bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Body Composition, Dietary Intake, and Physical Activity on Calcaneus Quantitative Ultrasound in Spanish Young Adults
Authors: Correa-Rodríguez María , Rio-Valle Jacqueline Schmidt , González-Jiménez Emilio , Rueda-Medina Blanca
Published: March 2016

Identifying modifiable factors that influence bone gain during early adulthood in order to maximize peak bone mass (PBM) is a potential primary strategy in the prevention of osteoporosis in later life. The present study examined the relationships between body composition, dietary intake and physical activity (PA), and bone health measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at the right calcaneus. The study population consisted of 781 Spanish men and women (age 19.1 ± 3.6). Body composition, dietary intake, PA, and bone strength were assessed. Calcaneus QUS was significantly correlated with age, height, weight, body mass index, lean mass, fat mass, protein intake, and moderate and high PA. No significant correlation between calcium intake and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA, dB/MHz) was detected. Linear regression analyses revealed that independent variables accounted for 18.8% of the total variance of calcaneus BUA ( p = .000). Lean mass and high PA were significant predictors of BUA variance in young adults ( p = .000 and p = .045, respectively). Results indicate that lifestyle choices and their consequences during early adulthood could influence bone mass, particularly PA and lean mass. Furthermore, this study provides novel data about bone mass as indicated by the QUS measurements at the time of PBM acquisition.
Development of a reduced tri-propylene glycol monomethyl ether–n-hexadecane–poly-aromatic hydrocarbon mechanism and its application for soot prediction
Authors: Park Seunghyun , Ra Youngchul , Reitz Rolf D , Pitz William J , Kurtz Eric
Published: March 2016

A reduced chemical kinetic mechanism for tri-propylene glycol monomethyl ether has been developed and applied to computational fluid dynamics calculations for predicting combustion and soot formation processes. The reduced tri-propylene glycol monomethyl ether mechanism was combined with a reduced n-hexadecane mechanism and a poly-aromatic hydrocarbon mechanism to investigate the effect of fuel oxygenation on combustion and soot emissions. The final version of the tri-propylene glycol monomethyl ether–n-hexadecane–poly-aromatic hydrocarbon mechanism consists of 144 species and 730 reactions and was validated with experiments in shock tubes as well as in a constant-volume spray combustion vessel from the Engine Combustion Network. The effects of ambient temperature, varying oxygen content in the tested fuels on ignition delay, spray lift-off length and soot formation under diesel-like conditions were analyzed and addressed using multidimensional reacting flow simulations and the reduced mechanism. The results show that the present reduced mechanism gives reliable predictions of the combustion characteristics and soot formation processes. In the constant-volume spray combustion vessel simulations, two important trends were identified. First, increasing the initial temperature in the constant-volume spray combustion vessel shortens the ignition delay and lift-off length and reduces the fuel–air mixing, thereby increasing the soot levels. Second, fuel oxygenation introduces more oxygen into the central region of a fuel jet and reduces residence times of fuel-rich area in active soot-forming regions, thereby reducing soot levels.
Salt-Dependent Aggregation and Assembly of E coli-Expressed Ferritin
Authors: Sun Wei , Jiao Chengfeng , Xiao Yue , Wang Luowei , Yu Cheng , Liu Jialin , Yu Yongli , Wang Liying
Published: March 2016

Ferritin, with the primary function of iron storage, is a nearly ubiquitous protein found in most living organisms. Our recent investigations suggest that ferritin can assemble nanoparticles. So we use ferritin as a novel type of delivery vehicle for recombinant epitope vaccines. And, we found that ferritin form nonnative aggregates depended sensitively on NaCl concentrations. Here, we report that ferritin is an ion-sensitive protein and has the attribute of salt-dependent aggregation. Our results indicate that recombinant ferritin can be released as a soluble form from Escherichia coli at low NaCl concentrations (≤50 mmol/L). Moreover, this result affords us to confirm a proper self-assembling solution for soluble ferritin or other ferritin-based fusion proteins to assemble nanoparticles.
Spinal nociceptive transmission by mechanical stimulation of bone marrow
Authors: Ishida Takashi , Tanaka Satoshi , Sekiguchi Takemi , Sugiyama Daisuke , Kawamata Mikito
Published: March 2016

Background

Since bone marrow receives innervation from A-delta and C-fibers and since an increase in intramedullary pressure in bone marrow may induce acute pain in orthopedic patients during surgery and chronic pain in patients with bone marrow edema, skeletal pain may partly originate from bone marrow. Intraosseous lesions, such as osteomyelitis and bone cancer, are also known to produce cutaneous hypersensitivity, which might be referred pain from bone. However, little is known about pain perception in bone marrow and referred pain induced by bone disease. Thus, we carried out an in vivo electrophysiological study and behavioral study to determine whether increased intraosseous pressure of the femur induces acute pain and whether increased intraosseous pressure induces referred pain in the corresponding receptive fields of the skin.

