bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global and blow-up solutions for quasilinear parabolic equations with a gradient term and nonlinear boundary flux
Authors: Li Changjun , Sun Lu , Fang Zhong Bo
Published: June 2014

This work is concerned with positive classical solutions for a quasilinear parabolic equation with a gradient term and nonlinear boundary flux. We find sufficient conditions for the existence of global and blow-up solutions. Moreover, an upper bound for the ‘blow-up time’, an upper estimate of the ‘blow-up rate’ and an upper estimate of the global solution are given. Finally, some application examples are presented.

MSC:35R45, 35K65, 34A12.
Pentoxifylline decreases glycemia levels and TNF-alpha, iNOS and COX-2 expressions in diabetic rat pancreas
Authors: Garcia Francisca Adilfa O , Pinto Sofia F , Cavalcante Andrezza F , Lucetti Lívia T , Menezes Silvana MS , Felipe Cícero Francisco B , Alves Ana Paula NN , Brito Gerly Anne C , Cerqueira Gilberto S , Viana Glauce SB
Published: June 2014

Pentoxifylline (PTX), a methyl xanthine derivative, is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor with anti-inflammatory and renoprotective effects in diabetic patients, among other properties. We studied PTX actions and mechanisms in reducing blood biochemical parameters, in diabetic rats. For diabetes induction, alloxan was intravenously administered to male Wistar rats. One group was left untreated and the other ones treated with PTX (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg), glibenclamide or metformin, as references. Forty-eight hours later and after 1-week to 3-month treatments, blood was collected for determination of glycemia, triglycerides, cholesterol, transaminases, fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin. Afterwards, the animals were euthanized and pancreas, liver and kidney processed for histological analyses and immunohistochemistry assays for TNF-alpha, iNOS and COX-2. The results showed that PTX decreased glycemia and also triglyceride levels, starting 1 week after treatments, as compared to the same group before treatments. Glycemia values were brought towards normality, after 1-month treatment. PTX hypoglycemic effects were potentiated by glibenclamide but not by metformin. It also decreased fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin. Some histological and immunohistochemical alterations for TNF-alpha, iNOS and COX-2 in the diabetic pancreas were also reversed by PTX. We conclude that PTX acts similarly to glibenclamide, and its hypoglycemic actions are, partly, a consequence of ATP-sensitive K+ channels inhibition. In addition, by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, PTX may be a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of diabetes and its complications.
Low production of reactive oxygen species in granulocytes is associated with organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bengtsson Anders A , Pettersson Åsa , Wichert Stina , Gullstrand Birgitta , Hansson Markus , Hellmark Thomas , Johansson Åsa CM
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are main effector cells in the acute immune response. While the specific role of PMN in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and autoimmunity is still unclear, their importance in chronic inflammation is gaining more attention. Here we investigate aspects of function, bone marrow release and activation of PMN in patients with SLE.

Methods

The following PMN functions and subsets were evaluated using flow cytometry; (a) production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after ex vivo stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or Escherichia coli (E. coli); (b) capacity to phagocytose antibody-coated necrotic cell material; (c) PMN recently released from bone marrow, defined as percentage of CD10−D16low in peripheral blood, and (d) PMN activation markers; CD11b, CD62L and C5aR.

Results

SLE patients (n = 92) showed lower ROS production compared with healthy controls (n = 38) after activation ex vivo. The ROS production was not associated with corticosteroid dose or other immunotherapies. PMA induced ROS production was significantly reduced in patients with severe disease. In contrast, neither ROS levels after E. coli activation, nor the capacity to phagocytose were associated with disease severity. This suggests that decreased ROS production after PMA activation is a sign of changed PMN behaviour rather than generally impaired functions. The CD10−CD16low phenotype constitute 2% of PMN in peripheral blood of SLE patients compared with 6.4% in controls, indicating a decreased release of PMN from the bone marrow in SLE. A decreased expression of C5aR on PMN was observed in SLE patients, pointing towards in vivo activation.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that PMN from SLE patients have altered function, are partly activated and are released abnormally from bone marrow. The association between low ROS formation in PMN and disease severity is consistent with findings in other autoimmune diseases and might be considered as a risk factor.
A genomic analysis of mouse models of breast cancer reveals molecular features ofmouse models and relationships to human breast cancer
Authors: Hollern Daniel P , Andrechek Eran R
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Genomic variability limits the efficacy of breast cancer therapy. To simplify thestudy of the molecular complexity of breast cancer, researchers have used mousemammary tumor models. However, the degree to which mouse models model human breastcancer and are reflective of the human heterogeneity has yet to be demonstratedwith gene expression studies on a large scale.

Methods

To this end, we have built a database consisting of 1,172 mouse mammary tumorsamples from 26 different major oncogenic mouse mammary tumor models.

