have implications for the acquisition of logging and surface NMR data. We expect the internal gradients in many aquifer sediments to impact NMR logging measurements; this should be considered when selecting logging parameters and interpreting NMR logging data. In contrast, we expect internal gradients to have a negligible impact on surface NMR measurements because of the much smaller magnitude of the background magnetic field.
Damping Reduction Factors for Crustal, Inslab, and Interface Earthquakes Characterizing Seismic Hazard in Southwestern British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Daneshvar Poulad , Bouaanani Najib , Goda Katsuichiro , Atkinson Gail M.
Published: April 2015

High-damping displacement spectra and corresponding damping reduction factors ( η) are important ingredients in seismic design and analysis of structures equipped with seismic protection systems, as well as in displacement-based design methodologies. In this study, we investigated η factors for three types of earthquake characterizing seismic hazard in southwestern British Columbia, Canada: shallow crustal, deep inslab, and interface subduction. We used a large and comprehensive database including records from recent relevant earthquakes, such as the 2011 Tohoku event. Our key observations were as follows: (1) there is negligible dependence of η on soil class; (2) there is significant dependence of η on the frequency content and duration of ground motions that characterize the different record types, and (3) η is dependent on period, particularly for inslab events. Period-dependent equations were proposed to predict η for damping ratios between 5% and 30% corresponding to the three event types.
Curcuminoids and Acetylacetone: Iron Complexes as Studied by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ostrowski Wojciech
Published: April 2015

Curcumin complexes with iron ions were investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. It was shown that in methanol solutions of curcumin and iron(III) ions, complexes are formed with a stoichiometry of 1: 1, 2: 1, or 3: 1. Curcumin–iron(II) complexes were created only with the 1: 1 stoichiometry. Abundances of the 1: 1 ions depend on the source of iron [(II) or (III)] and the reduction process of iron(III) by higher cone-voltage values. A counter-ion for the iron cation does not affect the types of formed complexes. For comparison, methanol solutions of acetylacetone (acac) and mixtures of acac and curcumin with iron salts were also investigated.
The small RNA content of human sperm reveals pseudogene-derived piRNAs complementary to protein-coding genes
Authors: Pantano Lorena , Jodar Meritxell , Bak Mads , Ballescà Josep Lluís , Tommerup Niels , Oliva Rafael , Vavouri Tanya
Published: April 2015

At the end of mammalian sperm development, sperm cells expel most of their cytoplasm and dispose of the majority of their RNA. Yet, hundreds of RNA molecules remain in mature sperm. The biological significance of the vast majority of these molecules is unclear. To better understand the processes that generate sperm small RNAs and what roles they may have, we sequenced and characterized the small RNA content of sperm samples from two human fertile individuals. We detected 182 microRNAs, some of which are highly abundant. The most abundant microRNA in sperm is miR-1246 with predicted targets among sperm-specific genes. The most abundant class of small noncoding RNAs in sperm are PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). Surprisingly, we found that human sperm cells contain piRNAs processed from pseudogenes. Clusters of piRNAs from human testes contain pseudogenes transcribed in the antisense strand and processed into small RNAs. Several human protein-coding genes contain antisense predicted targets of pseudogene-derived piRNAs in the male germline and these piRNAs are still found in mature sperm. Our study provides the most extensive data set and annotation of human sperm small RNAs to date and is a resource for further functional studies on the roles of sperm small RNAs. In addition, we propose that some of the pseudogene-derived human piRNAs may regulate expression of their parent gene in the male germline.
On the Representations of the Concept of Fear in Modern Media
Authors: Перовская  , Perovskaya Tatyana
Published: April 2015