Results

Intraosseous balloon inflation caused spontaneous pain-related behavior and mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia in the lumbosacral region. Single neuronal activities of spinal dorsal horn neurons were extracellularly isolated, and then evoked responses to non-noxious and noxious cutaneous stimuli and intraosseous balloon inflation were recorded. Ninety-four spinal dorsal horn neurons, which had somatic receptive fields at the lower back and thigh, were obtained. Sixty-two percent of the wide-dynamic-range neurons (24/39) and 86% of the high-threshold neurons (12/14) responded to intraosseous balloon inflation, while none of the low-threshold neurons (0/41) responded to intraosseous balloon inflation. Spinally administered morphine (1 µg) abolished balloon inflation-induced spontaneous pain-related behavior and mechanical hyperalgesia in awake rats and also suppressed evoked activities of wide-dynamic-range neurons to noxious cutaneous stimulation and intraosseous balloon inflation.

Conclusions

The results suggest that mechanical stimulation to bone marrow produces nociception, concomitantly producing its referred pain in the corresponding skin fields. These mechanisms might contribute to pain caused by skeletal diseases.
Why do parents use the emergency department for minor injury and illness? A cross-sectional questionnaire
Authors: Ogilvie Sarah , Hopgood Katie , Higginson Ian , Ives Andrew , Smith Jason E
Published: March 2016

Objective

To understand decision-making when bringing a child to an emergency department.

Design

A cross-sectional survey of parents attending with children allocated a minor triage category.

Setting

Emergency department in South West England, serving 450,000 people per annum.

Participants

All English-speaking parents/caregivers whose children attended the emergency department and were triaged as minor injury/illness.

Main outcome measures

Parental and child characteristics, injury/illness characteristics, advice seeking behaviour, views regarding emergency department service improvement, GP access and determinants of emergency department use.

Results

In sum, 373 responses were analysed. The majority of attendances were for minor injury, although illness was more common in <4 year olds. Most presentations were within 4 h of injury/illness and parents typically sought advice before attending. Younger parents reported feeling more stressed. Parents of younger children perceived the injury/illness to be more serious, reporting greater levels of worry, stress, helplessness and upset and less confidence. Parents educated to a higher level were more likely to administer first-aid/medication. Around 40% did not seek advice prior to attending and typically these were parents aged <24 and parents of <1 year olds. The main determinants of use were: advised by someone other than a GP; perceived urgency; perceived appropriateness. The need for reassurance also featured.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that it is difficult for parents to determine whether their child’s symptoms reflect minor conditions. Efforts should focus on building parental confidence and self-help and be directed at parents of younger children and younger parents. This is in addition to appropriate minor injury/illness assessment and treatment services.
Book Review: R.V. Lesikar, M.E. Flatley, K. Rentz, P. Lentz, and N. Pande, Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World
Authors: Deepa S.
Published: March 2016

R.V. Lesikar, M.E. Flatley, K. Rentz, P. Lentz, and N. Pande, Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World (13th ed.), 2015, New Delhi: McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited, 772 pp. ISBN-13: 978-93-513-4296-0
Incidental Pleuroperitoneal Fold Malformation
Authors: Willson Thomas D. , Sambo Tracy E. , Fontaine Jacques Pierre , Connolly Mark M. , Podbielski Francis J.
Published: March 2016

Pleuroperitoneal fold abnormalities are thought to be responsible for congenital diaphragmatic hernias. It has also been theorized that pleuroperitoneal fold formation may indirectly result in ciliated foregut cysts by pinching off abnormal buds from the tracheobronchial tree. Although such abnormalities are typically recognized and corrected in infancy, their severity is variable. In some cases, pleuroperitoneal fold abnormalities persist and remain essentially asymptomatic into adulthood. We report a case of suspected pleuroperitoneal fold anomaly. The patient was found to have a thick membranous sac separate from the pleura covering the diaphragm without an associated hernia during thoracotomy for drainage of an unrelated empyema and lung abscess.
Enhancing the Empathic Connection: Using Action Methods to Understand Conflicts in End-of-Life Care
Authors: Tanzi Silvia , Biasco Guido , Baile Walter F.
Published: March 2016

Empathy is a core feature of patient-centered care. It enables practitioners to better understand the patient and family concerns that are key to patient and family satisfaction, prevention of anxiety and depression, and provider empowerment. Current methods of teaching communication skills do not specifically focus on enhancing the ability to “stand in the patient's shoes” as a way of connecting with the patient and/or family experience and understanding feelings that may be a source of conflict with providers. In this paper, we present a model for deepening empathic understanding based upon action methods (role-reversal and doubling) derived from psychodrama and sociodrama. We describe these techniques and illustrate how they can be used to identify hidden emotions and attitudes and reveal that which the patient and family member may be thinking or feeling but be afraid to say. Finally, we present data showing that these methods were valuable to participants in enhancing their professional experience and skills.
Isotropic and anisotropic velocity-model building for subsalt seismic imaging
Authors: Matava T. , Keys R. , Foster D. , Ashabranner D.
Published: March 2016

