bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal Progesterone Programs Adult Uterine Responses to Progesterone and Susceptibility to Uterine Dysfunction
Authors: Dhakal Pramod , Rumi M. A. Karim , Kubota Kaiyu , Chakraborty Damayanti , Chien Jeremy , Roby Katherine F. , Soares Michael J.
Published: July 2015

In this report, we investigated the consequences of neonatal progesterone exposure on adult rat uterine function. Female pups were subcutaneously injected with vehicle or progesterone from postnatal days 3 to 9. Early progesterone exposure affected endometrial gland biogenesis, puberty, decidualization, and fertility. Because decidualization and pregnancy success are directly linked to progesterone action on the uterus, we investigated the responsiveness of the adult uterus to progesterone. We first identified progesterone-dependent uterine gene expression using RNA sequencing and quantitative RT-PCR in Holtzman Sprague-Dawley rats and progesterone-resistant Brown Norway rats. The impact of neonatal progesterone treatment on adult uterine progesterone responsiveness was next investigated using quantitative RT-PCR. Progesterone resistance affected the spectrum and total number of progesterone-responsive genes and the magnitude of uterine responses for a subset of progesterone targets. Several progesterone-responsive genes in adult uterus exhibited significantly dampened responses in neonatally progesterone-treated females compared with those of vehicle-treated controls, whereas other progesterone-responsive transcripts did not differ between female rats exposed to vehicle or progesterone as neonates. The organizational actions of progesterone on the uterus were dependent on signaling through the progesterone receptor but not estrogen receptor 1. To summarize, neonatal progesterone exposure leads to disturbances in endometrial gland biogenesis, progesterone resistance, and uterine dysfunction. Neonatal progesterone effectively programs adult uterine responsiveness to progesterone.
Bioenergetic Analysis of Single Pancreatic β-Cells Indicates an Impaired Metabolic Signature in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Gerencser Akos A.
Published: July 2015

Impaired activation of mitochondrial energy metabolism by glucose has been demonstrated in type 2 diabetic β-cells. The cause of this dysfunction is unknown. The aim of this study was to identify segments of energy metabolism with normal or with altered function in human type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔψM), and its response to glucose, is the main driver of mitochondrial ATP synthesis and is hence a central mediator of glucose-induced insulin secretion, but its quantitative determination in β-cells from human donors has not been attempted, due to limitations in assay technology. Here, novel fluorescence microscopic assays are exploited to quantify ΔψM and its response to glucose and other secretagogues in β-cells of dispersed pancreatic islet cells from 4 normal and 3 type 2 diabetic organ donors. Mitochondrial volume densities and the magnitude of ΔψM in low glucose were not consistently altered in diabetic β-cells. However, ΔψM was consistently less responsive to elevation of glucose concentration, whereas the decreased response was not observed with metabolizable secretagogue mixtures that feed directly into the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Single-cell analysis of the heterogeneous responses to metabolizable secretagogues indicated no dysfunction in relaying ΔψM hyperpolarization to plasma membrane potential depolarization in diabetic β-cells. ΔψM of diabetic β-cells was distinctly responsive to acute inhibition of ATP synthesis during glucose stimulation. It is concluded that the mechanistic deficit in glucose-induced insulin secretion and mitochondrial hyperpolarization of diabetic human β-cells is located upstream of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and manifests in dampening the control of ΔψM by glucose metabolism.
On the Acceleration of the Multi-Level Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Debrabant Kristian , Röβler Andreas
Published: July 2015

The multi-level Monte Carlo method proposed by Giles (2008) approximates the expectation of some functionals applied to a stochastic process with optimal order of convergence for the mean-square error. In this paper a modified multi-level Monte Carlo estimator is proposed with significantly reduced computational costs. As the main result, it is proved that the modified estimator reduces the computational costs asymptotically by a factor (p / α)2 if weak approximation methods of orders α and p are applied in the case of computational costs growing with the same order as the variances decay.
On the Behaviour of the Backward Interpretation of Feynman-Kac Formulae Under Verifiable Conditions
Authors: Jasra Ajay
Published: July 2015

We consider the time behaviour associated to the sequential Monte Carlo estimate of the backward interpretation of Feynman-Kac formulae. This is particularly of interest in the context of performing smoothing for hidden Markov models. We prove a central limit theorem under weaker assumptions than adopted in the literature. We then show that the associated asymptotic variance expression for additive functionals grows at most linearly in time under hypotheses that are weaker than those currently existing in the literature. The assumptions are verified for some hidden Markov models.
New Results on a Generalized Coupon Collector Problem Using Markov Chains
Authors: Anceaume Emmanuelle , Busnel Yann , Sericola Bruno
Published: July 2015

