bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of tight computerized glucose control on neurological outcome in severely brain injured patients: a multicenter sub-group analysis of the randomized-controlled open-label CGAO-REA study
Authors: Cinotti Raphaël , Ichai Carole , Orban Jean-Christophe , Kalfon Pierre , Feuillet Fanny , Roquilly Antoine , Riou Bruno , Blanloeil Yvonnick , Asehnoune Karim , Rozec Bertrand
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Hyperglycemia is a marker of poor prognosis in severe brain injuries. There is currently little data regarding the effects of intensive insulin therapy (IIT) on neurological recovery.

Methods

A sub-group analysis of the randomized-controlled CGAO-REA study (NCT01002482) in surgical intensive care units (ICU) of two university hospitals. Patients with severe brain injury, with an expected ICU length of stay ≥48 hours were included. Patients were randomized between a conventional glucose management group (blood glucose target between 5.5 and 9 mmol.L−1) and an IIT group (blood glucose target between 4.4 and 6 mmol.L−1). The primary outcome was the day-90 neurological outcome evaluated with the Glasgow outcome scale.

Results

A total of 188 patients were included in this analysis. In total 98 (52%) patients were randomized in the control group and 90 (48%) in the IIT group. The mean Glasgow coma score at baseline was 7 (±4). Patients in the IIT group received more insulin (130 (68 to 251) IU versus 74 (13 to 165) IU in the control group, P = 0.01), had a significantly lower morning blood glucose level (5.9 (5.1 to 6.7) mmol.L−1 versus 6.5 (5.6 to 7.2) mmol.L−1, P <0.001) in the first 5 days after ICU admission. The IIT group experienced more episodes of hypoglycemia (P <0.0001). In the IIT group 24 (26.6%) patients had a favorable neurological outcome (good recovery or moderate disability) compared to 31 (31.6%) in the control group (P = 0.4). There were no differences in day-28 mortality. The occurrence of hypoglycemia did not influence the outcome.

Conclusions

In this sub-group analysis of a large multicenter randomized trial, IIT did not appear to alter the day-90 neurological outcome or ICU morbidity in severe brain injured patients or ICU morbidity.
Checkpoints couple transcription network oscillator dynamics to cell-cycle progression
Authors: Bristow Sara L , Leman Adam R , Simmons Kovacs Laura A , Deckard Anastasia , Harer John , Haase Steven B
Published: September 2014

Background

The coupling of cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) to an intrinsically oscillating network of transcription factors has been proposed to control progression through the cell cycle in budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The transcription network regulates the temporal expression of many genes, including cyclins, and drives cell-cycle progression, in part, by generating successive waves of distinct CDK activities that trigger the ordered program of cell-cycle events. Network oscillations continue autonomously in mutant cells arrested by depletion of CDK activities, suggesting the oscillator can be uncoupled from cell-cycle progression. It is not clear what mechanisms, if any, ensure that the network oscillator is restrained when progression in normal cells is delayed or arrested. A recent proposal suggests CDK acts as a master regulator of cell-cycle processes that have the potential for autonomous oscillatory behavior.

Results

Here we find that mitotic CDK is not sufficient for fully inhibiting transcript oscillations in arrested cells. We do find that activation of the DNA replication and spindle assembly checkpoints can fully arrest the network oscillator via overlapping but distinct mechanisms. Further, we demonstrate that the DNA replication checkpoint effector protein, Rad53, acts to arrest a portion of transcript oscillations in addition to its role in halting cell-cycle progression.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that checkpoint mechanisms, likely via phosphorylation of network transcription factors, maintain coupling of the network oscillator to progression during cell-cycle arrest.
Maintenance of human amnion epithelial cell phenotype in pulmonary surfactant
Authors: McDonald Courtney A , Melville Jacqueline M , Polglase Graeme R , Jenkin Graham , Moss Timothy JM
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Preterm newborns often require mechanical respiratory support that can result in ventilation-induced lung injury (VILI), despite exogenous surfactant treatment. Human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) reduce lung inflammation and resultant abnormal lung development in preterm animals; co-administration with surfactant is a potential therapeutic strategy. We aimed to determine whether hAECs remain viable and maintain function after combination with surfactant.

Methods

hAECs were incubated in surfactant (Curosurf) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 30 minutes at 37°C. Cell viability, phenotype (by flow cytometry), inhibition of T-cell proliferative responses and differentiation into lung epithelium-like cells (assessed with immunohistochemical staining of surfactant protein (SP)-A) were investigated.

Results

Cell viability and apoptosis of hAECs were not altered by surfactant, and hAEC phenotype was not altered. hAECs maintained expression of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-ABC after surfactant exposure. Expression of HLA-DR, CD80 and CD86 was not increased. Immunosuppression of T cells by hAECs was not altered by surfactant. hAEC differentiation into lung epithelium-like cells was equivalent after exposure to PBS or surfactant, and SP-A expression was equivalent.