Basin simulators have been used previously for deriving subsalt velocity models with the use of a correlation to relate effective stress to velocity. We build on this, and the work of others, to use physical models to relate porosity to velocity for migrating seismic data. This process yields a physically realizable isotropic velocity model that is consistent with the geologic model and matches the tomographic velocity model above salt and in regions where the tomographic velocity estimate is accurate. We then use a geomechanical simulator to model the stress distribution in and around allochthonous salt where material properties between salt and sediment change. Our stress model is the basis for an anisotropic velocity model using Murnaghan's theory for finite elastic deformation. This formulation, with bounds placed on the elastic coefficients, leads to significant imaging improvements adjacent to salt.
Generating SEG Wiki articles to improve student geoscience content and literacy
Authors: Guertin Laura
Published: March 2016

From instructional tools to devices used in the laboratory or in the field to facilitate student interactivity and data collection, the use of technology in the higher-education geoscience classroom is not new. However, as the 2014 Summit on the Future of Undergraduate Geoscience Education stated in its summary report, the geoscience community has not fully embraced existing and emerging technologies to engage students that already are connected with digital information and tools. It is not that technology is viewed as an ineffective tool for teaching and learning, but that the pedagogic challenges lie in technology adoption and raising awareness of the educational impacts with individual faculty, as well as within departments. One opportunity to broaden student experience with technology is through a classroom assignment designed to utilize several technologies as tools to improve student geoscience content as well as overall science and information literacies. Challenging students to author a new “geology 101” article for the SEG Wiki addresses these components. In addition, an SEG Wiki article-authoring assignment serves as an opportunity for students to perform digital outreach by providing a reliable resource that can be used by geoscience professionals, K–16 teachers and students, and the general public. Through contributing to the SEG Wiki, students also satisfy a university's mission of service learning and engaged scholarship.
Third International Conference on Engineering Geophysics (ICEG)
Authors: Miller Rick
Published: March 2016

Hats off to the organizers of the third International Conference on Engineering Geophysics (ICEG) held 15–18 November 2015 in Al Ain, UAE. Once again, this group of local university, government, and society advocates for geophysics delivered an unrivaled conference experience to the global community of applied near-surface geophysicists. The success of the conference stems from blending an internationally renowned collection of geophysical researchers, practitioners, and regulators — representing a broad range of specialties — into a diverse and captivating technical program.
Reviews
Authors: Treitel Sven , Taylor Patrick
Published: March 2016

Seismic Exploration of Hydrocarbons in Heterogeneous Reservoirs: New Theories, Methods, and Applications, edited by Jing Ba, Qizhen Du, José M. Carcione, James Zhang, and Tobias Müller, ISBN 978-0-124-20151-4, 2015, Elsevier, 362 p., US$192 (print and eBook), US$160 (print), US$160 (eBook). Engineering Seismology with Applications to Geotechnical Engineering (SEG Investigations in Geophysics No. 17), by Öz Yilmaz, ISBN 978-1-560-80329-4, 2015, SEG, 949 p., US$199 (nonmember price), US$159 (member price), US$127.20 (student price).
Local Regeneration of Cortisol by 11β-HSD1 Contributes to Insulin Resistance of the Granulosa Cells in PCOS
Authors: Zhu Qinling , Zuo Rujuan , He Yaqiong , Wang Yuan , Chen Zi-jiang , Sun Yun , Sun Kang
Published: March 2016

Context:

Insulin resistance (IR) of the granulosa cells may account for the ovarian dysfunctions observed in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The underlying mechanism remains largely unresolved.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship of IR of the granulosa cells with cortisol in the follicular fluid and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (11β-HSD1 and -2) in the granulosa cells in PCOS.

Design:

Follicular fluid and granulosa cells were collected from non-PCOS and PCOS patients with and without IR to measure cortisol concentration and the amounts of 11β-HSD1 and -2, which were then correlated with IR status. The effects of cortisol on the expression of genes pertinent to IR were studied in cultured human granulosa cells.

Results:

Cortisol concentration in the follicular fluid, 11β-HSD1 but not 11β-HSD2 mRNA in the granulosa cells were significantly elevated in PCOS with IR. Increased reductase and decreased oxidase activities of 11β-HSD were observed in granulosa cells in PCOS with IR. In cultured granulosa cells, insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation was significantly attenuated by cortisol. Cortisol not only increased phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10, an inhibitor of Akt phosphorylation, but also 11β-HSD1 in the cells.