The article is devoted to the representation of the concept of fear in modern

media. The identified lexical paradigm of the concept of «fear», including

words nominees concept (including foreign), their derivatives of different

parts of speech, metaphorical nomination. The concept is presented as a

multidimensional semantic education, which allocates conceptual, figurative

and value components. The conceptual sides of the concept of «fear»

reflect the identity, of the word - the nominees of the concept, its systematic

synonyms in the dictionary definitions. Displaying the words «fear» at different

stages of development of the Russian language is reduced to the

semantics of «anxiety». The content of the concept is expanded guidance

on the sources, abuses fear, due to the new differential characteristics for

representation using morphological tokens. Individual media texts called

state of the investigation of fear. Demonstrate the existence of positive connotations,

associated with semantic «prospects conquered fear». Shaped

component concept includes associative - shaped signs that stand out

when comparing direct and mobile values in the analysis of metaphors and

idioms. A moral aspect of the concept is subjective fear. Assessment of

fear in media texts refers the reader to the political, economic and social

developments.
Fashion industry as an independent sector of economy
Authors: Климов Артур , Klimov Artur , Демина Татьяна , Demina Tatyana , Мерзлякова Александра , Merzlyakova Aleksandra
Published: April 2015

Fashion is a temporary dominance of a certain style in any sphere of life, the pursuit of novelty.

From 1890 to 1960 small businesses for the production of clothing and accessories were gradually turning into mass production and becoming an industry, i.e., an independent sector of the economy, which includes the manufacture, distribution and consumption of goods of some kind, and conjugate sectors. Of great importance was the division of the economy of fashion goods into "haute couture" and "ready-to-wear." It was the beginning of mass production of fashion (and hence rapidly changing and need to be replaced, without waiting for physical depreciation) things had a powerful impact on the economy. The fashion industry has grown around the world rapidly, outstripping other sectors of the economy, although the crises also affect this area.

In this case we can speak about a high multiplier effect exerted by the fashion industry on the economy. For example, it gives a powerful impetus to the production of raw materials (animal and plant) and materials, dyes, printing, etc.

The product of fashion specific: it is a reflection of the creative and financial components. Fashionable things became symbols of the membership in particular social groups, thereby increasing and maintaining demand.

All this ensures further stable growth of all types of production, in one way or another related to the fashion industry.

Unfortunately, the Russians´ love for foreign brands inhibits the development of this business in Russia. However, it can be expected that in 2014-2015 this can change due to the sharp depreciation of the ruble. There is a hope that Russian fashion producers will be able to take a chance to strengthen their positions.
Development of higher education in the modern economy
Authors: Новикова Наталья , Novikova Natalya , Мухоморова Ирина , Mukhomorova Irina
Published: April 2015

Modernization in Russia is objectively dictated by the tightening of global competition between countries and the need for structural optimization of the domestic economy. In today´s environment the results of the modernization of the Russian economy influence directly on the welfare of the country in the future, elimination of the technological gap, improving efficiency in all sectors of the economy and professional fields.

The process of modernization is aimed at solving a minimum of three tasks: to ensure structural balance of the national economy; technological innovation; the formation of an innovative model of economic development. Formation of such a model of the economy implies an increase in the economy of knowledge-intensive and high-tech industries.

With two possible and mutually exclusive approaches to the state economy modernization and technological development, autocratic and democratic, the latter is the most effective, since upgrading cannot be achieved without direct participation of business, civil society and individual citizens with a high level of competence of the government. Federal authorities at the same time play the role of a facilitator, providing legal, organizational and financial support, and as well as a system of processes.

Economic modernization and technological development will require training of skilled human capital, which may be provided by the proper functioning of the system of education in Russia. Development of education should be coordinated with social and economic development, and activities of educational institutions should be integrated into innovation processes at the national and regional levels.

High importance in solving these problems is given to the development of mechanisms of interaction of educational institutions with the business environment, general public and to changing the format of relations with the state education authorities.
Characteristics of tourist potential of the region (by the example of Pushkino, Moscow Region)
Authors: Суслова Ирина , Suslova Irina , Поворина Елена , Povorina Elena
Published: April 2015

In modern conditions tourism is seen as an important factor of socio-economic development of the administrative-territorial units. In this case, each region has an opportunity to disclose its tourist potential and on this basis to identify conditions that determine the possibilities of a better use of tourist potential. Since the foundation of the tourist potential of the region are the objects of tourism, defining the extent of its appeal to the target audience, special attention should be paid to the formation of a certified database, reflecting their quantitative and qualitative composition.