In this paper we study a generalized coupon collector problem, which consists of determining the distribution and the moments of the time needed to collect a given number of distinct coupons that are drawn from a set of coupons with an arbitrary probability distribution. We suppose that a special coupon called the null coupon can be drawn but never belongs to any collection. In this context, we obtain expressions for the distribution and the moments of this time. We also prove that the almost-uniform distribution, for which all the nonnull coupons have the same drawing probability, is the distribution which minimizes the expected time to obtain a fixed subset of distinct coupons. This optimization result is extended to the complementary distribution of the time needed to obtain the full collection, proving by the way this well-known conjecture. Finally, we propose a new conjecture which expresses the fact that the almost-uniform distribution should minimize the complementary distribution of the time needed to obtain any fixed number of distinct coupons.
Algorithms and Formulae for Conversion Between System Signatures and Reliability Functions
Authors: Marichal Jean-Luc
Published: July 2015

The concept of a signature is a useful tool in the analysis of semicoherent systems with continuous, and independent and identically distributed component lifetimes, especially for the comparison of different system designs and the computation of the system reliability. For such systems, we provide conversion formulae between the signature and the reliability function through the corresponding vector of dominations and we derive efficient algorithms for the computation of any of these concepts from any other. We also show how the signature can be easily computed from the reliability function via basic manipulations such as differentiation, coefficient extraction, and integration.
The Kruskal-Katona Theorem and a Characterization of System Signatures
Authors: D'Andrea Alessandro , De Sanctis Luca
Published: July 2015

We show how to determine if a given vector can be the signature of a system on a finite number of components and, if so, exhibit such a system in terms of its structure function. The method employs combinatorial results from the theory of (finite) simplicial complexes, and provides a full characterization of signature vectors using a theorem of Kruskal (1963) and Katona (1968). We also show how the same approach can provide new combinatorial proofs of further results, e.g. that the signature vector of a system cannot have isolated zeroes. Finally, we prove that a signature with all nonzero entries must be a uniform distribution.
Computational Inference Beyond Kingman's Coalescent
Authors: Koskela Jere , Jenkins Paul , Spanò Dario
Published: July 2015

Full likelihood inference under Kingman's coalescent is a computationally challenging problem to which importance sampling (IS) and the product of approximate conditionals (PAC) methods have been applied successfully. Both methods can be expressed in terms of families of intractable conditional sampling distributions (CSDs), and rely on principled approximations for accurate inference. Recently, more general Λ- and Ξ-coalescents have been observed to provide better modelling fits to some genetic data sets. We derive families of approximate CSDs for finite sites Λ- and Ξ-coalescents, and use them to obtain ‘approximately optimal’ IS and PAC algorithms for Λ-coalescents, yielding substantial gains in efficiency over existing methods.
A Stochastic Failure Model with Dependent Competing Risks and its Applications to Condition-Based Maintenance
Authors: Cha Ji Hwan , Castro Inma T.
Published: July 2015

In this paper a stochastic failure model for a system with stochastically dependent competing failures is analyzed. The system is subject to two types of failure: degradation failure and catastrophic failure. Both types of failure share an initial common source: an external shock process. This implies that they are stochastically dependent. In our developments of the model, the type of dependency between the two kinds of failure will be characterized. Conditional properties of the two competing risks are also investigated. These properties are the fundamental basis for the development of the maintenance strategy studied in this paper. Considering this maintenance strategy, the long-run average cost rate is derived and the optimal maintenance policy is discussed.
Sticky Continuous Processes have Consistent Price Systems
Authors: Bender Christian , Pakkanen Mikko S. , Sayit Hasanjan
Published: July 2015

Under proportional transaction costs, a price process is said to have a consistent price system, if there is a semimartingale with an equivalent martingale measure that evolves within the bid-ask spread. We show that a continuous, multi-asset price process has a consistent price system, under arbitrarily small proportional transaction costs, if it satisfies a natural multi-dimensional generalization of the stickiness condition introduced by Guasoni (2006).
Sensorimotor learning deficits observed in children with sports-related concussion
Authors: Wang Jinsung , Thomas Danny , Cho Young Ik
Published: July 2015