Results

In this dataset we identified heterogeneity within mouse models and noted asurprising amount of interrelatedness between models, despite differences in thetumor initiating oncogene. Making comparisons between models, we identifieddifferentially expressed genes with alteration correlating with initiating eventsin each model. Using annotation tools, we identified transcription factors with ahigh likelihood of activity within these models. Gene signatures predictedactivation of major cell signaling pathways in each model, predictions thatcorrelated with previous genetic studies. Finally, we noted relationships betweenmouse models and human breast cancer at both the level of gene expression andpredicted signal pathway activity. Importantly, we identified individual mousemodels that recapitulate human breast cancer heterogeneity at the level of geneexpression.

Conclusions

This work underscores the importance of fully characterizing mouse tumor biologyat molecular, histological and genomic levels before a valid comparison to humanbreast cancer may be drawn and provides an important bioinformatic resource.
Brain–kidney crosstalk
Authors: Nongnuch Arkom , Panorchan Kwanpeemai , Davenport Andrew
Published: June 2014

Encephalopathy and altered higher mental functions are common clinical complications of acute kidney injury. Although sepsis is a major triggering factor, acute kidney injury predisposes to confusion by causing generalised inflammation, leading to increased permeability of the blood–brain barrier, exacerbated by hyperosmolarity and metabolic acidosis due to the retention of products of nitrogen metabolism potentially resulting in increased brain water content. Downregulation of cell membrane transporters predisposes to alterations in neurotransmitter secretion and uptake, coupled with drug accumulation increasing the risk of encephalopathy. On the other hand, acute brain injury can induce a variety of changes in renal function ranging from altered function and electrolyte imbalances to inflammatory changes in brain death kidney donors.
Prognostic and diagnostic value of eosinopenia, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and circulating cell-free DNA in critically ill patients admitted with suspicion of sepsis
Authors: Garnacho-Montero Jose , Huici-Moreno María J , Gutiérrez-Pizarraya Antonio , López Isabel , Márquez-Vácaro Juan Antonio , Macher Hada , Guerrero Juan Manuel , Puppo-Moreno Antonio
Published: June 2014

Introduction

The aims of this study were to assess the reliability of circulating cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) concentrations, compared with C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and eosinophil count, in the diagnosis of infections in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and their prognostic values in a cohort of critically ill patients.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study in a medical-surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital. Eosinophil count and concentrations of cf-DNA, CRP, and PCT were measured in patients who fulfilled SIRS criteria at admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and a second determination 24 hours later. DNA levels were determined by a PCR method using primers for the human beta-haemoglobin gene.

Results

One hundred and sixty consecutive patients were included: 43 SIRS without sepsis and 117 with sepsis. Levels of CRP and PCT, but not cf-DNA or eosinophil count, were significantly higher in patients with sepsis than in SIRS-no sepsis group on days 1 and 2. PCT on day 1 achieves the best area under the curve (AUC) for sepsis diagnosis (0.87; 95% confidence interval = 0.81-0.94). Levels of cf-DNA do not predict outcome and the accuracy of these biomarkers for mortality prediction was lower than that shown by APACHE II score. PCT decreases significantly from day 1 to day 2 in survivors in the entire cohort and in patients with sepsis without significant changes in the other biomarkers.

Conclusions

Our data do not support the clinical utility of cf-DNA measurement in critical care patients with SIRS. PCT is of value especially for infection identification in patients with SIRS at admission to the ICU.
The diagnostic challenge of myocardial infarction in critically ill patients: do high-sensitivity troponin measurements add more clarity or more confusion?
Authors: Klouche Kada , Jonquet Olivier , Cristol Jean Paul
Published: June 2014

In ICU settings, the diagnosis and treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are challenging, partly because cardiac troponin increase occurs frequently. In the previous issue of Critical Care, Ostermann and colleagues reported that myocardial infarction (MI), screened by plasma troponin and electrocardiography changes, is common and often clinically unrecognized in the ICU. Although the clinical significance of underdiagnosed MIs remains unclear, this approach may help to target and further investigate the at-risk population for appropriate therapy.
Comparison of soil bacterial communities in a natural hardwood forest and coniferous plantations in perhumid subtropical low mountains
Authors: Lin Yu-Te , Hu Hsueh-Wen , Whitman William B , Coleman David C , Chiu Chih-Yu
Published: June 2014

Background

The bacterial community of forest soils is influenced by environmental disturbance and/or meteorological temperature and precipitation. In this study, we investigated three bacterial communities in soils of a natural hardwood forest and two plantations of conifer, Calocedrus formosana and Cryptomeria japonica, in a perhumid, low mountain area. By comparison with our previous studies with similar temperature and/or precipitation, we aimed to elucidate how disturbance influences the bacterial community in forest soils and whether bacterial communities in similar forest types differ under different climate conditions.