The article describes the approaches to the systematization of tourist objects of an administrative and territorial unit according to the types of tourist space: natural, cultural, historical, anthropological, recreation, event, service, mythological, scientific, as well as the different subtypes and groups to display. The results of the study of tourist objects are made by this technique for the city of Pushkino, Moscow region. The features are highlighted, which are contributing to the formation of the overall perception for tourists of the attractiveness of the city and reflect the results of the structural analysis of the quantitative composition of the tourist sites of the city on the typological classification criteria and territorial location. Identified are possible characteristics of Pushkino´s administrative territory, which has sufficient capacity to promote the tourist market by actively developing suburbs in several types of tourism and attract the interest of different target audiences. Identified are types of tourism development and positioning in terms of territorial competition to which the city should pay particular attention. Formulated are the basic conditions for their successful development, contributing to the creation of tourist image of Pushkino, which is set apart from other administrative units of the Moscow region.
Problems of development of tourist startups at the current stage: the financial aspect
Authors: Силаева Анна , Silaeva Anna
Published: April 2015

This article discusses the problematic issues of financing and development of tourism startups at the present stage in terms of financial instability. Under the tourist startup understood is a project focused on the sale of tickets for transport which is associated with travel or hotel rooms, or both, as well as traditional designs for the sale of package tours. The paper describes the case for the conceptual provisions of financing for small businesses in the tourism industry, in particular, with the help of venture capital, which effectively supports the small businesses’ innovative sector and solves the problem of the introduction of new technologies, as well as the peculiarities and directions of its development in modern conditions. Typically, venture capital plays a critical role in the commercialization of the companies at the early stages, and complement government grants only increase the chances of success, as evidenced by studies of the Russian Venture Capital Association. However, the Russian venture industry is largely focused on investments in companies at later stages of development. Identified is the necessity of initiatives to support start-ups in the form of the public-private partnership (PPP). The key issue in the implementation of such projects is the complexity of structuring start-ups, as a public-private partnership - a long-term mutually beneficial cooperation of public and private partners to carry out projects in order to achieve the objectives of public law entities, improving the availability and quality of public services, achieved through leveraging private resources and risk sharing between partners.
Modeling of processes of sustainable tourism development
Authors: Минаев Владимир , Minaev Vladimir
Published: April 2015

The article deals with mathematical modeling of sustainable tourism development. The proposed approach allows for a more cost-effective manner, as compared with other instruments, to prove effective management options in tourism development in the regions. Described are the interaction and interrelationship between main factors determining the state and dynamic characteristics of sustainable tourism on a regional scale. It is shown that the construction of models of sustainable tourism in a particular region should take into account the parameters of its economic development, environmental conditions, characteristics of social relations, as well as natural and cultural potential of a specific area. It is noted that a special importance for the formation parameters of sustainable tourism has an effective organization of destination management. Based on the regulations of UNWTO, the following main criteria management are suggested: sustainable management of destinations, maximizing social and economic benefits for the local population with minimal impact on it, maximizing benefits for traveling and cultural heritage sites with minimal impact on them, maximizing the benefits for the natural environment and minimizing the negative impact on it. On the basis of these criteria, the basic principles of modeling are highlighted: a systematic account of interacting factors that determine the development of sustainable tourism, the use of integrated criteria when evaluating options for sustainable tourism, the direction of the modeling of process as a basis for effective management for destinations. Based on the research, the author concluds that the development of a mathematical model for sustainable tourism in a particular region should take into account two groups of factors affecting its development: interpersonal contacts between the "experienced" tourists and newcomers on the one hand, and the impact of advertising and travel agencies, on the other. The author provides an aggregated view of a model of sustainable tourism as a nonlinear differential equation of diffusion of innovations tourist. Qualitative solution of the equation in the form of an S-shaped curve is suggested. To understand the impact of innovation processes in the development of tourism, the author suggests an analysis of the statistical distribution of the individuals involved in innovation related to sustainable tourism.
Contract enforcement for the contract for government needs
Authors: Чернякова Светлана , Chernyakova Svetlana
Published: April 2015