Mild traumatic brain injury, commonly known as concussion, occurs frequently in children while playing sports. Whereas the negative impact of sport-related concussions on cognitive function is well known, the effects of concussions on sensorimotor function, especially in children, remain largely unknown. In this observational/case study, we investigated the association between neurocognitive function, assessed using a trail making test, and sensorimotor function, assessed using a visuomotor adaptation task, in three children who suffered from a concussion while playing sports. For the trail making test, children drew lines to connect numbers and letters alternately on a page. For the visuomotor adaptation task, children performed targeted reaching movements repeatedly under a novel visuomotor condition in which the visual display of reaching movements was rotated 30 degrees about the start position. Their neurocognitive and visuomotor performances were compared to those obtained from three children without a concussion. Results showed that only one of the three concussed children showed a score from the trail making test that was worse than the scores obtained from control subjects. However, the pattern of visuomotor adaptation observed in the concussed children was different from that observed in the control subjects in several ways. These data indicate that the concussed children may have some deficits in terms of their sensorimotor function as compared to the control subjects. Our findings provide preliminary data that suggest that children with concussion may have sensorimotor impairments even when they do not seem to have neurocognitive impairments.
Hermitian matrix inversion algorithm
Authors: Zvezdina Marina Yuryevna , Komova Olga Valeryevna , Shatskiy Nikolay Valentinovich , Shokov Andrey Victorovich
Published: July 2015

The work objective is speeding the covariance matrix converter of the adaptive antenna array interference by reducing the number of operations performed. A problem of developing an aprior information inversion algorithm relying on the Hermitian nature of the reversible matrix is considered. The proposed algorithm is based on a bordering method in contrast to the well-known algorithms based on method of Gaussian-Jordan elimination. Because of complexity and a large operation number, Gaussian-Jordan method does not allow realizing the real time signal processing in computing systems of the adaptive antenna arrays that are widely used in communication, radiolocation, and radio navigation systems. The proposed algorithm extends a well-known bordering method by taking into account Hermitian nature of the covariance interference matrix, and allows developing an algorithm based on the recursive relations. An obtained gain in amount of calculation is no less than 25% comparing to the method of Gaussian-Jordan elimination. The calculation amount decrease and a more simple form of relations used for the matrix inversion algorithm elaboration allow developing a more simple design of the adaptive antenna array processor for the matrix inversion.
Bionic search for transportation problem solution on the basis of adaptation strategy
Authors: Chernyshev Yury Olegovich , Poluyan Anna Yuryevna , Panasenko Pavel Alexandrovich , Paskevich Denis Yuryevich
Published: July 2015

The development of methods and algorithms for solving a routing problem is being implemented over the years, but it is still a topical problem. This is, primarily, due to the fact that this problem is NP-complete, and to develop a universal algorithm for finding an exact optimal solution during a reasonable time is difficult. In this regard, in order to reduce the algorithm time complexity (ATC), the development of sequential and parallel bionic algorithms for solving the transportation problems based on the evolutionary strategies is prospective. The bionic algorithms (BA) have proved their efficiency at the solution of the time-consuming tasks of optimization, approximation, and intellectual data processing. Benefits include the possibility to perform the genetic and evolutionary search, as well as the fact that BA consist in parallel generation of the quasioptimal alternative decision sets with possible "migration" of decisions between these sets. Schemes that differ from the known ones in the outlining structure and recording the parameter variation are proposed for the bionic search simulation. The investigation of the developed bionic algorithms for solving transportation problems show the advantage in the solution quality compared to the known methods. The developed algorithms allow obtaining a set of alternative quasioptimal results with the polynomial time complexity. The transformation of the population size during the transition from one iteration to another in the process of the bionic algorithm operation is presented.
Reliability process methodology of the centrifugal rotary machining in the medium of steel balls
Authors: Kazakov Denis Vladimirovich
Published: July 2015

The research results on improving reliability of the finishing-strengthening centrifugal rotary processing are presented. The research subject is the formation of the finishing and strengthening centrifugal rotary processing (FS CRP) reliability provided by a reasonable coupling of the technological modes and operating environment characteristics. The research objective is to improve efficiency and reliability of the finishing-hardening centrifugal rotary processing with studying the arising failures based on the development of a set of the adequate theoretical processing patterns. The refined theoretical patterns of the finished part surface layer indices forming - the extent and depth of hardening, are obtained. The analytical forecasting methodology of the finishing-hardening centrifugal rotary processing reliability with the following parameters: the coefficient of the instantaneous scattering of the controlled variable, the offset coefficient of the controlled variable, and the coefficient of the process marginal accuracy, is developed. It is established that the FS CRP process provides obtaining the required parameters of the workpiece surface quality under the processing within the tolerance values in a certain range of the technological mode change and the operating environment characteristics. The design technique for the FS CRP processes with allowance for their reliability is developed.
Parametric analysis of straw wad destroyer
Authors: Yermolyev Yury Ivanovich , Doroshenko Artem Alexandrovich , Ivashchenko Igor Аlexandrovich , Fomenko Roman Evgenyevich
Published: July 2015

