bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FGF-23 associated with the progression of coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Ozkok Abdullah , Kekik Cigdem , Karahan Gonca Emel , Sakaci Tamer , Ozel Alper , Unsal Abdulkadir , Yildiz Alaattin
Published: November 2013

Background

Disordered mineral metabolism is implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is the main regulator of phosphate metabolism. In this prospective study, we aimed to investigate the association of serum FGF-23 with progression of coronary artery calcification in HD patients.

Methods

Seventy-four HD patients (36 male/38 female, mean age: 52 ± 14 years) were included. Serum FGF-23 levels were measured by ELISA. Coronary artery calcification score (CACS) was measured twice with one year interval. Patients were grouped as progressive (PG) (36 patients-48%) and non-progressive (NPG).

Results

Age, serum phosphorus, baseline and first year CACS were found to be significantly higher in the PG compared to NPG group. Serum FGF-23 levels were significantly higher in PG [155 (80–468) vs 147 (82–234), p = 0.04]. Patients were divided into two groups according to baseline CACS (low group, CACS ≤ 30; high group, CACS > 30). Serum FGF-23 levels were significantly correlated with the progression of CACS (ΔCACS) in the low baseline CACS group (r = 0.51, p = 0.006), but this association was not found in high baseline CACS group (r = 0.11, p = 0.44). In logistic regression analysis for predicting the PG patients; serum FGF-23, phosphorus levels and baseline CACS were retained as significant factors in the model.

Conclusions

Serum FGF-23 was found to be related to progression of CACS independent of serum phosphorus levels. FGF-23 may play a major role in the progression of vascular calcification especially at the early stages of calcification process in HD patients.
Branch retinal artery occlusion following radiation therapy to the head and neck: a case report
Authors: Jiang Helen , Stem Maxwell S , Finkelstein Jerome I
Published: November 2013

Background

Previous studies have established that radiation to the head and neck leads to atherosclerosis and stenosis of the carotid artery and subsequent increased stroke risk, but the ophthalmic sequella following cervical irradiation is less well-defined.

Case presentation

We present a single case of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) in a 55 year-old Caucasian male seen at the University of Michigan in 2008 following unilateral head and neck radiation.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates that patients receiving radiation to the head and neck may be at increased risk for developing a BRAO secondary to atherosclerotic changes of vessels adjacent to the radiation target. Given this risk, it may be reasonable to obtain carotid artery imaging in patients with a history of cervical radiation who present with sudden or transient visual field defects, even in the absence of other conventional risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Antidepressant-like activity of turmerone in behavioral despair tests in mice
Authors: Liao Jung-Chun , Tsai Jen-Chieh , Liu Chia-Yu , Huang Hui-Chi , Wu Lung-Yuan , Peng Wen-Huang
Published: November 2013

Background

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-depressive activity of turmerone after one-week administration by using a mouse forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST).

Methods

Animals were divided into four groups (n = 10 /group): control (0.9% saline), the three doses of turmerone (1.25, 2.5, 5.0 mg/kg) for one-week treatment. To assess the effect of turmerone on locomotor activity, mice were evaluated in the open-field paradigm. Forced swimming test (FST) and Tail suspension test (TST) were used to take as a measure of antidepressant activity. The probable mechanisms of action of the anti-depressive effect of turmerone was also investigated by measuring the activity of monoamine oxidase-A and corticosterone levels in the blood and the levels of monoamines in the cortex, striatum, hippocampus and hypothalamus of the mice.

Results

Turmerone (2.5, 5.0 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the immobility time of mice in both the FST and TST, but it did not significantly affect the ambulatory and total movements of mice. However, hyperactivity might explain the results. In addition, turmerone decreased the corticosterone level in the blood while it increased the levels of 5-HT in cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, the level of NE in striatum and hippocampus, the levels of MHPG and DOPAC in hypothalamus, the level of 5-HIAA in striatum, and the level of DA in striatum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. Turmerone (2.5, 5.0 mg/kg) decreased the activity of MAO-A in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of mouse brain.

Conclusions

After one-week administration, turmerone produced antidepressant-like effects. The mechanisms of action of anti-depressive effect of turmerone seemed to involve an increase of the monoamines level decreasing the MAO-A activity and the stress of mice.
Distinct roles of NK cells in viral immunity during different phases of acute Friend retrovirus infection
Authors: Littwitz Elisabeth , Francois Sandra , Dittmer Ulf , Gibbert Kathrin
Published: November 2013

Background

In many virus infections natural killer (NK) cells are critical for the rapid containment of virus replication. Polymorphisms in NK cell receptors as well as viral escape from NK cell responses are associated with pathogenesis and viral loads in HIV-infected individuals, emphasizing their importance in retroviral immunity. In contrast, NK cells of LCMV-infected mice dampened virus-specific T cell responses resulting in impaired virus control. Thus, the exact role of NK cells during different phases of viral infections remains elusive. In this study we characterized the NK cell response at different time points of an acute retroviral infection by using the Friend retrovirus (FV) mouse model.