The article investigates the problems in the legal regulation of relations in the field of contract work for state needs. Served as the basis for studies, the Federal Law № 44-FZ "On the contract system in the procurement of goods, works and services for state and municipal needs", which significantly changes the procedure for determining the contractors for the contract to perform works for the needs of the Russian Federation and its subjects . An exhaustive list of the types of trades that can be divided according to the following criteria: possible involvement in the definition of contractor: competition may be open, closed, competition with limited participation and closed tender with limited participation; as the form of the auction for the legislator directly calls only closed auction; in the form of placement: unlike the competition, the auction is possible in electronic form, depending on the number of stages of the competition can be carried out in two stages (two-stage competition) auction is always one step. Described in detail is the mechanism of bidding and auctions, and the author focuses attention on the selection of contractors performing work of good quality and others. Main factors that enable customers of construction works to ensure proper quality refer to the possibility of establishing additional requirements for the qualification of the contractor, the ability to perform work due to specification, material and technical base. Described are general requirements for all participants of the state order.
Igneous Rock Associations 17. Advances in the Textural Quantification of Crystalline Rocks
Authors: Higgins Michael Denis
Published: April 2015

During the last 20 years, textural (microstructural) studies have regained their place in the pantheon of petrographic methods. This has happened by quantifying textures, so that models can be developed and tested – an approach that has proved to be so successful for chemical and isotopic studies. The combination of chemical, isotopic and textural methods, especially if applied to different crystal populations, can be a very powerful tool in the clarification of petrologic histories of rocks. Here, I will discuss some recent advances in the application of textural studies to crystalline rocks.RÉSUMÉAu cours des 20 dernières années, les études de texture (microstructure) ont retrouvé leur place au panthéon des méthodes pétrographiques.  Cela a pu se produire grâce à la quantification des textures, permettant ainsi de développer et tester des modèles – une approche qui s’est avérée très bénéfique pour les études chimiques et isotopiques.  La combinaison de méthodes chimiques, isotopiques et d’analyse texturale, en particulier si elles sont appliquées à des populations distinctes de cristaux, peut être un outil très puissant permettant de définir l’histoire pétrologique des roches.  Dans le présent article, je vais discuter de certaines percées récentes dans l'application d’études texturales de roches cristallines.
The Founder of Modern Geology Died 100 Years Ago: The Scientific Work and Legacy of Eduard Suess
Authors: Şengör A.M. Celâl
Published: April 2015

Eduard Suess (1831-1914) is probably the greatest geologist who ever lived. He died 100 years ago and left us the modern geology as we know it. His work ranged from paleontology through stratigraphy, geomorphology, urban geology, finally to tectonics. His magnum opus was the multi-volume Das Antlitz der Erde (The Face of the Earth), the greatest book in the history of geology. It is a complete description of the geology of the planet from the viewpoint of the theory of thermal contraction in Constant Prévost’s version, as modified by Suess. For all the admiration it caused it has been largely left unread and as a consequence geology lost some half a century until the invention of plate tectonics in 1965. This was in part, because the way Suess wrote the book made reading very difficult. The following is not a biography of Suess, but a review and evaluation of his work during the centenary of his death.RÉSUMÉEduard Suess (1831-1914) est probablement le plus grand géologue qui ait jamais vécu. Il est mort il y a 100 ans et il nous a laissé la géologie moderne telle que nous la connaissons. Son oeuvre va de la paléontologie à la stratigraphie, la géomorphologie, la géologie urbaine, enfin jusqu’à la tectonique. Son magnum opus est le multi-volume Das Antlitz der Erde (La Face de la Terre), le plus grand livre de l’histoire de la géologie. C’est une description complète de la géologie de la planète du point de vue de la théorie de la contraction thermique dans la version de Constant Prévost, modifiée par Suess lui -même. En dépit de l’admiration dont il était l’objet , ce grand livre a été très peu lu. En conséquence la géologie a perdu près d’un demi-siècle jusqu’à l’invention de la tectonique des plaques en 1965. C’est en partie a cause de la façon dont Suess a écrit le livre qui rend la lecture très difficile. Ce qui suit n’est pas une biographie de Suess, mais un examen et une évaluation de son travail à l’occasion du centenaire de sa mort.
Developing a specialist-nurse-led ‘COPD in-reach service’
Authors: Cope Kathryn , Fowler Laura , Pogson Zara
Published: April 2015