Conclusions:

Increased 11β-HSD1 expression and its reductase activity in granulosa cells are the major causes of increased cortisol concentration in the follicular fluid of PCOS with IR. The consequent excessive cortisol might contribute to IR of the granulosa cells in PCOS patients by attenuating Akt phosphorylation via induction of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 expression, which might be further exacerbated by the induction of 11β-HSD1.
A Dialectic of Forgetting: János Pilinszky and Ted Hughes
Authors: Rowland Antony
Published: March 2016

János Pilinszky's ruminations about trauma and memory struck a particular chord with Ted Hughes. At the same time as the Yorkshire poet was working on translations of Pilinszky's poetry with János Csokits in the early 1970s, he was writing two of his own collections that contain similar stylistics: Cave Birds, which he started in 1974, and Gaudete, which he worked on intensively in 1975. This synchronicity resulted in two collections that often read as if they were translations. I analyze Pilinszky poems such as “Unfinished Past” and “You Have Had to Suffer Wind and Cold” and extracts from Hughes's Cave Birds and Gaudete sequences in order to demonstrate the dialectic of influence between the two writers in the early 1970s, when, critics such as Neil Roberts argue, Hughes produced his best work.
Surface tension dominates insect flight on fluid interfaces
Authors: Mukundarajan Haripriya , Bardon Thibaut C. , Kim Dong Hyun , Prakash Manu
Published: March 2016

Flight on the 2D air–water interface, with body weight supported by surface tension, is a unique locomotion strategy well adapted for the environmental niche on the surface of water. Although previously described in aquatic insects like stoneflies, the biomechanics of interfacial flight has never been analysed. Here, we report interfacial flight as an adapted behaviour in waterlily beetles (Galerucella nymphaeae) which are also dexterous airborne fliers. We present the first quantitative biomechanical model of interfacial flight in insects, uncovering an intricate interplay of capillary, aerodynamic and neuromuscular forces. We show that waterlily beetles use their tarsal claws to attach themselves to the interface, via a fluid contact line pinned at the claw. We investigate the kinematics of interfacial flight trajectories using high-speed imaging and construct a mathematical model describing the flight dynamics. Our results show that non-linear surface tension forces make interfacial flight energetically expensive compared with airborne flight at the relatively high speeds characteristic of waterlily beetles, and cause chaotic dynamics to arise naturally in these regimes. We identify the crucial roles of capillary–gravity wave drag and oscillatory surface tension forces which dominate interfacial flight, showing that the air–water interface presents a radically modified force landscape for flapping wing flight compared with air.
Does the physiology of chondrichthyan fishes constrain their distribution in the deep sea?
Authors: Treberg Jason R. , Speers-Roesch Ben
Published: March 2016

The deep sea is the largest ecosystem on Earth but organisms living there must contend with high pressure, low temperature, darkness and scarce food. Chondrichthyan fishes (sharks and their relatives) are important consumers in most marine ecosystems but are uncommon deeper than 3000 m and exceedingly rare, or quite possibly absent, from the vast abyss (depths >4000 m). By contrast, teleost (bony) fishes are commonly found to depths of ∼8400 m. Why chondrichthyans are scarce at abyssal depths is a major biogeographical puzzle. Here, after outlining the depth-related physiological trends among chondrichthyans, we discuss several existing and new hypotheses that implicate unique physiological and biochemical characteristics of chondrichthyans as potential constraints on their depth distribution. We highlight three major, and not mutually exclusive, working hypotheses: (1) the urea-based osmoregulatory strategy of chondrichthyans might conflict with the interactive effects of low temperature and high pressure on protein and membrane function at great depth; (2) the reliance on lipid accumulation for buoyancy in chondrichthyans has a unique energetic cost, which might increasingly limit growth and reproductive output as food availability decreases with depth; (3) their osmoregulatory strategy may make chondrichthyans unusually nitrogen limited, a potential liability in the food-poor abyss. These hypotheses acting in concert could help to explain the scarcity of chondrichthyans at great depths: the mechanisms of the first hypothesis may place an absolute, pressure-related depth limit on physiological function, while the mechanisms of the second and third hypotheses may limit depth distribution by constraining performance in the oligotrophic abyss, in ways that preclude the establishment of viable populations or lead to competitive exclusion by teleosts.
Nudt3 is an mRNA decapping enzyme that modulates cell migration
Authors: Grudzien-Nogalska Ewa , Jiao Xinfu , Song Man-Gen , Hart Ronald P. , Kiledjian Megerditch
Published: March 2016