Findings

Depletion of NK1.1+cells during the initial phase of FV infection (3 to 4 days post infection) resulted in increased viral loads, which correlated with enhanced target cell killing and elevated NK cell effector functions. At days 7 to 15 post infection, NK and NKT cells did not contribute to anti-retroviral immunity. In the transition phase between acute and chronic infection (30 days post infection), NK and NKT cells exhibited an inhibitory role and their depletion resulted in reduced viral loads and significantly improved FV-specific CD8+T cell responses.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate an opposed activity of NK cells during retroviral infection. They were protective in the initial phase of infection, when adaptive T cell responses were not yet detectable, but were dispensable for viral immunity after T cell expansion. At later time points they exhibited regulatory functions in inhibiting virus-specific CD8+T cell responses.
Nonstructural protein P7-2 encoded by Rice black-streaked dwarf virus interacts with SKP1, a core subunit of SCF ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Wang Qian , Tao Tao , Han Yanhong , Chen Xiangru , Fan Zaifeng , Li Dawei , Yu Jialin , Han Chenggui
Published: November 2013

Background

Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV), a member of the genus Fijivirus within the family Reoviridae, causes severe damage to cereal crops in South East Asia. The protein P7-2, encoded by the second open reading frame of segment S7, is conserved among most plant-infecting fijiviruses, but its function is still obscure.

Results

In this study, P7-2 was used as bait in two-hybrid screens of a cDNA library expressing Zea mays proteins. It was found that there is a strong interaction between P7-2 and Z. mays SKP1 (SKP1Maize), a core subunit of the multicomponent SCF (SKP1/Cullin1/F-box/Rbx1) E3 ubiquitin ligase. The interaction was then confirmed in leaf epidermal cells of Nicotiana benthamiana by bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay. Further investigations indicated that P7-2 also interacts with SKP1 proteins from other plants, including Arabidopsis thaliana, N. benthamiana,Oryza sativa and Saccharum sinense. The C-terminal fragment of SKP1Maize (residues 97–176) and the middle fragment of P7-2 (residues 79–214) are necessary to sustain the interaction, while the C-terminal putative α-helix domain spanning residues 214–295 of P7-2 greatly facilitates the interaction. Agrobacterium-mediated transient suppression assay showed that P7-2 has no obvious activity to suppress local RNA silencing.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results indicated that RBSDV P7-2 can interact with SKP1 proteins from different plants. This is the first report linking a Fijivirus protein to a component of the ubiquitin proteasome system. P7-2 might be a potential F-box protein encoded by RBSDV and involved in the plant-virus interaction through ubiquitination pathway.
Horizontal acquisition and a broad biodistribution typify simian foamy virus infection in a cohort of Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Hood Simon , Mitchell Jane L , Sethi Meera , Almond Neil M , Cutler Keith L , Rose Nicola J
Published: November 2013

Background

Foamy viruses are non-pathogenic in vivo and naturally infect all species of non-human primates (NHP). Simian foamy viruses (SFV) are highly prevalent in both free ranging and captive NHP but few longitudinal studies have been performed to assess the prevalence and biodistribution of SFV within captive NHP.

Method

LTR and pol gene along with Gag antibody detection were undertaken to identify infection in a cohort of over 80 captive macaques.

Results

The prevalence of SFV was between 64% and 94% in different groups. Access to 23 dam-infant pairs allowed us to reveal horizontal transfer as the dominant route of SFV transmission in our cohort. Further, analysis of SFV from a range of tissues and blood revealed that macaques as young as six months old can be infected and that proviral biodistribution increases with age.

Conclusions

These are the first data of this type for a captive cohort of cynomolgus macaques.
Exposure of health workers in primary health care to glutaraldehyde
Authors: González Jara M Angel , Mora Hidalgo Alfonso , Avalos Gulin J Carlos , López Albiach Marcos , Muñoz Ortiz Laura , Torán Monserrat Pere , Esteva Ollé Xavier
Published: November 2013

Background

In order to avoid proliferation of microorganisms, cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation in health centres is of utmost importance hence reducing exposure of workers to biological agents and of clients that attend these health centres to potential infections. One of the most commonly-used chemical is glutaraldehyde. The effects of its exposure are well known in the hospital setting; however there is very little information available with regards to the primary health care domain.

Objective

To determine and measure the exposure of health workers in Primary Health Care Centres. Environmental to glutaraldehyde and staff concentration will be measured and compared with regulated Occupational Exposure Limits.

Methods/Design

Observational, cross-sectional and multi-centre study. The study population will be composed of any health professionals in contact with the chemical substance that work in the Primary Health Care Centres in the areas of Barcelonès Nord, Maresme, and Barcelona city belonging to the Catalan Institute of Health.

Data will be collected from 1) Glutaraldhyde consumption from the previous 4 years in the health centres under study. 2) Semi-structured interviews and key informants to gather information related to glutaraldehyde exposure. 3) Sampling of the substance in the processes considered to be high exposure.