Conclusion

Surfactant exposure does not alter viability or function of hAECs. Thus a combination therapy of hAECs and surfactant may be an efficacious therapy to ameliorate or prevent preterm lung disease.
President's Page
Authors: Graul Mike
Published: September 2014

“I'm from the government and I'm here to help.” Ronald Reagan regarded these as terrifying words, but on certain occasions, all of us might appreciate a little assistance from the governing body du jour. As a member of SEG, for example, you, Samantha Seismos, might want access to the latest Distinguished Instructor Short Course (DISC) covering “Azimuthal Anisotropic AVO Applications in Uninteresting Rocks,” but you're living out your geophysical life in Quiet Desperation, Kentucky (population 114). The nearest SEG section (37 members) is some 423 miles west of you and has never had a visiting SEG continuing education (CE) course. What do you do? To whom do you address your request?
Least-squares reverse time migration: Inversion-based imaging toward true reflectivity
Authors: Zeng Chong , Dong Shuqian , Wang Bin
Published: September 2014

As an inversion-based imaging algorithm, least-squares reverse time migration (LSRTM) refines seismic images toward true-reflectivity earth models. It overcomes the shortcomings of conventional migration algorithms via iterative least-squares inversion to gradually correct migration errors. LSRTM also suppresses side lobes of image wavelets to generate images with high spatial resolution. Recovered weak events and steep dips are enhanced during iterations with balanced illumination. The true-amplitude behavior of LSRTM will greatly benefit quantitative seismic interpretations. LSRTM can be a practical image-domain broadband solution to generate high-resolution images with fine layers as well as accurate complex structures.
Elastic velocity analysis and time-lapse full-waveform inversion
Authors: Raknes Espen Birger , Weibull Wiktor , Arntsen Børge
Published: September 2014

Until recently, a majority of seismic-processing and seismic-imaging techniques has to a large extent ignored amplitude effects and has been designed to use the information contained in the kinematic part of seismic waves. With the introduction of inversion techniques designed to use the amplitude properties of seismic data also, such as full-waveform inversion, one can no longer use the simple acoustic approximation to describe seismic waves but has to employ the full elastic formulation, possibly also including anisotropy. Reverse time migration can be modified easily to take elastic waves into account. This also leads directly to elastic migration velocity analysis, in which the effect of anisotropy can be taken into account in a straightforward way. Full-waveform inversion using the full elastic wave equation gives more accurate results compared with acoustic full-waveform inversion and is capable of exploiting information contained in reflected waves. Time-lapse elastic full-waveform inversion is capable of recovering compressional- and shear-wave velocity changes caused by fluid effects on synthetic data. Real data results are more uncertain but seem to indicate that the elastic approach leads to better results than the conventional acoustic method.
Velocity-independent and data-driven prestack time imaging: It is possible
Authors: Bonomi Ernesto , Tomas Carlo , Marchetti Paolo , Caddeo Gianluigi
Published: September 2014

The formulation and practical implementation of methods to automatically obtain an image of the earth's interior are long-term dreams in the geophysical community. This problem has stimulated the curiosity of geophysicists, and its solution would dramatically change seismic processing and improve oil and gas exploration. Several attempts have been made in the last two decades to obtain such a result, and nowadays, every oil company and contractor is still strongly committed to achieving it. In this effort, velocity-independent time imaging, driven only by data, is possible.
Student Zone
Authors: Skorkina Anna
Published: September 2014

The 5th International Geosciences Student Conference (IGSC) — organized by Perm State University Student Chapter, the Institute of Applied Physics Geophysical Society, and Gubkin University Student Chapter — took place at the Institute of Applied Physics in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, 28 July–1 August 2014. The conference was complemented by an exhibition featuring SEG, ExxonMobil, the MOL group, Schlumberger, the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE), and GeofizPoisk.
Memorial
Authors: Killeen Patrick
Published: September 2014

Memorial for: Quentin Bristow
Mystifying What Matters: Erotic Antiquarianism in Erasmus Darwin’s Portland Vase
Authors: Komisaruk Adam
Published: September 2014

Critics from the eighteenth century to the present have largely agreed in portraying Erasmus Darwin as an apostle of sexual liberation. One of Darwin’s career-long themes, that erotic love unifies the visible universe and the invisible, reaches its apotheosis in The Botanic Garden (1792) with his account of the famous Portland Vase as reproduced by Josiah Wedgwood. According to Darwin, the vase represents the Eleusinian Mysteries, an ancient fertility ritual where the god Eros presides. Darwin’s interest in this tradition parallels the contemporary antiquarian movement, represented particularly by the Society of Dilettanti, which researched the sacramental character of sexuality in the pagan world. I argue, however, that such work more often perpetuated an ideology of sexual restraint than of freedom. The antiquarians discerned two different myths of Eros: that of the divine progenitor from the esoteric rites, and that of the impish mischief-maker from popular tradition. By valorizing the former at the expense of the latter, they sublimated the socially and ontologically disruptive qualities of sexuality itself into decorous abstractions. Reading Darwin alongside these antiquarians helps bring into relief his own anxieties about the way that raw sexuality, and raw matter in general, challenges a unitary vision of the cosmos. For Darwin, the Portland Vase ultimately becomes a fetish—a mystification of the material realities not only of sexual desire but also of industries like Wedgwood’s.
The “Jewish Question” on Both Sides of the Atlantic: Harrington and the Correspondence between Maria Edgeworth and Rachel Mordecai Lazarus
Authors: Craft-Fairchild Catherine
Published: September 2014