Removal of the 5′-end 7-methylguanosine cap structure is a critical step in the highly regulated process of mRNA decay. The Nudix hydrolase, Dcp2, was identified as a first decapping enzyme and subsequently shown to preferentially modulate stability of only a subset of mRNAs. This observation led to the hypothesis that mammalian cells possess multiple decapping enzymes that may function in distinct pathways. Here we report Nudt3 is a Nudix protein that possesses mRNA decapping activity in cells and is a modulator of MCF-7 breast cancer cell migration. Reduction of Nudt3 protein levels in MCF-7 cells promotes increased cell migration and corresponding enhanced filopodia extensions. Importantly, this phenotype was reversed by complementation with wild type, but not catalytically inactive Nudt3 protein indicating Nudt3 decapping activity normally functions to control cell migration. Genome-wide analysis of Nudt3 compromised cells identified elevated levels of transcripts involved in cell motility including integrin β6, lipocalin-2, and fibronectin. The observed increase in mRNA abundance was dependent on Nudt3 decapping activity where integrin β6 and lipocalin-2 were modulated directly through mRNA stability, while fibronectin was indirectly controlled. Moreover, increased cell migration observed in Nudt3 knockdown cells was mediated through the extracellular integrin β6 and fibronectin protein nexus. We conclude that Nudt3 is an mRNA decapping enzyme that orchestrates expression of a subset of mRNAs to modulate cell migration and further substantiates the existence of multiple decapping enzymes functioning in distinct cellular pathways in mammals.
The unfolded protein response and its potential role in Huntington's disease elucidated by a systems biology approach
Authors: Kalathur Ravi Kiran Reddy , Giner-Lamia Joaquin , Machado Susana , Barata Tania , Ayasolla Kameshwar R S , Futschik Matthias E.
Published: March 2016

Huntington ́s disease (HD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease with a fatal outcome. Although the disease-causing gene (huntingtin) has been known for over 20 years, the exact mechanisms leading to neuronal cell death are still controversial. One potential mechanism contributing to the massive loss of neurons observed in the brain of HD patients could be the unfolded protein response (UPR) activated by accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). As an adaptive response to counter-balance accumulation of un- or misfolded proteins, the UPR upregulates transcription of chaperones, temporarily attenuates new translation, and activates protein degradation via the proteasome. However, persistent ER stress and an activated UPR can also cause apoptotic cell death. Although different studies have indicated a role for the UPR in HD, the evidence remains inconclusive. Here, we present extensive bioinformatic analyses that revealed UPR activation in different experimental HD models based on transcriptomic data. Accordingly, we have identified 53 genes, including RAB5A, HMGB1, CTNNB1, DNM1, TUBB, TSG101, EEF2, DYNC1H1, SLC12A5, ATG5, AKT1, CASP7 and SYVN1 that provide a potential link between UPR and HD. To further elucidate the potential role of UPR as a disease-relevant process, we examined its connection to apoptosis based on molecular interaction data, and identified a set of 40 genes including ADD1, HSP90B1, IKBKB, IKBKG, RPS3A and LMNB1, which seem to be at the crossroads between these two important cellular processes. Remarkably, we also found strong correlation of UPR gene expression with the length of the polyglutamine tract of Huntingtin, which is a critical determinant of age of disease onset in human HD patients pointing to the UPR as a promising target for therapeutic intervention. The study is complemented by a newly developed web-portal called UPR-HD (http://uprhd.sysbiolab.eu) that enables visualization and interactive analysis of UPR-associated gene expression across various HD models.
Students-Physicists Informative Foreign Language Reading E-Learning
Authors: Святкина  , Svyatkina E.
Published: March 2016

The need of introduction the e-learning course “Academic skills” for the third

year students-physicists after their having completed a two-years compulsory

English course is substantiated in the article. The course contributes

to further communicative competence forming. It implies informative foreign

language reading skills development. This could allow engineering students

to better understand general and complex scientific notions while reading

articles on their future speciality. The author considers e-learning to be in

demand in our modern society and this form of getting education distantly is

regarded as most popular one successfully involved in educational milieu.

It is e-learning developed within INFOMEPHIST system based on Moodle

and having strong methodical, didactical and technical support that became

popular in National Research Nuclear University (Moscow Engineering

Physics Institute). The announced e-learning course is expected to be inserted

in the unique education environment of the University.
German Non-Verbal Language and Cross-Cultural Communication
Authors: Шапошников  , Shaposhnikov Vladimir
Published: March 2016

A review of the work of Dubinsky V. I. "Non-Verbal Language of

Germans" (Moscow: Infra-M, 2016)
Assistance to foster families of outside organizations: current state and trends
Authors: Иванова Ольга , Ivanova Olga
Published: March 2016

The article is devoted to the question of external assistance to foster families. While in an orphanage a child in

need of aid falls into the target audience of the activities of charities and other organizations. Orphanages are well

informed. There is a well-established system of interaction of orphanages with the guardianship and charitable

organizations. The hierarchy system of care for orphans allows, at the initiative of the teachers and administrative

staff, to cope with the problems associated with the pedagogical process in the child’s upbringing, with the status

of orphans residing at the institution. However, there may be problems in attracting external assistance: more

stringent are the requirements for those people who are willing to volunteer and work with children. When the child

releases into the foster care, his status changes, and foster parents are forced to decide difficult questions arise

concerning the health, education, further education, household needs, physical, psychological and socio-cultural

adaptation of the child. In blood family, the child is in the stages of preparation for independent living gradually.