Aim:

To develop and implement a respiratory clinical-nurse-specialist-led chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ‘in-reach service’ for an emergency admission unit within a large acute county hospital.

Method:

Data collected during the service development were compared with existing data when no COPD in-reach service was available. Data were compared on average length of stay, readmission rates, ‘early assisted discharge’ and patient experience.

Findings:

The COPD in-reach service reduced average length of stay for COPD patients by 2.53 days and readmission rates were reduced by an average of 4.5 per month; 17% of patients were discharged on an early assisted discharge scheme, and overall patients felt more prepared and ready for discharge.

Conclusion:

The COPD in-reach service has been proven to be of great benefit both financially and in terms of patient experience.
Holding children and young people: identifying a theory–practice gap
Authors: Page Andrea , McDonnell Andrew A
Published: April 2015

Holding practices are employed to help a child or young person stay still during the administration of treatments, prevent treatment interference or to undertake an examination, which can sometimes be invasive. The aim of this study was to explore assumptions and practices of holding to develop theories about teaching practices following Grounded Theory methodology for undergraduate nursing students, university lecturers and clinical mentors. The practice of therapeutic holding is often covert and not considered to be part of the treatment per se, which has led to concealment and a reticence to discuss practices openly. This study identified that there is variance in the experiences and practices. Prominent themes that emerged were a lack of clarity and lack of training. It appears that therapeutic holding practices have moved from being viewed as ‘uncontested’ (practice is not disputed) to ‘indifferent’ (where there is denial about this practice). These findings have serious implications for current practice and future training
The learning environment and learning styles: a guide for mentors
Authors: Vinales James Jude
Published: April 2015

The learning environment provides crucial exposure for the pre-registration nursing student. It is during this time that the student nurse develops his or her repertoire of skills, knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in order to meet competencies and gain registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The role of the mentor is vital within the learning environment for aspiring nurses. The learning environment is a fundamental platform for student learning, with mentors key to identifying what is conducive to learning. This article will consider the learning environment and learning styles, and how these two essential elements guide the mentor in making sure they are conducive to learning.
The NMC annual monitoring process and nurse education
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: April 2015

Professor Alan Glasper Professor Emeritus at the University of Southampton, discusses the Nursing and Midwifery Council annual monitoring process and how this protects the integrity of educational programmes, many of which lead to an annotation on the professional register
Implementing a new teaching and learning strategy for CVAD care
Authors: Kelly Linda J , Green Audrey , Hainey Karen
Published: April 2015

Background:

Central venous access devices (CVADs) are now a fundamental part of contemporary healthcare. Despite having many advantages, there are also complications associated with them. Evidence suggests that educating and training health professionals who maintain CVADs is essential for preventing such complications, however, the most effective approach for this training has not been evaluated.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine whether the introduction of an innovative educational intervention within a higher education institution (HEI) improved the confidence and knowledge of registered nurses dealing with CVADs.

Methods:

A survey design consisting of a self-completion questionnaire and open-ended questions was used.