Maria Edgeworth, in her novel Harrington (1817), was one of the first proponents of religious and cultural tolerance of the small but growing Jewish population in Great Britain. Edgeworth suggested that the best method of counteracting the irrational biases reinforced by drama and fiction was by gaining positive, firsthand experience of the lives of individuals within London’s Jewish community. Ironically, however, in depicting Jewish characters, she relied almost entirely on the representations of Jews offered by books. The inspiration for Harrington had been the introductory letter from an American Jew, Rachel Mordecai Lazarus; their twenty-three year correspondence, although postdating the novel’s publication, nevertheless helps to explain the limitations of Harrington and points toward some of the reasons why Edgeworth never moved beyond a text-based understanding of Judaism and, after one foray, never wrote on Jewish subjects again. In their mutual inability to probe Judaism, Edgeworth and Lazarus revealed key facets of the “Jewish Question” at the turn of the nineteenth century. Hampered by her own cultural barriers, like Richard Cumberland before her, and Walter Scott after, Edgeworth adopted a technique that rendered her novel an inaccurate account of Anglo-Jewish life and that disappointed her readers; Harrington finally managed only to depict Jewish assimilation instead of achieving Edgeworth’s initial aim of fostering tolerance for Jewish difference.
The Explicit Laplace Transform for the Wishart Process
Authors: Gnoatto Alessandro , Grasselli Martino
Published: September 2014

We derive the explicit formula for the joint Laplace transform of the Wishart process and its time integral, which extends the original approach of Bru (1991). We compare our methodology with the alternative results given by the variation-of-constants method, the linearization of the matrix Riccati ordinary differential equation, and the Runge-Kutta algorithm. The new formula turns out to be fast and accurate.
The Peutz-Jeghers kinase LKB1 suppresses polyp growth from intestinal cells of a proglucagon-expressing lineage
Authors: Zac-Verghese Sagen , Trapp Stefan , Richards Paul , Sayers Sophie , Sun Gao , Bloom Stephen R. , Reimann Frank , Gribble Fiona M. , Rutter Guy A.
Published: September 2014

Liver kinase B1 (LKB1; also known as STK11) is a serine/threonine kinase and tumour suppressor that is mutated in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a premalignant syndrome associated with the development of gastrointestinal polyps. Proglucagon-expressing enteroendocrine cells are involved in the control of glucose homeostasis and the regulation of appetite through the secretion of gut hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) (incretins). To determine the role of LKB1 in these cells, we bred mice bearing floxed alleles of Lkb1 against animals carrying Cre recombinase under proglucagon promoter control. These mice (GluLKB1KO) were viable and displayed near-normal growth rates and glucose homeostasis. However, they developed large polyps at the gastro-duodenal junction, and displayed premature mortality (death from 120 days of age). Histological analysis of the polyps demonstrated that they had a PJS-like appearance with an arborising smooth-muscle core. Circulating GLP-1 levels were normal in GluLKB1KO mice and the polyps expressed low levels of the peptide, similar to levels in the neighbouring duodenum. Lineage tracing using a Rosa26tdRFP transgene revealed, unexpectedly, that enterocytes within the polyps were derived from non-proglucagon-expressing precursors, whereas connective tissue was largely derived from proglucagon-expressing precursors. Developmental studies in wild-type mice suggested that a subpopulation of proglucagon-expressing cells undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to become smooth-muscle-like cells. Thus, it is likely that polyps in the GluLKB1KO mice developed from a unique population of smooth-muscle-like cells derived from a proglucagon-expressing precursor. The loss of LKB1 within this subpopulation seems to be sufficient to drive tumorigenesis.
Positive feedback between golgi membranes, microtubules and ER-exit sites directs golgi de novo biogenesis
Authors: Ronchi Paolo , Tischer Christian , Acehan Devrim , Pepperkok Rainer
Published: September 2014

The Golgi complex is the central organelle of the secretory pathway. It undergoes dynamic changes during the cell cycle, but how it acquires and maintains its complex structure is unclear. To address this question we have used laser nanosurgery to deplete cells of the Golgi complex and monitored its biogenesis by quantitative time-lapse microscopy and correlative electron microscopy. After Golgi depletion, ER export is inhibited and the number of ER-exit sites (ERES) is reduced and does not increase for several hours. Occasional fusion of small post-ER carriers to form the first larger structures triggers a rapid and drastic growth of Golgi precursors, due to the capacity of these structures to attract more carriers via microtubule nucleation and to stimulate ERES biogenesis. Increasing the chances of post-ER carrier fusion close to ERES by depolymerizing microtubules results in the acceleration of Golgi and ERES biogenesis. Altogether, our results propose a self-organizing principle of the early secretory pathway that integrates Golgi biogenesis, ERES biogenesis and the organization of the microtubule network by positive feedback loops.
MRTF-A mediates LPS-induced pro-inflammatory transcription by interacting with the COMPASS complex
Authors: Yu Liming , Weng Xinyu , Liang Peng , Dai Xin , Wu Xiaoyan , Xu Huihui , Fang Mingming , Fang Fei , Xu Yong
Published: September 2014