Discussion

Although glutaraldehyde is extensively used in health centres, scientific literature only deals with certain occupational hazards in the hospital setting.

This study attempts to take an in-depth look into the risk factors and environmental conditions that exist in the primary care workplace with exposure to glutaraldehyde.
Fibroblast growth factor 19 entry into brain
Authors: Hsuchou Hung , Pan Weihong , Kastin Abba J
Published: November 2013

Background

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-19, an endocrine FGF protein mainly produced by the ileum, stimulates metabolic activity and alleviates obesity. FGF19 modulates metabolism after either intravenous or intracerebroventricular injection, and its receptor FGFR4 is present in the hypothalamus. This led to the question whether blood-borne FGF19 crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to exert its metabolic effects.

Methods

We determined the pharmacokinetics of FGF19 permeation from blood to brain in comparison with its distribution in peripheral organs. Multiple-time regression analysis after intravenous bolus injection, in-situ brain perfusion, and HPLC assays were performed.

Results

FGF19 was relatively stable in blood and in the brain compartment. Significant influx was seen in the presence of excess unlabeled FGF19 in blood. This coincided with a slower decline of 125I-FGF19 in blood which suggested there was decreased clearance or peripheral tissue uptake. In support of an altered pattern of peripheral processing of 125I-FGF19 by excess unlabeled FGF19, the high influx to liver was significantly attenuated, whereas the minimal renal uptake was linearly accelerated. In the present setting, we did not detect a saturable transport of FGF19 across the BBB, as the entry rate of 125I-FGF19 was not altered by excess unlabeled FGF19 or its mouse homologue FGF15 during in-situ brain perfusion.

Conclusion

FGF19 remained stable in the blood and brain compartments for up to 10 min. Its influx to the brain was non-linear, non-saturable, and affected by its blood concentration and distribution in peripheral organs. Liver showed a robust and specific uptake of FGF19 that could be inhibited by the presence of excess unlabeled FGF19, whereas kidney clearance was dose-dependent.
A home-based health information acquisition system
Authors: Yan Yan , Li Qi , Li Heping , Zhang Xuejun , Wang Lei
Published: November 2013

With the development of health consciousness and growing of the aging population, the healthcare demand becomes more and more important. At the same time, recent rapid growth in mobile computing technologies enables telemedicine applications operations on mobile devices. The technologies and demands accelerated different kinds of home-based devices for the aged healthcare and medical treatment. Our focus is on the design of an information system for in-home healthcare, and a new household acquisition terminal device which integrated electrocardiogram (ECG), blood oxygen, blood pressure and body temperature acquirement functions. A set-top box based manipulation method was adopted for operators, the physiological data could be acquired by the corresponding detectors. The parameters were collected and transmitted by set-top box and were received by the data server and sent to the medical staff of a hospital or healthcare center, professional healthcare advice or clinical diagnosis would be provided. Simultaneously, the collected parameters and the feedback clinic advice was stored on the servers which could be accessed by long distance clients such as a mobile smart phone user. The proposed system involved multiple physiologic parameters which led to great potential for universality, and in the terminal side the set-top box and IPTV screen shared scenario brought ease of use. Further progresses were made in the product upgrade because the shared IPTV screen was employed, which might be improved with the family demand. The acquirement instrument got a certification of China State Food and Drug Administration. The entire system was built for commercial achievements and the acquired data had great potential in disease screening and public hygiene research.
Antimicrobial stewardship auditing of patients reviewed by infectious diseases physicians in a tertiary university hospital
Authors: Yeo Chay Leng , Wu Jia En , Chung Gladys Wei-Teng , Chan Douglas Su-Gin , Chen Hui Hiong , Hsu Li Yang
Published: November 2013

Background

The optimal way for antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) to interact with existing infectious disease physician (IDP) services within the same institution is unknown. In our institution, IDPs and our prospective audit and feedback ASP operate independently, with occasionally differing recommendations offered for the same inpatient. We performed a retrospective audit on inpatients that had been reviewed by both IDPs and ASP within a 7-day period, focusing on cases where different therapy-modifying recommendations had been offered. We analyzed the outcomes in inpatients where the ASP recommendations were accepted and compared these with the inpatients where the IDP recommendations were accepted instead. Outcomes assessed were 30-day mortality post-ASP review, unplanned re-admission within 30 days post-discharge from hospital, and clinical deterioration at 7 days post-ASP review.