The research subject is an analytical modeling and multivariate analysis of the straw wad destruction by the cutting cylinder with radial fingers and a horizontal axis of rotation. The work objective is the detection of regularities for straw wad destruction under the geometric and kinematic parameter variation of the gear for wad breaking. The research objective is the impact assessment of the geometric parameters, composition and kinematics of the straw wad destroyer on its performance indices. The investigative technique is an analytical modeling. The effect of the fingers length, their number, cylinder chopper rotation velocity, its arrangement in respect to the straw wad, straw wad conveyorized infeed on the straw wad destruction process is estimated. It is found how the factors considered and their parameters affect the direction and range of the culm ejection from the drum destroyer fingers taking into account how the flying straws hit the next element of the operative parts system. The spatial arrangement rationality of the drum destroyer, its geometric and kinematic parameters for the processing properties of straw bales, and the specified variability interval of the performance values of the technological device is preevaluated. It is established that the process of bale destruction, the movement of straws on the fingers, and the trajectory of their movement in the air, depends significantly on the operating width of the finger gripping the straw wad.
Integration of Reliability Concept into Soil Tillage Machine Design
Authors: Kharmanda Ghias , Antypas Imad
Published: July 2015

The main interest of designers is not only to determine the amplitudes of tillage forces but also the type of their distributions under different soil mechanical properties with object of achieving reliable designs. Whereas, the deterministic design approach consists in achieving designs without considering the randomness of the design parameters that may lead to non reliable designs. In this work, we establish a statistical study on the randomness of the soil properties in collaboration with Cranfield University. This new study can be considered as a useful database for agricultural equipment design fields. Here, we take into account the uncertainties of soil mechanical properties that have big effects on tillage forces. The tillage forces are calculated in accordance with analytical model of McKyes and Ali with some modifications to include the effect of both soil-metal adhesion and tool speed. The distributions of soil-tool forces are next established to design soil tillage equipments such as shank chisel plow. The reliability index is then calculated using two deferent methods (Monte Carlo method and Hasofer and Lind approach). The Hasofer and Lind approach provides the structural reliability level with a low computing time relative to the Monte Carlo approach
Approach to the problem of choice of the adjustable harvester parameter values based on fuzzy modeling
Authors: Borisova Lyudmila Victorovna , Nurutdinova Inna Nikolayevna , Dimitrov Valery Petrovich
Published: July 2015

A problem of selecting the controlled parameter values of the combine harvester work tools is considered. Models describing the harvesting quality factor dependencies of the external agents are analyzed. The need of a new approach to modeling the technological adjustment process of the harvester in the field which takes into account the fuzzy information on the environmental factors, its approximate character, as well as an expert method of generating information, is justified. To describe the environmental factors and the performance indices, linguistic variables are introduced, their membership functions are developed, and production rules are formulated. The fuzzy inference process is illustrated by an example of selecting the beater rate speed. A knowledgebase and an inference engine that form the expert system basis are created. The use of such a system in the field allows reducing the process downtime and crop waste. A practical implementation of the developed model is the creation of the software for the automated problem solution of the technological adjustment of the harvester in the field.
Following Doctors’ Orders: Organizational Change as a Response to Human Capital Bargaining Power
Authors: Brown Jill A. , Gianiodis Peter T. , Santoro Michael D.
Published: July 2015

Organizational change is facilitated by both internal and external factors, yet little is known about how they might be linked. Through a case study of one hospital’s change from a nonprofit to a nonprofit/for-profit organizational structure, we find that human capital bargaining power is a key mechanism that integrates internal and external drivers of change. However, a paradox surfaces whereby the strength of the bargaining power can force structural changes that may be counterproductive. Our results show that human capital bargaining power is a “double-edged sword,” shifting the governance structure to benefit those with power by providing additional rents, but creating challenges for the ongoing management and retention of such valuable human capital. Our findings have implications for the long-term survival of talent-intensive organizations where human capital bargaining power is strong.
Alliance Experience and Governance Flexibility
Authors: Lee Jongkuk , Hoetker Glenn , Qualls William
Published: July 2015