Chronic inflammation underscores the pathogenesis of a range of human diseases. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) elicits strong pro-inflammatory response in macrophages via the transcription factor NF-κB. The epigenetic mechanism underlying LPS-induced pro-inflammatory transcription is not completely appreciated. Herein we describe a role for myocardin related transcription factor A, or MRTF-A, in this process. MRTF-A over-expression potentiated while MRTF-A silencing dampened NF-κB dependent pro-inflammatory transcription. MRTF-A deficiency also alleviated the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators in a mouse model of colitis. LPS promoted the recruitment of MRTF-A to the promoters of pro-inflammatory genes in a NF-κB dependent manner. Reciprocally, MRTF-A influenced the nuclear enrichment and target binding of NF-κB. Mechanistically, MRTF-A was necessary for the accumulation of active histone modifications on NF-κB target promoters by communicating with the histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex (COMPASS). Silencing of individual members of COMPASS, including ASH2, WDR5, and SET1, down-regulated the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and impaired the NF-κB kinetics. In summary, our work has uncovered a previously unknown function for MRTF-A and provided insights into the rationalized development of anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies.
Defective lysosome maturation and Legionella pneumophila replication in Dictyostelium ArfGAP ACAP-A mutant cells
Authors: Baïlo Nathalie , Cosson Pierre , Charette Steve J. , Paquet Valérie E. , Doublet Patricia , Letourneur François
Published: September 2014

Dictyostelium discoideum ACAP-A is an Arf-GTPase-activating protein involved in cytokinesis, cell migration and actin cytoskeleton dynamics. In mammalian cells, ACAP family members regulate endocytic protein trafficking. Here we explored the function of ACAP-A in the endocytic pathway of D. discoideum. In the absence of ACAP-A, reduced fusion efficacy of post-lysosomes with the plasma membrane resulted in the accumulation of post-lysosomes. Moreover, internalized fluid-phase showed extended intracellular transit time and transfer kinetics of phagocyted particles from lysosomes to post-lysosomes was reduced. Neutralization of lysosomal pH, one essential step in lysosome maturation, was also delayed. Whereas expression of ACAP-A-GFP in acapA− cells restored normal particle transport kinetics, a mutant ACAP-A protein with no GAP activity towards the small GTPase ArfA failed to complement this defect. Together these data support a role for ACAP-A in maturation of lysosomes into post-lysosomes through an ArfA-dependent mechanism. In addition, we reveal that ACAP-A is required for efficient intracellular growth of Legionella pneumophila, a pathogen known to subvert the endocytic host cell machinery for replication. This further emphasizes the role of ACAP-A in the endocytic pathway.
Bitter stimuli modulates the feeding decision of a blood-sucking insect via two sensory inputs
Authors: Pontes Gina , Minoli Sebastian , Ortega Insaurralde Isabel , de Brito Sanchez Maria Gabriela , Barrozo Romina B.
Published: September 2014

The gustatory system of animals is involved in the food quality assessment and controls the feeding decision of an individual confronted to a potential alimentary source. Triatomines are haematophagous insects that feed on vertebrate's blood. Once they reach a potential host, they walk over their skin searching for an adequate site to pierce. Then, they insert their stylets and take a first sampling gorge to decide if food is acceptable or not. Our work reveals that the presence of bitter compounds inhibits the feeding behavior of these bugs. Firstly, triatomines decreased their feeding behavior if substrates spread with quinine or caffeine were detected by external receptors localized exclusively in the antennae. Morphological inspections along with electrophysiological recordings revealed the existence of four gustatory sensilla located in the tip of the antenna that respond to both bitter tastants. The absence of these bitter detectors by antennal ablation reversed the observed feeding inhibition evoked by bitter compounds. Secondly, once triatomines pumped the first volume of food with bitter compounds (quinine, caffeine, berberine, salicin), a decrease in their feeding behavior was observed. Morphological inspections revealed the existence of 8 gustatory sensilla located in the pharynx that might be responsible for the internal bitter detection. Finally, we found that a brief pre-exposure to bitter compounds negatively modulates the motivation of bugs to feed on an appetitive solution. Results presented here highlight the relevance of bitter taste perception in the modulation of the feeding behavior of a blood-sucking insect.
A Liposome Reversibly Coated with Serum Albumin
Authors: Sato Hikari , Nakamura Yuta , Nakhaei Elnaz , Funamoto Daiki , Kim Chan Woo , Yamamoto Tatsuhiro , Kishimura Akihiro , Mori Takeshi , Katayama Yoshiki
Published: September 2014

Herein, we reported a design of liposome affording a reversible coating of serum albumin on its surface. We synthesized a lipid modified with a serum albumin-specific endogenous ligand and prepared liposome, including this lipid. We successfully confirmed the coating of the liposome surface with serum albumin. The liposome presented here would be applicable to a drug carrier with enhanced blood circulation.
Synthesis of Magnesium Hydroxide Submicroplatelets from Laterite Leaching Solutions
Authors: Gao Jian-ming , Zhang Mei , Guo Min
Published: September 2014