Findings

There were 143 (18.9%) patients where differing recommendations had been offered, with primary physicians accepting 69.9% of ASP recommendations. No significant differences in terms of demographics, clinical characteristics, 30-day mortality, and re-admission rates were observed, although clinical deterioration rates were lower in patients where the ASP recommendation was accepted (8.0% vs. 27.9%; p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, hematology-oncology inpatients were associated with unplanned readmission. Increasing age and hematology-oncology inpatients were associated with clinical deterioration 7 days post-recommendation, whereas acceptance of ASP recommendations was protective. No characteristic was independently associated with 30-day mortality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, independent reviews by both IDPs and ASPs can be compatible within large tertiary hospitals, providing primary physicians even in situations of conflicting recommendations viable alternative antimicrobial prescribing advice.
A Confederacy of Dunces: mental illness in the life and
work of John Kennedy Toole
Authors: Pal Abhijit
Published: November 2013

This article examines the life and work of John Kennedy Toole, focusing on
his 1981 Pulitzer Prize winning novel A Confederacy of
Dunces. Toole finished the novel in 1966 and, after failing to
rework his manuscript to his editor's satisfaction, he shelved the project.
Following this, he displayed symptoms typical of paranoid schizophrenia and
he took his own life at the age of 31. In his novel, Toole parodies both
psychoanalysis and the practice of psychiatry at the time, with a strong
overlap with the emerging perspectives critical of psychiatry popularised by
figures such as Szasz, Laing and Foucault. Toole's life and work have
relevance for psychiatrists interested in the relationship between
creativity and mental illness, attitudes towards psychiatry in the 1960s,
and the interplay between societal values and judgements of mental
health.
Safeguarding vulnerable adults: the psychiatrist's roles and
responsibilities
Authors: Hodgson Richard , Rheade Jude
Published: November 2013

For decades society has recognised that children are vulnerable and so it
has sought to protect them. However, similar legal protection for adults who
may be equally vulnerable has been neglected. The incremental introduction
of legislation and reports in the UK, along with guidelines on good
practice, now afford adults safeguarding procedures similar to those for
children. This article offers a practical overview of these developments. In
addition, it highlights some of the dilemmas that face practitioners in this
evolving arena, as legislation and policy do not anticipate the diverse
scenarios in which mental healthcare professionals may be involved.
Decisions made can be subject to legal challenge, so it is important that
psychiatrists understand their role as well as the role of their
organisation in this complex area.
Payment by results: validating care cluster allocation in the real world
Authors: Bekas Stavros , Michev Orlin
Published: November 2013

Aims and method

To validate care cluster allocation for payment by results (PbR) in mental health and to evaluate clustering and auditing methodologies. We applied exclusion criteria to the patient population of a mental health trust. An automated validation compared cluster with expected ICD-10 codes or scores on the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) and Mental Health Clustering Tool (MHCT). Six hundred ‘mismatched’ cases were reviewed in depth to better understand the reasons why these cases appeared misclustered.

Results

There was a significant mismatch between ICD-10 codes, HoNOS and MHCT scores and allocated care cluster, with differences between services and localities. Some clusters appeared to be more accurately allocated. The ‘deep dive’ analysis indicated that most mismatches occurred because psychosis was allocated to a non-psychotic cluster and vice versa, but also as a result of inherent weaknesses of the MHCT.

Clinical implications

High levels of inappropriate care cluster allocation highlight the need to improve practice. Weaknesses in the MHCT and ICD-10 coding mean that the final arbiter should be clinical judgement. Auditing will, by necessity, have a significant margin of error.
Patients' awareness of the mental health tribunal and capacity to make requests
Authors: Galappathie Nuwan , Harsh Rajendra Kumar , Thomas Mathew , Begum Amina , Kelly Danielle
Published: November 2013

Aims and method

To evaluate patient awareness of the mental health tribunal and identify any association between capacity to request a tribunal and frequency of completed hearings. A cohort of detained patients within a secure hospital were assessed and data for past tribunals evaluated by presence of capacity and mode of application.

Results

Of the 65 patients evaluated, 78% were aware of the tribunal's power to discharge, 14% were aware of its power to recommend leave and 4% were aware of its power to recommend transfer; 12% lacked capacity to request a tribunal. Patients with capacity received more completed hearings per year than those without, both overall (0.58 v. 0.29 per year, P = 0.04) and by patient application (0.45 v. 0.12 per year, P = 0.03).

Clinical implications

Hospital managers should ensure that all detained patients have regular assessments of their capacity to request a tribunal and that those who lack capacity are referred to the Secretary of State when it is considered that a tribunal would be in their best interests. Hospital managers should consider referring such cases to the Secretary of State every 12 months.
Endurance Exercise Training Up-Regulates Lipolytic Proteins and Reduces Triglyceride Content in Skeletal Muscle of Obese Subjects
Authors: Louche Katie , Badin Pierre-Marie , Montastier Emilie , Laurens Claire , Bourlier Virginie , de Glisezinski Isabelle , Thalamas Claire , Viguerie Nathalie , Langin Dominique , Moro Cedric
Published: November 2013

Context:

Skeletal muscle lipase and intramyocellular triglyceride (IMTG) play a role in obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of 8 weeks of endurance exercise training on IMTG content and lipolytic proteins in obese male subjects.

Design and Volunteers:

Ten obese subjects completed an 8-week supervised endurance exercise training intervention in which vastus lateralis muscle biopsy samples were collected before and after training.

Main Outcome Measures:

Clinical characteristics and ex vivo substrate oxidation rates were measured pre- and posttraining. Skeletal muscle lipid content and lipolytic protein expression were also investigated.