Results

Analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA gene clone libraries revealed that Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria were the most abundant phyla in the three forest soil communities, with similar relative abundance of various bacterial groups. However, UniFrac analysis based on phylogenetic information revealed differences of bacterial communities between natural hardwood forest and coniferous plantation soils. The diversities of bacterial communities of the replanted Calocedrus and Cryptomeria forests were higher than that in natural hardwood forest. The bacterial diversity of these three forest soil were all higher than those in the same forest types at other locations with less precipitation or with lower temperature. In addition, the distribution of some of the most abundant operational taxonomic units in the three communities differed from other forest soils, including those related to Acidobacteria, α-, β- and γ-Proteobacteria.

Conclusions

Reforestation could increase the bacterial diversity. Therefore, soil bacterial communities could be shaped by the forestry management practices and climate differences in warm and humid conditions.
Intracellular immunity: finding the enemy within—how cells recognize and respond to intracellular pathogens
Authors: Tam Jerry C H , Jacques David A
Published: June 2014

Historically, once a cell became infected, it was considered to be beyond all help. By this stage, the invading pathogen had breached the innate defenses and was beyond the reach of the humoral arm of the adaptive immune response. The pathogen could still be removed by cell-mediated immunity (e.g., by NK cells or cytotoxic T lymphocytes), but these mechanisms necessitated the destruction of the infected cell. However, in recent years, it has become increasingly clear that many cells possess sensor and effector mechanisms for dealing with intracellular pathogens. Most of these mechanisms are not restricted to professional immune cells nor do they all necessitate the destruction of the host. In this review, we examine the strategies that cells use to detect and destroy pathogens once the cell membrane has been penetrated.
A Framework for Linking Community-Resilience Goals to Specific Performance Targets for the Built Environment
Authors: Mieler Michael , Stojadinovic Bozidar , Budnitz Robert , Comerio Mary , Mahin Stephen
Published: June 2014

An important task in the effort to improve the resilience of communities to both natural and manmade disasters involves rethinking the current approach for designing individual components within the built environment. In the United States, a patchwork of building codes and engineering standards results in a set of performance objectives for individual components that is often inadequate with respect to the broad principles of resilience. This paper outlines a conceptual framework that can be used to explicitly link community-level resilience goals to specific design targets for individual systems and components within the built environment. It then presents a proof-of-concept example that demonstrates how to derive a consistent performance target for individual residential buildings from a community-level resilience goal. Lastly, it discusses potential applications of the proposed framework, including a critical evaluation of current building codes to verify whether their target performance objectives are compatible with community-level resilience goals.
Layer-by-layer Assembly of Trivalent Metal Cation and Anionic Polymer in Nanoporous Anodic Aluminum Oxide with 35 nm Pore
Authors: Sada Takao , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko , Nakashima Naotoshi
Published: June 2014

The successful layer-by-layer assembly formation using a polyanion and trivalent ion, such as Fe3+, on the surfaces of the nanopores in an anodic aluminum oxide membrane with a pore diameter of 35 nm is demonstrated.
Laser Effects on the Permeability of Dentin and Functional Status of Pulp of the Prepared Teeth
Authors: Гришилова  , Grishilova E. , Кашников  , Kashnikov P. , Гаража  , Garazha S. , Коджакова  , Kodzhakova T.
Published: June 2014

The use of fixed prosthesis without preventive measures to improve the resistance of the prepared teeth is unjustified from the biological point of view. The success of prosthetic treatment of the patients with non-removable prosthesis is largely determined by a therapeutic effect on the fabric of the prepared teeth and high-quality prosthetic fixation. One of the most promising ways to solve this problem is the use of laser radiation. Investigation of laser radiation effect on the permeability of dentin and pulp of the functional state of the prepared teeth consisted of experimental and clinical stages. Experiments were carried out on 16 vital teeth of two mongrel dogs. In the experiment the influence of DO on the permeability of the dentin the prepared teeth was studied by means of the microscope. The materials for the clinical study were the results of the orthopedic treatment of 105 patients aged 21 to 60 years (55 men and 50 women). To assess the state of reactivity of the teeth and the impact of treatment measures the authors used a study of temperature, tactile sensitivity, electro-odontometry by means of the device Digitest. The study demonstrated that the use of laser radiation significantly reduces the permeability of dentin prepared teeth. The use of laser radiation reduces the permeability of 40.9% compared with the control, significantly reduced the incidence of adverse results of applying non-removable dentures.
Investigation of Expired Air Condensate by Means of Bioxerography Method in the Patients with Diabetes I Type
Authors: Пашков  , Pashkov A. , Зуйкова  , Zuykova A. , Мячина  , Myachina Olga
Published: June 2014