Magnesium hydroxide submicroplatelets were synthesized from laterite leaching solutions by using two methods, namely, precipitation and hydrothermal methods. X-ray diffraction results coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry indicated that all the samples were well-crystallized Mg(OH)2 with a hexagonal structure. Scanning electron microscope images showed that nanosized Mg(OH)2 synthesized by the hydrothermal method have transformed into regular, scattered, and well-defined hexagonal platelets. Thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry analysis demonstrated that Mg(OH)2 submicroplatelets synthesized by the hydrothermal method became more stable.
Formulation of Silver Nanowire–Polyaniline Hybrid Transparent Electrodes by Using Catechol-enriched Polyaniline
Authors: Kim Sung Min , Lee Jihoon , In Insik , Park Sung Young
Published: September 2014

A highly conducting and optically transparent silver nanowire–polyaniline (AgNW–PANI) hybrid network was formulated by mussel-inspired conjugation of catechol-enriched PANI with AgNW. Chemical bridging rather than physical mixing of electrically conducting PANI with AgNW successfully produced transparent conducting film on plastic substrates with enhanced adhesion.
Preparation of Sub-20-μm Conductive Silver Pattern Using Photosensitive Silver Paste
Authors: Kim Suk-Joon , Lee Jang Mi , Lee Won-Jin , Kim Sungtae , Park Chan Pil , Park Byoungnam , In Insik
Published: September 2014

Photosensitive silver paste was formulated by mixing microsized silver powders, polymeric binders, acrylic monomers, and photoinitiators in an organic medium. A conductive silver line pattern with a width of sub-20 µm was successfully prepared through the simple photolithography process on a poly(ethylene terephthalate) film. Strong adhesion and high electrical conductivity of up to 2.8 × 10−4 Ω cm were accomplished in the presence of triethylamine as an activating agent, which enables the facile sintering of silver particles into a conductive silver pattern, which is critical for the construction of touchscreen panels with a narrow bezel width.
Mesoscopic Dynamics of Laser-induced Phase Separation in Water and 2-Butoxyethanol Mixtures Revealed by Nanosecond Time-resolved Light Scattering
Authors: Toyouchi Shuichi , Kajimoto Shinji , Toda Masatoshi , Kawakatsu Toshihiro , Akama Yohji , Kotani Motoko , Fukumura Hiroshi
Published: September 2014

For the first time, we have succeeded in observing the dynamics of laser-induced phase separation in a water/2-butoxyethanol mixture by applying nanosecond time-resolved light scattering on a submicron scale. The scattering revealed that the domain size of the mixture during phase separation was almost constant at 300 nm for 10 µs after a laser T-jump, and the light scattering intensity increased exponentially with time. The results clearly indicate that the early stage of spinodal decomposition described by Cahn–Hilliard theory occurred in the mixture for 10 µs.
Eccentric compression of large varicose veins after foam sclerotherapy using a novel silicone gel pad
Authors: Ragg J. C.
Published: September 2014

Ziel: Wir evaluierten eine neuartige exzentrische Kompression, die ultraschalltransparentes Silikon-Gel zwischen selbstklebenden Fo-lien als individuelles Druckpolster verwendet.

Methodik: Es wurden 120 Patienten mit 148 oberflächlichen Varizen (Ø 5,1–13,7 mm; MW: 7,6) nach Schaumverödung einbezogen: A) segmental randomisiert mit fokaler Kompression durch Silikon-Gel-Polster (Venartis® SGP) für 14 Tage plus Kompressionsstrumpf KKl. 2 (KS) tagsüber für 28 Tage, oder B) nur KS. Das SGP-System besteht aus einer selbstklebenden Basisfolie, auf die Silikon dem Venenverlauf folgend aufgetragen wird. Eine zweite Folie bedeckt Gel und Basisfolie. Den Patienten war Duschen erlaubt. Ermittelt wurden Querschnittsreduktion (QR, Ultra-schallscans) sowie klinische Parameter nach 2, 4 und 8 Wochen.

Ergebnisse: Segmente mit SGP zeigten gegenüber KS eine höhere QR, im Mittel 52,5 vs. 23,1 % (2 Wo), 48,4 vs. 28,9 % (4 Wo) und 66,7 vs. 39,2 % (8 Wo). Entzündungsreaktionen waren unter SGP mit 12,4 vs. 39,9 % signifikant seltener, ebenso Verfärbungen mit 10,8 vs. 35,1 %. Minithrombektomien (8,1 vs. 29,7 %) und orale Analgetika (6,8 vs. 19,6 %) wurden seltener benötigt. Unerwünschte Wirkungen: Diskrete Hautirritationen (10,1 %).