Results:

Our data show that exercise training reduced IMTG content by 42% (P < .01) and increased skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, whereas no change in total diacylglycerol content and glucose oxidation was found. Exercise training up-regulated adipose triglyceride lipase, perilipin (PLIN) 3 protein, and PLIN5 protein contents in skeletal muscle despite no change in mRNA levels. Training also increased hormone sensitive–lipase Ser660 phosphorylation. No significant changes in comparative gene identification 58, G0/G1 switch gene 2, and PLIN2 protein and mRNA levels were observed in response to training. Interestingly, we noted a strong relationship between skeletal muscle comparative gene identification 58 and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I protein contents at baseline (r = 0.87, P < .0001).

Conclusions:

Endurance exercise training coordinately up-regulates fat oxidative capacity and lipolytic protein expression in skeletal muscle of obese subjects. This physiological adaptation probably favors fat oxidation and may alleviate the lipotoxic lipid pressure in skeletal muscle. Enhancement of IMTG turnover may be required for the beneficial metabolic effects of exercise in obesity.
One-pot Microwave Hydrothermal Synthesis of Monodisperse Core–Shell-Structured SnO2@C Microspheres
Authors: Chen Rongrong , Wang Xin , Kong Xiangyang
Published: November 2013

Core–shell-structured SnO2@C microspheres have been synthesized through a one-pot rapid microwave hydrothermal treatment, which is a template-free method with environment-friendly and inexpensive starting materials. The growth mechanism of the core–shell-structured SnO2@C microspheres during the microwave hydrothermal process has been studied by analyzing the morphology evolution of the products at different stages of reaction. This synthesis route possesses the advantages of high production efficiency and low cost, making it a promising method for producing high-performance lithium-ion battery anode material.
Acid-catalyzed Ring-opening Polymerization of γ-Butyrolactone under High-pressure Conditions
Authors: Yamashita Kazuya , Yamamoto Kazuya , Kadokawa Jun-ichi
Published: November 2013

In this study, we found that acid-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of γ-butyrolactone, which showed difficulty progressing in general ROP, took place under high-pressure conditions. The structure of the product was confirmed by the 1H NMR spectrum to be poly(γ-butyrolactone). Furthermore, the Mn values increased with increasing monomer conversions.
Translate gene sequence into gene ontology terms based on statistical machine translation
Authors: Liang Wang , Kai Yong Zhao
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a novel method to predict the functions of amino acid sequences, based on statistical machine translation programs. To build the translation model, we use the “parallel corpus” concept. For instance, an English sentence “I love apples” and its corresponding French sentence “j’adore les pommes” are examples of a parallel corpus. Here we regard an amino acid sequence like “MTMDKSELVQKA” as one language, and treat its functional description as “0005737 0006605 0019904 (Gene Ontology terms)” as a sentence of another language. We select amino acid sequences and their corresponding functional descriptions in Gene Ontology terms to build the parallel corpus. Then we use a phrase-based translation model to build the “amino acid sequence” to “protein function” translation model. The Bilingual Evaluation Understudy (BLEU) score, an algorithm for measuring the quality of machine-translated text, of the proposed method reaches about 0.6 when neglecting the order of Gene Ontology words. Although its functional prediction performance is still not as accurate as search-based methods, it was able to give the function of amino acid sequences directly and was more efficient.
Performance audit of the efficiency of the budget expenses on agriculture
Authors: Валеев  , Valeev Azat
Published: November 2013

The significant funds annually are allocated under the government’s support for agriculture from the federal budget and the subject’s budgets of the Russian Federation. In this regard, one of the priorities of the control and audit departments should carry out audit of the use of public funds to support agriculture (hereafter - the performance audit). Auditing the effectiveness includes three main phases: a preparatory phase, during which the preliminary study of the control measures subjects, according to its results, the guidelines for the conduct of the performance audit are prepared; the main stage, which includes the collection, validation and analysis of data required to audit the facilities, and also obtain information from other sources. As a result of this phase check acts are signed; the final phase, during which findings, conclusions and recommendations are formed, a report on the results of performance audit are prepared and considered in due course. At the preparatory stage, the particular attention is paid to the identification and analysis of possible risks in the use of public funds. Taking into account the evaluation subject, the audit objectives and further on each of these criteria for evaluating the effectiveness are selected, representing the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the organization, processes and results of the use of public funds and the activities of audit objects that show what should be the organization and processes and the results are a testament to efficient use of public funds.
Classification of costs for management reporting formation in gas producing companies
Authors: Горобец  , Gorobets Olga
Published: November 2013