Results:

This study demonstrated that nurses felt more confident following participation in the training. In addition, nurses discussed the advantages of training outside of the clinical setting as it provided them with a safe place to practise and gave them time to learn without interruption. The findings from this study suggest that the HEIs can provide an effective and safe environment for registered nurses to build confidence and knowledge in CVAD management.
Commissioning of Orthognathic Treatment in England
Authors: Hunt Nigel
Published: April 2015

The saga of the way in which commissioners of services have managed those patients requiring combined orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery can be described as disappointing but in reality it is shambolic.
Matters of Misogyny
Authors: Simmons Gerald
Published: April 2015

‘Boys will be boys’ is no defence for hatred and chauvinism
Care Pathways in Dentistry: A Personal View
Authors: Brunton Paul
Published: April 2015

The way that dental care is delivered in primary care and across into secondary care is undergoing significant change in England. This is largely being driven by an independent review of dental services and many different models of a pathway approach to providing dental care are being explored currently. 1 This work sits alongside and within the new contract pilots, which have been running very successfully now, for a number of years.
Policy Spotlight
Authors: Wrigley Catherine
Published: April 2015

This regular feature aims to provide key political news in relation to dentistry and an update of the Faculty’s policy activities. You can find out more in the policy and public affairs section on the FDS website.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the Arab world: Are We Facing an ‘Arab Spring’?
Authors: Baqain Zaid H , Algarni Bishi , Elarbi Mohamed
Published: April 2015

These are interesting times if you live in the Arab world; there is a fine line between the call for democratic change and destruction! The first and second world wars helped change the face of dental surgery in Europe, leading to the rebirth of the specialty as oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). Almost four decades ago, this specialty was born in the Arab countries. However, the past decade witnessed rapid evolution in the legislation, training and practice governing OMFS. In this article, we discuss the current situation for OMFS and look to the future in view of the changes taking place in the region.
Do We Forget to Treat Concussion?
Authors: Hammond Douglas , Davies David , Su Zhangjie
Published: April 2015

Although the absolute definition is often debated, concussion can be defined as a temporary disruption in normal brain function after a mechanical impact or transmission of force through cerebral tissue. A frequent misconception in the diagnosis is that an individual must have ‘lost consciousness’ to have become concussed; this is not the case. A temporary loss of function may be manifested as blurring of vision, confusion or unsteadiness.
Muddy Water or a Clear Horizon?
Authors: Ross Margaret
Published: April 2015

Dentistry has seen a number of radical changes in recent years, no more so than in relation to the role of dental care professionals. Several of these innovations were as a result of the Nuffield Foundation inquiry in 1993, which culminated in the publication of Education and Training of Personnel Auxiliary to Dentistry. 1 This visionary document encouraged flexibility in the delivery of dental care, suggesting that oral health needs of the population could be met by a variety of professionals, each possessing specific skills.
The Evolution of Dentists with Enhanced Skills
Authors: Rooney Eric
Published: April 2015

Although we think of the work on dentists with enhanced skills (DES) as a recent activity, the evolution of the concept has been going on since at least 2000. Both the Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP[UK]) and the Faculty of Dental Surgery have had their part to play in the story.
Standoff Detection of Highly Energetic Materials Using Laser-Induced Thermal Excitation of Infrared Emission
Authors: Galán-Freyle Nataly J. , Pacheco-Londõno Leonardo C. , Figueroa-Navedo Amanda M. , Hernandez-Rivera Samuel P.
Published: April 2015