Prior work has mapped the transaction at the heart of an alliance to the risks of opportunism inherent in that alliance and, ultimately, to how the alliance is structured and governed. We extend this approach by noting that the parties in an alliance do not necessarily perceive the same hazards as predominant and thus may have different preferences for how the alliance is structured. Nevertheless, it is in each party’s best interest to find a structure that protects its interests, while also allowing its partner to protect its interests sufficiently. Drawing from the alliance management capabilities literature, we argue that firms with more alliance experience are better able to protect their interests under any given alliance structure, making the choice of structure less consequential to them. The resulting governance versatility provides a competitive advantage by enabling firms to form advantageous alliances that are less available to inexperienced competitors. Our study of innovative alliances in biopharmaceutical industry lends support to the hypotheses, allowing us to advance the literature on governance choice in alliances, the literature on alliance management, and their intersection.
International Search Behavior of Business Group Affiliated Firms: Scope of Institutional Changes and Intragroup Heterogeneity
Authors: Gubbi Sathyajit R. , Aulakh Preet S. , Ray Sougata
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates whether and when affiliation to business groups enables or constrains firms’ international search behavior during institutional transitions. We theorize that given the unique structure and complex form of business group organizations, the search behavior of affiliated firms is influenced by the degree of (mis)alignment in outlook at the group and affiliate levels of management. We identify the scope of institutional changes, business group attributes, and affiliate characteristics as sources of such (mis)alignment. The results from panel data on 298 firms from the Indian pharmaceutical industry for the 1992–2007 period show that the constraining effects of business group affiliation are observed only when institutional changes are specific to the affiliates’ industry and not when broad institutional changes affect the business group as a whole. Moreover, we observe heterogeneity in the search behavior of group affiliated firms. First, the degree of misalignment is greater in the case of affiliates belonging to older business groups and those that are more distant in terms of age and industry since the group’s founding. Second, by contrast and suggesting an alignment in outlook, we find that affiliated firms that occupy a prominent position within a group or industry are able to bargain for and receive attention and support from the business group to undertake international search. Our findings have implications for research on the role of business groups in a changing institutional context and for the strategic adaptation of firms embedded in complex organizational and institutional settings.
A Linear Dynamic Model for Driving Behavior in Car Following
Authors: Pariota Luigi , Bifulco Gennaro Nicola , Brackstone Mark
Published: July 2015

In this paper a car-following model is formulated as a time-continuous dynamic process, depending on two parameters and two inputs. One of these inputs is the follower’s desired equilibrium spacing, assumed to exist and to be known. Another input is the speed of the lead vehicle. Given the formulation of the model, the contribution of these two inputs is separable from an analytical point of view. The proposed model is simple enough (whereas not being simplistic) to support real-time applications in the field of advanced driving assistance systems. Starting from the equilibrium spacing, it is possible to estimate the parameters of the model, allowing for a full identification procedure. The modeling framework was prevalidated against observed data from two different data sets, collected by means of two instrumented vehicles in independent experiments, carried out in Italy and the United Kingdom. The validation proved that the proposed car-following model gives good results not only around the desired equilibrium spacing but also in general car-following conditions. The experimental data sets are discussed in terms of parameter values as well as performance of the dynamic process against observed data.
Nurses in independent care homes: issues, challenges and potential
Authors: Morris-Thompson Trish , Marks-Maran Diane
Published: July 2015

Many registered nurses in the UK work in the social care sector in independent care homes and nursing homes. This article explores the challenges related to providing nursing care for adults in care homes, issues arising for nurses and nursing in the social care sector, and providing a career pathway for nurses in the social care sector. Steps need to be taken to ensure that cooperation, collaboration and leadership in nursing in the social care sector is recognised and that appropriate representation of nurses in social care takes place at national level.
Coping with patient suicide and psychological debrief for nurses
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: July 2015

In this monthly column, Aysha Mendes considers the experience of caring for patients who take their own lives, and the impact this can have on the individual providing the care
Taking a global comparative view of patient safety and care quality
Authors: Tingle John
Published: July 2015

John Tingle argues that when discussing patient safety and health quality issues, taking a comparative, world-view approach can often yield a number of valuable and important benefits. In this two-part series, he discusses some key patient-safety and health-quality publications from organisations across the world
Effectiveness of electrocardiographic guidance in CVAD tip placement
Authors: Walker Graham , Alexandrou Evan , Rickard Claire M , Chan Raymond J , Webster Joan
Published: July 2015

Background:

International standard practice for the correct confirmation of the central venous access device is the chest X-ray. The intracavitary electrocardiogram-based insertion method is radiation-free, and allows real-time placement verification, providing immediate treatment and reduced requirement for post-procedural repositioning.

Methods:

Relevant databases were searched for prospective randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi RCTs that compared the effectiveness of electrocardiogram-guided catheter tip positioning with placement using surface-anatomy-guided insertion plus chest X-ray confirmation. The primary outcome was accurate catheter tip placement. Secondary outcomes included complications, patient satisfaction and costs.

Results:

Five studies involving 729 participants were included. Electrocardiogram-guided insertion was more accurate than surface anatomy guided insertion (odds ratio: 8.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38; 50.07; p=0.02). There was a lack of reporting on complications, patient satisfaction and costs.