The results of gas discharge visualization method of expired air condensate in children and teenagers with diabetes 1 have been presented. 8 healthy (average age is 12,13±2,23) and 9 sick children (average age is (14,4±2,13) were examined. Lipodystrophy and diabetic polyneuropathy have been detected among all patients. Glucose level in blood plasma was equal to 9,64±1,08 mM/g, haemoglobin (НbА1с) – 9,62±0,67%. Change of some gas discharge visualization parameters (light emission area increase, normalized area, entropy of isometric line, midradius of isometric line, normalized standard deviation, isometric line radius and length) have been observed in patients with diabetes. These changes reflect peculiarities of functional changes at diabetes 1 so bioelectrography may be used in ambulance conditions as diagnostic method.
Spectral Phototherapy in Medical Rehabilitation of the Women with Essential Arterial Hypertension under Pressure of Climacteric Syndrome
Authors: Белоусова  , Belousova A. , Агасаров  , Agasarov Lev
Published: June 2014

Due to the active professional activities of women aged 45-60, in the modern society, the after-care treatment of female patients with essential arterial hypertension (stages I-II , grades 1-2 ) under pressure of climacteric syndrome is of high social and economic importance. The specialists of medical rehabilitation are the problem of finding effective technologies of medical and non-medical series for improving the quality of life of women in this age group. This article presents the results of after-care treatment of women with essential arterial hypertension and mild or moderate climacteric syndrome (92 females aged 50±4.5) by means of the use of standard hypotensive pharmaceuticals (Candesartan, Bisoprolol, and Hydrochlorothiazide), non-hormonal pharmaceuticals (Klimadynon Uno), and spectral phototherapy as a physiotherapy approach. Such treatment resulted in reliable stabilization of blood pressure, vegetative functions, responsiveness, anxiety, encephalitic circulatory dynamics according to the REG data, and WAN indicators. The average clinical response of the control group amounts to 81.4 %, while that of the experimental group makes up 65.5 %. The key results are sustainable blood pressure stabilization, improved overall health, decreased frequency and severity of the climacteric syndrome along with stabilized vegetative functions, improved encephalitic circulatory dynamics, and psycho-emotional state.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluating of Brain and Pituitary in the Persons Practiced Active Physical Culture and Sports
Authors: Владимирова  , Vladimirova V. , Аверкиева  , Averkieva E. , Тарасов  , Tarasov A. , Воронцов  , Vorontsov A. , Беличенко  , Belichenko O. , Смоленский  , Smolenskiy A. , Михайлова  , Mikhaylova A.
Published: June 2014

The paper deals with subject concerning MRI and definition of its capacities in estimation of brain and pituitary condition in athletes. It was performed MRI of 70 persons (43 males and 27 females, aged 18-35) which were divided into 2 groups: the 1st group consisted of 44 athletes and the 2nd – of 26 healthy volunteers. All examined persons in both groups had normal blood indexes results, electrocardiogram, arterial pressure but during the physical stress some of the athletes had transitory arterial hypertension. MRI identified different changes in brain and pituitary (a small hydrocephalus, arachnoidal and unilocular cysts, microadenomas, «Empty cellar syndrome», etc.), more in athletes. It’s shown that MRI gives important information about the condition of brain and pituitary in athletes at the preclinical stage, which may play an important role in addressing issues as training mode, conditions of training, as well as opportunities of selected sports and preventive measures.
Risk Factors of Malignant Neoplasms of Female Genital Organs (Review of Literature)
Authors: Сулейманова  , Suleymanova N.
Published: June 2014

The scientific review discusses the correlation between the MN morbidity rate of the female genitalia and the factors of the external and internal environment of the body: genetic (hereditary) and environmental (exogenous and endogenous). The author notes that the significance of the factors in the development of oncological process is different depending on the form and localizations of malignant tumors. Identified genes are responsible for the appearance of hereditary ovarian cancer (however, the genes of predisposition to cancer of body and cervix of the uterus don’t identified so far). The role of human papillomavirus infection (in the genesis of pre-cancerous lesions and cervical cancer) in hormone homeostasis due to functional and anatomical changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian system (in formation of cancer of the womb and ovaries) is proved, including the background processes and pre-cancerous changes in the occurrence of all forms of genital cancer. A number of researchers consider benign tumors as an intermediate in the pathological process changes that lead with time under the influence of certain factors to be precancerous and malignant transformation. Significant fluctuations in the frequency of malignant tumors of female genital organs in different ethnic groups of the population are scientifically confirmed. Correlation frequency of cancer of the genitalia in women with age, and state of the immune system are noted.
Other World, Other Science, Other Models in Complexity Descreaption
Authors: Еськов  , Eskov Valeriy , Филатова  , Filatova O.
Published: June 2014