Nowadays Russia is on the first place in the world in terms of proven gas reserves. The gas industry has played a strategic role in the economy of our country, and including in the agricultural economy. For the preparation of the information, required for decision- making, you must correctly classification of expenses, which largely depends on the production and management of an organization. The main feature of the gas as compared with the production of solid minerals, is that the gas remains concealed in sealed structures at all stages - after removal from the reservoir to the moment when the consumer enters. All costs of gas companies , like any other organization , are necessary to structure an orderly manner . The standard classification of costs does not exist yet . In order to effectively manage costs OAO “Gazprom” encourages its subsidiaries provide the following types of costs: semi-variable and fixed costs; relevant and irrelevant costs; regulated and non-regulated costs [5]. In our opinion, the above-described classification is the most convenient for the gas-producing organizations. Thus, the analysis can be concluded, that gas production costs of organizations differs in their variety and it requires different methods for management. However, the correct application of the classification of costs will not only determine the degree of influence on the outcome of certain costs of the organization, but also relate to the production costs only those costs, that are necessary for its production and sales. This, in turn, will affect the cost of other organizations, including agricultural companies. The proper use of the classification of expenses is the first step towards effective cost management.
Justification and determination the main parameters of spiral plate-type of work part
Authors: Булгариев  , Bulgariev Gumar , Юнусов  , Yunusov Rafail
Published: November 2013

Justification and analytical derivation of the equations to determine the basic parameters (including forms) of rotary (circular, screw, a helical-type and etc.) working parts of tillers were the subject of investigations by several authors. Also from literature sources, we can say that the working parts of passive rotary actuator (jet - the drive from the soil) for the crumbling of the soil and associated operations will require further theoretical and experimental studies. Therefore, we investigated spiral plate-type working part with corrugated (wavy) work surface and a cutting edge with teeth, accomplished at the site of the logarithmic spiral. Thus, the wavy form of the working surface has an influence on the cutting edge. In consequence of that, the teeth of the cutting edge radially disposed on a path, extending along a helical line and rejected in two directions (right and left turn). Based on the foregoing, we justified and prepared relations to define the basic parameters of the working surface of the teeth and the cutting edge of the working part spiral plate-type elements: the diameter (D), the number of teeth (Z3), the depth of cut (C'), the distance between adjacent teeth - tooth pitch (S3 ), length of the front cutting edge of the tooth (ℓ 3), the length of back edge of the tooth (ℓ t), lead of a screw (tmax), the width of the operating element (H), width of a tooth at its apex (B3) and the distance from the apex of the tooth to its leading edge (L3 ). The analytical dependence can justify the choice of the main design parameters of the operating element and design the toothed spiral plate-type working part, which is reduced to the calculation of the basic dimensions and meaningful implementation.
influence as a cryoprotectant on water absorption capacity of dough and barmy cages
Authors: Кенийз  , Keniyz Nadezhda
Published: November 2013

With the change the life rhythm of bakery consumers, a necessity for semi-finished products, that can be prepared without the high cost in time, are appeared. In the economically developed countries, the use of semi-finished products is widespread. In Russia intensive technologies are also developing and all they are faster used in small businesses and the segment HoReCa, because these technologies are more flexible and convenient than traditional ones. Based on the studies on the rheology of dough, by dough-making method, physical and chemical indicators, frosting and defrosting of semifinished products and counting the number of microorganisms, the baking data has been worked out the baking bread technology named “Zimniy”, in which Technical conditions 9114-142-0493202-10 were developed. The approbation of developed “Zimniy” bread baking technology was taken in a production environment and processing complex of Training, research and production complex “Technolog” of Kuban State Agrarian University.
Protection of the working units of agricultural machinery during storage
Authors: Сушинцев  , Sushintsev V , Курбанов  , Kurbanov Rustam , Морозов  , Morozov A
Published: November 2013

During the usage and storage agricultural machinery are corrosion fracture. There are many known protective materials to protect against corrosion, which are often expensive. The authors offer a technology of obtaining an anticorrosive material – bituminous composition, that will solve a number of problems: the waste materials recycling and the high cost, lack of protective materials. The bench tests were conducted after determining the optimal content of the bituminous composition. During the year, the known and available protective materials , as well as the newly formed bituminous composition, exposed to atmospheric agents, as provided in the combined storage and in the open air. As a result of a comprehensive evaluation of the protective properties of anti-corrosion materials by method of application on the work surface and the economic feasibility has been proposed a technology of bituminous composition, the protective properties of which were the highest, at the lowest cost .
Electric pasteurizer of milk.
Authors: Родионова  , Rodionova Anastasiya , Новикова  , Novikova Galina
Published: November 2013

There were designed, manufactured and tested in a production a setting for disinfection of milk by exposure of physical factors, which has a new design concept of the working part in the form of a cylindrical cavity resonator, coupled to a reservoir of the ultrasonic generator, located in the shielding enclosure. The technological scheme of milk pasteurization in the developed electric pasteurizer comprises the steps of: supplying milk into the cavity, dielectric heating milk in a cylindrical cavity; the heating of milk due to the impact of the regional flow of electromagnetic field of microwave at its end from the cavity to the reservoir of the ultrasonic generator; cavitational heating milk in the tank of the ultrasonic generator; repeatedly pumping milk with a pump on the milk line; the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays on the flow of milk through the milk line; drain the milk in aseptic packaging. The study the dynamics of heating milk by combined effect of physical factors such as ultrasonic vibration and electromagnetic field of microwave, showed that the increase in temperature was over 200 ... 240ºC with 47 ... 48ºC. The study of microbiological parameters of bacterial contamination of milk with 5,1 * 106 KFU/cm3 showed that during the disinfection of milk by combined action of physical factors the total bacterial count (TBC) decreased to 100,000 KFU/cm3.
Agroecological assessment of new varieties of potatoes in the middle Volga steppe
Authors: Владимиров  , Vladimirov Sergey
Published: November 2013