Schlussfolgerung: Indikationsspezifische Silikonhärten, Dosierungen, Tragezeiten und die Höhe externer Drücke bedürfen weiterer Untersuchungen, wobei die Ultraschalltransparenz neue Wege eröffnet.
Intellectual Resources Creation: Moving From Idea to Product via Small-Scale Innovative Enterprise
Authors: Лазько  , Lazko Marina , Семчук  , Semchuk N.
Published: September 2014

The paper reviews the story of how three small-scale innovative enterprises, specializing on developing probiotic fermented milk food of specific functionality,

develop mutual cooperation. The paper highlights succession of designers’ development ideas, availability of unique technologies, possibility to found experimental

facilities and mini milk processing complex. The author reveal, how ideas emerge, how their commercial value is examined and evaluated, how leaders’

capacities are coined and cultivated, how to use professional competences, gained at the innovative small-scale enterprise, and how these competences drive

further career advancement. The authors show also how students can participate in research work, in intellectual property development and in formally registering

developed intellectual property. On the whole the paper presents experiences of the Astrakhan State University in developing small-scale innovative

enterprises.
Musical Communication: Problems of Theory and Practice
Authors: Калицкий  , Kalitskiy V. , Диденко  , Didenko N.
Published: September 2014

The article considers the concept of musical communication as the content

of music and performing practice. Phenomenon of existence of a musical

work in miscommunication relationships. Reveals the importance of

an integrated approach for the most successful performance of a musical

work. The need detailed consideration of the phenomenon of musical communication

serves to update through a review and analysis as a means

of Humanities and art history. The essence and specific features of the

phenomenon are projected on specific examples of music: in the process

of composing musical works of the composer, his artistic interpretation by

the contractor and multifaceted perception of the recipient. The authors of

this article, with special emphasis on musical practice of the twentieth century

(especially in the field of writing and interpretation of piano works by

russian and western european composers and performers), allowing most

adequately and fully disclose material provisions of musical communication.
The Methodology of Preparing PR-Text in the Frames of Professional Communicative Competence of a Specialist in Public Relations
Authors: Селезнева  , Selezneva Larisa
Published: September 2014

The subject matter of the paper is the methodology of preparation of PR-text in the frames of professional communicative competence of a specialist on public relations. It aims to form a communicative competence necessary to solve some communicative tasks by means of PR-texts. The author allocates three levels of the methodology of preparing PR-text and shows the formation of competences of a specialist in public relations. Each level presents a stage of the methodology of preparation of PR-text. The first stage is the study of discourse, it allows to take into account the conditions of the social situation of the creating text. At the second stage are used the knowledge of the basic parameters of the text. At the third stage are prepared the texts of different genres and styles. Each stage gives the examples of PRpractice. The offered methodology allows to realize in the text a system of communicative-pragmatic attitudes that contribute the successful solution of communicative tasks by the specialist on public relations.
Information Communications in the Higher School Educational Space
Authors: Захаров  , Zakharov A.
Published: September 2014

Within the Federal Target Programme on the Development of Education in Russia strategic projects on introduction of new models for managing education

and arranging educational process are being implemented in all higher educational institutions of this country. This transformation is going on in the context

of large-scale use of information and telecommunication technologies, which are aimed to ensure the individual approach to education on the basis of merging

educational process with technologies and also to reduce costs for the shift towards innovation development of higher educational institutions. The significant

role of self-guided work, stipulated within the third generation educational standards, emphasizes top priority issues both on effective arrangement

and control of students’ learning outcomes and on helping to reduce teachers’ efforts for functions to deliver knowledge to learners.
Theoretical Approaches to Employing the Assessment Center Technology
Authors: Никитина  , Nikitina M.
Published: September 2014

Given the current conditions of tough competitive struggle, many companies seek to form teams of professionals, who share the corporate values and philosophy

and are capable to contribute significantly to the strategic development of the organization. In this regard, particular attention is given to personnel

selection. There are many various methods of staff selection. However, the traditional ones used to select employees are becoming increasingly obsolete, and

have gone their time. Instead new, more effective methods are being introduced. One of such new methods is one of the assessment center. The assessment

center method is based on carrying out various group simulation exercises aimed to identify which of the competences considered do the group members

possess. The author reveals the concept of the assessment center, describes the types of simulation exercises and the main stages of the assessment center

technology, specifies the role and activities performed by assessment center inspectors.
Study of Human Resource Management Sistems: Konvergentsialno-Integration Approach
Authors: Глухенькая  , Glukhenkaya N.
Published: September 2014

Study of human resources management systems depend largely on approaches and techniques applied. Integration and convergence approach is complex and thus implies that several theoretic approaches are applied in mix. Research methods depend on the scientific approach selected. Approaches and techniques considered in this paper, can be used in preparing graduation theses upon the specialty of «personnel manager» as well as by professionals in analytics and practical activities. The author proposes classification of methods and techniques applicable to preparing graduate projects. A set of scientific approaches is selected based on theoretic writings of A.Ya. Kibanov, V.M. Mishin and other theorists. Also presented is the classification of techniques based on various aspects of personnel management system of an enterprise. Integration and convergence approach is build on the fundamentals of other theoretic approaches. Personnel management systems analysis is of importance, as it is an important factor of organizational management enhancement.
Choosing Relevant Organizational Culture in the Restaurant Business. Part Two
Authors: Зарьков  , Zarkov B.
Published: September 2014

The problem of a choice of an organizational culture adequate to the situation, in which a specific restaurant business is at the moment, is discussed in the

article. After a brief analysis of main organizational cultures, their advantages and disadvantages applied to specificity of the restaurant business it is mentioned

that the most common culture in this field is the culture of power. The substance of this culture is quite simple. All power and influence are accumulated along

the concentric lines, which surround the leader (in the restaurant business this role most likely belongs to the owner) and diminish with increasing distance

from him. The main feature of this type of culture is that the relationship with the leader is much more important than a formal position in a company.