The understanding of very special systems of third type was created according to W.Weaver efforts. The new theory of chaos – self- organization was created last 40 years and was based on other understanding of stationary mode of third type of systems and its very specific chaotic behavior. The analog of the systems with physical system was discussed too. The third type of systems (opposite of deterministic and stochastic systems) was presented. It was discussed the principle distinguishes between dynamics of such system and traditional systems according to Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Traditional systems have certain and reproducible initial state of its system’s state vector and we can predict its future states. But in the third type of systems the authors have uncertain initial system state and uncertain vector states. It is a unique system which I.R. Prigogine in his famous article to the future generation determines as systems behind the science. The time for researching of such systems has come. For the modeling of biosystems, the authors propose method of quasi-attractor and define five special properties of complex systems. The main of it is connected with uninterrupted chaotic movements (glimmering property) of system’s vector in phase space of state and evolution of such system’s state vector in phase space of state. It was demonstrated that Heizenberg principle of uncertainty has special analog at theory of chaos – self organization. The botton boarder of the left side of inequality for the systems of third type the authors propose the value of quasiattractors, inside of it we chaos uninferrupled and chaotic movements of systems state vector. The value of quasiattractor determine like multiplication of coordinat x its speed dx/dt.
Engineer´s Graphic Literacy as a Way of Fundamental Professional Knowledge Obtaining
Authors: Волкова  , Volkova Margarita , Егорычева  , Egorycheva E.
Published: June 2014

The paper is devoted to decision of actual task related

to analysis of engineer´s graphic literacy foundations as a way

of fundamental professional knowledge obtaining. An attempt to

reveal the need of interconnection between a competent approach

to technical drawing’s qualitative performance and industrial product’s

graphic drawings as one of the ways to solve the problem

related to specialists´ training quality improving has been undertaken.

It is considered to be. The attention is paid to the fact that

awareness of importance of technical drawing basics as a design

stage allows improve the education process, aimed at improving of

interrelation between graphic and specialized disciplines.
Mathematical and software justification of parameters of adjacency in the system IU automated projecting of motor roads
Authors: Афоничев  , Afonichev Dmitriy , Рыбников  , Rybnikov P.
Published: June 2014

Mathematical and software to study in CAD parameters of the adjacency of roads in one level at a sharp angle. The algorithm description, input and output parameters. The proposed algorithm and the program allows CAD roads to justify the parameters of the adjacency in one level at a sharp angle with requirements of traffic safety.
Model line of production for automated design of technological processes
Authors: Данилов  , Danilov Aleksandr
Published: June 2014

The article considers one-product and multi-product production Lee-research institutes. Given model, which is the basis for building systems of automated design of production facilities; optimality criteria that can be changed when creating this type of industrial enterprises. Analyzed approaches allow to reduce production times and increase productivity.

Keywords - mass production, the rhythm of production, the optimality criterion, idle time, the load factor.
Functional diagram CAD operational meteorological information
Authors: Данилов  , Danilov Aleksandr , Пилеич  , Pileich A.
Published: June 2014

This article provides functional diagram CAD operational meteorological documentation from the standpoint of classical representation of CAD/CAM/CAE structures. Selected elements of program-methodical procedures: blocks of reception and processing of information, blocks of numerical calculations and development of operational information, blocks the formation of tabular and graphical information.
Decomposition model the design of a control system by processes of transport logistics
Authors: Данилов  , Danilov Aleksandr , Тонких  , Tonkikh Dmitriy
Published: June 2014

The article describes the movement of material flows of large industrial holding company presents a hierarchical structure of logistic devices such organization and considers some of the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of transportation. Shows the seriousness of the problem transportation problem for manufacturing enterprises. The questions about the use of own and rented fleet. Analyzed aspects of procurement, supply and intra-industrial movement of raw materials, materials, components and finished production.
Design method of radiation-resistant IP
Authors: Крюков  , Kryukov V. , Ачкасов  , Achkasov V. , Зольников  , Zolnikov Vladimir , Чевычелов  , Chevychelov Yu.
Published: June 2014

The method of design of radiation-resistant IP CAD through design.
Modeling and evaluation epigastric noise induced by interconnects
Authors: Скляр  , Sklyar V. , Зольников  , Zolnikov Vladimir , Ачкасов  , Achkasov V.
Published: June 2014

The paper Considers issues of modeling and evaluation epigastric noise, that are induced in the chip interconnects. This allowed us to calculate the noise that occurs when switching signals tires due to capacitive relations under-spoons. The proposed approach allows to increase the accuracy of calculations of the parameters of the substrate, executed SubstrateStorm company Cadence.
12-bit buttongenerator CMOS ADC with SOI-structure
Authors: Рембеза  , Rembeza S. , Кононов  , Kononov V.
Published: June 2014

The paper architecture CMOS ADC with digital forecasting an inlet of the analog signal and signal transformation errors sectional ADCS from analog to howl convolution. It is shown that 12-bit CMOS ADC with project standards 0.18 micron provides high accuracy and speed of conversion to 600...1000 million samples/s when operating in hard conditions.
System analysis and processing of factual information in the design of development of sea systems of water intakes underground water drinking-water quality
Authors: Стародубцев  , Starodubtsev V.
Published: June 2014

The article considers the application of combinatorial algorithm of the method of the group account of arguments for the identification of the processes of mass transfer of polluting components of groundwater, with the aim of optimization of the technogenic load on the environment.
Minimization of input parameters in the experiments on the identification of target functions in problems of design and management
Authors: Стародубцев  , Starodubtsev V. , Шишова  , Shishova R.
Published: June 2014