Conclusion:

The evidence suggests that intracavitary electrocardiogram-based positioning is superior to surface-anatomy-guided positioning of central venous access devices, leading to significantly more successful placements. This technique could potentially remove the requirement for post-procedural chest X-ray, especially during peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line insertion.
Hospice nurses' views on single nurse administration of controlled drugs
Authors: Taylor Vanessa , Middleton-Green Laura , Carding Sally , Perkins Paul
Published: July 2015

Background:

The involvement of two nurses to dispense and administer controlled drugs is routine practice in most clinical areas despite there being no legal or evidence-based rationale. Indeed, evidence suggests this practice enhances neither safety nor care. Registered nurses at two hospices agreed to change practice to single nurse dispensing and administration of controlled drugs (SNAD). Participants' views on SNAD were evaluated before and after implementation. The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of nurses who had implemented SNAD and to identify the views and concerns of those who had not yet experienced SNAD.

Method:

Data was obtained through semi-structured interviews.

Results:

Qualitative thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified three key themes: practice to enhance patient benefit and care; practice to enhance nursing care and satisfaction; and practice to enhance organisational safety.

Conclusion:

The findings have implications for the understanding of influences on medicines safety in clinical practice and for hospice policy makers.
The development and history of the paramedic profession in Israel
Authors: Wacht Oren , Schwartz Dagan , Miller Rami
Published: July 2015

The paramedic profession in Israel was established in 1979 by Dr Nancy Caroline, medical director of the national emergency medical services (EMS) system, Magen David Adom. Since its establishment the profession has developed considerably and paramedics are currently at the frontier of pre-hospital emergency care in Israel.

This article looks at the evolution of the paramedic profession in Israel, considering the introduction of mobile intensive care units and the paramedic's ever changing role in the provision of pre-hospital care.
Prioritising the development of paramedic students’ interpersonal skills
Authors: Lucas Peter V , McCall Michael J , Eccleston Claire , Lea Emma , Stratton Brigit , Annear Michael , Crisp Elaine , Elliott Kate-Ellen , Robinson Andrew
Published: July 2015

Objective

This paper analyses residential-aged care clinical placements undertaken by undergraduate paramedic students participating in the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre's ‘Teaching Aged Care Facilities Program’. Benefits of the placement in facilitating the development of critical interpersonal skills are identified and discussed.

Setting

A cohort of final year undergraduate students (n=31) completed a five-day clinical placement in four participating residential-aged care facilities in Tasmania, Australia.

Method

The research involved the collection of qualitative data during student feedback meetings at the end of students’ placements. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Additionally, quantitative data from pre- and post-placement surveys were collected and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0.0.

Results

The research found that students benefited from the placement in terms of developing their interpersonal skills. Students demonstrated an increased understanding of dementia and improved communication strategies for working with people with dementia.

Conclusions

Paramedic clinical placements in residential-aged care facilities address two key issues identified by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council, these being a lack of interpersonal skills among graduate paramedics and a shortage of alternative learning sites.
Voluntary action and leisure: an historical perspective 1830-1939
Authors: Snape Robert
Published: July 2015

Since the early 19th century, instrumental voluntary intervention in leisure has been a prominent aspect of social reform. Despite this, leisure remains relatively neglected in the historiography of voluntary action. This article reviews the changing social meanings of leisure and voluntary action between 1830 and 1939 and argues that leisure has been crucial to the development of the voluntary movement. While much intervention was repressive, leisure was also understood as a social good that could be promoted through voluntary action. After the First World War, leisure was seen by the National Council of Social Service to be a prerequisite of a progressive society. It is argued that the historical relationships between voluntary action and leisure have the capacity to inform current policy in terms of state–voluntary partnership and ideas of the common good.
Epigenetic revival of a dead cardiomyocyte through mitochondrial interventions
Authors: Kunkel George H. , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Tyagi Suresh C.
Published: July 2015