Adoptive parents are forced into raising a child who already has social experience, and often negative. In the

public mind the question of assistance of various kinds, such a child is not as acute: there is a man who took upon

himself the authority of the care of the minor, this is his foster parent (foster parents). It is necessary to inform foster

parents about what funds are working with orphans; what is the target audience of the Fund, and how it can help

prepare a foster child for future life. In the article there is the possibility of application to various funds on solving

some of the problems, as well as for positive pedagogical effect of the process of obtaining external assistance. In

addition, the article provides an example of the activities of the Center foster families “Tenderness” in the village of

Vyritsa of the Leningrad region, which is a unique community of foster families, leading activities to foster children

and their preparation for future life through support.
«Great unidentified movement». Festivals in Volgograd as a tool of influence on the urban environment and development
Authors: Гафар Татьяна , Gafar Tatyana , Лисицкий Андрей , Lisitskiy Andrey
Published: March 2016

The article discusses the concept of the festival as a form of organizing regional cultural life and a subject of

cultural policy in the region, the current state of development of culture of Volgograd region. The authors present

expert opinion on the work done on research of the festival movement in the Volgograd region of 80s – 90s of the

XX century and now days. They examine not only festival practice, but the notion of the festival as a form of the

organizing regional cultural life and the subject of cultural policy in the region. The authors analyze the current

state of development of culture of the Volgograd region, the potential of cultural and symbolic resources of the region

for the increase of its attractiveness for tourists, creation of conditions for changes in the social and economic

situation in the region. There are comparative characteristics of socio-economic development of the Volgograd

region and neighboring regions. It considers problems of development and preservation of the intellectual potential

of the region. This article uses the materials of focus groups and in-depth interviews of organizers, idea creators,

participants and spectators of the festivals. The participants of the festival movement formulate goals and objectives

of the festivals, the conditions under which these festivals can become the factor of the region development.

This study is an attempt to systematize the practical experiments with a view to develop approaches for the creation

of the festival organization model as a form of territorial development with culture. The authors are experts in the

field of cultural studies with theoretical and practical experience of implementing social and cultural projects.

The article will be useful for office professionals and cultural managers, cultural specialists, potential authors of

projects in the sphere of culture.
The building blocks of Pupil Premium success
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: March 2016

Drawing on the work of more than 1,300 schools, new research into the Pupil Premium has identified the common successful strategies and the key ‘building blocks’ for their implementation. Dorothy Lepkowska reports
Character education: Assuring quality
Authors: Bawden Matt
Published: March 2016

Continuing his regular series exploring character education, Matt Bawden looks at the difficult area of how we can assure the quality and impact of character education
Engaging pedagogy
Authors: Sullivan Karen
Published: March 2016

As tempting as it can be to teach to the test, Karen Sullivan urges educators to reject this approach. She offers some alternative ideas based on research evidence
Tips for a healthy school
Authors: Cook Amy
Published: March 2016

Amy Cook suggests three ways your school community can get healthy and stay healthy this year
Give me just a little more time…
Authors: Stanley Julian
Published: March 2016

CPD is vital, but for too many teachers there is not enough time to focus on the professional learning they need, says Julian Stanley
Quality Improvement Initiative and Safety of Insulin Pen Usage in a Small Hospital
Authors: Klug Mikayla J. , Cady Kevin , Tate Janice , Rivey Michael P.
Published: March 2016

Background

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has stressed the need for hospitals to re-evaluate their methods of insulin delivery in an effort to minimize complications of insulin pen use. Improper use of insulin pens can lead to adverse effects, such as hypoglycemia or blood-borne infections.

Objective

This study was an American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) quality improvement activity focused on insulin pen safety in the hospital. The objective of this study was to improve insulin pen delivery and patient health and to reduce adverse effects related to insulin pen use. The purpose of the impact activity was to utilize pharmacist experts to evaluate processes related to the use of insulin pens within the hospital and then implement quality improvement efforts to address potential safety concerns.

Methods

Baseline and postintervention questionnaires were administered to all nursing personnel ( N = 400) to assess their analytical and procedural knowledge regarding insulin pen use and administration. Insulin administration observations and insulin pen storage and labeling audits were also conducted at the same time points in 3 patient care areas where insulin administration was common. Process improvements were made after the baseline data were collected.

Results

An overall improvement in insulin pen use was determined after implementation of the quality improvement plan. The greatest improvements were seen for insulin pen administration. The proper storage of insulin pens had 69% compliance at baseline that rose to 98% compliance post intervention, an improvement of 29% ( P < .01). Similarly, compliance with the return of insulin pens to proper storage areas increased by 16%, from 78% at baseline to 94% post intervention ( P < .05).