The Article considers the problems of reduction of the dimension of arrays external and internal parameters of the identifiable socio-economic processes on the basis of combinatorial algorithm of the method of the group account of arguments using ranking algorithm variables coefficient of pair correlation.
To the question of solving the equations of motion of timber-carrying road-trains with various modes of operation
Authors: Сушков  , Sushkov Sergey
Published: June 2014

The Article is devoted to the determination of the performance of timber and local roads, their individual elements, as well as the organization of transport flows that are largely determined by the modes of operation Les-Sovetnik trucks.
Factors of forming and improving society´s needs
Authors: Барсегян Ваган , Barsegyan Vagan , Кульмухаметова Фарида , Kulmukhametova Farida
Published: June 2014

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of one of the key problems of the theory of needs: factors of their nucleation and growth. Based on a study of a continuous process of human interaction with the surrounding objective reality, there are three relatively independent factors: objective, an objective-subjective and purely subjective. The article focuses on the fact that it is the unity of the mentioned factors provides historical process of formation and elevation of society´s needs.
Moscow´s architectural treasures: Ryabushinsky Mansion
Authors: Джанджугазова Елена , Dzhandzhugazova Elena
Published: June 2014

The article is devoted to the history of one of the most significant works of the architect F. Shechtel — Ryabushinsky mansion. The author reveals the interesting events and legends associated with the amazing house, became a magnificent example of the "Moscow Art Nouveau"and one of the most interesting historical and cultural sites of tourist space in Moscow.
Enterprise the view of managerial theories of the firm
Authors: Rogalska Elżbieta
Published: June 2014

The dominant role of corporations in modern economy and observed widespread oligopolization are the sources of practical need for the theoretical concept of the enterprise explaining the operations of large companies, with a particular focus on their primary objectives and aims, and the role they play in the markets. In this paper three concepts of the enterprise are discussed that take into account the changing conditions of the company. All the discussed concepts were formulated based on the managerial theory approach: the model of an enterprise that maximizes the sustainable growth rate of R. Marris, the model of an enterprise that maximizes revenue from the sales of W.J. Baumol and the model of O.E. Williamson that describes the preferences of managers in discretionary decision- making process. The aim of the publication is to present the managerial theory of the firm, which is alternative to traditional neoclassical concept of enterprise, their critical evaluation and an indication of application possibilities.
A Branch-and-Price-and-Cut Algorithm for Heterogeneous Pickup and Delivery Problems with Configurable Vehicle Capacity
Authors: Qu Yuan , Bard Jonathan F.
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a mixed-integer programming model for a variant of the pickup and delivery problem with time windows. The fleet is assumed to be heterogeneous with a novel feature that allows the vehicles to be configured before service begins to handle various types of demand. The work was motivated by a daily route planning problem arising at a senior activity center. A fleet of configurable vans is available each day to transport participants to and from the center, as well as to secondary facilities for rehabilitative and medical treatment. The number of participants and support equipment that a van can accommodate depends on how it is configured.

An exact method is introduced based on branch and price and cut. At each node in the search tree, the master problem is solved by column generation to find a lower bound. To improve the bound, subset-row inequalities are applied to the variables of the master problem. Columns are generated by solving the pricing subproblems with a labeling algorithm enhanced by new dominance conditions. Local search on the current set of columns is used to quickly find promising additions. Implementation details and ways to improve the performance of the overall procedure are discussed. Testing was done on a set of real instances as well as a set of randomly generated instances with up to 50 customer requests. The results show that optimal solutions are obtained in the majority of cases.
Case study: mixed fur mite infestation in a domestic rabbit
Authors: Wright Ian
Published: June 2014

Cheyletiella parasitivorax and Leporacus gibbus are common fur-dwelling mites of rabbits, and low-level subclinical infestations can be found in healthy animals. Large numbers of mites can lead to a scaling dermatosis of varying severity. Most clinical cases are secondary to heavy moulting or underlying problems with grooming, such as obesity, dental disease or spinal disorders. Correction of these disorders, where relevant, is essential in controlling the mites over the longer term. This article describes a mixed infestation in a severely affected rabbit. The complete remission of clinical signs demonstrates that treatment of the infestation and management of the underlying cause can lead to a successful outcome even in the face of severe challenge by the parasites involved.
Cytotoxic effects of crude soluble antigen of Eimeria tenella on cultured cells
Authors: Elsheikha Hany , Bould James
Published: June 2014

Coccidiosis is a common intestinal parasitic disease of poultry caused by species of the genus Eimeria. It causes severe economic losses and welfare issues. In this study we investigated the possible cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the crude soluble antigen (CSA) of Eimeria tenella oocysts on cultured African green monkey cell line (Vero) cells. CSA was prepared from E. tenella oocysts and incubated with cultured cells for two hours. Cytotoxic and genotoxic damages were then quantified using a trypan blue exclusion assay and the comet assay, respectively. The results indicated that exposure to CSA of E. tenella oocysts induces a significant degree of cytotoxicity with tentative evidence of genotoxicity in cultured Vero cells.
How to bleed a ferret
Authors: Chitty John
Published: June 2014