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported to underline heart failure, and our earlier report suggests that mitochondrial fusion and fission contributes significantly to volume overload heart failure. Although ample studies highlight mitochondrial dysfunction to be a major cause, studies are lacking to uncover the role of mitochondrial epigenetics, i.e. epigenetic modifications of mtDNA in cardiomyocyte function. Additionally, mitochondrial proteases like calpain and Lon proteases are underexplored. Cardiomyopathies are correlated to mitochondrial damage via increased reactive oxygen species production and free calcium within cardiomyocytes. These abnormalities drive increased proteolytic activity from matrix metalloproteinases and calpains, respectively. These proteases degrade the cytoskeleton of the cardiomyocyte and lead to myocyte death. mtDNA methylation is another factor that can lead to myocyte death by silencing several genes of mitochondria or upregulating the expression of mitochondrial proteases by hypomethylation. Cardiomyocyte resuscitation can occur through mitochondrial interventions by decreasing the proteolytic activity and reverting back the epigenetic changes in the mtDNA which lead to myocyte dysfunction. Epigenetic changes in the mtDNA are triggered by environmental factors like pollution and eating habits with cigarette smoking. An analysis of mitochondrial epigenetics in cigarette-smoking mothers will reveal an underlying novel mechanism leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and eventually heart failure. This review is focused on the mitochondrial dysfunction mechanisms that can be reverted back to resuscitate cardiomyocytes.
Application of fatty acid and lipid measurements in neuropsychiatry
Authors: Grela Agatha , Rachel Wojciech , Cole Michael , Zyss Tomasz , Zięba Andrzej , Piekoszewski Wojciech
Published: July 2015

The importance of lipids in the understanding of disease states is constantly increasing. Whilst the link between metabolic disorders and lipids seems to be clear, interpreting lipid regulation in the context of neuropsychiatric disorders is a new approach. Mental disorders account for almost 15% of the total global disease burden with Alzheimer’s disease, depression or schizophrenia being amongst the most widespread mental disorders in the general population. For this reason rapid and early diagnosis is crucial and finding the right biomarkers is of great importance. Lipids appear to be essential in learning the aetiopathology of neuropsychiatric diseases as well as in biomarker research as they are most abundantly present in the brain. This study discusses recent findings in neuropsychiatry in the context of lipid analysis.
Synthesis, antibacterial, and antifungal activities of new pyrimidinone derivatives
Authors: Cherif Oussama , Masmoudi Fatma , Allouche Fatma , Chabchoub Fakher , Trigui Mohamed
Published: July 2015

An efficient synthesis of new pyrrolopyrimidinones 3a-d and isoxazolopyrimidinones 4a-c from the respective aminocyanopyrroles 1a-d and aminocyanoisoxazoles 2a-c is presented. The synthesized compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity against a panel of bacteria and fungi. Compound 4c exhibits remarkable activity against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and pathogenic fungi.
Root System, Phenology and Yield of Sunflower in Relation to Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Authors: Salvador Escalante Estrada José Alberto , González María Teresa Rodríguez , Estrada Yolanda Isabel Escalante
Published: July 2015

Sunflower is a crop of world interest that is acquiring economic importance in Mexico. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on the growth of the root system and its relationship with the canopy dry matter and yield and its components of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The planting of cv. Victoria was conducted in Montecillo Mex., of temperate climate in a vertisol under conditions of seasonal rainfall on 16 May, with population density of 5 plants per m2. Treatments consisted in supply 0–200 kg ha−1 of N and P. The time to phenological stages was similar between treatment. The N and in minor degree the P increased grain yield (GY) and oil yield (OY) by increases in the grains number (GN), capitulum area (CA), canopy dry matter (CDM) and radical area (RA). In contrast, the P increase RDM but decrease the CDM/RDM relation. The effect of the interaction N * P on GY, OY indicates it is necessary to seek the best combination of N and P for increased the production of sunflower. The size grain and oil content in the grain did not change with N and P. The growth cycle was 122 days, with a seasonal ETc of 207 mm and 1,369°C d (Heat unit, HU).
Comparison of energy expenditure, body composition, metabolic disorders, and energy intake between obese children with a history of craniopharyngioma and children with multifactorial obesity
Authors: Bomer Ilanit , Saure Carola , Caminiti Carolina , Ramos Javier Gonzales , Zuccaro Graciela , Brea Mercedes , Bravo Mónica , Maza Carmen
Published: July 2015

Craniopharyngioma is a histologically benign brain malformation with a fundamental role in satiety modulation, causing obesity in up to 52% of patients.

To evaluate cardiovascular risk factors, body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE), and energy intake in craniopharyngioma patients and to compare the data with those from children with multifactorial obesity.

All obese children and adolescents who underwent craniopharyngioma resection and a control group of children with multifactorial obesity in follow-up between May 2012 and April 2013.

Anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance, indirect calorimetry, energy intake, homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and dyslipidemia were evaluated.

Twenty-three patients with craniopharyngioma and 43 controls were included. Children with craniopharyngioma-related obesity had a lower fat-free mass percentage (62.4 vs. 67.5; p=0.01) and a higher fat mass percentage (37.5 vs. 32.5; p=0.01) compared to those with multifactorial obesity. A positive association was found between %REE and %fat-free mass in subjects with multifactorial obesity (68±1% in normal REE vs. 62.6±1% in low REE; p=0.04), but not in craniopharyngioma patients (62±2.7 in normal REE vs. 61.2±1.8% in low REE; p=0.8). No differences were found in metabolic involvement or energy intake.