A laser-mediated methodology for standoff infrared detection of threat chemicals is described in this article. Laser-induced thermal emissions (LITE) from vibrationally excited residue of highly energetic material (HEM) deposited on substrates were detected remotely. Telescope-based Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy measurements were carried out on substrates containing small amounts of HEM at surface concentrations of 5–200 μg/cm2. Target substrates of various thicknesses were heated remotely using a carbon dioxide laser, and their mid-infrared (mid-IR), thermally stimulated emission spectra were recorded after heating. The telescope was configured from reflective optical elements to minimize emission losses in the mid-IR frequencies. Spectral replicas were acquired at distances from 4 to 64 m using an FT-IR interferometer at 4 cm−1 resolution. The laser power, laser exposure times, and acquisition time of the FT-IR interferometer were adjusted to improve the detection and identification of samples. The advantages of increasing the thermal emission were easily observed in the results. The signal intensities were proportional to the thickness of the coated surface (a function of the surface concentration) as well as the laser power and laser exposure time. The limits of detection obtained for the HEM studied were 140–21 μg/cm2 at 4 m. Detection was achieved at 64 m for a surface concentration of 200 μg/cm2.
Thermal Stabilization of Dihydrofolate Reductase Using Monte Carlo Unfolding Simulations and Its Functional Consequences
Authors: Tian Jian , Woodard Jaie C. , Whitney Andrew , Shakhnovich Eugene I.
Published: April 2015

Design of proteins with desired thermal properties is important for scientific and biotechnological applications. Here we developed a theoretical approach to predict the effect of mutations on protein stability from non-equilibrium unfolding simulations. We establish a relative measure based on apparent simulated melting temperatures that is independent of simulation length and, under certain assumptions, proportional to equilibrium stability, and we justify this theoretical development with extensive simulations and experimental data. Using our new method based on all-atom Monte-Carlo unfolding simulations, we carried out a saturating mutagenesis of Dihydrofolate Reductase (DHFR), a key target of antibiotics and chemotherapeutic drugs. The method predicted more than 500 stabilizing mutations, several of which were selected for detailed computational and experimental analysis. We find a highly significant correlation of r = 0.65–0.68 between predicted and experimentally determined melting temperatures and unfolding denaturant concentrations for WT DHFR and 42 mutants. The correlation between energy of the native state and experimental denaturation temperature was much weaker, indicating the important role of entropy in protein stability. The most stabilizing point mutation was D27F, which is located in the active site of the protein, rendering it inactive. However for the rest of mutations outside of the active site we observed a weak yet statistically significant positive correlation between thermal stability and catalytic activity indicating the lack of a stability-activity tradeoff for DHFR. By combining stabilizing mutations predicted by our method, we created a highly stable catalytically active E. coli DHFR mutant with measured denaturation temperature 7.2°C higher than WT. Prediction results for DHFR and several other proteins indicate that computational approaches based on unfolding simulations are useful as a general technique to discover stabilizing mutations.
The shifting balance of power in Iraqi Kurdistan: The struggle for democracy with uninstitutionalized governance
Authors: Yoshioka Akiko
Published: April 2015

In September 2013 the fourth elections of the Kurdistan Parliament, a legislative assembly of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, were conducted. During the election campaigns, Kurdistan’s internal affairs dominated the public discussion entirely, reflecting the situation that the highly autonomous status was no longer challenged, even though the boundaries of the region were not settled with the Iraqi government. The two main political parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) had dominated the political order since the beginning of autonomy in the early 1990s; however, the election results in 2013 clearly showed that the bipartisan era was ending. The opposition Gorran surged to second in the elections and thereby became one of the leading parties in Kurdistan. The negotiation for the formation of the eighth Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) faced tremendous difficulties because the KRG has never been fully institutionalized as an administrative organization. Still under the strong influence of the two parties; this has caused friction since the basis of democracy is that power should rotate according to election results.
Double defiance and the diary’s generic boundaries: Nuha al-Radi’s chronicle of war and exile
Authors: Malak Amin
Published: April 2015