The implementation of potato potential yield (30-40 tons per hectare) in the forest-steppe zone of the Middle Volga is possible with the introduction of highly adapted varieties, the use of evidence-based farming cultivation. The authors studied the efficiency of promising new varieties of potatoes on gray forest soils in the Republic of Tatarstan. It was founded that when treating by calculated dozes of fertilizer potatoes of Rozhdestvenskiy, Impala, Sprint, Feloks, Red Skarlet varieties on gray forest soils of the Middle Volga steppe on average for three years the planned harvest tubers 40 or more tons per hectare was formed. The yield of Aroza, Nevskiy, Adretta varieties was 36,51-37,30 tons per hectare. In the more favorable moisture 2009 year, the high yields of tubers were formed by varieties: early-maturing Impala (58.35 tons per hectare), Red Skarlet (57.02 tons per hectare), Feloks (55.83 tons per hectare), middle-maturing Adretta (57,22 tons per hectare), Rozhdestvenskiy (56.13 tons per hectare). In drought 2010 year, in the application of irrigation higher yields of tubers formed early-maturing varieties: Sprint (21.52 tons per hectare), Red Skarlet (21.06 tons per hectare), Impala (20.59 tons per hectare) and Aroza (20.53 tons per hectare) and middle-maturing variety Nevskiy (21.74 tons per hectare). Less yields in 2010 were such varieties as Adretta - middle-maturing (14.58 tons per hectare) early-maturing Rokko (13.67 tons per hectare). The difference in yield of these varieties in this year reached 7.16 tons per hectare, the higher yield more than 20 tons per hectare was provided by 5 species of 9 studied (20,53-21,74 tons per hectare).
Effect of different tillage options on potato yield
Authors: Рыжих  , Ryzhikh Lyudmila
Published: November 2013

The article is undertaken a comparative study of technologies, based on plowing with a turnover of the reservoir, and main alternative tillage in a crop rotation with perennial grasses and row crops (potatoes) in the specific environmental conditions of the Predkamskiy forest zone region. We present the results of potato production in the crop rotation, provided various ways of handling the gray forest soils of forest-steppe zone of the Republic of Tatarstan (example plot experimental fields of Tatar Research Institute of Agriculture on gray forest soils).
Study of peat deposits in the Saby and Tyulyachi public districts with the aim of possible usage in the forest seed selection center for the growing seedlings of forest trees according to the technology of BCC AB
Authors: Хузиахметов  , Khuziakhmetov Rifkat , Сабиров  , Sabirov Ayrat , Сафина  , Safina Aygul
Published: November 2013

The studies of peatlands have been conducted in Saby and Tyulyachi municipal districts of the Republic of Tatarstan for the possible use of them in the forest breeding and seed center for the cultivation of seedlings of forest trees on the technology of the Swedish company BCC AB. We conducted field studies of peat samples in these municipal districts of the Republic of Tatarstan in 2011 and 2012. During the field studies some peat samples were collected from two sites for the full agro-chemical analysis. These peat samples were taken near the village Minger of Saby district, near the village Bolshie Meteski of Tyulyachi district. An agrochemical analysis of samples were hold at the Analytical Research Center of Tatar Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture of Russian Agricultural Academy. To evaluate the results of data of agrochemical analysis of peat samples, taken near the villages Minger and Bolshieg Meteski, have been compared with the data of table 2 and 3. By comparing the studied samples, we concluded that the agrochemicals characteristics of peat corresponded to indicators of lowland peat according to the scale of L.fon Post. The studies have shown that the studied peat deposits in Saby and Tyulyachi municipal districts of the Republic of Tatarstan for its agrochemical properties belong to the lowland peat, which makes them unsuitable for use on the above-mentioned technology. Upland sphagnum peat bogs in this study area are not available, which are necessary for the cultivation of seedlings of forest trees according to the technology of the Swedish company AB BCC.
Plants development, the leaf surface dynamics, the content of chlorophyll, net photosynthetic productivity, the coefficient of use of far, depending on the planting tubers depth
Authors: Самаркин  , Samarkin Aleksey , Самаркина  , Samarkina Marina , Шашкаров  , Shashkarov Leonid
Published: November 2013