Haematology and biochemistry are extremely useful tools in ferret medicine. However, ferrets can be extremely hard to bleed. This article gives a brief practical guide to venipuncture in ferrets and how to obtain good quality diagnostic samples
The distance walked daily as a post-operative measure after pulmonary endarterectomy
Authors: Polastri Massimiliano , Bacchi-Reggiani Maria Letizia , Cefarelli Mariano , Jafrancesco Giuliano , Martìn-Suàrez Sofia
Published: June 2014

Background

Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is recognized as the best surgical choice for treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension caused by pulmonary vascular occlusion in eligible patients. This study aims to describe correlations between the daily walk (DW), and the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study using data from 32 consecutive patients who had undergone PEA operations and were admitted to the cardiac ward to complete their post-operative rehabilitation.

Results

Those with a body mass index of ≥25 walked a greater distance during the post-operative rehabilitation phase after PEA compared with those with body mass index <25. We also found differences in daily walk distances between women and men: by day 3, the men had already walked a median distance of 240 metres, while women had walked a median distance of 15 metres.

Conclusions

The authors found that estimation of the DW was a simple, inexpensive, and reliable measure that can help professionals to evaluate patients' post-operative course after PEA.
An insight into adolescents' knowledge and attitudes on low back pain and its occurrence
Authors: Lobo Michelle Emelia , Kanagaraj Rengaramanujam , Jidesh Viswambharan
Published: June 2014

Background/aims

This study aims to assess adolescents' level of knowledge and attitudes towards low back pain (LBP) as this is required for effective prevention. As knowledge and attitude can influence occurrence, this study correlates adolescents' level of knowledge and attitude towards LBP with its occurrence in Mangalore, India.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey with a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among 605 students from four pre-university colleges to evaluate their knowledge of, attitude to, and the occurrence of LBP.

Results

This study revealed a moderate level of knowledge (45.39%) and a good attitude (61.95%) towards LBP. The lifetime prevalence of LBP among adolescents is 30.5%. No correlation was found between knowledge and the occurrence (χ2=5.03, P=0.17) but a correlation exists between adolescents' attitudes and the occurrence of LBP (χ2=14.64, P=0.002).

Conclusion

Even with a moderate knowledge and a good attitude, the number of adolescents with LBP is considerable in this region and, therefore, prevention strategies need to be initiated.
Learning styles of allied health sciences students at Kuwait University
Authors: Manee Fahad , Nadar Mohammed , Jahrami Haitham
Published: June 2014

Background/aim

Little is known about learning style preferences of allied health students in the Middle East as the majority of learning style studies have been conducted in the western world. This study examined the learning styles of undergraduate allied health students at Kuwait University.

Methods

A stratified sampling method was used to compare the learning styles of 256 students enrolled in five allied health programs at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Centre at Kuwait University. The students completed the Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI-IIa) questionnaire in the first weeks of their course.

Results

The response rate was 73.1% (n=256). All of the allied health students from the five educational programs were highest in the areas of abstract conceptualization (AC). All the other allied health students, except physical therapists (PT), also indicated a preference for reflective observation (RO).

Conclusion

This study's participants' learning style preferences were ‘assimilator’, which is formed by an intersection of the AC and RO learning styles. Healthcare educators working in the Arab cultures are encouraged to modify their teaching styles in order to improve learning among their students.
Essex and Herts Air Ambulance: a focused case series for pre-hospital practice Case 2: tension pneumothorax
Authors: Robinson Jonty , Ley Erica , Chesters Adam
Published: June 2014

A tension pneumothorax is an important reversible cause of deterioration in the multiply-injured patient, but it is not always easy to make the diagnosis. Features that indicate the development of a tension pneumothorax can be subtle in the spontaneously breathing patient. The ‘classical’ features may not all be present and in addition, the clinical signs of tension may develop over time with increasing patient compromise. This is a life-threatening situation, which requires relief in order to save the patient's life. A tension pneumothorax can be managed in one of three ways: needle decompression, insertion of an intercostal chest drain or by open thoracostomy. Needle decompression can be performed quickly and safely by paramedic crews using well-established techniques in both the conscious and unconscious patient.