REE was lower in craniopharyngioma patients compared to children with multifactorial obesity regardless of the amount of fat-free mass, suggesting that other factors may be responsible for the lower REE.
Crystal structure of (2E,6E)-2,6-bis[2-(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene]cyclohexanone, C22H16F6O
Authors: Zhang Ying , Pan Kai-Ling , He Fan , Chen Ling-Feng , Liu Zhi-Guo , Liang Guang
Published: July 2015

C22H16F6O, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 8.426(2) Å, b = 15.205(4) Å, c = 14.900(4) Å, β = 93.031(6)°, V = 1906.4 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0632, wRref(F2) = 0.1826, T = 293 K.
Physical Mechanism for the Phase Invariance in Special Relativity
Authors: Liang Mai-Lin , Wang Teng
Published: July 2015

The physical mechanism for the phase invariance of mechanical wave or electromagnetic wave is analysed. For the mechanical wave, the displacement and velocity of oscillation of a mass element together determine the phase invariance. For the electromagnetic wave, the displacement corresponds to the strength of the electric field or magnetic field.
E-book aggregators
Authors: Jakopec Tomislav
Published: July 2015

This paper provides the results of the case study conducted on a sample of 17 websites that identify themselves as e-book aggregators, five platforms for content publishing and 16 websites that present themselves as e-book distributors. While conducting the case study, the answers were sought to the questions about location of website, its owners, activities, distribution channels, services, partners, languages, content protection, scope of activities, number of authors and books, publishing areas, formats, etc. Based on the case studies, the results presented focus on the geographical distribution of the analyzed companies, distribution of companies according to the year in which they were established, distribution of companies by activity, the number of different input formats supported by aggregation companies, a separate service of conversion, output formats supported by aggregation companies, distribution on platforms and in bookstores, content protection options, possibilities of editing content in the cloud, models of payment for services, and other identified services. Based on the results of the study, a conclusion is made that e-book aggregation as a business model exists and that its further development will show the extent to which it is sustainable.
“Freemium” business models in publishing. New packaging for the needs of readers in the digital age
Authors: Despot Ivona , Ljevak Lebeda Ivana , Tomašević Nives
Published: July 2015

In a digital environment, the traditional roles of authors and publishers change. The shift of power from authors, publishers and/or content to the platform affects the development of new business models, and shaping the content in the digital environment becomes a major challenge for publishers. The subscription models of the content sale have long been present in other media industries. Editing, design and marketing are the key features that a publisher develops and adapts to changes. The traditional skills of publishers are no longer sufficient. Instead, a continued integration of innovative solutions is needed. The aim of this paper is to explore how the emergence of subscription models influences the development of new publishing products which bring together the author and the publisher in a joint effort to reach a larger number of readers.
Third level publishing studies
Authors: Navickienė Aušra
Published: July 2015

Under the umbrella of Book Science, research in publishing has a long tradition in Lithuania and is today perceived as an independent branch of scholarship within the Communication and Information Sciences. On the basis of original sources, the aim of this article is to analyse the work conducted by the Institute of Book Science and Documentation of Vilnius University in implementing third level publishing studies (meaning PhD level) and to outline the merits, weak points, opportunities and threats in the planning of further training of scholars within this particular branch. The key research sources are documentation governing doctoral studies in Lithuania, at Vilnius University and the field of Communication and Information Sciences, as well as Communication and Information Sciences doctoral study programmes and descriptions of disciplines, PhD student lists, students’ publication indexes and different archival documents of doctoral studies at the Institute of Book Science and Documentation of the Faculty of Communication of Vilnius University.
Three Rs in publishing education
Authors: Jabłońska-Stefanowicz Ewa
Published: July 2015

Contemporary teaching should be real, rich and relevant. Changes in this direction that can be observed in higher education in Poland result from the requirements of the job market, students’ expectations, the need to adapt to the goals of the Bologna Process, as well as demands by educators. Considering the declining interest in studying (which is seen especially in the humanities), universities try to present their educational offer in the most attractive way to compete successfully with other universities. All of these changes can be seen on several levels: the decisions of the government, of the universities, faculties and institutes, and in the everyday work of the teachers. The paper describes these problems in relation to publishing education. Websites of universities offering courses on publishing are analyzed and the educational offer of the LIS Institute of the University of Wroclaw is presented in details. Examples of proven methods and useful educational resources and new allies are proposed.