There are the following phenological phases since germination to maturity of the potato plant: sprouting, budding, flowering, start and stop foliage dying, that begins with a number of external morphological changes, associated with the formation of individual organs and parts of plants. The adopted in phenology plant phases development can be considered as objective evidence of these changes. The rate of formation of both vegetative organs, that perform essential functions of nutrition, respiration, water, synthesis and movement of substances in the body, and generative organs of reproduction are totals biological indicators, integrating the influence of the whole complex of environmental factors and hereditary nature of the organism. Of course, it affects the productivity of potato plants. Thus, planting depth significantly affects the growth, development and preservation of potato plants. The scheduled tuber yields were obtained in 2011 with the planting of potato tubers to a depth of 10-12 cm. Planting potatoes seed to a depth of 6-8 cm provides a higher yield of marketable tubers, this planting depth provides the most cost-effective outcome, regardless of the background of the power plants.
Change of physical and chemical properties of grey forest soil of Tatarstan agrocenosis under the influence of Alfalfa cultivated on different mineral nutrition backgrounds
Authors: Сочнева  , Sochneva Svetlana , Миннулин  , Minnulin Genadiy , Сафиоллин  , Safiollin Faik
Published: November 2013

In the world more than 100 types of crops are cultivated on the fodder purposes, including perennial grasses, corn, fodder and forage crops account, which provides about 70% of the livestock’s necessity. Among the perennial grasses, the leading position, both in areas under crops and the yield, is alfalfa crop, which is grown in 165 countries around the world according to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, especially in the countries of Americas (20-25 million hectares). Furthermore, the palatability ratio of green and dry alfalfa is significantly higher, compared to other legumes perennial grasses. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of alfalfa forage production in the modern forage production. This paper presents the current issues of growing alfalfa on different backgrounds of mineral nutrition. In our country its acreage needs to be expanded to 350 hectares (40% of the acreage of perennial grasses), because the farming biologization without the inclusion this crop in the field, forage and farms crop rotation is theoretically impossible and not feasible. In order to obtain the high biomass of at least 23 tons per hectare and agriculture biologization on gray forest soils of the Republic of Tatarstan we recommend to cultivate alfalfa mixed with awnless rump and meadow fescue in the ratio of 0,70:0,15:0,15. In households with high use of chemicals so that to obtain for more than 36 tons per hectare of green herbage mass in polyspecific grasses, it should prevail crop components (awnless rump and meadow fescue), which are in a leading position, according to the impact on the agro biological properties of the soil of Kama zone of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Improving Patient Access to Chemotherapy Treatment at Duke Cancer Institute
Authors: Woodall Jonathan C. , Gosselin Tracy , Boswell Amy , Murr Michael , Denton Brian T.
Published: November 2013

This paper describes how we applied simulation and optimization in combination to improve patient flow within the Duke Cancer Institute, a large cancer center. We first developed a discrete-event simulation model to predict patient waiting time and resource utilization throughout various parts of the center, including the outpatient clinic, radiology, the pharmacy, laboratory services, and the oncology treatment facility. Simulation model studies showed that nurse unavailability during oncology treatment causes a serious bottleneck in patient flow. Next, we developed a mixed-integer programming model to relieve the bottleneck by optimizing weekly and monthly scheduling of different types of nurses. Finally, we developed a novel simulation-optimization model to further relieve the bottleneck by optimizing the starting times of nurse shifts. Our paper summarizes our main findings and the resulting recommendations that Duke Cancer Institute implemented.
Pelvic discontinuity
Authors: Petrie J. , Sassoon A. , Haidukewych G. J.
Published: November 2013

Pelvic discontinuity represents a rare but challenging problem for orthopaedic surgeons. It is most commonly encountered during revision total hip replacement, but can also result from an iatrogentic acetabular fracture during hip replacement. The general principles in management of pelvic discontinuity include restoration of the continuity between the ilium and the ischium, typically with some form of plating. Bone grafting is frequently required to restore pelvic bone stock. The acetabular component is then impacted, typically using an uncemented, trabecular metal component. Fixation with multiple supplemental screws is performed. For larger defects, a so-called ‘cup–cage’ reconstruction, or a custom triflange implant may be required. Pre-operative CT scanning can greatly assist in planning and evaluating the remaining bone stock available for bony ingrowth. Generally, good results have been reported for constructs that restore stability to the pelvis and allow some form of biologic ingrowth.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:109–13.
Femoral and tibial component rotation in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Scott R. D.
Published: November 2013

At least four ways have been described to determine femoral component rotation, and three ways to determine tibial component rotation in total knee replacement (TKR). Each method has its advocates and each has an influence on knee kinematics and the ultimate short and long term success of TKR. Of the four femoral component methods, the author prefers rotating the femoral component in flexion to that amount that establishes a stable symmetrical flexion gap. This judgement is made after the soft tissues of the knee have been balanced in extension.

Of the three tibial component methods, the author prefers rotating the tibial component into congruency with the established femoral component rotation with the knee is in extension. This yields a rotationally congruent articulation during weight-bearing and should minimise the torsional forces being transferred through a conforming tibial insert, which could lead to wear to the underside of the tibial polyethylene. Rotating platform components will compensate for any mal-rotation, but can still lead to pain if excessive tibial insert rotation causes soft-tissue impingement.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:140–3.