Role culture in restaurant business is more effective when life is easily predictable. Although this culture has low tolerance to any sorts of changes. Typical response

of a role culture to the changes is disregard. Another common scenario in case of changes for such culture is to continue functioning just like before,

but even more insistently and diligently. Task culture in restaurant business is effective during the early stages of development, for example when creating a

new restaurant. Another case of its efficiency is applying it during vast changes, like when a restaurant is changing its concept and style. This culture is not

typical and is far from being durable in the restaurant business. In case of failure, it should be rapidly transformed into the culture of power, in case of success —

into the role culture.

It is stated that there is no universal solution to the problem of choice of an adequate organizational culture in the restaurant business. In every separate case

the choice should be individual, based on the size of the business, its stage of development, market conditions and current organizational technology of the

restaurant business.
Sustainable Development of Regional Economics and Applied Financial Accounting (Case Study of the Republic of Belarus)
Authors: Климук  , Klimuk V. , Светкина  , Svetkina I.
Published: September 2014

System-oriented analysis of social and economic development for the period of

2005–2012 is performed for the case of the Republic of Belarus. The authors

review the writings of the Russian and foreign researchers on the concept of

“sustainability” and outline several kinds thereof, including production sustainability,

social sustainability, economic sustainability, environmental and energy

sustainability. Algorithm for calculating special case sustainability and integral

sustainability of a national economy development is proposed. The algorithm

makes it possible to assess both specific aspects of a particular region’s performance

and the dynamics of development for a country as a whole. Specific

levels of sustainability in economic development of Belarus as for the period in

question are calculated. The same calculation is done for the complex level of

Belarus economy development. The authors further explore and then compare

structures of balance sheet under the standards of Belarus. Highlighted are indicators,

that should be shown in the balance sheets of two countries and thus

applicable for assessing sustainability of development of a country (or region).
Economics of Education: Current Problems
Authors: Басовский  , Basovskiy Leonid , Басовская  , Basovskaya Elena
Published: September 2014

Research findings on the actual problems in the economics of education in

Russia are presented. It is shown that education cannot be treated as a public

benefit. Due to positive externalities education is socially significant. It is

incorrect to treat such the category as "education" as one of public benefits. New

forms of the Russian education establishments – such as autonomous and

"new" budgetary establishments – demonstrate economic behavior, closely

similar to models of managerial and neoclassical theories of firm. The marginal

analysis based on calculation of direct variable costs allows to define the breakeven

level for a tuition fee, and for the budgetary subsidy for training. Their size

is defined by the amount of teaching employees compensations. Educational

establishments’ overall costs significantly exceed the marginal costs providing

for break-even point. The majority of Russia’s universities can successfully

implement differentiation strategy through offering new educational programs,

which require the correspondent marginal costs to be set on a break-even level.

The function of economic management is argued to be a new objective for

educational establishments. The authors prove that these objectives can be met

based on the use of approaches and methods applied by commercial

organizations. The teachers workload, conditioned based on setting the norm

for the number of learners per teacher, depends significantly on the overall

number of students. Heavy teachers’ workload is conditioned by the insufficient

number of students. Macroeconomic efficiency of human capital, accrued in the

education system, has been decreasing rapidly since 2011, which can be due to

economic inefficiency of educational establishments.
Distinctive Features of Oil and Gas Regions at the North of Russia
Authors: Сорокина  , Sorokina Natalia , Румянцев  , Rumyantsev A.
Published: September 2014

The paper explores specifics inherent to the oil and gas producing regions at the

North of Russia. Classic and contemporary approaches to classifying oil-andgas

regions of Russia are presented, their distinctive features as objects of

analysis and management are outlined/ Special attention is given to classifying

the northern regions in the terms of degree of their resource potential

development. As is shown, the main features of oil and gas producing regions

at the North of Russia are the following: sector-specific economic structure,

extreme environmental — climate and natural — conditions, complexity of

socio-economic systems arrangements.
Learning from Experience, Simply
Authors: Lin Song , Zhang Juanjuan , Hauser John R.
Published: September 2014

There is substantial academic interest in modeling consumer experiential learning. However, (approximately) optimal solutions to forward-looking experiential learning problems are complex, limiting their behavioral plausibility and empirical feasibility. We propose that consumers use cognitively simple heuristic strategies. We explore one viable heuristic—index strategies—and demonstrate that they are intuitive, tractable, and plausible. Index strategies are much simpler for consumers to use but provide close-to-optimal utility. They also avoid exponential growth in computational complexity, enabling researchers to study learning models in more complex situations.