Conclusion

An improvement in insulin pen usage was promoted by a quality initiative in a small hospital setting. Periodic education about safety procedures along with yearly reviews for all nurses will improve the ongoing safety of insulin pen usage within the hospital.
Rolapitant
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Bindler Ross , Baker Danial E.
Published: March 2016

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. A drug class review is now published monthly with The Formulary Monograph Service. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, contact Wolters Kluwer customer service at 866-397-3433. The February 2016 monograph topics are mepolizumab, cobimetinib, glycopyrrolate, indacaterol/glycopyrrolate, and coagulation factor X (human). The Safety MUE is on mepolizumab.
US-Iran Relations: Issues, Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Nazir Hussain
Published: March 2016

The US-Iran relations are structurally conflictual since the Islamic Revolution in 19791. The animosity is imbedded in the US-hostage crisis, freezing of Iranian assets and differing views on the security architecture of the Middle East. Despite overtures to normalize the bilateral relations from both sides, many issues impede these positive developments. Although there is convergence of interests on many areas, a few events from the past decade like regional peace process, terrorism, and most importantly, Iranian nuclear controversy continue to impact and cast shadows on the bilateral relations. The domestic politics in both countries and the US regional allies, especially, Israel and Saudi Arabia are other major challenges to their unfettered relations. However, lately the geopolitical position of Iran in the changing regional security environment, the phenomenon of ‘Islamic State’ and the agreed framework for a comprehensive nuclear deal raise the likelihood for a detente between Iran and the United States.
Yemen Crisis and Pakistan: A Holistic Overview
Authors: Khalid Iqbal
Published: March 2016

Yemen crisis is the latest open-ended conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region after Iraq, Libya and Syria. Ensuing fissures may threaten the security of the Arab world as a whole—regimes as well as the people. Saudi Arabia intervened first and sought justification to its action later; this has set a dangerous precedence in international politics. Pakistani parliament's avoidance of a Saudi request to join the military action in Yemen has laid to rest a common perception that Pakistan is a rental state. Crisis has also brought forth the reality that keeping a balance in its relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran is Pakistan's strategic necessity. Pakistan government's handling of crisis was inadequate; while Pakistan's military engagement was still jockeying between emotionalism and pragmatism, the portion of the crisis relevant to Pakistan's military engagement was almost over.

As developments regarding Yemen continue to unfold on daily basis, this article covers events up to May 29, 2015.
Interaction of Galectin-3 Concentrations with the Treatment Effects of β-Blockers and RAS Blockade in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure: A Derivation-Validation Study from TIME-CHF and GISSI-HF
Authors: Wijk Sandra Sanders-van , Masson Serge , Milani Valentina , Rickenbacher Peter , Gorini Marco , Tavazzi Luigi T , Tobler Daniel , Rickli Hans , Latini Roberto , Brunner-La Roccaenen Hans-Peter ,   for the TIME-CHF Investigators and the GISSI-HF Investigators
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Galectin-3 predicts prognosis in heart failure (HF) and may help to select HF patients in need of intensified therapy.

METHODS

This retrospective post hoc analysis included 219 patients from the Trial of Intensified versus Standard Medical Therapy in Elderly Patients with Congestive Heart Failure (TIME-HF) and 631 patients from Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Insufficienza Cardiaca (GISSI-HF) with HF who had reduced ejection fraction and available galectin-3 plasma concentrations. The interaction between galectin-3, β-blockers, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade, and spironolactone on outcome was evaluated in TIME-CHF and validated in GISSI-HF. End points were all-cause mortality and the composite of mortality with HF hospitalization or any hospitalization.

RESULTS

High galectin-3 concentrations were associated with adverse outcome in both cohorts and remained significantly associated with death after multivariate adjustment [hazard ratio 2.42 (95% CI 1.17–5.01), P = 0.02, in TIME-CHF; 1.47 (1.02–2.10), P = 0.04, in GISSI-HF). In TIME-CHF, patients with low galectin-3 plasma concentrations had a better prognosis when β-blockers were up-titrated, whereas patients with high galectin-3 plasma concentrations did not (interaction P < 0.05 for mortality and death with or without hospitalization). Opposite trends were seen for RAS blockade but were not statistically significant. Patients with high galectin-3 plasma concentrations had neutral prognosis when receiving spironolactone, whereas patients with low galectin-3 plasma concentrations had worse prognosis when receiving spironolactone (interaction P < 0.10 for death with or without hospitalization). In the GISSI-HF validation cohort, these interactions were confirmed for β-blockers (P < 0.05 for all end points) and consistent for RAS blockade (P < 0.10 for death with or without hospitalization), but inconsistent for spironolactone.