As the US-led coalition forces were bombing Baghdad in 1991, the prominent Iraqi ceramist Nuha al-Radi began writing a diary in English, which now represents, as a book titled Baghdad Diaries ([1998] 2003), a valuable document about what the ordinary civilians went through during a war in which they had no say. While the diary demonstrates the horrible human losses, material damages and environmental degradation inflicted by a savage war, it also reveals the fear of living under an oppressive dictatorial regime. The diary becomes a nuanced, carefully coded message, defying the double tyrannies of a genocidal, rogue regime that brutalizes its people and an arrogant superpower that so callously harms a helpless, hapless population. As well, al-Radi, with the prescience of an artist, anticipates the future horrors that befall Iraq after yet another war in 2003, launched by the same superpower. In this respect, I query Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s argument that ‘literature cannot predict, but it may prefigure’. Moreover, by exposing the hypocrisy and illogic of war and by organically extrapolating her own suffering during the war and in exile with the collective agonies of an entire nation, al-Radi expands the boundaries of the diary by transcending the solipsistic pitfalls with which the genre might tempt the diarist: she politicizes the hardships and emotions of the personal and endows the intimacy of the private with a public significations. The expansive contexts embracing Baghdad Diaries ([1998] 2003) thus demonstrate the genre’s validity, versatility and open possibilities.
Review Essay
Authors: Ismael Tareq Y.
Published: April 2015

A controversial page from the history of the Iraqi Communist Party

Âmir ‘Abd-ul-lah, Al-Nâr wa Marârat al-’Amal: FaS.l Sâkhin min FuS.ûl Al-H.arakah Al-Shiyû‘iyyah, H.usain Sha‘bân (2014) Baghdad: Mesopotamia Publishing House, 342 pp., ISBN: N/A, p/bk, $10USD
Review
Authors: Al-Soori Majid
Published: April 2015

Reconstructing IRAQ’s Budgetary Institutions, Coaltion State Building after Saddam, James D. Savage (2013) Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 287 pp., ISBN: 978107039476, h/bk; ISBN: 9781107678767, p/bk, $32.99
Importance of Choline as Essential Nutrient and Its Role in Prevention of Various Toxicities
Authors: Biswas Somava , Giri Sarbani
Published: April 2015

Choline is a water-soluble essential nutrient included as a member of the vitamin B12 group owing to its structural similarities with that of the other members of the group. Its roles and functions, however, extend much wider than that of the vitamins with which it is grouped. Choline is vital for maintenance of various key metabolic processes which play a role in the prevention or progression of various health impairments. The occurrence of diseases like neural tube defect (NTD) and Alzheimer’s is prevented by the metabolic role of choline. It is also indispensable for mitigation of various forms of toxic contamination. While adequate level of choline in the body is essential, an excess of choline can result in various forms of disorder. To maintain the optimal level of choline in the body can be a challenge. The vital roles played by choline together with the range of contradictions and problems that choline presents make choline an interesting area of study. This paper attempts to summarize and review some recent publications on choline that have opened up new prospect in understanding the multiple role played by choline and in throwing light on the role played by this wonder essential nutrient in mitigating various forms of toxic contamination.
Chicken and Rabbit Antibodies against Porcine Pepsinogen A
Authors: Kulhavá Lucie , Miarková Eva , Přikryl Petr , Hodek Petr , Tichá Marie , Kučerová Zdenka
Published: April 2015

Isolated porcine pepsinogen A was used for the preparation of polyclonal rabbit and polyclonal chicken anti-pepsinogen A antibodies. Immunochemical properties of both immunoglobulin fractions were compared. The rabbit anti-serum was further purified using immobilized porcine pepsinogen A on magnetic cellulose beads and the resulting anti-pepsinogen A fraction proved to be applicable for the separation and the determination of porcine pepsinogen A. In contrary, antibodies prepared from chicken eggs by the same way have been found not suitable for the evaluation of the pepsinogen A level. Unexpectedly, the pre-immune fraction of chicken antibodies showed reactivity against porcine pepsinogen A and the affinity separation of specific polyclonal chicken anti-pepsinogen A antibodies on immobilized porcine pepsinogen A did not result in an enrichment of anti-pepsinogen A antibodies.