Well-defined index strategies depend on a structural property called indexability. We prove the indexability of a canonical forward-looking experiential learning model in which consumers learn brand quality while facing random utility shocks. Following an index strategy, consumers develop an index for each brand separately and choose the brand with the highest index. Using synthetic data, we demonstrate that an index strategy achieves nearly optimal utility at substantially lower computational costs. Using IRI data for diapers, we find that an index strategy performs as well as an approximately optimal solution and better than myopic learning. We extend the analysis to incorporate risk aversion, other cognitively simple heuristics, heterogeneous foresight, and an alternative specification of brands.
Importance of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding among Infants
Authors: Motee Ashmika , Jeewon Rajesh
Published: September 2014

The aim of this review is to document the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding along with concerns which may hinder the practice of breastfeeding and focuses on the appropriateness of complementary feeding and feeding difficulties which infants encounter. Breastfeeding, as recommended by the World Health Organisation, is the most cost effective way for reducing childhood morbidity such as obesity, hypertension and gastroenteritis as well as mortality. There are several factors that either promote or act as barriers to good infant nutrition. Factors which influence breastfeeding practice in terms of initiation, exclusivity and duration are namely breast engorgement, sore nipples, milk insufficiency and availability of various infant formulas. On the other hand, introduction of complementary foods, also known as weaning, is done around 4 to 6 months and mothers usually should start with home-made nutritious food. Difficulties encountered during the weaning process are often refusal to eat followed by vomiting, colic, allergic reactions and diarrhoea.
Assessing BMI to reduce CVD risk in the UK's black, Asian and minority ethnic population
Authors: Linden Belinda
Published: September 2014

Belinda Linden outlines the recommendations for preventing ill health and premature death due to overweight and obesity among black, Asian and minority ethnic groups
Research Roundup
Authors: Linden Belinda
Published: September 2014

In this section, Belinda Linden presents a synopsis of a selection of recently published articles of interest to those nurses working in the field of cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview, rather than a detailed critique, of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to look at the research in further detail
Using social media to inform and improve nursing practice
Authors: Yaldren Jo
Published: September 2014

Jo Yaldren discusses the impact that Twitter has had on the nursing community, and offers tips on how nurses can use it to follow the 6Cs and influence practice
A framework for challenging deficits in compression bandaging techniques
Authors: Tinkler Marianne , Hoy Leontia , Martin Daphne
Published: September 2014

Northern Irish (and all UK-based) health care is facing major challenges. This article uses a specific theory to recommend and construct a framework to address challenges faced by the author, such as deficits in compression bandaging techniques in healing venous leg ulcers and resistance found when using evidence-based research within this practice. The article investigates the challenges faced by a newly formed community nursing team. It explores how specialist knowledge and skills are employed in tissue viability and how they enhance the management of venous leg ulceration by the community nursing team. To address these challenges and following a process of reflection, Lewin's forcefield analysis model of change management can be used as a framework for some recommendations made.
Reducing the risk of injury
Authors: Evans Julie
Published: September 2014

Expert manual handling advice facilitated repositioning of a man with severe contractures
Treating Turner syndrome: a patient's perspective
Authors: Hirons Faye
Published: September 2014

Here, teenager Faye Hirons describes her patient journey over 10 years on growth hormone therapy, the support she received from practitioners and family, and how monitoring her height motivated her to persevere with the treatment
Assessing the nutritional status of the horse
Authors: Drury Lizzie
Published: September 2014

Lizzie Drury, nutritionist at Saracen Horse Feeds, continues her discussion on the varying nutritional needs of the horse
Tackling equine obesity
Authors: Briars Hannah , Longland Annette , Harris Pat
Published: September 2014

Hannah Briars Bsc equine nutritionist, MARS Horse Care UK, Dr Annette Longland, Equine and Livestock Nutrition Services, and Professor Pat Harris Equine Studies Group WALTHAM, discuss the latest research into equine obesity and the role of grazing muzzles
Can recent laminitis research be used by equine professionals?
Authors: Wylie Claire
Published: September 2014

Claire Wylie BVM&S MSc PhD MRCVS, Rossdales examines recent evidence regarding the epidemiology of equine laminitis in the United Kingdom
Technological advances to aid clinical decision making
Authors: Pfau Thilo , Fiske-Jackson Andrew , Troster Susanne
Published: September 2014

Dr Thilo Pfau lecturer in bio engineering, Andrew Fiske-Jackson BVSc MVetMed Dipl ECVS MRCVS lecturer in equine surgery and Dr Susanne Troster of the Royal Veterinary College conclude their investigation into the benefits of gait analysis technology
How transanal irrigation changed my life
Authors: Lloyd Kerry
Published: September 2014

Kerry Lloyd, a multiple sclerosis patient for over 10 years, describes her experience with altered bowel function. She gives a detailed account of the bowel problems she had, particularly her chronic constipation, because of her condition, and how they affected her quality of life as well as that of her family. She goes on to explain how her personal research lead her to the use of transanal irrigation, and the resulting transformation it has had in her life.
Nurses should be aware of the early symptoms of cancer
Authors: Cruickshank Susanne , Harmer Victoria
Published: September 2014

PUBLIC HEALTH

It is important to look for the red flags which may indicate cancer, say Susanne Cruickshank and Victoria Harmer
Avoiding vaccine-preventable diseases in travellers, Part I
Authors: Umeed Margaret
Published: September 2014

In the first of a two-part mini-series, Margaret Umeed looks at how travellers can avoid infection through travel risk assessment and vaccination