CONCLUSIONS

Galectin-3 is a mediocre prognostic marker, and galectin-3 concentrations interact with the treatment effect of β-blockers and possibly RAS blockade in patients with systolic HF.
Screening Ethiopia: A preliminary study of the history and contemporary developments of film production in Ethiopia
Authors: Jedlowski Alessandro
Published: March 2016

Until recently, Ethiopian cinema has attracted little scholarly attention outside the country. Nevertheless, its history is rich and complex, and thanks to the introduction of digital technologies, film production is today booming. Almost 600 films have been released over the past ten years, a fifth of it only during 2013. Crowds of people queue in front of Addis Ababa’s theatre halls, waiting to buy entry tickets to the most recent local releases. And ambitious young artists spend their little economies trying to build a name for themselves in the upcoming local stardom. This article presents the preliminary results of an ongoing research on the Ethiopian video film industry in order to open up the field for further discussion and debate. It is divided into four sections, devoted respectively to the history of film-making in Ethiopia, to the contemporary video film industry’s economy, and to an overview of the main narrative and aesthetic trends that have appeared since the emergence of the new wave of film production.
A feminist approach to contemporary female Kenyan cinema: Women and nation in From a Whisper (Kahiu, 2008) and Something Necessary (Kibinge, 2013)
Authors: Giruzzi Clara
Published: March 2016

This article addresses depictions of women in relation to nation in two contemporary Kenyan films made by women: From a Whisper (Wanuri Kahiu, 2008) and Something Necessary (Judy Kibinge, 2013). The analysis of the films is located within the theoretical framework of African feminism. Using textual analysis as its main method, this article argues that these films convey an African feminist sensibility. This is revealed in the contextualised women’s issues that the films address, in their equalitarian representation of men and women as identifiable through their common humanity, and in their pacifist messages about conflict resolution and forgiveness. Moreover, this article intends to show that these films successfully tie the personal to the political, as individual stories of Kenyan women are intertwined with national events and post-trauma national reconstruction. Thus the films highlight the role of women in nation-building, to which the film-makers themselves contribute.
Ocorrência documentada de Formicivora grisea (Boddaert, 1783) (Aves: Thamnophilidae) na Área de Proteção Ambiental Delta do Parnaíba
Authors: Guzzi Anderson , Gomes Deimes Do Nascimento , Tavares Antonio Alves , Cardoso Cleiton Oliveira , Branco Mário Sérgio Duarte , Dos Santos Antonio Gildo Soares
Published: March 2016

Formicivora grisea (Boddaert, 1783) (Aves: Thamnophilidae), popularly known as white–fringed antwren, is a common species in Brazil, occurring from the Amazon to eastern part of this country, living in the edges of wet and dry forests, secondary forest, capoeira and Restinga Forest, Caatinga Forest and secondary forest. This study presents a documented record and ringing of two individuals of this species on the coast of Piauí. The specimens, a female and a male, were captured with mist nets during sampling effort on a Restinga area with elements of Cerrado and Caatinga the aim of the avifauna characterization and inventory on the ecosystem situated near the International Airport of Parnaíba, Piauí, on 12/IX/2010..
Restoration of bronze bushes by the method of surface plastic deformation
Authors: Igor Vasilevish Sepelenko , Warouma Arifa , Vitalii Vasilevish Sherkun
Published: March 2016

The restoration cost for agricultural machinery parts systematically influences on that of agricultural production. Hence the need to find the most effective and less expensive methods for repairing these parts. The bushes of the connecting rods of internal combustion engines are among the parts that wear out quickly and are made with expensive and deficient bronzes. The technical equipment used consists a worn out bushes of bronze treated by various methods, a vibro-rolling device, deformation software, a profilograph-profilometer, a microscope, and a machine of friction. In order to analyze the performance of the bushes of the connecting rods of internal combustion engines resulting from various treatments, the following parameters were determined: the height of the micro-relief elements, the absorption and the surface oil retention force, the optimum support surface, the wear and the wear intensity, the temperature of the friction area and the duration of the running-in period. The vibro-rolling followed by the deformation by broaching increases oil retention force from 1.8 to 2 times, and the wear resistance from 1.86 to 3.45 times as compared with the traditional technology. This new technology can be used for the restoration of the bushes of the connecting rods of internal combustion engines.
Analysis of the Saxicolous Lichen Communities in Măcin Mountains National Park
Authors: Fodor Ecaterina
Published: March 2016

The assemblage of saxicolous lichenized fungal communities in Măcin Mountains National Park was assessed during a biodiversity study developed between 2006 and 2008. Fifty three species of saxicolous lichenized fungi were identified on Hercynic granites and granitoid outcrops characterized by intense weathering process. Apparently, competition was not the main mechanism in community assemblage as calculated C score showed (non-significant difference between mean calculated and simulated score). Niche overlap assessment showed that lichens avoided competition by spatial niche partition (mean Pianka index of 0.07 for sampling quadrats and 0.20 for locations). The estimation of nestedness index (N=0.63 at local scale and N=0.88 at sampling quadrat scale) indicated that local communities were subsets of a larger, regional scale metacommunity. Similarities in community composition across locations were assessed by means of Ward algorithm, results indicating that the most dissimilar communities were encountered at Pietrele Mariei, a residual inselberg and Suluc foothill. Conservation of saxicolous communities containing endangered species such as Umbilicaria grisea, critically endangered Ramalina obtusata and vulnerable Acrocordia gemmata, Pertusaria hemisphaerica, Pertusaria pertusa will be challenged in the future by anthropogenic impact coming from agriculture, sheep grazing and quarries operating in the proximity of the reserve area.