We describe a case of a 55-year-old male who was ejected from his motorcycle at high speed. He was conscious with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 15 and complaining of difficulty breathing. In contrast to the often quoted classical features of a tension pneumothorax, we review the more common clinical findings in tension pneumothoraces as illustrated in this case study. We aim to show that the diagnosis can be reached by careful history taking, examination, and attention to patient physiology. The case study also shows that a tension pneumothorax can be a dynamic developing situation in which patient compromise develops over time. We highlight that much can be done in the pre-hospital phase to treat such a patient while expediting transfer to hospital. We review the pre-hospital management of a tension pneumothorax and also describe our procedure for pre-hospital chest drain insertion in the context of effective teamwork between a paramedic road crew and an attending helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS).
Decontamination of cats and dogs with suspected poisoning
Authors: Bates Nicola
Published: June 2014

Decontamination in an animal with suspected poisoning is used to remove the substance, reduce absorption and decrease the severity of poisoning. Various methods are used depending on the substance involved, the time since ingestion, the clinical condition of the animal, the availability of any drugs to be used and the experience of staff. This article discusses dermal, ocular and gastrointestinal decontamination looking at the various options, contraindications and practicalities of decontamination in cats and dogs.
Endodontics in dogs and cats
Authors: Bloor Claire
Published: June 2014

The term endodontic refers to the inside of the tooth, so endodontic treatment encompasses all procedures involving the endodontic tissues, predominantly the pulp. Endodontic treatment is typically performed on strategic teeth within the oral cavity such as the canines and large posterior teeth, which have pulpal and some periapical pathology; it facilitates their retention rather than their extraction. Endodontic treatment should always be offered to clients as an option for their pets in appropriate cases, so they can make a fully informed decision about the fate of the affected dentition. Having considered all of the options they may not want to opt for extraction if there is an alternative treatment available. Endodontic treatment should be performed by veterinary surgeons (VS) with a specialist interest in veterinary oral and maxillofacial surgery for a number of reasons: they are in the best position to assess the tooth and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan; in most circumstances they will have a specialist veterinary nurse (VN) working alongside them which will make the procedure more efficient; and they will have the specialist equipment available to perform the procedures, and know how to use it. This article aims to recap the endodontic anatomy of a tooth before discussing the main endodontic treatment available for adult teeth, which is root canal therapy (RCT). It will consider indications for RCT, an overview of the procedure and a discussion of the potential complications and implications of treatment, before discussing the role of the VN in endodontics.
Nursing the feline hyperthyroid patient
Authors: Donovan Michele
Published: June 2014

Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrinopathy in middle aged to older cats. Dogs and cats are affected very differently by this disease. This article will focus on feline hyperthyroidism.

The disorder is characterised by excess production and circulation of active thyroid hormones in almost all cats. These hormones induce a hypermetabolic state, with clinical signs such as weight loss despite increased appetite, and muscle wasting. Other common signs include palpable thyroid gland, diarrhoea, vomiting, tachycardia, hyperthermia, restlessness, and behavioural changes.

Thyroxine (total T4 (TT4) ) is the hormone test used to diagnose feline hyperthyroidism. However, since a high metabolic rate can mask other diseases a range of diagnostic tests are necessary for a thorough assessment of the patient.

The recommended treatment approach is to first establish euthyroidism by the use of oral anti-thyroid drugs, such as methimazole. Surgery or radioiodine therapy can be considered for definitive, long-term control if renal function remains adequate following re-establishment of euthyroidism.
The Supports Intensity Scale–Children's Version: Preliminary Reliability and Validity
Authors: Thompson James R. , Wehmeyer Michael L. , Hughes Carolyn , Shogren Karrie A. , Palmer Susan B. , Seo Hyojeong
Published: June 2014

This article introduces the Supports Intensity Scale–Children's Version (SIS-C) designed and normed to be used with children across multiple contexts, including home, school, and community life. Steps taken to develop the scale are described, and findings from data collected on a field test version of the SIS-C are shared. Preliminary findings in regard to reliability and validity suggest that the SIS-C has strong psychometric properties.
File sharing: Reading the index in Rosalind Krauss and Wim Crouwel
Authors: Aubert Danielle
Published: June 2014

As reading formats have become more varied, the moment of encounter between a reader and a text has also shifted. Readers of printed matter might take notes in margins, underline passages, or leave other handwritten traces of their interaction with a text. Electronic devices, however, tend to lend themselves less easily to mark making, and despite options for making digital notations and comments, the visual record of the moment of reading is lost more often than not. The PDF is a form of electronic text that can bear interesting traces and point to a text’s past life as a printed object through visual cues like page dimensions and typographic layout. We often see traces of the life of a text during that period after it has been authored, but before it reaches a reader, as it passed through the hands of designers, computers, printers, scanners, librarians and other ‘file sharers’. This is especially true for texts that were first published in print before the advent of digital publishing, and were scanned in and converted to PDF. This visual essay examines two kinds of marks – those made by readers and those made by the ‘intermediaries’ who handled a text before it was converted to PDF: first, examples of marks made by students reading printed copies of a 1976 essay entitled ‘Notes on the index, part 1’, by art historian Rosalind Krauss; second, traces left on a PDF of the 1970 essay ‘Type design in the computer age’, by graphic designer Wim Crouwel, which was acquired through a university library system.